Patent Publication Number: US-7212736-B2

Title: Infrared curing device having electrically actuated arm and system and method therewith

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present technique relates generally to finishing systems and, more particularly, to industrial finish curing systems. In specific, a system and method is provided for automatically moving an arm assembly to position a mounted curing device in a desired curing position based on the height of a particular target object, such as differently sized vehicles. 
   Finish coatings, such as paint, are often applied to a product and subsequently cured via heating devices. In many finishing systems, the product is placed in a curing room, where heat is flowed through the room to dry the finish coatings that were applied to the product. Unfortunately, these curing rooms are costly in terms of space consumption within the facility, and the curing rooms are incapable of focusing heat on specific regions of the product. 
   In certain applications, a heater is coupled to a mechanical arm, which is manually moved to a desired position relative to the target product. In this manner, heat can be focused on specific regions of the product. For example, a user may grasp a portion of the arm, and then push or pull the arm to orient the heater over a surface of the target product. Unfortunately, the size, shape, weight, position, or complexity of the target object, the arm, or the heater often complicates the user&#39;s ability to orient the heater in the desired position relative to a surface material to be cured. 
   Accordingly, a technique is needed for moving the arm to the desired orientation despite the size, shape, weight, position, or complexity of the target object, the arm, or the heater. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In certain embodiments, the present technique provides a system for curing a surface material disposed on a vehicle. The system includes an electrically actuated arm having an arm structure, a motorized drive coupled to the arm structure, and an actuator communicatively coupled to the motorized drive. The system also has a radiative curing device coupled to the arm structure, and a curing controller communicatively coupled to the radiative curing device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary finishing system in accordance with embodiments of the present technique; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary finish curing system in accordance with embodiments of the present technique; 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary finishing and curing process of the systems illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an electrically actuated arm assembly, curing device, and adjustable height mechanism of the finish curing system illustrated in  FIG. 2  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the finish curing system illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIGS. 6–9  are side views illustrating different height configurations of the finish curing system illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary motorized drive for an electrically actuated arm assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present technique; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an electrically actuated arm assembly of the finish curing system illustrated in  FIG. 2  in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present technique; 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of the electrically actuated arm assembly illustrated in  FIG. 11 ; and 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of the electrically actuated arm assembly illustrated in  FIG. 12  having a portion removed to illustrate interconnectivity with a motorized drive in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present technique. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
   As discussed in detail below, embodiments of an electrically actuated arm are used to position a curing device, such as an infrared heating lamp, in a desired orientation to heat, dry, or generally cure a surface material (e.g., paint, primer, clear coat, decals, stain, and other finish coatings) on a variety of target objects (e.g., vehicles, furniture, fixtures, and other products). For example, instead of placing a product in a heated room, the arm mounted curing device is moved in a desired pattern over the surface of the product to cure the surface material. In certain embodiments, the electrically actuated arm includes a motorized drive coupled to a standard-sized rotatable arm. The motorized drive, for example, includes an electric motor coupled to a worm shaft, which rotates against mating threads to move a linear drive structure in an expansive or contractive direction relative to the rotatable arm. Alternatively, the electrically actuated arm may include other drive mechanisms, such as hydraulics, pneumatics, cable and pulley systems, and so forth. Embodiments of the electrically actuated arm also include a control device, such as an electrical/mechanical switch (e.g., a toggle switch), positional buttons (e.g., up and down buttons), a touch screen unit, a wireless remote control, a wired remote control, or another suitable device configured to actuate the motorized drive. In addition, certain embodiments of the electrically actuated arm include a height-adjustable end mechanism, which enables multiple vertical positions of the curing device at the end of the electrically actuated arm. This height adjustment is particularly useful for accommodating differently sized products, such as small, medium, and large sized vehicles. 
     FIG. 1  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary finishing system  10 , which comprises a spray coating device  12  for applying a desired coating to a target object  14 . For example, the spray coating device  12  may comprise an air atomizer, a rotary atomizer, an electrostatic atomizer, or any other suitable spray formation mechanism. The spray coating device  12  may be coupled to a variety of supply and control systems, such as a material supply  16  (e.g., a fluid or powder), an air supply  18 , and a control system  20 . The control system  20  facilitates control of the material and air supplies  16  and  18  and ensures that the spray coating device  12  provides an acceptable quality spray coating on the target object  14 . For example, the control system  20  may include an automation system  22 , a positioning system  24 , a material supply controller  26 , an air supply controller  28 , a computer system  30 , and a user interface  32 . The control system  20  also may be coupled to a positioning system  34 , which facilitates movement of the target object  14  relative to the spray coating device  12 . For example, the positioning system  34  may comprise an assembly line, a hydraulic lift, a robotic arm, and a variety of other positioning mechanisms controlled by the control system  20 . Accordingly, the finishing system  10  may provide a computer-controlled spray pattern across the surface of the target object  14 . 
   The finishing system  10  of  FIG. 1  is applicable to a wide variety of applications, fluid coating materials, powder coating materials, target objects, and types/configurations of the spray coating device  12 . For example, a user may select a desired object  36  from a variety of different objects  38 , such as different material and product types. The user also may select a desired material  40  from a plurality of different materials  42 , which may include different coating types, colors, textures, and characteristics for a variety of materials such as metal and wood. For example, the desired material  40  may comprise a powder coating material, a fluid coating material (e.g., a paint), a filler material (e.g., body filler), and so forth. In one exemplary embodiment, the finishing system  10  may be incorporated into a vehicle assembly line or a vehicle repair facility. 
     FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary finish curing system  50 , which comprises a curing device  52  for curing a desired material applied to the target object  14 . For example, the curing device  52  may comprise one or more heating devices, drying devices, or other suitable curing mechanisms. In certain embodiments discussed below, the curing device  52  includes one or more radiative curing devices, such as infrared lamps, which radiate energy (e.g., electromagnetic energy) to cure coatings or applications of paint, filler materials, decals, stain, or other surface materials on the target object  14 . In this exemplary embodiment, the curing device  52  is coupled to an electrically actuated arm assembly  54 , which automatically positions the curing device  52  in a desired curing position relative to the target object  14 . For example, in certain embodiments discussed in detail below, the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  comprises an electric motor coupled to a movable arm, a drive (e.g., a worm gearing mechanism) coupled to the electric motor, and a control unit (e.g., an electronic user control) coupled to the electric motor. The outer end or peripheral portion of the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  also has an adjustable height mechanism  56 , which adapts the vertical range of the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  to the geometry of the particular target object  14 . For example, the adjustable height mechanism  56  is movable between high and low positions to accommodate target objects (e.g., cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles) ranging from large-sized to small-sized. 
   The finish curing system  50  also may include a variety of positioning and control systems (e.g., manual and/or automatic), such as control system  58  and object positioning system  60 . The control system  58  ensures that the desired material is efficiently and optimally cured onto the target object  14 . For example, the control system  58  may include an automation system  62 , an object positioning controller  64  coupled to the object positioning system  60 , a curing/heating controller  66  coupled to the curing/heating device  52 , an arm positioning controller  68  coupled to the electrically actuated arm assembly  54 , a computer system  70 , and a user interface  72 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the control system  58  and its various components control aspects of the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  and the curing/heating device  52 . For example, embodiments of the control system  58  include a variety of hardware and software to execute various curing cycles, movements of the target object  14 , and movements of the arm assembly  54  in desired patterns, times, and orientations between the curing/heating device  52  and the surface of the target object  14 . More specifically, certain embodiments of the curing/heating controller  66  include one or more processors, memory, user interfaces or controls (e.g., display, mouse, keyboard, remote control unit, directional control buttons or switches, etc.), computers, networks, wireless communication devices, and code configured to effectuate a desired curing cycle. The curing cycle, for example, may include a temperature profile that varies over time based on a particular surface material and, also, the desired characteristics or results that are to be achieved by curing the particular surface material. The curing cycle also may include a positional pattern for moving the curing/heating devices  52  relative to the surface of the target object  14 . 
   In addition, the object positioning system  60  facilitates movement of the target object  14  relative to the curing device  52 . For example, the object positioning system  60  may comprise a manual positioning mechanism, an assembly line, a hydraulic lift, a robotic arm, and a variety of other positioning mechanisms operated by the control system  58 . Using these controls features, the finish curing system  50  can automatically cure/dry the desired material to provide a cured surface material with the desired characteristics. For example, the present technique may produce a uniquely cured powder coating, fluid spray coating, filler material, adhesively-backed decal, or any other such material applied to the surface. 
     FIG. 3  is a flow chart of an exemplary finishing process  100  for applying and curing a desired material to the target object  14 . As discussed above, the desired material may be a powder coating material, a fluid coating material, a filler material, or any other suitable surface applied material, including paints, varnishes, clear coats fillers, top coats, and so forth. As illustrated, the process  100  proceeds by identifying the target object  14  for application of the desired material (block  102 ). The process  100  then proceeds by selecting the desired material  40  for application to a surface of the target object  14  (block  104 ). A user may then proceed to configure the application device, the identified target object  14 , and desired material (block  106 ). If the device is a spraying device, the process  100  then proceeds to create an atomized spray of the selected fluid or powder. The user may then apply the desired material over the desired surface of the target object  14  (block  110 ). The process  100  then proceeds to cure/dry the desired material that was applied over the desired surface (block  112 ). For example, the curing block  112  may include executing a curing cycle to emit a desired level of heat or radiation (e.g., infrared radiation) toward the desired material over a desired time period. The heat/radiation profile may be constant, stepped, or curved based on the desired curing time and material characteristics to be achieved by the curing cycle. The curing cycle also can include a positional pattern of movement for moving the curing device relative to the surface. If the user desired an additional application of the desired material at query block  114 , then the process  100  proceeds through blocks  110  and  112  to provide another application of the desired material. If the user does not desire an additional material application at query block  114 , then the process  100  proceeds to query block  116  to determine whether the user desires a new material application. If a new material application is desired at query block  116 , then the process  100  proceeds through blocks  104 – 114  using a new selected material. If the user does not desire a new material application at query block  116 , then the process  100  is finished at block  118 . 
   As described in further detail below, the foregoing systems  10  and  50  and the finishing process  100  may utilize a variety of positioning assemblies, such as the electrically actuated arm assembly  54 .  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the finish curing system  50  having the curing device  52  coupled to the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  via the adjustable height mechanism  56 . As illustrated, the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  comprises an arm structure  120  rotatably coupled to an arm support  122  via a pivot joint  124 . 
   Although the arm structure  120  is illustrated as a single straight arm, the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  may have a multi-section arm and any suitable straight or curved geometry. The arm structure  120  also may have a variety of positioning control linkages to facilitate a desired vertical, lateral, and angular position. For example, the illustrated electrically actuated arm assembly  54  has a motorized drive  125  extending between the arm support  122  and the arm structure  120 , such that the arm structure  120  may be moved vertically in a range extending between minimum and maximum vertical positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the motorized drive  125  includes a linear drive  126  coupled to an electric motor  127 , which is electrically coupled to an electrical actuator or position control switch  129 . If the actuator or switch  129  is moved upward as indicated by arrow  131 A, then the electric motor  127  is actuated to power the linear drive  126  in the upward direction as indicated by arrow  131 B. Similarly, if the actuator or switch  129  is moved downward as indicated by arrow  133 A, then the electric motor  127  is actuated to power the linear drive  126  in the downward direction as indicated by arrow  133 B. In certain embodiments, the linear drive  126  comprises a worm gearing mechanism, such as a male threaded shaft disposed within a female threaded shaft as discussed in further detail below. In other embodiments, the linear drive  126  includes a hydraulic drive assembly having a hydraulic chamber, a hydraulic pump, and other suitable components. The actuator or switch  129  also can include a variety of control devices, such as separate up and down buttons, an electronic control panel, a wireless remote control unit, a wired remote control unit, or a combination thereof. 
   The electrically actuated arm assembly  54  also may have a variety of rotation-inducing mechanisms coupled to the arm structure  120 , such that the arm structure  120  can be positioned in a desired angular position. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  has an adjustable end structure  128  rotatably coupled to the arm structure  120  at a pivot joint  130 . At an adjacent pivot joint  132 , the adjustable end structure  128  is rotatably coupled to an end positioning linkage  134  that is rotatably coupled to the arm support  122  via a pivot joint  136 . As described with reference to  FIG. 2 , each of the foregoing linkages may comprises a variety of manual or automatic motion-inducing mechanisms, such as a hydraulic mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, a geared mechanism, a motorized mechanism, a cable and pulley mechanism, or any other suitable mechanism. 
   The illustrated arm support  122  includes a vertical support  138  extending from a base structure  140 , which has a plurality of wheels  142 . However, the arm support  122  may comprise any suitable fixed or movable structure depending on the particular application. For example, the arm support  122  may be bolted or generally secured to a wall, a floor, a vehicle, a trailer, or any other suitable vertical, horizontal, or angled mounting structure. The arm support  122  also may have a manual or automatic positioning system, such as a rotational or linear positioning system to move the arm support  122  adjacent the target object  14 . For example, the arm support  122  may be coupled to a rail structure along a floor, wall, or ceiling. In addition, the rail structure may include a powered drive mechanism to push or pull the arm support  122 . By further example, the arm structure may be expandable and contractible in a vertical direction, such that the height of the arm support  122  can be varied to accommodate a particular curing application. Again, a powered drive mechanism can be included to facilitate this vertical expansion and contraction of the arm support  122 . Accordingly, the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  can position the curing device  52  in a desired curing position relative to the target object  14 . 
   The curing device  52 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , includes a pair of heating/drying devices  144  and  146 . The heating/drying devices  144  and  146  can have any suitable drying mechanism, such as conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer mechanisms, which cure a fluid coating, a powder coating, a filler, an adhesive, and so forth. For example, the heating/drying device  144  and  146  may comprise a fuel combustion heater, an electrical resistance heater, or a radiation heating mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating/drying devices  144  and  146  include a pair of infrared lamps. The heating/drying devices  144  and  146  are mounted to a head structure  148 , which is coupled to the adjustable end structure  128  via the adjustable height mechanism  56 . The illustrated head structure  148  has a fork-shaped extension  150  rotatably coupled to an E-shaped support  152  via a pivot joint  154 . However, any suitable multi-section or integral support structure or yoke is within the scope of the present technique. The head structure  148  also may have a manual or automatic positioning system to pivot the E-shaped support  152  about the pivot joint  154 . 
   At the adjustable end structure  128 , the adjustable height mechanism  56  of  FIG. 4  provides a high mounting position  156  and a low mounting position  158  for the head structure  148 . In this exemplary embodiment, the head structure  148  is interchangeably and selectively mountable at either one of the high and low mounting positions  156  and  158  via a fastener  160 . For example, the high and low mounting positions  156  and  158  may comprise female threads that can receive male threads of the fastener  160 . The high and low mounting positions  156  and  158  also may include mechanical latches, hooks, or other releasable and interchangeable mount structures. The illustrated fastener  160  also may operate as a pivot joint for rotating the head structure  148  relative to the arm structure  120 . A manual or automatic positioning system may then be coupled to the foregoing pivot joint to facilitate rotation of the head structure  148 . 
   Alternatively, the adjustable height mechanism  56  may have a single mounting mechanism, such as an offset mounting structure, while the adjustable height mechanism  56  is reversibly and interchangeably mountable to the adjustable end structure  128 . For example, the adjustable height mechanism  56  may be released, swiveled about a pivot joint, and then resecured to the adjustable end structure  128 . The adjustable height mechanism  56  also may be detached, rotated 180 degrees, and then reattached to the adjustable end structure  128 . Accordingly, by reversibly mounting the adjustable height mechanism  56  to the adjustable height mechanism  56 , the head structure  148  can be mounted in a higher or lower position similar to those of the high and low mounting positions  156  and  158 . 
   In either the multi-mount or single-mount configuration of the adjustable height mechanism  56 , the height variance between the various mounting mechanisms may be selected to extend the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  beyond its minimum and maximum height. For example, if the prospective target objects  14  have a variety of dimensions, such as large-sized and small-sized, then the foregoing height variance can be tailored to the different heights of these differently sized target objects. In an automotive application, the height variance may be chosen to accommodate vehicles ranging from small cars to large trucks. The height variance also may accommodate different object positions, such as lift-mounted, trailer mounted, assembly line mounted, pallet-mounted, and so forth. 
   In a further alternative embodiment, the adjustable height mechanism  56  may comprise a linear positioning mechanism  162 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The linear positioning mechanism  162  may have a variety of manual or automatic motion-inducing mechanisms, such as a hydraulic mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, a geared mechanism, a motorized mechanism, a cable and pulley mechanism, a rail and carrier mechanism, or any other suitable manually or automatically movable mechanism. Again, the vertical range of the linear positioning mechanism  162  may be tailored to the different heights and sizes of the prospective target objects  14 . 
   In operation, the finish curing system  50  can position the head structure  148  and mounted curing device  52  adjacent low and high surfaces of various different target objects  14 , such as small and large-sized vehicles. At each of these positions, the heating/drying devices  144  and  146  operate to cure the desired material applied to the surface of the target object  14 . Again, the desired material may be a paint, a wax, a filler (e.g., body filler), a fluid or powder sprayed coating material, a brush applied coating material, a clear coat material, or any other suitable surface application materials. 
     FIGS. 6–9  are side views illustrating exemplary configurations of the finish curing system  50  utilizing the adjustable height mechanism  56  and the motorized drive  125 . As discussed above, the actuator or switch  129  (not shown) is engaged to activate the electric motor  126  to move the linear drive  127  in the downward direction  133 B or the upward direction  131 B, which progressively forces the arm structure  120  to move in a downward direction or an upward direction, respectively. In this manner, the motorized drive  125  moves the arm structure  120 , and the curing device  52  mounted thereto, between a minimum height position  164  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) and a maximum height position  174  (see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Thus, the motorized drive  125  effectuates the primary powered movement of the arm structure  120  between minimum and maximum height positions  164  and  174 . In turn, the adjustable height mechanism  56  provides a range of vertical adjustment of the curing device  52  relative to the outer end of the arm structure  120 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  positions the arm structure  120 , the head structure  148  and mounted curing device  52  in the minimum height position  164 , which is disposed at a vertical distance  166  from a ground position  168 . At this minimum height position  164 , the adjustable height mechanism  56  vertically adapts the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  to the particular size and position of the target object  14 . In the low mounting position  158  of the adjustable height mechanism  56 , the curing device  52  is positionable at or below the ground level  168 , such that the curing device  52  can cure the desired material at the base of the target object  14 . For example, the low mounting position  158  may be particularly advantageous for small-sized vehicles, pallet-mounted vehicles, or other target objects  14  positioned near the ground level  168 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the adjustable height mechanism  56  also can position the arm structure  120 , the head structure  148  and mounted curing device  52  in the high mounting position  156 . In the high mounting position  156 , the curing device  52  is positioned above the ground level  168  at a vertical height  170 , which relates to a vertical offset  172  provided between the high and low mounting positions  156  and  158 . Accordingly, the curing device  52  can cure the desired material at the base of a large-sized or high-positioned target object  14 , such as a large vehicle, a lift-mounted vehicle, and so forth. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  positions the arm structure  120 , the head structure  148  and mounted curing device  52  in the maximum height position  174 , which disposes the arm structure  120  at a vertical distance  176  from the ground position  168 . At this maximum height position  174 , the adjustable height mechanism  56  vertically adapts the electrically actuated arm assembly  54  to the particular size and position of the target object  14 . The finish curing system  50  also may rotate the curing device  52  to a downwardly facing orientation, which facilitates curing of a desired material disposed on an upper surface of the target object  14 . If the target object  14  has a low topside, then the adjustable height mechanism  56  may move the head structure  148  and mounted curing device  52  to the low mounting position  158 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In this low mounting position  158 , the heating/drying devices  144  and  146  are offset from the ground level  168  at a vertical distance  178 . As described above, the low mounting position  158  may be particularly advantageous for small-sized vehicles, pallet-mounted vehicles, or other low to the ground target objects  14 . The adjustable height mechanism  56  also can move the head structure  148  and mounted curing device  52  to the high mounting position  156 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In the high mounting position  156 , the heating/drying devices  144  and  146  are disposed at a vertical height  180 , which is higher than the vertical height  178  by the vertical offset  172 . Accordingly, the curing device  52  can cure the desired material at the topside of a large-sized or high-positioned target object  14 , such as a large vehicle, a lift-mounted vehicle, and so forth. 
   As discussed above, the motorized drive  125  provides a desired force and range of linear movement to rotate the arm structure  120  relative to the vertical support  138 , thereby enabling a user to more easily and quickly reposition the curing device  52  relative to a target object.  FIG. 10  is a diagram of the motorized drive  125  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique. In the illustrated embodiment, the motorized drive  125  includes the electric motor  127  coupled to a gear box  180 , which is coupled to the linear drive  126 . More specifically, the electric motor  127  has a rotating motor shaft  182  coupled to a first gear  184 , which engages a second gear  186  at an interface  188  within the gear box  180 . In turn, the second gear  186  is coupled to a male worm shaft or externally threaded shaft  190  of the linear drive  126 . This externally threaded shaft  190  rotatably engages or threads with internal threads of a moveable drive structure, e.g., a female worm or internally threaded structure  192 , disposed slidingly inside a drive enclosure  194 . As illustrated, a portion of the female worm  192  remains inside the drive enclosure  194 , while a peripheral portion of the female worm  192  moves inwardly and outwardly from an open end of the drive enclosure  194 . In addition, alternate embodiments of the motorized drive  125  may have hydraulic or pneumatic systems including pumps, piston and cylinder assemblies, and so forth. Moreover, the motorized drive  125  may include a variety of other power sources and linear positioning systems. 
   In operation, the electric motor  127  rotates the motor shaft  182  and the first gear  184 , which then rotates the second gear  186  and the externally threaded shaft  190 . As a result of this rotation, the externally threaded shaft  190  progressively threads the internally threaded structure  192  to provide a linear movement  196  along the length of the drive enclosure  194 . Depending on the direction of rotation, the linear movement  196  is either inward or outward, such that the overall linear drive  126  either contracts or expands, respectively. The motorized drive  125  also includes first and second pivot joints  198  and  200 , which are configured to connect with the vertical support  188  and the arm structure  120 . The connection points for these first and second pivot joints  198  and  200  may vary depending on the desired leverage and range of linear movement  196 . For example, the joints  198  and  200  can be connected to the vertical support  188  and the arm structure  120  at a desired offset relative to the pivot joint  124  of the arm structure  120 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4–9 . 
     FIGS. 11 ,  12 , and  13  illustrate an overhead arm assembly  210  having a motorized drive section  212  and remote control units  214  and  216  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique.  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the overhead arm assembly  210  illustrating features of an overhead head mount or rail mounting structure  218 . As illustrated, the rail mounting structure  218  includes a pair of flanges or mounting lips  220  and  222  that are configured to mount with an overhead structure, such as a rail, a ceiling, or another structure disposed above the target object. In addition, the overhead mount or rail mounting structure  218  includes a central rotating mechanism  224 , which is configured to enable rotation of the overhead arm assembly  210  relative to the flanges or mounting lips  220  and  222 . The overhead arm assembly  210  also includes a rotatable arm assembly  226  coupled to the motorized drive section  212 . The illustrated arm assembly  226  includes a first arm  228  and a second arm  230 , which arms extend outwardly to a head or peripheral portion  232 . In turn, the curing device  52  is coupled to the head  232  via an adjustable height mechanism  56 , as discussed in detail above. Again, the adjustable height mechanism  56  enables the curing device  52  to be positioned at a variety of vertical positions relative to the head  232 . In addition, as discussed in further detail below, the motorized drive section  212  responds to user controls or actuation devices to rotate the arm assembly  226  upward or downward relative to the overhead mount or rail mounting structure  218 . For example, the remote control units  214  and  216  include a variety of user controls to operate the motorized drive section  212 , the curing device  52 , and various other features of the overhead arm assembly  210 . 
     FIG. 12  is a side view of the overhead arm assembly  210  having the overhead mount or the rail mounting structure  218  coupled to an overhead structure or rail mechanism  234  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique. Depending on the particular application, the rail mounting structure  218  may be fixedly or moveably coupled to the rail mechanism  234  at a desired position above the target object having a surface material to be cured by the curing device  52 . Accordingly, the remote control units  214  and  216  may include one or more control functions to move the overhead arm assembly  210  along the rail mechanism  234  via hydraulics, pneumatics, a cable and pulley system, or a variety of motorized mechanisms. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the remote control units  214  and  216  include wires  236  and  238  leading to a wiring or electronics control box  240  disposed on the motorized drive section  212 . As illustrated, the remote control unit  214  includes a knob  242  and buttons  244  and  246 , which are configured to control the temperature profile of the curing device  52 . In addition, the illustrated remote control unit  216  includes buttons  248 ,  250 ,  252 , and  254 , which may include a cycle start button, a laser start button, an upward movement button, and a downward movement button. For example, the cycle start button may be configured to initiate a curing cycle for curing a coating or surface material disposed on the target object positioned below the overhead arm assembly  210 . Moreover, the laser start button may be configured to initiate a sighting laser to facilitate precise positioning of the curing device  52  relative to the surface of the target object. Finally, the upward and downward movement buttons are configured to actuate the motorized drive section  212  to drive or rotate the rotatable arm assembly  226  in an upward or downward direction relative to the overhead mount or rail mounting structure  218 . 
     FIG. 13  is a side view of the overhead arm assembly  210  with a portion of the motorized drive section  212  removed to illustrate the motorized drive  125  coupled to the rotatable arm assembly  226  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique. As illustrated, the first and second arms  228  and  230  are rotatably coupled to the head  232  via pivot joints  256  and  258 , respectively. In addition, opposite ends of the first and second arms  228  and  230  are rotatably coupled to the motorized drive section  212  via pivot joints  260  and  262 , respectively. In turn, the first arm  228  is coupled to the linear drive  126  of the motorized drive  125  via an intermediate link or leveraging member  264 . If the user engages an upward button on the remote control unit  216  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ), then the electric motor  127  drives the linear drive  126  in an outward or expansive direction  266 , thereby causing the first arm  228  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction effectuating an upward movement of the overhead arm assembly  210  and associated curing device  252 . If the user engages a downward button on the remote control unit  216 , then the electric motor  127  moves the linear drive  126  in an inward or contracting direction  268 , thereby rotating the overhead arm assembly  210  in a clockwise direction to move the curing device  52  in a downward direction. Again, as discussed in detail above, the motorized drive  125  may include a variety of gearing mechanisms, hydraulics, pneumatics, cable and pulley systems, and other suitable power and positioning mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of the present technique. 
   While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.