Method and apparatus for use in guiding magnetically levitated vehicles

A method for use in controlling a vehicle, comprising:

• magnetically levitating a vehicle;
• propelling the magnetically levitated vehicle along a guideway;
• and
• controlling movement of the levitated vehicle comprising:
• inducing an increase in a magnetic drag on the vehicle along a predefined portion of the guideway in excess to magnetic drag experienced by the vehicle as the vehicle travels.

An apparatus for use in directing a vehicle, comprising:

• a guideway;
• a vehicle positioned on the guideway to travel along the guideway, the vehicle comprising at least one magnet;
• and
• a conductive plate having a predefined length and being positioned proximate the guideway and along a predefined portion of the guideway, such that an eddy current is induced in the conductive plate as the at least one magnet of the vehicle passes the conductive plate inducing an increased drag force on the magnet.

An apparatus for use in guiding a vehicle, comprising:

• a guideway comprising a plurality of current carrying rungs;
• a magnet positioned adjacent the guideway such that the magnet travels along the guideway;
• and
• a means for inducing an increase in magnetic drag on the magnet in excess of magnetic drag exerted on the magnet as the magnet travels along at least a portion of the guideway, where the means for inducing the drag is positioned proximate a plurality of the rungs.