Abstract: An assembly line comprising a number of pallets (1) carrying electronic components for assembly, provided with individual RF-tags (2) containing stored product information, a main conveyor (3) in the shape of an endless loop, conveying pallets (1); assembly stations (4) spaced along the main conveyor. Each station is equipped with a reading device (6) for reading the RF-tags and a data processing apparatus controlling the work station operations, depending on the data read off the RF-tag; an automatic storage system (7) placed in the vicinity of workstations (4) comprising a number of storage devices (8), as well as transfer means (9) feeding pre-selected components from a pre-selected storage device to the assembly stations.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic execution of operations in the fabrication of circuit boards or similar boards. The apparatus comprises a conveyor (4) consisting of two parallel conveyor halves (5, 6) provided with a traction element (7) to convey the circuit board. The conveyor halves, guided by a first set of guide bars (8, 9), can be moved in a direction transverse to the conveying direction while remaining parallel to each other, to permit adjustment of the width of the conveyor; a 3-D transfer gear (10) disposed above the conveyor (4) and provided with a gripper (11). The apparatus is provided with tools (12) which can be manipulated by the gripper (11) of the transfer gear, and a control unit (13).