Abstract: A method may include receiving topology information associated with a linear motor system that includes multiple track modules. Each track module may include one or more motors. The topology information may include one or more media access control (MAC) addresses associated with the motors. The method may also include associating one or more IP addresses with the MAC addresses associated with the motors, generating a configuration file associated with the linear motor system based on the topology information and the IP addresses, and transmitting one or more commands to the motors to control or adjust one or more operations of the motors based on the configuration file.

Abstract: A system for switching a transport vehicle comprising: a guideway, a vehicle that moves along the guideway, and a magnetic field source that creates a force on the vehicle to affect motion in a desired direction at a switch. Once the vehicle has started motion through the switch the guidance can be continued by use of permanent magnets until the normal guidance system is effective. The switching scheme can work with any suspension scheme, including wheels and maglev, and can work with any lateral guidance scheme, including horizontal guide wheels and magnetic guidance. The system can be used with very closely spaced vehicles, such as with Personal Rapid Transit, material handling, and elevators with multiple cabs in the same shaft.

Abstract: Magnetic levitation methods and apparatus use arrays of vehicle magnets to provide three forces: suspension, guidance and propulsion. The magnets, which can be permanent magnets or superconducting magnets operating in the persistent current mode, have associated control coils that allow the magnets to provide a controllable attractive force to a laminated steel rail. The control coils adjust the gap between the magnets and the rails so as to be in stable equilibrium without requiring significant power dissipation in the control coils. These same magnets and steel rails also provide lateral guidance to keep the vehicle on the track and steer the vehicle on turns. The suspension control coils can provide lateral damping by means of offset magnets in the suspension arrays. Windings in transverse slots in the steel rails are excited with currents that react against the field produced by the vehicle magnets to create vehicle propulsion.

Abstract: Synchronous motors according to the invention operate at higher efficiency, with lower cost, reduced mass and reduced cogging. Magnet dimensions are selected that reduce cogging forces to a negligible amount even though there are fewer slots than normal. Optionally, it is possible to use non-overlapping windings with deeper and open slots. The approach is applicable to both rotary and linear motors and motors using either permanent magnets or electromagnets in the field structure. It is particularly relevant to linear or rotary motors that have a large air gap, and to small motors that must deliver a high ratio of thrust or torque to motor mass.

Abstract: A handheld, battery operated network testing device uses disk loaded software, programmable gate arrays, and digital signal processing to selectively configure the device for a full range of analog and digital testing modes in a variety of communications protocols, including T-1 full duplex drop and insert. A 25 by 80 column LCD display provides for a full scale video output, and a unique, power efficient, electroluminescent backlight circuit provides for viewing of the display in poorly lit environments.