Method and apparatus for power transfer to an independent moving cart during travel along a track

A linear motor system comprising:

• a track having a length and defining a path;
• a mover configured to move along the path, wherein the mover includes at least one drive magnet mounted to the mover;
• a plurality of drive coils positioned along the length of the track, wherein the plurality of drive coils are controlled to generate an electromagnetic field to interact with the at least one drive magnet mounted on the mover to control operation of the mover;
• a primary winding associated with the track that receives power from a power supply;
• a secondary winding associated with the mover that is positioned proximate the primary winding to define an air gap between the primary winding and the secondary winding;
• an electrical device associated with the mover;
• and
• a power converter connected between the electrical device and the secondary winding, wherein power from the power supply is inductively coupled from the primary winding to the secondary winding and the power converter supplies power from the secondary winding to the electrical device.

A method of powering an electrical device associated with a mover in a linear motor system, comprising:

• controlling operation of the mover by generating an electromagnetic field with a plurality of drive coils positioned along a track of the linear motor system, wherein the electromagnetic field interacts with at least one drive magnet mounted to the mover;
• supplying power to a primary winding for the track in the linear motor system;
• receiving inductively coupled power with a secondary winding associated with the mover, wherein the secondary winding is positioned proximate the primary winding as the mover travels along the track;
• and
• coupling power received by the secondary winding to the electrical device through a power converter mounted on the mover.