Patent ID: 6357359
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: B60L

Abstract:
A system for transportation using magnetic levitation, comprising:(a) a vehicle; (b) a track, said track comprising at least a first set of coils and a second set of coils, said first set of coils being phase shifted from said second set of coils; (c) at least two sets of brushes and at least two sets of collector plates, said brushes and said collector plates are configured to deliver current to said two sets of coils; and, (d) a magnetic field source, said source mounted to said vehicle, wherein said brushes are positive when delivering current to a first set of said at least two sets of collector plates and are negative when delivering current to a second set of said at least two sets of collector plates, wherein a first set of said brushes leads said magnetic field source and a second set of said brushes lags said magnetic field source, and wherein said two sets of coils and said magnetic source interact to provide a propulsion force for said vehicle when current is delivered to said two sets of coils through said two sets of brushes and said two sets of collector plates, said magnetic source and said two sets of coils further interacting so as to induce forces for levitation and guidance of said vehicle.