US 2013/0152813 A1 · METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTATION USING A RAIL STRUCTURE

Abstract

Methods and systems for transportation using a rail structure are disclosed. In one aspect, a track for use with at least one of a magnetic levitation vehicle and a rolling vehicle having one or more wheels is disclosed. The track includes a first head having a maximum lateral dimension, a second head having a maximum lateral dimension, and a connection portion extending between the first head and the second head. The first connection portion may have a maximum lateral dimension that is less than the maximum lateral dimension of the first head. The track may also include a base and a support extending between the second head and the base.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A track for use with at least one of a magnetic levitation vehicle and a rolling vehicle having one or more wheels, the track comprising:

a first head having a first lateral dimension;
a second head having a first lateral dimension;
a first connection portion extending between the first head and the second head and providing a path for a first source of magnetic flux through the first head and the second head, the first connection portion having a third lateral dimension that is less than the first lateral dimension of the first head;
a first base;
and
a first support extending between the second head and the first base.

3 more elements

A source of magnetic flux for use with a rail structure having a first head having a first lateral dimension, a second head having a second lateral dimension, and a connection portion extending between the first head and the second head, the connection portion having a third lateral dimension that is less than the first lateral dimension of the first head and the second lateral dimension of the second head, the source of magnetic flux comprising:

a first upper portion having a first polarity and a second upper portion having the first polarity, the first upper portion and the second upper portion being spaced apart to receive at least a portion of the first head therebetween, wherein the first upper portion is magnetically attracted to the first head by a force that is greater than a magnetic attraction force between the first upper portion and the connection portion;
and
a first lower portion having a second polarity opposite of the first polarity, and a second lower portion having the second polarity, the first lower portion and the second lower portion being spaced apart to receive at least a portion of the second head therebetween, wherein the first lower portion is magnetically attracted to the second head by a force that is greater than a magnetic attraction force between the first lower portion and the connection portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and system for transportation using a rail structure

Life of this patent

Method and system for transportation using a rail structure

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24