Abstract: The modular conveyor system comprises N interconnected track sections, forming a continuous track, wherein each track section features a plurality of individually controlled coils stretching along the length thereof. Plural pallets, each having thrust producing magnets, travel independently alone the track. The track also comprises multiple linear encoder readers spaced at fixed positions therealong, and each pallet includes a linear encoder strip having a length R greater than the spacing E between the readers. Track section controllers associate the encoder strips with only one reader at any time in order to resolve the position of the pallets based on the fixed position of the readers and the relative positions of the strips in relation thereto. The section controllers also regulate and commutate the coils of the corresponding track sections in order to independently control each pallet. Communication links interface adjacent section controllers situated in adjacent track sections.

Abstract: An electrical connector 10 for mounting on a circuit board 11 is provided comprising a first row of passages and a second row of passages which communicate a front surface 14 and a rear surface 16 of a housing 12, the passages being positioned in parallel rows, with each passage of a given row being vertically aligned with a corresponding passage in the other row. First electrical contacts 26 are retained in the first row of passages, and second electrical contacts 30 are retained in the second row of passages. The electrical contacts 26,30 comprise post sections 68 which extend forwardly from the front surface 14 of the housing 12, intermediate section 70 which are retained in the passages, and tail sections 22 which extend rearwardly and downwardly from the rear section 16 of the housing 12 to a free end 84 which is disposed to connect with an electrical connector on the circuit board 11, such as a conductive pad, 38.

Abstract: The modular conveyor system comprises N interconnected track sections, forming a continuous track, wherein each track section features a plurality of individually controlled coils stretching along the length thereof. Plural pallets, each having thrust producing magnets, travel independently alone the track. The track also comprises multiple linear encoder readers spaced at fixed positions therealong, and each pallet includes a linear encoder strip having a length R greater than the spacing E between the readers. Track section controllers associate the encoder strips with only one reader at any time in order to resolve the position of the pallets based on the fixed position of the readers and the relative positions of the strips in relation thereto. The section controllers also regulate and commutate the coils of the corresponding track sections in order to independently control each pallet. Communication links interface adjacent section controllers situated in adjacent track sections.