A trolley conveyor is used to transport parts between three production stations. There are 62 carriers, equally spaced around the conveyor, with 10 separation between carriers.

The material flow patterns for the workstations follow:

{ f1(n)}  (0, 4, 0)

{ f2(n)}  (3, 3, 3)

{ f3(n)}  (0, 5, 0)

a. Determine the value of B.

b. Suppose the unload sequence for station 3 can be modified by delaying its start time or location. Which of the following permutations of the unloading sequence for station 3 will minimize the value of B?

{ f3(n)}  (0, 5, 0)

{ f3(n)}  (5, 0, 0)

{ f3(n)}  (0, 0, 5)

c. In (b), what permutation of the unloading sequence for station 3 will minimize the cumulative amount of inventory on the conveyor?