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 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 delivery dolly includes a carousel that is rotatably mounted on a support column. The carousel includes a recess on an underside of the carousel. A locking mechanism is biased toward a locked position. The locking mechanism includes a locking wheel on which the carousel rotates until the carousel reaches a preselected angular position. The recess aligns with the locking wheel at the preselected angular position and, due to a bias force, the locking wheel extends into the recess to inhibit rotation of the carousel until the carousel is spun manually, forcing the carousel to rotate and the locking wheel to retract until the locking wheel encounters the recess again.

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: A dolly apparatus for use on an assembly line includes a base frame. A swing out arm is rotatably connected to the base frame by a pivot linkage. An automatic arm closing assembly moves the swing out arm from an installation position to an initial position. The automatic arm closing assembly includes an engagement member located laterally outside the base frame. A swinging linkage is rotatably connected to the base frame. A support rod connects the engagement member to the swinging linkage. A connector rod connects the swinging linkage to the pivot linkage. The engagement member has a retracted position and an extended position. The connector rod moves with rotation of the swinging linkage and rotates the pivot linkage thereby moving the swing out arm from the installation position to the initial position with movement of the engagement member from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to automated dolly assemblies having loading and unloading racks and traveling along a track secured to a floor. In one embodiment, an automated dolly assembly includes a moveable frame having a mobility mechanism, one or more loading racks, one or more unloading racks, a receiver arm connected to the moveable frame and a moveable pulley connected to the receiver arm. The moveable pulley has weights. The mobility mechanism is coupled to a bottom surface of the moveable frame. The one or more loading racks and the one or more unloading racks are proximate to a top surface of the moveable frame. The receiver arm is rotatably moveable between a horizontal position and a vertical position and configured to engage the automated dolly assembly with an overhead conveyor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to automated dolly assemblies having loading and unloading racks and traveling along a track secured to a floor. In one embodiment, an automated dolly assembly includes a moveable frame having a mobility mechanism, one or more loading racks, one or more unloading racks, a receiver arm connected to the moveable frame and a moveable pulley connected to the receiver arm. The moveable pulley has weights. The mobility mechanism is coupled to a bottom surface of the moveable frame. The one or more loading racks and the one or more unloading racks are proximate to a top surface of the moveable frame. The receiver arm is rotatably moveable between a horizontal position and a vertical position and configured to engage the automated dolly assembly with an overhead conveyor.

Abstract: A dolly apparatus for use on an assembly line includes a base frame. A swing out arm is rotatably connected to the base frame by a pivot linkage. An automatic arm closing assembly moves the swing out arm from an installation position to an initial position. The automatic arm closing assembly includes an engagement member located laterally outside the base frame. A swinging linkage is rotatably connected to the base frame. A support rod connects the engagement member to the swinging linkage. A connector rod connects the swinging linkage to the pivot linkage. The engagement member has a retracted position and an extended position. The connector rod moves with rotation of the swinging linkage and rotates the pivot linkage thereby moving the swing out arm from the installation position to the initial position with movement of the engagement member from the extended position to the retracted position.