The MagneGlide® Magnetic Support System is a patented, permanent magnetic based magnetic levitation technology for supporting moving objects, eliminating the need for conventional load-bearing wheels or rollers. MagneGlide® provides the ability to move objects with relative ease - smoothly and quietly - using high-strength permanent magnets mounted in units called "liftpacks," which, in turn, run on specifically shaped steel rails.

No energy is consumed by the lift action, and the system automatically adjusts to variations in the load placed upon it. The entire weight of the moving object is supported by magnetic forces, resulting in a system with very low resistance to motion.

MagneGlide® is a passive magnetic support system: it consumes no energy for its lift, and automatically adjusts to the load applied to it without the need for a complicated control system. It is inherently stable in lift, and is simple and robust.

The MagneGlide® development effort has initially been directed toward architectural/construction applications, with the goal of offering greater flexibility and more options to architects and builders selecting solutions to design issues. With MagneGlide®, the weight of the sliding object need not be a detriment to the ease of operation, and the system can be applied to a number of residential, commercial, and industrial architectural applications - both interior and exterior - including:

• sliding doors and windows
• movable panels and dividers
• entry gates
• animal and livestock control gates and doors
• movable protective barriers and screens
• safety/security panels (for protection against fire, intrusion, extreme weather, and other threats)

MagneGlide® is currently in service. The accompanying photos and video show an application for supporting a large maintenance gate at an athletic field at the University of Arizona in Tucsan, AZ. The gate is 20 feet high, 18 feet wide and weighs in at 1900 pounds. On conventional rollers, the gate required over 70 pounds of force to move. WIth MagneGlide®, the force to move it was on the order of 12 pounds.

Applicable to loads ranging from small and light to large and heavy, MagneGlide® enables even the heaviest objects to be moved with minimal effort, especially when compared to conventional wheels or rollers. MagneGlide® can work equally well in either of two configurations: overhead-mounted (suspended) or bottom-mounted (top-riding). The former typically provides superior protection from dirt and debris. In cases of doors and interior panels and dividers, this can help avoid tracks or other disruptions to floors. And in contrast to conventional sliding doors, there are no load-bearing wheels or rollers to wear out, and no track to collect dirt or gum up.

The ease of movement afforded by the MagneGlide® system may be an especially useful feature in situations where strength and mobility limitations are prevalent, such as health care facilities, elderly residences, and similar sites.

Movable interior panels are often used as room dividers and similar space definition functions. The MagneGlide® system can facilitate their use by making even large panels more easily moved. Sliding gates, doors, and other barriers can likewise benefit from the ease of movement MagneGlide® offers.

MagneGlide® design options are numerous. The liftpacks system can be scaled up or down in lift capacity, according to the requirements of a particular application. Where low resistance to motion is paramount; it can allow for fingertip operation, even with heavy objects. Applied to powered doors, gates, etc., smaller operator units can be considered, with reduced energy consumption compared to conventional mountings. Operation is quiet, trouble-free, with low maintenance. It provides freedom from derailment, immunity from troubles due to clogging or dirt collection, and low vibration. The motion is quiet, smooth and with a luxurious feel.

MagneGlide® technology is versatile and secure. costs and climate severity are projected to increase in the future. These will put additional demands on buildings for efficient protection from the environment. The MagneGlide® magnetic support technology can help to enable innovative and increasingly effective solutions to be developed and put forth to address this need. Modern Transport Systems Corp. works with architects, designers and manufacturers to provide a MagneGlide® magnetic support system tailored to the needs of their clients and customers.

MTSC offers the MagneGlide® system in an overhead mounting configuration, in two basic sizes: large and small. The accompanying photo shows a side by side comparison of the rails. The small rail is 1-1/2" wide, sized to fit on the "2" face of a 2x4, 2x6, 2x whatever, and is 2-3/4" high. This size is suitable for loads up to a couple of hundred pounds. The large rail is 3-1/2" wide and 4-1/8" high, and is suitable for substantially larger loads.

Click any of the images below to see a slideshow and discussion for that application.

Architectural Features

Security

Sliding Doors

Solar Screening

Storm Shielding