Abstract: A method of automatically moving a dolly apparatus from an initial location to a downstream location is provided. The method includes engaging a component being carried along an elevated conveyor with a synchronization arm of a dolly apparatus such that the dolly apparatus moves with the component. The dolly apparatus includes a base frame and an actuation member movably mounted to the base frame. A synchronization arm is movably mounted to a top of the base frame. The actuation member is operatively connected to the synchronization arm such that actuating the actuation member lowers the synchronization arm to a disengaged position. The actuation member is actuated thereby lowering the synchronization arm to a disengaged position and releasing the component.

Abstract: A method of transporting a vehicle engine wire harness from a component preparation location to a component pick location is provided. The method includes placing the vehicle engine wire harness on a hook of a component hanger. The component hanger with vehicle engine wire harness is directed along a supply track assembly through a heated enclosure to the component pick location at a vehicle assembly line.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering a work part to an assembly line worker using a dolly assembly in a first configuration and retrieving the work part from the dolly assembly by the assembly line work while the dolly assembly is in a second configuration. According to some embodiments, a dolly assembly is provided comprising a base assembly having a support member and a mobility mechanism, the support member positioned obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane. The dolly assembly also includes a part-carrying member rotationally connected to the support member and having a part-holding structure for receiving a work part. The part-carrying member extends downward at an angle below the horizontal plane when in a first configuration, and extends upward from at an angle above the horizontal plane when in a second configuration.

Abstract: A beam limiting apparatus is provided for reducing the amount of off-focus radiation in the image-forming beam emitted from an x-ray tube assembly. The x-ray tube assembly has a housing with an x-ray port for the passage of x-rays therethrough, a mounting boss defining the x-ray port, an x-ray tube mounted within the housing and defining a glass envelope, an anode mounted within the glass envelope, and a cathode spaced relative to the anode within the glass envelope. A peripheral flange of the beam limiting apparatus is mountable to the mounting boss of the x-ray tube housing, and a radiation-absorbing body of the beam limiting apparatus projects downwardly from the peripheral flange through the x-ray port.