Linear induction motor drive system

Claim 2

A linear induction motor arrangement for driving a body along a predetermined track, comprising a wound stationary linear induction motor stator structure shaped to define a narrow gap longiTudinally extending along said track to produce when electrically energized a longitudinally moving magnetic field in said gap, a planar armature projecting from said body and adapted to travel in said gap, said magnetic field causing said armature to propel said body along said track, and pivotal connection means for hingedly connecting said planar armature to said body to allow rolling movements of said body during the traveling of said armature in said gap.

Claim 3

A linear induction motor arrangement for driving a train of coupled vehicles along a predetermined track, comprising a wound stationary linear induction motor stator structure shaped to define a narrow passageway longitudinally extending along said track to produce when electrically energized a longitudinally moving magnetic field in said passageway, a plurality of longitudinally aligned armature plates adapted to travel in said passageway, said magnetic field propelling said armature plates in said passageway along said track, each of said armature plates having a side hingedly connected for pivoting about a longitudinal axis to one of said vehicles, and guide means for said armature plates to control the angular position thereof along said track.

Claim 4

A linear induction motor arrangement for driving a train of coupled vehicles along a predetermined track, comprising a wound stationary linear induction motor stator structure shaped to define a narrow passageway longitudinally extending along said track to produce when electrically energized a longitudinally moving magnetic field in said passageway, a plurality of longitudinally aligned armature plates adapted to travel in said passageway, said magnetic field propelling said armature plates in said passageway along said track, each of said armature plates having a side hingedly connected for pivoting about a longitudinal axis to one of said vehicles, and guide means for said armature plates to control the angular position thereof along said track.

Claim 5

A linear induction motor arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said armature plates are arranged so as to extend, in straight sections of said track, in a common plane, in longitudinally closely spaced relation, said track comprising sections of deflection in or substantially parallel to said common plane, said guide means causing angular deflection of said armature plates out of said common plane to cause adjacent end portions of successive armature plates to overlap one another in said sections of deflection.

Claim 6

A linear induction motor arrangement according to claim 3, wherein each armature plate is of generally rectangular shape having an upper side pivotally connected to the bottom of one of said vehicles, and an opposite lower side guided by said guide means, said guide means extending stationary along said track.

Claim 7

A linear induction motor arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said stator structure is interrupted in said sections of deflection along a distance being shorter than the overall length of said aligned armature plates.