Abstract: A workpiece positioner is includes a main positioner body including first and second end plate members. The main positioner body also includes a pair of tubular structural members extending between and interconnecting the end plate members, a number of substantially co-planar panel sections disposed between the first and second end plate members, and a number of spaced-apart reinforcing ribs interspersed between the panel sections, the reinforcing ribs also disposed between and interconnecting the tubular structural members. Each of the reinforcing ribs has two opposite side edges, each formed with an arcuate outline shape. The workpiece positioner may also include two or four workpiece support arms attached to the main positioner body, where each of the support arms may have a workpiece-supporting turntable mounted thereon, and may further include first and second shield members attached to the respective tubular members. A method of operating a workpiece processing machine is also described.

Abstract: A workpiece positioner is includes a main positioner body including first and second end plate members. The main positioner body also includes a pair of tubular structural members extending between and interconnecting the end plate members, a number of substantially co-planar panel sections disposed between the first and second end plate members, and a number of spaced-apart reinforcing ribs interspersed between the panel sections, the reinforcing ribs also disposed between and interconnecting the tubular structural members. Each of the reinforcing ribs has two opposite side edges, each formed with an arcuate outline shape. The workpiece positioner may also include two or four workpiece support arms attached to the main positioner body, where each of the support arms may have a workpiece-supporting turntable mounted thereon, and may further include first and second shield members attached to the respective tubular members. A method of operating a workpiece processing machine is also described.

Abstract: A large rectangular rotary table includes a fabricated tubular metal frame having top plates for supporting fixtures and large motor vehicle parts. A center portion of the table frame is supported by an annular turret bearing mounted on a base plate spaced above a floor plate by adjustable leveling screws. A drive unit is also supported by the base plate within the bearing and the center portion of the table frame and includes a planocentric gear reducer driven by an electric servo motor projecting above the table. A laterally projecting torque arm is mounted on the output of the gear reducer and is connected to the table frame by a sliding drive pin assembly which prevents radial loads on the gear reducer when the table is indexed. A fluid actuated table locating pin alternately engages a locating seat on each end of the table after the table is indexed.

Abstract: Horizontal guide rails are mounted on a base and receive linear bearings mounted on the bottom of a tower which carries vertical guide rails receiving linear bearings mounted on a vertical carriage plate. Linear bearings are mounted on the carriage plate and support a horizontal guide rail secured to a horizontal lift arm having an outer end portion supporting a precision locating pin device for a part. Separate gear belts extend around corresponding adjustable idler gears and drive gears and are clamped to the corresponding tower, carriage plate and lift arm. The drive gears are driven by corresponding drive units each including a reversible servo-controlled electric motor, a planetary gear reducer, an absolute resolver unit and an electrically actuated spring set brake. A plurality of the above apparatus are located on opposite sides of a linear part conveyor with the lift arms projecting inwardly in generally opposing relation.