Abstract: A work station module which includes a buffer storage area (B) for the transitory storage of workpiece carriers (A) which are received at non-specific intervals and an escapement station (C) to facilitate performance of some operation of a workpiece carried by each carrier. The buffer storage area includes a conveying surface (30) which is defined by a multiplicity of fibers (36) and which is vibrated to move the carriers longitudinally therealong. The resiliency of the fibers permits carriers which are adjacent the escapement station to remain stationary even though the conveying surface is vibrating. A directing rail (50) extends upward through the fibers and terminates just below their upper surface such that the carriers are supported on the fibers and not the directing rail. The carrier includes a plurality of pins (18, 20) which extend downward therefrom to define a slot for receiving the rail.

Abstract: A work station module which includes a buffer storage area (B) for the transitory storage of workpiece carriers (A) which are received at non-specific intervals and an escapement station (C) to facilitate performance of some operation of a workpiece carried by each carrier. The buffer storage area includes a conveying surface (30) which is defined by a multiplicity of fibers (36) and which is vibrated to move the carriers longitudinally therealong. The resiliency of the fibers permits carriers which are adjacent the escapement station to remain stationary even though the conveying surface is vibrating. A directing rail (50) extends upward through the fibers and terminates just below their upper surface such that the carriers are supported on the fibers and not the directing rail. The carrier includes a plurality of pins (18, 20) which extend downward therefrom to define a slot for receiving the rail.

Abstract: A work station module which includes a buffer storage area for the transitory storage of workpiece carriers which are received at non-specific intervals and an escapement station to facilitate performance of some operation of a workpiece carried by each carrier. The buffer storage area includes a conveying surface which is defined by a plurality of fibers and which is vibrated to move the carriers longitudinally therealong. The resiliency of the fibers permits carriers which are adjacent the escapement station to remain stationary even though the conveying surface is vibrating. At the escapement station, the workpieces are coarsely positioned, lifted from the conveying surface, and accurately positioned and oriented to facilitate performance of the operation. Following the operation, the carrier is returned to the vibrating conveying surface for conveying to the buffer storage area of the next module.

Abstract: An automatically adjustable mechanism for feeding or guiding workpieces along a predetermined flow path from a first position toward a second position adjacent a centerless grinder work rest. The mechanism includes a guide assembly having a pair of parallel spaced apart guide members defining an elongated flow path extending between the assembly first and second ends generally corresponding to the first and second positions, respectively. The guide assembly first end is adapted to be fixedly secured to some stationary structure and the second end is adapted for connection to the work rest. A bearing arrangement at the first end of the guide assembly facilitates selective automatic movement of the guide assembly laterally of the flow path in response to periodic lateral adjustments of the grinder work rest. Preferably, an elongated vibratory structure is disposed beneath and at least longitudinally coextensive with the guide assembly for establishing a flow path bottom wall.