Manufacturing system

摘要

A manufacturing system is provided comprising a plurality of work stations having one or more tools for processing a work item, at least one carrier for moving a work item among the plurality of work stations, and a platform for connecting the plurality of work stations. In a further embodiment, at least one of the plurality of work stations is not on a line with the other work stations and may include a lift machine for raising and/or lowering the at least one carrier and the work item. The platform also may preferably comprise at least one rotator for changing the direction of movement of the at least one carrier on the platform. The system also may preferably comprise at least one conveyer for transporting the at least one carrier to the platform.

主权项

1. A manufacturing system for moving an assembly jig, said system comprising:
a plurality of work stations positioned in a grid layout; at least one ground-mounted rail tracing said grid layout that receives an assembly jig and steers said assembly jig in variable directions within said grid layout, the assembly jig having free swiveling legs wherein each of the free swiveling legs is individually turnable; at least one rack and pinion drive to assist in longitudinal movement of said assembly jig within said grid layout; at least one chain drive to direct said assembly jig through transverse movements within said grid layout; and at least one rotator connected to the at least one ground-mounted rail, the at least one rotator individually turns each of the free swiveling legs of the assembly jig to change the direction of movement of the assembly jig traveling among said plurality of work stations on said at least one ground-mounted rail.