Abstract: An engine system with a multi-gas-generator, tip-turbine driven lift fan with pressurized air circulation control for use on vertical and short-take-off and landing (V/STOL) aircraft is disclosed. Gas generators located around the periphery of the fan drive the fan through action on a fan blade-tip turbine or provide compressed gas (hot or cold) to circulation control devices. Variable pitch fan blades improve part-power cruise performance. Enclosed in a nacelle, the engine employs circulation control to enhance V/STOL performance. In some embodiments, a core cruise turbine gas generator mounted in the center of the fan duct powers the fan during cruise mode. In some hybrid gas and electric power embodiments, the core cruise gas generator is replaced by an electric motor that draws power from a battery in the fuselage. The battery may be charged by an electric generator driven by a gas generator around the periphery of the fan.

Abstract: An engine system with a multi-gas-generator, tip-turbine driven lift fan with pressurized air circulation control for use on vertical and short-take-off and landing (V/STOL) aircraft is disclosed. Gas generators located around the periphery of the fan drive the fan through action on a fan blade-tip turbine or provide compressed gas (hot or cold) to circulation control devices. Variable pitch fan blades improve part-power cruise performance. Enclosed in a nacelle, the engine employs circulation control to enhance V/STOL performance. In some embodiments, a core cruise turbine gas generator mounted in the center of the fan duct powers the fan during cruise mode. In some hybrid gas and electric power embodiments, the core cruise gas generator is replaced by an electric motor that draws power from a battery in the fuselage. The battery may be charged by an electric generator driven by a gas generator around the periphery of the fan.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transportation using a rail structure are disclosed. In one aspect, a track for use with at least one of a magnetic levitation vehicle and a rolling vehicle having one or more wheels is disclosed. The track includes a first head having a maximum lateral dimension, a second head having a maximum lateral dimension, and a connection portion extending between the first head and the second head. The first connection portion may have a maximum lateral dimension that is less than the maximum lateral dimension of the first head. The track may also include a base and a support extending between the second head and the base.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transporting containers are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transporting shipping containers is provided. The apparatus is configured to move along rails of a railroad track. The apparatus comprises a coupling configured to couple with a trailer configured to transport shipping containers. The coupling is attached to a source of magnetic flux. The source of magnetic flux is positioned so as to be driven by a source of varying magnetic flux positioned along the railroad track. In one embodiment, the source of magnetic flux comprises one or more permanent magnets and the source of varying magnetic flux comprises at least one electromagnet.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle in multiple zones is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a vehicle for transporting a load comprising an energy storage device configured to receive and store energy originating from at least one of a power source and a linear motor and a motor configured to move the vehicle using energy delivered from the power source when energy from the power source is available for delivery, and further configured to move the vehicle using the energy stored in the energy storage device when the energy from the power source is unavailable for delivery, wherein the power source is located external to the vehicle and is stationary when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: Linear synchronous motors (LSM) propel rail vehicles with greater efficiency and less environmental impact than diesel locomotives. LSM engines may require a position signal to commutate the windings of the ISM. This disclosure describes systems and methods for accurate determination of vehicle position based on position information derived from inductive power received and acceleration of the vehicle. Another aspect of the systems/methods is to estimate vehicle position with GPS and/or RFID readings of tags external to the vehicle. These estimates may be used to identify faults in vehicle position measurement, update the determined vehicle position, and correct acceleration estimates.

Abstract: A method and system for transportation using a magnetic bearing structure is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus for carrying a load comprises a source of magnetic flux and a controller configured to control the position of the source of magnetic flux relative to a magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux comprises a first upper portion and a first lower portion of opposite polarities. The first portions are spaced apart horizontally from a first side of the magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux further comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion of opposite polarities. The second portions are spaced apart horizontally from a second side of the magnetizable structure. The second side is opposite the first side. The first and second upper portions are magnetically attracted to an upper portion of the magnetizable structure and the first and second lower portions are magnetically attracted to a lower portion of the magnetizable structure.

Abstract: A method and system of using one or more railcar linear electric generators to decelerate a vehicle such as a train consist. In one embodiment, the one of more electric generators are configured to capture deceleration energy and supply the energy to one or more power grid connections. The one of more railcar electric generators may also operate as motors to assist propelling a train consist. Optional energy storage may also be included.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle in multiple zones is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a vehicle for transporting a load comprising an energy storage device configured to receive and store energy originating from at least one of a power source and a linear motor and a motor configured to move the vehicle using energy delivered from the power source when energy from the power source is available for delivery, and further configured to move the vehicle using the energy stored in the energy storage device when the energy from the power source is unavailable for delivery, wherein the power source is located external to the vehicle and is stationary when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A method and system for transportation using a magnetic bearing structure is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus for carrying a load comprises a source of magnetic flux and a controller configured to control the position of the source of magnetic flux relative to a magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux comprises a first upper portion and a first lower portion of opposite polarities. The first portions are spaced apart horizontally from a first side of the magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux further comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion of opposite polarities. The second portions are spaced apart horizontally from a second side of the magnetizable structure. The second side is opposite the first side. The first and second upper portions are magnetically attracted to an upper portion of the magnetizable structure and the first and second lower portions are magnetically attracted to a lower portion of the magnetizable structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transporting containers are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transporting shipping containers is provided. The apparatus is configured to move along rails of a railroad track. The apparatus comprises a coupling configured to couple with a trailer configured to transport shipping containers. The coupling is attached to a source of magnetic flux. The source of magnetic flux is positioned so as to be driven by a source of varying magnetic flux positioned along the railroad track. In one embodiment, the source of magnetic flux comprises one or more permanent magnets and the source of varying magnetic flux comprises at least one electromagnet.

Abstract: A method and system of using one or more railcar linear electric generators to decelerate a vehicle such as a train consist. In one embodiment, the one of more electric generators are configured to capture deceleration energy and supply the energy to one or more power grid connections. The one of more railcar electric generators may also operate as motors to assist propelling a train consist. Optional energy storage may also be included.