Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for handling and storing a plurality of workpieces on trays. A storage rack is provided and a plurality of trays may be stored in vertical stacked relationship. A trackway is provided for transferring trays into and from the storage rack and transfer mechanism is provided for transferring simultaneously a plurality of workpieces to or from individual rows on the trays. Rotatable support arms are engageable with the vertically stacked trays to support the trays above the lowermost tray so that the lowermost tray can slide into or out of the storage rack. The support arms move into operative or inoperative position when the lowermost tray is in a partially withdrawn position.

Abstract: A folding apparatus and method for folding a flat sheet so that an exact interior height is provided between the two folded portions is disclosed. The flat sheet is folded about a shim having a folding edge which is rounded and which has a thickness corresponding to the desired interior height. The flat shim is positioned on the flat sheet with the edge of the shim located along the line where the fold in the sheet is to be made. Initially, the portion of the sheet away from the shim is folded approximately 90.degree. by tangential bending on the folding edge of the shim. Next, a die having a facing edge mating with the folding edge of the shim is pushed onto the folding edge of the shim. The portion of the sheet which was folded 90.degree. is thus folded onto the top of the shim to approximately 180.degree.. With this two step folding, an exact interior height adjacent the fold is provided.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring a pallet from a first trackway to a second trackway is disclosed. Each trackway includes an inside track and an outside track. Preferably, the outside tracks of each trackway are connected by an arcuate connecting track. A transfer device moves the pallet from the end of the first trackway to the adjacent end of the second trackway. The transfer device includes a turntable having a track portion thereon, preferably, an inside track portion. By rotating the turntable, the track portion is first presented adjacent the end of the first trackway so that the pallet is received on the track portion. The turntable is then rotated and carries the pallet to the end of the second trackway to which the pallet is then transferred. The track portion can extend continuously around the turntable and the turntable rotated constantly so that a pallet is transferred as soon as the pallet reaches the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A conveying system for moving an object along a straight path on a pallet is disclosed. The conveying system includes a track on which the pallet is mounted for movement and a cylindrical drive shaft having a longitudinal axis parallel to the line of movement of the pallet disposed below the track. A drive roller support base is pivotally mounted on the pallet. The drive roller is rotatably mounted on a shaft extending from the support base at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the drive shaft. The drive roller tangentially contacts the drive shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the drive roller and, depending upon the position of the drive roller in relation to the surface of the driveshaft, the pallet is driven forward, rearward, or remains stationary. The drive roller is resiliently urged into contact with the drive shaft and is pivotally mounted on the pallet so as to be easily movable between a forward drive position, a rearward drive position, and a stationary position.

Abstract: A folding apparatus and method for folding a flat sheet so that an exact interior height is provided between the two folded portions is disclosed. The flat sheet is folded about a shim having a folding edge which is rounded and which has a thickness corresponding to the desired interior height. The flat shim is positioned on the flat sheet with the edge of the shim located along the line where the fold in the sheet is to be made. Initially, the portion of the sheet away from the shim is folded approximately 90.degree. by tangential bending on the folding edge of the shim. Next, a die having a facing edge mating with the folding edge of the shim is pushed onto the folding edge of the shim. The portion of the sheet which was folded 90.degree. is thus folded onto the top of the shim to approximately 180.degree.. With this two step folding, an exact interior height adjacent the fold is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for silk screen printing of circuit boards is provided which comprises a motor driven shaft having three cams keyed thereto which control the positioning of a silk screen and the movement of a squeegee. The latter is controlled relative to the screen so that the squeegee makes forward and return printing movements over the screen so as to print two circuit boards per shaft revolution. Two of the aforementioned cams respectively drive first and second slide members. The second slide carries the squeegee and is mounted on the first slide at right angles thereto. The first and second slides cooperate so as to cause the movement of the squeegee to describe a pattern roughly in the shape of a figure eight as the squeegee comes into printing engagement with the screen and then is lifted over and behind the inking compound at the end of both the forward and return printing strokes.