摘要 |
An automated workpiece handling system for use with a machine tool having a plurality of workstations spaced along a longitudinally movable, elongate worktable comprising a first cart for transporting workpieces to one end of the tooling machine, adjacent a first workstation, a first feeder mechanism on the machine tool for drawing workpieces from the first cart and delivering the workpieces onto the worktable, a mechanism on the worktable including the worktable itself for moving the workpieces along the worktable from a position adjacent the first workstation to a position adjacent a final workstation, a second cart for transporting workpieces from the other end of the machine tool, adjacent the final workstation, and a second feeder mechanism on the machine tool for drawing workpieces from the worktable and delivering the workpieces onto the second cart. The first feeder mechanism and the mechanism on the worktable for moving workpieces along the worktable both include clamping mechanisms for positively grasping the workpieces during the loading and positioning operations, thereby providing a closed loop system which facilitates unattended operation.
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