A workpiece processing system is provided that includes a first carousel rotary conveyor associated with a first plurality of stations through which workpieces are successively rotationally conveyed, a second carousel rotary conveyor associated with a second plurality of stations through which the workpieces are successively rotationally conveyed, and an inter-carousel transport configured to selectively operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the inter-carousel transport is operable to successively transfer the workpieces from the first carousel rotary conveyor to the second carousel rotary conveyor. In the second mode, the inter-carousel transport is operable to successively reorient the workpieces of a selected one of the first carousel rotary conveyor or the second carousel rotary conveyor by approximately 180 degrees of rotation for further successive rotational conveyance of the workpieces through the stations associated with the selected first or second carousel rotary conveyor.

The present subject matter relates to automated gemstone feeding in a gemstone processing machine. In an implementation, the gemstone processing machine has a feeding conduit unit to receive a rough gemstone affixed to a holder from a user. The feeding conduit unit delivers the holder to a base plate. An actuating arm picks the holder from the base plate and transfers the holder to a pre-defined position in the gemstone processing machine. The automated feeding mechanism is controlled by the computing device and uses low-cost hardware equipment having limited or no manual intervention. Thus, providing an apt tradeoff between the accuracy of transfer of the rough gemstone and the cost associated with the equipment used for the processing of the gemstone.

The present subject matter relates to automated gemstone feeding in a gemstone processing machine. In an implementation, the gemstone processing machine has a feeding conduit unit to receive a rough gemstone affixed to a holder from a user. The feeding conduit unit delivers the holder to a base plate. An actuating arm picks the holder from the base plate and transfers the holder to a pre-defined position in the gemstone processing machine. The automated feeding mechanism is controlled by the computing device and uses low-cost hardware equipment having limited or no manual intervention. Thus, providing an apt tradeoff between the accuracy of transfer of the rough gemstone and the cost associated with the equipment used for the processing of the gemstone.

The invention relates to a loading system (LS) for an optical machine, that has a carrier (TR), which can be moved in a movement plane (x-y) by way of two linear guide units (LF1, LF2). At least one holder (H1, H2, H3) for a workpiece, block piece and/or tool is mounted on the carrier, which holder can be moved in a transverse direction (z), which is perpendicular to the movement plane. The linear guide units are designed and arranged in the manner of an H gantry or cross gantry, with two stationary drive motors (AM1, AM2) for driving a tension element (ZG) in the same direction or in opposite directions, which tension element is movably arranged on the linear guide units in an H shape or cross shape and is fastened to the carrier.

The invention relates to a loading system (LS) for an optical machine, that has a carrier (TR), which can be moved in a movement plane (x-y) by way of two linear guide units (LF1, LF2). At least one holder (H1, H2, H3) for a workpiece, block piece and/or tool is mounted on the carrier, which holder can be moved in a transverse direction (z), which is perpendicular to the movement plane. The linear guide units are designed and arranged in the manner of an H gantry or cross gantry, with two stationary drive motors (AM1, AM2) for driving a tension element (ZG) in the same direction or in opposite directions, which tension element is movably arranged on the linear guide units in an H shape or cross shape and is fastened to the carrier.

A method and apparatus for delivering and retrieving workpieces to and from a machine table. This invention also relates to an apparatus for receiving at the machine table workpieces which are delivered to and retrieved by the delivery system. Carriers move along a conveyor without a loading arm rotating with respect to a supply table and also without the supply table rotating with respect to the loading arm. The receiver has pivot arms that act in a scissor-like manner to open and close an opening that lockingly engages a connector connected to a pallet.

A method and apparatus for delivering and retrieving workpieces to and from a machine table. This invention also relates to an apparatus for receiving at the machine table workpieces which are delivered to and retrieved by the delivery system. Carriers move along a conveyor without a loading arm rotating with respect to a supply table and also without the supply table rotating with respect to the loading arm. The receiver has pivot arms that act in a scissor-like manner to open and close an opening that lockingly engages a connector connected to a pallet.

A workpiece attachment/removal device includes a guide mechanism disposed along an X-axis before a table, first and second placement tables disposed at right and left sides of the table behind the guide mechanism, and a transfer mechanism moving along the X-axis while being guided by the guide mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a base engaged with the guide mechanism and moving along the X-axis, a linear drive part moving the base along the X-axis, a pair of clamping arms having tip ends positioned at the table side, a clamping drive part opening and closing the clamping arms, and a turning drive part turning the clamping arms to move the tip ends of the clamping arms between a lower position and an upper position.

A workpiece attachment/removal device includes a guide mechanism disposed along an X-axis before a table, first and second placement tables disposed at right and left sides of the table behind the guide mechanism, and a transfer mechanism moving along the X-axis while being guided by the guide mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a base engaged with the guide mechanism and moving along the X-axis, a linear drive part moving the base along the X-axis, a pair of clamping arms having tip ends positioned at the table side, a clamping drive part opening and closing the clamping arms, and a turning drive part turning the clamping arms to move the tip ends of the clamping arms between a lower position and an upper position.

The invention relates to a machining device for machining a narrow side of an, in particular plate-shaped workpiece. Such a machining device can particularly be used in the field of the furniture and component industry. Machining device has: a machining unit for machining a narrow side of a workpiece, a conveyor unit for moving the workpiece in a transport direction relative to the machining unit, a detection unit for detecting an optical and/or three-dimensional structure of the workpiece moved by means of the conveyor unit, and a holding unit for holding the workpiece at the conveyor unit at least between the position of the detection unit and the machining unit.