Abstract: A channel segment for a track of a mover device is provided, the channel segment comprising: opposite ends joined by a body forming a magnetic flux pathway between the opposite ends, the magnetic flux pathway being one or more of C-shaped, U-shaped and horseshoe shaped between the opposite ends, the opposite ends forming respective transverse magnetic flux pathways about perpendicular to the magnetic flux pathway; laminations of ferromagnetic material forming the body, the laminations about parallel to the magnetic flux pathway and about perpendicular to the respective transverse magnetic flux pathways; shear pins through the laminations, the shear pins positioned to reduce eddy currents one or more of in and around the shear pins; and a retention mechanism at the opposite ends, the retention mechanism configured to transversely fasten the laminations together at the opposite ends while remaining insulated from each other.

Abstract: A soft capture system for moving a transportation vehicle to an airdock in a high-speed, low-pressure transportation system, wherein the airdock provides a pathway for off-loading and loading of passengers and/or cargo to the transportation vehicle. he soft capture system includes a movement system operable to reduce a gap between the transportation vehicle and the airdock and to align the airdock with a door of the transportation vehicle.

Abstract: An airdock for connecting a transportation vehicle to a loading area in a high-speed, low-pressure transportation system. The airdock includes a pathway for off-loading and loading of passengers and/or cargo to the transportation vehicle. The airdock is operable to maintain the transportation vehicle in a low-pressure environment of the transportation system while providing the pathway through the low-pressure environment.

Abstract: A hard capture system for securing a transportation vehicle to an airdock in a high-speed, low-pressure transportation system, wherein the airdock provides a pathway for off-loading and loading of passengers and/or cargo to the transportation vehicle. The hard capture system includes a plurality of latches operable to maintain the transportation vehicle in a fixed position relative to the airdock.

Abstract: A pod bay for receiving at least one transportation vehicle for connection with at least one airdock in a high-speed, low-pressure transportation system, wherein the airdock provides a pathway for off-loading and loading of passengers and/or cargo to the transportation vehicle. The pod bay includes a housing and at least one airdock. The pod bay is operable to maintain the transportation vehicle in a low-pressure environment of the transportation system while connecting the transportation vehicle via the at least one airdock to a boarding area.

Abstract: A channel segment for a track of a mover device is provided, the channel segment comprising: opposite ends joined by a body forming a magnetic flux pathway between the opposite ends, the magnetic flux pathway being one or more of C-shaped, U-shaped and horseshoe shaped between the opposite ends, the opposite ends forming respective transverse magnetic flux pathways about perpendicular to the magnetic flux pathway; laminations of ferromagnetic material forming the body, the laminations about parallel to the magnetic flux pathway and about perpendicular to the respective transverse magnetic flux pathways; shear pins through the laminations, the shear pins positioned to reduce eddy currents one or more of in and around the shear pins; and a retention mechanism at the opposite ends, the retention mechanism configured to transversely fasten the laminations together at the opposite ends while remaining insulated from each other.

Abstract: Method of forming track section includes coupling functional components to a framework. At least some of the functional components are arranged in a precise and accurate arrangement in a common plane. Building a rigid, removable, and reusable mold around the framework and functional components. Steel reinforcement (“rebar”), which is bent into a shape corresponding to a track section profile, is provided within the mold. Dispensing a binder material into the mold and curing the binder material; and removing the mold from the cured binder material to reveal a completed track section at required accuracy set by the framework. At least some other functional components are arranged parallel to each other in a first lateral plane normal to the common plane and at least still other functional components are arranged parallel to each other in a second lateral plane normal to the common plane and parallel to the first lateral plane.

Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a chamber, having an interior maintained at a predetermined pressure, a rotor rotatably disposed within the interior of the chamber, and a sensor disposed within the interior of the chamber. When the rotor rotates, the at least one sensor measures a testing characteristic of an object disposed within the interior of the chamber as the object interacts with the rotating rotor. A method includes setting a predetermined pressure of a chamber, rotating a rotor, and maintaining a gap between a surface of an object to be tested and a surface of the rotor by adjusting, with an actuator, the object to be tested or the rotor based upon a change, as measured by a laser, in the dimension of the object to be tested or the rotor.

Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a chamber, having an interior maintained at a predetermined pressure, a rotor rotatably disposed within the interior of the chamber, and a sensor disposed within the interior of the chamber. When the rotor rotates, the at least one sensor measures a testing characteristic of an object disposed within the interior of the chamber as the object interacts with the rotating rotor. A method includes setting a predetermined pressure of a chamber, rotating a rotor, and maintaining a gap between a surface of an object to be tested and a surface of the rotor by adjusting, with an actuator, the object to be tested or the rotor based upon a change, as measured by a laser, in the dimension of the object to be tested or the rotor.