Abstract: A coating system includes a plurality of liquid immersion workstations positioned along an arcuate path, the plurality of liquid immersion workstations defining a single complete coating process for a sequence of objects. A plurality of curing workstations are configured to independently receive objects of the sequence of objects exiting the plurality of liquid immersion workstations. An articulated robotic arm has a base positioned inside the arcuate path in top plan view such that the robotic arm is operable to carry each object of the sequence of objects through each of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations and to exactly one of the plurality of curing workstations. An articulated robotic hand is provided at a distal end of the robotic arm and configured to grasp and hold each of the objects and to oscillate the object while submerged in each of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations.

Abstract: A coating system includes a plurality of liquid immersion workstations positioned along an arcuate path, the plurality of liquid immersion workstations defining a single complete coating process for a sequence of objects. A plurality of curing workstations are configured to independently receive objects of the sequence of objects exiting the plurality of liquid immersion workstations. An articulated robotic arm has a base positioned inside the arcuate path in top plan view such that the robotic arm is operable to carry each object of the sequence of objects through each of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations and to exactly one of the plurality of curing workstations. An articulated robotic hand is provided at a distal end of the robotic arm and configured to grasp and hold each of the objects and to oscillate the object while submerged in each of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations.

Abstract: A coating system includes a plurality of liquid immersion workstations positioned along an arcuate path, the plurality of liquid immersion workstations defining a single complete coating process for a sequence of objects. A plurality of curing workstations are configured to independently receive objects of the sequence of objects exiting the plurality of liquid immersion workstations. An articulated robotic arm has a base positioned inside the arcuate path in top plan view such that the robotic arm is operable to carry each object of the sequence of objects through each of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations and to exactly one of the plurality of curing workstations. An articulated robotic hand is provided at a distal end of the robotic arm and configured to grasp and hold each of the objects and to oscillate the object while submerged in each of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations.

Abstract: A bulk finishing system including a plurality of liquid immersion workstations defining a finishing process for a plurality of metal work pieces processed therethrough. Each of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations includes a tank, and the plurality of metal work pieces are conveyed through a group of one or more of the respective tanks of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations by non-contact magnetic conveyance provided by an inclined downstream tank end wall forming a work piece exit slide, with a magnetic conveyor extending along an exterior side of the inclined downstream tank end wall. The plurality of work pieces are introduced loosely in bulk to each one of the group of tanks of the plurality of liquid immersion workstations.

Abstract: An augmented reality system includes a display device defining a display area, a database containing a three-dimensional model of a conveyor system, a communication link between the database and the display device, and a processor. The processor is operable to display the three-dimensional model of the conveyor system on the display area. The display allows a human user to see a real time combined view of the real physical environment, including a building and features thereof, and the three-dimensional model of the factory automation system within the building. A user interface has controls operable to effect one or both of: movement of the displayed conveyor system within the building, and measurement between features of the building and the displayed conveyor system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coating interior surfaces of products with coating material. The systems and methods can include at least one plug to selectively close an opening of the product, wherein the plug is movable relative to the opening between a first position in which the plug is retracted from the opening and a second position in which the plug is engaged with the opening to seal the opening. When the plug is in the second position, a pump delivers coating material to the cavity of the product via a fluid line and a port in the plug. The coating material can fill the cavity, and an electrode can be energized to coat the interior surface of the product with an electrophoretic deposition process. Other coating processes can also be used in a similar manner.

Abstract: A re-configurable filtration system includes a system inlet, first and second filters, a plurality of valves, a sensor, and a controller. Each filter has a feed inlet in fluid communication with the system inlet, a permeate outlet, and a concentrate outlet. The plurality of valves are switchable to define a first configuration in which the first filter and the second filter are arranged in fluid parallel and a second configuration in which the first filter and the second filter are arranged in fluid series. A sensor is operable to measure a property of the fluid within the system and to output a corresponding electrical signal. The controller can be operable to receive the electrical signal from the sensor and, in response, to switch the plurality of valves between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: An augmented reality system includes a display device defining a display area, a database containing a three-dimensional model of a conveyor system, a communication link between the database and the display device, and a processor. The processor is operable to display the three-dimensional model of the conveyor system on the display area. The display allows a human user to see a real time combined view of the real physical environment, including a building and features thereof, and the three-dimensional model of the factory automation system within the building. A user interface has controls operable to effect one or both of: movement of the displayed conveyor system within the building, and measurement between features of the building and the displayed conveyor system.

Abstract: A waste liquid solidification system includes a chamber at least partially enclosing a volume, a liquid outlet positioned to spray a liquid into the volume, and a powder outlet adjacent the liquid outlet positioned to discharge a super-absorbent polymer powder into the volume. The liquid outlet and powder outlet are configured such that the liquid and the super-absorbent polymer powder undergo airborne mixing within the volume enclosed by the chamber to create a solid waste.

Abstract: A waste liquid solidification system includes a chamber at least partially enclosing a volume, a liquid outlet positioned to spray a liquid into the volume, and a powder outlet adjacent the liquid outlet positioned to discharge a super-absorbent polymer powder into the volume. The liquid outlet and powder outlet are configured such that the liquid and the super-absorbent polymer powder undergo airborne mixing within the volume enclosed by the chamber to create a solid waste.

Abstract: A waste liquid solidification system includes a chamber at least partially enclosing a volume, a liquid outlet positioned to spray a liquid into the volume, and a powder outlet adjacent the liquid outlet positioned to discharge a super-absorbent polymer powder into the volume. The liquid outlet and powder outlet are configured such that the liquid and the super-absorbent polymer powder undergo airborne mixing within the volume enclosed by the chamber to create a solid waste.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coating interior surfaces of products with coating material. The systems and methods can include at least one plug to selectively close an opening of the product, wherein the plug is movable relative to the opening between a first position in which the plug is retracted from the opening and a second position in which the plug is engaged with the opening to seal the opening. When the plug is in the second position, a pump delivers coating material to the cavity of the product via a fluid line and a port in the plug. The coating material can fill the cavity, and an electrode can be energized to coat the interior surface of the product with an electrophoretic deposition process. Other coating processes can also be used in a similar manner.

Abstract: A waste liquid solidification system includes a chamber at least partially enclosing a volume, a liquid outlet positioned to spray a liquid into the volume, and a powder outlet adjacent the liquid outlet positioned to discharge a super-absorbent polymer powder into the volume. The liquid outlet and powder outlet are configured such that the liquid and the super-absorbent polymer powder undergo airborne mixing within the volume enclosed by the chamber to create a solid waste.

Abstract: A re-configurable filtration system includes a system inlet, first and second filters, a plurality of valves, a sensor, and a controller. Each filter has a feed inlet in fluid communication with the system inlet, a permeate outlet, and a concentrate outlet. The plurality of valves are switchable to define a first configuration in which the first filter and the second filter are arranged in fluid parallel and a second configuration in which the first filter and the second filter are arranged in fluid series. A sensor is operable to measure a property of the fluid within the system and to output a corresponding electrical signal. The controller can be operable to receive the electrical signal from the sensor and, in response, to switch the plurality of valves between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: A method of processing a work piece having an enclosure. The method comprises inserting a siphon into the enclosure, submerging the work piece in an immersion tank, removing the work piece from the tank, and draining liquid from the enclosure through the siphon. Inserting can include positioning at least a portion of a short leg of the siphon in the enclosure of the work piece. Preferably, draining includes directing liquid back into the immersion tank. After draining, the work piece can be moved to a second workstation and/or the siphon can be withdrawn from the enclosure. The method can be performed using a finishing system comprising a primary carrier, a work piece suspended from the primary carrier and defining an enclosure, and a siphon positioned in the enclosure. Preferably, the work piece is suspended above an immersion tank. The siphon can be positioned to direct fluid toward the immersion tank.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.