Abstract: Transport apparatus having at least one levitation generator and at least one drive generator. The at least one levitation generator configured to generate a levitating magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one lifting member, and elevate above a rest position relative to the at least one lifting member in response to the levitating magnetic flux. The at least one drive generator configured to generate a driving magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one drive member, and laterally move relative to the at least one drive member in response to the driving magnetic flux. At least a portion of the at least one levitation generator is movable relative to the at least one drive generator.

Abstract: Drive generator having a helical magnetic array. Additionally, a coupling portion is coupled to the drive generator and configured to be coupled to a vehicle. A drive member is configured to be at least partially located within the at least one drive generator, whereby the drive member is magnetically coupled to the at least one drive body. Furthermore, a prime mover is coupled to the drive member and configured to rotate the drive member, thereby imparting motion, when a portion of the drive member is located within the at least one drive generator, of the at least one drive generator relative to the drive member.

Abstract: Drive generator having a helical magnetic array. Additionally, a coupling portion is coupled to the drive generator and configured to be coupled to a vehicle. A drive member is configured to be at least partially located within the at least one drive generator, whereby the drive member is magnetically coupled to the at least one drive body. Furthermore, a prime mover is coupled to the drive member and configured to rotate the drive member, thereby imparting motion, when a portion of the drive member is located within the at least one drive generator, of the at least one drive generator relative to the drive member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for guiding a vehicle over a flight path. The techniques include receiving guideway data, such as information corresponding to a track segment, generated by one or more guideway sensors associated with a metallic track, and receiving flight path data, such as a set of 3-D space coordinates for the vehicle. The method further includes determining an amount of deviation between one or more coordinates of the flight path data and a position of the vehicle based on the guideway data, and adjusting the position of the vehicle relative to the track segment to minimize the amount of deviation in at least one dimension in the 3-D space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for guiding a vehicle over a flight path. The techniques include receiving guideway data, such as information corresponding to a track segment, generated by one or more guideway sensors associated with a metallic track, and receiving flight path data, such as a set of 3-D space coordinates for the vehicle. The method further includes determining an amount of deviation between one or more coordinates of the flight path data and a position of the vehicle based on the guideway data, and adjusting the position of the vehicle relative to the track segment to minimize the amount of deviation in at least one dimension in the 3-D space.

Abstract: A segmented track for a Maglev vehicle includes a structural support portion and a Maglev portion fastened to the structural support portion. Each segment of the structural support portion is formed by fusing together three cast metal components. Neighboring ones of the structural support segments are joined together end-to-end by fused metal, and neighboring ones of the reaction rail segments are joined together end-to-end by fused metal. The positioning and joining of the successive segments is done in the field using on site jigs and machines.

Abstract: A segmented track for a Maglev vehicle includes a structural support portion and a Maglev portion fastened to the structural support portion. Each segment of the structural support portion is formed by fusing together three cast metal components. Neighboring ones of the structural support segments are joined together end-to-end by fused metal, and neighboring ones of the reaction rail segments are joined together end-to-end by fused metal. The positioning and joining of the successive segments is done in the field using on site jigs and machines.

Abstract: Transport apparatus having at least one levitation generator and at least one drive generator. The at least one levitation generator configured to generate a levitating magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one lifting member, and elevate above a rest position relative to the at least one lifting member in response to the levitating magnetic flux. The at least one drive generator configured to generate a driving magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one drive member, and laterally move relative to the at least one drive member in response to the driving magnetic flux. At least a portion of the at least one levitation generator is movable relative to the at least one drive generator.

Abstract: Transport apparatus having at least one levitation generator and at least one drive generator. The at least one levitation generator configured to generate a levitating magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one lifting member, and elevate above a rest position relative to the at least one lifting member in response to the levitating magnetic flux. The at least one drive generator configured to generate a driving magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one drive member, and laterally move relative to the at least one drive member in response to the driving magnetic flux. At least a portion of the at least one levitation generator is movable relative to the at least one drive generator.

Abstract: A segmented track for a Maglev vehicle includes a structural support portion and a Maglev portion fastened to the structural support portion. Each segment of the structural support portion is formed by fusing together three cast metal components. Neighboring ones of the structural support segments are joined together end-to-end by fused metal, and neighboring ones of the reaction rail segments are joined together end-to-end by fused metal. The positioning and joining of the successive segments is done in the field using on site jigs and machines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for guiding a vehicle over a flight path. The techniques include receiving guideway data, such as information corresponding to a track segment, generated by one or more guideway sensors associated with a metallic track, and receiving flight path data, such as a set of 3-D space coordinates for the vehicle. The method further includes determining an amount of deviation between one or more coordinates of the flight path data and a position of the vehicle based on the guideway data, and adjusting the position of the vehicle relative to the track segment to minimize the amount of deviation in at least one dimension in the 3-D space.

Abstract: A track switch for a magnetic levitation transport system includes a trunk segment of track, an upper branch segment of track, a lower branch segment of track, and a divergent zone. The divergent zone has coextensive spaced rails extending from the trunk segment and splitting into upper rails extending to the upper branch segment, and lower rails extending to the lower branch segment, so that a vehicle engaging the rails and entering the switch at the trunk segment is guided and magnetically levitated to a selected one of either the upper branch segment or the lower branch segment.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural component for an airframe of an aircraft or spacecraft, includes: providing a prefabricated shell element comprising a thermoplastic substrate; and applying a stiffening structure to the shell element by additive manufacturing, wherein a plurality of continuous thermoplastic filaments filled with reinforcing fibers are continuously heated and three dimensionally formed such that the filaments are crossing and bonded to each other at a plurality of crossing points to form a three dimensional grid truss integrally formed on the shell element. A corresponding structural component and an aircraft or spacecraft including such a structural component are also described.

Abstract: Drive generator having a helical magnetic array. Additionally, a coupling portion is coupled to the drive generator and configured to be coupled to a vehicle. A drive member is configured to be at least partially located within the at least one drive generator, whereby the drive member is magnetically coupled to the at least one drive body. Furthermore, a prime mover is coupled to the drive member and configured to rotate the drive member, thereby imparting motion, when a portion of the drive member is located within the at least one drive generator, of the at least one drive generator relative to the drive member.

Abstract: Transport apparatus having at least one levitation generator and at least one drive generator. The at least one levitation generator configured to generate a levitating magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one lifting member, and elevate above a rest position relative to the at least one lifting member in response to the levitating magnetic flux. The at least one drive generator configured to generate a driving magnetic flux, move within a corresponding at least one drive member, and laterally move relative to the at least one drive member in response to the driving magnetic flux. At least a portion of the at least one levitation generator is movable relative to the at least one drive generator.

Abstract: A track switch for a magnetic levitation transport system includes a trunk segment of track, an upper branch segment of track, a lower branch segment of track, and a divergent zone. The divergent zone has coextensive spaced rails extending from the trunk segment and splitting into upper rails extending to the upper branch segment, and lower rails extending to the lower branch segment, so that a vehicle engaging the rails and entering the switch at the trunk segment is guided and magnetically levitated to a selected one of either the upper branch segment or the lower branch segment.

Abstract: An electric power generation system may be constructed of multiple similar generator modules arranged between a rotor and a stator. The rotor may be coupled to and/or integrated with a turbine that is configured to rotate in the presence of a fluid stream such as wind or water. Each generator module may have a rotor portion configured to generate a magnetic field having at least one characteristic that changes with respect to the rotational speed of the rotor. Each generator module may further have a stator portion configured to generate an alternating electric current responsive to the magnetic field. The generated electric current may be controlled by the stator portion of the generator module in order to magnetically control the rotational speed of the rotor and the turbine. Separation between the rotor and stator portions of the generator module may be magnetically maintained.

Abstract: The invention provides for a chick starter feed outlet device for use with a poultry feeder system that includes a feed tube. The device provides for the feeding of younger poultry that may not he efficiently fed by existing poultry feeders alone and is contemplated for usage in conjunction with existing poultry feeders. The chick starter feed outlet device includes two operably associated parts including a component for connecting with and receiving feed from the feed tube and a drop tube device connected with the connecting component that may be selectively operated to provide feed in feed pans below the outlet device.

Abstract: A method comprises advancing a surgical instrument toward a target tissue. The surgical instrument includes a marker that is deposited at a location at or near the target tissue. After depositing the marker, the surgical instrument is withdrawn away from the target tissue. After withdrawing the surgical instrument, the location of the deposited marker is used to determine a trajectory of a distal end of the surgical instrument at or near the target tissue.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a substantially flat, rigid platform for supporting a user during exercise. An inflatable tubular support having an upper portion with a first radial outside diameter, and a lower portion with a second radial outside diameter that is greater than the first radial outside diameter, is coupled to the platform by a fastener. The tubular support defines a central opening that communicates between the platform and a support surface. The platform includes a venting structure for releasing air from the central opening during use. The inflatable support includes an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion of the tubular support, the intermediate portion including a support feature to restrain the intermediate portion from radial expansion induced by an air pressure internal to the integral inflatable support.