System and Method to Reduce Particulate Generation in an Independent Cart System

A system for reducing particulate generation in an independent cart system, comprising:

• a track including:
• a plurality of track segments, wherein each track segment includes:
• a first end with a first portion of an alignment bracket integrally formed in the first end of the track segment, and
• a second end with a second portion of the alignment bracket integrally formed in the second end of the track segment;
• a plurality of removable alignment brackets, wherein each removable alignment bracket mounts over the first portion of the alignment bracket on a first track segment and the second portion of the alignment bracket on a second track segment to align the first track segment in three dimensions with the second track segment;
• and
• a plurality of coils spaced along the track;
• and
• a mover configured to travel along the track, wherein the mover further comprises:
• a plurality of wheels mounted to the mover and operative to engage the track as the mover travels along the track, wherein each of the plurality of wheels includes a rolling bearing by which the corresponding wheel is mounted to the mover;
• a drive block containing a plurality of drive magnets, wherein a magnetic field generated by the plurality of drive magnets is operative to engage an electromagnetic field generated by the plurality of coils to drive the mover along the track;
• a platform mounted to an upper surface of the drive block;
• a fastener mounted through the platform to the drive block to secure the platform to the drive block;
• and
• at least one rolling bearing mounted between the fastener and either the platform or the drive block to provide rotational motion between the fastener and the platform or the drive block.