Abstract: A mounting-waiting process for making a substrate to be transferred into a mounting process wait before the mounting process; and a substrate discharge-waiting process for making the substrate transferred from the mounting process wait before the following process are provided. When transfer of an unmounted substrate into the mounting process and transfer of a mounted substrate from the mounting process to the substrate discharge-waiting process are performed simultaneously, it is detected, by a substrate-arrival detecting sensor for detecting the mounted substrate transferred to the substrate discharge-waiting process and a substrate-continuity detecting sensor for detecting the unmounted substrate continuously transferred following to the mounted substrate, that a plurality of substrates have been transferred into the discharge-waiting process continuously.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring workpieces between successive die stations in a stamping press employing elongate bars with workpiece grippers mounted thereon. Two elongate support beams are mounted on vertical primary supports on opposite sides of the press. Two mounting heads are mounted on each beam and are horizontally movable thereon. Each head is independently movable and is connectible by one elongate bar to either the mounting head on the same beam or to an opposing mounting head mounted on the other beam, the choice dependent on the workpiece flow direction.

Abstract: A work measurement apparatus 1 comprises a base 2 and a conveyor table 3 which is slidably disposed on the base 2 and includes a work receiving opening 6. A guide plate 4 is fixedly disposed on the conveyor table 3. A guide entrance 5 is disposed in the guide plate 4 at the upper end of the work receiving opening 6. A measurement probe 8 is disposed on the upper side of the guide plate 4. The measurement probe 8 is urged towards the work W in the work receiving opening 6. The measurement probe 8 slides on the guide plate 4 as the conveyor table 3 is rotated. The measurement probe 8 is then directed by the guide entrance 5 to the work W in the work receiving opening 6 and makes contact with the work W. The measurement probe 8 exits from the guide entrance 5.

Abstract: A unit for sorting and packaging products has a conveying line with an endless chain beneath which there are articulated about a vertical axis a plurality of coupling arms equipped with a coupling member for pulling plates equipped with a member for hooking on a product and deployed along a conveying track parallel to and below the conveying line. Along this conveying line there are distributed a plurality of work stations, each having a relief track to which the pulled plates are selectively directed by routing elements, and along which each of the plates is successively uncoupled by automatic pivoting of the coupling arms, is brought into a position of readiness for loading or unloading, and then is recoupled automatically to a coupling arm, and hence reintegrated along the conveying line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate storage device for objects (11) to be transported. Said device comprises a plurality of carriers (9) which circulate on a closed strip and are used for the objects (11), e.g. printed products; an introducing device (12) arranged on a first point of the strip, and used to introduce the printed products (11) into the carriers (9) passing said point; a distribution device (26) arranged on a second point of the strip, and used to distribute the printed products (11) carried by the carriers (9) passing said second point; and a removal device (16) for removing printed products (11) from a carrier (9) in an area of the strip which is displaced between the first and the second point, said area comprising a section (07/08) which is oriented in a first direction and a section (07/08) which is oriented in a second direction opposite the first.

Abstract: An integrated reconfigurable multi-stage manufacturing system and associated methods. The system may include a plurality of manufacturing cells, each cell associated with at least one stage of a manufacturing process. The plurality of cells may include a first cell comprising at least one flexible manufacturing station, a second cell comprising at least one reconfigurable manufacturing station, and a third cell comprising at least one reconfigurable inspection machine. The system may also include a plurality of loop conveyors and a plurality of cell gantries. Each loop conveyor may connect at least two neighboring cells and each cell gantry may transport parts from the cell associated with the cell gantry to at least one loop conveyor. In one embodiment, each cell may be hexagonal, and the manufacturing system may have a honeycomb structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic handling of bag systems in an installation. The method includes the steps of loading at least one bag system having a primary bag containing a body fluid such as blood and a secondary bag into a handling device, wherein the bag system is placed in a position such that no filtering of the body fluid takes place; automatically actuating the handling device so that the bag system is moved to a position wherein filtering occurs; and unloading the bag system from in the handling device when all the filtrate is received in the secondary bag.

Abstract: A polyhedron inspection apparatus 10 includes a polyhedron inspection feeder 12 having a passage forming member 22 for inspecting a surface of cubic chip W. The polyhedron inspection feeder 12 is formed with a V-letter groove, and includes two rotating feed sections 25A and 25B arranged on the midway of the passage forming member 22. The rotating feed sections 25A and 25B are individually formed with grooves having V-letter type, U-letter type and V-letter type sectional shapes in succession. The passage forming member 22 is provided with a shooter 18 for moving the chip W one by one in a state of being estranged from each other, and further, is provided with cameras 13A to 13D for inspecting the surface of the chip W, and retrieve element 30 for retrieving the chip W in accordance with the inspection result.

Abstract: An electrically conductive belt conveyer through which objects transported can be conducted with electric power for electrical test during transportation. Conductive members are built inside the belt and formed a normally open circuit. As an object being placed on the belt, the object, the conductive members and a power supply form a closed circuit. The belt conveyer is less expensive than a conventional chain conveyor for electrical test.

Abstract: A work measurement apparatus 1 comprises a base 2 and a conveyor table 3 which is sidably disposed on the base 2 and includes a work receiving opening 6. A guide plate 4 is fixedly disposed on the conveyor table 3. A guide entrance 5 is disposed in the guide plate 4 at the upper end of the work receiving opening 6. A measurement probe 8 is disposed on the upper side of the guide plate 4. The measurement probe 8 is urged towards the work W in the work receiving opening 6. The measurement probe 8 slides on the guide plate 4 as the conveyor table 3 is rotated. The measurement probe 8 is then directed by the guide entrance 5 to the work W in the work receiving opening 6 and makes contact with the work W. The measurement probe 8 exits from the guide entrance 5.

Abstract: A lumber processor includes slowdown conveyor to transition lumber pieces from one processing device to a subsequent processing device where the movement of lumber pieces changes from lineal to lateral motion; a printer station includes a printer boom which includes a lateral translation device to move a symbol printer over the path of travel of the conveyor to allow the printer to mark pieces of lumber that are passing beneath the printer station.

Abstract: An indexing device including a housing, a cassette support mechanism, a cassette, and transport apparatus carried by the housing. The transport apparatus includes a bed of rollers having a common plane and a drive assembly coupled to the bed of rollers. The cassette support mechanism is mounted in the housing and movable along a pathway between a raised position and a lowered position relative the bed of rollers. The cassette is mounted on the cassette support mechanism.

Abstract: A two-axis robot includes a vertical tubular post mounted for rotation about its vertical axis, with a vertically slidable shaft extending through the post. An arm on the upper end of the post projects radially outward and has a gripper assembly thereon with operable jaws for gripping a specimen tube. The robot is positioned between two reference locations, for retrieving a specimen tube from one reference location and transferring it to the other. The reference locations are located along a circle circumscribed by a central vertical axis of the gripper jaws as they swing about the rotational axis of the post.

Abstract: An electrically conductive belt conveyer through which objects transported can be conducted with electric power for electrical test during transportation. Conductive members are built inside the belt and formed a normally open circuit. As an object being placed on the belt, the object, the conductive members and a power supply form a closed circuit. The belt conveyer is less expensive than a conventional chain conveyor for electrical test.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine (4) comprising a vertical mast (15), a carriage (17) mobile along said mast (17), a clamp (18) mounted on said carriage (17), means (20) for driving the carriage (17)/clamp (18) assembly along the mast, means (25, 30) for transferring the extracted articles (1) to a conveyor (5), and means for controlling the movements of the carriage (17)/clamp (18) assembly, including means (37) for detecting whether one or several articles (10) have been gripped. The invention is characterized in that the machine (4) comprises disengaging means (21) acting between said carriage (17) and said carriage driving means (20), said disengaging means (21) providing disengagement between said carriage (17) and said driving means (20) when a stress threshold exerted on the clamp (18) is exceeded, said threshold being less than the one as from which the clamp could be damaged.

Abstract: A transfer device has an undercarriage with two or more carriage portions which are movable along a travel path between a first location and a second location. The carriage portions carrying at least one work piece support. A linkage extending between the carriage portions, where the linkage is operable to change the position of the work piece support when one carriage portion moves relative to another along the travel path.

Abstract: A turntable for production line applications is provided which is suitable for large surface area applications, such as, for example, in the production of automobiles. The turntable has an annular platform surface around a central vertical structure which houses a vertically orientated drive motor. The platform is preferably supported at its outer edge by a series of rollers or casters, and is supported at its inner edge by a ring bearing. By providing a vertically orientated motor in the central structure, more useable space on the turntable is provided. In addition, the turntable is more easily maintained, and is less prone to accidental damage. As such, a turntable of improved overall efficiency is provided.

Abstract: A conveying device (10) for transporting transported goods includes at least one profile rail (12), at least one transported goods support (14) that is supported by the at least one profile rail and is moveable along the profile rail, and a drivable conveyor means (16) extending along at least one profile rail (12), whereby the at least one transported goods support (14) has at least one engagement unit (20), which is in locked-in engagement with the conveyor means (16) or can be brought into locked-in engagement with the conveyor means. The engagement unit (20) has an engagement element (24) revolving about a bearing unit (22), and in addition, a coupling assembly that effects the revolving movement of the engagement element (24) is provided.

Abstract: A high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: An automatic inspecting apparatus has a function for generating a discharge signal for discharging a defective object at a predetermined position. The automatic inspecting apparatus comprises an imaging device for imaging a moving object, a sensor for detecting the arrival of the object, an image processing unit for processing images produced by the imaging device to detect defective objects, and a discharge signal generating unit for discharging defective objects at a predetermined position. An ID number is assigned to each image produced by the imaging device, and pulses generated by an encoder start to be counted when each ID number is assigned. If the object is determined to be defective after image processing by the image processing unit, the discharge signal generating unit generates a discharge signal when the number of pulses counted for the corresponding ID number reaches a pulse number equivalent to the distance between the sensor position and the discharge position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the surface height of a material bed transported on a conveyor belt to continuously operated thermal treatment, i.e. to continuously operated sintering, when said material bed is formed of single spherical and fragile particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing optical data carriers using substrates. The substrates are transported by a linear transport system, which operates in a stepwise fashion, from injection molding machines via processing stations to drying stations. To shorten the processing time for the substrates, the transport device (walking beam) is operated with a sequence of single and double or multiple steps.

Abstract: A car type conveyor includes a guide rail 3 extending along one edge of a running path. The running path is fitted with a friction driver including a frictional wheel 32. A runner 2 is guided by and moves along the guide rail 3. The runner 2 has a frictional surface 29 formed on it for compressive contact with the frictional wheel 32. A carriage 1 includes wheels 8 and 9 and moves along the running path. The runner 2 and one of the right and left sides of the carriage 1 are connected together in such a manner that the top of the runner 2 is higher than the position at which the carriage 1 supports a body. The carriage 1 may be foldable toward the runner 2.

Abstract: A high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the transport of plates from a plate transport device to a plate storage rack or similar device, including a robotic arm having at its free end a plate engagement structure, the plate transport device is provided with a recess over which the plate can be centered and into which the plate engagement structure can be moved to engage the plate from the bottom side thereof and lift an remove the plate from the plate transport device.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting glass bottles comprising an elliptical first conveyor having parallel linear front and rear portions. Bottles are displaced sequentially along the linear front portion of the elliptical first conveyor by a first cam and bottles are sequentially displaced along the linear rear portion of the elliptical first conveyor by a second cam. Inspection stations bottles are located along both the front and rear linear portions. A second conveyor delivers bottles to the elliptical conveyor proximate the start of the first cam, and a third conveyor receives bottles from the elliptical conveyor proximate the end of the second cam.

Abstract: The method for facilitating the maintenance of a conveyor structure having a long and heavy duty moving conveyor belt mounted on rollers which are mounted on a base, wherein the belt is driven by a drive motor, said method having the steps of establishing one or more stationary zero set points on the structure, providing one or more cycle points on the belt, each cycle point marking the terminus of a designated travel distance of the belt, providing a counter on the structure for measuring the distance traveled by any of the cycle points on the belt beyond one or more designated set points, providing one or more work stations along and in proximity to the belt, and providing a reset device for resetting the counter to a desired starting value when a designated cycle point arrives at a designated set point, spotting one or more event sites on the belt, transmitting a signal to a computer that an event site has been spotted, the computer being provided with data sufficient to determine the distance which the sp

Abstract: A positioning apparatus that includes at least two rails, at least two work carriers, and a drive unit. The at least two rails (1) are arranged next to one another and have longitudinal directions. The at least two work carriers (2.1-2.n) are arranged on each rail (1) in such a way as to be traversable one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the rail (1) and are able to be fixed independently of one another in selectable positions. The work carriers (2.1-2.n) traversable on the rails (1) are arranged next to one another so as to allow traverse drive of only one of the work carriers (2.1-2.n) on the rail (1) so as to form an independently driven work carrier that carries along at least one non-independently driven work carrier (2.2-2.n). The drive unit (5, 15) is provided on the rail (1) and/or on the driven work carrier (2.1).

Abstract: A multi-row type internal quality inspection device is arranged to adjust spacing intervals between the columns of receiving trays arranged in rows on a conveyer to the column spacing intervals of a supply conveyor at the start part on the entrance side of a transport path; to have the spacing intervals between the receiving trays become wider at an inspection area provided at an intermediate part of the transport path to allow light projecting means and light receiving means to be arranged there in the lateral direction with respect to inspection objects on the receiving trays for adequate inspection of internal quality of the objects through transmission light obtained through them; and, at the end point on the exit side of the transport path, to have the spacing intervals narrowed and adjusted to the column spacing internals of a conveyor of a next process of sorting on the exit side of the transport path.

Abstract: A multi-row type internal quality inspection device is arranged to adjust spacing intervals between the columns of receiving trays arranged in rows on a conveyer to the column spacing intervals of a supply conveyor at the start part on the entrance side of a transport path; to have the spacing intervals between the receiving trays become wider at an inspection area provided at an intermediate part of the transport path to allow light projecting means and light receiving means to be arranged there in the lateral direction with respect to inspection objects on the receiving trays for adequate inspection of internal quality of the objects through transmission light obtained through them; and, at the end point on the exit side of the transport path, to have the spacing intervals narrowed and adjusted to the column spacing internals of a conveyor of a next process of sorting on the exit side of the transport path.

Abstract: A high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: A container pick and return system is provided having a two-tiered flow rail conveyor system that includes an inclined upper set of feed flow rails forming an input conveyor assembly and a lower set of inclined return flow rails forming an exit conveyor upon which a unit load may roll. At the front end of the system is a transfer conveyor assembly that receives a loaded container. The line worker may then operate a damper control pedal that permits the container to be positioned at any desired angle greater than the angle of the input conveyor. This permits enhanced accessibility of the contents of the container regardless of the height or arm length of the line worker or the size and shape of the container contents. When the container is emptied by the line worker, the transfer conveyor assembly is triggered and the empty container is automatically lowered and transferred to the exit conveyor where it rolls down the exit conveyor to the rear of the system for reloading.

Abstract: A multi-stage forming machine with a final forming station for dividing combined parts into in each case two product parts (21, 22) has two product-part discharge devices (3, 4). Assigned to the two product-part discharge devices (3, 4) there is in each case a transfer device (6) for transferring a product part (21, 22) from the final forming station to the product-part discharge device (3, 4). The one transfer device comprises transfer tongs with an upper gripper with two gripping jaws (521, 522) and a lower gripper with one gripping jaw (531). The other transfer device (6) comprises a slideway (61) for receiving a product part (22) from the final forming station and also a kick lever (62) arranged such that it can swivel for pushing a product part (22) located on the slideway (61) to the product-part discharge device (4).

Abstract: A linked manufacturing system for processing parts is disclosed having at least a first processing station for performing a first processing operation, and having a second processing station for performing a second processing operation. At least a first gantry extends in a first direction for linking at least a first and a second processing station. Also at least a second gantry is provided extending transversely to the first direction in a second direction for linking a plurality of first and second processing stations. Each second gantry is coupled to a storage device for receiving parts, wherein slides are displaceable along each second gantry that have a gripper displaceable at least in vertical direction and allowing at least an additional handling operation, while slides are displaceable along the first gantries that are coupled with a gripper for picking up or placing parts and for moving parts along the first gantries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is proposed for inspecting solder balls on a BGA (Ball Grid Array) package, which is capable of rejecting defectively-bonded solder balls while allowing properly-bonded ones to pass therethrough. The proposed method and apparatus is characterized by the use of a rotatable disk having a plurality of flaps arranged at equal angular intervals along the perimeter thereof and which is capable of being rotated in steps if a force greater than a preset threshold torque is being applied tangentially to any one of the flaps. The threshold torque is set to be equal to or less than the shear-resistant strength of a properly-bonded solder ball but greater than the shear-resistant strength of a defectively-bonded one. During inspection procedure, the BGA package is moved toward the rotatable disk to allow each solder ball to push against one of the flaps on the rotatable disk.

Abstract: An automated cell for the handling of workpieces is disclosed that comprises a working space within which a two-dimensional gantry that comprises a first and a second linear axis which are coupled to each other. A first gripping device is movable across the working space horizontally and also vertically. A gantry extends above the working space and protrudes towards a machine tool. Along the gantry a second gripping device is displaceable for moving workpieces between the working space of the automated cell and the machine tool. Both linear axes of the two-dimensional gantry are driven by linear motor drives, to allow a fast movement of workpieces and also to allow the performing of supplementary functions without slowing down the machine tool supplied by the automated cell.

Abstract: An independent leadframe transport system for use with an integrated-circuit processing unit. The independent leadframe transport system for use with an integrated-circuit processing unit, comprises; a main drive unit having at least one tool-drive, a stack unit coupled to the main drive unit, and a leadframe transport carousel coupled to the stack unit and positioned proximate to the at least one tool-drive. The stack unit is translationally coupled to the main drive unit so that the leadframe transport carousel may be selectively positioned within the at least one tool-drive in an in-tool position and without the at least one tool-drive in an out-tool position. The leadframe transport carousel has coupled thereto a plurality of leadframe for holding a leadframe from an on-load buffer, through the process area, to the off-load buffer.

Abstract: All equipments for successive various processes for works are divided into a plurality of blocks to form production lines in which equipments in each production line are coupled with conveyers. These production lines are coupled to an automatic depot with a carriage system. This keeps the rate of operation of production lines high, so that useless increase in cost for equipments can be prevented. Moreover, this production system allows a production line or an equipment to be easily added in accordance with variation in the production rate or the type of products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for progressively transporting workpieces in a longitudinal direction from a receiving station, through at least one processing station of a press, including transporters for the workpieces, where the transporters are moved back and forth in a longitudinal direction, cyclically and in synchrony with the movement of the slide of the press, and in a crosswise direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction for picking up and releasing the workpieces. The transporter may be driven in the longitudinal direction by an external drive that is synchronized with the eccentric shaft of the press by signaling. The movement of the transporters for releasing the workpieces in the crosswise direction is derived from the movement of the press slide by direct mechanical coupling.

Abstract: An adjustable over and under line feed system having a first end, a second end, a plurality of adjustable first support legs, a plurality of adjustable second support legs, and a plurality of adjustable support cross members connected substantially perpendicular to a corresponding one of the plurality of adjustable first support legs and a corresponding one of the plurality of adjustable second support legs, and a conveyor assembly positioned substantially perpendicular to the plurality of adjustable support cross members.

Abstract: A high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: A belt conveyor comprises an endless conveyor belt and first and second rollers. The endless belt follows a conveyance path from the first roller to the second roller and a return path from the second roller to the first roller. The belt conveyor further comprises a plurality or parallel lines extending over the conveyor belt along the whole conveyance path and over and away from the second roller along a plane deviating from the plane of the conveyance path. The belt conveyor may be used in a food treating apparatus having a housing for conveyance of articles therethrough, and the housing may be used for treating, e.g. freezing, food products by impingement means.

Abstract: Rotationally symmetrical containers (10) are transported under backup pressure on a conveying surface (12) limited laterally by railings (14). For rotating the containers (10) at a predetermined site along the conveying surface (12), one of two consecutive containers (10) is arranged stable against one railing (14) and the other stable against the other railing (14) in the direction of conveyance after the site at which the containers at which the containers are to rotate. An inspection station for inspecting the sidewalls of the containers (10) is provided that has a radiation source (18) arranged adjacent to the conveying surface (12) and a detection device (20) arranged on the opposite side.

Abstract: A product supply unit which has a pair of plate members disposed opposite to each other and connected together by a number of supports that are in between the two plate members and disposed around the circumference of the plate members. Each support has a product holding nozzle used to move a product from a supply point, to a work point, to a stock point.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a print board assembly, which is implemented in a system having a computer for storing parts insertion instruction diagrams and displaying parts insertion instructions, and a soldering unit for soldering a printed circuit board, includes: assembling different types of the printed circuit boards from pieces of parts and inspecting them in a multitude of cells; installing different types of the printed circuit boards in carriers to assemble them separately according to the parts insertion instructions displayed by the computer of each cell, and moving them to the soldering unit through a transfer conveyor line; and returning the carriers having the printed circuit boards completely soldered to each cell identified for the carriers through a return conveyor line.

Abstract: A plurality of flat timing belts each has parallel spaced teeth, and opposite end portions of each belt are attached to a carriage by corresponding relatively adjustable clamping blocks and plates. The belts extend around a common drive sprocket on a drive shaft connected to a drive having a reversible electric motor. The belts also extend around corresponding tail sprockets on a tail shaft, and adjacent tail sprockets are free to rotate relative to each other. A clamping block for each belt is adjusted to obtain the same tension in all belts so that each belt may be operated at its full rated capacity. The belt drive system may be used for transferring or shuttling a plurality of tool trays laterally with respect to a working station at a conveyor assembly line and storage stations on opposite sides of the working station.

Abstract: An independent leadframe transport system for use with an integrated-circuit processing has a main drive unit having at least one tool-drive. A stack unit is moveably coupled to the main drive unit for storing unprocessed and processed leadframes. A leadframe transport carousel is coupled to the stack unit which loads an unprocessed leadframe from the stack unit and returns a processed leadframe back to the stack unit.

Abstract: A machine for processing hollow glass objects (8) is described. The machine includes a sequence of like processing units (1) to (15) and (A, B) on which a small number of processing steps can be carried out on the workpiece (8). The workpieces (8) are brought to the processing unit on a clock-driven loading belt (4) and taken therefrom. A workpiece, which is being processed in a unit, is held during the entire sequence by one and the same workpiece holder. Each processing unit includes two separate handling units with which two workpieces run through the workstations time displaced. The machine arrangement permits processing units to be taken out or switched into the line without a production standstill.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility for manufacturing products according to customer orders includes a kitting facility at which components are collected for a product in a customer order. The manufacturing facility also includes a build cell in which the component are assembled, configured, and tested according to the customer order to form a product. The manufacturing facility also includes a boxing facility at which the product is packaged. A transportation system transports the two or more components from the kitting facility to the build cell and transports the product to the boxing facility, whereby the product is assembled, configured, and tested in the build cell and packaged at the boxing facility.

Abstract: A high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.