Gordon Danby and James Powell invented and hold the patent for the Superconducting Maglev (magnetic levitation) transportation systems. This invention is the basis for the Tokyo to Osaka maglev route spanning 300 miles. Their inventions also include the inductive levitation and stabilization guideway, null flux geometry, and the Linear Synchonous Motor for vehicle propulsion.
Now retired, Danby worked as a Senior Physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory from 1957. Along with his work with maglev, Danby has worked on the theory and development of accelerators and magnetic detectors for the study of basic properties of matter. He is also a pioneer in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and his work has lead to faster, open machines that are more patient-friendly and less costly.
Information as of April 2000