Method and apparatus for simultaneous transfer of workpieces between multiple stations

• Main Author: THOMASON; DAVID G
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 28.07.1992
• Subjects: APPLIANCES OR METHODS FOR MAKING CLOTHES, e.g. FORDRESS-MAKING, FOR TAILORING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOTDIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT; DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g.ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; HUMAN NECESSITIES; MACHINE TOOLS; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OFPARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING; WEARING APPAREL

Multiple workpieces at various stages of manufacture are simultaneously transported, aligned, and processed along the assembly line. Separate workpiece transports are provided for a corresponding number of workstations that perform manufacturing operations on the workpieces. The workpiece transports are capable of movement in the X,Y and Z coordinate directions and can provide rotation in the X-Y plane. The workpiece transports are capable of movement in the X,Y and Z coordinate directions and can provide rotation in the X-Y plane. A workpiece removal component removes a finished workpiece to a storage or stacking area. The device may be used to manufacture either all left, all right, or both left and right version of the workpiece.