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: 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 magnetic levitation railway having an eddy-current brake (20) cooperates with a reaction rail (8) of the driveway (2). The eddy-current brake (20) has at least one brake magnet (21) which is movably mounted to the vehicle (1) and transversely to the reaction rail (8) and which is made to abut the reaction rail (8) if a normal force, for example, fixed by means of springs (27) is exceeded.

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 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: 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: 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: 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: Providing an accelerating device capable of safely and efficiently accelerating an aircraft even if the aircraft is a high-speed and heavyweight one. The accelerating device has a support base for supporting an aircraft so that it does not go backward or levitate and does not pitch; a guide way placed along a predetermined route; guide means for guiding the support base along the guide way; and drive means for driving the support base along the guide way.

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: An apparatus and method of generating motion including a track having at least one incline portion and at least one decline portion, a cart movably coupled to the track, and one or more magnets arranged along the track such that cart moves along the track by a combination of gravitational and magnetic forces. The motion generator may be used as a power source for a motor or electric generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle (1) with a plurality of driving- and braking magnets. According to the invention, provided in the vehicle (1) there is at least one chain of magnet units (15, 16, 19, 26, 25) having in a first plane exclusively driving magnet coils (20 to 22, 27, 28) and in a second plain exclusively braking magnets (30), wherein at least the driving magnet coils (20 to 22, 27, 28) form a band of magnetic flux extending across the entire length of the vehicle. However, a magnet unit (15) located at the front end (2) of the magnetic levitation vehicle (1) forms an exception to this.

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 is a wafer transfer system that transports individual wafers between chambers within an isolated environment. In one embodiment, a wafer is transported by a wafer shuttle that travel within a transport enclosure. The interior of the transport enclosure is isolated from the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding wafer fabrication facility. Thus, an individual wafer may be transported throughout the wafer fabrication facility without having to maintain a clean room environment for the entire facility. The wafer shuttle may be propelled by various technologies, such as, but not limited to, magnetic levitation or air bearings. The wafer shuttle may also transport more than one wafer simultaneously. The interior of the transport enclosure may also be under vacuum, gas-filled, or subject to filtered air.

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: 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 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 track carrier for a railborne vehicle, especially a magnetic suspended railway comprises a concreted plate (2) projecting laterally from the carrier (1). Stators (15, 16) are arranged at the two lateral ends of the plate (2) on the bottom of the plate (2), lateral guide rails (12) are arranged on the lateral surfaces of the plate (2), and glide strips (8) are arranged on the top side of the plate (2) for driving and guiding the vehicle. Hardenable, especially concreted, positionally correct contact surfaces (5, 6, 7) for the lateral guide rails (12) and/or for the stators (15, 16) and/or for the glide strips (8) are formed on the carrier (1), and the lateral guide rails (12) and/or the stators (15, 16) and/or the glide strips (8) are detachably arranged on, especially screwed to the contact surfaces (5, 6, 7) provided for them.

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: The present invention relates to a novel magnetic suspension and propulsion technologies, which are named as Magnetostatic Suspension (MSS) and Magnetostatic Propulsion (MSP) respectively because of their magnetostatic nature of forces generated. A spring-like magnetic force is produced through interactions between magnets and ferrous materials such as steel.

Abstract: A magnet arrangement (10) for a magnetic levitation vehicle (1) is described. The magnet arrangement comprises at least one magnetic pole (11) consisting of a core (14) and a winding (12) applied to the core, a control circuit connected to the winding (12) and a power supply unit for supplying at least the electrical energy required for the control circuit. According to the invention, the magnet arrangement (10) is designed as an autonomous modular unit integrating within itself the magnetic pole (11), the control circuit and the power supply unit (FIG. 5).

Abstract: A non-magnetic concrete structure having no magnetism or a very small magnetic permeability without reinforcing steel bars arranged, a sidewall for a guideway, and a method for installing the sidewall for the guideway are provided. The reinforcing steel bars-free sidewall 11 for the guideway 10 is constructed by using a non-magnetic concrete structure constructed by using a fiber-reinforced cement-based mixed material and having no reinforcing steel bars therein. The fiber-reinforced cement-based mixed material is produced by mixing non-metallic fibers or non-magnetic metal fibers into a cement-based matrix in a mixing amount of 1 to 4% for an entire volume of the cement-based matrix. The cement-based matrix is obtained by mixing a composition with water. The above composition is composed of cement, aggregate grains having a maximum grain diameter of not more than 2.5 mm, pozzolanic reaction particles having particle diameters of not more than 15 ?m and supper plasticizer.

Abstract: A networked guideway transit system uses permanent magnet repulsion with induction-based repulsion within the networked guideway transport system, which can levitate passively with motion. Magnetic levitation technology is used to replace wheels as the primary means of vehicle suspension. The networked guideway transit system uses the permanent magnets to provide primary lift and uses electrodynamic repulsion to create centering forces at most operational speeds while integrating linear motor functions with the electrodynamic centering function. Further, the networked guideway transit system uses no moving parts in the guideways, which enhances reliability in the guideways.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel system and method of damping rolling, pitching, or yawing motions, or longitudinal oscillations superposed on their normal forward or backward velocity of a moving levitated system.

Abstract: This vehicle comprises a body and a levitation device, the body bearing in operation on the levitation device which comprises a first levitation module and a second levitation module connected to the body, and capable of moving to allow the modules to turn relative to the body. The vehicle comprises means for synchronizing movement of the levitation modules comprising a first hydraulic ram between the first module and the body, a second hydraulic ram between the second module and the body, and a fluid-flow circuit connecting the first and second rams to synchronize the actions of the rams. Application to magnetic levitation rail vehicles, for example.

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: A moving device in pipe lines is provided, which allows easy switching of moving/stopping and remote control of the switching by only electric wires enabling easy operation in the inside of small diameter pipe lines. The moving device 10 in pipe lines comprises a guide frame 11 in which a line of three or more coils 15, 16, 17 is interconnected flexibly in the direction of magnet flux, ring-shaped permanent magnets 19, 20, 21 provided around the periphery of the guide frame slidably in the direction of the shaft, and a control means such as computers etc. to control by a preset program selecting the direction of turning on of the coils.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding magnet system for a magnetic levitation vehicle. The guiding magnet system contains a number of magnet arrangements (50, 51, 57) that have a core, which has two winding levels and which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An even number of windings (58, 60 or 59, 61) are located in each winding level. At one end of the magnet arrangements, every two windings (e.g. 58a, or 58b), which are electrically connected in series and which are directly adjacent while being situated diagonal from one another, form a pair of windings connected to an assigned control loop. Either two, pairs of windings of the aforementioned type or only a single pair of windings consisting of two windings (60a, 60b, or 61a, 61b) situated one behind the other are provided at the other end of the magnet arrangements. The invention also relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle equipped with a guiding magnet system as described above.

Abstract: A networked guideway transit system uses permanent magnet repulsion with induction-based repulsion within the networked guideway transport system, which can levitate passively with motion. Magnetic levitation technology is used to replace wheels as the primary means of vehicle suspension. The networked guideway transit system uses the permanent magnets to provide primary lift and uses electrodynamic repulsion to create centering forces at most operational speeds while integrating linear motor functions with the electrodynamic centering function. Further, the networked guideway transit system uses no moving parts in the guideways, which enhances reliability in the guideways.

Abstract: A device is for braking a magnetic levitation railway, wherein the stator winding of a linear motor is short-circuited as a brake winding in a last section before an end of the route. There is a provision for two stator windings which extend alternately on the stator to be present in a penultimate section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional modular energy transformation system which is particularly suitable for levitation railway transport, which consumes much less energy than hitherto-known systems since levitation is achieved using a magnetic generating system having a constant force and stable equilibrium, and which is energetically self-sufficient by transforming H2O into hydrogen and oxygen by means of solar energy captured by the system. The inventive system is of minimal weight and is not harmful to the environment. The invention comprises magnetic assemblies which are disposed on non-ferromagnetic supports that are preferably made from aluminium and encapsulated in resin and magnets which are disposed longitudinally in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A machine guideway for used in machine processing includes a base (10, 40), a slide block (20, 50) slideably received in a sliding groove of the base, and an electromagnetic suspension system. The electromagnetic suspension system provides a repulsion force having a direction opposite to that of gravitational force action on the slide block during sliding of the slide block along the sliding groove to an original starting position. When the repulsion force is greater than the gravitational force, the slide block can freely slide along the sliding groove. Therefore, the speed of processing is enhanced. In addition, the guidway does not sustain any wear due to friction. Furthermore, the guideway does not sustain any deformation due to friction heat.

Abstract: A switching electromagnetic moving system is comprised of at least one track and at least one moving body located on the track. The track is comprised of a power buss, at least two track sections and a controller. Each track section has a contact surface and comprises electrically connected coil windings spaced apart in a series way to form a multi-phase linear stator. Each track section has a switch and at least one sensor to detect the position of the moving body on the track. For each track section the sensor of the preceding track section relative to the direction of travel of the moving body controls the switch to power on and the sensor of the subsequent track section controls the switch to power off.

Abstract: The present invention is a wafer transfer system that transports individual wafers between chambers within an isolated environment. In one embodiment, a wafer is transported by a wafer shuttle that travel within a transport enclosure. The interior of the transport enclosure is isolated from the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding wafer fabrication facility. Thus, an individual wafer may be transported throughout the wafer fabrication facility without having to maintain a clean room environment for the entire facility. The wafer shuttle may be propelled by various technologies, such as, but not limited to, magnetic levitation or air bearings. The wafer shuttle may also transport more than one wafer simultaneously. The interior of the transport enclosure may also be under vacuum, gas-filled, or subject to filtered air.

Abstract: A hidden-rail dual-attraction balancing compensation type permanent magnetic levitation train and railway system are provided. The hidden rails are provided inside two underground tubes, and each tube is communicated with the ground via a rail through silt.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for levitating and moving objects such as vehicles, doors and windows are shown and described herein. The embodiments incorporate a track with lower rails having lower permanent magnets and the object with upper rails having upper permanent magnets aligned with the lower rails and oriented to oppose the polarity of the lower permanent magnets. Ferrous backing plates may be incorporated behind the lower rails and/or the upper rails. Embodiments may also incorporated a third rail of an electroconductive material, and a driving disc positioned near the third rail. Permanent magnets in the driving disc may be rotated with the driving disc in the presence of the third rail to accelerate the upper rails with respects to the lower rails. The driving disc may be coupled one of the lower rails to maintain a desired alignment with the third rail.

Abstract: A translation system, applicable in trains, elevators, aircraft launchers, rail guns, conveyors, door openers, machine tools and servo drives, includes a first linear switch reluctance machine (“LSRM”) having a stator and a translator each configured, positioned and proportioned for electromagentic engagement with the other. The system further includes an assembly for selectable application of at least one phase of a multiphasic DC excitation to the LSRM to produce a longitudinal or propulsive force between the stator and translator. The system further includes an assembly for the substantially simultaneous application of at least two phases of the DC excitation to the LSRM to produce a continual normal force between the stator and translator. A second LSRM may be provided, positioned in quadrature to the first LSRM, and in electromagetic engagement with it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for predicting attractive magnetic levitation force comprising measuring flux density for a component of an attractive magnetic levitation system and computing a predicted attractive magnetic levitation force from the flux density.

Abstract: A magnetic levitated car comprising a car body that is made to float on a magnetic road laid on with a plurality of spaced apart magnets, at least one magnetic suspension stabilizer disposed spacedly at the bottom of said car body, and at least one electro-magnetic wheel provided at the bottom of said car body. The bottom portion of said magnetic suspension stabilizer has a polarity similar to that of the magnets laid on the road to provided repulsion therefore that will levitate said car body.

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: A material transportation system includes one or more material transportation vehicles, each having magnetic wheels coupled to a magnetically attractive surface that can include a ceiling, a wall, a floor, and/or a transition region. The material transportation vehicles are adapted to carry material from place to place. Each material transportation vehicle has sensors and motor controls that reduce swing motion of the material transportation vehicle and the material coupled thereto. A collision avoidance and traffic control system prevents collisions between the one or more material transportation vehicles.

Abstract: A mobile device for traversing a ferromagnetic surface. The device includes a frame and at least one surface contacting device attached to the frame. The device also includes a Halbach magnet array attached to the frame, wherein the Halbach magnet array provides a magnetic force to maintain the surface contacting device substantially into contact with the ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: A magnet configuration comprising a pair of Halbach arrays magnetically and structurally connected together are positioned with respect to each other so that a first component of their fields substantially cancels at a first plane between them, and a second component of their fields substantially adds at this first plane. A track is located between the pair of Halbach arrays and a propulsion mechanism is provided for moving the pair of Halbach arrays along the track. When the pair of Halbach arrays move along the track and the track is not located at the first plane, a current is induced in the windings and a restoring force is exerted on the pair of Halbach arrays.

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, while maximizing lift force. In one example, the arrays are composed of arrays of magnets having rotating magnetizations, such as Halbach arrays. In another example, the arrays are cup-shaped to provide stronger magnetic field forces in the central portion of the array, relative to the lateral portion of the array. The vehicle may be stabilized in the lateral and yaw directions with feedback controlled lateral control coils that interact with the permanent magnet rails on the guideway. Vertical, pitch and roll motions may be controlled or damped with eddy-current damper coils or plates or with active feedback control to control the coils.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for levitating and moving objects such as vehicles, doors and windows are shown and described herein. The embodiments incorporate a track with lower rails having lower permanent magnets and the object with upper rails having upper permanent magnets aligned with the lower rails and oriented to oppose the polarity of the lower permanent magnets. Ferrous backing plates may be incorporated behind the lower rails and/or the upper rails. Embodiments may also incorporate a third rail of an electroconductive material, and a driving disc positioned near the third rail. Permanent magnets in the driving disc may be rotated with the driving disc in the presence of the third rail to accelerate the upper rails with respects to the lower rails. The driving disc may be coupled one of the lower rails to maintain a desired alignment with the third rail.

Abstract: A magnet configuration comprising a pair of Halbach arrays magnetically and structurally connected together are positioned with respect to each other so that a first component of their fields substantially cancels at a first plane between them, and a second component of their fields substantially adds at this first plane. A track of windings is located between the pair of Halbach arrays and a propulsion mechanism is provided for moving the pair of Halbach arrays along the track. When the pair of Halbach arrays move along the track and the track is not located at the first plane, a current is induced in the windings and a restoring force is exerted on the pair of Halbach arrays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a travel way support, particularly for a magnetically levitated train (100), for constructing a travel way through a number of supports (2) successively arranged in the direction of travel. Said travel way support comprises an upper support section (12), particularly an upper flange (12) and at least one bracing section (13, 14), in particular, a web (13, 14), which is arranged underneath the upper support section (12). Solar cells (7, 8) and/or solar collectors are arranged in the area of the upper support section (12) and/or of the at least one bracing section (13, 14).

Abstract: A guideway for a magnetically levitated railway is described, having a longitudinal stator linear drive comprising at least two parallel stators. The guideway includes a plurality of supports (1) arranged along a given line and adapted to form straight and curved guideway sections and stator sections mounted on the supports (1), these sections being composed of straight stator end packs (6a, f; 7a, f) and likewise straight middle stator packs (6b-3; 7b-e) arranged therebetween, the packs in the region of the curved guideway sections being laid in the manner of polygonal trains to form outer and inner stator sections (6, 7) and being separated from one another by gaps (23, 24). The stator end packs (6a,f; 7a,f) and the middle stator packs (6b-3; 7b-e) have a predetermined tooth/groove pitch (16) with reference to a conceptual space curve (2) and different “ideal” lengths which differ from one another by fractions of a tooth/groove pitch (16).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for levitating and moving objects are shown and described herein. The embodiments incorporate a track with lower rails having permanent magnets abutted against each other and aligned such that the upper surface of each of the lower rails has a uniform polarity; and the object with upper rails having permanent magnets aligned with the lower rails and oriented to oppose the polarity of the lower permanent magnets. Ferrous backing plates behind the lower rails and/or the upper rails may be incorporated. Embodiments may also incorporate a third rail of an electroconductive material, and a driving disc positioned near the third rail. Permanent magnets in the driving disc may be rotated with the driving disc in the presence of the third rail to accelerate the upper rails with respects to the lower rails.