Abstract: A propulsion system that uses an alternating series of magnetic forces, inertia, and gravitational drops to propel a magnetic object along a pathway. The pathway can be an undulating track that can retain an object thereon. A plurality of magnet pairs are placed along the track, one of each pair on either side of the track, the pairs in spaced relation from each other along the track. The magnet pairs are positioned and aligned so as to propel the object up each up-slope to a crest, at which point the object falls through gravity down the down-slope and gains inertia. The track can be configured linearly or in a circle, for example, depending upon the desired orientation. In an alternate embodiment, a magnet can be positioned atop the track to attract the object up the slope.

Abstract: The invention provides a steel wheel-type linear motor in which a protective cover 11 having insulating properties and coming in direct contact with a stator coil 9 is located on the ground side of the stator coil 9 protruding from a stator core 7; a vent hole 11a is formed in the protective cover 11 to be opposite to a gap formed between ends of the stator coil 9 protruding from the stator core 7; and a bar 10 protrudes from the stator core 7 and thus the protective cover 11 on the stator core 7 side is pressed onto the stator coil 9 to be supported by the bar 10, the protective cover 11 on the side opposite to the stator core 7 is fixed to the stator coil 9 by a fastener member 12 having insulating properties that goes through the vent holes 11a, and the stator coil 9 and the protective cover 11 are formed to be of integral structure using an insulating varnish.

Abstract: Primary coils of a linear motor are arranged along a travel route. A movable body has a secondary side of the linear motor. The travel route is divided into a plurality of zones, and a zone controller is provided for each zone or controlling the coils of the linear motor in the zone. A coordinate of the movable body outputted from a linear scale of the coil is converted into a coordinate based on the travel route.

Abstract: A method is for securing a laminated core, used to accommodate the stator winding of a linear motor, to a track. In particular, the track is for a magnetic levitation transport system. Provision is made for an installation module to be connected to the track and to have at least one pair of holes then aligned transversely with respect to the direction of travel in parallel, uncovered side walls. The laminated core, in which there is at least one channel, is then inserted into the installation module in a manner held by a clamping device until the at least one channel in the laminated core forms a continuous opening with the at least one pair of holes. A tube is then pushed into this opening and fixed there. The clamping device is then removed.

Abstract: A linear actuator, method manufacturing and method of using the linear actuator are provided. The invention includes a linear actuator having a plurality of annular magnets surrounded by a bobbin assembly having a coil system. The plurality of annular magnets can be arranged with alternating polarity. The bobbin assembly can be movable along a longitudinal axis extending through the plurality of annular magnets and can further comprise a coil system having coils arranged to, when energized, interact with at least one of the plurality of annular magnets to move the bobbin in a linear mode. Thus, by selectively energizing one or more of the coils, a motive force can be generated on the bobbin assembly by interacting with fields generated by the plurality of annular magnets.

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 conveying device for conveying articles, in particular vehicle bodies, in a known manner comprises at least one skid, which comprises two parallel skid runners and a supporting structure, which connects the skid runners to one another, for the article to be conveyed. The skid runners are supported on two parallel tracks, which extend along a conveying path. As a driving device a linear drive is used, which comprises a plurality of energizable primary parts disposed in a stationary manner along the conveying path. Provided on each skid is a secondary part, which interacts with the actually adjacent primary part. The length of the secondary part in conveying direction is tuned to the distance between the primary parts such that at least one primary part is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the secondary part.

Abstract: A linear actuator, method of manufacturing and method of using the linear actuator are provided. The invention includes a linear actuator having a plurality of annular magnets surrounded by a bobbin assembly having a coil system. The plurality of annular magnets can be arranged with alternating polarity. The bobbin assembly can be movable along a longitudinal axis extending through the plurality of annular magnets and can further comprise a coil system having coils arranged to, when energized, interact with at least one of the plurality of annular magnets to move the bobbin in a linear mode. Thus, by selectively energizing one or more of the coils, a motive force can be generated on the bobbin assembly by interacting with fields generated by the plurality of annular magnets.

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.

Abstract: Linear electric motors suitable for transportation of one or more vehicles along a road which may be a railroad, having electric coils as powerable motor parts and either nonferous metal plates, superconducting magnets or shorted coils as passive motor parts; employing a pulsating power source for powered motor parts, which power may be of constant or varying frequency; and having motor part spacing, and a space time relationship of motor part spacing and timing of said power source operation so as to require a minimum number of road parts per mile, and so as to provide continuous power transmission for propulsion and braking of said vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric motor for rotating an object around a central axis. The electric motor includes a motor casing. A circular segmented rail element is disposed within the motor casing about the central axis. The circular segmented rail element includes metallic non-ferrous segments interleaved with non-metallic segments. Each of the metallic non-ferrous segments has a predetermined segment length. At least one coil element is connected to the motor casing. The circular segmented rail element is disposed adjacent the at least one coil element. The at least one coil element has a predetermined coil length that is less than or equal to the predetermined segment length. The at least one coil element is configured to apply electromagnetic energy to the circular segmented rail element, such that the circular segmented rail element rotates around the central axis.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating take-off from or landing on aircraft on a short runway includes a linear array of individual linear induction motors placed along the short runway. A reaction plate mounted to the aircraft is either accelerated or decelerated by the individual linear induction motors. A control system associated with each individual linear induction motor senses the presence of the aircraft, determines its speed, and applies a predetermined amount of electrical energy to either accelerate or decelerate the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stability brake for absorbing parasitic vibrations of a stage moved to a working position in a motion system. The stability brake includes a motor coupled to a flexure plate through a translation system. The translation system translates horizontal motion of the motor into vertical motion of the flexure plate. The stability brake can be mounted to a stage in a motion system, such as a linear motion system. The stability brake is operative to absorb jitters and vibrations of the stage when the stage is moved to a working position in a motion system and held under servo at the working position.

Abstract: Transportation system comprising a large number of platforms which can be displaced along guides and a smaller number of displacement devices which can be coupled to and uncoupled from the said platforms. Each displacement device comprises a linear actuator comprising a moving part and a stationary part. The stationary part comprises a laminated plate assembly with coils, and the moving part comprises a structure with permanent magnets, such as neodymium magnets. On the linear actuator, there may be a further linear actuator, so that movement in two directions is possible. A transportation system of this type can be used in a parking garage for positioning vehicles.

Abstract: A linear motor is provided which includes members for engaging a magnet rail to prevent bending of the magnet rail. Such members may include a wheel or sliding block, for example. The members exert a force proximate an upper edge of the magnet rail to counter potential bending of the magnet rail during operation of the motor, and thereby avoid substantial variations in the air gaps. Furthermore, an armature yoke is provided which includes at least one partial tooth at one end of the armature yoke for reducing an end effect cogging of the linear motor armature in relation to a magnet rail along which the armature will run. In addition, an armature yoke is provided which includes multiple segments which are held end-to-end via fasteners. Such fasteners may serve as part of the magnetic flux path. A support strip may be provided to reduce bowing.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of a vehicle on a guideway system, wherein the vehicle includes a first element of a linear induction motor and an alternate power source, and the guideway system has an acceleration section including a second element of the linear induction motor, and a computer control system. The method includes utilizing the second element in cooperation with the first element so as to accelerate the vehicle on the acceleration section of the guideway system, and providing speed instructions to the vehicle using the computer control system so as to cause the vehicle to use the alternate power source to maintain a desired cruising speed on a main section of the guideway system.

Abstract: A transport system includes at least one product carrier which is adapted to be moved along a slide way by means of a linear motor drive unit comprising a primary part and a secondary part. In order to improve the transport system in such a way that basically any number of product carriers can be moved along the slide way independently of one another and can be used in a versatile manner for transporting a great variety of products or workpieces, the product carrier is provided with a substantially flat base plate for transporting objects, the base plate having associated therewith the primary part, and the slide way having associated therewith the secondary part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stability brake for absorbing parasitic vibrations of a stage moved to a working position in a motion system. The stability brake includes a motor coupled to a flexure plate through a translation system. The translation system translates horizontal motion of the motor into vertical motion of the flexure plate. The stability brake can be mounted to a stage in a motion system, such as a linear motion system. The stability brake is operative to absorb jitters and vibrations of the stage when the stage is moved to a working position in a motion system and held under servo at the working position.

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: The invention relates to a rail system comprising railways and at least one train having traction means such as diesel or electric traction, being movable over the railways, wherein also a linear motor is provided that is active at least when the train is accelerating. The linear motor comprises a stator and a rotor, the rotor being mounted on the train and the stator being provided only on a predetermined section of the rail way, where acceleration or deceleration of the train is intended.

Abstract: A sorter conveyor system according to the invention includes at least one endless conveyor loop including a rail. One or more conveyor segments are mounted on the rail. Each segment is a series of cart units each having wheel structures mounted for rolling movement along the rail, a carrier for carrying one or more items thereon, a selectively actuable mechanism for actuating the carrier laterally in at least one direction to unload an item from the carrier to an unloading station adjacent the conveyor loop, and a coupling mechanism for joining each cart unit in each series in a head to tail relationship. One or more drive elements are connected to one or more of the cart units and configured to permit the conveyor segment to be driven by a linear drive unit.

Abstract: A novel transportation system enables passengers to travel at high speeds relative to automobile traffic, while permitting each passenger to individually select his destination, commence travel whenever a transporter is available, and travel with or without his own automobile. The transportation system includes a system of guideways connecting various stations, so that a passenger can travel from an origination station, across guideways, to a destination station of choice. Each guideway consists of parallel tracks supporting support magnets. Each transporter is capable of holding one or more passengers or a single vehicle, with or without passengers. The transporters have horizontally extending supports with transporter support magnets.

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: A coil apparatus for a linear-motor railway system comprises six superconductive coils mounted on a bogie of a vehicle at a predetermined pitch such that N and S poles are alternately formed; ground coils disposed on either side wall of a guide, each of the ground coils providing propulsion, levitation, and guide functions, and each set of three ground coils corresponding to a pair of adjacent superconductive coils that form N and S poles; and a feeder circuit connected to the ground coils. The coil apparatus can decrease the number of ground coils in order to decrease man-hour required for installation, and to facilitate inspection and maintenance of contact points through reduction in the number of the connection points.

Abstract: A sorter conveyor system according to the invention includes at least one endless conveyor loop including a rail. One or more conveyor segments are mounted on the rail. Each segment is a series of cart units each having wheel structures mounted for rolling movement along the rail, a tray for carrying one or more items thereon, a selectively actuable mechanism for tilting the tray laterally in at least one direction to unload an item from the tray to an unloading station adjacent the conveyor loop, and a coupling mechanism for joining each cart unit in each series in a head to tail relationship. One or more drive elements are connected to one or more of the cart units and configured to permit the conveyor segment to be driven by a linear drive unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a trolley for rail tracks (3) that are branched by means of switch points. To avoid a switch point jam, while simultaneously saving power and maintenance effort, the trolley is equipped with moveable hooks and the switch points are designed as passive switches without any moveable parts, where the hooks can engage the guide rails (12) of the passive switch points in accordance with the desired travel direction.

Abstract: A brake (10) includes a first friction element (30) secured to the sliding plate (16) of a linear motor (12) and a second friction element (36) secured to the base plate (14) of the linear motor (12), with the friction elements (30, 36) located outside of the linear motor (12) in a direction generally perpendicular to the linear movement direction. The second friction element (36) includes first and second caliper elements (54) between which the first friction element (30) can be sandwiched and which are separated by movement of a release bar (62) parallel to the linear movement direction and including cam followers (72) which engage cam wedges (74) secured on the inner surfaces of the first and second caliper elements (54). The first and second caliper elements (54) are slideable upon standoffs (44) extending between side plate (42) of a frame (38). Wave springs (58) are positioned in recesses (60) and between the caliper elements (54) and the side plates (42) for biasing the caliper elements (54) together.

Abstract: A transport system has a track provided along a transport route forming a main route and at least one branch route connected to the main route at a branch point. A first power supply line is provided along the main route; a second power supply line is provided along the branch route and a transport vehicle moves along the track. There is a drive unit for driving the transport vehicle along the track with the drive unit being attached to the transport vehicle, a route selector for selecting a branch route at the branch point and a power receiver for receiving electric power from the first and second power supply lines to supply electric power to the drive unit.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic transfer system capable of smoothly delivering a carrier between chambers by providing a independently-rotating carrier-feed driving shaft for each chamber without using a synchronous control mechanism and used for a semiconductor fabrication equipment or the like provided with a plurality of chambers. The magnetic transfer system is provided with a rotational driving member which is divided into two portions serving as a fixed driving shaft and a movable driving shaft in the axial direction and in which the fixed driving shaft is secured to a shaft core member and the movable driving shaft is set to the shaft core member so as to be limited in the rotational direction but so as to be freely movable in the axial direction at a certain width, and spiral magnetic coupling sections are formed on the surface of each driving shaft at the same pitch.

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 system and method for supplying power to stator sections of a long-stator magnetic levitation railway system, where the stator winding is subdivided into several stator sections that can be controlled individually along a route for a magnetically levitated vehicle, where the stator sections can be connected to at least one feeder cable system running along the stator sections via at least one section switch, and at least one converter is provided for each feeder cable system, where one or more converters are provided in at least one substation along the stator sections, and each converter creates a voltage supply system for the stator sections, where the operating voltage in the feeder cable systems is not the same as the operating voltage of the stator sections, and at least one matching transformer is connected between the feeder cable systems and the stator sections so the operating voltage of the feeder cable systems can be transformed to the operating voltage of the stator sections.

Abstract: A magnetic levitated vehicle, including a linear rotor connected thereto, runs on a tubular track having a circular cross-section and a tubular linear induction motor stator mounted therein. The rotor is movably mounted within the stator and the vehicle is positioned above the track. The rotor is connected to the vehicle by a riser extending through longitudinal slots of the track and stator, and by an actuator mechanism, which includes a transversely curved saddle movably connected to drive members, for enabling the vehicle to be banked at curve sections of the tubular track. Further, vehicle banking is also accomplished by constructing the track and stator with the slots laterally offset at the curved sections of the track.

Abstract: A vacuum highway and vehicle system is composed of a cylindrical vehicle structure which travels in an evacuated medium. An electromagnetic propulsion system on the structure is provided for acceleration and deceleration the vehicle along the highway by interacting with magnets on the highway. An electromagnetic rotational stabilization system on the structure also cooperates with the highway magnets to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the structure during travel. The vehicle structure is levitated for travel through the highway by an electrostatic levitation system, which is composed of electrostaticly charged surfaces on the structure and the highway which interact. The surfaces on the highway are segmented to prevent migration of the charge.

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 rotating device such as an orbital motor has a stator which includes a pair of opposed, generally annular magnetic units each comprising a plurality of groups of permanent magnets such as ceramic or ferrous magnets arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each plurality being separated from an adjacent plurality by a magnetically permeable member, such as a malleable steel member or a malleable or molded iron member, to focus the lines of magnetic flux. A core armature is rotatably secured to a rotable shaft between the opposed pair of generally annular magnetic units for rotation therebetween. A commutator is fixedly secured for rotation with the armature coil and for receiving power supplied to or received from the motor and input electrical terminals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic unit having a plurality of groups of permanent magnets such as ceramic or ferrous magnets arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each plurality being separated from an adjacent plurality by a magnetically permeable member, such as a malleable steel member or a malleable iron or molded iron member to focus the lines of magnetic flux. Preferably, each of the permanent magnets within a group is also separated by an interleaved sheet of magnetically permeable material. Such a plurality of groups of permanent magnets are secured together to form a channel therebetween in which a supporting member is connected through fastening members to a movable levitated member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic unit used as a shock absorber or load leveler for a vehicle and having a plurality of groups of permanent magnets such as ceramic or ferrous magnets arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each plurality being separated from an adjacent plurality by a magnetically permeable member, such as a malleable steel member or a malleable iron or molded iron member to focus the lines of magnetic flux. Preferably, each of the permanent magnets within a group is also separated by an interleaved sheet of magnetically permeable material. Such a plurality of groups of permanent magnets are secured together to form a channel therebetween in which a supporting member is connected through fastening members to a movable levitated member which in turn is connected to the axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: A segmented rail linear induction motor has a segmented rail consisting of a plurality of nonferrous electrically conductive segments aligned along a guideway. The motor further includes a carriage including at least one pair of opposed coils fastened to the carriage for moving the carriage. A power source applies an electric current to the coils to induce currents in the conductive surfaces to repel the coils from adjacent edges of the conductive surfaces.

Abstract: An automated warehouse system a plurality of car passages, and a plurality of transport units, each disposed in a car passage containing parallel rails with vertical webbings, each of the transport units have a car, wheels for running on the rails, a drive for moving the car on the rails, the drive having a linear motor body attached to the car and facing a secondary conductor secured to a rail, a power supplying system for the drive, mounted from one side of the car, and having two parallel induction wires secured to and along a rail, at least one induction coil attached to the car and disposed between the induction wires, the warehouse system further includes the induction wires of each of the transport units being connected in series to one or more common panels.

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 voltage propulsion drive coil assembly for a linear motor propulsion system for powering and propelling a magnetic levitation train in a track. The linear motor propulsion system includes at least one moving magnet assembly formed of a plurality of uniformly spaced pole ends with alternating magnetic polarity. The drive coil assembly includes a plurality of coils, each coil at least as long as the length of the magnet assembly and each coil at least as wide as the width of the magnet assembly. The coils and the magnet assembly are aligned lengthwise and arranged so that a constant number of coils is cut by magnetic flux lines at any given time. The coils comprise wire wound a predetermined number of turns. The number of turns in a coil is: (i) inversely proportional to the speed the train is expected to travel at that point on the track and (ii) directly proportional to the force required to propel the train at that point on the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling device including a track (1) constituting a travel path for one or more mobile elements, the said mobile elements being driven by a linear electric motor composed of an inductor (42, 43) carried by the mobile element and extending parallel to the track, and of an armature (4, 5) carried by the track and extending along the latter in such a way as to be able to cooperate with the inductor.According to the invention, the said inductor (42, 43) and the said armature (4, 5) have, as viewed in cross section, the former, a rectangular shape defining three active faces and one inactive face, and the second, a U shape defining three active faces and suitable for housing the inductor in such a way that the respective active faces of the inductor and of the armature cooperate with one another, two by two.

Abstract: A small braking apparatus, which is able to completely and suddenly stop a moving portion such as a linear direct current motor at a desired location, is described, together with a drive unit equipped with the braking apparatus. The braking effect is obtained by providing a rotary member on a slider to move along a long guiding member, and providing a driving device which causes a braking member, which performs a braking action by engaging with said rotary member, to engage and move away from said rotary member.

Abstract: A transport system installed in a cleanroom where clean air is caused to flow from a ceiling toward a floor. The transport system includes a vehicle for transporting loads, and a guide rail suspended from the ceiling to guide the vehicle. The vehicle has a main body for running along the guide rail, a load supporting deck disposed over the main body, and connecting members for interconnecting the main body and load supporting deck. The guide rail is enclosed in a tubular cover defining an opening extending longitudinally of the guide rail for receiving the connecting members. The cover has a substantially streamline configuration with respect to the direction of clean air flows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic unit having a plurality of groups of permanent magnets such as ceramic or ferrous magnets arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each plurality being separated from an adjacent plurality by a magnetically permeable member, such as a malleable steel member or a malleable iron or molded iron member to focus the lines of magnetic flux. Preferably, each of the permanent magnets within a group is also separated by an interleaved sheet of magnetically permeable material. Such a plurality of groups of permanent magnets are secured together and to a supporting member through fastening members, and are separated from the support by a non-magnetic member, such as a non-ferrous plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic unit having a plurality of groups of ceramic magnets arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each plurality being separated from an adjacent plurality by a malleable steel member to focus the lines of magnetic flux. Preferably, each of the ceramic magnets within a group is also separated by an interleaved sheet of malleable steel. Such a plurality of groups of ceramic magnets are secured together and to a supporting member through fastening members, and are separated from the support by a non-magnetic member, such as a non-ferrous plate. A second plurality of groups of ceramic magnets are positioned adjacent to a first plurality of such groups of ceramic magnets with opposite poles of the magnets facing each other so that the first and the second pluralities of such groups of magnetics attract one another. Those forces of attraction are used to cause levitation of a vehicle such as a train.

Abstract: In a conveyer system including a tubular guide way having a curved guide way section, a magnet-mounted inner slider slidably disposed in the tubular guide way, a pressure source connected to the tubular guide way to feed the interior thereof with a pressurized air thereby to move the inner slider in and along the tubular guide way, and a magnet-mounted outer slider movably disposed on said tubular guide way. The magnet of the outer slider establishes a magnetic connection with the magnet of the inner slider so that movement of said inner slider can induce movement of the outer slider in the same direction. In order to smooth the movement of the inner slider in the tubular guide way, the inner slider is so constructed as to be flexed along its longitudinal axis when an external force is applied thereto.

Abstract: The carrier for linear motor vehicle-borne field magnets includes a aluminium profiled material of a gate shape in section, which is provided with recesses of permanent magnet size in both its legs. Permanent magnets attached to iron cores are inserted into the recesses in such a way that the N and S poles thereof are opposite to each other and alternate in the longitudinal direction of the carrier frame to form a spatial magnetic field by the alternation of the N and S poles between both the legs of the carrier frame, which interacts with the moving magnetic field created by ground-side coils to generate driving power. The carrier further includes support wheels, guide wheels and a vehicle support on which a vehicle is placed.

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: A vehicle with a noncontact drive mechanism includes a magnetic propelling device 7 for generating a propelling force derived from magnetic induction of an eddy current within a reaction plate 4 laid on a road surface, without contact between the magnetic propelling device and the reaction plate; a flux changing device 13 for changing magnetic flux of the magnetic propelling device; a chassis supporting device for holding a chassis with respect to the road surface; and running-direction control devices 3, 5 for controlling the direction of running of the vehicle. The vehicle is adapted to run by generating a magnetic force in noncontact with the reaction plate.