Abstract: A vehicle production assembly includes a discontinuous conveyor system to support a vehicle. The conveyor system includes a first side conveyor chain, a second side conveyor chain, and a plurality of middle conveyor chains longitudinally spaced between the first and second conveyor chains. The conveyor chains can be mechanically synchronized with a single motor.

Abstract: A vehicle production assembly line includes a conveyor system to support a vehicle. The conveyor system includes a first side conveyor chain, a second side conveyor chain, and a middle conveyor chain positioned between the first side conveyor chain and the second side conveyor chain. The first side conveyor chain, the second side conveyor chain, and the middle conveyor chain are laterally aligned with each other and can be mechanically synchronized with a single motor.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a conductor bar operable to form a portion of a track. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of carriers. Each of the plurality of carriers comprises a collector shoe operable to engage the conductor bar to enable each of the plurality of carriers to advance along the track. The apparatus further comprises a motor power control device configured to deliver power to the collector shoes associated with each of the plurality of carriers to drive the plurality of carriers along the track.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a portion of conductor bar, a plurality of carriers, and at least one variable frequency driver. The portion of conductor bar forms a portion of track for the carriers. The plurality of carriers are operable to engage the at least a portion of the conductor bar, wherein the plurality of carriers are able to advance along the track. The at least one variable frequency driver is configured to drive at least two of the plurality of carriers along the track.

Abstract: Fiberglass batts are installed between the side-by-side studs in the interior walls of a home or building to insulate the walls and minimize sound transfer. Each fiberglass batt has a paper backing that projects from the side edges of the batt to provide for attachment to the spaced, side-by-side wall studs that comprise the internal frame to which the walls are secured. However, a significant percentage of the backing is produced with a noncompliant, reduced width and thus those batts are discarded. In the present invention a stripper mechanism between an input conveyor that receives the inferior batts and an output conveyor strips the backing therefrom so that the fiberglass may be used in other applications.

Abstract: A roller turn roller for an industrial conveyor comprises a continuous axle tube having opposed ends and a central axis of rotation, a pair of axially spaced, tapered roller bearings on the axle tube spaced inwardly from its ends, a roller shell supported by the bearings for rotation about the axis of the tube, and a pair of axially spaced retainers secured to the tube with the roller bearings disposed therebetween. Each of the retainers engages a corresponding bearing to pre-load the bearings to a desired clearance. A fastener extending across a pair of mounting bars on the conveyor, and through the axle tube mounts the roller turn roller between the bars.

Abstract: The trailing, load supporting component of a product conveyor is connected to a powered, leading component by a shock absorbing tow bar that employs relatively movable friction elements in a sandwich configuration to absorb the shock by sliding engagement at internal wear surfaces. A brake tongue slides between opposed brake pads of the sandwich which are placed under pressure against the tongue. A two-piece, telescoping tubular housing shields the brake assembly from contaminants and enhances the structural integrity of the unit.

Abstract: A traction wheel turn for a power and free conveyor employs a single rotary unit to effect a complete, 180.degree. reversal of the course of the conveyor. A circular track component forms a part of the free track at the inside of the turn and is carried by the traction wheel and rotates therewith. The inside wheels of the free trollies transfer from a standard, straight track section to the circular component at the turn, are carried thereby through the turn, and are delivered to the next stationary track section at the end of the turn. The horizontal space occupied by the turn is therefore, no greater than the diameter of the traction wheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for inserting components into workpieces, particularly for insertion of electrical components into printed circuit boards. Multiple component magazines are provided on a shuttle which places the desired component beneath an inserter. The inserter moves through a limited reciprocation to pick up a component from the shuttle, and the shuttle is withdrawn from the path of the inserter. The inserter then moves downward to insert the component. The inserter includes an ejector which maintains contact with the inserted component during withdrawal of the inserter. The ejector includes a shock absorber which gives way if unusual resistance is met during insertion. The shock absorber is spring-biased, and the degree of stiffness of the spring is adjustable.