Abstract: This disclosure presents a new type of variable stiffness magnetic spring, which can have a highly linear translational force characteristic. The variable stiffness is achieved through the rotation of a central magnet. Both positive and negative spring constants can be created. Using an analytic-based field analysis modelling technique, the operating principle and linearity characteristics of the adjustable magnetic spring are studied. The use of a magnetic spring with an adjustable negative spring constant could enable an ocean generator to continuously operate in a resonant state, thereby greatly increasing its power generation capability. The described variable stiffness spring could also be useful in other energy harvesting applications, robotic actuator applications, and/or other applications.

Abstract: A superconducting coil device (10) includes: a coil case (20) housing a superconducting coil (30); a superconducting coil (30) housed in the coil case (20); and a resin part (50) formed of a polymer (51) filled in a gap between an inner wall of the coil case (20) and the superconducting coil (30). The resin part (50) is formed of a polymer (51) obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable composition containing a first monomer having a norbornene ring structure.

Abstract: A linear controlled motion system include a track formed from one or more track sections and having at least one mover mounted to the track and effective for receiving articles at one location and transporting the articles to another location. The system includes at least one magnetic linear motion motor for providing a magnetic field effective for moving each mover in a controlled motion along the track and a magnetic flux bridge for reducing changes in the magnetic flux that reduces the efficiency or interferes with the operation of the controlled motion system. The ends of each track section of the magnetic linear motion motor may include end teeth that have a small recess in the top portion thereof. The recesses may be sized to fit the lip of a cover placed over the track section so that the ends of each track section form substantially smooth and planar surfaces that may be joined together to substantially eliminate any air gap between the joined track sections.

Abstract: A magnetic lifting device is described. The magnetic lifting device can be configured to generate magnetic lift using a moving magnetic field to generate an eddy current effect in conductive substrate beneath the device. In one embodiment, the moving magnetic field can be generated by a rotor with arrangement of permanent magnets which is driven by a motor. In operation, the rotor can be spun up from rest to above a threshold velocity, which causes the magnetic lifting device to rise up from the conductive substrate, hover in place in free flight and move from location to location. In free flight, the magnetic lifting device can be configured to carry a payload, such as a person.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear transport device. A platform car of the linear transport device is detachably mounted on a rail fixed to a base in an opposing direction along which the platform car faces the mounting surface of the base. A linear motor that drives the platform car is provided. The linear motor includes a stator disposed on the base and a mover disposed on the platform car so as to face the stator. One of the stator and the mover is a permanent magnet, and the other is an electromagnet. A relative position variable mechanism for relatively displacing the stator and the mover so as to reduce the magnetic suction force generated between the stator and the mover is provided.

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

Abstract: A reaction component or plate for a linear induction motor incorporates a flexibility increasing feature and a wear resistant feature.

Abstract: In a magnetic levitation transportation system ground coil unit in which inside an annular coil conductor that is annularly wound, a mounting bush 3 including such a mounting hole 3a as to be parallel to a central axis of the coil conductor is disposed, and the coil conductor and the bush 3 are integrally molded using a thermoplastic resin to form a casing 4 of the coil conductor, thickness of the thermoplastic resin of a connection part that provides a connection between the bush 3 and the coil conductor is made smaller than thickness of the coil conductor, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 4b to 4i that are formed using the thermoplastic resin are provided radially from the bush 3 side toward the coil conductor side to be integral with the connection part and the casing 4.

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: A magnet arrangement (1) for magnetic levitation vehicles is described that is comprised of an electromagnet having a plurality of magnet poles, said magnet poles having cores connected via pole backs (4) and coils (5) coiled onto them, said coils being connected to each other inside and outside in alternating succession. Moreover, said magnet arrangement (1) is comprised of a means (30) for the reduction of resonance oscillations occurring in said coils (5), wherein the pole backs (4) are essential constituents of said means according to the present invention (FIG. 5).

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: An apparatus for operating a magnet vehicle, especially a magnetically levitated vehicle. The apparatus includes a long stator linear motor with at least one long stator winding laid along a track and at least one exciter arrangement cooperating with this winding and mounted on the vehicle. The long stator winding is divided into winding sections (5.4, 26.4) following one another, which each have a greater length than the exciter arrangement. At least two section cables serve to supply the winding sections with electric power and switch devices serve to connect the winding sections (5.4, 26.4) sequentially to a section cable each in correspondence with the progression of the vehicle. In accordance with the invention the winding sections (5.4, 26.

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 drive unit including a curved track rail having a first radius of curvature, a curved slide member which moves along the track rail and has a second radius of curvature substantially equal to the first radius of curvature, and a driving device such as an electromagnetic actuator for driving the slide member along the track rail. The driving device includes a primary side connected to the track rail and a secondary side connected to the slide member, and the drive unit may also include a position detecting device connected to the slide member and a flexible substrate connected between the position detecting device and the primary side for transmitting and receiving electrical signals indicative of a relative position of the slide member. The flexible substrate is disposed so as to be flexible in a radial direction of the track rail and the slide member.

Abstract: A railway car retarder mechanism that employs linear electromagnetic induction to precisely accelerate or decelerate a railcar. The retarder mechanism includes a plurality of linear induction stators having a spaced plurality of primary inductors, a controllable power source electrically connected with selected ones of the primary inductors, a controller for controlling the electric current transmitted to the respective primary inductors by the controllable power source, and a sensor for sensing selected railcar parameters and transmitting those parameters to the controller, so that the speed-corrective forces applied by the retarder are proportional to these parameters. The controller regulates the magnetomotive force which is imparted upon a selected one of a plurality of railcar wheel sets, and is connected with each controllable power source. In some embodiments, the sensor include at least a portion of fiber-optic cable, which cable can be disposed proximate to a predetermined length of track rail.

Abstract: In a ground-propulsion special-purpose electromagnetic circuit for a magnetically levitated railway in which a vehicle is propelled by acting upon superconducting magnets mounted on the vehicle, there are provided beam panels placed on both side walls of a guideway, vertically extending grooves formed in each of the beam panels at a prescribed pitch, and plural-phase cables fitted in the grooves. Levitation-guidance coil molding bodies are attached so as to cover the secured plural-phase cables.

Abstract: A linear motor comprising, on the one hand, a stator rail (1) and two conducting tracks (C1, C2) connected to the positive and negative poles of a DC current source and, on the other hand, moving gear equipped with at least two coils (B1, B2) powered by means of sliding contacts (CT1 to CT4) moving on the conducting tracks so as to commutate the current in the coils. The rail includes two auxiliary conducting tracks (C3, C4) connected to the positive and negative poles of the DC current source and the moving gear is equipped with auxiliary sliding contacts (CT5 to CT8) in permanent contact with each of the auxiliary conducting tracks and connected to each of the main sliding contacts through a pair of diodes (D1, D8), so as to eliminate electric arcs during the commutation of the current.

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: A propulsion system for a magnetically movable vehicle includes at least one means for producing a horizontal magnetic field mounted to the vehicle; a conductor adjacent to, but not in physical contact with, the means for producing a horizontal magnetic filed; and means for passing direct current through the conductor; wherein, the conductor is oriented so that the current passing through the conductor will interact with the horizontal magnetic field to generate a linear force sufficient to move the vehicle.

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: 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: 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: A power drive system for use in a linear motor propulsion system for powering and propelling a train of a predetermined length along a track. The power drive system includes a plurality of drive coils spaced along the track electrically connected together to form a set of coils. The distance along the track between adjacent coils in a set is greater than the train length. A plurality of sets of coils are interdigitated with each other, with the distance between adjacent coils from different sets spaced closely together to provide that a group of coils, each from different sets is adjacent the train at all locations along the track. The drive system also includes a plurality of inverters, each inverter connected to a set of coils.

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: Material handling car and track assembly, the assembly comprising a car having wheels mounted thereon, and a track having two parallel rails, the wheels being adapted to roll on the rails to facilitate movement of the car along the track, a metal slider extending from an underside of the car and lengthwise of the car, and opposed linear motors mounted beween the tracks and spaced from each other to define a gap between the motors, the slider being daapted to pass through the gap, the motors being operative to act on the slider to impart thrust to the car, the motors being oriented such as to substantially eliminate magnetic atraction between the mtors and the car. The invention further contemplates opposied magents mountede beween the tracks and spaced from each other to define a gap between the magnets, the slider being dapted to pass through the gap between the magnets, the magnets being operative to act on the slider to impart braking to the car, whereby to decelerate the car.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation actuator includes a pair of U-shaped first permanent magnets provided on opposite sides of an object to be driven with a pair of outwardly projecting first legs defining the U-shape. A pair of guide rails are spaced apart from the object on opposite sides thereof, and a pair of U-shaped second permanent magnets are provided on associated guide rails and extend along the guide rails. Each of the second permanent magnets is provided with a second pair of legs defining the U-shape of the associated second magnets and opposed to the associated first legs of the first magnets with a predetermined gap therebetween. The first legs and second legs, which are opposed to each other, have opposite polarities to produce a magnetic attraction therebetween.

Abstract: In order to produce a ground coil for a magnetically levitated railway, coils each composed of a conductor coiled in a plurality of turns are arranged in a metal mold, and a synthetic resin forming reactive liquid is injected and cured in the metal mold by reaction injection molding. Furthermore, a plurality of base coils are produced each composed of a coil conductor coiled in a plurality of turns in a desired shape, laid in two tiers and connected in series so as to form unit coils. Two unit coils are connected so that the winding directions of them are opposite to each other and guidance terminals are formed, thereby forming a pair of levitation and guidance coils. Two pairs of levitation and guidance coils are arranged on a single plane in a metal mold so that the positional relationship among the coils is constant, and a synthetic resin forming reactive liquid is injected and integrally cured by reaction injection molding.

Abstract: A linear induction motor for an elevator which includes a secondary, stationary element having a body formed with a plurality of iron-core mounting holes arranged longitudinally of the body at a certain interval, and iron cores disposed in the holes. The stationary, secondary element allows magnetic flux flowing therethrough to pass through the iron cores, thereby reducing the dimension of the total magnetic gap in the motor. Furthermore, the combination of the iron cores in which eddy currents flow with difficulty and the body along which eddy currents tend to flow makes it possible to reduce the ineffective eddy currents.

Abstract: A reaction rail assembly, for forming a secondary of linear induction motor, includes an elongate conductive member of uniform cross-section, and core formed from a plurality of elongate bars. The bars extend parallel to the conductive member, and adjacent bars are insulated from one another, so as to reduce eddy current losses. The bars have corresponding width and height, and can be square. The core is located adjacent the conductive member, so as, in use, to complete a magnet circuit between a primary and secondary of a linear induction motor.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the critically important feature of providing a left-right parallel arranged linear motor-based conveying system in which the upper surfaces of the guide rails do double duty as providing the rolling surfaces for the wheel pairs, and also as being secondary (reaction) conductor surfaces for the linear motors, and the linear motors are spaced closely above the upper surfaces of the guide rails by a predetermined clearance.

Abstract: A linear induction motor (LIM) secondary is provided. The LIM secondary includes a thermally and electrocally conductive non-ferromagnetic top cap having one side defining a substantially smooth, continuous planar surface to be spaced from a LIM primary. The other side of the top cap has a plurality of evenly spaced fins projecting therefrom. The fins project otrhogonally from the other side of the top cap and extend longitudinally along the length of the top cap, thereby defining a plurality of separated longitudinally extending channels. Bars of magnetizable back iron are disposed in the channels and extend substantially along the length thereof. Each of the bars is fastened to the top cap via a single centrally located fastening pin. The fins project beyond the exposed surface of the bars to define air channels and also to provide structural reinforcement for the LIM secondary to counter distortion of the top cap resulting from heat and/or electro-mechanical stress.

Abstract: An electromagnetic linear drive including a stator which constitutes a path of movement for a vehicle. The linear drive is equipped with current conductors, and is divided into a plurality of stator elements of equal length. A movable portion which constitutes a vehicle is preferably equipped with permanent magnets cooperating with the stator to provide the drive. The stator is divided into a number of motor elements, each motor element including a minimum number of stator elements as well as an energy supply unit adapted to be switched on and off individually by sensors disposed along the path of movement. All motor elements are designed for the same maximum performance, and motor elements of different lengths are provided. The length of each motor element is determined by the local need for maximum performance per unit length which exists at the location of the respective motor element in accordance with a predetermined speed characteristic at that point along the path of movement.

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.

Abstract: An electrical linear motor stator is fixedly disposed along a roadway. A car supported on at least two trucks is guided for movement along the roadway. The trucks are pivotally mounted to the car for rotation about a vertical axis. Permanent magnets for interacting with the stator have one end pivotally mounted to the vertical axis of the truck and an opposite end guided, for example, using rollers, for positive movement parallel to a vertical longitudinal central plane of the stator. In this way, the permanent magnet is mounted for transverse movement to the car to permit the car to negotiate small radius curves in the roadway while still maintaining good alignment between the permanent magnet and the stator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single, integrated linear synchronous unipolar motor having high-energy permanent magnets operable along a substantially linear demagnetization curve and a polyphase coil. Collectively, the permanent magnets and polyphase coil provide for propulsion, suspension, braking and lateral control of a vehicle along a passive reaction rail. The permanent magnets provide the primary force for suspending the vehicle from the guideway, with a DC field control coil controlling the suspension gap between the vehicle and the reaction rail. The polyphase coil propels the vehicle along the track at a speed dependent upon the voltage and frequency of the supplied signal. The motor exhibits a high power factor and efficiency factor, resulting in a motor that can be operated from a power source having a lower KVA rating than that required for previous linear motor arrangements and that can be used in concert with a low-cost, passive guideway.

Abstract: A levitation-propulsion mechanism for an inductive repulsion type magnetically levitated railway having a vehicle with a truck and a track with a U-shaped cross-section with spaced opposed walls between which the truck runs, has a plurality of vertically positioned superconducting coils on both sides of the truck at intervals therealong in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Guidance coils are mounted on the inside surfaces of the walls of the track at intervals therealong in the direction of travel of the vehicle and opposed to the corresponding superconducting coils. Upper and lower levitation coils are positioned adjacent to the guidance conductor coils and opposed to the superconducting coils, the upper and lower coils being symmetrically positioned above and below, respectively, a horizontal line through the center of the guidance coils, and the upper and lower conductor coils are null-flux connected in a closed circuit.

Abstract: An excitation arrangement for a long stator drive for rapid transit systems has combined generation of propulsive and portative forces. The arrangement comprises at least one heteropolar magnet which has a plurality of channels extending at right angles relative to the direction of the long stator, the channels being open at their pole plane lying opposite the long stator and magnetic coils are located in the channel. The channels have a rectangular cross section extending up to the pole plane and the conductors of the magnetic coils are wound in tight contact with one another and with the channel walls on the side of the poles. The magnet comprises at least one recess extending parallel to the channels beneath the pole plane.

Abstract: An excitation arrangement for a long stator drive, particularly a synchronous long stator drive for rapid transit systems having combined generation of propelling and carrying forces comprises at least one heteropolar magnet which has a plurality of channels extending at right angles to the long stator direction and which are open at their pole plane lying opposite the long stator and in which magnetic coils assigned to the conductors are disposed. In order to improve the dynamic properties of the magnet, a subdivision of the magnetic coils generating the magnetic field is provided. Differing electrical behavior for slow and fast changes in the voltage driving the coil current is achieved by a tight coupling of one of the sub-coils to a short-circuit coil. Given slow changes in the drive voltage, a magnetic force resulting from the entire coil flux occurs. Given fast changes in the drive voltage, a dynamic reduction of the effective coil inductance leads to a fast current and magnetic force changes.

Abstract: A power supply system for a linear motor comprising a plurality of driving coils disposed along the track for a running body for generating a shifting magnetic field to drive the running body, power converter means for feeding the plurality of driving coils with electrical energy, a plurality of switches responsive to the movement of the running body for selectively electrically connecting each of the driving coils to the power converter means, a first reactive power controller continuously electrically connected to the power input side of the power converter means, and a second reactive power controller selectively electrically connected to the power input side of the power converter means in accordance with the movement of the running body, whereby the steady reactive-power is compensated for by the first reactive power controller and the reactive power which varies with the movement of the running body is compensated for by the second reactive power controller.

Abstract: In winding the stator of a long stator linear motor without iron, the conductors of the traveling wave winding in the stator are designed as round jacketed lines which are fixed to a non-magnetic winding support by cross-bars and retained in place by hardenable non-magnetic material. The conductors of the traveling wave winding are approximately flush with the outside surface of the stator which is disposed opposite an exciter magnet on a moving vehicle.

Abstract: An electromagnetic suspension vehicle has an electromagnet system for suspending and guiding the vehicle along a track, the electromagnet being elastically suspended so as to be able to move generally parallel to itself transversely of the direction of travel.

Abstract: A linear induction motor, particularly for a vehicle traveling along an extended track, has an armature or reaction rail mounted on the track and a stator carried by the vehicle and juxtaposed with the rail. The rail is of a highly conductive material and is provided in lengths or sections which overlap by approximately a pole length of the stator. The overlapping ends form an induction gap for energy transfer between the rail sections.