Rail Vehicle (e.g., Train, Trolley) Patents (Class 310/12.09)
  • Patent number: 11738954
    Abstract: A conveyance device includes a slider, and a conveyor including a linear motor and a plurality of guide rails over which the slider is transferable, and being configured to convey the slider. The conveyance device further includes a controller configured or programmed to acquire, based on a vibration in a connecting portion between the plurality of guide rails or driving electric power of the linear motor in the connecting portion between the plurality of guide rails, a transfer state of the slider between the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kusunoki, Junichi Tsuyuki
  • Patent number: 11329510
    Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
  • Patent number: 10919732
    Abstract: A transport system in a structure includes a car and a plurality of motor modules. The car is constructed and arranged to move along a lane generally defined at least in-part by the structure. The plurality of motor modules are distributed along the lane and are constructed and arranged to propel the car. Each one of the pluralities of motor modules include an embedded power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Shashank Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 10193484
    Abstract: A controlled motion system having a plurality of movers controlled as they travel along both smart and simple sections of a track. The controlled motion system comprises a control system for controlling the speed of a mover as it travels along a simple section, and permits the pitch or distance between movers to increase or decrease as they travel along a simple section. In a preferred embodiment the controlled motion system includes at least one coupling feature having a driving feature on a simple section for engaging and operably driving a driven feature on each mover such that positive control of each mover is maintained throughout its transition from a smart section to a simple section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen C. Wernersbach, Keith G. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20150137625
    Abstract: A stator device for a linear motor comprises an electrically energizable magnetic field generator for forming a magnetic field, the magnetic field generator comprising a stator tooth and a coil wound around the stator tooth and a holding module for holding the magnetic field generator, the holding module having a first and a second holding device, wherein the magnetic field generator is arranged between the two holding devices in that a first end of the stator tooth is fixed to the first holding device and a second end of the stator tooth is fixed to the second holding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Jan ACHTERBERG, Uwe PRÜSSMEIER
  • Patent number: 9024487
    Abstract: Levitation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an array of magnetic elements that have differently oriented magnetic fields and an inductive component. The inductive component provides a levitation force by magnetic communication with the magnetic fields of the array of magnetic elements. The inductive component includes an array of inductive elements, with individual inductive elements having a looped circuit that provides the levitation force. The inductive component also includes one or more switch element that controls current flow in one or more of the looped circuits responsive to translational motion between the inductive component and the array of magnetic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Eagle Eye Research, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Reif
  • Publication number: 20150048693
    Abstract: A stator device for a linear motor comprises an electrically energizable magnetic field generator for forming a magnetic field, and a first holding device for holding the magnetic field generator, wherein the magnetic field generator is fastened to the first holding device, wherein the first holding device is formed at least partially from an any of an electrically and magnetically non-conductive material, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises a coil and a stator tooth as a core around which the coil is wound, and wherein the first holding device is in the form of a printed circuit board for electrical contacting of the magnetic field generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Uwe PRÜSSMEIER
  • Patent number: 8850989
    Abstract: A method and system for transportation using a magnetic bearing structure is disclosed. In one aspect, there is an apparatus for carrying a load along a magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a third structure spaced apart vertically from the magnetizable structure and configured to generate magnetic flux and repel from the magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one coil positioned at at least one end portion proximal to the magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one flux guide comprising a magnetizable material and configured to concentrate magnetic flux. A first portion of the flux guide is thinner than a second portion of the flux guide that is positioned closer to the magnetizable structure than the first portion of the flux guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sandor Wayne Shapery
    Inventor: Bradley Hunter
  • Patent number: 8640628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a linear permanent magnet driving system and a permanent magnet driving maglev train rail system, the linear permanent magnet driving system comprises spiral rotors and stators, wherein at least one of the spiral rotor and the stator adopts the structure having a permanent magnet while the other one adopts the structure having the permanent magnet or a magnetizer; when the spiral rotors are driven by an engine to rotate, linear motion of the spiral rotors is achieved by means of the magnetic force between both, and speed of the linear motion of the spiral rotors can reach supersonic speed at most. By applying the linear permanent magnet driving system to the permanent magnet driving maglev train rail system, the entire rail can avoid the use of both permanent magnet and driving coil, and the construction cost of maglev train rail is equivalent to that of the current high-speed wheel/rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Zhongchen Liu
  • Patent number: 8577585
    Abstract: A transportation system for use in transporting commodities is described herein. The transportation system includes a transportation network that includes a plurality of predefined paths of travel extending between a plurality of locations, and a plurality of transport vehicles. Each transport vehicle of the plurality of transport vehicles is configured to independently travel along the transportation network. A plurality of motor assemblies is oriented along the transportation network. Each motor assembly of the plurality of motor assemblies is oriented with respect to a predefined segment of the transportation network, and configured to move the transport vehicle along the predefined segment. A control system is operatively coupled to each motor assembly to selectively operate each motor assembly to independently convey each transport vehicle of the plurality of transport vehicles along the transportation network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Atmur, Deborah Ann Beron-Rawdon
  • Patent number: 8575817
    Abstract: Rotor and stator segments for a generator and motor apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a pair of parallel, spaced apart stator segments, each stator segment comprising a stator winding set; and a rotor segment slidably coupled to the pair of stator segments, the rotor segment comprising a magnet and being dimensioned to fit between the parallel, spaced apart stator segments. The apparatus may include a support structure, the rotor segment being slidably coupled to the support structure and the stator segment being attached to the support structure. The apparatus may be a rim generator, wind turbine generator or other electrical machine. The stator winding set includes a stator winding, and may include other electrical or electronic components, including possibly a power factor capacitor, direct current filtering capacitor, supercapacitor, and one or more diodes. The stator winding set may be encapsulated within the stator segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Clean Current Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Mihai C. Platon, Virgil F. Young
  • Patent number: 8384251
    Abstract: A linear and curvilinear motor system includes: linear and curvilinear guiding devices movably guiding and respectively supporting right and left of a slider, each having a guide rail configured by linear tracks and a circular arc track and slider blocks; a motor unit having a stator with a stator linear section and a stator circular arc section and a mover with a linear section and provided for the slider and away from the stator with a gap interposed therebetween; and an encoder head and a hole sensor detecting positions of the linear tracks and the circular arc track. When a magnetic pole pitch of the linear section of the stator is a distance ?m and a magnetic pole pitch of the circular arc section of the stator is an angle ?m, a radius r of the circular arc track at the position detection point is defined as r=?m/?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Denki
    Inventors: Toru Shikayama, Mikio Oshima, Kenichi Sadakane, Shogo Makino
  • Patent number: 8324777
    Abstract: A method and system for transportation using a magnetic bearing structure is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus for carrying a load comprises a source of magnetic flux and a controller configured to control the position of the source of magnetic flux relative to a magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux comprises a first upper portion and a first lower portion of opposite polarities. The first portions are spaced apart horizontally from a first side of the magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux further comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion of opposite polarities. The second portions are spaced apart horizontally from a second side of the magnetizable structure. The second side is opposite the first side. The first and second upper portions are magnetically attracted to an upper portion of the magnetizable structure and the first and second lower portions are magnetically attracted to a lower portion of the magnetizable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Philip Albert Studer, Sandor Wayne Shapery
  • Publication number: 20110316357
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stator packet for a long stator linear motor of a magnetic levitation train. The stator packet is composed of a plurality of sheet metal layers (6) comprising alternating grooves (7) and teeth (8) for receiving alternating-current windings (20). The grooves (7) are configured so that the windings (20) can be pressed into the same and retained therein without additional auxiliary means. According to the invention, the grooves (7) and teeth (8) are congruent, have centrally symmetrical side walls (12, 14), and are coated only with a thin corrosion protection coating that changes the shape of the teeth and grooves only insignificantly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Juergen Braun
  • Patent number: 8074579
    Abstract: A magnetically levitated transport system moves a suspended cargo such as passengers and freight. A linear motor uses a track stator about which a “rotor” moves linearly. Stator and rotor circuits interact electromagnetically to maintain a gap between the moving and fixed elements. Tractor coils are embedded within the track to produce thrust through electromotor action with magnets aboard the rotor. The rotor is configured in a triangular shape as is the track with opposing electromagnets positioned for creating mutual repulsion forces. A pulsed direct current in the stator circuit, derived from conventional alternating current taken from the power grid, is used to create an induced current in the rotor, which, in turn is used to energize rotor electromagnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Dumitru Bojiuc
  • Patent number: 8076803
    Abstract: A controlled motion system with movers mounted on a hybrid track system comprised of at least one smart section and at least one dumb section. The smart sections control each mover independently, while the dumb sections drive all movers at the same speed. The transition between these sections is characterized by positive control of the movers at all points in the transition. A soft magnetic composite core for the smart sections is disclosed. Also, a single-sided mover for smart sections that is constrained against loads in all direction, except for the direction of motion, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Jacobs Automation, LLC
    Inventor: Keith G. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20110239897
    Abstract: The invention relates to track supports for magnetic levitation vehicles, having at least one stator support (2) comprising a first mounting surface machined according to a preselected route, and having a plurality of stator packets (7) made of ferromagnetic sheet metal layers and mounted on the stator support (2), wherein the sheet metal layers comprise an upper longitudinal side having first cutouts and intermediate first bars, and a lower longitudinal side parallel to said first side, and wherein the first cutouts form first grooves (18) designed for positively receiving attachment bodies, and the lower longitudinal sides form a functional surface (29). The free ends of the first bars form a second mounting surface (22) adjacent to the first mounting surface, and the mounting bodies comprise T-nuts (23) disposed countersunk in the first grooves (18) and having threaded bores for mounting screws (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Horvat
  • Patent number: 7989992
    Abstract: A Linear Tape Motors sequentially bends flexures to precisely position a payload within a large, linear range. Movement is backlash free. Flexure bending is also used to drive large forces, using efficient mechanical advantage, anchor the Tape Motor against back-slipping and prevent sticking and jamming malfunctions. Existing permanent magnet motor drive technology can be easily adapted to energize and control the flexure bending motions. Combining flexures with rare earth permanent magnets, provides ultra compact Linear Tape Motors with very high power and force densities that hold position with power off. Their operating range can be is as long as required. Thus, Linear Tape Motors are attractive for space science instruments, where precision positioning in ultra cold operating conditions is required and where low mass and low power are premium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: John M. Vranish
  • Publication number: 20110093143
    Abstract: A controlled motion system with movers mounted on a hybrid track system comprised of at least one smart section and at least one dumb section. The smart sections control each mover independently, while the dumb sections drive all movers at the same speed. The transition between these sections is characterized by positive control of the movers at all points in the transition. A soft magnetic composite core for the smart sections is disclosed. Also, a single-sided mover for smart sections that is constrained against loads in all direction, except for the direction of motion, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Keith G. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7919888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a linear drive having a stationary active unit (1), a stationary return flow element (11), a movably mounted passive unit in the form of a thin tooth rack (10) and a bearing unit (15), which allows the relative movement between the active unit and the passive unit. A lateral guidance plate (30) is attached to the tooth rack (10), extends at an angle with respect to the plane of the tooth rack (10) into a guide gap (31) and is guided there, the guide map (31) running in the return flow element (11) or in the active unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ina Drives & Mechatronics GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Eckhard Wendorf, Eberhard Meissner
  • Patent number: 7859139
    Abstract: A controlled motion system with movers mounted on a hybrid track system comprised of at least one smart section and at least one dumb section. The smart sections control each mover independently, while the dumb sections drive all movers at the same speed. The transition between these sections is characterized by positive control of the movers at all points in the transition. A soft magnetic composite core for the smart sections is disclosed. Also, a single-sided mover for smart sections that is constrained against loads in all direction, except for the direction of motion, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Keith G. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20100294161
    Abstract: A cable transportation system has a pull cable; at least one transportation unit moving along a given path and connectable selectively to the pull cable by a coupling device; at least one passenger station where the transportation unit is detached from the pull cable; and an auxiliary drive device having a linear electric motor extending along a portion of the given path to move the transportation unit along the passenger station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Rolic Invest S.AR.L.
    Inventors: Federico Bavaresco, Peter Leimstadtner
  • Publication number: 20100199877
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a freight transportation system includes a track comprising a pair of rails and a linear motor reaction plate disposed between the rails and a transport vehicle having a universal intermodal container bay configured to accommodate a plurality of containers. The transport vehicle includes one or more suspension systems each having a plurality of steel wheels engaged with the rails. The freight transportation system further includes a linear induction propulsion system coupled to the transport vehicle and operable to work in conjunction with the linear motor reaction plate to move the transport vehicle, and a control system coupled to the linear induction propulsion system and operable to control the movement of the transport vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Stephen S. Roop, Craig E. Roco, Leslie E. Olson, Curtis A. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7755226
    Abstract: The invention concerns a stand (12) for a linear electric motor (14) comprising a primary winding (18) and a secondary winding (20), characterized in that the stand (12) comprises compensating means (52) consisting of elongated slots (58) delimiting connecting bridges (60) and in that said slots (58) constitute cooling openings through which is provided a forced air flow when the stand (12) is moving enabling the primary winding (18) to be cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Guillaume Duchemin, Didier Mougin
  • Publication number: 20100127579
    Abstract: A DC linear electric motor-generator has located at each edge of a curved triangular shaped linear ferromagnetic core, electro-magnets or solenoids interconnected in series or parallel as determined by user objectives, with each main solenoid coil hosted by each segment of the ferromagnetic core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Dumitru Bojiuc
  • Publication number: 20100126374
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel magnetic suspension and propulsion technologies, which are named as Magnetostatic Suspension (MSS) and Magnetostatic Propulsion (MSP) respectively because of their magnetostatic nature of forces generated. A spring-like magnetic force is produced through interactions between magnets and ferrous materials such as steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: QIGEN JI
  • Patent number: 7683506
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing relatively long travel in a transverse direction for a magnetic levitation stage apparatus are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a linear actuator includes a first core, a second core, and at least one coil wrapped around the first core. The first core includes a body portion and a plurality of rails. The body portion has a first axis and a second axis, and the rails have longitudinal axes that are perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the second axis. The dimensions of the rails along the longitudinal axes are substantially larger than a dimension of the body portion along the second axis. The second core has a third axis that is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes and to the second axis, and is levitated relative to the first core when a current is provided through the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas C. Watson