Methods and apparatus for controlling movement of receptacles

A materials handling system, comprising:

• a track for moving a receptacle along a receiving surface of the track, the track comprising a plurality of linear induction motors (“LIMs”) disposed along at least a portion of the track;
• and
• a plurality of receptacles configured to receive at least one item, wherein:
• each receptacle comprises a conductive element oriented proximate the receiving surface when each receptacle is positioned on the track, the conductive element comprising at least one conductive material included within a non-conductive portion of each receptacle;
• and
• each of the plurality of LIMs are arranged along the track proximate the receiving surface in a configuration to propel receptacles along the receiving surface between at least two positions on the track.

A receptacle, comprising:

• at least one side wall comprising a non-conductive material;
• and
• a base, wherein:
• at least one of the at least one side wall or the base comprises at least one conductive element configured to interact with a linear induction motor (“LIM”) when the receptacle is proximate the LIM, the at least one conductive element comprising at least one conductive material included within a non-conductive portion of the base;
• and
• the at least one side wall and the base of the receptacle are configured to receive at least one item.