Method for operating a vertical accumulating conveyor system

A method for processing a workpiece attached to a pallet of a vertical conveyor system, comprising the steps of:

• transporting the pallet and the workpiece along the conveyor system to a workstation positioned adjacent the vertical conveyor system;
• stopping the pallet at a predetermined location along a path of travel of the pallet adjacent the workstation, wherein the pallet and workpiece cease being transported along the conveyor system;
• determining a configuration of the workpiece;
• performing a predetermined procedure on the workpiece attached to the pallet without removing the pallet from the conveyor system, when it is determined the configuration of the workpiece corresponds with the procedure to be performed;
• and
• releasing the pallet from its location adjacent the workstation and allowing the pallet assembly and workpiece to resume being transported along the conveyor system.

A method for processing a work piece attached to a pallet of a vertical conveyor system, comprising the steps of:

• transporting the pallet assembly and the workpiece along the conveyor system to a workstation located adjacent to the conveyor system;
• stopping the pallet assembly at a predetermined location adjacent the workstation;
• and
• performing a procedure on the workpiece while the pallet is stopped at the workstation, wherein the pallet assembly remains attached to the conveyor system and the workpiece remains affixed to the pallet assembly throughout each of the steps.