Abstract: An autonomous moving highway system including an elevated guideway having a support pier with a pier cap having a first end, a second end, an upper portion and a lower portion, where the lower portion of the pier cap is attached to the top end of the support pier, a first girder located at the first end of the pier cap and a second girder located at the second end of the pier cap, a first magnetically levitated (maglev) transportation track mounted to a bottom of the first girder and a second maglev transportation track mounted to a bottom of the second girder, a plurality of individual transportation pods, each transportation pod is configured to enclose a vehicle and at least one passenger of the vehicle, a computer control system configured to control power, propulsion, direction and motion of the plurality of transportation pods.

Abstract: Inductrack III configurations are suited for use in transporting heavy freight loads. Inductrack III addresses a problem associated with the cantilevered track of the Inductrack II configuration. The use of a cantilevered track could present mechanical design problems in attempting to achieve a strong enough track system such that it would be capable of supporting very heavy loads. In Inductrack III, the levitating portion of the track can be supported uniformly from below, as the levitating Halbach array used on the moving vehicle is a single-sided one, thus does not require the cantilevered track as employed in Inductrack II.

Abstract: A transportation system having a tube containing hydrogen gas and a vehicle designed to operate within the tube. The vehicle breathes hydrogen from the tube to power fuel cells in order to produce power. The vehicle is suspended above the tube on a low-friction layer and is propelled through the tube via a propulsion system, such as contra-rotating propfans.

Abstract: A cable transportation system has a pull cable; at least one transportation unit moving along a given path and connectable selectively to the pull cable by a coupling device; at least one passenger station where the transportation unit is detached from the pull cable; and an auxiliary drive device having a linear electric motor extending along a portion of the given path to move the transportation unit along the passenger station.

Abstract: A dynamic magnetic suspension propeller includes an separate body electromotor and an external force to reversely rotate the separate body electromotor. The separate body electromotor includes a stator and a rotor mounted separately, wherein the stator includes a single layer plane magnetic path having magnetism, the rotor includes a cantilever electromagnet having a first pole provided at an end portion of the cantilever and a second pole provided at a rotating shaft close to the cantilever, wherein the electromagnet is reversely rotated by the external force around the rotating shaft with respect to the stator, so as to produce a countertorque with respect to an magnetic force of the stator, wherein the countertorque includes a magnetic suspension force and a magnetic propelling force.

Abstract: The wheel-type high-speed railway system includes rails provided on a railroad track and configured such that wheels provided in a bogie of a vehicle come into contact with them, a support provided on a tread surface of a railroad track between the rails, a repulsive Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) provided between the bogie and the support and configured to improve traveling performance by reducing axle load in a high-speed region, first and second steel plates mounted on both sides of the support in inclined positions, and first and second attractive Dynamic Motion Control (DMC) magnets mounted on the bogie of the vehicle in inclined positions to correspond to the first and second steel plates, and configured to generate attractive force.

Abstract: A conveyor system, in particular for supplying packaging machines, which has a revolving conveyor segment with a curved region. An electromagnetic drive is provided with a plurality of stationary coil elements and a plurality of permanent magnets. The stationary coil elements are disposed along the conveyor segment, and at least one rotor is disposed movably on the conveyor segment and is movable by electromagnetic forces. The permanent magnets are disposed on the rotor. A first row of coil elements and a second row of coil elements are disposed in the curved region such that the second row of coil elements is disposed radially outside the first row of coil elements.

Abstract: A dynamically induced magnetic hysteresis apparatus is described which allows for levitation and adjustable power coupling without direct mechanical attachment or linking. Adjustment of spatial and penetration gaps are adjusted to vary the ratio of rotation.

Abstract: A device for supplying energy to a long stator winding having multiple winding sections. The device includes an energy source, a supply line connected to the energy source, section switches that are connected to the supply line and that each have a connection for connecting the switch to one winding section each. The device is configured to enable reactive (idle) power compensation independently of the closed-loop control of the energy source. The device for the reactive power compensation is configured to adjust the impedance of the device.

Abstract: A magnet pole for magnetic levitation vehicles includes an iron core (1) having an upper pole surface (2), a lower contact surface (3) for a magnet rear side (4) and a circumferential surface (5) disposed between the pole surface (2) and the contact surface (3). A coil (6) is applied onto the circumferential surface (5) of the iron core (1). An intermediate layer is made of an electrically insulating material, which is disposed between the circumferential surface (5) and the coil (6). A protective layer (9) encapsulates the coil (6). At least the pole surface (2) of the iron core (1) is made of a hard material and abuts the circumferential surface (5) in a lower region of the iron core (1). The protective layer (9) contains a section (15) made of an elastic material in a region adjacent to the circumferential surface (5).

Abstract: A magnetic levitation railway is described which comprises a guideway, at least one magnetic levitation vehicle and a device for contactless, inductive transmission of electrical energy from said guideway to said vehicle. According to the invention the device comprises at least two receiver coils (27a, 27b) being formed by conductor windings and mounted on the vehicle and at least one primary conductor extending in the longitudinal direction of the guideway and being connected to a high-frequency alternating voltage source. The two receiver coils (27a, 27b) are assigned either jointly to the same primary conductor or individually to one of two primary conductors each (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A method and system for magnetically levitating a load is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a system for magnetically levitating a load, the system comprising at least two lift generators, each comprising a source of magnetic flux configured to induce a magnetic flux in a rail via a leg on either side of the rail, at least one magnetically permeable beam connecting the lift generators, and control circuitry configured to generate and modulate a magnetic current flux through the crossbeam so as to maintain gaps between the legs and rail, wherein the gaps defined by the legs on either side of the rail are of unequal size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle (11) and to a method for lifting said magnetic levitation vehicle (11) and to lowering said magnetic levitation vehicle onto a roadway. According to the invention, the carrier magnetic units (38) of the magnetic levitation vehicle (11) are not all activated or deactivated at the same time but at different times in order to keep the current energy requirement from an external energy supply or main power supply to a minimum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic levitation train, comprising a track system formed of track system carriers (2) and a vehicle (1) having at least one first magnetic system (7), which together with stator packs (4) mounted on the track system forms a long stator linear motor and during operation is disposed at a distance from the stator packs (4) by a small carrying gap. According to the invention, first sound damping bodies (14) are disposed on the carriers (2) in a space which is located between the carrier (2) and the magnetic system (7) and the carrying gap when a vehicle (1) passes. In addition, second sound damping bodies (15) are provided on the vehicle (1) on the side of the magnetic system (7) facing away from the carrier (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a maglev railway comprising a support and drive system of the long stator-linear motor type, magnetic support poles that are situated in the vehicle being additionally provided with linear generator windings (10) that generate electric energy in the vehicle. The aim of the invention is to prevent unwanted, periodic vibrations (ripples) from being generated at low speeds. To achieve this, according to the invention, the teeth (5) and grooves (6) of the long stator (3) are arranged in high-speed sections (2a) parallel to the cores and the linear generator windings (10) of the support magnets provided in said cores and in low-speed sections (2b) obliquely to said cores (7) and linear generator windings.

Abstract: A cable transportation system has a pull cable; at least one transportation unit moving along a given path and connectable selectively to the pull cable by a coupling device; at least one passenger station where the transportation unit is detached from the pull cable; and an auxiliary drive device having a linear electric motor extending along a portion of the given path to move the transportation unit along the passenger station.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation device includes at least two superconductor molded bodies with stored magnetic field configurations above a magnetic guide track. The at least two superconductor molded bodies have at least one of a stored magnetic field configuration with different vertical spacing from the guide track and a stored magnetic field configuration with different horizontal position with respect to the guide track. The at least two superconductor molded bodies are mechanically held in a position deviating from their stored position above the guide track and connected to one another. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A maglev vehicle is provided including a nose and/or tail section (1, 1b) containing a plurality of guidance magnets (FM1 to FM6) which are formed of cores (15) and windings (24) wound onto said cores and connected to control circuits (17). The guidance magnets (e.g. FM1 to FM3) are provided with an at least partially higher number of windings (24) in a front zone of the nose section (1) in relation to the direction of travel (v) or in the rear zone of the tail section (1b) in relation to the direction of travel (v).

Abstract: A method provides for the traction control of a maglev car on a maglev track. A levitation magnetic field is produced by supplying a levitation magnetic flux on the car side to at least two levitation magnets to produce a defined air gap between the maglev car and a reaction rail on the track side. A stator current is supplied to the stator to produce a propulsion force on the maglev track, the propulsion force acts upon the maglev car being determined by the magnetic coupling between the magnetic stator field and the magnetic levitation field. An oscillating movement of the maglev car in relation to the magnetic stator field is dampened by changing the magnetic coupling between the magnetic stator field and the magnetic levitation field on the car side. The levitation magnets are operated on the car side with at least two different individual levitation magnetic fluxes.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring substrates includes a carrier to which substrates are loaded, an upper transfer unit transferring the carrier horizontally by applying thrust to the carrier, a lower transfer unit maintaining the lower body of the carrier at the horizontal in a non-contact status, a magnetic levitation module levitating the carrier magnetically, and a lower damper unit maintaining the lower center of gravity of the carrier levitated by the magnetic levitation module.

Abstract: A method for operation of a magnetic levitation railway which contains vehicles with a plurality of supporting magnets (20a . . . 20j) and supporting runners (26) associated with them. In the event of a malfunction, the braking of the vehicle with the drive and braking systems switched off is brought about or assisted until a preselected destination stopping point is reached solely in that, even before the destination stopping point is reached, at least one of the supporting magnets (for example 20f, 20g) is switched off, and the magnetic levitation vehicle is placed on the track path (3) by means of the associated supporting runner (26), and is brought to rest at the destination stopping point by making use of the friction forces that occur as a result. A magnetic levitation vehicle is provided and operated in this way.

Abstract: A vehicle for a rail-borne transportation system includes an eddy current brake that contains a large number of magnetic poles and a mechanism for activating the magnetic poles for braking. The magnetic poles are formed by movably supported permanent magnets, and the activation mechanism switches the permanent magnets from an inactive position into an active position.

Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece processing system having at least one processing apparatus for processing workpieces, a primary transport system, a secondary transport system and one or more interfaces between first transport system and second transport system. The primary and secondary transport systems each have one or more sections of substantially constant velocity and in queue sections communicating with the constant velocity sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnet arrangement for magnetic levitation vehicles. Said arrangement comprises a magnetic back box and a plurality of magnetic poles that are connected to said back box and that have magnetic pole faces bordering on a common reference surface. According to the invention, the reference surface extends along an elastic line when the magnetic pole is in the unloaded state, said elastic line being inverse to the curvature of the surface that is obtained under a nominal load of the magnetic poles when the magnetic pole faces are in the unloaded state on a plane. The invention also relates to a method for producing said type of magnet arrangement.

Abstract: A magnetic polar arrangement which is intended for magnetic levitation vehicles is described, the magnetic polar arrangement having at least one magnetic pole (22) with a core (6) which defines a magnetic pole surface (23), and with a winding (5) which is set back with respect to the magnetic pole surface (23) in order to form a free space (24). The magnetic pole (22) is provided with a sensor which contains a sensor head (9a), which is arranged at least partially in the free space (24), and an electronic module (9b). According to the invention the sensor head (9a) is physically separated from the electronic module (9b) and is combined, at least with the core (6), to form a single-piece structural unit which is surrounded by a common anti-corrosion layer (26).

Abstract: A system for controlling movements of a vehicle along a guideway includes an array of targets that are mounted on the vehicle, and a series of wayside sensors that are mounted on the guideway. A signal processor monitors the passage of targets past appropriate sensors and uses resultant signals to derive parametric values that are characteristic of the vehicle's movements. The parametric values are then coordinated with a controller for the operation of a linear synchronous motor that propels the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnet pole, for magnetically levitated vehicles, includes a core (10) and a winding provided with winding disks that are arranged axially on top of each other. Both of the disks contain conduction band sections (6a, 6b) that are wound counter to the direction of winding and in several layers about the core (10). The conduction band sections are connected together in an electrically conductive manner by means of a connection part (1) on the core (10) near ends. The connection part (1) is bent in an outward manner on lateral longitudinal edges that are parallel to each other thus forming a curved outlet (12a, 12b).

Abstract: The networked guideway transit system uses materials and methods of constructing guideway elements. The materials and methods are designed to reduce the static weight, cost and physical size of the guideway structure. Installation cost is also significantly reduced by the modular nature of the guideway components, which can be manufactured in a controlled factory environment using mass production methods. As a result, the supporting structure of the guideway can be quickly erected and the modular blocks inserted with simple equipment. In addition, complex alignment procedures are not required. In particular, the guideway component includes motor coils having the shapes and configurations that facilitate the easy insertion of the guideway component without the need for interleaving coils in adjacent guideway components and without creating dead spots in the magnetic fields between guideway components.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation vehicle has at least one magnetic arrangement (27). The magnetic arrangement (27) contains a plurality of magnetic poles (27a . . . 27n) which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel and comprise windings (33) associated therewith. The magnetic levitation vehicle is also provided with a circuit for supplying the windings (33) with a direct current, said circuit containing switches for selectively switching the magnetic arrangement between a guiding function and/or a braking function.

Abstract: A transport and power system having a plurality of tubes or tunnels, a magnetic levitation and linear motor train, and a superconducting power cable. One of the tubes can be an escape, power distribution, and maintenance tunnel. These tubes can be above ground, below ground, at ground, or under water.

Abstract: An apparatus generates position signals to indicate the position of a rail-bound vehicle along a travel way throughout which travel way many markings are located. The apparatus includes at least one sensor located on the vehicle for scanning the markings and outputting signals and an evaluation unit that is connected to the sensor for generating the position signals by evaluating the signals generated by the sensor by scanning the markings. When the vehicle passes a marking, the sensor outputs a “marking present” signal and otherwise outputs a “marking absent” signal. The vehicle has a receiver of a navigation system that is connected to the evaluation unit and outputs current location signals.

Abstract: A starting apparatus is disclosed for at least two synchronous machines, which starting apparatus includes an exciter unit which is provided for each synchronous machine and is associated with the respective synchronous machine. Each exciter unit can be connected to the field winding of the associated synchronous machine. A superordinate control unit is provided, with the superordinate control unit being connected via a communication link to each exciter unit. Furthermore, the starting apparatus includes at least one stator feed unit and at least one switching device, which is provided for each stator feed unit and is associated with the respective stator feed unit, in which case the respective switching device can be connected to the associated stator feed unit, the respective switching device can be connected to at least one synchronous machine, and the switching devices can be connected to one another when there are a plurality of switching devices.

Abstract: A magnetically levitated transport system moves a suspended cargo such as passengers and freight. A linear motor uses a track stator about which a “rotor” moves linearly. Stator and rotor circuits interact electromagnetically to maintain a gap between the moving and fixed elements. Tractor coils are embedded within the track to produce thrust through electromotor action with magnets aboard the rotor. The rotor is configured in a triangular shape as is the track with opposing electromagnets positioned for creating mutual repulsion forces. A pulsed direct current in the stator circuit, derived from conventional alternating current taken from the power grid, is used to create an induced current in the rotor, which, in turn is used to energize rotor electromagnets.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that controls the power flow to Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) stators for a vehicle transport system. This invention allows multiple vehicles to operate in close proximity in a guideway without requiring an excessive number of separate controllers. It can be used in conjunction with schemes now in use and is particularly useful in elevator hoistways or for automated people movers near stations.

Abstract: A dynamic magnetic suspension propeller includes an separate body electromotor and an external force to reversely rotate the separate body electromotor. The separate body electromotor includes a stator and a rotor mounted separately, wherein the stator includes a single layer plane magnetic path having magnetism, the rotor includes a cantilever electromagnet having a first pole provided at an end portion of the cantilever and a second pole provided at a rotating shaft close to the cantilever, wherein the electromagnet is reversely rotated by the external force around the rotating shaft with respect to the stator, so as to produce a countertorque with respect to an magnetic force of the stator, wherein the countertorque includes a magnetic suspension force and a magnetic propelling force.

Abstract: A self-regulating magneto-dynamic system, utilizing steel core rails and permanent magnets as sources of magnetic field, provided for magnetic levitation, stabilization and propulsion in a high speed ground transportation vehicle moving with high speed without friction along a track having a predetermined trajectory, comprising of a self-regulating magneto-dynamic levitation and stabilizing system (MDLSS) provided for magnetic levitation and stabilization of the vehicle, and a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) provided for stable propulsion of the vehicle. Both systems are situated on the same vehicle, interacting with each other only through electro-magnetic process, working synchronously, supporting each other's stability and self-regulation, where the stability of the MDLSS affects the functionality of the PMLSM, and the precise work of the PMLSM allows for more optimum design of the MDLSS.

Abstract: An eddy current magnetic braking system that is based on drag created when a conductor moves through a stationary magnetic field. As the magnetic field increases the drag value also increases. The invention provides a magnetic braking system for use on zip line/cable rides and trolleys. Alternate designs of the present invention include a magnetic braking system having a trolley that moves on a zip line/cable to a brake block which is connected to a pulley cable, as the trolley pushes the brake block, the pulley moves the conductor into a magnetic field creating an eddy current brake that slows the trolley to a stop.

Abstract: A method and system for magnetically levitating a load is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a system for magnetically levitating a load, the system comprising at least two lift generators, each comprising a source of magnetic flux configured to induce a magnetic flux in a rail via a leg on either side of the rail, at least one magnetically permeable beam connecting the lift generators, and control circuitry configured to generate and modulate a magnetic current flux through the crossbeam so as to maintain gaps between the legs and rail, wherein the gaps defined by the legs on either side of the rail are of unequal size.

Abstract: A method of operating a production line comprises the steps of supporting equipment in the production line on a plurality of crawlers comprising at least one rolling track and a structural support for supporting the equipment. A first plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an interior surface of said at least one rolling track is configured to oppose a second plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an exterior surface of said structure support to lift the structural support, such that the structural support floats between and within said at least one rolling track. The magnetic fields experienced by the first and second plurality of lift magnets are adjusted to translate the at least one rolling track, such that the crawlers move along the production line.

Abstract: A power generating system includes a railroad track configured to define a looped track; a series of railroad cars riding on and extending substantially the full length of the looped track forming a train loop; a drive gear mounted to the train loop and having a gear circumference substantially concentric with the looped track; and several turbine generators secured relative to the ground at the outer periphery of the drive gear, the turbine generators having individual generator pinion gears in meshed driving contact with the drive gear, so that movement of the train loop around the looped track causes the drive gear to rotate the generator pinion gears and thereby operate the turbine generators. The turbine generators preferably are electrically connected by cables to a power station. The train loop and track preferably include electromagnets for propelling the train loop around the looped track, and alternatively includes a diesel locomotive.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring substrates includes a carrier to which substrates are loaded, an upper transfer unit transferring the carrier horizontally by applying thrust to the carrier, a lower transfer unit maintaining the lower body of the carrier at the horizontal in a non-contact status, a magnetic levitation module levitating the carrier magnetically, and a lower damper unit maintaining the lower center of gravity of the carrier levitated by the magnetic levitation module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a static bearing conveying apparatus having magnetically preloading and motional error correcting functions. The apparatus comprises a guide having a guide surface formed on one side of the guide facing a table, magnetic preload units provided between the guide and the table to generate preload, and a motional error correcting control unit comprising a controller to control the magnetic preload units and a power amplifier to apply electric current according to a control signal from the controller. Each of the magnetic preload units comprises a permanent magnet, a core collinear with magnetic fluxes from the permanent magnet, an electromagnetic coil wound around the core, and a fixing bracket having the permanent magnet supported by the table. The apparatus is simplified in structure of the table and the overall guide, and reduces motional errors of the guide by correcting errors of a floating gap of the static bearings.

Abstract: Methods and systems for levitation on uncharged and non-magnetized arbitrary surface are disclosed. The levitation system generates electric fields in order to cause dielectric polarization on the surface on which levitation is to be caused. Methods and systems are disclosed in which the polarity of the electric field that is produced by the system is switched in a controlled manner. Due to kinetic inertia of the effective dipole moment of the uncharged and non-magnetized arbitrary surface, the dipole moment cannot maintain the changes in response to the changes in polarity of the electric field that is produced by the levitation system and thus, a repulsive force is generated between the levitation system and the non-magnetized arbitrary surface. The controlled repulsive force initiates and maintains the desired level of levitation with respect to the uncharged and non-magnetized arbitrary surface.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation railways has at least one vehicle, a compressed air supply unit provided in the vehicle and at least one consumer connection line, the compressed air supply unit has at least two compressed air lines laid in the vehicle and connected to at least one compressed air source each, and the consumer connection line can be connected to one another of the compressed air lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a travelway structure for maglev transportation comprises: a travelway girder having a concrete girder plate extending from two sides of the travelway girder; a pre-embedded member pre-embedded in the concrete girder plate; and a detachable member installed on the pre-embedded member via a fastener, wherein the pre-embedded member is machinable, and a position for installing the detachable member on the pre-embedded member is formed by a machining process after the travelway girder experiences deformations which lead to errors. A method for manufacturing a travelway structure for maglev transportation is also provided according to the present invention. Specifically, after a period of time, during which the travelway girder experiences most of the deformations caused by pre-stressed tension and gradual contraction and the like, the travelway girder along with the pre-embedded pieces are moved to the machine tools for machining the functional pre-embedded member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail-bound vehicle for an amusement park ride. The vehicle has an upper part 10 with vehicle seats 12, as well as a carriage 20 whose running wheels 22 and lateral wheels 23 run on rail-tubes, as do its lift-off rollers 24. The upper part 10 can rotate freely around a vertical axis 16 relative to the carriage 20. A brake disk 14? made of a metallic material is provided on the underside of the upper part 10. Permanent magnets 31 connected to the rail system are assigned to this brake disk 14?. The brake disk 14, upon passing these permanent magnets 31, enters the latter's magnet field, with the result that the upper part 10 of the vehicle is braked and set into rotational motion due to the continued linear movement of the carriage 20.

Abstract: A magnet arrangement for a magnetic levitation vehicle is described. The magnet arrangement comprises a plurality of magnet poles (11) being combined to form groups (11a to 11f), wherein according to the invention each group contains one magnet pole (11a to 11f) or two magnet poles (11a to 11f). The windings (12a to 12f) of each group are controlled by a control circuit (18) individually assigned to it (FIG. 8).

Abstract: A guideway for track-bound vehicle such as a magnetic suspension railway vehicle includes a plurality of serially arranged carriers. Each carrier further includes a guideway slab having vehicle guidance elements arranged thereon, the guideway slab supported on a web oriented in a longitudinal direction of carrier and extending downwardly from the guideway slab. A foundation member bears the weight of the carriers relative to an underlying surface upon which the guideway is constructed. The webs extend from the guideway slab towards the foundation member. Resilient members are disposed between the foundation member and the underlying surface that resiliently support the foundation member in a vertical direction relative to the underlying surface.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a transport system powered by short block Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs). The use of short blocks allows vehicles to move under precise control even when they are in close proximity to each other. The design allows the vehicles to be propelled and guided while negotiating sharp turns and negotiating merge and diverge switches. A coreless LSM can be used to create propulsive force without attractive force so as to allow a relatively high drag vehicle suspension, such as a vehicle sliding on a smooth surface. Further aspects of the invention provide a switching member that is selectively moveable relative to a guideway in order to change a magnetic force acting on the vehicle transverse to a direction of motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A transportation system having a tube containing hydrogen gas and a vehicle designed to operate within the tube. The vehicle breathes hydrogen from the tube to power fuel cells in order to produce power. The vehicle is suspended above the tube on a low-friction layer and is propelled through the tube via a propulsion system, such as contra-rotating propfans.