Abstract: A conveyor roller turn for establishing a curved path for a conveyor chain includes a frame supporting a rail defining a curved conveyor path, and a roller body supported rotatably on the frame along the curved conveyor path. The roller body has an outside surface positioned to provide horizontal support to the conveyor drive chain. At least one bearing supports the roller body on the frame, the at least one bearing including: a plurality of ceramic rolling elements, an inner race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial inner side of the bearing, an outer race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial outer side of the bearing, and tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant on the ceramic rolling elements.

Abstract: A conveyor roller turn for establishing a curved path for a conveyor chain includes a frame supporting a rail defining a curved conveyor path, and a roller body supported rotatably on the frame along the curved conveyor path. The roller body has an outside surface positioned to provide horizontal support to the conveyor drive chain. At least one bearing supports the roller body on the frame, the at least one bearing including: a plurality of ceramic rolling elements, an inner race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial inner side of the bearing, an outer race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial outer side of the bearing, and tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant on the ceramic rolling elements.

Abstract: An industrial oven includes an oven chamber configured to receive a plurality of workpieces for drying or curing. A heater box of the oven has a heating element therein operable to heat air for delivery to the oven chamber. A circulation system of the oven is operable to force hot air from the heater box into the oven chamber. A VOC oxidation catalyst is provided in the circulation system.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path and an automated conveyor carrier (ACC) supported on the rail to be movable along the conveyor path. The ACC includes an on-board motor and an on-board electrical power source selectively powering the on-board motor to drive the ACC along the rail. The ACC may include a wireless sleep mode module operable to selectively shut off power to an on-board ACC controller.

Abstract: An industrial oven includes an oven chamber configured to receive a plurality of workpieces for drying or curing. A heater box of the oven has a heating element therein operable to heat air for delivery to the oven chamber. A circulation system of the oven is operable to force hot air from the heater box into the oven chamber. A VOC oxidation catalyst is provided in the circulation system.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of stations positioned along a direction of conveyance. Rails span the length of all stations and include at least first, second, and third rails configured for independent vertical movement. A plurality of objects is supported by and movable along the first, second, and third rails between the stations. Each of the plurality of objects has first, second, and third supports coupled to the respective first, second, and third rails so that all of the plurality of objects tilt in unison about a first set of parallel axes in response to the first, second, and third rails being positioned in a first configuration of vertical heights, and all of the plurality of objects tilt in unison about a second set of parallel axes in response to the first, second, and third rails being positioned in a second configuration of vertical heights.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of stations positioned along a direction of conveyance. Rails span the length of all stations and include at least first, second, and third rails configured for independent vertical movement. A plurality of objects is supported by and movable along the first, second, and third rails between the stations. Each of the plurality of objects has first, second, and third supports coupled to the respective first, second, and third rails so that all of the plurality of objects tilt in unison about a first set of parallel axes in response to the first, second, and third rails being positioned in a first configuration of vertical heights, and all of the plurality of objects tilt in unison about a second set of parallel axes in response to the first, second, and third rails being positioned in a second configuration of vertical heights.

Abstract: An e-coating line for small parts includes a series of load carriers, each having a rotatable shaft supporting an apertured metal barrel with parts to be treated. Electrically conductive drive chains and sprockets connect the rotatable shaft to barrel shafts to suspended the barrel from the carrier for submersion of the barrel into treating tanks including an e-coating tank. The chain/sprocket units are self cleaning and establish a reliable grounding of the barrels through the load carrier and slide rail conveyor conducting the load carriers to ground. A rack is mounted on a support secured to move with the load carriers. The rack engages a drive sprocket on the rotatable shaft. A push cylinder secured to the rack, moves the rack with the slide rail held stationary to rotate the shaft and coupled barrel. The system provides a low cost and effective grounding of the barrels and minimizes maintenance requirements and costs.

Abstract: A barrel with small parts is rotatably mounted in an e-coating line including a coating section and a curing section. After coating of the parts within the coating section, the barrels are moved directly through the curing section. In both the coating section and the curing section, the barrels are rotated to create a complete coating of each part and to subsequently cure th coating within the same barrel.

Abstract: An e-coating line for small parts includes a series of load carriers, each having a rotatable shaft supporting an apertured metal barrel with parts to be treated. Electrically conductive drive chains and sprockets connect the rotatable shaft to barrel shafts to suspended the barrel from the carrier for submersion of the barrel into treating tanks including an e-coating tank. The chain/sprocket units are self cleaning and establish a reliable grounding of the barrels through the load carrier and slide rail conveyor conducting the load carriers to ground. A rack is mounted on a support secured to move with the load carriers. The rack engages a drive sprocket on the rotatable shaft. A push cylinder secured to the rack, moves the rack with the slide rail held stationary to rotate the shaft and coupled barrel. The system provides a low cost and effective grounding of the barrels and minimizes maintenance requirements and costs.

Abstract: A part conveyor includes a series of slide bars of equal lengths. Each bar is movable in a pair of parallel rails and in transfer rails at the ends of the parallel rails. The slide bars have upwardly opening U-shaped members projecting from the rails. A push rod simultaneously moves the slide bars through the rails to advance the bars. A cross rod rests in an aligned member for movement of the crossbar and part with the slide bars. A transfer rail unit is provided at the ends of each run for moving of the slide bars from the rails. In an over/under line, transfer rails receive and move the slide bars. A U-shaped carriage is mounted on vertically movable tracks for movement between and end of the rail run and a load source. The parallel rails drop below the top of the carriage sides and drops the cross rod onto the carriage. The carriage moves to a load source and the tracks are lowered to unload the cross rod and receive another cross rod. The tracks are raised and returned.

Abstract: A series of rigid I-beams are secured to the underside of a driven endless looped chain and supported by a leading trolley and a trailing fixed connector. The chain is supported in a track by trolleys. End hooks on the beam support a load crossbar. A drive and brake assembly includes a reciprocating drive unit having a rail with a drive member sliding therein. The rail is mounted adjacent the chain and includes an inverted U-shaped arm pivotally mounted with the rail at one end. The slide has coupling fingers spaced in accordance with the chain links. A cylinder is coupled to the rail support and pivots the rail and slide member to selectively engage the chain link. A brake member secured to the U-shaped arm opposite side of the rail and has locking fingers spaced corresponding to the chain links. Pivoting of the rail to engage the slide member disengages the brake member to move the chain unit.