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Thomas Pumpelly (Email) Tim Maier, Esquire (Email)A magnetic levitation (“Maglev”), vehicle guides itself and propels itself by use of magnetic forces. Using Maglev, reverse polarization pushes cars while magnetic attraction pulls cars towards an fixed point. Electromagnetic suspension (“EMS”), uses repelling magnetic forces to lift a vehicle slightly above an opposing surface. In several applications, propulsion coils guide a vehicle forward along a centerline by using intersecting forces for directional stability.
Various demonstration systems in several countries have demonstrated the effectiveness of Maglev in transportation environments. Speeds reaching 361 mph have been recorded by Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture test trains. Except at very high speeds, Maglev trains are quieter, and are becoming less expensive to operate than standard trains. They are environmentally friendly and require no fossil fuel. Maglev vehicles are extremely smooth and quiet internally.
Maglev projects are currently constrained by very high construction costs when compared to typical rail trains which also reach very high speeds. Current technologies do not provide much margin for profitable operation due to the cost of acquiring land, and an operator’s cost of acquiring vehicles capable of running via Maglev. Infrastructure costs are significant. Maglev trains are not compatible with typical rail tracks and most systems in use today use different designs and construction techniques. Maglev vehicles have been proven to climb and decent at as much as Six (6), degrees.
Original Patents for Maglev vehicles in the United States and many other countries expired years ago. The basic Maglev technology is available to any organization. Hybrid PT’s Patent Application extends to the use of Maglev propulsion and levitation in the Hybrid PT environment. In addition to the United States, the Hybrid PT Patent Application will be registered in most developed countries.