Non-synchronous rotary manufacturing system

Claim 1

A general rotary path non-sychronous manufacturing system for performing successive accurately interrelated manufacturing operations at successive work stations on production quantities of like workpiece comprising, a plurality of work stations located along a circular path with any desired regular or irregular circumferential spacing, a plurality of fixturized vertically displaceable away from the conveyor surface horizontally unconnected individual workpiece holding pallets each having identical registration means for use in accurately locating and rigidly clamping said pallets at individual work stations, said individual work stations having cooperating accurately locating registration and rigid clamping means for individually orienting and holding each pallet in precise relation to the work operation to be performed on a workpiece held on said pallet, whereby precise relation between successive operations at successive work stations may be accomplished regardless of circumferential spacing and variations in relative radial spacing of respective stations to each other and said circular path, continuously rotating conveyor means for solely supporting and transporting said pallets along said circular path with pallet driving force supplied solely through gravity actuated frictional supporting engagement, retractable means at each work station for stopping a pallet and removing it from said supporting and frictional engagement preparatory to said accurate locating and rigid clamping, and for permitting reengagement of conveyor support and frictional transport upon completion of the work operation, and adjacent pallet interengaging means for queuing successive pallets approaching an occupied work station.