Abstract: An independent cart system includes multiple track segments, multiple movers, multiple position sensors, and a controller. Each track segment includes multiple coils along a length of the track segment and a segment controller operative to selectively energize the coils to generate an electromagnetic field. Each mover includes a magnet array having multiple magnets, where the magnet array generates a magnetic field that interacts with the electromagnetic field generated by the coils to propel the mover along the track segments. The position sensors are spaced apart along the length of each track segment and generate a position feedback signal with a waveform as a function of the magnetic field generated by the magnet array on each mover. The controller is operative to receive the position feedback signal from each position sensor and to determine a unique identifier for each mover as a function of the waveform of the position feedback signal.

Abstract: A system for identifying movers in an independent cart system includes movers having at least one magnet and sensors generating a feedback signal responsive to detecting a magnetic field from the magnet as each mover travels past the sensor. A memory stores an identifier and a corresponding digital fingerprint for each mover. The stored digital fingerprint is generated as a function of the magnetic field generated by the magnet on each mover. A controller receives the feedback signal from each sensor and determines a run-time digital fingerprint for each mover corresponding to the magnetic field generated by the magnet on each mover as a function of the feedback signal. The run-time digital fingerprint is matched to one of the stored digital fingerprints, and the identifier, corresponding to the stored digital fingerprint matching the run-time fingerprint, is read from memory.

Abstract: A system for selecting one of multiple paths in a linear drive system includes track segments having a first drive member and at least one mover having a second drive member for the linear drive system. A switch track segment includes a first path, a second path, and a third path along which the mover may travel. The switch track segment also includes a first sensor positioned along the first path to detect the mover present on the first path, a second sensor positioned along the second path to detect the mover present on the second path, and a third sensor positioned along the third path to detect the mover present on the third path. The switching device is configured to engage the mover to selectively direct the mover along either the first path, the second path or the third path.

Abstract: A system for selecting one of multiple paths in a linear drive system includes track segments having a first drive member and at least one mover having a second drive member for the linear drive system. Each mover includes a drive surface oriented toward the track segment when the at least one mover is driven along the track. Each mover also includes a first channel and a second channel extending along the drive surface. A switch track segment includes a first path and a second path along which the at least one mover may travel, at least one first pin positioned along the first path, and at least one second pin positioned along the second path. The first and second pins are extendable to engage the first and second channels of the at least one mover to direct the mover along either the first path or the second path, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes quick connect features of a mover assembly for a linear motor system. The mover assembly may include a platform and at least two movers. The movers may include a linkage feature and the platform at least two linkage elements. The movers may be removably coupled to the platform by rotating the movers relative to the platform between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In an engaged position, the linkage element of the platform may retain the linkage feature of the mover and the linkage element and the linkage feature may translationally couple the mover and the platform.

Abstract: A system for selecting one of multiple paths in a linear drive system includes track segments having a first drive member and at least one mover having a second drive member for the linear drive system. Each mover includes a drive surface oriented toward the track segment when the at least one mover is driven along the track. Each mover also includes a first channel and a second channel extending along the drive surface. A switch track segment includes a first path and a second path along which the at least one mover may travel, at least one first pin positioned along the first path, and at least one second pin positioned along the second path. The first and second pins are extendable to engage the first and second channels of the at least one mover to direct the mover along either the first path or the second path, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a mover of a linear motor system. The mover includes a housing and a material coupled to the housing, the material having one or more protrusions extending towards a track of the linear motor system. The mover also includes a bearing to interface with the track. The bearing includes one or more recesses extending from a first surface of the bearing toward a second surface of the bearing, opposite the first surface. Each of the one or more recesses receives a respective protrusion of the one or more protrusions of the material. The bearing wears away from the second surface over time as the mover travels along the track, exposing the one or more protrusions to the track.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a mover of a linear motor system. The mover includes a housing and a material coupled to the housing, the material having one or more protrusions extending towards a track of the linear motor system. The mover also includes a bearing to interface with the track. The bearing includes one or more recesses extending from a first surface of the bearing toward a second surface of the bearing, opposite the first surface. Each of the one or more recesses receives a respective protrusion of the one or more protrusions of the material. The bearing wears away from the second surface over time as the mover travels along the track, exposing the one or more protrusions to the track.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes quick connect features of a mover assembly for a linear motor system. The mover assembly may include a platform and at least two movers. The movers may include a linkage feature and the platform at least two linkage elements. The movers may be removably coupled to the platform by rotating the movers relative to the platform between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In an engaged position, the linkage element of the platform may retain the linkage feature of the mover and the linkage element and the linkage feature may translationally couple the mover and the platform.

Abstract: A genderless, high current electrical connector having main electrical contacts and auxiliary electrical contacts for control, signaling, data and similar functions including make first/break last or make last/break first contacts with housing polarization configurations for varying voltages.