Abstract: Spongy mass (4) suitable for being brought into contact with the end wall of a container for a predetermined time, for treating said end wall of the container. Said mass consists of a soft crosslinked foam having semi-open cells and high resilience, has a main face (14) for contact with the end wall of the container and includes blind grooves (15) which open onto said main face (14), but do not emerge on the opposite side, and that are distributed in two sets of mutually transverse grooves (15a, 15b) that define blocks (16). Application: cooling of the end walls of thermoplastic containers leaving a moulding unit; wiping of the end walls of thermoplastic containers.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly has a supply source from which a plurality of rolling objects is delivered to a conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor assembly is also configured such that the horizontal velocity of the rolling objects delivered to the conveyor belt is substantially the same as the horizontal velocity of the conveyor belt. Such configuration advantageously reduces, or even eliminates undesired movement of the objects on the conveyor belt and thus significantly improves quantification of the objects on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Provided are vacuum transport systems, methods of making them and methods of transporting one or more objects. In accordance with various embodiments, there is a vacuum transport system including a vacuum plenum and one or more transport members configured to rotate around the vacuum plenum and wherein at least one of the one or more transport members can include a substrate, the substrate including a plurality of holes extending from a first side proximate to the vacuum plenum to a second side proximate to an object, wherein a surface of the second side comprises a textured surface having an average roughness Ra of about 2 ?m to about 100 ?m.

Abstract: A method and a device for handling containers is described, wherein the containers (10) are transported along a predetermined transport path (T) and combined with at least one other product, the amount of which can be determined, in such a way that the product is fed to each individual container (10) in a predetermined feed area (D) of the transport path (T), wherein the other product is routed along a feed path (6) to the feed area (D). At least one characterizing state (Z) is determined in a detection area (8) disposed upstream relative to the feed area (D) in a direction of transport of the containers (10), said state being characteristic of a number of containers fed, and a residual amount (M) for the product that remains to be fed to the predetermined feed area (D) until the product is switched is determined as a function of this characteristic state (Z).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wafer conveying and detecting system and wafer detecting method used in the wafer conveying and detecting system. The wafer conveying and detecting system comprises a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, a detection unit and a transmission mechanism. The first conveying unit transfers wafers to the second conveying unit, and the detection unit is moved by the transmission mechanism relative to the second conveying unit to detect the wafers at the second conveying unit when the second conveying is stopped temporarily.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism, having a base station to which an elongate base material is continuously fed to be physically or chemically processed at a prescribed speed and from which the processed base material is continuously recovered, wherein tensile force T1 in a direction opposite to a feeding direction is applied at a supply side of the base station, frictional force F is applied at the base station and tensile force T2 in the feeding direction is applied at the recovery side of the base station, on said base material, with these forces satisfying the relation of F>T1>T2, is provided. A feeding mechanism for feeding a base material for performing physical or chemical processing with high accuracy while an elongate base material is continuously fed, particularly a feeding mechanism that suppresses thickness variation along the lengthwise direction or surface damage at a portion where a function is added of the processed base material, can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which laundry cakes (10), formed when washed laundry articles are for the most part freed in a dewatering press of the treatment liquid bound in them giving rise to a laundry cake (10) consisting of coherent laundry articles, are divided from the end face (15) by a roller-like divider (20) which can be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation (31), which axis of rotation (21) runs parallel to the end face (15) of the laundry cake (10) to be divided, and an effective division of the laundry cake (10) which takes care of the laundry articles is carried out.

Abstract: A method for checking container closures with a checking means, including passing the container closures by the checking means by means of a conveyor medium without isolating the container closures upstream of the checking means, and checking the container closures with the checking means.

Abstract: The method of detecting a mailpiece of the open mailpiece type such as a non-wrapped magazine consists in causing the mailpiece (3) to pass on edge through a first conveyor (2A) arranged to move the mailpiece (3) by nipping it while holding it tightly over substantially the entire height of the mailpiece, then to pass on edge through a second conveyor (2B) arranged to move the mailpiece (3) by nipping it while leaving a top end (3B) of the mailpiece free to fan out. Two measurements are taken of the thickness of the mailpiece (3) respectively when the mailpiece is in the first conveyor (2A) and when it is in the second conveyor (2B), for the purpose of determining, by differentially comparing the two measurements, whether the mailpiece is an open mailpiece.

Abstract: A substrate is held by adsorption by a substrate holding frame that is formed into a frame shape and is lightweight, and the substrate holding frame is driven along a horizontal plane by a drive unit that includes a linear motor. Below the substrate holding frame, a plurality of air levitation units are placed that support by levitation the substrate in a noncontact manner such that the substrate is substantially horizontal, by jetting air to the lower surface of the substrate. Since the plurality of air levitation units cover a movement range of the substrate holding frame, the drive unit can guide the substrate holding frame (substrate) along the horizontal plane at high speed and with high precision.

Abstract: The components of a rotary conveyor (1) for a carousel type capping machine (2) include a centre shaft aligned on a main axis (X) coinciding with the main axis of the machine (2), a carrier element (4) coupled to the shaft so that the two rotate as one about the main axis (X), and a set of gripper mechanisms (5) associated operationally with the carrier element (4), distributed circumferentially about the supporting shaft. Each gripper mechanism (5) is switchable between a first configuration, establishing a recess (6) in which to accommodate a respective container (3), a second configuration in which the container (3) is retained within the recess (6) by a predetermined gripping force, and a third configuration in which the container (3) is restrained by a gripping force greater than the force exerted in the second configuration, so as to counteract any unwanted rotation of the container (3) about its longitudinal axis (Y) that might be induced during the course of capping operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting boxes. The box cutter has a rectangular work area defined by the upper run of an oblique-roller conveyor belt selectively driven forward or reverse in coordination with the actuation and deactuation of the obliquely rotatable belt rollers. Cutting tools along the sides of the work area cut into the side panels of the boxes as they are translated without rotation in a rectangular path against guide surfaces on the periphery of the work area by the sequential reversing of the conveyor belt direction and the actuation and deactuation of the box-supporting rollers.

Abstract: A treatment system for the surface treatment of workpieces, particularly vehicle bodies, includes a plurality of transport devices, on which at least one workpiece to be treated can be attached in a releasable manner. A conveying device moves the transport devices through the treatment system. At least one treatment bath is disposed in a first conveying plane of the treatment system and the transport devices with the workpieces arranged thereon are introduced into the treatment bath. At least one cleaning device, which is suitable and designed for cleaning the transport devices after the surface treatment of the workpieces, is disposed in a second conveying plane of the treatment system. The second conveying plane is offset in the vertical direction relative to the first conveying plane.

Abstract: In a method and a device for opening printed products (26), folded printed products (20) are held on a back (28) and transported. Thereby, they are aligned at an edge region (44) lying opposite the back (28), for example by way of co-running lugs (98?). Subsequently, the edge region (44) is encompassed by a holding element (50) and held in a preferably loose manner. Preferably, the uppermost sheet of the printed product (26) is gripped with a revolving opening element (72) engaging on the printed product (26) behind the edge region (44), and pulled out of the holding element (50), whilst the remaining sheet or the remaining sheets of the printed product (26) remain in the holding element (50). After moving a holding-open element (102) into the printed product (26) opened in such a manner, the holding element (50) moves away to the bottom and thus the edge region (44) of the printed product (26) slips out of the holding element (50).

Abstract: A method for correlating optically visible objects with objects detectable through a non-invasive imaging system is described. The method includes conveying an object on a conveyer belt through the non-invasive imaging system. The conveyer belt can include optically visible indicia and machine-detectable indicia. The object and the machine-detectable indicia can be displayed on a display in communication with the non-invasive imaging system. The machine-detectable indicia viewed on the display can be correlated with the optically visible indicia on the conveyer belt after the object has exited the non-invasive imaging system to identify the object.

Abstract: There is described an automated laboratory system for handling test tubes containing biological material specimens supported by conveying devices (3) along guide lanes (1, 2), in which motorized conveyor belts (62) run, comprising main lanes (1) and secondary lanes (2) for overtaking the conveying devices (3) and/or routing the conveying devices (3) of the test tubes (4) to the various pre-testing, (19-20), testing (17) and post-testing stations (21).

Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system and vessel inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for removing a plastic wrap from a cylindrical module includes a conveyor transporting the cylindrical module toward a disperser with the cylindrical axis of the module parallel to the direction of conveyor movement. In another embodiment, the disperser is a travelling head disperser thereby providing relative movement between the modules and the disperser. The direction of the wrap around the module is determined and the cover is removed during rotation of the module, either by unwrapping the plastic or by slitting the plastic and then rotating the module. The equipment used to handle a cylindrical module is moved out of the path of movement of a conventional rectangular module so an installation can handle both rectangular and wrapped cylindrical modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a box carrier having a contact surface for transporting flat cutouts, or sleeves, and folding boxes produced from the same. According to the invention at least one suction opening, which can be connected to a vacuum source, is disposed in the contact surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a plurality of containers through a plurality of work stations including at least two conveyor assemblies, each conveyor assembly being adapted to sequentially convey at least one group of containers therealong in a row from one work station to another. The apparatus further includes a plurality of holder assemblies for holding the containers, some of the holder assemblies being associated with one of the conveyor assemblies and some of the holder assemblies being associated with the other conveyor assembly. The holder assemblies are located on the respective conveyor assemblies such that the plurality of containers are positioned adjacent to each other as they move through the plurality of work stations. A computer control system is programmable to control the coordinated operation of the conveyor assemblies so as to move such conveyor assemblies at different cycles of movement as the containers move through the work stations.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for working on metal containers, especially suitable for high speed machines and intended for performing a sequence of operations on the metal containers themselves including a chain composed of a plurality of elements (12) linked in a succession and cooperating in simultaneous transporting and processing of metal containers.

Abstract: A compliant conveyance system for processing mailpieces along a feed path, e.g., printing on a first surface of a mailpiece, while being registered against a contact surface of a registration plate. The conveyance system comprises at least one conveyor belt opposing the contact surface of the registration plate, a continuous, uninterrupted, compliant deck disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt, and a spring biasing device operative to bias the compliant deck and the conveyor belt toward the contact surface of the registration plate. The conveyor belt includes a drive surface for engaging a second surface of each of the mailpieces for conveyance along the feed path. As each of the mailpieces pass the registration plate, the compliant deck and spring biasing device urge the second surface of each mailpiece into engagement with the contact surface during processing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and associated methods for applying a surface treatment to a part and curing the surface treatment without reorienting the part in the process. The systems include a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a system for applying a surface treatment, such as a powder coating application system, and a system for curing the surface treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the electrical contacting of planar goods 1 in the form of segments in in-line plants for the electrolytic and/or wet chemical treatment of the treatment side 10 of the good by applying electrical external current while keeping the upper contacting side 9 dry and dipping the treatment side 10 into the treatment liquid 11. By use of the known transport systems having upper and lower transport and/or contact means, treatment liquid 11 is transferred from the lower means to the upper ones so that the top side of the good is often inadmissibly wetted and the upper contacts are electroplated, therefore needing to be continuously de-metallized, thus requiring a larger effort. According to the invention, the level is lowered in the region of upper contacts 6. Therefore, the same cannot be wetted, even when no good is present in the region of the contacts 6. This is achieved by means of down pipes 5 which are assigned to each contact 6.

Abstract: A laser blanking system for cutting material stock includes a first series of conveyor lanes that include a plurality of support conveyors which are situated in parallel, generally spaced apart relationships. A second series of conveyor lanes is situated downstream from the first series. The second series includes a plurality of support conveyors situated in parallel, generally spaced apart relationships with respect to each other. The laser blanking system further includes a multiple-axis gantry system. The multiple-axis gantry includes a moveable transverse-axis component is supported by and moveable along a longitudinal-axis component that is situated adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the first and second series. A moveable laser head is supported by the transverse-axis component. A controller operatively controls movements of each one conveyor of the first and second lanes, the transverse-axis component, and the laser head as stock material is indexed downstream and supported by the system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pallet monitoring system for monitoring pallets sequentially conveyed to stations provided along a conveyor path, the system includes: a monitor, connected to the stations. The monitor includes: a defect information collector configured to collect defect information on a defect occurring in the stations; an information storage module configured to store therein the defect information and identification information of the pallets; and a pallet identifier configured to identify the pallets causing a defective product based on the defect information and the identification information stored in the information storage module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for processing flat products (30), particularly printing products, and to a corresponding operating method. The device comprises at least one lever (10), which carries a processing element (20) and can be moved along a closed path of movement (B) located in a movement plane (E) by a driving member (1). The lever (10) is pivotally controlled about a first pivoting axis (S1) that runs perpendicular to the movement plane (E) such that it is oriented in a first partial region (B1) of the path of movement (B) in relation thereto to the outside and in a second partial region (B2) of the path of movement (B) in relation thereto to the inside, in order to prevent projecting of the levers (10) and to implement a spatially compact device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing food products, such as mousse products, comprises the steps of: providing a transport conveyor having a transport surface, providing a moulding conveyor having moulding apertures therein, said moulding apertures being positioned above the transport surface, making the transport surface of the transport conveyor and the moulding apertures of the moulding conveyor move in unison from an input end towards an output end, positioning a mould within a moulding aperture of the moulding conveyor and on top of the transport surface of the transport conveyor near the input end, applying a food substance within the mould, removing the products comprising the mould and the food substance from the moulding apertures near the output end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machining center having an associated pallet store and pallet handling system, wherein the machining system is separated from the pallet store by means of a travel path on which the pallet handling device can be moved for the transfer of the pallets, with the travel route being able to be bridged via a part serving as a platform to enable access to the machining center.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying the modulus of elasticity of logs comprises a device (2) equipped with means (5, 6) for detecting at least one log (T) eigenfrequency (natural frequency) and with a plurality of supports (10) able to move by rotating between a pick up position, in which they are located at a loading station (7), and a release position in which they are located at an unloading station (8) which is on the opposite side of a supports (10) axis of rotation relative to the loading station (7). A method for identifying the modulus of elasticity of logs comprises the steps of picking up a log (T) while it is fed along a first direction (A1) on a first conveyor line (102); subjecting the log (T) to a step of detecting at least one natural frequency; and a step of releasing the log (T) on a second conveyor line (103) defining a second feed direction (A2) which is transversal to the first conveying direction (A1).

Abstract: A gate reader assembly for positioning and identifying articles carried by conveyor systems. The gate reader assembly including a main housing for attachment to said conveyor adjacent a conveyor line of the conveyor; a sprocket rotatably mounted on said housing and having a plurality of gullets formed thereon, each gullet configured for receiving one of said articles. In addition, said sprocket is configured to rotate about an axis normal to said conveyor line via a horizontal force from said articles such that said rotating sprocket is configured to receive and move said articles along said conveyor line. The gate reader assembly additionally includes a detent mechanism disposed on the housing and slidably coupled to the sprocket for releasably restraining said sprocket from rotation thereby inhibiting said article against further movement along said conveyor line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for removing a plastic wrap from a cylindrical module includes a conveyor transporting the cylindrical module toward a disperser with the cylindrical axis of the module parallel to the direction of conveyor movement. In another embodiment, the disperser is a travelling head disperser thereby providing relative movement between the modules and the disperser. The direction of the wrap around the module is determined and the cover is removed during rotation of the module, either by unwrapping the plastic or by slitting the plastic and then rotating the module. The equipment used to handle a cylindrical module is moved out of the path of movement of a conventional rectangular module so an installation can handle both rectangular and wrapped cylindrical modules.

Abstract: A system and method for machining an elongate workpiece in a plurality of work cells are provided. The work cells are positioned along a substantially linear process flow path so that the work operations can be performed on different lengthwise portions of the workpiece simultaneously. A transport system advances the workpiece from an infeed system along the process flow path, thereby moving the lengthwise portions of the workpiece successively through the work cells. The transport system includes a plurality of pallets that can be engaged to the workpiece so that the workpiece is supported by the pallets throughout at least part of the machining system.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible machining facility using a sub-pallet, which can quickly satisfy the increasing or decreasing of units or other required specifications. It The machining facility includes a machine tool (1) having a pallet changer (47) for changing main pallets (39), a plurality of sub-pallets (3) for a workpiece to be mounted thereon, a setup station (5) for carrying the sub-pallet (3) and mounting and dismounting a workpiece on and. from the sub-pallet (3), a sub-pallet stocker (7) for carrying the sub-pallet (3) thereon, and a sub-pallet conveyor system (9) for conveying the sub-pallet (3) and configured to include sub-pallet carrying parts of the machine tool (1), setup station (5), and sub-pallet stocker (7) in a workable area thereof. The sub-pallet (3) can be used to convey and machine a workpiece.

Abstract: A production system that includes a single main conveying line capable of defining a plurality of manual work areas and capable of conveying workpieces, a shuttle that holds a workpiece thereon and that reciprocates along the main conveying line, a shuttle conveying line on which the shuttle is reciprocated over a predetermined distance, a plurality of automatic processing machines that are disposed along the shuttle conveying line on the side opposite to the side on which the main conveying line is laid and that automatically apply a variety of process operations to the workpiece, and a plurality of display units that are disposed adjacent to the manual work areas and that display information about process operations to be applied to the workpiece.

Abstract: A vehicle assembling line system 1 for supplying different types of vehicles, comprising a monocoque vehicle assembling line 100 and a frame vehicle assembling line 200. The conveying speeds of these assembling lines 100, 200 at any position are made changeable, and the conveying speed of vehicles when the vehicles are passed through the working areas 111, 211 of the assembling lines 100, 200 are set lower than the conveying speed of the vehicles when the vehicles are passed through those areas other than the working areas 111, 211. The length L1 of the working area 111 in the direction of the assembling line 100 and the length L2 of the working area 211 in the direction of the assembling line 200 are changed according to the number of vehicles supplied to the assembling lines 100, 200.

Abstract: Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a module that can test and analyze various regions of a solar cell device in an automated or manual fashion after one or more steps have been completed in the solar cell formation process. The module used to perform the automated testing and analysis processes can also be adapted to test a partially formed solar cell at various stages of the solar cell formation process within an automated solar cell production line. The automated solar cell production line is generally an arrangement of automated processing modules and automation equipment that is used to form solar cell devices.

Abstract: A conveying device for testing heat dissipating fans, which is suitable for testing multiple heat dissipating fans at the same time, includes a base, a conveying unit, a plurality of movable loading tables, which are placed on the conveying unit, and a first and second conductor rail units, which are disposed under the respective movable loading table. The conveying unit further includes a conveying element and an actuating element, which actuates the conveying element to move. Each movable loading table further includes a support plate, a test circuit on the support plate and a first and second conductive plates, which are disposed at the bottom of the support plate and spaced apart from each other. The first and second conductor rail units have a locating plate and a plurality of micro conductor rails, which are provided on the locating plates and space from each other.

Abstract: Provided is a system for handling a semiconductor module, the system may include a rotor, a rotational driving device, at least one insertion portion, and at least one extraction portion. The rotor may be configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation axis. The rotational driving device may be configured to rotate the rotor. The at least one insertion portion may be connected to the rotor and may be configured to insert a semiconductor module into a socket. The at least one extraction portion may be connected to the rotor and may be configured to extract the semiconductor module from the socket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting a transportation rack (12) through a conveyor-type dishwasher which has a plurality of treatment zones by means of transportation catches (10) which are accommodated on transportation rails (5, 6). The transportation catches (10) transport transportation racks (12) in the conveying direction (1.1), with the transportation rails (5, 6) being driven by means of a rotary shaft (3). The transportation catches (10) pivot (11) about a shaft (8), which runs parallel to the conveying direction (1.1), during a forward stroke (VH) of the transportation rails (5, 6) and during the return stroke (RH) of said transportation rails. The invention also relates to a conveyor-type dishwasher comprising transportation rails (5, 6) on which transportation catches (10) are held. The transportation catches (10) are mounted such that they can pivot on shafts (8) which are oriented parallel to the conveying direction (1.1) of the transportation rack (12).

Abstract: An assembly device (20) used in assembling portable electronic devices is provided. The assembly device (20) includes a support, a transmission belt (24) moveably mounted on the support and several fans (25) rotatably mounted on the transmission belt (24) for dissipating heat in the area of the transmission belt (24).

Abstract: A mounting device configured for mounting a sensing device in relation to a supporting structure, and related method of mounting, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the mounting device includes a first support component capable of being mounted at least indirectly in relation to the supporting structure, a second support component configured to support the sensing device, and a connecting component coupled between the first and second support components, where the connecting component supports the second support component in relation to the first support component. Also, the mounting device includes an adjustor coupled to at least one of the first support component, the second support component and the connecting component that influences a positioning of the second support component in relation to the first support component.

Abstract: A method of assembling pushbuttons for a liquid dispensing system, in which each pushbutton comprises an actuation body and at least one other component assembled with said body in a given position, said method making provision for using bodies on which a positioning cavity is formed, and continuously supplying a station for assembling the bodies and the other components by means of a path for conveying said bodies, said path having a complementary profile intended to cooperate with the cavities in order to carry out the positioning of said bodies in said conveying path, so as to carry out the assembly of the other components on the bodies thus positioned during their conveying to the assembly station. The invention also concerns an installation for implementing this method, and a pushbutton assembled by implementing said method.

Abstract: The powered endless belt (14) of a lower conveyor (12) transports workpieces (16) past a scanning station (18) and then past a slicing station (20), whereat the workpieces are sliced into desired thickness by a powered blade (23). An upper hold-down conveyor (24) includes a powered belt (26) that assists in holding the workpieces stationary and stable as workpieces travel past the slicing station (20). In this regard, the belt is of a compliant construction and is operated at a low enough tension to enable it to substantially conform to the contour of the upper surface of the workpiece, thereby to apply a substantially uniform load about the entire upper surface area of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting objects for an inspection criteria thereon includes a conveyor to receive a plurality of objects, a removal assembly located along the conveyor for removing the objects, and an inspection system located along the conveyor prior to the removal assembly for inspecting the objects against a predetermined inspection criteria to determine to reject or pass the inspected objects and to actuate the removal assembly to remove the inspected objects from the conveyor that are passed and to leave the inspected objects that are rejected on the conveyor to subsequently exit the conveyor.

Abstract: An assembly line for continuously manufacturing fasteners from a rod with a groove for receiving a wire for retaining the fasteners in a strip includes a receiver for receiving the rod. A die press is arranged to receive the rod from the receiver and includes a piercing member for piercing an aperture in each fastener and a cutting member for cutting each fastener from the rod. A tapping member provides ribs to an inner wall of the aperture formed in the fastener by the piercing member. An inspector inspects the internal rib formed into the inner wall of the aperture disposed in the fastener verifying exactness of the aperture and the rib. A wire inserter inserts the wire into the groove forming a strip of connected fasteners. The inserter receives the fasteners sequentially from the inspector after verification of the exactness of the aperture disposed in each fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the separation and removal of plate-shaped workpieces (7) out of the proximity of a separating device, which arrangement and method are intended for the automatic removal of such workpieces. For this purpose a bearing surface (2, 3) of a two-piece supporting table (4) is replaced by a second supporting table (6), which, together with the remaining bearing surface (3, 2), is moved and therein accepts the workpiece (7) completely. The second supporting table (6) subsequently carries the workpiece (7) completely out of the proximity of the first supporting table (4). The arrangement and the method permit separating the workpieces without damage to the support and the rapid and precise removal of the worked workpieces as well as of the trimmings.

Abstract: A system and method for machining an elongate workpiece in a plurality of work cells are provided. The work cells are positioned along a substantially linear process flow path so that the work operations can be performed on different lengthwise portions of the workpiece simultaneously. A transport system advances the workpiece from an infeed system along the process flow path, thereby moving the lengthwise portions of the workpiece successively through the work cells. The transport system includes a plurality of pallets that can be engaged to the workpiece so that the workpiece is supported by the pallets throughout at least part of the machining system.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant (1) is provided for vehicle body parts (2, 3). The manufacturing plant includes a number of processing stations (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), which are situated one behind the other along a transfer line (22), and of a number of multiaxial robots (18, 19). In at least one processing station (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), one or more handling robots (18) for transporting parts is/are arranged on at least one axis of travel (20, 21). Next to the handling robot (18), one or more processing robots (19) is/are displaceably arranged on the same axis of travel (20). Working locations (11, 12) are arranged on both sides of a common axis of travel (20), whereby another common axis of travel can be provided on the rear side of the working locations.