Patent ID: 7134396

Claim:
A multi-phase translation system, comprising: (a) a first linear switched reluctance machine (LSRM) having a stator and a translator configured, positioned and proportioned for electromagnetic, substantially non-mutually inductive, engagement with each other; (b) means for selectable application of at least one phase of a multi-phase DC excitation to said LSRM, to produce a longitudinal propulsive force between said stator and said translator; (c) means for substantially simultaneous application of at least two phases of said multi-phase excitation to said LSRM to produce a selectable value of said normal force between said stator and translator; (d) means for independent control of said DC excitation of said application means (b) and of said multi-phase excitation of said application means (c) above; (e) means for measurement of an absolute position of said translator relative to said stator; (f) means for measurement of currents associated with each phase of said multi-phase excitation; (g) means for establishing command values for currents associated with each phase of said multi-phase excitation producing said longitudinal force; (h) means for comparison of said currents to respective command values thereof to produce error values for each comparison; (i) means for monitoring said error values; (j) means for applying said error values to a carrier signal; and (k) means for applying said error values of said signal to respective phases of said excitation current of said LSRM.