Abstract: A plurality of stators of a linear induction motor are arranged at predetermined intervals, and guide rails are mounted on an upper portion of a track frame having a U-shaped section. A levitated object is magnetically levitated below the track frame so as to freely travel along the guide rails. Magnetic support units having electromagnets for obtaining a levitating force, optical gap sensors for detecting gap lengths between the support units and the guide rails, i.e., deviations in a levitating direction, and optical gap sensors for detecting deviations in a guiding direction perpendicular to a traveling direction of the levitated object are respectively arranged on the four corners of the upper surface of the levitated object. The length of each magnetic support unit is larger than the width of each guide rail. Each magnetic support unit is disposed such that the inner ends of the unit and the guide rail are aligned, and the outer end of the unit extends outward from that of the guide rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the separable drive transfer and propeller shaft housing from the outdrive housing which is mounted to project rearwardly from the lower end of the stern of a boat, under a swimmer's boarding platform projecting rearwardly from the stern. The drive transfer and propeller shaft housing is decoupled from the outdrive housing after a front to rear extending track, clamped to the platform, has its wheeled trolley with a dependent hanger moved along the track under the platform, and the hanger is coupled to the drive transfer and propeller shaft housing. The trolley, with its suspended drive transfer and propeller shaft housing, is then moved rearwardly along the track to an accessible position for work thereon. Thereafter, the drive transfer and propeller shaft housing is moved forwardly along the track under the platform to a position of adjacency with the out drive housing and recoupled with it.

Abstract: A vehicle with a chassis, a rigid axle carrying steerable wheels, a steering box or idler unit mounted on the chassis and connected by a linkage to the steerable wheels, wherein the steering box is pivotally mounted on the chassis about a horizontal fore and aft axis, and there is a compensating link connecting the axle and the steering box. When relative movement between the axle and chassis occurs, any component of such movement which could otherwise produce an undesired steering movement of the wheels, the steering box is caused to pivot by the compensating link so that no undesired steering movement of the wheels occurs.