Abstract: The present invention provides a solder plating system with automatic monitoring of wash fluid pressure. The system automatically activates an alarm and/or initiates shutdown of a solder plating machine when the pressure reading indicates a failure of the wash fluid supply. The system thereby reduces the number of parts that are affected by failures in the wash fluid supply system. In some cases, problems with the wash fluid supply are detected before any parts are affected.

Abstract: A system and method for a remote calling system for an automatic guided vehicle is disclosed herein. The remote calling system is configured to receive a destination request from an operator located at a remote location. The remote calling system is further configured to check the availability of the automatic guided vehicle at each of the parking lots. When at least one automatic guided vehicle is available at a parking lot, the remote calling system transmits the destination request to that parking lot. The remote calling system utilizes a telephone communication system.

Abstract: The present invention provides AGV systems with automatic recharging and a central processor for control. The central processor monitors the charge states of the AGVs, assigns them to tasks, and can determines when to recharge the AGVs. The central processor can optimize the operation of the AGVs to achieve various objectives which can include, for example, maximizing AGV availability, maximizing battery life, and/or maximizing recharging station utilization. Systems and methods of the invention can maximize the utilization of AGV equipment and minimize the number of AGVs required to accomplish a given set of tasks.

Abstract: A draw bar clamping locking mechanism for locking and unlocking rapidly a draw bar mounted on the front end of a trolley to the rear end of an automatic guided vehicle. The locking bar mechanism includes a locking bar which is moveable rotatably between a locked position where the draw bar is received in a U-shaped slot and an unlocked position where the draw bar is disengaged from the U-shaped slot. A release paddle is provided for unlocking and releasing rapidly the draw bar from the U-shaped slot when depressed downwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable lubricant replenishing system for an industrial machine and comprises a battery operated pump for dispensing the lubricant to the machine. The lubricant replenishing system further comprises a retractable tube coupled with a specially configured nozzle to secure to a lubricant reservoir of the machine. The lubricant replenishing system further comprises a control module adapted to operate the pump and display a system status. The present invention also relates to a method of replenishing one or multiple industrial machines with the portable lubricant replenishing system. The method further comprises a robot and a guided vehicle system enabling the method to be operable manually or fully automated.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that reduce the number of mis-routed trolleys in an AGV system. The invention provides a solenoid driven automatic coupling for coupling a trolley to an AGV. When an AGV arrives at a particular preprogrammed destination, as determined for example by track patches read by the AGV, the AGV system switches the solenoid power causing the automatic coupling to free the trolley to disengage from the AGV. The AGV may then pull away from the trolley, leaving the trolley at its programmed destination. The system substantially eliminates the risk of a trolley not being uncoupled prior to the AGV's departing from the trolley's intended destination.