Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes an electrical connector. The security system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the base includes an electronics module having a connector. The connector of the sensor and the connector of the electronics module are configured to electrically connect with one another when the sensor is supported on the base, and the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the item of merchandise from the sensor.

Abstract: An inverted carrier lift and method is disclosed. The inverted carrier lift includes a trolley movable along an overhead conveyor and a carrier for supporting a workpiece to undergo an assembly or manufacturing process. The carrier is movable relative to the trolley from a raised position to a lowered position by a motor engaged with a lifting mechanism on the trolley. On rotation of the motor, the carrier and supported workpiece is lowered or raised to position the workpiece in the workstation for processing. The workpiece may be disengaged by the carrier for support of the workpiece by one of many different fixtures depending on the processing. Following processing, the workpiece is re-engaged by the carrier, moved to a raised position and the trolley is transferred to a subsequent workstation.

Abstract: A transport system and method useful for autonomously or semi-autonomously transporting and positioning materials or components in an industrial facility. In one example in use for passenger vehicle body assembly, a transport device includes a lift device and first and second build devices for alternately supporting a workpiece. The transport device includes a clearance opening for passage by the second build device along the path of travel. The transport device positions the first build device and workpiece over the second build device and deposits the workpiece on the lower second build device for processing. When the process is complete, the first build device re-engages the workpiece for movement to another workstation.

Abstract: An inverted carrier lift and method is disclosed. The inverted carrier lift includes a trolley movable along an overhead conveyor and a carrier for supporting a workpiece to undergo an assembly or manufacturing process. The carrier is movable relative to the trolley from a raised position to a lowered position by a motor engaged with a lifting mechanism on the trolley. On rotation of the motor, the carrier and supported workpiece is lowered or raised to position the workpiece in the workstation for processing. The workpiece may be disengaged by the carrier for support of the workpiece by one of many different fixtures depending on the processing. Following processing, the workpiece is re-engaged by the carrier, moved to a raised position and the trolley is transferred to a subsequent workstation.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: An inverted carrier lift and method is disclosed. The inverted carrier lift includes a trolley movable along an overhead conveyor and a carrier for supporting a workpiece to undergo an assembly or manufacturing process. The carrier is movable relative to the trolley from a raised position to a lowered position by a motor mounted engaged with a lifting mechanism onboard the trolley. On rotation of the motor, the carrier and supported workpiece is lowered or raised to position the workpiece in the workstation for processing. The workpiece may be disengaged by the carrier for support of the workpiece by one of many different fixtures depending on the processing. Following processing, the workpiece is re-engaged by the carrier, moved to a raised position and the trolley is transferred to a subsequent workstation.

Abstract: An adaptable end effector useful to accommodate a wide variety of components, component geometries and variations in component geometries. In one example, the end effector includes a movable arm and at least three fingers each having a gripping tool for engagement of the component with variable and/or programmable holding force preventing relative movement.

Abstract: A transport system and method useful for autonomously or semi-autonomously transporting and positioning materials or components in an industrial facility. In one example in use for passenger vehicle body assembly, a transport device includes a lift device and first and second build devices for alternately supporting a workpiece. The transport device includes a clearance opening for passage by the second build device along the path of travel. The transport device positions the first build device and workpiece over the second build device and deposits the workpiece on the lower second build device for processing. When the process is complete, the first build device re-engages the workpiece for movement to another workstation.

Abstract: A method for positioning a vehicle assembly support device in a vehicle assembly station positioned along an assembly line. The method includes use of a plurality of locator pads selectively engaged with respective receiver sockets to position a vehicle support pallet in the X and Y coordinate directions. Vertical supports are used to position the vehicle support pallet in the Z coordinate direction. In one example, at least one receiver is a four-way positional receiver and at least one receiver is a two-way positional receiver. In another example, each receiver socket includes rollers which engage the respective locator pad to bias the vehicle support pallet towards the desired X and Y coordinate position.

Abstract: An inverted carrier lift and method is disclosed. The inverted carrier lift includes a trolley movable along an overhead conveyor and a carrier for supporting a workpiece to undergo an assembly or manufacturing process. The carrier is movable relative to the trolley from a raised position to a lowered position by a motor mounted engaged with a lifting mechanism onboard the trolley. On rotation of the motor, the carrier and supported workpiece is lowered or raised to position the workpiece in the workstation for processing. The workpiece may be disengaged by the carrier for support of the workpiece by one of many different fixtures depending on the processing. Following processing, the workpiece is re-engaged by the carrier, moved to a raised position and the trolley is transferred to a subsequent workstation.

Abstract: An adaptable end effector useful to accommodate a wide variety of components, component geometries and variations in component geometries. In one example, the end effector includes a movable arm and at least three fingers each having a gripping tool for engagement of the component with variable and/or programmable holding force preventing relative movement.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning device for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The movable vehicle support includes a support pallet which is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A fastening device and method for mounting equipment to a framing member. The invention includes a single breakaway fastener that is pretentioned using a biasing member to fracture on a predetermined force applied to the fastened joint to avoid damage to the secured equipment. In one example the device and method includes the fastener having a reduced diameter portion that is positioned between an annular plate and the framing member.

Abstract: A fastening device and method for mounting equipment to a framing member. The invention includes a single breakaway fastener that is pretentioned using a biasing member to fracture on a predetermined force applied to the fastened joint to avoid damage to the secured equipment. In one example the device and method includes the fastener having a reduced diameter portion that is positioned between an annular plate and the framing member.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.