Abstract: A conveyorized industrial system includes at least one work station including a heated over chamber. A fixed, non-powered rail defines a conveyor path including an oven zone in which the rail extends through or over the heated oven chamber. An automated conveyor carrier (ACC) is suspended from the rail by a self-driving trolley having an on-board motor for driving the ACC along the rail, and by at least one additional free-rolling trolley. The ACC further comprises an enclosure containing one or both of an inverter and a battery, the enclosure having a wall defining an interior space of the enclosure. A heat protection system is provided in addition to the wall, the heat protection system operating to limit an internal temperature of the enclosure during transport along the oven zone.

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: A finishing system includes a workpiece carrier configured to hold a workpiece, and a plurality of work stations arranged in a row along an axis defining a process line, each of the plurality of work stations configured to receive the workpiece and treat the workpiece. A hoist runway, including fixed and movable rail sections, extends along the plurality of work stations of the process line. A hoist is movable along the hoist runway to traverse the plurality of work stations, the hoist coupled to the workpiece carrier to raise and lower the workpiece carrier and to move the workpiece carrier along the process line. A side transfer mechanism moves the movable rail section, with the hoist situated thereon, in a direction transverse to the axis so that the hoist is movable out of the process line.

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 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 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 method of operating a tilting carrier assembly includes operating a conveyor in a primary direction of travel and supporting a work piece from the conveyor by a pair of links. A pair of respective upper connection points of the links are laterally spaced transverse to the primary direction of travel and a pair of respective lower connection points of the links are also laterally spaced. The work piece is conveyed along the primary direction of travel relative to a work station, and the upper connection points are tilted so that a line therebetween forms a first angle relative to horizontal. In response, the lower connection points and the work piece are tilted to a second angle relative to horizontal, and the second angle is greater than the first angle.

Abstract: A method of operating a tilting carrier assembly includes operating a conveyor in a primary direction of travel and supporting a work piece from the conveyor by a pair of links. A pair of respective upper connection points of the links are laterally spaced transverse to the primary direction of travel and a pair of respective lower connection points of the links are also laterally spaced. The work piece is conveyed along the primary direction of travel relative to a work station, and the upper connection points are tilted so that a line therebetween forms a first angle relative to horizontal. In response, the lower connection points and the work piece are tilted to a second angle relative to horizontal, and the second angle is greater than the first angle.

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 tilting carrier assembly for a finishing process includes a load bar configured to convey a work piece relative to a work station. A skid is configured to receive the work piece. Each of a pair of links is pivotally coupled to the load bar at a first end and pivotally coupled to the skid at an opposite second end. A horizontal span between the first ends of the pair of links is substantially greater than a horizontal span between the second ends of the pair of links.

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 tilting carrier assembly for a finishing process includes a load bar configured to convey a work piece relative to a work station. A skid is configured to receive the work piece. Each of a pair of links is pivotally coupled to the load bar at a first end and pivotally coupled to the skid at an opposite second end. A horizontal span between the first ends of the pair of links is substantially greater than a horizontal span between the second ends of the pair of links.

Abstract: A tilting carrier assembly for a finishing process includes a load bar configured to convey a work piece relative to a work station. A skid is configured to receive the work piece. Each of a pair of links is pivotally coupled to the load bar at a first end and pivotally coupled to the skid at an opposite second end. A horizontal span between the first ends of the pair of links is substantially greater than a horizontal span between the second ends of the pair of links.

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 tilting carrier assembly for a finishing process includes a load bar configured to convey a work piece relative to a work station. A skid is configured to receive the work piece. Each of a pair of links is pivotally coupled to the load bar at a first end and pivotally coupled to the skid at an opposite second end. A horizontal span between the first ends of the pair of links is substantially greater than a horizontal span between the second ends of the pair of links.