Abstract: An installation comprises part-carrying pallets (10) of general rectangular shape which are displaced in elementary modules (46) under the frictional action of at least one drive run (50), displacement of the pallets being effected by way of rollers (32) provided on the pallet and rolling on the respective bottoms of the modules. The pallet (10) comprises a body (12) below which are mounted idler wheels (26) disposed horizontally to provide for guiding and/or driving of the pallet, each module (46) comprises at least one guide rail (62) defining a circulation path of selected shape and made of an elastically deformable material, in such a way that during the displacement of the pallet on a module the guide rail (62) exercises an elastic return force against at least one idler wheel (26) of the pallet in such a way as to urge at least one drive portion (18) of the pallet into elastic contact against the drive run of the module.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for the transfer of at least one part (38) to be deposited on an immobilised pallet (12) comprises a transporter (42) equipped with a gripping device (50) and adapted to grasp the part (38) on a distributor (40), displace it and deposit it in a positioning tool (54), and a manipulator (60) equipped with a gripper (62) and adapted to grasp the part in a precise position in the positioning tool (54), displace it and deposit it in a precise position in a positioning receptacle (64) carried by the pallet (12).

Abstract: An installation comprises part-carrying pallets (10) of general rectangular shape which are displaced in elementary modules (46) under the frictional action of at least one drive run (50), displacement of the pallets being effected by way of rolling means (32) provided on the pallet and rolling on the respective bottoms of the modules. The pallet (10) comprises a body (12) below which are mounted idler wheels (26) disposed horizontally to provide for guiding and/or driving of the pallet, each module (46) comprises at least one guide rail (62) defining a circulation path of selected shape and made of an elastically deformable material, in such a way that during the displacement of the pallet on a module the guide rail (62) exercises an elastic return force against at least one idler wheel (26) of the pallet in such a way as to urge at least one drive portion (18) of the pallet into elastic contact against the drive run of the module.

Abstract: An installation for the circulation of part-carrying pallets (12), comprising a support frame (12) for supporting modules (14) for circulation of the pallets, and comprising at least one vertical frame arrangement (16) formed by a rigid mecano-welded structure from standard profile members (20, 22, 24, 26), as well as boxes (18) each formed by a mecano-welded structure from standard profile members (42, 46, 48) and capable of being removably fixed on respective sides of the vertical frame arrangement (16). Each of the boxes (18) comprises an upper surfaced portion (44) capable of receiving at least one module and a lower portion (40) provided with adjustable feet (50) for regulating the horizontality of the upper surfaced portion. Application to the production of parts by assembly and/or machining.

Abstract: An installation for circulating workpiece-carrying pallets. The installation includes a supporting surface and at least one pallet comprising a plurality of self-orientable rolling members supporting the at least one pallet and rolling on the supporting surface. A plurality of sets of substantially horizontally arranged wheels are mounted on the at least one pallet. The wheels include driven wheels and freely rotating guidance wheels. A plurality of rail members are mounted on the supporting surface. The rail members define a plurality of travel paths for the at least one pallet. The rail members interact with the sets of substantially horizontally arranged wheels to guide the pallet on a desired path. Each of the paths is defined at least partially by a section of parallel rail members. These sets of substantially horizontally arranged wheels are compressibly lodgeable between the parallel rail members. The travel paths are connected by a plurality of interconnections.

Abstract: Apparatus for the assembly and/or machining of parts manually and/or automatically, comprising a multiplicity of work stations each having pallet transfer apparatus for the displacement of the part-carrying pallets to the interior of a station and from one station to another by one or more carriages in continuous movement in which the movement of a pallet by a carriage occurs along one edge.

Abstract: Work stations (PM1 to PM3, PA, PB) are connected in series or in parallel in a closed loop main conveyor circuit (CC), thereby constituting a modular "flexible workshop" type of installation. Each work station (e.g. PM1) includes an upstream read means (L11) and a write means (E12) for co-operating with a modifiable destination code incorporated in each pallet conveyed by the system. Each work station has a local data processor unit (UM1) associated with a keyboard-display device. The keyboard-display devices greatly facilitate setting up the modular installation whenever it is changed around, and also provide continuous monitoring of installation operation, including the work done by specific operators.

Abstract: Apparatus for the assembly and/or machining of parts manually and/or automatically, comprising a multiplicity of work stations with means for the displacement of the part-carrying pallets to the interior of a station and from one station to another by one or more carriages in continuous movement in which the movement of a pallet by a carriage occurs along one edge.

Abstract: An installation for assembling and/or machining parts manually and/or automatically, the installation comprising a plurality of stations or modules through which part-carrying platens move along a path comprising successive horizontal path portions extending at right angles to one another. The platens are driven along successive path portions by successive belts which at least partially support the platens, the improvement being that each module has as many belts (93, 99, 118) as it has perpendicular path portions, with each belt comprising an endless loop having a driving portion (95) and a return portion (94).