| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090277747 | Material handling system including dual track assembly and method of operating same - A lobed bushing is provided for a track assembly of a track-type machine. The track assembly includes a first chain and a second chain coupled together with a track pin. A bushing, defining a longitudinal axis, includes a central bore oriented along the longitudinal axis and extending from a first end of the bushing to a second end of the bushing for receiving the track pin. The bushing includes a first lobe positioned at a first location about the longitudinal axis and a second lobe positioned at a second location about the longitudinal axis that is less than about 180° from the first location. The first end of the bushing has a substantially cylindrical shape. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277748 | Modular manufacturing line including a buffer and methods of operation therefor - A manufacturing line includes a plurality of manufacturing modules positioned in series and defining a main path through the manufacturing line. A main track assembly is supported by the manufacturing modules and includes at least a first friction drive system for transporting a trolley assembly along the main path. A buffer is positioned to receive the trolley assembly from the main path and includes a first track assembly that includes at least a second friction drive system for transporting the trolley assembly along the first track assembly. The first track assembly is sized to support at least two trolley assemblies thereon. The sequencing buffer also includes a second track assembly that includes at least a third friction drive system for transporting the trolley assembly along the second track assembly. The second track assembly is also sized to support at least two trolley assemblies thereon. A first movable track assembly of the sequencing buffer is movable between a first position defining a first continuous path along the first movable track assembly and the first track assembly, and a second position defining a second continuous path along the first movable track assembly and the second track assembly. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277755 | Mobile module for transportating a carrier from a first modular line to second modular line - A manufacturing line includes a first line and a second line. The first line includes a first plurality of stationary modules positioned in series and defining a first path through the first line, and a first friction drive system for transporting an article along the first path. The second line includes a second plurality of stationary modules positioned in series and defining a second path through the second line. The second line also includes a second friction drive system for transporting the article along the second path. A mobile module is supported by ground-engaging elements and includes a third friction drive system for transporting the article along a third path defined by the mobile module. The mobile module is movable between a first position defining a first continuous path along the first path and third path, and a second position defining a second continuous path along the second path and the third path. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090279992 | Friction drive material handling system including composite beam and method of operating same - A material handling system includes a composite beam including an upper rail and a lower track connected through a plurality of spaced apart transverse members. A trolley includes an upper set of wheels and a lower set of wheels. The lower set of wheels is received within two parallel channels defined by the lower track. A drive tube is positioned between the upper rail and the lower track such that the upper set of wheels are in frictional engagement with the drive tube. A drive system is configured to rotate the drive tube. | 11-12-2009 |
