Abstract: A vertically stable permanent magnet levitation system for use in transportation comprises a pair of spaced parallel ferromagnetic rail members, a cobalt-rare earth permanent levitation magnet with transverse polarity orientation positioned between the rails with an air gap between both poles and the rails, a cargo-carrying vehicle supported by the magnet, and means for maintaining the levitation magnet in centered position with respect to the rails.

Abstract: A vehicle-suspension type of permanent magnet-levitation transportation system has an elevated track structure defining a bed with a ferromagnetic levitation track on the underside thereof and a spaced parallel control track composed of ceramic magnetic material having transverse polarity orientation also running on the underside of the bed. A vehicle for traveling along the track has a series of spaced cobalt-rare earth levitation magnets positioned under the ferromagnetic track and a series of spaced cobalt-rare earth control magnets positioned under the control track in magnetic repulsion mode with the ceramic magnets. In levitated position the attraction of the levitation magnets for the ferromagnetic track is balanced by the repulsion between the control magnets and the ceramic track. Hydraulic, mechanical and electromagnetic means for positioning the levitation and control magnets in proper vertical relationship to maintain levitation of the vehicle are described.