Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system for machining workpieces. The system encompasses several tool machines, a storage unit that includes several tool shelves that are disposed along a guideway and have recesses for holding the tools. The guideway is disposed directly adjacent the row of tool machines, and the shelves have horizontal bottoms for supporting tools in a perpendicular manner. A transporting unit transports tools from the storage unit to a transfer station, with the transporting unit having a horizontally disposed pivot arm assembly for transporting tools in a perpendicular position. A changing device is adapted to grasp a new tool from the transporting unit and a used tool from a tool machine in two planes that are perpendicular to one another, and to pivot these tools by 180.degree. to bring them into planes that are perpendicular to the planes that they were in when they were grasped.

Abstract: In this position measuring instrument switches or cams of a limit position switching system are integrated as components of the carrier body for the measuring graduation. The switches or cams mounted to the carrier body cooperate with corresponding parts on a machine and form with these parts limit position switching systems. By integrating the limit position switch components with the measuring instrument the functioning of the position measuring instrument is extended beyond the pure measuring function.