Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing pallets delivered to a machining center. Different workpieces are connected or attached to different pallets. A first workpiece corresponding to a first pallet is delivered to or near an indexer or indexer assembly and the indexer is moved into an engaged position and performs a work operation on the first workpiece. The indexer is then moved to a disengaged position and the first pallet and the first workpiece are exchanged or switched out with a second pallet having a second workpiece. The indexer is then moved to an engaged position and works the second workpiece and when completed, the indexer moves to the disengaged position and the second workpiece is exchanged or switched out with a third pallet having a third workpiece. The indexer system of this invention can quickly and cost-effectively cycle through different pallets and thus different workpieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing pallets delivered to a machining center. Different workpieces are connected or attached to different pallets. A first workpiece corresponding to a first pallet is delivered to or near an indexer or indexer assembly and the indexer is moved into an engaged position and performs a work operation on the first workpiece. The indexer is then moved to a disengaged position and the first pallet and the first workpiece are exchanged or switched out with a second pallet having a second workpiece. The indexer is then moved to an engaged position and works the second workpiece and when completed, the indexer moves to the disengaged position and the second workpiece is exchanged or switched out with a third pallet having a third workpiece. The indexer system of this invention can quickly and cost-effectively cycle through different pallets and thus different workpieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering and retrieving workpieces to and from a machine table. This invention also relates to an apparatus for receiving at the machine table workpieces which are delivered to and retrieved by the delivery system. Carriers move along a conveyor without a loading arm rotating with respect to a supply table and also without the supply table rotating with respect to the loading arm. The receiver has pivot arms that act in a scissor-like manner to open and close an opening that lockingly engages a connector connected to a pallet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing pallets delivered to a machining center. Different workpieces are connected or attached to different pallets. A first workpiece corresponding to a first pallet is delivered to or near an indexer or indexer assembly and the indexer is moved into an engaged position and performs a work operation on the first workpiece. The indexer is then moved to a disengaged position and the first pallet and the first workpiece are exchanged or switched out with a second pallet having a second workpiece. The indexer is then moved to an engaged position and works the second workpiece and when completed, the indexer moves to the disengaged position and the second workpiece is exchanged or switched out with a third pallet having a third workpiece. The indexer system of this invention can quickly and cost-effectively cycle through different pallets and thus different workpieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering and retrieving workpieces to and from a machine table. This invention also relates to an apparatus for receiving at the machine table workpieces which are delivered to and retrieved by the delivery system. Carriers move along a conveyor without a loading arm rotating with respect to a supply table and also without the supply table rotating with respect to the loading arm. The receiver has pivot arms that act in a scissor-like manner to open and close an opening that lockingly engages a connector connected to a pallet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing pallets delivered to a machining center. Different workpieces are connected or attached to different pallets. A first workpiece corresponding to a first pallet is delivered to or near an indexer or indexer assembly and the indexer is moved into an engaged position and performs a work operation on the first workpiece. The indexer is then moved to a disengaged position and the first pallet and the first workpiece are exchanged or switched out with a second pallet having a second workpiece. The indexer is then moved to an engaged position and works the second workpiece and when completed, the indexer moves to the disengaged position and the second workpiece is exchanged or switched out with a third pallet having a third workpiece. The indexer system of this invention can quickly and cost-effectively cycle through different pallets and thus different workpieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering and retrieving workpieces to and from a machine table. This invention also relates to an apparatus for receiving at the machine table workpieces which are delivered to and retrieved by the delivery system. Carriers move along a conveyor without a loading arm rotating with respect to a supply table and also without the supply table rotating with respect to the loading arm. The receiver has pivot arms that act in a scissor-like manner to open and close an opening that lockingly engages a connector connected to a pallet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering and retrieving workpieces to and from a machine table. This invention also relates to an apparatus for receiving at the machine table workpieces which are delivered to and retrieved by the delivery system. Carriers move along a conveyor without a loading arm rotating with respect to a supply table and also without the supply table rotating with respect to the loading arm. The receiver has pivot arms that act in a scissor-like manner to open and close an opening that lockingly engages a connector connected to a pallet.

Abstract: A rotary pallet device for delivering a pallet to an automated machine, such as a CNC vertical machining center. A pallet is mounted to a retractable slide. The retractable slide is movably mounted with respect to a rotatable platform. An operator or worker accesses one or more stations, each with a rotatable door that at least partially houses a receiver for a pallet and/or a workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for swirling wine within a wine glass or a decanter, or for moving a liquid within a container. A driver is mounted to move a driving element with respect to a housing. A base for holding or removably attaching the glass, the decanter or the container, is moveably mounted with respect to the housing. A receiver and a connector are moveably mounted with respect to each other and with respect to the housing. When the driver moves the base, the base and thus the container follow a path defined by movement of the connector with respect to the receiver. When the glass, the decanter or the other container is mounted with respect to the base, the base moves the glass, the decanter or the container to impart a swirling motion of wine or another liquid within the glass, the decanter or the container.

Abstract: A rotary pallet device for delivering a pallet to an automated machine, such as a CNC vertical machining center. A pallet is mounted to a retractable slide. The retractable slide is movably mounted with respect to a rotatable platform. An operator or worker accesses one or more stations, each with a rotatable door that at least partially houses a receiver for a pallet and/or a workpiece.

Abstract: An automatic machining system having one or more pallets each mounted with respect to a moveable bed, for transporting one or more workpieces to and/or from an automated machine tool, for machining each workpiece. According to this invention, a driver shaft and a driven shaft can be longitudinally aligned with respect to each other, so that there is no need for a gear system and/or a transmission device, for transferring power from a driver shaft to the driven shaft.

Abstract: An automatic machining system having one or more pallets each mounted with respect to a moveable bed, for transporting one or more workpieces to and/or from an automated machine tool, for machining each workpiece. According to this invention, a driver shaft and a driven shaft can be longitudinally aligned with respect to each other, so that there is no need for a gear system and/or a transmission device, for transferring power from a driver shaft to the driven shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for swirling wine within a wine glass or a decanter, or for moving a liquid within a container. A driver is mounted to move a driving element with respect to a housing. A base for holding or removably attaching the glass, the decanter or the container, is moveably mounted with respect to the housing. A receiver and a connector are moveably mounted with respect to each other and with respect to the housing. When the driver moves the base, the base and thus the container follow a path defined by movement of the connector with respect to the receiver. When the glass, the decanter or the other container is mounted with respect to the base, the base moves the glass, the decanter or the container to impart a swirling motion of wine or another liquid within the glass, the decanter or the container.