METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING A CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY BETWEEN RAILS

摘要

A first rail defines a first longitudinal axis oriented in a first direction and plane, and has distal and proximal ends. A second rail defines a second longitudinal axis, and has distal and proximal ends. A carriage (56) is configured for longitudinal motion along the first and second rails and a turntable (52) is mounted for vertical, lateral and rotational motion relative to the first rail. The turntable (52) has proximal and distal ends and is positioned adjacent the first and second rails such that the proximal end of the turntable (52) can be moved from close longitudinal alignment with the distal end of the first rail to a vertical position out of longitudinal alignment with the first rail and subsequently into close longitudinal alignment with the proximal end of the second rail. A gap between the turntable (52) and the rails is in a range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.090 inches.