Abstract: An adjustable transfer mechanism for a power and free conveyor system includes a free track defining a conveyor path. A first power track defines a first drive path for a first drive member of the first power track to drive a trolley. The first power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path up to a divergence point where the first power track diverges from the conveyor path. A second power track defines a second drive path for a second drive member of the second power track to drive the trolley. The second power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path from a convergence point downstream of the divergence point so that the second drive member can pick up the trolley dropped off by the first power track. At least one of the divergence and convergence points is adjustable along the conveyor path.

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: An adjustable transfer mechanism for a power and free conveyor system includes a free track defining a conveyor path. A first power track defines a first drive path for a first drive member of the first power track to drive a trolley. The first power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path up to a divergence point where the first power track diverges from the conveyor path. A second power track defines a second drive path for a second drive member of the second power track to drive the trolley. The second power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path from a convergence point downstream of the divergence point so that the second drive member can pick up the trolley dropped off by the first power track. At least one of the divergence and convergence points is adjustable along the conveyor path.

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 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.