Levitation System for a Train

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fender, bogie, train, track and methods. The fender according to the invention comprises: a support surface provided on the underside during use; an inner pressure chamber provided in or on the support surface; a feed arranged in the pressure chamber for feeding a fluid; a first rim present round the inner pressure chamber, wherein at least a part of the rim is flexible; and a second rim arranged round the first rim such that a pressure chamber is created between two adjacent rims.

1 . A fender, comprising:
 a support surface provided on the underside during use;   an inner pressure chamber provided in or on the support surface;   a feed arranged in the pressure chamber for feeding a fluid;   a first rim present round the inner pressure chamber, wherein at least a part of the rim is flexible; and   a second rim arranged round the first rim such that a pressure chamber is created between two adjacent rims.   
     
     
         2 . The fender as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the fluid comprises air. 
     
     
         3 . The fender as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rim comprises a feed for feeding the fluid. 
     
     
         4 . The fender as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least two rims are provided. 
     
     
         5 . The fender as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the rims are provided movably to some extent relative to each other and/or the support surface. 
     
     
         6 . The fender as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rims are made of aluminium. 
     
     
         7 . The fender as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the rim and/or rims is inflatable. 
     
     
         8 . A bogie for a train, comprising a fender as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         9 . The bogie as claimed in  claim 8 , further comprising a contactless drive. 
     
     
         10 . The bogie as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the contactless drive comprises a number of permanent magnets on a rotating disc which are positioned such that rotation along a guiding strip or track creates a propelling force. 
     
     
         11 . A train provided with a bogie as claimed in  claim 9 . 
     
     
         12 . A track suitable for a bogie as claimed in  claim 9 . 
     
     
         13 . The track as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising a strip attached on either side of the track for the drive. 
     
     
         14 . The track as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising a recess provided with at least one strip for the drive. 
     
     
         15 . The track as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the track is provided with at least one recess such that a track section can be placed over an existing railway track. 
     
     
         16 . A method for supporting an element, comprising of providing a fender as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         17 . A method for moving an element, comprising providing a bogie as claimed in  claim 9  and driving the bogie. 
     
     
         18 . The fender as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein at least two rims are provided. 
     
     
         19 . The fender as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein at least two rims are provided. 
     
     
         20 . The fender as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein at least two rims are provided.