Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for operating a transportation system with a magnetic levitation vehicle, in which the inventive arrangement consists of an integrated transmission system including a power transmission system for inductive transmission of electric power, a linear motor for transmission of motive power and a magnetic levitation system for transmission of a carrying force and/or a lateral guiding force.

Abstract: A magnetic drive system for moving a substrate transfer shuttle along a linear path between chambers in a semiconductor fabrication apparatus. A rack with rack magnets is secured to the shuttle, and a rotatable pinion with pinion magnets is positioned adjacent the rack so that the pinion magnets can magnetically engage the rack magnets. Thus, rotation of the pinion will cause the shuttle to move along the linear path. The magnets may be oriented with a helix angle between their primary axis and the axis of rotation of the pinion. One rack and one pinion are located on each side of the shuttle. A set of lower guide rollers supports the shuttle, and a set of upper guide rollers prevents the shuttle from lifting off the lower guide rollers.

Abstract: A ground-based capsule pipeline with greatly improved speed, energy efficiency, and cost for transportation of freight and/or people. Passive magnetic levitation is used to suspend inert, rugged capsules within an air-evacuated pipeline, where they are propelled by a linear motor. Permanent magnet pole arrays incorporated in the capsules interact with inductively-enhanced conductive loops on the interior of the pipeline to produce a low “take-off” speed, high lift, and a high lift-drag ratio.

Abstract: Conventional linear induction motors (LIMS) have been used effectively to get linear thrust. These devices are typically short stator, and thus have entry and exit field effects. When a field enters a coil, there is a braking, drag force. A pulsed linear induction motor (PLIM) pulses the coils so that they push off the secondary shorted coils. Among the advantages gained by the use of these devices is no entry drag effect, simpler electronics required to excite the PLIM, and a smaller winding overhang past the steel structure of the PLIM. This invention describes coil arrangements useful for exciting a continuous array of coils, placed end to end, and coils that are overlapped. Control is realized by selecting the number of pulses to apply during the active excitation window.

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: An integrated MAGLEV (Magnetic Levitated Vehicle) system consists of permanent or preferably superconducting vehicle-mounted magnets which interact with both active and induced track-based currents. The magnets on the vehicle which are used for propulsion serve the dual purpose of realizing both levitation and lateral stabilization (guidance). The contribution offered by this invention is that it is able to provide propulsion, levitation, and guidance using a single type of track-based coil interacting with a singular type of magnetic field which is affixed to the vehicle. The realization of multiple functions with a single coil reduces the cost and enhances the efficiency of this MAGLEV system. In the main embodiment of this invention, propulsion currents are injected into brushes sliding along brush contact surfaces on the rail, series winding further eliminates the intermediate brushes leaving only the leading set of brushes and the trailing set.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a magnetically levitated vehicle is described. The propulsion system includes a drive and/or suspension magnet arrangement mounted in the vehicle, its drive magnets and/or suspension magnets being arranged with their magnetic axes that connect the two magnet poles running across the longitudinal direction of the guideway so that the magnet poles arranged in succession in this longitudinal direction have the same polarity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for reducing inductive coupling between levitation and drive coils within a magnetic levitation system. A pole array has a magnetic field. A levitation coil is positioned so that in response to motion of the magnetic field of the pole array a current is induced in the levitation coil. A first drive coil having a magnetic field coupled to drive the pole array also has a magnetic flux which induces a parasitic current in the levitation coil. A second drive coil having a magnetic field is positioned to attenuate the parasitic current in the levitation coil by canceling the magnetic flux of the first drive coil which induces the parasitic current.

Abstract: A track (rail)-guided transport system has at least one track of bearing and rail-guiding members on which is run at least one transport vehicle which has means for self-automated continuous movement along the track and to which energy is transmitted contactlessly from a primary circuit laid down along the track. The transport vehicle is designed as a carrier vehicle (2) for at least one satellite vehicle (3,9) used to transport goods and has a satellite track section for positioning and parking the satellite vehicle (3,9). The satellite track section can be brought into alignment by positioning the carrier vehicle (2) flush to satellite tracks arranged along its track, perpendicular thereto. Energy from a primary circuit laid down along the satellite tracks (7,8) is transmitted contactlessly to the satellite vehicle (3,9) equipped with means for automated locomotion.

Abstract: A transportation system uses a carrier conduit in the form of a long tube or channel in order to drive a vehicle by air pressure. A carrier having end plates obstructs the travel of air through the carrier conduit. Pressure differentials formed within the carrier conduit serve to propel the carrier through the carrier conduit. By rollably supporting the carrier within the carrier conduit, friction is reduced between the carrier conduit and the carrier. The carrier may be magnetically coupled to a vehicle having vanes and a set of track- or rail-engaging wheel assemblies on vanes. The vanes may pivot upon the vehicle and serve to allow the vehicle to rollably or slidably couple to the carrier conduit track. The motion of the carrier serves to propel the vehicle along the carrier conduit track as the vehicle is magnetically coupled to the carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting elements in a clean room environment includes a tubular element having a positive air pressure therein for providing a clean air environment and a cart movable in the tubular element. The cart may be movable by either an external propulsion system to which the cart is coupled or by an internal system to which the cart is coupled.

Abstract: A system for guidance and/or switching of a vehicle or other object comprises a guideway, a guide plate that moves along the guideway, and a magnetic field source that induces a magnetic force between the guide plate and at least a portion of the guideway over which the guide plate is moving. The guide plate is attached to the vehicle or coupled to its steering systems. The magnetic force centers the guide plate along the guideway by opposing any lateral deviation from center. The magnetic field source is a permanent magnet, an electromagnet (including a superconducting magnet) or any other known magnetic field source. It is preferably included in, or forms part of, the guide plate. Likewise, the guide rail preferably comprises ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, i.e., a material that forms a temporary magnet in the presence of the magnetic field of the source.

Abstract: An integrated MAGLEV (Magnetic Levitated Vehicle) system consists of permanent or preferably superconducting vehicle-mounted magnets which interact with both active and induced track-based currents. The magnets on the vehicle which are used for propulsion serve the dual purpose of realizing both levitation and lateral stabilization (guidance). The contribution offered by this invention is that it is able to provide propulsion, levitation, and guidance using a single type of track-based coil interacting with a singular type of magnetic field which is affixed to the vehicle. The realization of multiple functions with a single coil reduces the cost and enhances the efficiency of this MAGLEV system. In the main embodiment of this invention, propulsion currents are injected into brushes sliding along brush contact surfaces on the rail. Motion induced currents in the coils realize both the necessary levitation and guidance forces for the vehicle.

Abstract: A transportation system for levitated propulsion of a vehicle relative to a guideway having first sections for linear vehicle travel and second sections for turning movements of the vehicle is disclosed. The system includes AC-excited magnets for low-speed levitated travel in pivot turns, guideway switching areas, and curving sections of guideway including superelevated structure. The system includes guideway mounted primary electrical members in pivot turns and guideway switching areas. In switching areas vehicle steering is provided by null flux loops located on the guideway structure. In the curving sections of guideway, there is a dovetail trough containing secondary electrical members that interact with deployable primary electrical members on the vehicle which are independently positioned and powered for propelling the vehicle along the curving sections.

Abstract: The electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway includes a beam support member, and a transverse structural slab member mounted on top of the beam support member. The structural slab member includes top and bottom structural plates mounted to the top and bottom surface of the structural slab member. The guideway includes vertical lift, lateral stability, and linear synchronous motor coils with a null flux geometry in the guideway that interact with superconducting magnets of the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to safely reach speeds of up to 350 mph with relatively low power consumption. A kinetic energy absorption structure is provided on the guideway that is capable of high speed mechanical braking of the vehicle if the superconducting magnets of the vehicle fail. A sloped top protective cover over the energy absorption structure is provided to minimize adhesion and buildup of snow and ice, and extends over the sides of the guideway.

Abstract: A Linear Synchronous Motor for a high-speed, ground transportation vehicle includes a linear extended guideway stator assembly containing two extended symmetrical three-phase stator windings supported on the guideway and a rotor installed on the vehicle chassis and having an even number of identical units. When the winding is powered by three-phase sinusoidal current of constant frequency, the traveling wave of the sinusoidal current arises and runs along the stator. By varying the length of the turns of the stator windings, the velocity of the traveling wave is variable on different sections of the guideway, which include acceleration section, constant velocity section and deceleration section. Each of the rotor units includes vertically magnetized permanent magnets and two "C"-shaped steel cores which close the magnetic lines through two parallel air gaps. The permanent magnets move downward and upward within the "C"-shaped steel cores.

Abstract: Aircraft with full flight capability are connected to structural cables by an electrically powered drive element traveling inside the structural cables. Electricity distribution cables, part of a power distribution grid, connect to the structural cable along its length and provide power to the drive element. A linear series of annular electromagnets in the structural cable encircle a linear array of circular electromagnets in the drive element. A centralized computer controls a constantly changing phase shift in the electromagnets along the structural cable causing the drive element electromagnets to move through the structural cable without contacting the structural cable. The aircraft is connected by cables or rods to the drive elements. Retractable delta wings, an airfoil body, and a controlled angle of attack create lift maintaining the aircraft in flight as the drive element moves through the structural cable.

Abstract: The proposed Magneto-Dynamic Levitation and Stabilizing Self-Regulating System (MDLSS) is designated for the stable flight of a heavy body along a given trajectory and can be employed for the magnetic levitation of vehicles and cars in high-speed ground transportation systems and for self-regulating magnetic bearings, various devices for ground acceleration, and also in the launching of space ships, missiles, and other technologies. The MDLSS system includes identical unique units connected rigidly with each other by non-magnetic ties and oriented relative to each other such that de-stabilizing forces created in one unit are compensated by stabilizing forces created in another unit once the equilibrium has been violated. Each of the units contains two extended steel cores (C-shaped in their cross-section), both lateral surfaces of which are covered by non-magnetic metallic screens, and a magnet assembly placed symmetrically in the air gap between the tips of the cores.

Abstract: The electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway includes a beam support member, and a transverse structural slab member mounted on top of the beam support member. The structural slab member includes top and bottom structural plates mounted to the top and bottom surface of the structural slab member. The guideway includes vertical lift, lateral stability, and linear synchronous motor coils with a null flux geometry in the guideway that interact with superconducting magnets of the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to safely reach speeds of up to 350 mph with relatively low power consumption. A kinetic energy absorption structure is provided on the guideway that is capable of high speed mechanical braking of the vehicle if the superconducting magnets of the vehicle fail. A sloped top protective cover over the energy absorption means is provided to minimize adhesion and buildup of snow and ice, and extends over the sides of the guideway.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic track positioning type magnetic levitation transport system which transports without contact a large variety of ferromagnetic objects without impairing the expandability of the track. The track is composed of support units 3, propulsion units 5 and guidance units 7. In the support units 3, multiple magnetic support units 15 are mounted so that they are vertically moveable. Attraction control device 19 performs levitation control which contributes to the vertical movement of the center of gravity of the part of steel plate X overlapping support unit 3 and levitation control which contributes to the rolling of the same part of steel plate X. The height of steel plate X is maintained at a specified position by controlling height adjustment mechanisms with height control system 53. Stabilization of the pitching of steel plate X accomplished using coil springs 47 and dampers 49 which are provided in support units 3.

Abstract: A vehicle system for driving and supporting a vehicle by magnetic force along a vehicle travel path includes a guide rail extending along the vehicle travel path; longitudinal stators stationarily mounted along the guide rail; a vehicle including a vehicle shell and a vehicle chassis supporting the vehicle shell; a carrier bar secured to the chassis; permanent magnets mounted on the carrier bar for cooperating with the longitudinal stators to generate a magnetic carrying force opposing the vehicle weight; and first and second guide rollers each having a roller shaft rigidly supported relative to the carrier bar and rollingly engaging the guide rail for maintaining constant an airgap between the permanent magnets and the longitudinal stators. The first and second rollers take up, until their load limit is reached, any deficiency or excess in the magnetic carrying force to entirely compensate for the vehicle weight.

Abstract: A propulsion and stabilization system with a plurality of superconducting magnetic devices affixed to the dual-keels of a vehicle, where the superconducting magnetic devices produce a magnetic field when energized. The system also includes a plurality of figure-eight shaped null-flux coils affixed to opposing vertical sides of slots in a guideway. The figure-eight shaped null-flux coils are vertically oriented, laterally cross-connected in parallel, longitudinally connected in series, and continue the length of the vertical slots providing levitation and guidance force. An external power source energizes the figure-eight shaped null-flux coils to create a magnetic traveling wave that interacts with the magnetic field produced by the superconducting magnets to impart motion to the vehicle.

Abstract: A power supply system for a long-stator drive, whose stator winding along a path for a magnetic levitation train is subdivided into several controllable stator segments. The stator segments are controllable via at least one segment switch on at least one section cable system running along the stator segments. At least one frequency transformer is provided per section cable system, with the frequency transformer(s) arranged in at least one substation along the stator segments. Each frequency transformer generates a supply voltage system for the stator segments, with the nominal voltage in the section cable system being greater than the nominal voltage of the stator segments. At least one matching transformer is connected between the section cable systems and the stator segments, through which the nominal voltage of the section cable system can be transformed down to the nominal voltage of the stator segments.

Abstract: A stabilization and propulsion system comprising a series of loop-coils arranged in parallel rows wherein two rows combine to form one of two magnetic rails. Levitation and lateral stability are provided when the induced field in the magnetic rails interacts with the superconducting magnets mounted on the magnetic levitation vehicle. The loop-coils forming the magnetic rails have specified dimensions and a specified number of turns and by constructing differently these specifications, for one rail with respect to the other, the angle of tilt of the vehicle can be controlled during directional switching. Propulsion is provided by the interaction of a traveling magnetic wave associated with the coils forming the rails and the super conducting magnets on the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is capable of high-speed transportation of passengers and/or freight. Vehicles are operated along a guideway as a result of the interaction between vehicle lift, steering and propulsion apparatus, each of which includes coil assemblies that are mounted on the vehicle, and magnet assemblies mounted on the guideway. Vehicle propulsion is provided by the interaction of currents on the vehicle with time-varying magnetic fields that are generated along the guideway. The coils and magnets interact in accordance with the magnitude of electric current passing through the coils and the strength of the magnets' fields, to give lift and directional control to the vehicle. The lift and steering magnets provide substantially uniform magnetic fields so that the interaction between the lift coils and lift magnets, and respectively between the steering coils and steering magnets is substantially independent of positioning of the corresponding coils.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting material, such as semiconductor wafers, between process modules coupled to a chamber. The transport apparatus includes a chamber; guide rails affixed to an outer surface of the chamber; one or more material transporters each including a motorized vehicle positioned outside the chamber and movable along the guide rails, a material carrier positioned inside the chamber, and magnetic levitation means for magnetically coupling the material carrier to the motorized vehicle through a nonmagnetic wall of the chamber; and a controller that controls the position of the motorized vehicle along the guide devices to move the material carrier to desired positions within the chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle has a rotary magnetic field member which is rotatably supported at a position near the surface of a roadway along which the vehicle runs and rotatingly driven by a driving device. The rotary magnetic field member has magnetic poles of different polarities alternately arranged around its circumference. The vehicle also has an electrical power collector for receiving electrical power from an electrical power supply associated with the roadway. The received electrical power is supplied under the control of a controller to the driving device thereby rotatably driving the rotary magnetic field member. The rotary magnetic field member when rotated relative to the roadway made of an electrically conductive non-magnetic material, forms a varying magnetic field in cooperation with the roadway, thereby generating propulsion force for propelling the vehicle and force for suspending the vehicle, so that the vehicle is propelled in a floating state.

Abstract: Ground coils for a magnetically levitated railway include non-flux coils with an upper coil having a main-winding portion and an intermediate terminal forming a shunt-winding portion of the main-winding portion. A lower coil having a main-winding portion and an intermediate terminal forming a shunt-winding portion of the main-winding portion. The upper coil and the lower coils are arranged one above the other and are null-flux connected at null-flux connection points. A first lead terminal is connected to one null-flux connection point and a second lead terminal is connected to the intermediate terminal of the upper coil and the intermediate terminal of the lower coil for connecting to a power source and/or for interconnecting coils on left and right sides to provide guidance forces to the superconducting coils on the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is capable of high-speed transportation of passengers and/or freight. Vehicles (22) are operated along a guideway (14) as a result of the interaction between vehicle lift, steering and propulsion apparatus, each of which includes coil assemblies that are mounted on the vehicle (22), and magnet assemblies mounted on the guideway (14). Vehicle propulsion is provided by the interaction of currents on the vehicle (22) with time-varying magnetic fields that are generated along the guideway (14). The coils and magnets interact in accordance with the magnitude of electric current passing through the coils and the strength of the magnets' fields, to give lift and directional control to the vehicle.

Abstract: A propulsion and stabilization system comprising a series of FIG. 8 coils mounted vertically on the walls of the guideway to provide suspension, lateral guidance and propulsion of a magnetically levitated vehicle. This system further allows for altering the magnetic field effects by changing the relative position of the loops comprising the FIG. 8 coils either longitudinally and/or vertically with resulting changes in the propulsion, the vertical stability, and the suspension.

Abstract: Apparatus for propelling, suspending and guiding a conveyance across ground without contact between said conveyance and said ground, comprising an electromagnetic, air cored induction motor including a primary formed of a coaxial array of coils; means for energizing said coils with polyphase electrical alternating currents to create an electromagnetic wave traveling longitudinally along the array; a secondary formed of a sleeve concentric to and surrounding said array of coils and made of conducting material, said sleeve being electromagnetically coupled to said primary and being cut along a longitudinal generatrix thereof to define a slot permitting the support means which supports the primary to pass there through.

Abstract: The transferring device is provided with a cylindrical partition wall formed with reduced thickness portions 14. A floating carrier 3 is disposed around the cylindrical partition wall and is provided with target pieces 15. The reduced thickness portion 14 is formed by recessing the outer peripheral face 1a of the partition wall 1 along the lengthwise direction thereof. Electromagnets 10, 11 are mounted on an actuating block 4 within the tubular partition wall 1 in opposed relation to the reduced thickness portions 14. The target piece 15 are also opposed in alignment with the reduced thickness portions 14. The partition wall 1 has a sufficient thickness other than the reduced thickness portions 14 so as to ensure physical strength of the partition wall 1. Magnetic force is applied from the electromagnets 10, 11 to the target pieces 15 through the reduced thickness partition 14, thereby supporting the floating carrier 3 with a reduced amount of an exciting current flowing through the electromagnets 10, 11.

Abstract: A linear synchronous motor for a high speed, ground transportation vehicle includes a linear stator assembly that is divided into sections. The stator assembly has an air gap and generates a magnetic field traveling wave therein from a constant frequency alternating current. The traveling wave has variable speeds and accelerations along different sections of the stator. A rotor assembly has a plurality of magnets forming at least one pole-pitch of a variable length. The rotor assembly is coupled to the vehicle and disposed in the air gap of the stator and runs laterally therewith, producing an attractive force between a magnetic field of the rotor and the traveling wave of the stator. The rotor has at least one magnet that includes an upper portion, a lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion, and a nonmagnetic coupler rigidly coupling the upper portion of the magnet to the lower portion. The magnetic field of the rotor propels the vehicle.

Abstract: A levitation system of a magnetically levitated train is provided wherein superconducting magnets are installed in a car body, and the first layer and the second layer of levitation coils are so arranged as to be in a shifted location relative to each other in the moving direction of the train. By making the levitation coils two layers and by arranging the two layers in the shifted location relative to each other in the moving direction, amplitude of higher harmonic waves is reduced to a very small level, substantially to zero.

Abstract: A magnetically levitated vehicle adapted for movement along a guideway, comprising a passenger compartment, at least first and second primary magnets and a plurality of confining magnets. The first and second primary magnets are secured on the vehicle to produce a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density extending outward from the primary magnets, to support the vehicle spaced from and to move the vehicle along the guideway. The plurality of confining magnets are disposed on the vehicle to confine the magnetic flux extending outward from the primary magnets and to reduce the strength of the primary magnetic field in the passenger compartment. Preferably, the confining magnets maintain the strength of the magnetic field in the passenger compartment below 5 gauss; and even more preferably, those magnets are used to maintain the strength of the primary magnetic field in the passenger compartment below 1 gauss.

Abstract: A linear synchronous motor for a high speed, ground transportation vehicle is provided. The motor includes a linear stator assembly that is divided into sections. The stator assembly has an air gap and generates a magnetic field traveling wave therein from a constant frequency alternating current. The traveling wave has variable speeds and accelerations along different sections of the stator. A rotor assembly has a plurality of magnets forming at least one pole-pitch of a variable length. The rotor assembly is coupled to the vehicle and disposed in the air gap of the stator and runs laterally therewith, producing an attractive force between a magnetic field of the rotor and the traveling wave of the stator. The magnetic field of the rotor propels the vehicle. The magnetic field of the rotor also generates a levitation force levitating the vehicle.

Abstract: A superconductive magnetically levitated railway is provided with six phases of propulsion-levitation-guidance ground coils arranged on both side walls of a track, and with a pair of superconducting magnets, which are mounted on the vehicle, corresponding to the six phases of the ground coils. The ground coils are a U-phase coil, a negative W-phase coil, a V-phase coil, a negative U-phase coil, a W-phase coil and a negative V-phase coil arranged successively at a 60.degree. pitch along both side walls of the track. As a result, higher harmonics of the magnetic field produced by the propulsion-levitation-guidance ground coils can be reduced. In addition, the number of layers of the ground coils can be reduced one and the number of ground coils can be decreased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic levitating transport system for transporting a levitating body composed of conductive paramagnetic or non-magnetic metal above electromagnet arrays by generating an alternating magnetic field in a pair of parallel electromagnet arrays.The dimensions of the levitating body are expressed in relation to dimensions of the electromagnet arrays, as well as, other dimensions of the levitating body. The specific symmetrical shape, having a flat underside, allows the levitating body to manoeuvre a curve having a large curvature. In addition, perpendicular direction changes are effected using transportation passages.

Abstract: In a tire for a levitation-type vehicle for supporting a load which varies depending upon a change in speed of the levitation-type vehicle at landing and during subsequent traveling thereof, a configuration of a crown and rigidity of the crown are set so as to have a ground-contact configuration in which, when a load of the levitation-type vehicle is equal to or less than 45% at its full load, a ratio of a ground-contact length of a pair of shoulders in a circumferential direction of the tire with respect to a ground-contact length, in the circumferential direction of the tire, of a central portion of the crown in the widthwise direction is 0.6.about.1.5. Accordingly, the tire for the levitation-type vehicle has a wide ground-contact area at an initial stage of landing and traveling.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus comprises a carrying body for holding a glass plate thereon, a pair of elongated stationary members extended in a vacuum chamber in which processing stages for forming films on the glass plate by a vapor deposition method are provided, a linear motor transportation device provided at one of the stationary members, and a pair of movable members provided at both sides of the carrying body so that the movable members are moved along the stationary members in a non-contacting state by the action of the linear motor device.

Abstract: An AC magnetic floating apparatus for floating and conveying a conductive floating body of paramagnetic or nonmagnetic metallic material above a line of AC electromagnets, includes a single-phase AC current source having a first frequency for floating the floating body, a three-phase AC current source having a second frequency for conveying the floating body, an adder for adding AC current from the two current source and a supply circuit for supplying the added Ac currents to the line of AC electromagnets. The floating body can be stopped at a desired position exactly with efficient conveyance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dual rail track permanent way for a wheel/rail system and a magnetic rail system whose carriages are of a height which lies within the clearance profile of track, the guiding magnets are situated inside the span of the carrier magnets, next to each rail of the rail track a magnetic rail runs outside the clearance profile of rail track and opening points are provided at which one system can be sideways displaced in relation to the other system and a section of the magnetic rail which passes through the clearance profile of rail track is designed as a gate which can be swung out of the said clearance profile and the operating equipment of the wheel/rail system is fitted outside the clearance profile of the magnetic track system.

Abstract: In a transportation system of a floated-carrier type, a carrier is suspended from a guide rail, in a non-contact manner, and is proelled along the guide rail. The transportation system includes a plurality of track units, each having the ferromagnetic guide rail, an electrical wire, and a pair of connectors provided to both ends of the electrical wire. Each track unit comprises minimum and necessary elements required for traveling the carrier. When a connector of one track unit and that of the other track unit are connected, connection of electrical wires necessary for this system is completed. For this reason, an operation for mounting the electrical wires in the track can be omitted, and installation of the track can be facilitated. Furthermore, when the travel path of the carrier is to be modified, a combination of track units can be freely changed, thus realizing various travel paths of the carriers. For this reason, the travel path can be easily modified.

Abstract: A levitation-magnetic-force generating apparatus for linear motor cars including a plurality of electromagnets having a one and single core. The core comprises two plate-like side iron cores arranged in parallel with each other and separated from each other by a gap and a plurality of center iron cores located between the two side iron cores and separated with each other by another gap. Both side edges of each center iron core are fixed to the side iron cores by welding. Each of the center iron cores has a magnetic coil wound around the periphery thereof. The core is mounted in a truck body of a body of the linear motor car so that the longitudinal axis of the core is directed in parallel to the moving direction of the car's body.

Abstract: A compact magnetic levitation vehicle or car provides passenger comfort consistent with automobiles and travels suspended on ferromagnetic rails in evacuated tubes of minimal radial dimension extending between vehicle loading and unloading stations or at atmospheric conditions. A pair of guides extend outwardly along opposite sides of the vehicle and contain magnetic elements. Electrically conductive, ferromagnetic, magnetic, or electromagnetic sections in the rails correspond to the magnetic elements in the vehicle guides. Linear motors or controlled interaction with rail members provide propulsion and braking. Extensive portions of the evacuated tubes are provided with two sets of rails, one set of rails functionally located above the other. Rail switching is accomplished by selectively interacting with alternative levitation rails which are located at switching locations. Tube evacuation may be supplemented by vacuum pumps on the vehicle to draw in air during travel.

Abstract: A rail switch point element for a track system has a longitudinal axis of rotation and is rotatable about the axis to selectively switch between a straight ahead and a turnout position. A first straight track piece has first and second orthogonal planar surfaces extending in a longitudinal direction. The first surface is a tracking surface when switched to the straight ahead position. The axis of rotation extends longitudinally through the first straight track piece. A first curved track piece has a curved surface fixedly attached along an edge to the second surface of the first straight track piece, and has a bent planar surface orthogonal to the curved surface. The bent planar surface is a tracking surface when switched to the turnout position.

Abstract: A superconducting magnetic levitated train and train system which includes a plurality of cars connected to each other, a group of superconducting magnets attached to the cars and a coil provided on the ground so that the superconducting magnetic levitated train is levitated by the magnetically induced repulsion between the superconducting magnets and the coil on the ground. The invention is characterized in that the superconducting magnet on a specified car has a predetermined stability margin which is larger than the stability margin of a superconducting magnet on the other cars. A method of controlling the superconducting magnetic levitated train which includes detecting a driven state of a superconducting magnet on a specified car and varying and controlling the travelling conditions for the train so that the stability margin of the superconducting magnet on the specific car is changed in accordance with the command from a train control.

Abstract: A device for driving a vehicle by magnetic levitation includes a synchronous long-stator motor, with a long stator winding extending along a track of the vehicle and subdivided into a plurality of discrete stator winding sections (3.11 to 3.19; 3.21 to 3.29). The vehicle which is movable on the track supports several fixedly mounted exciters cooperating with the stator winding sections. At least one section cable (17, 28) is arranged parallel to a portion of the track and each of its ends is connected to a power sub-station. The section cable has a plurality of consecutive tap points each being connectable via a switching device to an assigned stator winding section. The switching devices are activated when the vehicle runs over the corresponding winding section.

Abstract: An attraction type magnetic levitation vehicle system includes a magnetic rail laid on the side of a track and a levitation vehicle having a supporting electromagnet and a guide electromagnet each having a plurality of magnetic poles arrayed along the track. A magnetic pole surface of each of the plurality of magnetic poles is in opposing relationship to a surface of the magnetic rail, respectively. The magnetic pole surface of at least one of the supporting and guide electromagnets and the surface of the magnetic rail opposing the magnetic pole surface is in the form of a rectangular waveform having a plurality of alternating groove-and-teeth pairs arranged at a predetermined pitch. The distances from one of the plurality of magnetic poles each having the rectangular-wave-shaped magnetic pole surface of the remaining magnetic poles are staggered by less than one pitch from an integer multiple of the predetermined pitch.

Abstract: A levitation, propulsion and guidance mechanism for an inductive repulsion-type magnetically levitated railway in which a vehicle runs along a track bed has superconducting coils fixedly arranged vertically on both sides of the truck of the vehicle at predetermined intervals therealong in a direction of travel of the vehicle. Propulsion coils are arranged on opposed walls of the track bed at predetermined intervals therealong in the direction of travel of said vehicle, and a propulsion power supply is connected to the propulsion conductor coils. Levitation-guidance conductor coils, each comprising upper and lower conductor coils positioned to have vertical symmetry, are disposed on sides of the propulsion conductor coils facing the superconducting coils and are arranged at predetermined intervals along the direction of travel of the vehicle.