Adaptable finishing apparatus and method

Abstract

An adaptable finishing system includes a head station and finishing head assemblies which are configured for ease of exchange from one to another at the head station.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to parts finishing equipment and, more particularly, to a high production, adaptable microfinishing apparatus and related method for use in finishing different work pieces of different configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the microfinishing industry the use of large volume, line type finishing apparatus with multiple finishing stations is known. A work piece or part travels along the line and is worked on at the multiple stations, which may include rough finishing stations, fine finishing stations and and/or a wash, blow and spin-off station. At each finishing station multiple finishing heads of a specified size, position and hardness may be provided according to the part to be finished. Such microfinishing apparatus/systems are generally expensive and are typically configured for a single part. Accordingly, in the past such apparatus have only been economically viable for manufacturers involved with large volume, continuous production of a single work piece or part.

[0003] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a microfinishing apparatus which is easily adaptable for finishing multiple parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one aspect, a microfinishing apparatus includes at least one microfinishing station and a pallet support movable between a working position and a non-working position. The pallet support includes spaced apart rails. A pallet assembly is positioned on the pallet support and includes a plurality of microfinishing heads. The pallet assembly includes spaced apart wheels resting upon the spaced apart rails of the pallet support. At least one latch mechanism secures a position of the pallet assembly on the pallet support. Release of the at least one latch mechanism permits the pallet assembly to be rolled along the spaced apart rails of the pallet support.

[0005] In another aspect, a finishing apparatus includes a pallet support and a pallet assembly positioned on the pallet support. The pallet assembly includes a plurality of finishing heads. One of the pallet support and the pallet assembly includes a plurality of rollers and the other of the pallet support and the pallet assembly includes at least one rolling surface contacting the plurality of rollers for permitting the pallet assembly to move relative to the pallet support during a pallet assembly exchange procedure.

[0006] In a further aspect, a finishing apparatus includes at least one finishing station and a head station movable between a working position and a non-working position relative to the finishing station. A finishing head assembly is removably attached to the head station and includes a plurality of finishing heads. At least one latch mechanism secures the finishing head assembly to the head station. One of the head station and the finishing head assembly includes a plurality of rollers and the other of the head station and the finishing head assembly includes at least one rolling surface contacting the plurality of rollers for permitting the finishing head assembly to move relative to the head station during a finishing head assembly exchange procedure when the latch mechanism is in an unlatched state.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a finishing apparatus includes a pallet assembly having a plurality of finishing heads. Spaced apart wheels support the pallet assembly and permit a rolling movement of the pallet assembly.

[0008] In another aspect, in a finishing apparatus including at least one finishing station a method involves the steps of: (a) providing a pallet assembly adjacent the finishing station in non-moving condition relative to a pallet support of the finishing station, the pallet assembly including a plurality of finishing heads; (b) placing at least one latch mechanism in a non-latched state to permit relative movement between the pallet assembly and the pallet support; (c) positioning a pallet dolly at an access point of the pallet support; (d) moving the pallet assembly off of the pallet support and onto the pallet dolly; and (e) moving the pallet dolly away from the access point of the pallet support.

[0009] In still a further aspect, in a finishing apparatus including at least one finishing station a method of adjusting the apparatus between a first configuration for finishing a first work piece and a second configuration for finishing a second work piece is provided. The method involves the steps of (a) providing a head station adjacent the finishing station; (b) positioning a first finishing head assembly at the head station and latched in a working position relative thereto, the first finishing head assembly including multiple finishing heads arranged for finishing the first work piece; (c) unlatching the first finishing head assembly from the head station; (d) removing the first finishing head assembly from the head station; (e) positioning a second finishing head assembly at the head station, the second finishing head assembly including multiple finishing heads arranged for finishing the second work piece; and (f) latching the second finishing head assembly into a working position relative to the head station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a multi-station finishing apparatus;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a crankshaft type part;

[0012] FIG. 3 is an overhead schematic view of a finishing station and associated head station;

[0013] FIG. 4 is side elevation of one embodiment of a finishing head assembly;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of a finishing head assembly pallet;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the finishing head assembly of FIG. 5 positioned at a head station;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a partial rear elevation of FIG. 6;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pallet dolly;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a partial overhead view of the rear side of pallet support rails;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation of the positioning of pallet dolly rails adjacent spaced apart rails of a pallet support;

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a partial rear elevation of another pallet support and pallet assembly arrangement;

[0021] FIG. 12 shows a partial side elevation of FIG. 11; and

[0022] FIG. 13 shows a partial side elevation of an alternative pallet support and pallet assembly arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a line-type microfinishing apparatus 10 including multiple stations 12A-12E is shown. The apparatus 10 is defined by a protective guarding 14. Access to each station 12A-12E from a front side of the apparatus 10 may be provided by a respective set of sliding doors 16A-16E. Similar or more open access may be provided from the rear of the apparatus 10. An overhead conveying system 18 may be provided for conveying parts from one station to the next. In an exemplary embodiment stations 12A and 12B may be rough finishing stations, stations 12C and 12D may be fine finishing stations, and station 12E may be a wash, blow and spin-off station. The apparatus 10 may include an outlet opening 19 where finished parts are manually or automatically removed.

[0024] The apparatus 10 may be used for finishing parts such as crankshaft 30 shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 3, a top, schematic view of a finishing station 32 and a head station 34 are shown. The finishing station 32 may be defined by headstock 36 and tailstock 38 which are typically movable along axis 40 as shown by arrows 42 and 44. When a part is placed into position between the headstock 36 and tailstock 38 the headstock moves inward toward the part for supporting the same. The headstock 36 imparts rotational movement to the part about axis 40. The head station 34 includes a plurality of microfinishing heads 46A-46D, with the head station 34 moveable as indicated by arrows 48 toward and away from the finishing station 32 such that the heads 46A-46E can be moved into a working position for engaging particular surfaces on the part as the part is rotated. In embodiments where the lateral (left to right in FIG. 3) position of each head 46A-46E is fixed relative to the head station 34, the plurality of heads 46A-46E may be aligned along a common axis 50 and the working position may be defined by alignment of common axis 50 with rotational axis 40. In other embodiments, the heads may be movably positioned relative to the head station 34 to allow different heads to finish different, non-aligned surfaces on a given part.

[0025] Referring now to the side elevation of FIG. 4, the head station includes a microfinishing head assembly including multiple heads 46A-46D. A single head 46D is representative of all heads. Each head 46D includes an associated reel or other dispenser 60D of abrasive tape 62D. Upper and lower tape arms 64 and 66 route the tape in front of the finishing head 46D. The head 46D includes a finishing axis 50 defined by curved finishing inserts 68D and 70D mounted on upper and lower head jaws 72D and 74D. The head 46D includes a hydraulic arrangement 76D for controlling a clamping movement of the head jaws 72D and 74D. The hydraulic arrangement of the head 46D may be controlled by solenoid valves associated therewith. When the head station 34 is in a non-working position the abrasive tape follows a generally vertical path as shown at 78D in front of the jaws 72D and 74D. When the head station 34 is moved into working position relative to the finishing station the part at the finishing station contacts the abrasive tape and moves the abrasive tape into a position between jaws 72D and 74D as shown at 80D so as to position the tape between the surface being finished and the finishing inserts 68D and 70D. Such microfinishing heads 46D per se, as well as variations of the same, are commonly available in the microfinishing industry and thus additional details need not be provided here.

[0026] In one embodiment, the microfinishing head assembly is formed by a pallet assembly with each head 46D is mounted to a head frame 82D which in turn is mounted on a pallet 90. As shown in FIG. 5 the pallet 90 may include a pallet plate member 92 having a generally rectangular main support portion 94 and rearwardly extending and laterally spaced extensions 96. The support portion 94 and extensions 96 may be formed by a steel plate for example. As shown in the partial front elevation (view from the left to right relative to FIG. 4) of FIG. 6, the pallet plate 92 may include a plurality of wheel members 98 rotatably fixed to plate side portions 100 and 102. Wheel shaft receiving openings 104 are shown in FIG. 5. In order to facilitate operation of the pallet assembly when installed, the microfinishing head assembly may include a pair of quick connect/disconnect couplers 105 (FIG. 6) associated with the hydraulic arrangement which controls all of the heads. The couplers 105 mate with corresponding couplers 106 at the end of hydraulic hoses 107 of the head station 34 to provide hydraulic fluid under pressure to the hydraulic arrangement of the microfinishing head assembly. Likewise, the microfinishing head assembly may include one or more electrical connectors 108 for mating with one or more corresponding electrical connectors 109 of a wring harness 111 at the head station 34. The wiring harness may provide connections for controlling solenoid valves of the hydraulic arrangement and may also provide connections for sensors (such as tape advance sensors, tape slack sensors, and head position sensors) located on the microfinishing head assembly.

[0027] Referring again to FIG. 6, the pallet 90 is mounted on a pallet support which may include spaced apart rails 110, with the wheels 98 of the pallet 90 aligned with and resting upon the rails 110. The wheels 98 may include edge guides in the form of shoulders 112 formed between larger 114 and smaller 116 diameter portions of the wheels 98. The shoulder 112 may be tapered as shown to match with a corresponding taper on the inside edge 118 of each of the rails 110. Thus, the pallet assembly can be rolled along the rails 110 as shown by arrows 112 of FIG. 4, but the edge guides 112 on the wheels contact the inside edges 118 of the rails 110 to prevent lateral movement (left to right in FIG. 6) of the pallet assembly relative to the pallet support.

[0028] The rails 110 of the pallet support are interconnected by laterally extending supports 120 which in turn include downwardly extending supports 122 with associated bearings 124 configured for sliding movement along rails 126. In operation, the rails 126 are fixed and the head station is moved into its working position by sliding the pallet support along the rails 126. Such movement may be controlled by a hydraulic cylinder 127 (FIG. 7). In order to prevent relative movement between the pallet support and the pallet assembly during movement of the head station one or more latch mechanisms may be provided. In particular, referring to FIG. 5, each of the rear extensions 96 of the pallet plate 92 may include an opening 130 from which a shaft 132 such as the shaft of a respective rotatable bolt 134 extends. The shaft 132 forms part of each latching mechanism, with the other part of each latching mechanism formed by a rotating latch part 136 shown in the partial rear elevation (view from right to left relative to FIG. 4) of FIG. 7 in which the pallet 90 is positioned on the pallet support rails 110. Each rotating latch part 136 is rotatably fixed to the pallet support at 138 adjacent the rails 110 and is rotatable in and out of the latching position about point 138 as indicated by arrow 139. Each latch part 136 includes a respective slot 140 sized for receiving the shaft 132 to permit each latch part 136 to be rotated into the illustrated latching position where the shaft 132 is positioned in the slot 140. Once a given latch part 136 is rotated into latching position, the respective bolt 134 and/or 138 can be rotated against the latch part 136 for securing the position of the latch part 136 against rotation. Subsequent reverse rotation of the bolt 134 and/or 138 will enable rotation of the latch 136 part away from the shaft 132 to a non-latching position which enables the pallet assembly to be rolled over the rails 110. It is recognized that the relative position of the latch part 136 and latch stud/shaft 132 on the pallet support and the pallet assembly could be reversed. In addition, numerous other latching mechanisms including both automated and manual mechanisms could be used. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, a latching mechanism or mechanisms such as the following could be used: alignable openings on the pallet assembly and pallet support through which a pin or bolt may be passed; biased latching pin(s) on one of the pallet assembly and pallet support which automatically engage corresponding opening(s) on the other of the pallet support and the pallet assembly when the pallet assembly is positioned on the pallet support, and in such case the latch pin(s) could be manually releasable or automatically releasable such as by use of a solenoid; a pivoting or rotating latch plate on the pallet support which could be rotated into position against the rear edge of a pallet 92; or openings in the pallet support into which the wheels/rollers of the pallet assembly may be recessed when the pallet assembly is in proper position, with manual or automatic lift mechanisms for raising the pallet assembly wheels out of the openings.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the pallet support includes a front stop 150 which extends upward above the rails 110 for contacting a front portion 152 of the pallet 90. The front portion 152 of the pallet may include one or more bosses 154 or other protrusions which may be secured to and extend from the front of pallet plate 92 for positioning in corresponding, aligned openings 156 formed in the front stop 150 of the pallet support. Positioning of the bosses 154 into the openings 156 helps further secure the pallet assembly against lateral movement. It is recognized that the use of one, two or three or more bosses 154 and corresponding openings 156 is possible, with two or more of each providing more stability. It is also recognized that the relative positioning of the bosses 154 and openings 156 on the stop 150 and front portion 152 could be reversed. When the bosses 154 are positioned in the openings and a remainder of the front portion 152 of the pallet assembly is positioned against the front stop 150, proper alignment between the latch shafts 132 and the latch parts 136 is assured. It is also recognized that a suitable latching mechanism, either manual or automated, could instead or in addition be positioned between the front stop 150 and front portion 152.

[0030] The microfinishing head assembly described above facilitates modification of a given head station 34 for finishing different part configurations. In particular and referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment a pallet dolly 170 may be used for an exchange procedure. The pallet dolly 170 includes a set of spaced apart rails 172. The spacing between rails 172 matches the spacing between rails 110 of the pallet support so as to facilitate alignment between the two pairs of spaced apart rails. The rails 172 may also include tapered inside edges 174 which align with the edges 118 of rails 110. The pallet dolly includes wheels 176 for movement of the dolly. The spaced apart rails 172 are movably supported on upright guide rails 178 via a plate 180 and wheel arrangement 182, and can be supported at a number of vertical positions therealong. In this regard, a pneumatic cylinder assembly 181 may be provided to facilitate vertical support and adjustment of the rails 172 to a desired height. A foot actuated pedal (not shown) associated with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder may be used to provide the upward and downward adjustment of the rails 172. Such foot operated pedal arrangements in association with dollys/carts are well known and therefore need not be described in detail. It is also recognized that automated transport units, such as forklift type units, could be used. Accordingly, as used herein the terms “dolly” and “pallet dolly” are intended to encompass both manual and powered units.

[0031] In an exchange operation, a given pallet assembly is initially positioned at the head station 34 adjacent the microfinishing station 32 in non-moving condition relative to its pallet support, such as via action of the latching mechanism 136, 132. A pallet dolly 170 is wheeled into position at a rear access point of the head station 34 such that the rails 172 are aligned both vertically and horizontally with the rails 110 of the pallet support. Horizontal positioning of the entire pallet dolly 170 and vertical adjustment of the rails 172 relative to supports 178 may be required to achieve such alignment.

[0032] The dolly may include a position holding feature such as braking mechanisms associated with its wheels 176 in order to assure that the dolly 170 maintains its aligned position and does not move away from the pallet support rails 110. In addition, or as an alternative, the rails 172 of the dolly 170 may include suitable structure for holding the dolly in place. In particular, each rail 172 may include a side coupling flange 184 having a downwardly facing slot 186 formed therein. The flange 184 and slot 186 protrude slightly forward of the rails 172 so as be alignable with a corresponding coupling portion at the head station 34. In particular, the coupling portion at the head station 34 may be formed by studs protruding laterally outward from the rails 110. The studs may be formed by simple bolts 190 threaded into and extending from the sides of the rails 110 as shown in the partial overhead view of FIG. 9 where the spaced apart rails 110 are shown in relatively close proximity for drawing convenience. The bolts 190 provide shaft portions 192 and the downward slots 186 of the dolly flanges 184 may be configured for mating with the shafts 192.

[0033] In an actual positioning operation the dolly rails 172 would first be raised to a height slightly higher than the height of the pallet support rails 110. The dolly 170 is then positioned with its rails 172 horizontally aligned with and immediately behind the pallet support rails 110 as shown in the partial side elevation of FIG. 10. The dolly rails 172 are then lowered vertically as shown by arrow 193 such that the slots 186 in coupling flanges 184 move downward over the bolt shafts 192 into a coupling arrangement therewith. At that same vertical height the dolly rails 172 will be vertically aligned with the pallet support rails 110.

[0034] Once the dolly 170 is properly positioned, the latching mechanisms may be released by loosening bolt 134 and/or bolt 138 as the case may be and rotating the latch parts 136. With the latch mechanism in the unlatched state, the pallet assembly can be rolled rearward along and off of pallet support rails 110 and onto the dolly rails 172. The pallet assembly is pushed rearward against the plate 180 and the dolly rails 172 are formed long enough to provide some clearance at the outer ends of the rails 172 so that suitable means such as positioning holes 194 and associated pins 196 may be provided for preventing the pallet assembly from rolling off the dolly rails 172 once the pins 196 are placed in the holes 194. The dolly rails 172 can then be vertically elevated to uncouple the flanges 184 from the shafts 192 and the dolly 170 can then be wheeled away from the head station 34. A new pallet assembly, such as one configured for finishing a different part/work piece, can then be loaded to the head station 34 by reversal of the above procedure, namely by wheeling a pallet dolly 170 with the new pallet assembly positioned thereon into proper aligned position with the pallet support rails 110, rolling the new pallet assembly off the dolly rails 172 and onto the pallet support rails, and latching the new pallet assembly into position on the support rails 110. It is also recognized that automated pallet assembly exchange systems could be designed. For example, where suitable conveyors support pallet assemblies on spaced apart rails and the conveyors are operable to move the different sets of spaced apart rails into and out of alignment with the support rails 110 of the pallet support. Likewise, an overhead pick and place arrangement could be used for exchanging pallet assemblies. In a system including multiple finishing stations it may be necessary to perform an exchange procedure for each of the finishing stations.

[0035] Although the invention has been described above in detail referencing the preferred embodiments thereof, it is recognized that various changes and modifications could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the illustrated embodiments show a pallet assembly having spaced apart wheels which rest upon spaced apart rails of a pallet support, it is recognized that the pallet support could instead include spaced apart wheels or other rollers and the pallet assembly could include one or more surfaces for rolling along wheels of the pallet support. For example, in the embodiment shown in the rear elevation of FIG. 11 and partial side elevation of FIG. 12, the pallet support includes spaced apart L-shaped supports 200 each having a plurality of roller bearing type members 202 positioned therealong and the side edge portions of the pallet plate 92 act as rolling surfaces relative to the rollers 202. Alternatively, c-shaped members forming opposed slots could be used as indicated by dashed lines 204. Still further, as shown in FIG. 13 the plurality of roller bearing type members could be formed on the pallet plate 92. As another example, in some cases it may be possible to eliminate any type of roller member and simply have adjacent surface of the pallet assembly and pallet support slide relative to each other.

Claims

1. A microfinishing apparatus, comprising:

at least one microfinishing station;

a pallet support movable between a working position and a non-working position, the pallet support including spaced apart rails;

a pallet assembly positioned on the pallet support and including a plurality of microfinishing heads, the pallet assembly including spaced apart wheels resting upon the spaced apart rails of the pallet support; and

at least one latch mechanism for securing a position of the pallet assembly on the pallet support, release of the at least one latch mechanism permitting the pallet assembly to be rolled along the spaced apart rails of the pallet support.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spaced apart wheels of the pallet assembly include edge guides for preventing lateral movement of the pallet assembly relative to the spaced apart rails of the pallet support.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pallet support includes a front stop aligned for contact with a front portion of the pallet assembly when the pallet assembly is rolled toward the front stop along the spaced apart rails.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein one of the front stop of the pallet support and the front portion of the pallet assembly includes at least one alignment protrusion, and the other of the front stop of the pallet support and the front portion of the pallet assembly includes at least one alignment openings for receiving the at least one alignment protrusion.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the front portion of the pallet assembly includes the at least one alignment protrusion and the front stop of the pallet support includes the at least one alignment opening.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pallet assembly includes a hydraulic arrangement, the arrangement including first and second quick connect/disconnect couplers for receiving corresponding couplers on hydraulic lines of the apparatus.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the pallet assembly includes an electrical arrangement, the arrangement including at least one electrical connector for mating with a corresponding electrical connector of the apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one latch mechanism includes a first latch mechanism located adjacent a first of the spaced apart rails and a second latch mechanism located adjacent a second of the spaced apart rails.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first latch mechanism and second latch mechanism comprise rotatable respective latch parts having slots therein for engaging respective shaft type members on the pallet assembly.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a rear end of each of the spaced apart rails includes a coupling portion for receiving a corresponding coupling portion of a pallet dolly.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each microfinishing head of the pallet assembly includes an associated abrasive tape.

12. A finishing apparatus, comprising:

a pallet support;

a pallet assembly positioned on the pallet support and including a plurality of finishing heads;

one of the pallet support and the pallet assembly including a plurality of rollers and the other of the pallet support and the pallet assembly including at least one rolling surface contacting the plurality of rollers for permitting the pallet assembly to move relative to the pallet support during a pallet assembly exchange procedure.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the plurality of rollers are located on the pallet assembly and comprise spaced apart wheels.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the at least one rolling surface is formed on the pallet support and comprises spaced apart rails aligned with the spaced apart wheels.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

at least one latch mechanism for securing the pallet assembly in a working position on the pallet support, the latch mechanism preventing movement of the pallet assembly relative to the pallet support when in a latched condition.

16. A finishing apparatus, comprising:

at least one finishing station;

a head station movable between a working position and a non-working position relative to the finishing station;

a finishing head assembly removably attached to the head station and including a plurality of finishing heads;

at least one latch mechanism for securing the finishing head assembly to the head station; and

one of the head station and the finishing head assembly including a plurality of rollers and the other of the head station and the finishing head assembly including at least one rolling surface contacting the plurality of rollers for permitting the finishing head assembly to move relative to the head station during a finishing head assembly exchange procedure when the latch mechanism is in an unlatched state.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the plurality of rollers are located on the finishing head assembly and comprise spaced apart wheels.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the at least one rolling surface is located at the head station and comprises spaced apart rails aligned with the spaced apart wheels.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the finishing head assembly includes a hydraulical arrangement including at least first and second quick connect/disconnect couplers and an electrical arrangement including at least one electrical connector.

20. A finishing apparatus, comprising:

a pallet assembly including:

a plurality of finishing heads; and

spaced apart wheels for supporting the pallet assembly and permitting a rolling movement of the pallet assembly.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the spaced apart wheels of the pallet assembly include edge guides for preventing lateral movement of the pallet assembly when rolling on rails.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a front portion of the pallet assembly includes at least two alignment bosses for facilitating positioning of the pallet assembly when mounted against a pallet assembly stop.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the pallet assembly includes a hydraulic arrangement, the arrangement including first and second quick connect/disconnect couplers.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the pallet assembly includes an electrical arrangement, the arrangement including at least one electrical connector.

25. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a pallet plate of the pallet assembly supports the plurality of finishing heads, the plurality of finishing heads comprise microfinishing heads, and the spaced apart wheels are rotatably connected to the pallet plate.

26. In a finishing apparatus including at least one finishing station, a method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a pallet assembly adjacent the finishing station in non-moving condition relative to a pallet support of the finishing station, the pallet assembly including a plurality of finishing heads;

(b) placing at least one latch mechanism in a non-latched state to permit relative movement between the pallet assembly and the pallet support;

(c) positioning a pallet dolly at an access point of the pallet support;

(d) moving the pallet assembly off of the pallet support and onto the pallet dolly; and

(e) moving the pallet dolly away from the access point of the pallet support.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the pallet support includes spaced apart rails, the pallet dolly includes spaced apart rails, the pallet assembly includes rollers for rolling along the spaced apart rails of the pallet support and the pallet dolly, step (c) involves laterally and vertically aligning the spaced apart rails of the pallet dolly with the spaced apart rails of the pallet support, step (d) involves rolling the pallet assembly off of the pallet support onto the pallet dolly.

28. The method of claim 26, comprising the further step of:

(f) prior to step (d), disconnecting hydraulic lines from the pallet assembly via use of quick disconnect couplers.

29. In a finishing apparatus including at least one finishing station, a method of adjusting the apparatus between a first configuration for finishing a first work piece and a second configuration for finishing a second work piece, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a head station adjacent the finishing station;

(b) positioning a first finishing head assembly at the head station and latched in a working position relative thereto, the first finishing head assembly including multiple finishing heads arranged for finishing the first work piece;

(c) unlatching the first finishing head assembly from the head station;

(d) removing the first finishing head assembly from the head station;

(e) positioning a second finishing head assembly at the head station, the second finishing head assembly including multiple finishing heads arranged for finishing the second work piece; and

(f) latching the second finishing head assembly into a working position relative to the head station.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the head station includes at least one rolling surface and the first and second finishing head assemblies include respective rollers, steps (d) and (e) involve rolling the first and second finishing head assemblies over the rolling surface of the head station.

31. The method of claim 29 wherein step (d) involves moving the first finishing head assembly onto a dolly aligned with and adjacent to the head station.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein:

after step (d), the dolly carrying the first finishing head assembly is moved away from the rear side of the head station and then a dolly carrying the second finishing head assembly is moved into alignment with and adjacent the head station, step (e) involves moving the second finishing head assembly off of its dolly and onto the head station.

33. The method of claim 29 wherein steps (b) through (f) are performed in an automated manner.

34. A finishing system, comprising:

a pallet support;

a pallet assembly positioned on the pallet support and including a plurality of finishing heads;

one of the pallet support and the pallet assembly including means for providing rolling contact between the pallet assembly and the pallet support to facilitate movement of the pallet assembly off of the pallet support during a pallet assembly exchange procedure.

35. The system of claim 34, further comprising:

at least one latching mechanism for securing the pallet assembly in a working position relative to the pallet support and preventing movement of the pallet assembly off of the pallet support.