Abstract: An apparatus for transmission of electricity by conduction to a vehicle while in motion.

Abstract: A track switching arrangement for a track-based guided transportation system, wherein the track switching arrangement forms diverging pathways and enables vehicle-side switching of a vehicle in the guided transportation system. The track switching arrangement includes an upstream pathway; two downstream pathways; and a path switching transition region having the diverging pathways between the upstream pathway and the two downstream pathways. Each of the pathways includes track elements configured to interact with one or more respective bearings of the vehicle to provide levitation to the vehicle and/or guidance for the vehicle.

Abstract: A switch is presented for a magnetically suspended or at least guided vehicle. The switch comprises a fork from a first track segment to a second and third track segment. An elongate conductive module, for example a conductive wire is provided along at least the first track segment and optionally along the second and third track segment. The conductive module comprises conductor segments that guide a current with a directional component substantially parallel the length of the track, at a first surface of the track. With an electromagnet provided on a carriage having a pole directed to the first surface of the track, a Lorentz force may be provided for urging the carriage in a direction perpendicular to the length of the track. This allows a carriage moving along the first track segment to be urged towards the second or third track segment at the other side of the fork.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch (1) of a transport system for a movable transport element (T), where the switch (1) comprises a main track (3) and a secondary track (4) branching off, where the movable transport element (T) can be guided from a transition region (2), in which the secondary track (4) branches off from the main track (3), optionally along the main track (3) or transferred into the secondary track (4), where one or more linear motor sections (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are respectively provided at the main track (3) and the secondary track (4) for moving the movable transport element (T), where a normal force is present between the movable transport element (T) and the adjacent linear motor section or the adjacent linear motor sections (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), characterized in that devices for altering the normal force are provided in the transition region. The invention also relates to a transport system comprising such a switch and a transport element for such a transport system.

Abstract: A railroad switch (in USA), turnout, or [set of] points (Europe) is a mechanical installation enabling railway trains to be guided from one track to another, such as at a railway junction or where a spur or siding branches off. This invention describes a rail transportation system that allows vehicles to change tracks at railroad switch locations while all supporting and guiding rails remain static. Vehicles have diverters that apply lateral force to direct the vehicle to go onto the desired track, right, left, or straight ahead. This is enabled by the diverters plus rail wheels that have inside flanges and wide cylindrical surfaces. This innovation allows rail vehicles to travel through a connected rail system like a highway system that is transporting trucks, buses, and cars on paved roads. This system may operate under a computerized traffic control system and allows mass transit systems to respond to ride requests, enabling 24-hour route-adaptive mass transit.

Abstract: A transport device has a stator and at least one transport element. The transport device is designed to transport the transport element in a controlled manner relative to the stator, and the stator or the transport element has multiple movable actuating magnets, each of which is connected to the stator or transport element via an actuating element. The actuating element is designed to change the position and/or orientation of the connected actuating magnet relative to the stator or transport element in a controlled manner. The respective other part has at least two stationary magnets fixedly connected to the respective other part. The stator and the transport element are magnetically coupled by means of the stationary magnets and actuating magnets, and the transport device is designed to transport the transport element relative to the stator by the control positioning and/or orientation of the actuating magnets by means of the actuating magnets.

Abstract: A point switch is designed such that the point plates (1, 2) of the point switch which support the track (11, 12) are placed vertically on top of one another and that the position of the points is set by vertically moving the point plates.

Abstract: Method for transferring a transport unit of a long stator linear motor at a transfer position from a first transport section to a second transport section. On each side of the transport unit, excitation magnets are arranged to interact with driving coils, and on both sides of the transport unit, excitation-magnetic lateral forces are acting on the transport unit by an interaction of the excitation magnets with ferromagnetic components of the guide structure. Method includes supplying on at least one side of the transport unit a stator current n a driving coil to generate a lateral force-forming electromagnetic force that acts on the transport unit, so that a resulting lateral force, as a sum of the acting excitation-magnetic lateral force and of the lateral force-forming electromagnetic force, on each side of the transport unit is different to produce a steering effect on the transport unit at the transfer position.

Abstract: In a long stator linear motor, in order to implement a transfer position in which a transport unit (Tn) is magnetically steered in order to be redirected from a first transport section (Am) to a second transport section (An) and in order that the forward movement of the transport unit (Tn) remains as unaffected as possible by the transfer, it is provided that at the transfer position (U) on at least one side of the transport unit (Tn), the stator current (iA) of at least one driving coil (7, 8) interacting with an excitation magnet (4, 5) of the transport unit (Tn) is supplied as a current vector with a propulsive force-forming current component (iAq) and a lateral force-forming current component (iAd), and the stator current (iA) generates a propulsive force-forming electromagnetic force (FEMV) and/or lateral force-forming electromagnetic force component (FEMS) which is superimposed on the propulsive force (FV) acting on the transport unit (Tn) for production of a steering effect (L).

Abstract: A rail-bound maglev train comprising a guide rail which predefines a travel path, having at least one supra-conductive element (2) and a levitating vehicle which is arranged on the guide rail and has magnetic means (6), wherein the magnetic means interact magnetically in a contactless fashion with the travel path, and at least one supra-conductive element (2) comprises at least one supra-conductive conductor parallel to the travel path (4), and the at least one supra-conductive conductor has at least two electrical connections, wherein the respective at least two connections bound, on a strip, a strip section, arranged between said connections, as a continuous supra-conductive electrical line.

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: To make it possible to operate a conveyor installation (1) in the form of a long stator linear motor in a simple manner, a first trigger point (Tx) is defined in at least one first position (Px) on the conveying track (2) and a first program code (Fx) which can be executed in the system controller (6) and with which a transport unit (TEn) is moved along a track section of the conveying track (2) in accordance with a defined movement profile is assigned to the first trigger point (Tx), and this program code (Fx) is executed for each transport unit (TEn) that reaches the first trigger point (Tx).

Abstract: Present embodiments include a linear drive transport system. The system includes a plurality of fixed tracks and a junction track disposed on a conveyor configured to align the junction track with each of the plurality of fixed tracks. The plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track include one of electromagnetic coils or permanent magnets arranged in series along the respective plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track. Further, present embodiments include a plurality of movers configured to move along the fixed tracks and configured to transition between each of the plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track when aligned, wherein the movers comprise the other of the electromagnetic coils or the permanent magnets.

Abstract: A method of interchange for an evacuated tube transport system includes tubes for enabling capsule movement within the tubes. The tubes are evacuated and the capsules magnetically levitated within the tubes. The tubes have an interchanges having diverging and converging tubes, respectively. A control system includes divergence force elements having permanent magnets that are selectively orientable polarity to enable capsule control, or electro magnets with polarity selectively switchable to enable capsule path control. The method selectively energizes the force elements to enable the capsule to diverge or converge in an interchange. An interrupter also regulates the force elements. The method activates the force elements and disables deactivation of the force elements before the capsule diverges in the interchange. The method balances divergence forces through center of gravity and through center of lift on receiving a request for divergence.

Abstract: The invention provides in some aspects a transport system comprising a guideway having a plurality of regions in which one or more vehicles are propelled, where each such vehicle includes a magnet. Disposed along each region are a plurality of propulsion coils, each comprising one or more turns that are disposed about a common axis, such that the respective common axes of the plurality of coils in that region are (i) substantially aligned with one another, and (ii) orthogonal to a direction in which the vehicles are to be propelled in that region. The plurality of coils of at least one such region are disposed on opposing sides of the magnets of vehicles being propelled along that region so as to exert a propulsive force of substance on those magnets.

Abstract: A High Temperature Superconductor Maglev (HTSM) for Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) with a magnetic levitation structure for ETT capsule vehicles traveling in an evacuated tube. At least one ETT capsule travels within an evacuated tube, an upper and a lower cryostat respectively mount at the top and bottom of said ETT capsule along the length thereof, at least a plurality of superconductor levitation force elements divided between said upper and lower cryostats. The levitation force being spread over the length of capsule, however substantially concentrated in a compact cross-sectional area. At least a pair of permanent magnetic elements mounted at the top and bottom of the evacuated tube to levitate the capsule. At least a pair of capsule based switchable diverge force elements cooperate with at least a pair of tube based diverge force elements to steer the capsule while in an interchange.

Abstract: A line-changing device for magnetic levitation trains includes a rail section, at least one rail positioned transversely thereto, and a support frame for the rail section, which includes at least two wheels supported on the rail. The support frame includes a support module connected with the rail section, and two wheel modules attached to the sides thereof in a replaceable manner, and in which at least one of the wheels is rotatably supported.

Abstract: The invention provides in some aspects a transport system comprising a guideway with a plurality of propulsion coils disposed along a region in which one or more vehicles are to be propelled. One or more vehicles are disposed on the guideway, each including a magnetic flux source. The guideway has one or more running surfaces that support the vehicles and along which they roll or slide. Each vehicle can have a septum portion of narrowed cross-section that is coupled to one or more body portions of the vehicle. The guideway includes a diverge region that has a flipper and an extension of the running surface at a vertex of the diverge. The flipper initiates switching of vehicle direction at a diverge by exerting a laterally directed force thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible steel support (31) for a switch arrangement in maglev railways. The flexible support (31) contains a hollow profile (32) that extends in a longitudinal direction (x) and a hollow profile that can be bent in a transverse direction (y) and that is provided with lateral sheet metal struts (35) and a top flange (33). The support is also provided with a plurality of cantilever arms (38) that extend in the transverse direction (y), are interspaced in the longitudinal direction (x) and are connected to the sheet metal struts (35) and a plurality of metal cover sheets (42) that are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (x) and are supported on the cantilever arms (38), the connections between the sheet metal struts (35), cantilever arms (38) and metal cover sheets (42) consisting of welded joints.

Abstract: A switch assembly for magnetic levitation railways includes a girder extending in a travel direction (x) and flexible transversely to it is provided with travel way or equipment parts. A rail and a rack are located transversely to the travel direction. A load-bearing frame, receiving the girder, has a rotatably supported carrying wheel braced on the rail and a drive mechanism with a gear wheel meshing with the rack and with a motor intended for driving it. Switch adjustment is effected by displacement of the load-bearing frame along the rail by means of the drive mechanism and a thus-effected flexing of the girder. The girder, the load-bearing frame and the drive mechanism form a solidly joined-together structural unit which as a whole is located displaceably in the travel direction (x) relative to the rail and the rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear permanent magnet driving system and a permanent magnet driving maglev train rail system, the linear permanent magnet driving system comprises spiral rotors and stators, wherein at least one of the spiral rotor and the stator adopts the structure having a permanent magnet while the other one adopts the structure having the permanent magnet or a magnetizer; when the spiral rotors are driven by an engine to rotate, linear motion of the spiral rotors is achieved by means of the magnetic force between both, and speed of the linear motion of the spiral rotors can reach supersonic speed at most. By applying the linear permanent magnet driving system to the permanent magnet driving maglev train rail system, the entire rail can avoid the use of both permanent magnet and driving coil, and the construction cost of maglev train rail is equivalent to that of the current high-speed wheel/rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible steel support (31) for a switch arrangement in maglev railways. The flexible support (31) contains a hollow profile (32) that extends in a longitudinal direction (x) and a hollow profile that can be bent in a transverse direction (y) and that is provided with lateral sheet metal struts (35) and a top flange (33). The support is also provided with a plurality of cantilever arms (38) that extend in the transverse direction (y), are interspaced in the longitudinal direction (x) and are connected to the sheet metal struts (35) and a plurality of metal cover sheets (42) that are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (x) and are supported on the cantilever arms (38), the connections between the sheet metal struts (35), cantilever arms (38) and metal cover sheets (42) consisting of welded joints.

Abstract: A switch is used, at the divergent zone, to cause the vehicle bogie to follow one path or the other in the guideway. This is accomplished by substituting an attracting magnetic array on the side that the vehicle bogie is desired to follow. The switch may operate without moving parts, so there is no inertial penalty to limit operational frequency. The switch is designed to fail gracefully in the absence of activation power or control signals. Further, the switch is designed to ensure that there would be no derailment or dropping of a vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetically levitated transportation system employs permanent magnet rails along a guideway that interact with permanent magnets on a vehicle. The rails are optimized to reduce magnetic mass and cost of materials, while maximizing lift force. The vehicle is stabilized in the lateral and yaw directions with feedback controlled lateral control coils that interact with the permanent magnet rails on the guideway. A track switching structure employs permanent magnet rails that gradually widen along a segment of track and separate into two identical diverging rails. Feedback controlled lateral control coils in a moving vehicle stabilize that vehicle over one or the other pairs of diverging rails, as directed by a control computer, thereby causing the vehicle to continue along one path or the other, with no moving or active elements required in the track.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an electromagnetic system for efficient propulsion, suspension, and guidance. The track is inexpensive totally passive steel. This linear form of the D.C. motor provides traction motor characteristics without physical contact, The moveable element (vehicle) comprises both the integrated armature and field magnet flux source which induces magnetizing flux into pairs of rails each energizing a set of interdigitated poles of alternating polarity in the track against which its own armature conductors interact for thrust and braking. This source of magnetic flux requires no power and provides passive suspension at any speed and, with control, guidance. The permanent magnet and control flux in common airgaps multiply the effectiveness of lateral control for magnetic stabilization and to restrain external forces.

Abstract: A switch is used, at the divergent zone, to cause the vehicle bogie to follow one path or the other in the guideway. This is accomplished by substituting an attracting magnetic array on the side that the vehicle bogie is desired to follow. The switch may operate without moving parts, so there is no inertial penalty to limit operational frequency. The switch is designed to fail gracefully in the absence of activation power or control signals. Further, the switch is designed to ensure that there would be no derailment or dropping of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line-changing device for the tracks (1, 2) of a magnetic levitation train. The tracks (1, 2) are formed by track supports arranged one after the other and the lines are changed by means of a rail joint between the tracks (1, 2). To connect the tracks a track support configured as a bendable support (5) is positioned along each track which bendable support can be bent to establish a connection between the tracks (1, 2). In its bent state each bendable support can be positioned in relation to the other bendable support (5). Along each track (1, 2) a track support situated next to the bendable support (5) is configured as a connecting support (6), which when the rail joint is established can be moved out of the clearance gauge of the train. The invention consists in the fact that the connecting supports (6) can be moved without deformation.

Abstract: A transport system has a pair of levitating rails, each of the levitating rails has a core with a plurality of coils extending circumferentially around each of the cores. The coils are perpendicular to the lengths of the levitating rails. Each of the levitating rails has an upper surface directly above the core. A vehicle has wheels that roll on the upper surfaces of the levitating rails in a nonlevitating position. The vehicle has a plurality of magnets that create magnetic fields that pass through the coils while the vehicle is moving along the levitating rails. The magnetic fields induce current, which in turn causes an opposing magnetic field that levitates the vehicle. A steering rail having a plurality of coils is mounted to at least one of the guideways. Permanent steering magnets are located on each side of the steering rail to magnetically steer the vehicle along the guideways.

Abstract: A track-alternating arrangement for magnetic-levitation roadways, in which one of a series of mutually aligned bearers in each roadway establishes a first junction to join the roadways together. The bearer is inflectable to form the first junction. Each bearer, in an inflected state in one roadway, is aligned with another bearer in an adjacent roadway. An abutting one of the bearers adjacent the inflectable bearer is shiftable out beyond a free base of a car traveling over the roadway to provide sufficient space for the car to pass the junction. The abutting bearers are inflected to establish a different second junction. The inflectable bearers are shiftable out beyond a free cross-section of the car when the abutting bearers establish the different second junction.