Abstract: For temporarily removing a product from a series of products supplied by a supply conveyor, the product is taken over by a movable carrier placed in a starting position in the vicinity of the supply conveyor. The carrier with the product is then removed from the conveyor, for example, for the product to be subjected to a treatment. After the treatment, the carrier with the product is returned to the starting position, where the product is placed on a discharge conveyor while simultaneously a next product from the supply conveyor is placed onto the carrier.

Abstract: In a transfer machine of the type that workpieces are transferred to a plurality of machining stations one after another by reciprocatively moving a horizontally extending transfer bar in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction thereof, a plurality of transfer turn tables for holding the workpieces are arranged on the transfer bar in a serial fashion and are rotatably carried thereon each for rotatable about a vertical axis. A guided member bodily rotatable with each of the turn tables is formed with a guided groove, which is maintained engaged with a fixed guiding rail during the axial feed movement of the transfer bar, but is engaged with a turn drive claw only at at least one machining station where the angular position of the turn table has to be changed.

Abstract: A pallet changer has a pallet support rotatably provided on a bed and a plurality of pallet inlet/outlets disposed on the edges of the pallet support at regular intervals. Positioning pins are biased such that they project from the bed toward the pallet support. Stops are provided on the pallet support and are engaged with the positioning pins, when the pallet support is turned through an angle corresponding to the angular distance between adjacent pallet inlet/outlets. A control mechanism is provided such that when a pallet is transferred to the pallet support through one of the pallet inlet/outlets, the positioning pin is held disengaged from the corresponding stop until the pallet support is rotated to the next stop position.

Abstract: An automatic finishing system for a wound coil in a coil winding machine has a conveyor device for moving coil bobbins intermittently along a circulating endless path. Several finishing machines for carrying out different finishing steps are disposed within a limited space around the endless path. The conveyor device and the finishing machines are synchronously controlled by an electronic controller means. Each of the coil bobbins is held by a jig which is mounted on a movable jig-holder. A plurality of movable jig-holders are moved along one of two parallel guide rails and transferred to the other guide rail at each end of the guide rails to move along a substantially rectangular endless path.

Abstract: A machine tool body (1) is equipped with a spindle (9) which can move vertically along the Y axis. A first table (14) on a bed (10) of the machine tool body (1) is movable horizonally in the Z direction and can move toward the tool (11) held by the spindle (9). A second table (15) set on the first table (14) can move in a horizontal direction at a right angle to the moving direction of the first table (14). A first rotary table (16) set on the second table 15 can be indexed about the rotation axis (RO) and has an extension portion (17) extending upwardly. The second rotary table (19) set on a side surface (16) of the extension portion (17) can be indexed about a rotation axis (QO) while it holds fixedly a workpiece (W). A workpiece feeding means (4) is used to load a workpiece (W) onto the second rotary table (19) and after machining thereof unload each workpiece (W) for the second rotary table (19).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing a plurality of plates of predetermined size through at least one precision processing station for accurately and economically performing machining functions or the like on the plates. Aligned group of plates are presented to an input end of the apparatus by fork lift trucks and after processing the group of plates, the process plates are aligned, and removed from the apparatus by fork lift trucks or the like thereby greatly reducing labor costs and providing a more accurately machined product.

Abstract: A pallet exchange apparatus for a machine which includes a base, a pallet exchange arm rotatably mounted on the base, a turntable rotatably mounted on the base, an engaging mechanism provided on the turntable and a pallet guide mounted on the turntable. The pallet guide is shifted between a first position where a pallet supported thereon engages with an engaging portion of the pallet exchange arm and disengages from the engaging mechanism and a second position where the pallet engages with the engaging mechanism and disengages from the engaging portion of the exchange arm. The pallet exchange arm is rotated so as to exchange the pallets engaged with the engaging portion thereof between the turntable and a table of the machine.

Abstract: A machining system for simultaneously performing a number of machining operations on one face of a plurality of work pieces which are carried on a pallet is disclosed. The machining system includes a track having a pallet loading station and a pallet unloading station juxtaposed to the track, and at least one machining station juxtaposed to the track at a location between the loading and unloading stations. A plurality of pallets are supported for movement along the track between the unloading and loading stations and passed the machining station. Each pallet is set up for mounting at least one work piece in a predetermined position thereon. The system also includes a series of mechanisms for moving the pallet along the track, a mechanism for locating and securing each pallet in a predetermined location at the machining station.

Abstract: A modularly expandable integrated process machine system incorporating a rotary indexing mechanism therefor. The machine system is made up of a support platform with predefined work station positions which each have the same dimension tool mounting configuration. Pallets are advanced between workstations by an endless chain incremented by a precision rotary indexing mechanism capable of precise end-of-movement positioning and variable force advancing.

Abstract: An automatic assembly apparatus has a first conveyor for transporting trays carrying parts to be assembled, a second conveyor for transporting pallets on which the parts are to be assembled and which extends parallel to the first conveyor, a stocking station positioned between the first and second conveyors and at which a plurality of the trays can be accommodated, a working station adjacent to the second conveyor, a pusher arm for moving trays from the first conveyor to the stocking station, and a root mounted between the first and second conveyors for carrying the trays from the stocking station to parts supplying stations adjacent the working station, and for assembling, on pallets transported to and from the working station by the second conveyor, parts removed by the robot from trays situated at the parts supplying stations, whereby a plurality of parts can be assemled by a single robot and it is possible to automatically and efficiently assemble the parts even in cases of relatively small scale producti

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus intermittently feeds a workpiece a fixed feed stroke in a conveyance direction, a plurality of workpiece pedestals spaced apart by the feed stroke in the conveyance direction support the workpiece until the moment of a subsequent feed operation, and a plurality of machines arranged near respective ones of the pedestals machine the workpiece supported by the pedestal. A walking beam in the conveyor apparatus for receiving the workpiece is moved upward, forward, downward and backward to raise the workpiece supported by one of the pedestals, convey the workpiece to a point above the next pedestal and then lower the workpiece so that the latter is supported by this next pedestal.

Abstract: A system for transferring, positioning and machining a workpiece includes a transfer device for transferring the workpiece to a prescribed position, a positioning device disposed in the prescribed position for positioning the workpiece, a machine tool for machining the workpiece, and a delivery robot disposed in the prescribed position for delivering the workpiece to the machine tool. The positioning device is used to position workpieces successively. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide positioning devices which would otherwise be associated with respective workpieces. The positioning device includes a positioning pin which is displaceable toward and away from a workpiece. Since the positioning pin is not held against the workpiece at all times, the positioning pin is prevented from being damaged or broken by physical interference with surface irregularities of the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine for milling a drill point on the end of a screw blank has a rotary conveyor with a plurality of clamps positioned radially around the periphery of said conveyor. A stationary cam is formed around the center about which the rotary conveyor turns. A number of cam followers are mounted on the conveyor for opening and closing the clamps as a function of their instantaneous positions in the excursion of the rotary conveyor. At the discharge end of the rotary excursion, a blast of air topples the screw blank head first off the conveyor to protect the tip end from damage.

Abstract: A pair of working lines for side panels are provided in parallel on the right and left sides of a main transfer line. Each working line includes, in the following order, a charging station, plural working stations, and a discharging station. A shuttle hanger conveyor extends from the charging to the discharging stations and has plural hangers movable on a conveying rail. Each hanger includes at least one vertically adjustable hook and a suppressing member for engaging the side panel and keep it from swinging. Each working station includes a jig movable to take the side panel from the hanger and hold it in a preferred position. A transfer station is located adjacent the assembly station of the main transfer line. A discharging hanger conveyor is provided for moving the worked-on side panels from the discharging stations to the transfer station.

Abstract: An automatic assembling apparatus is provided for assembling in sequence at least a first component and a second component to an article at an assembling station. The assembling apparatus comprises a first assembling jig for the first assembling component and a second assembling jig for the second component. An annular rail has the first and second assembling jigs mounted thereon such that they are circumferentially movable on the annular rail. The annular rail has a movable rail portion positioned opposite the assembling station which is movable to advance toward and retract from the assembling station. At least one supplying station is positioned with respect to the circumference of the annular rail for supplying components to the assembling jigs at the supplying station.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a pallet to a machine tool has two rows of pallet supports and a pallet carrier between the two rows. The two rows of pallet supports consist of one or more modules so that a change of the number of pallet supports can be easily achieved. The pallet carrier moves along and at a right angle to the two rows, and can be positioned under a desired pallet. The pallet carrier lifts the desired pallet and transfers it to the machine tool by only linear movement.

Abstract: A vehicle assembling-and-feeding system comprises an engine/suspension feeding line which travels through an engine assembly line and a first suspension assembly line for assembling one of front and rear suspensions to feed the engine and said one suspension, a suspension feeding line which travels through a second suspension assembly line for assembling the other suspension to feed the suspension, a body feeding line for feeding a vehicle body in indexed feed fashion, a slippage detecting station which is provided midway along the body feeding means to detect slippage in the position of the vehicle body fed by the body feeding means in indexed feed fashion, a mounting station disposed downstream of the slippage detecting station, and a mingling feed line which alternately feeds to the mounting station the material fed by the engine/suspension feeding means and the material fed by the suspension feeding means. An automatic mounting device is provided at the mounting station.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system for transporting workpieces, in which each workpiece is placed on a load carrier, each workpiece and load carrier being marked with an identifier. A central computer is loaded with data relative to each given workpiece, its respective load carrier, and work to be performed on such workpiece, and predetermines a path to be followed by such load carrier. The load carrier is placed on a main path, its identifier is read, and if work is to be performed on a workpiece carried thereon, a switch is thrown to divert the load carrier to an auxiliary path and then to a work station. The load carrier may be diverted to the work station by a swing-out device or by a spur path, for example. After such work, the load carrier is returned to the main path and its identifier is read again to determine whether it again is to be diverted to an auxiliary path for performing further work on a workpiece carried thereon.

Abstract: A weighty object mounting system comprises tact-transporting means for transporting a transportable object so as to have the same stop temporarily at each working stations, position detecting means for detecting a stop position of the transportable object stopped at one of the stations, a lifter provided in a mounting station and including a mounting portion provided for supporting a weighty object placed thereon and arranged to be movable forward and backward, right and left, and up and down in relation to the transportable object in the mounting station and a driving portion for moving the mounting portion so as to cause the weighty object to engage with the transportable object and to be automatically mounted to the same, and control means operative to supply the driving portion with control commands which direct the driving portion to cause the mounting portion to have each of predetermined movements at a predetermined timing, and operative also to calculate a misalignment between the transportable object

Abstract: An automated assembly facility includes a random storage facility for each assembly line conveyor and associated series of assembly stations. The assembly line conveyor is located between the random storage facility and the series of assembly stations. A first conveyor is coupled between plural sources of carriers and the random storage facility. The random storage facility is coupled to the assembly stations by a transfer conveyor so that carriers can be transferred directly from random storage to an appropriate assembly station, obviating the need for the assembly line conveyor to cooperate in this transfer. The layout leaves the assembly station accessible from three sides. Efficient space use is achieved by providing one access aisle for each pair of assembly lines; random storage facilities of two lines are directly adjacent each other.

Abstract: An automatic pallet changer for replacement of pallets automatically between a pallet magazine storing a plurality of pallets and a pallet table of a machine tool which comprises a rack fixed on the rear of each pallet, a pallet driving pinion engaging with the rack disposed on a side end of the pallet table and a pinion driving apparatus. The pinion is driven to rotate and the rack is moved linearly whereby the pallet is transferred to and from the table of machine tool.

Abstract: A system including a vertical turning machine and at least two auxiliary stations, such as a control, loading and discharge station, and a waiting station, has a drive mechanism for moving the workpiece platforms (pallets) between respective equipment supports (pallet supports). The drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder housed in a diametral through seat in the upper part of the turning machine pallet support and located between respective pallet supporting straight guides. It includes a T-shaped hook member projecting from a cursor, located close to one end of the seat, and fixed to upper passes of a pair of chains driven by sprockets which form part of a carriage. The carriage is fixed to the end of a piston shaft projecting from the hydraulic cylinder. The advance of the piston shaft causes the carriage to project partly outwardly from the perimeter of the pallet support towards an auxiliary station.

Abstract: A moving table type work system includes a work table (3) arranged to provide the movements of two degrees of freedom for a work piece (a) to carry out a predetermined work for the work piece (a). Further included are a feeding table (1) which is reciprocated between the work table (3) and a work piece feeding device (2) to transfer the work piece (a) from the work piece feeding device (2) to the work table (3) and a discharging table (4) which is also reciprocated between the work table (3) and a work piece receiving device (5) to transfer the work piece (a) from the work table (3) to the work piece receiving device (5).

Abstract: A method of quality assurance and rectification of defects in the process of assembling a vehicle on a continuously moving assembly line is provided. The method involves utilization of groups of assembly stations along the lengths of the assembly line interspersed with upgrade stations. Information is communicated from the assembly stations to a central computer and then to the upgrade stations to assure that quality is maintained and defects are rectified.

Abstract: A tapping machine has a plurality of punches for punching a plate-shaped workpiece and extruding or plunging the punched holes and a plurality of tapping units for carrying out the tapping operation continuously in the tapping machine. A free positional workpiece transfer-and-position device is provided which moves the plate-shaped workpiece in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the work area of the machine. The plurality of punches are provided in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the machine. First operating means provide an operating force for the tapping units and second operating means provide an operating force for the punches.

Abstract: An adaptable machining system includes a plurality of transport units mounted on a machine base with each transport unit carrying a system-standard mounting plate that receives a tool-carrying module. Each tool-carrying module includes a machining tool and associated motor mounted on a system-standard tooling plate which, with the mounting plate of the transport unit, define a system-standard tooling interface. The transport units, under the coordinated control of a system controller, advance their respective tooling modules to and from a work piece to accomplish their machining function. The mounting plate of each transport unit establishes an orthogonal reference system relative to the operating axes of the machine so that the position of each tool carried on a tooling module is known relative to the operating axes of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously working a plurality of workpieces comprising a support wheel defining a rotary axis and a periphery, means for rotatably indexing said support wheel in preselected angular steps about said axis, receiving means on said support wheel periphery for receiving one each said workpieces in similar orientation; retaining means for fixedly retaining said workpieces in said receiving means, first working means for simultaneously similarly working a preselected plurality of the workpieces retained in said receiving means, said plurality corresponding in number to one of said angular steps, to define a plurality of partially worked workpieces, sensing means for simultaneously sensing the condition of each of the worked workpieces and preventing further indexing of said suport wheel in the event an undesirable condition of any of the workpieces is sensed, second working means for further working said workpieces subsequent to sensing of the condition thereof by said sensing means, and means

Abstract: There are provided workpiece rotatably holding means for rotatably holding a pallet at a position opposite to a spindle, a pallet changer provided with a main body rotatably holded and formed with a plurality of wings arranged in a windmill shape, and workpiece supporting means for loading the pallet on each one of the wings, and an intermediate station for transferring a workpiece between the workpiece rotatably holding means and the pallet changer. The workpiece to be machined is loaded on each wing of the pallet changer, transferred to the workpiece rotatably holding means through the intermediate station and subjected to the machining there. After being machined, the workpiece is transferred back to the pallet changer through the intermediate station.

Abstract: A device for a woodworking machine (13) adapted at a number of consecutive working stations (14) for processing workpieces which are fed through the machine. The required working of the workpieces can be effected with at least one working station out of operation. The working stations are separated from each other by partitions (20) which extend between external walls (11), a roof (12) and a base and which are closely associated with the machine on either side of the working stations (14) and, like the external walls and the roof, are sound-proof. The tool or tools at each working station can be driven independently of the tools at the other working stations, and each compartment (22) defined by the partitions has a door (21) in the external wall (11). The path of travel of the workpieces through the machine is laterally limited by vertical walls and at the working stations the walls can be provided with covers for forming tunnel portions at these locations.

Abstract: In a machine tool having a palette change-over device protected by a movable U-shaped hood, to prevent injury to the operator or accidental damage during movement of the hood the hood is provided with a probe and an automatic circuit breaker arranged to shut down at least the driving mechanism of the hood on contact with the operator or another foreign body in the path of movement of the hood.

Abstract: A working/assembling system including a dosed loop endless track, moving units adapted to travel on the endless track, at least one robot supported on one of the moving units for a working or assembling operation, and a control unit mounted on the other moving unit connected to the one moving unit having stored therein operations to be performed by the robot and causing the robot to perform the operations. The robot moves on the moving units as the latter travel on the endless track, and performs the operations for working on workpieces or assembling parts as it is controlled by the control unit.

Abstract: A clamping system is provided for securing a part to be machined to a fixture so that the fixture and part can be transported as an entity from work station to work station and the part subjected to successive machining operations safely and efficiently. The fixture incorporates a hydraulic system comprising hydraulically actuated means for quickly positioning the part and clamping it securely to the fixture without a high degree of dependence on human judgement. Fluid under pressure actuates the hydraulic means, each element of which is isolated by check valves from the rest of the system so that failure of any one element of the system does not jeopardize the safety of the part being machined or of personnel supervising the machining operations.

Abstract: A system for positioning and holding workpieces for successive machining at several work stations or machining by several machines at a multi-tool cell incorporating a workpiece holding and transporting project plate and a self-centering support chuck at every machine for holding and automatically positioning the project plate and its workpiece with a repeatably high degree of accuracy using the axial centerline of the support chuck as the reference of concentricity by which the tool and workpiece are addressed to each other.

Abstract: An assembly tray is injection molded with an open bottom to provide access to articles supported by the tray during manufacturing. Gear teeth are included on the bottom of the tray in the shape of a timing belt for indexing the tray during manufacturing. Stacking ledges are provided in the rim on top of the tray so that one tray can be stacked on top of another without sticking. A torsion box is provided on the sides of the tray to provide torsional stability. The assembly tray can be selected from a stack of other trays, used in automated manufacturing and stacked in another stack. The assembly tray is particularly suited for assemblying components of tape cassettes.

Abstract: A multiple station drilling apparatus is used for performing a large number of repetitive but variable machining operations, and includes a turntable having a plurality of workpiece holding fixtures distributed in spaced relation around its periphery, a plurality of tool supports mounted around and outward of the periphery to provide a sequence of machining stations, a load/unload station for the mounting of workpieces on the fixtures and their removal therefrom, and a motor for driving the turntable in an indexing fashion to bring workpieces held in the fixtures successively into registry with the machining stations. Each tool support includes at least one X-Y positioner which in turn supports a machining tool such as a reciprocating drill.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for changing drill heads or other tool heads in machine tools arranged along a workpiece transfer line. Tool changing devices 5,6 are movable with respect to the transfer line 13 on tracks 3,4 which basically consist of a lifting mechanism 9, a turning mechanism 10 and gripping mechanisms 7,8. It is possible by means of this changing device to grip the boring heads 11,14, lift, turn and deposit these again. The same changing device can be used for a multiplicity of machine tools.

Abstract: A pallet changer including an arcuate clamp rail adapted to engage and support a pallet slidably, the arcuate clamp rail being provided in a work table in a machining center, and a plurality of arcuate support rails adapted to engage and support pallets slidably, the arcuate support rails being provided on a pallet pool so that they can be indexed to a pallet changing position. The support rail indexed to the pallet changing position completes a circular track for pallet conveyance conjointly with the clamp rail. Further, a swivel arm is disposed for rotation between the work table and the pallet changing position, the swivel arm being provided at both ends thereof with engaging hooks each capable of engaging an engaging block of each pallet disengageably. By the rotation of the swivel arm, two pallets are exchanged simultaneously along the above circular track between the work table and the pallet changing position.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling plate and tube heat exchangers of the type having tube end portions joined to end plates includes a carriage for longitudinally carrying an assembled but unjoined heat exchanger. An upright stationary frame supports a tool holder for movement transversely of the heat exchanger longitudinal axis. The tool holder is movable so that tools carried thereby are located in facing relationship to an end plate for joining tube end portions thereto. The tool holder is also transversely movable to a clearance position for providing longitudinal movement of the heat exchanger and carriage therepast. A clamping device at the opposite end portion of the heat exchanger clamps the opposite tube end portions for holding the tubes against longitudinal and rotational movement while the other tube end portions are joined to an end plate. The clamping device is also movable transversely of the heat exchanger longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A sequential phase convertible machine comprising at least one machining unit, but preferably two machining units placed opposite each other, a machining table which is provided with an undexable rotary plate and means for fixing the work pieces to be machined and which is disposed opposite the machining unit or between two machining units, conveyors adapted for moving supports on which the work pieces to be machined are fixed a magazine of machining boxes or heads adaptable to the machining units, and transport means adapted for taking said cases from the magazine and bringing them close to the machining unit or units as well as to return them then to the magazine, which machine further comprises means for effecting cyclic sequential or batch machining.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a multiple spindle machine tool wherein a plurality of substantially parallel spindles transversely disposed to a workpiece transfer path permit sequential operations upon a workpiece transferred from spindle to spindle. Spindles may be mounted upon opposite sides of the transfer path permitting machining on opposite sides of a workpiece, and the machine tool permits successive operations to be performed sequentially, rapidly and economically.

Abstract: Machining equipment for a production line using pallet type jigs, which includes a plurality of pallet type jigs, a conveyance line capable of conveying the jigs, a work bench provided on the conveyance line, a spindle head capable of being fed back and forth with respect to the work bench, and a control system for controlling the conveyance line, the work bench, and the spindle head. On the work bench are provided a horizontal rotary table which is capable of turning and indexing at a desired angle and has a constant turning position, and two rails which are rotatable coaxially and integrally with the horizontal rotary table and disposed side by side in the vertical direction to extend in the horizontal direction, in order to follow the alterations of the machining angle of a workpiece held by the pallet type jig and further to carry the pallet type jig in and out of the work bench conveniently.

Abstract: An integrated and automated multistation machine is provided for placement and attachment of electrically conductive interconnectors onto solar cells and the like. The machine comprises a rotatable turntable for supporting a plurality of solar cells in respective association with a corresponding plurality of operating stations and then for indexing the solar cells to the next operating stations in sequence. More particularly, the machine includes a cell loading station for transfer of a solar cell from a loading magazine and for precision placement onto one of a plurality of cell-supporting fixtures carried by the turntable. The turntable indexes the solar cells one at a time on the fixtures from the cell loading station first to a flux station whereat a liquid flux material is applied to predetermined points on the cell.

Abstract: A parts assembly method and a device which utilizes this method, in which the structure for receiving parts member for assembly is set in prescribed attitudes, and the parts are automatically assembled in that member by assembly from a fixed direction, so that an automatic device having simple movements can be mainly used. The structure member being assembled can be set in an optional direction in which conditions are more suitable for the assembly. There is no increase in cost, and the parts are reliably and automatically assembled into the receiving member.

Abstract: In a system for coding a pallet on which a plurality of parts are assembled to form a workpiece in an assembly line, a drive for moving the pallet in a conveying path along the assembly line to successive work stations where the parts are processed or assembled, a plurality of signal carriers on the pallet for generating a signal indicating a defect in the workpiece on the pallet in a respective work station, signal read-out and encoding devices arranged along the conveying path for receiving the generated signals and emitting corresponding control signals, the drive being responsive to the emitted control signals whereby the defective workpiece may be excluded from work in work stations subsequent thereto, the signal carriers being arranged on the pallet in an array in adjacent rows extending in the conveying direction and spaced from each other in this direction, and respective signal carriers in rows spaced from each other in this direction and extending perpendicularly to the adjacent rows for enabling th

Abstract: An apparatus including a set jig for setting and positioning a door into a door opening portion of a vehicle body which jig is movable to advance and retreat in the direction of the door opening portion and movable in the vehicle length and height directions from a predetermined original point position (corresponding to a normal set position of the door opening) and a position detecting mechanism for detecting deviation in position of the door opening from the normal set position and for adjusting the alignment of the set jig in accordance with the deviation to have it correspond with the actual position of the door opening portion prior to the set jig advancing to set the door.

Abstract: A method of mounting parts to both sides of a main body characterized by moving a carriage at a predetermined speed along a specified path of transport with the main body placed on the carriage; moving a pair of movable tables in synchronism with the carriage in the same direction as the movement thereof, the movable tables being disposed at opposite sides of the transport path and each carrying at least one robot and an assembling device; causing the movable tables to support the main body during the synchronized movement; setting a part held by the robot in a specified position on the main body; attaching the part to the main body by the assembling device; and thereafter delivering the main body from the movable tables onto the carriage. Since the carriage is moved during the assembly of parts, this method assures the assembly line of a high-speed operation.

Abstract: A multiple station transfer machine in which workpieces are progressively transferred from work station to work station with workpieces individually clamped at each station by a movable clamp. A unified mechanism for clamping the workpieces at individual stations has a common rotary actuator which can function simultaneously at each work station. The clamping member is arranged to adapt to various clamping positions independently of the stroke of the actuator. A two-stage cam operates on each clamping member driven by a preloaded spring in response to motion of the common rotary movable actuator.

Abstract: The machine comprises a transport chain wherealong a plurality of brackets are distributed for supporting the razor square central areas, horizontal fixed upper and lower abutment profiles wherealong the razors are caused to slide, a magazine for the razor blades packed in stacked relationship, below which a chest is mounted slidably which can be driven horizontally into a discharge position overlying the chain, a slider carried for vertical movement at the chest discharge position and adapted to be lowered onto the chest to pick up a blade therefrom by suction, and then to be further lowered, with the chest in its retracted position, and deposit the blade onto the blade holder strip of a razor, fixed contoured detents adapted to cause, as the brackets are being advanced, the blade covering strip to be bent around the tabs onto the blade holder strip, and a heater headpiece for securing the blade between the blade holder strip and blade covering strip.

Abstract: A plurality of machine tools are disposed along a circulating conveyor transporting materials to be processed by the machine tools, and material selector subsystems associated with the respective machine tools are provided together with a load/unload command subsystem. The material selector subsystems exchange information therebetween to track materials loaded on the conveyor under command of the load/unload command subsystem so as to reserve materials requested by the individual machine tools. Each of the reserved materials is unloaded from the conveyor under command of the load/unload command subsystem as soon as it arrives at the position of the corresponding machine tool.

Abstract: The machine comprises a guideway 12 extending past a series of work stations 13, 13' and supporting a series of pairs of pallets 14, 14' carrying connectors 15, 15'. A return guideway 16 supporting empty, returning pallets extends under the guideway 12. Forward and return pallet indexing mechanisms 17 and 17' are carried by pallet lifts 18 and 18' movable between entry and exit ends of the respective upper and lower guideways (12, 16) to carry pallets (14, 14') between the guideways and to enable the indexing mechanism 17 and 17' to feed the pallets alternately onto the entry ends of the upper and lower guideways and receive expelled pallets (14, 14') from the exit ends thereof. Pilot mechanisms 21, 21' are arranged for vertical reciprocation into engagement with leading and trailing pallets (14, 14') on the upper and lower guideways (12, 16) alternately to confine the pallets (14, 14') together on the guideways (12, 16) in between operation of the forward and return indexing mechanisms 17 and 17'.