Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of a vehicle on a guideway system, wherein the vehicle includes a first element of a linear induction motor and an alternate power source, and the guideway system has an acceleration section including a second element of the linear induction motor, and a computer control system. The method includes utilizing the second element in cooperation with the first element so as to accelerate the vehicle on the acceleration section of the guideway system, and providing speed instructions to the vehicle using the computer control system so as to cause the vehicle to use the alternate power source to maintain a desired cruising speed on a main section of the guideway system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 13, 2002
Date of Patent:
September 16, 2003
Assignee:
Ford Motor Company
Inventors:
Craig Hammann Stephan, John Michael Miller, Lloyd Craig Davis, Richard David Anderson