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: A system for controlling movers in a linear drive system includes a plurality of movers and a track providing segments along which the movers may travel and holding driver coils and a segment controller controlling the driver coils. Some of the segments having switches forming branches between segments. A central controller communicates operates with the segment controllers to route the movers along the track by distributing routing decisions for a given mover to a segment controller for a track on which a given mover is currently traveling.