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 vehicle comprising a body (2) mounted on a levitation chassis (5) by means of pneumatic springs (4), said levitation chassis being supported, in turn, on pairs of levitation magnets (35A, 35B) by means of adjacent supporting points (5b). According to the invention, control devices (14) are associated with the pneumatic springs (4) in such a way that the air pressure of the springs can be automatically reduced to a pre-selected fraction of the nominal air pressure if one of the two levitation magnets (e.g. 35A) fails.

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: 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 system and method are provided for determining the position of a vehicle on a guideway. For operation, the vehicle carries a magnetic array having a wavelength “?”. Further, the guideway includes a propulsion winding for carrying a propulsion current. Also, the guideway is provided with a position winding that has the same wavelength “?” and includes two helical wires that are displaced from each other by “?/4”. Importantly, a transmitter is located on the vehicle for emitting a position current that interacts with the position winding to generate a return signal from each helical wire. Also, the system includes a processor for receiving and evaluating the return signals to determine the position of the vehicle on the guideway. As a result, the determined position is used to maximize the interaction of the propulsion current with the magnetic array for propulsion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining the position of a vehicle on a guideway. For operation, the vehicle includes a magnet system having a wavelength “?”. Further, the guideway includes a propulsion winding for carrying a propulsion current. Structurally, the propulsion winding includes a series of sections, with each section having a wavelength “?”. Further, the propulsion winding includes “N” coils linearly aligned along the guideway, with a phase difference of “?/N” between adjacent coils. Importantly, a transmitter is located on the vehicle for emitting a position current that interacts with the propulsion winding to produce a signal in each coil. Also, the system includes a trap connected to each coil for receiving each respective signal, and a processor for resolving the respective signals to determine the position of the vehicle on the guideway.

Abstract: A vehicle physical quantity estimating device including: a longitudinal vehicle body velocity estimating unit, estimating a longitudinal vehicle body velocity based on vehicle wheel velocities of each wheel; a longitudinal/lateral acceleration state value deviation computing unit, computing deviations in longitudinal and lateral acceleration state values based on output sensor signals corresponding to detected values of the vehicle motions of triaxial accelerations and triaxial angular velocities output from a sensor, and the estimated longitudinal vehicle body velocity; a low pass filter, letting only signals corresponding to motions that need attention pass through from the longitudinal/lateral acceleration state value deviation computing unit 14; and an attitude angle estimating unit, estimating the attitude angle based on the sensor signal(s), and signal(s) representing the deviations in longitudinal and lateral acceleration state values after low pass filter processing.

Abstract: A distance sensor configuration for a magnet of the levitation magnet of a magnetic levitation transport system equipped with a number of distance sensors. Each distance sensor has a distance measuring coil acted upon by an operating frequency and can be placed in an installation space on the magnet. In order to obtain reliable distance measurement values by using a distance sensor configuration of the aforementioned type, the distance measuring coil of each distance sensor is connected to a programmable module for generating an operating frequency. The distance sensor contains a location information querying device for querying an installation space-specific location information providing device in the installation space. The location information querying device is connected on the input side to the programmable module.

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: 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: A method is described 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. The invention also relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle operated in this way.

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 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 and a magnetic levitation vehicle operating with this method are described. For the control of support gaps (10a, 10b) that are formed during operation of the magnetic levitation vehicle (1) between a track (2, 3, 4) and a number of carrying magnets (6a, 6b) fastened to said magnetic levitation vehicle (1) and provided with windings (16a, 16b), wherein at least two carrying magnets (6a, 6b) in adjacent positions act upon a suspension frame (8) of said magnetic levitation vehicle (1), the electrical currents flowing through the windings (16a, 16b) are so controlled that the support gaps (10a, 10b) between these two carrying magnets (6a, 6b) and the track (2, 3, 4) adopt pre-determined nominal values (na, nb).

Abstract: A method for measuring the gap between a levitation magnet of a vehicle of a magnetic levitation railway and a fixed reaction rail of the magnetic levitation railway and for generating a gap measured value which specifies the size of the gap. In order to form the gap measured value, the magnetic field, which is generated by the levitation magnet, or at least a measured variable associated with the field is evaluated.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation guideway-train system is provided. The levitation power chambers located at a lower portion of the train are fitted in the grooved guideway, and the side permanent magnets of the levitation power chambers and the ferromagnetic balance levitation tracks correspond to one another so as to generate upward or downward balance attractive force for the train. Wing permanent magnets at the bottom of the levitation power chamber and the permanent magnet tracks correspond to one another so that the identical poles of the wing permanent magnets and the permanent magnet tracks repel one another to provide the train with an upward repulsion levitation force.

Abstract: A guiding magnet system for a magnetic levitation vehicle is described. The guiding magnet system has a plurality of magnet arrangements (50, 51, 57) which each comprise a core (33) extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and have at least two winding levels (planes). In each winding plane an even number of windings (58, 60 or 59, 62) is provided. At one end of the magnet arrangements (50, 51, 57) two windings (e.g. 58a, 58b) each lying one behind the other but diagonally above each other and being connected in series, form a pair of windings linked to an assigned control circuit. At the other end of said magnet arrangement either also two such winding pairs or single winding pairs are provided which comprise two windings (60a, 60b or 61a, 61b) arranged one behind the other. Further, a magnetic levitation vehicle equipped with such a guiding magnet system is described (FIG. 10).

Abstract: A permanent magnetic levitation apparatus comprises a permanent magnetic track unit and permanent magnetic levitation wing unit provided on a magnetic levitation vehicle and levitated above the track unit, in which the wing unit includes a ferromagnetic wing trough having an open bottom, a wing permanent magnet disposed in the wing trough, and non-ferromagnetic spacers which are disposed between the side walls of the wing trough and the wing permanent magnet, and the track unit includes a ferromagnetic track trough having an open top, a track permanent magnet disposed in the track trough, and non-ferromagnetic spacers disposed between the side walls of the track trough and the track permanent magnet, so that the wing permanent magnet and the track permanent magnet are disposed so that their poles with the same polarities face each other.

Abstract: A permanent magnetic levitation apparatus comprises a permanent magnetic track unit and permanent magnetic levitation wing unit provided on a magnetic levitation vehicle and levitated above the track unit, in which the wing unit includes a ferromagnetic wing trough having an open bottom, wing permanent magnets disposed in the wing trough, and non-ferromagnetic spacers which are disposed between the side walls of the wing trough and the wing permanent magnets, and the track unit includes a ferromagnetic track trough having an open top, track permanent magnets disposed in the track trough, and non-ferromagnetic spacers disposed between the side walls of the track trough and the track permanent magnets, so that the wing permanent magnets and the track permanent magnets are disposed so that their poles with the same polarity face each other.

Abstract: A non-contact conveying device (10) using superconducting magnetic levitation capable of stably conveying an object (11), including: a conveying table (12) having a bottom with permanent magnets (16-19) to convey the object (11); a conveying guide unit (13) having superconductors (20) immediately below the respective magnets (16-19); distance sensors (21) on the conveying guide unit (13) for detecting a distance between the conveying table (12) and the conveying guide unit (13); damping coils (25) in the conveying guide unit (13) for generating a magnetic field upon energization thereof to damp vibration of the conveying table (12); and a control device (27) for detecting vibration of the conveying table (12) by signals from the distance sensors (21) and for controlling current applied to the damping coils (25). If disturbance occurs on the object (11) conveyed contactlessly by the superconducting magnetic levitation, the vibration is stopped within a short period of time.

Abstract: A method and a magnetic levitation vehicle operating with this method are described. For the control of support gaps (10a, 10b) that are formed during operation of the magnetic levitation vehicle (1) between a track (2, 3, 4) and a number of carrying magnets (6a, 6b) fastened to said magnetic levitation vehicle (1) and provided with windings (16a, 16b), wherein at least two carrying magnets (6a, 6b) in adjacent positions act upon a suspension frame (8) of said magnetic levitation vehicle (1), the electrical currents flowing through the windings (16a, 16b) are so controlled that the support gaps (10a, 10b) between these two carrying magnets (6a, 6b) and the track (2, 3, 4) adopt pre-determined nominal values (na, nb).

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 compensation type suspending-rail permanent magnetic levitation system includes a track unit and a vehicle unit, the track unit includes a suspending arch crosstie, and balancing guide levitation rails are symmetrically disposed on two inner sides of the suspending arch crosstie. Permanent magnetic rails are disposed on upper surfaces of ends at an open side of the suspending arch crosstie and auxiliary guide rails are disposed on end surface of the ends, respectively. The vehicle unit includes a compartment and a magnetic levitation cabin. Two balancing permanent magnets of opposite magnetic poles are disposed on both outer sides of the cabin respectively, and magnetically conductive bases are provided between the balancing permanent magnets and the cabin. Guide wheels are provided between the two balancing permanent magnets on one outer side of the cabin.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation apparatus supports a magnetic element in a magnetic field. A control system controls a variable magnetic field to maintain the magnetic element at an equilibrium location relative to an unstable axis. In some embodiments the variable magnetic field has a gradient in the direction of the unstable axis but no field component. In some embodiments the magnetic field is provided by an array of four discrete magnets. In some embodiments additional magnets provide increased field intensity at the equilibrium location this increases stability of the levitated magnetic element against overturning. Light and electrical power may be supplied to the levitating magnetic element.

Abstract: An energy converting system is comprised of a track, a controller, and a magnetized body located on the track and including an energy converting unit. The track comprises electrically connected coil windings spaced apart in a series way along the track to form a 3-phase linear stator. The controller is electrically connected with the linear stator and generates a combination waveform consisting of a multi-phase propulsion signal and a power signal. The propulsion and power signals are at different frequencies. The propulsion signal causes the interaction of the magnetized body with the linear stator, thus propelling the magnetized body along the track. The energy converting unit comprises electrically connected energy consuming means and at least one pick-up coil inductively coupled to the linear stator, thus providing power to the energy consuming means.

Abstract: A transportation system is provided, in which a light-weight, small-sized vehicle can be used. This transportation system comprises a rail extending between stations, vehicle capable of running on the rail and carrying a drive unit, first zone for accelerating the vehicle from a stopped condition to a required speed by a propulsion force supplied from a propulsion supply unit provided from one of the stations toward the other station by a predetermined distance, and a second zone not having the propulsion supply unit, in which the vehicle accelerated in the first zone travels on the rail by the propulsion force supplied from the drive unit.

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: A magnetic levitation system, includes a base module having a plurality of coils spaced in a matrix configuration. The system also includes a platform module having a plurality of focusing magnets and a plurality of lifting magnets. Activation of the plurality of coils by way of an electric current supplied to the plurality of coils creates a magnetic field strength which provides a force that levitates the platform module over the base module. The system also includes a position and orientation sensing and feedback system provided on the platform module.

Abstract: A system for levitating and propelling a vehicle along a stationary guideway includes a linear synchronous motor (LSM) having a component mounted on the vehicle and a component mounted on the guideway. The LSM components interact to generate electromagnetic forces that act to levitate the vehicle and electromagnetic forces that act to propel the vehicle along the guideway. The gap between LSM components is maintained by an electrodynamic system (EDS) having a component mounted on the vehicle and a component mounted on the guideway. The EDS components cooperate to create an electromagnetic force that acts with the levitation forces created by the LSM to maintain the LSM gap within a predetermined range. Maintenance of the LSM gap stabilizes the LSM and allows the LSM to operate efficiently within a pre-selected range of vehicle speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for control of attractive magnetic levitation comprising operating an inertial measurement unit and employing output of the inertial measurement unit as a primary feedback of a control loop.

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 carriage transporting apparatus is capable of transporting one or more carriages along a track, substantially free of mechanical friction or magnetic drag, by magnetically supporting the carriages in a first direction and by stabilizing the position of the carriages in a second direction by passive means.

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: A monorail system for passenger and light freight transportation provides a support structure with an essentially planar top surface and a stabilizer guide rail having a vertical web portion supporting a head portion. The head guides a vehicle along the top surface while conductors secured to the web portion transmit electrical current to the vehicle through a current collector secured to the vehicle. A portion of the stabilizer guide rail may be flexible providing a simple, inexpensive device for switching the vehicle between a plurality of tracks. The system operates equally well with a variety of vehicle propulsion and suspension systems including electromechanical, magnetic levitation or linear electric motors. In addition, the system may be operated with a semi-maglev system, wherein the vehicle is partially supported by wheels and magnetic levitation.

Abstract: A transportation system with high-efficiency and large-capacity utilizing potential energy. A transportation vehicle travels at a high speed by potential energy by a level difference on a magnetic levitation guide disposed in a vacuum transportation passage to transport transportation cargoes to a destination location. The transportation vehicle is levitated on the magnetic levitation guide non-contactingly and with a low frictional resistance utilizing a superconduction. Superconductive magnetic levitation holds the transportation vehicle at a stable floated position mainly utilizing a binding force by the pinning effect of a superconductor.

Abstract: A frictionless transport apparatus for transporting an object from a first to a second station is disclosed. The apparatus has a frame extending between the first and second stations and a carriage mounted for movement along said frame, in a levitated condition. A substantial portion of the weight of the carriage and load is supported by biasing magnets on the frame and carriage. The carriage and load are stabilized in a levitated condition by magnetic interactions between a diamagnetic plate on the carriage and a magnetic array extending along the frame. The carriage is moved in its levitated condition by a frictionless drive system, such as an electromagnetic, electrostatic, or pneumatic drive system. Also disclosed is a method of frictionless transport of an object between first and second stations.

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 sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. The sorting conveyor includes: a conveyor track; a train of conveyor carts connected end-to-end. Each of the conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base having a roller structure for engaging the conveyor track, an extended fin driven member responsive to an linear induction motor including a guide roller assembly, and a hitch mechanism for connecting each conveyor cart to an adjacent conveyor cart. The linear induction motor including a guide roller assembly for moving the conveyor carts on the conveyor track includes a motor; a mounting frame attached to the conveyor track for supporting the motor; and a pair of cantilevered, guide rollers connected to a motor and adjacent to each surface of the extended fin driven member for off-setting the mechanical load of the other guide roller.

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 speed control system for a sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor. The conveyor system includes a plurality of selectively energized linear induction motors for driving the train along the conveyor track. A speed control system including a fixed-frequency, variable-voltage transformer is connected to a portion of the linear induction motors for varying the speed of the train.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating a sensor signal related a track-banking angle of a banked section of track traversed by a train car wherein a track-banking angle value basically is determined from measured values of the rolling angular speed and yaw speed of the car chassis. A track-banking angle (.PHI.g) is determined in an observer unit (2), preferably estimated by use of an inverse gyro system simulation (10) of a measured-value generator (6), and compared, as an estimated track-banking angle (.PHI.gb), to a track-banking angle (.PHI.gs) determined from the transverse acceleration (aq), the yaw speed (.omega.G) and the train speed (v), as information about the track-banking angle (.PHI.g). A resulting difference (.DELTA..PHI.g) is filtered via a regulating circuit formed by a feedback from a comparator (11) to the inverse gyro system simulator (10). This signal, in the form of a track-banking angle (.PHI.b), as the signal representing the real track-banking angle (.PHI.

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: An electrodynamic suspension system levitates a platform or a transportation vehicle by an array of onboard superconducting electromagnetic coils forming a primary member overlying a secondary member on the guideway in a transverse flux orientation with respect to a plane of levitation of the moveable member above the secondary member on the guideway. The superconducting coils are energized by alternating current to produce an alternating field of magnetic flux. The frequency of the alternating current is selectable down to direct current. The frequency is selected to cause the vehicle to be levitated statically above the guideway. Once levitated the frequency is reduced as the speed of the vehicle increases along the guideway usually not in excess of 60 miles per hour.

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: In a method for measuring a distance between a conducting reaction track and a functional surface moving relative to the reaction track a sensor with two signal transmitters is provided on the functional surface. An alternating field is generated in the sensor. The alternating field changes as a function of the distance between the conducting reaction track and the functional surface. Each of the two signal transmitters detects the changes of the alternating field as distance information. Each signal transmitter produces decoupled distance information values. These decoupled distance information values are processed in separate distance measuring channels to provide processed signals. The processed signals are constantly fed to and compared in a comparator. A distance information signal is emitted only when the processed signals of the separate distance measuring channels are identical within a predetermined tolerance range.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation system with a near zero power-loss and a high ratio of lift-force to permanent-magnet-weight is disclosed. The present magnetic levitation system includes a ground-fixed object for sustaining a carrier device; a hybrid electromagnetic device located opposite to the ground-fixed object and having a magnetic coil, an air gap being defined between the ground-fixed object and the hybrid electromagnetic device, the attracting force being generated in the air gap, the hybrid electromagnetic device including a permanent magnet and an E-shaped electromagnet; and a feedback control device electrically connected to the hybrid electromagnetic device for generating a voltage control signal in response to a size of the air gap and the current in the electromagnetic coil, the voltage control signal controlling the attracting force to move the carrier device upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: An electrodynamic suspension system levitates a platform or a transportation vehicle by an array of onboard superconducting electromagnetic coils forming a primary member overlying a secondary member on the guideway in a transverse flux orientation with respect to a plane of levitation of the moveable member above the secondary member on the guideway. The superconducting coils are energized by alternating current to produce an alternating field of magnetic flux. The frequency of the alternating current is selectable down to direct current. The frequency is selected to cause the vehicle to be levitated statically above the guideway. Once levitated the frequency is reduced as the speed of the vehicle increases along the guideway usually not in excess of 60 miles per hour.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coil of a magnetic levitation apparatus for supporting a moving body without contact by utilizing electromagnetic force produced by electromagnetic induction. Upper and lower stages of a two-stage induction coil arranged vertically with respect to the direction of travel of the moving body are connected so as to have mutually opposing orientations and are arranged in an asymmetrical figure-eight structure in which the heights or the numbers of turns of the upper and lower stages of the induction coil differ from each other. A guidance force large enough to offset lateral displacement of the moving body is produced, generation of a moment in the rolling direction of the moving body is reduced and non-contact support of the moving body in a region of lower velocities is made possible.