The magnetic support system developed by MTSC is intended to replace the support and running wheels used in conventional transport and material handling equipment.

The system uses high strength permanent magnets to generate a levitation force that supports the vehicle.

The support principle does not require any energy, nor does it use any complex sensing or control systems.

The magnets are assembled in "Liftpacks", which are mounted on the vehicle.  The magnetic fields generated by the Liftpacks interact with steel elements in the trackway.  This interaction creates the levitation force.

The levitation is inherently stable, automatically adjusting over the load range of the vehicle.

The vehicle is steered by horizontal guidewheels.  Another set of wheels, the vertical restraint wheels, protect the vehicle in case the magnets are overloaded.  In normal running, these vertical restraint wheels do not contact the trackway, but float a short distance above it.

Key attributes of the technology include:

• No load bearing wheels on the vehicle
• No load bearing running surfaces on the trackway
• Vehicle load is distributed to the trackway over the length of the magnets
• Trackway structure is simple, and easily fabricated and installed
• Minimal maintenance for vehicle and trackway
• Minimal running resistance, enhances efficient operation
• Vehicle can be physically constrained to the trackway for safety

The technology is readily scalable, to accommodate the size and weight limits of the desired payload.  The lift capability of the technology is considerable.  The pallet pictured on the photographs page, approximately 3 feet in length and using dual rails, has a total lift of about 800 pounds.  Additional Liftpacks could be added to it to more than double this amount.  The unit lift capability can be increased by increasing the size of the magnets themselves.   A total lift capability on the order of 2000 pounds per foot of length of dual-rail vehicle appears feasible.  Lift of this magnitude can accommodate practically anything that needs to be moved, including large objects such as cargo containers.

The system works equally well in either a top-riding configuration (pictured on the photograph page) or an underhung arrangement.

The MTSC magnetic support system does not provide propulsion: it supports the vehicle.  Propulsion can be provided by a number of alternative means, including linear motors, cables and even gravity.  In level running, propulsion effort is minimal because of the low running resistance.

Individual vehicle modules may be linked to create longer lifting units for handling larger loads.

Alternative steering wheel configurations may be used: outrigger, center, etc.