US 12,187,552 B2
Linear motor conveyor system with diverter and method for design and configuration thereof
Albert Kleinikkink, Cambridge (CA); and Roger Hogan, Cambridge (CA)
Filed by ATS Corporation, Cambridge (CA)
Filed on Jul. 27, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/360,081.
Application 18/360,081 is a continuation of application No. 17/388,619, filed on Jul. 29, 2021, granted, now 11,718,488.
Application 17/388,619 is a continuation of application No. 16/561,874, filed on Sep. 5, 2019, granted, now 11,117,758, issued on Sep. 14, 2021.
Application 16/561,874 is a continuation of application No. PCT/CA2018/050263, filed on Mar. 6, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/467,357, filed on Mar. 6, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2023/0365355 A1, Nov. 16, 2023
Int. Cl. B65G 54/02 (2006.01); H02K 7/08 (2006.01); H02K 11/01 (2016.01); H02K 41/03 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 54/02 (2013.01) [H02K 7/08 (2013.01); H02K 11/0141 (2020.08); H02K 41/031 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A linear motor conveyor system comprising:
a moving element comprising at least one magnetic element;
a first track on which the moving element moves, the first track comprising a first linear motor, the first linear motor configured to generate a dynamic magnetic field which acts on the first magnetic element to provide both a first dynamic lateral force and a first dynamic longitudinal force on the moving element, wherein the first track and magnetic element are configured to have a first predetermined magnetic gap between the first track and the magnetic element;
a second track with at least a transfer region of the second track positioned adjacent the first track, the second track configured to generate a magnetic field that acts on the magnetic element-to provide a second lateral force on the moving element, wherein the second track and magnetic element are configured to have a second predetermined magnetic gap between the second track and the magnetic element in the transfer region. wherein the second predetermined magnetic gap is different from the first predetermined magnetic gap; and
a controller to control at least the first linear motor such that the first dynamic lateral force from the first linear motor acting over the first predetermined magnetic gap supports the moving element on the first track and, if the moving element is to be transferred to the second track, in the transfer region, adjusts the first linear motor such that the first dynamic lateral force is reduced such that the second lateral force from the second track acting over the second predetermined magnetic gap biases the moving element toward the second track.