Method and apparatus of operating a drive with linear motor

A method of operating a drive with at least one linear motor, which linear motor includes a secondary part positioned between a first primary part and a second primary part, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing an attractive normal force that acts between each of the primary parts and the secondary part along a direction (Y) of action transverse to a direction (X) of movement of the drive wherein the primary parts are movable relative to one another and selectively movable toward and away from one another, and b) providing at least one compensation means that acts against the attractive normal force by a compensating normal force, wherein the secondary part extends longitudinally along a first path, and including coupling the primary parts for movement together relative to the secondary part along the first path, and selectively moving the primary parts toward and away from each other along a second path transverse to the first path.

An elevator comprising:

• at least one car for moving persons or goods;
• a drive including at least one linear motor with a secondary part positioned between a first primary part and a second primary part;
• and at least one compensation means which acts by a compensating normal force against an attractive normal force between each of the primary parts and the secondary part, the primary parts being movable relative to one another and selectively movable toward and away from one another, wherein the secondary part extends longitudinally along a first path, and the primary parts are coupled for movement together relative to the secondary part along the first path, wherein the primary parts are selectively movable toward and away from each other along a second path transverse to the first path.