Apparatus, systems and methods for levitating and moving objects

US6510799B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Magna Force, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Karl J. Lamb · Port Angeles, US
• Toby Merrill · Port Angeles, US
• Scott Gossage · Port Angeles, US
• Michael Sparks · Bothell, US
• Michael Barrett · Campbell, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 2001
• Grant date: Jan 28, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60L2200/26
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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.