Abstract: An apparatus transfers plate-like parts, such as metal sheets, (2) from a stack to a forming station. A dual-rail stationary supporting structure (7) has tracks on which horizontal slides (15) move by means of outer cross slides (8a, 8b) and inner cross slides (9a, 9b) on tracks (10-13) in the horizontal longitudinal direction. Each horizontal slide has a vertical slide (17) whose lower end is coupled to one end of a respective inner or outer transverse member (21, 22) which has holding elements, such as suction cups (25), on the bottom to hold the plates being moved. The lateral distance (a) between the vertical slides (17) of the outer pair of cross slides (8a, 8b) is larger than the lateral distance (b) between the vertical slides (17) of the inner pair of cross slides (9a, 9b). The two inner vertical slides (17) are located between the outer vertical slides (17). The vertical slides and the traverse members form a pair of U-shaped supporting structures.

Abstract: A tool changing installation for an automatic machine-tool including a tool magazine having a plurality of independently rotatable drums coaxially aligned. Each drum includes a large radial recess opening on its periphery and a plurality of tools angularly disposed around the periphery thereof. A tool transporting carriage moves parallel with the axis of the drums to selectively remove and replace the tools in the drums. A tool being removed or replaced passes on the transporting carriage through the recesses of the other drums to or from a tool loader. The tool loader takes the tools from the transporting carriage and loads them in the machine-tool and removes tools from the machine-tool and loads them in the transporting carriage to be replaced in the drums.