Patent Publication Number: US-2011047788-A1

Title: Manufacturing system including modular assembly station for flexible manufacturing and optional automated component part feed system therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 61/226,917 filed Jul. 20, 2009, and 61/278,849 filed Oct. 13, 2009, the complete disclosures of which are both incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     a. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to the field of modular manufacturing systems, and automated feed systems for supplying component parts thereto. 
     b. Description of the Related Art 
     Modern manufacturing has required ever-increasing complexity due to the desire to manufacture multiple products on a single assembly line. It has proven increasingly difficult to produce, for example, both V-6 and V-8 engine cylinder heads or cylinder blocks, on a single assembly line. Therefore, manufacturers of these types of products have been required to design and manufacture duplicate assembly lines, for example, one for a V-6 engine cylinder head or cylinder block, and another for a V-8 engine cylinder head or cylinder block. This has proven cost prohibitive and driven up the cost to manufacture these types of products. A particular problem is related to the variation of production volumes between different products to be manufactured. For example, full capacity production of one type of engine cylinder head or cylinder block might require 100,000 units per year, but not for several years after production of that product begins. It is cost prohibitive to prepare an entire line that will be left idle during that period due to the capital intensive requirements associated with preparing a designated manufacturing line. Additionally, when one product is phased out and another instituted, an entire assembly line can be under-utilized or sitting idle for extended periods of time. This has proven to be an unacceptable capital burden to the manufacturer of engine cylinder heads or cylinder blocks and the like. 
     Therefore, it has become desirable to develop a new type of mass-production manufacturing operation that can accommodate both multiple products and the variability associated with their respective production volumes. 
     Modern manufacturing operations have also required ever-increasing complexity due to the desire to manufacture multiple products on a single assembly line or by alternative processes. Typically, an assembly line is supplied with component parts by multiple feed systems, which include a plurality of hoppers each containing a plurality of component parts of the same type. For example, one of the hoppers contains a certain sized washer and another of the hoppers contains a certain sized screw, etc. Each of the hoppers is in communication with a dedicated conveyor for moving the component parts in single file to the assembly line. A robotic machine is in communication with each of the conveyors for properly orientating the component part and assembling it to a workpiece to complete the product. Therefore, manufacturers have required long assembly lines to accommodate the plurality of supplied component part types, each type requiring its own hopper, conveyor and robotic machine, thus taking up large amounts of space for manufacturing the products. Further, having multiple hoppers, multiple conveyors and multiple robotic machines is cost prohibitive. 
     Therefore, a need remains to develop an automated feed system for supplying various different component parts to an assembly operation that eliminates multiple hoppers, multiple conveyors and multiple robotic machines. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventive manufacturing system includes a modular assembly station or apparatus by which workpieces of differing type or configuration may be processed, the workpieces requiring different tool operations for their production. The manufacturing system includes a work surface configured to locate and retain assembly apparatus components, and on which one of a plurality of differently configured workpieces are affixed, for processing. Assembly apparatus components may be retained to the work surface through a plurality of receptors configured to engage and affix the assembly apparatus components, and one of the plurality of differently configured workpieces, to the work surface at geometrically accurate locations. A tool table is positioned adjacent the work surface and provides support and storage for tooling and assembly apparatus components required to perform the manufacturing operation on the workpieces. 
     The system includes at least one robotic manipulator configured to grip at least one of the assembly apparatus components, the tooling, and one of the plurality of differently configured workpieces, and to obtain, position and assemble to the workpiece a component part. The robotic manipulator may be positioned adjacent to the work surface, the tool table, and a workpiece delivery station, and may be programmed to selectively acquire assembly apparatus components and tooling from the tool table, component parts, and the workpieces, and to perform manufacturing operations on the plurality of differently configured workpieces, such as assembling the component parts thereto. 
     The manufacturing system solves problems associated with conventional moving assembly lines by making it possible to conduct manufacturing operations that alter workpieces of different configurations without having to dedicate an entire assembly line to each workpiece configuration. Through use of the inventive system, only the tooling necessary for processing the various workpiece configurations is required, many of which are common to processes performed on the different workpiece configurations. The tool table can hold multiple tools and assembly apparatus components required for performing processes on differently configured workpieces. To accommodate varying demand and production volumes for different workpiece configurations, the system can selectively process and produce the different workpiece configurations using multiple tooling and assembly apparatus components with minimal redundancy, and thus provides improvements over conventional moving assembly lines. 
     The manufacturing system may also include an optional automated feed system for supplying a plurality of different types of component parts to the modular assembly apparatus for use in the manufacturing operation. The component part feed system includes a hopper for receiving a plurality of differently configured component parts, and a conveyor in communication with the hopper. The conveyor includes a proximal end and a distal end with the hopper disposed adjacent the proximal end. The hopper cooperates with the conveyor for moving the different types of component parts from the proximal end to the distal end. 
     Opposing side rails extend between the proximal and distal ends of the conveyor for guiding a potentially mixed variety of component parts from the hopper toward the distal end, at which the component parts arrive one at a time, in single file fashion. A component part robotic manipulator, movable along a track that may extend laterally relative to the direction of conveyor belt movement, is provided for acquiring the component parts individually at the conveyor distal end and relocating them away from the conveyor. An identifier is disposed adjacent the distal end for identifying the type of component part present, and determining whether the identified component part requires reorientation by the component part robotic manipulator prior to it being supplied to the manufacturing operation. 
     The automated component part feed system solves problems associated with prior feed systems for supplying manufacturing operations with component parts, by making it possible to process a plurality of different component parts utilizing one hopper, one conveyor and one component part robotic manipulator without having to duplicate the hoppers/conveyors/robotic manipulators for each of the different component part types needed in the manufacturing operation. The automated component part feed system reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating duplicate component part feed systems, their associated space requirements, and the need for skilled laborers to move up and down the assembly line adding a different type of component part to each of the respective, dedicated hoppers. 
     The present invention provides a manufacturing system including an apparatus in which a plurality differently configured workpieces requiring manufacturing operations are processed. The apparatus includes a work surface configured to receive apparatus components and a plurality of differently configured workpieces, the work surface configured to support the apparatus components and the plurality of differently configured workpiece in geometrically accurate locations. The apparatus also includes a tool table adjacent the work surface providing support for tooling and apparatus components required to process various manufacturing operations on the workpieces. The apparatus also includes a robotic manipulator positioned adjacent to the work surface and the tool table and having a gripping device configured to grip at least one of the apparatus components. At least one of apparatus components is moved by the first robotic manipulator between the tool table and the work surface, and the robotic manipulator is programmed to selectively acquire tooling from the tool table to perform manufacturing operations on the plurality of differently configured workpieces. 
     The present invention also provides a method of assembling first and second differently configured workpieces, including the steps of: releasably affixing first assembly apparatus components to a work surface using at least one of a plurality of receptors positioned in a geometrically accurate location; releasably affixing the first workpiece to the work surface using at least one of the plurality of receptors thereby positioning the first workpiece in a geometrically accurate location; supporting assembly apparatus components necessary to assemble the first workpiece relative to the work surface; positioning a robotic manipulator carrying tooling necessary to assemble the first workpiece and the first component part relative to the first workpiece; supporting tooling necessary to assemble the first workpiece against undesired movement relative to the first workpiece with at least one of an assembly apparatus component and the work surface; performing a first assembly operation by operating the tooling and installing the component part to the first workpiece; removing the first workpiece from the work surface; releasably affixing second assembly apparatus components to the work surface using at least one of the plurality of receptors positioned in a geometrically accurate location; releasably affixing the second workpiece to the work surface using at least one of the plurality of receptors thereby positioning the second workpiece in a geometrically accurate location; supporting assembly apparatus components necessary to assemble the first workpiece relative to the work surface; positioning a robotic manipulator carrying tooling necessary to assemble the second workpiece and a component part relative to the second workpiece; supporting tooling necessary to assemble the second workpiece against undesired movement relative to the second workpiece with at least one of an assembly apparatus component and the work surface; performing a second assembly operation by operating the tooling and installing the component part to the second workpiece; and removing the second workpiece from the work surface. 
     The present invention also provides an automated feed system for supplying component parts to a manufacturing operation. The feed system includes a hopper for receiving a plurality of differently configured component parts and a conveyor in communication with the hopper and having a proximal end and a distal end. The hopper is disposed adjacent the proximal end with the hopper cooperating with the conveyor for moving the component parts from the proximal end toward the distal end. Opposing side rails extend between the hopper and the conveyor distal end for guiding the component parts toward the distal end. The feed system also includes a robotic manipulator movable along a track for moving the component parts from the distal end and away from the conveyor, and an identifier disposed adjacent the distal end with the identifier in communication with the robotic manipulator, each of the component parts identified by the identifier. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a manufacturing system including a first embodiment modular assembly station or apparatus, and an optional automated component part feed system connected thereto; 
         FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 1 , showing it adapted for processing a workpiece of a first type or configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , showing it adapted for processing a workpiece of a second, different type or configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is an upper perspective view of an alternative, second embodiment modular assembly station or apparatus that may instead be included in the manufacturing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view of a frame for the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an upper perspective view of the work surface and tool table associated with a subportion of the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an upper perspective view of the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 4 , showing it adapted for processing a workpiece of a first type or configuration; 
         FIG. 8  is an upper perspective view of a robotic manipulator of the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 4  moving a leak test seal plate into position on a workpiece and seal plate affixed to the work surface; 
         FIG. 9  is an upper perspective view of the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 4  showing a workpiece being moved toward its fixture or adapter on the work surface; 
         FIG. 10  is similar to  FIG. 9 , but shows an anvil mounted on the work surface and a different robotic manipulator gripping device for grasping a different type of or differently configured workpiece; 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary upper perspective view of the work surface associated with the first embodiment modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 1 , showing a registry attached thereto; 
         FIG. 12  is a view similar to  FIG. 11 , showing an adapter attached to the registry; 
         FIG. 13  is a view similar to  FIG. 12 , showing a workpiece attached to the adapter; 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmentary view of the work surface associated with the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a workpiece mounted thereon, in place atop the adapter, and the end of the robot manipulator boom with a press ram tool head attached thereto; 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary view of the work surface associated with the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a workpiece mounted thereon, in place atop the adapter and the end of the robot manipulator boom with a torquing tool head attached thereto; 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary view of the modular assembly apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the end of the robot manipulator boom with press ram tool head attached thereto positioned proximate to and aligned with a component part receiving station connected to the optional automated component part feed system; 
         FIG. 17  is an upper end view of the manufacturing system showing its optional automated component part feed system connected to its modular assembly apparatus; and 
         FIG. 18  is a partial, overhead view of the manufacturing system showing its optional automated component part feed system of  FIGS. 1 and 17  connected to the component part receiving stations of its modular assembly apparatus. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and may herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form(s) disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) 
     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, or its uses. It is to be noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. In particular, the scale of some of the elements of the figures may be exaggerated to emphasize characteristics of the elements. It is also noted that the figures are not drawn to the same scale. Elements shown in more than one figure that may be similarly configured have been indicated using the same reference numerals. 
     Disclosed herein is a flexible, modular manufacturing system by which manufacturing operations are performed on a plurality of workpieces  100  that are of different configurations or types. For example, workpieces  100  may be V8 and V6 engine blocks or cylinder heads that require various different component parts  104  to be assembled thereto. In connection with the exemplary manufacturing system embodiments discussed herein, the workpieces  100  are shown as engine cylinder heads  100   a  and  100   b  of differing, V8 and V6 configurations, respectively. It is to be understood that workpieces of different types or configurations may be processed generally as described. Each exemplary workpiece  100  has at least one component part  104  assembled thereto by manufacturing system  110 . Each component part  104  may be one of a plurality of different component parts, herein identified as four different component parts  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c , and  104   d  that may be of differing type, size, function, attachment structure, etc. For example, component part  104   a  may be of a type that is interference-fitted into an aperture  106   a  of workpiece  100 , whereas component part  104   b  may be of a type that is threadedly received into a threaded hole  106   b  in workpiece  100 . Component part  104   a  may, for example, be a sealing plug and component part  104   b  may, for example, be an engine control coolant temperature sensor. The component parts  104  may also be other types of plugs or sensors, washers, screws, bolts, sprockets, gears, or any other type of component part, of any required size and configuration, suitable for a product workpiece  100  processed by manufacturing system  110 . 
     Manufacturing system  110  includes a modular assembly apparatus or station in which a manufacturing operation is performed on the workpieces  100 . In the particular example embodiments discussed herein, the manufacturing operations performed by system  110  involve assembly of at least one component part  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c ,  104   d  to a workpiece  100   a ,  100   b , and leak testing the assembled workpieces. Manufacturing system  110  may include first embodiment assembly apparatus  120  or second embodiment assembly apparatus  220 , both described further herein below. 
     Generally, the first and second assembly station embodiments  120 ,  220  are similar in function and structure. Each has a work surface supported by a frame and to which apparatus components, such as a registry, workpiece mounting fixtures or adapters, tool-supporting anvils, and/or leak test plates, are selectively attached at geometrically accurate locations. Assembly stations  120 ,  220  further include a tool table on which interchangeable tooling and apparatus components are placed at respective, designated geometrically accurate locations. Assembly stations  120 ,  220  are provided with a supply at least one component part type, and includes at least one robotic manipulator. The component part supply of the assembly apparatus  120 ,  220  may include a receiving station connected to the optional automated component part feed system described further below. 
     A primary difference between assembly stations  120  and  220  is that assembly station  220  includes a pair of robotic manipulators which can both, or each, be utilized for setting up the work surface, which includes selecting and positioning the apparatus components and the workpiece  100 , and performing the manufacturing operations, whereas assembly station  120  may include a single robotic manipulator that can perform all of these aspects of the manufacturing operation. 
     Tool tables  138 ,  238  of the respective assembly apparatuses  120 ,  220  support various tooling necessary to perform manufacturing operations on the differently configured workpieces  100   a ,  100   b . Therefore, a single assembly apparatus  120  or  220  is capable of processing multiple different configurations or types of workpieces  100  without requiring duplicative assembly apparatuses. This facilitates the balancing of manufacturing flow to eliminate possible bottlenecks in a manufacturing operation. 
     For example, a particular manufacturing facility might receive an order for 50,000 V-8 engine cylinder heads  100   a  and 60,000 V-6 engine cylinder heads  100   b . Alternatively, the lead time for V-8 cylinder heads  100   a  might be spread over six months, but the V-6 cylinder heads  100   b  are required for delivery within two months. A manufacturer, by making use of manufacturing system  110 , can balance its production requirements by having to acquire only the additional fixtures and tooling to meet the actual, current production requirements rather than also the projected, future production requirements, and is thus not required to acquire additional entire assembly apparatuses  120 ,  220 . The acquisition of any additional apparatuses  120 ,  220  can be deferred until it is necessary to actually produce higher production volumes. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , manufacturing system  110  may include, or be positioned adjacent to, a workpiece conveyor  112  along which the plurality of differently configured workpieces  100   a ,  100   b  are moved and from which they are supplied to the manufacturing operation. Workpiece conveyor  112  may have a position  114  therealong that defines a delivery station from which a workpiece  100  to be processed in assembly station  120 ,  220  is obtained by its robotic manipulator, as described above. The configuration or type of workpiece (e.g.,  100   a  or  100   b ) arriving at delivery station  114  may be predefined, or recognized upon its arrival at delivery station  114  by a suitable sensor  116  such as, for example, an optical image identifier, bar code reader, magnetic code sensor, etc., all of which are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. After a workpiece  100  has completed its processing in assembly station  120 ,  220 , its robotic manipulator may return the workpiece to delivery station  114 , relocate it to another conveyance or assembly line proximate to the assembly station, or place it in nearby dunnage for transport elsewhere. 
     Additionally, as described further below with reference to assembly station  220 , leak and/or pressure testing may be performed in assembly station  120 ,  220  on workpieces  100  produced by manufacturing system  110 . Such testing may be performed utilizing either assembly station embodiment  120 ,  220  herein disclosed, which may be provided with hydraulic or pneumatic fluid pressurization capabilities, and associated pressure sensing equipment of a mechanical or electrical type. 
     Robot gripping device or tool head interconnection to a robotic manipulator, or assembly apparatus component interconnection to a work surface, regardless of particular embodiment, may be through use of suitable collet and balls-type changers of a type available, for example, from ATI Industrial Automation of Apex, N.C. 
     The assembly station  120 ,  220  of manufacturing system  110  may be connected to an optional automated component part feed system  310 . As described below with reference to assembly station  120 , component part receiving stations are positioned at geometrically accurate locations in both assembly station embodiments  120 ,  220 , each receiving station associated with a particular one of a plurality of different types of component parts  104  supplied to the manufacturing operation. A robotic manipulator of the assembly station  120 ,  220  obtains with a suitable attached tool the necessary component part  104  which has been supplied by the component part feed system  310  to the respective receiving station, positions the component part relative to the workpiece  100 , and assembles it to the workpiece. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3  and  11 - 16 , first embodiment modular assembly station or apparatus  120  of manufacturing system  110  is shown. 
     Modular assembly station  120  includes work surface  122  mounted upon frame  124 . First and optional second manipulator platforms  126 ,  128  are disposed on opposite sides of and adjacent to the work surface  122 . Platform  126  is also mounted to the frame  124 . Optional second platform  128  may be located outside of the work cell in which work surface  122  and first manipulator platform  126  are contained, but is considered adjacent to work surface  122  with which may interact. 
     A first robotic manipulator  130  is mounted upon the first manipulator platform  126  and an optional second robotic manipulator  132  is mounted upon the second manipulator platform  128 . Although it is contemplated that robotic manipulator  130  may carry out all robotic manufacturing operations on workpieces  100 , optional second robotic manipulator  132  may be particularly useful for moving workpieces that have completed processing to a conveyance other than workpiece conveyor  112 , to an assembly line, or to place the processed workpieces in dunnage for transport elsewhere. Compared to first robotic manipulator  130 , optional second robotic manipulator  132  may be larger, with longer reach and higher capacity, and better suited to lifting and transferring large, heavy workpieces  100 , between work surface  122  and the workpiece delivery station  114 . Further, as mentioned above, it may be desirable that the workpiece  100 , once its processing in assembly apparatus  120  is complete, be transferred from the work surface  122  to a location outside of the assembly station other than delivery station  114 , such as another conveyance, an assembly line, or nearby dunnage for transport elsewhere; providing assembly apparatus  120  of manufacturing system  110  with optional second robotic manipulator  132  would better facilitate such transference. Robotic manipulators  130 ,  132  are controlled by controller  134  and electronics panel  136  in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     A tool table  138  is also mounted on the frame  124 , adjacent to the work surface  122 . The tool table  138 , work surface  122 , and robotic manipulators  130 ,  132  are each arranged in a geometrically accurate location, as are component part receiving stations  170 , from which component parts  104  are supplied to the manufacturing operation. Component part receiving stations  170  may be connected to optional component part feed system  310  via dispatching lanes  316 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , frame  124  includes peripheral walls  140  that surround work surface  122 , and which provide support to anvils  162  placed on work surface  122 . Alternatively, anvil receptors in work surface  122  may be used for positioning and affixing anvils  162  to the work surface, in the manner described below in connection with second embodiment assembly apparatus  220 . Frame  124  also includes overhead support structure  142  to which an anvil  162  is affixed. Anvils  162  present reaction surfaces that interface the workpiece and support robotic manipulator-mounted tools as they perform work on the workpiece. Any of peripheral walls  140 , overhead support structure  142 , and anvils  162  may be included, moved towards or away from the location of workpiece  100  as mounted on work surface  122 , or omitted entirely, depending on the manufacturing operation needs. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , registry receptors  146  extending from work surface  122  are adapted to engage the workpiece fixture registry  148  in response to pneumatic, electrical, or electronic inputs, and thereby secure the registry  148  to the work surface  122 . Further, the registry  148  and registry receptors  146  may be adapted to actuate locking devices  152  of adapter  150  for engagement of the workpiece  100  in response to a mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, or electronic output from the registry  148 , the output being produced in response to registry input from the receptor  146 . 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show the modular assembly apparatus  120  preparing to perform a manufacturing operation on a workpiece  100 . The workpiece  100  arrives at delivery station  114  on workpiece conveyor  112  ( FIG. 1 ), and is known to be, or is there sensed as being a particular one of the plurality of different workpiece configurations  100   a ,  100   b . In this non-limiting example, workpiece fixtures or adapters  150   a  and  150   b , which are particularly configured to support their respective workpieces  100   a  and  100   b , are stored in their respective, geometrically accurate positions on tool table  138 . An adapter  150  corresponding to the type or configuration of the present workpiece  100  is acquired from tool table  138  by first robotic manipulator  130  using its robotic gripper, and relocated to the work surface  122 , where it is secured in a geometrically accurate location to the work surface  122  through registry  148  and registry receptors  146 . 
     The workpiece  100  is then grasped by the first robotic manipulator  130 , or by the optional second robotic manipulator  132  using its robotic gripper  154 , which is removably attached to the end of the robot&#39;s boom  155 . The workpiece  100  is relocated from delivery station  114  to assembly station  120 , and delivered to the workpiece fixture or adapter  150  that is mounted to the work surface  122  through registry  148 . In a known manner, mechanical, electronic or pneumatic inputs are provided through the work surface  122  and registry  148 , to the workpiece fixture or adapter  150 , to actuate locking devices  152  in the workpiece fixture or adapter  150 . Locking devices  152  secure the workpiece  100  to the adapter  150 , and thus to registry  148  and work surface  122 , in a geometrically accurate location. 
     In this non-limiting example, the first robotic manipulator  130  is articulated to the tool table  138 , and using its gripping device grasps one of a plurality of anvils  162 , each of which is stored in a particular position on the tool table. Each of anvils  162  may correspond to the type or configuration of workpiece  100 ; or some or all of anvils  162  may be generic to all workpiece configurations. One or more of anvils  162  are acquired from tool table  138  by first robotic manipulator  130  and relocated one-by-one to the work surface  122 , where they are positioned on work surface  122  against peripheral wall  140  in geometrically accurate locations. In other words, in this non-limiting example, the first robotic manipulator  130  has mounted anvils  162  upon the work surface  122  by placing them in abutting contact with peripheral wall  140 . Alternatively, or additionally, anvils  162  may be affixed to the work surface  122  via anvil receptors as described below in connection with second embodiment assembly apparatus  220 . By either alternative, anvils  162  are thus releasably mountable on work surface  122 , and support frame  124  provides support through anvils  162  for the tool head  158  of robotic manipulator  130 ,  132  that manipulates a tool  160  for performing work on the workpiece  100 . 
     The first robotic manipulator  130 , once having positioned the workpiece fixture or adapter  150  on work surface  122 , is then articulated to the tool table  138  to place its gripper in its designated position, release it, and engage a manufacturing tool head  158 . Alternatively, optional second robotic manipulator  132 , once having positioned workpiece  100  on workpiece fixture or adapter  150 , may then be articulated to the tool table to place gripper  154  in its designated position, release it, and engage a manufacturing tool head  158 . Each tool head  158  may be one of a plurality of different types, sizes and capacities. In this example, tool head  158  is a press ram type head  158   a  or a torquing type head  158   b , which respectively drive an interfitted tool  160  linearly (in the case of tool head  158   a ) or linearly and rotationally (in the case of tool head  158   b ), relative to the workpiece  100  when installing a component part  104 . 
     The interfitted tool  160   a ,  160   b  of each respective type of tool head  158   a ,  158   b  is one of a plurality of interchangeable tools  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , each having a particular storage position on tool table  138 , and the robotic manipulator with tool head  158   a  or  158   b  attached thereto, is articulated to acquire and interfittingly engage one of interchangeable tools  160  appropriate for the component part  104  to be installed on workpiece  100 . Alternatively, tool  160  may be the sole tool  160   a  or  160   b  used with the respective type of tool head  158   a  or  158   b , and may remain interfittingly engaged with its tool head  158 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-10 , alternative second embodiment modular assembly station or apparatus  220  of manufacturing system  110  is shown. Modular assembly station  220  includes work surface  222  mounted upon frame  224 . First and second manipulator platforms  226 ,  228  are disposed on opposite sides of and adjacent to the work surface  222 . Each of the platforms  226 ,  228  is also mounted to the frame  224 . 
     A first robotic manipulator  230  is mounted upon the first manipulator platform  226  and a second robotic manipulator  232  is mounted upon the second manipulator platform  228 . Although it is contemplated that each robotic manipulator  230 ,  232  may have a designated task in carrying out the manufacturing operations on workpieces  100   a ,  100   b , it is preferred that the robotic manipulators  230 ,  232  each be able to perform some if not all of the robotic manufacturing operations within assembly station  220 . Robotic manipulators  230 ,  232  are controlled by controller  234  and electronics panel  236  in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     A tool table  238  is also mounted on the frame  224 , adjacent to the work surface  222 . The tool table  238 , work surface  222 , and robotic manipulators  230 ,  232  are each arranged in a geometrically accurate location, as are component part receiving stations  270 , which are substantially identical to receiving stations  170  of assembly apparatus  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , frame  224  includes width-wise cross members  240  and length-wise cross members  242  to provide support for the work surface  222  and the first and second manipulator platforms  226 ,  228  as necessary. The width-wise cross members  240  are connected to the length-wise cross members  242  and to longitudinal rails  244  via intermediate walls  246 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a subportion of the assembly apparatus  220  is generally shown at  248 . Workpiece fixture or registry receptors  250  are centrally located on the work surface  222 . Receptors  250  are geometrically located in a dimensionally accurate location. Likewise, anvil receptors  252  are spaced around the work surface  222  in a geometrically accurate location relative to the registry receptors  250 . Each of the receptors  250 ,  252  can be adapted to engage the workpiece fixture registry or the anvils in response to pneumatic, electrical, or electronic inputs, and thereby secure the registry and anvils to the work surface  222 . Further, the registry and registry receptors  250  may be adapted to actuate adapter or workpiece fixture  256  for engagement of the workpiece  100  in response to a pneumatic, electrical, or electronic output from the registry, the output being produced in response to registry input from the receptor  250 . 
     Moreover, it is envisioned that registry receptors  250  in particular may be utilized to conduct fluid to and from the workpiece, and/or to provide electrical instrumentation connections, for conducting post-assembly process leak tests within assembly apparatus  220 . Additionally, various other ports (not shown) may be used to provide inputs at desired locations in work surface  222 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the modular assembly apparatus  220  preparing to perform a manufacturing operation on a workpiece  100 . The workpiece  100  arrives at delivery station  114  on workpiece conveyor  112  ( FIG. 1 ), and is known to be, or is there sensed as being a particular one of the plurality of different workpiece configurations  100   a ,  100   b . In this non-limiting example, workpiece fixtures or adapters  256   a  and  256   b , which are particularly configured to support their respective workpieces  100   a  and  100   b , are stored in their respective, geometrically accurate positions on tool table  238 . An adapter  256  corresponding to the type or configuration of the present workpiece  100  is acquired from tool table  238  by first robotic manipulator  230  using its robotic gripper  257 , and relocated to the work surface  222 , where it is secured in a geometrically accurate location to the work surface  222  directly or through an intermediate registry, via registry receptors  250 . 
     The workpiece  100  is grasped by the second robotic manipulator  232  using its robotic gripper  254 , which is removably attached to the end of the robot&#39;s boom  255 , and relocated from delivery station  114  to assembly station  220 . The second robotic manipulator  232  delivers the workpiece  100  to the workpiece fixture or adapter  256  that is mounted to the work surface  222 . In a known manner, electronic or pneumatic inputs are provided through the work surface  222  and registry, to the workpiece fixture or adapter  256 , to actuate locking devices (not shown) in the workpiece fixture or adapter  256 . These locking devices secure the workpiece  100  to the workpiece fixture or adapter  256 , and thus to work surface  222 , in a geometrically accurate location. 
     In this non-limiting example, the first robotic manipulator  230  is articulated to the tool table  238 , and using gripping device  257  grasps one of a plurality of anvils  262 , each of which is stored in a particular position on the tool table. Each of anvils  262  may correspond to the type or configuration of workpiece  100 ; or some or all of anvils  262  may be generic to all workpiece configurations. One or more of anvils  262  are acquired from tool table  238  by first robotic manipulator  230  and relocated one-by-one to the work surface  222 , where they are secured in a geometrically accurate location to the work surface  222  via anvil receptors  252 . In this non-limiting example, the first robotic manipulator  230  has installed anvils  262  upon the work surface  222  via anvil receptors  252 , although one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that second robotic manipulator  232  may perform this function using its gripper  254 . 
     The first robotic manipulator  230 , once having positioned the workpiece fixture or adapter  256  and anvils  262  on work surface  222 , is then articulated to the tool table  238  to place gripper  257  in its designated position, release it, and engage a manufacturing tool head  258 . Alternatively, second robotic manipulator  230 , once having positioned workpiece  100  on workpiece fixture or adapter  256 , may then be articulated to the tool table to place gripper  254  in its designated position, release it, and engage a manufacturing tool head  258 . Each tool head  258  may be one of a plurality of different types, sizes and capacities. In this example, tool head  258  is either a press ram type head  258   a  or a torquing type head  258   b , which respectively drive an interfitted tool  260  linearly and/or rotationally relative to the workpiece  100  when installing a component part  104 . 
     The interfitted tool  260   a ,  260   b  of each respective type of tool head  258   a ,  258   b  may be one of a plurality of interchangeable tools (such as tools  160   a - d  described above) having a particular storage position on tool table  238 , and the robotic manipulator (e.g.  230 ) with tool head  258   a  or  258   b  attached thereto, is articulated to acquire and interfittedly engage a suitable interchangeable tool  260  (for example, such as one of tools  160   a - d  described above). Alternatively, tool  260  may be the sole tool  260   a  or  260   b  used with the respective type of tool head  258   a  or  258   b , and may remain interfittingly engaged with its tool head  258 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-10 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show various tools used to perform manufacturing work on a workpiece  100 .  FIG. 9  shows the second robotic manipulator  232  moving a workpiece  100  from delivery station  114  to a workpiece fixture or adapter  256  mounted on the work surface  222 . The first robotic manipulator  230  is shown with torquing tool head  258   b  coupled to its boom  268 . Alternatively, first robotic manipulator  230  with gripping device  257  may be used for acquiring and affixing an anvil  262  to the work surface  222 .  FIG. 10  shows one anvil  262  that has been mounted to the work surface  222  by the first robotic manipulator  230 , which now has press ram tool head  258   a  attached to its boom  268 .  FIG. 10  shows an alternative gripping device  272  affixed to the second robotic manipulator  232 , which can be used instead of gripping device  254  for grasping an alternative type of workpiece  100  if its configuration differs sufficiently from the other type of workpieces. In this example, the alternative gripping device  272  is normally stored on the tool table  238  and is interchanged by the second robotic manipulator  232 . 
     Regardless of whether manufacturing system  110  includes first or second embodiment modular assembly station or apparatus  120  or  220 , the robotic manipulator to which the tool head  158 ,  258  is releasably coupled preferably obtains the respective component part  104  from its component part receiving station  170 ,  270  which may be connected to optional automated component part feed system  310 . 
     The tool  160 ,  260  with which a particular component part  104  is obtained from its receiving station  170 ,  270  is adapted to engage and retain the component part  104  (for example, by an interference fit or a spring clip), and hold it securely in a particular orientation relative to the tool head  158 ,  258  as the tool head is moved with component part  104  attached to tool  160 ,  260 . The tool head  158 ,  258  is moved from receiving station  170 ,  270  and positioned proximate to workpiece  100  with component part  104  axially aligned with workpiece aperture or hole  106   a ,  106   b.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , to reduce the amount of strain known to damage and wear out joints of robotic manipulators, the tool head may be brought into abutting contact with the anvil  162 ,  262  that corresponds with the aperture or hole  106   a ,  106   b . The tool head  158 ,  258  is positioned such that tool  160 ,  260  and its retained component part  104  are aligned with aperture  106   a  or threaded hole  106   b  in workpiece  100 . That is, the robotic manipulator will position its attached tool head  258  into abutment against the surface of the anvil  262  that is in interfacing relationship with the aperture  106   a  or threaded hole  106   b  in workpiece  100  into which component part  104  will be fitted. Once so positioned and abutting anvil  162 ,  262 , tool head  158 ,  258  is preferably unlocked relative to robotic manipulator boom such that it is unrestrained, and permitted to float relative to the boom, in the axial directions along which tool  160 ,  260  is linearly stroked in moving towards and away from workpiece  100 , as indicated by arrow  166  in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , for example. The distance of the linear stroke may, for example, be from 0.5 inch to five inches. A press ram tool head  158   a ,  258   a  may, for example, be of known servomotor or hydraulic type, the latter suitably provided with fluid fittings, lines, and a controlled source of hydraulic fluid. A torquing tool head  158   b ,  258   b  may, for example, be of known pneumatic or electronic type. 
     The anvil  162 ,  262  provides an axial reaction surface against which tool head  158  bears as the component part  104  is forced axially into or toward the workpiece  100 , this is particularly important where press ram tool head  158   a ,  258   a  is being used, as depicted in  FIG. 14 , which may induce a pressing force of about 1500 pounds in installing a component part  104  (e.g., an interference-fitted plug) into a bore  106   a  in workpiece  100 . It is believed that a torque head  158   b ,  258   b , such as depicted in  FIG. 15 , will not require the use of an anvil  162 ,  262  as shown for creating an axial reaction surface during a screwing operation; thus the use of an anvil  162 ,  262  with a torque head  158   b ,  258   b  is considered to be optional and not required for screwing operations. Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 15 , a torquing tool head such as  158   b  or  258   b  may include a laterally extending outrigger  159 ,  259 , the foot or terminal end of which is in abutting contact with work surface  122 ,  222  which serves as a reaction surface that torsionally supports the tool head  158   b ,  258   b  to counteract the tightening torque of the rotating tool  160 ,  260  as its threaded component part  104  is tightened into threaded hole  106   b  in workpiece  100 . 
     Once work by a particular tool head or its tool has been performed upon the workpiece  100 , the tool head  158 ,  258  is moved by the robotic manipulator to the tool table  138 ,  238 , where the tool  160 ,  260  is returned to its designated place on tool table and another tool, or tool head and tool, acquired as applicable. If a different tool head  158 ,  258  and/or tool  160 ,  260  is acquired a different component part  104  may be acquired from its respective receiving station  170 ,  270  and processing of workpiece  100  continues. 
     When all of the work operations have been completed upon the workpiece  100 , the workpiece  100  is removed from the work surface  122 ,  222  by a robotic manipulator and returned to delivery station  114  or transferred to another conveyance, assembly line or dunnage as described above. 
     In some instances, it is necessary to test the workpiece  100  for leaks. It may be preferable that leak testing be done in assembly apparatus  120 ,  220 , prior to removing the workpiece  100  from system  100  after completion of the manufacturing operation. One example is for an engine block or cylinder head workpiece (e.g., workpiece  100 ) that has undergone the assembly process in apparatus  120 ,  220  to be sealed and internally provided with pressurized fluid to verify that the installed component parts  104  (e.g., plugs or sensors) are dimensionally accurate and correctly seal fluid passages in the workpiece. Therefore, the work surface  122 ,  222  may by adapted to receive assembly apparatus leak test components to ensure the fluidic integrity of the workpiece  100 . Such further processing may be done by a manufacturing system  110  utilizing either assembly apparatus  120  or  220 , but the example below is described with respect to the latter. 
     A seal plate  264  is stored on tool table  238 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , after workpiece  100  has completed its manufacturing operations (e.g., the installation of component parts  104 ), it is removed from its workpiece fixture or adapter  256 , and its workpiece fixture or adapter  256  is removed from its registry, and registry then removed from the work surface  222 . A seal plate  264  is mounted onto work surface  222  through engagement with registry receptors  250 . Seal plate  264  is configured to accommodate the particular configuration of workpiece  100 , and so a seal plate  264   a  may be provided for leak testing workpiece  100   a , and a seal plate  264   b  may be provided for leak testing workpiece  100   b . Workpiece  100  is then placed on seal plate  264 , and, if necessary, acts as a manifold for receiving or routing pneumatic or hydraulic pressure received through work surface, to internal passages of workpiece  100 . Seal plate  264  may include locking devices (not shown) similar to those of workpiece fixture or adapter  256  for engagement with workpiece  100 . Workpiece  100  is thus fixed through seal plate  264  to work surface  222 . 
     A longitudinal leak test seal plate  266 , which may be common for use with both workpiece configurations, is stored on the tool table  238 . Still referring to  FIG. 8 , longitudinal leak test seal plate  266  is moved by the second robotic manipulator  232  from the tool table  238  and placed atop the workpiece  100  and seal plate  264 . The longitudinal leak test seal plate  266  includes piping and wiring to receive either pneumatic or hydraulic pressure from delivery ports mounted either in the seal plate  264  or on the work surface  222 . The wiring may be electrically connected to the electronics panel  236  through electrical connectors (not shown) in the work surface  222  to provide pressure indication readings through the electronics panel  236  to the controller  234  to determine if any leaks exist in the manufactured workpiece  100 . Alternatively, mechanical measurements can be made that do not require piping or wiring. 
     The longitudinal leak test seal plate  266  is secured to the seal plate  264  via a threaded rod (not shown) secured by robotic manipulator  230 , a torquing tool head and a torquing tool such as head  258   b  and tool  260   b . Once seal plate  266  is secured over ports in workpiece  100 , pressured fluid is conducted through seal plate  264  to workpiece  100 , which is checked for leaks indicated by sensed pressure changes therein. It should be understood by those of skill in the art that alternative leak test seal plates may be required to conduct a leak test of various, differently configured workpieces  100 . 
     Manufacturing system  110  may include automated component part feed system  310  optionally connected to modular assembly apparatus or station  120  or  220 . Feed system  310  supplies assembly stations  120 ,  220  with a plurality of different component part types  104 , at least one of the plurality of different component parts  104  assembled to one or both types of workpieces  100   a ,  100   b.    
     The automated component part feed system  310  includes a workstation  312  for separating and identifying a plurality of different types of component parts  104   a - d  and for moving the component parts  104  to the respective dispatching station  314   a - d  of the appropriate dispatching lane  316   a - d . One type of the component part  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c , or  104   d  is conveyed from component part feed system  310  to assembly apparatus  120 ,  220  by the associated one of the dispatching lanes  316   a - d  extending therebetween, as discussed further below. The component parts  104  can be washers, screws, bolts, sprockets, gears, plugs, sensors or any other suitable type of component part for the product produced by manufacturing system  110 , one or more of component parts  104   a - d  being assembled in assembly station or apparatus  120 ,  220  to at least one of workpieces  100   a  and  100   b . Generally, the component parts  104  are threadedly attached or inserted/pressed into a workpiece  100  at assembly station  120 ,  220 . 
     The workstation  312  includes a hopper  318  and a conveyor  320  in communication with the hopper  318 . The hopper  318  receives all of the parts  104  and the conveyor  320  moves the parts  104  away from the hopper  318 . More specifically, the hopper  318  receives a plurality of differently configured types of component parts  104  thus eliminating the need for multiple hoppers and multiple conveyors as required by the prior art. The hopper  318  defines a top opening  322  into which are dumped or poured component parts  104 . Component parts of a single type  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c , or  104   d  may be dumped together into hopper  318 , or a mixture of two or more different types of component parts  104   a - d  may be dumped together into hopper  318 . The hopper  318  also defines a bottom opening  324  spaced from the top opening  322  and aligned with the conveyor  320  for moving the component parts  104  from the hopper  318  and onto the conveyor  320 . The hopper  318  is preferably positioned above the conveyor  320  such that the parts  104  coming out of the bottom opening  324  do not overlap each other on the conveyor  320 . The hopper  318  also includes a vibration or oscillation mechanism (not shown) for aiding in moving the component parts  104  through the bottom opening  324 . The vibration or oscillation mechanism causes the hopper  318  to vibrate, pulse, shake, beat, tip or any other suitable movement for moving the parts  104  through the hopper bottom opening  324  and onto conveyor  320 . 
     The conveyor  320  includes a distal end  326  and a proximal end  328  spaced from each other with the hopper  318  disposed adjacent the proximal end  328  of the conveyor  320 . The hopper  318  cooperates with the conveyor  320  for moving the parts  104  from the proximal end  328  toward the distal end  326 . The conveyor  320  includes a longitudinally moveable endless belt  330  rotating around the proximal and distal ends  328 ,  326  for continuously moving the parts  104  received from the hopper  318  toward the distal end  326 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the conveyor  320  can include chain links or any other suitable component other than a belt  330  for moving the parts  104  toward the distal end  326 . 
     The conveyor  320  further includes opposing side rails  332  extending vertically between the hopper  318  and the conveyor  320 , and horizontally between the conveyor proximal and distal ends  328 ,  326 . The side rails  332  are laterally spaced from each other and are angled inwardly or convergent toward the distal end  326  of the conveyor  320  for guiding the component parts  104  together as they approach the distal end  326 . The ends of converging sidewalls  332  are spaced near conveyor distal end  326  to define an outlet opening  340  from which the various component parts  104  emerge in a random, single file order. That is, each of component parts  104   a - d  individually passes through outlet opening  340  continues in a single file line of parts  104  on belt  330  toward distal end  326 . More specifically, the side rails  332  are spaced a first predetermined distance from each other adjacent the hopper  318  and the side rails  332  are spaced a second predetermined distance from each other adjacent the distal end  326 . The second predetermined distance, which defines outlet opening  340 , is less than the first predetermined distance such that the component parts  104  are funneled into single file line on belt  330  at the conveyor distal end  326 . 
     The automated component part feed system  310  further includes a component part robotic manipulator  334  movable along a track  336  for acquiring each of the component parts  104  from the distal end  326  and moving it away from the conveyor  320 . The component part robotic manipulator  334  includes a gripping device  335  for gripping each and any of component parts  104   a - d , and moving it from distal end  326  to the appropriate dispatching station  314   a - d  associated with a respective one of dispatching lanes  316   a - d , one at a time. Gripping device may also adjust the position of a component part as necessary, such that it can grip each type of component part  104  in a consistent manner for placement in its dispatching station. More specifically, the gripping device  335  picks up one of the component parts  104  from the distal end  326  of the conveyor  320  and places that component part  104 , in a proper orientation, in the respective dispatching station  314  for transference via dispatching lane  316  to the assembly apparatus  120 ,  220 . The component part robotic manipulator  334  can be controlled by controller  348  and electronics panel  350 , in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In one embodiment of component part feed system  310 , distal end  326  may be provided with a moving inspection platform  344 , which may be defined by a second conveyor belt that is independently moveable longitudinally relative to belt  330 . In an alternative embodiment, the belt  330  of the conveyor  320  can be periodically stopped for allowing the identifier  338  to identify the parts  104 , the end of belt  330  serving as the inspection platform  344 . Regardless of component part feed system embodiment, inspection platform  344  supports the component part  104  for inspection by an identifier  338  and acquisition by robotic manipulator gripping device  335 . The identifier  338 , which may be a camera or other digital imaging device, is disposed adjacent the distal end  326  of the conveyor  320 , above the inspection platform  344  for determining the type of component part  104  being inspected, and whether that part  104  requires reorientation before it is acquired by the gripping device  335  and moved to the appropriate dispatching station  314 . More specifically, the identifier  338  scans the component part  104  located on platform  344  to identify its type, size and/or orientation, and communicates information regarding the present component part  104  to the component part robotic manipulator  334 , which then repositions the component part  104  as necessary, acquires the component part  104  with its gripping device  335 , and moves laterally along track  336  with the gripped component part  104  to relocate it from the inspection platform  344  to the appropriate one of dispatching stations  314   a - d.    
     In preferred embodiments of component part feed system  310 , the identifier  338  can be coupled to the conveyor  320  and/or coupled one or more of the side rails  332  and/or coupled to the track  336  and/or coupled to the component part robotic manipulator  334 . When the identifier  338  is disposed on the component part robotic manipulator  334 , the identifier  338  will be disposed adjacent the distal end  326  when the component part robotic manipulator  334  moves along track  336  to align itself with the longitudinal axis of conveyor belt  330  or inspection platform  344 . The identifier  338  eliminates the need to have multiple hoppers, multiple conveyors and multiple robotic manipulators as required by prior art component part feed systems. The identifier  338  can be defined as a camera or any other suitable mechanism for identifying the component parts  104 . 
     In alternative embodiments of component part feed system  310 , the component part robotic manipulator  334  holds one of the component parts  104  under the identifier  338  for identifying the part  104 . In yet another embodiment, the component part robotic manipulator  334  relocates each component part  104  from the conveyor  320  to a separate, stationary surface  346  for identification by the identifier  338  of the present part  104  and any necessary repositioning thereof. On surface  346 , which may serve as inspection platform  344 , the orientation of the identified part  104  is adjusted as necessary by component part robotic manipulator  334  prior to subsequent relocation to a dispatching station  314 . 
     Each of the dispatching stations  314  associated with a dispatching lane  316  receives one type of the component parts  104 . More specifically, one dispatching station  314  and its dispatching lane  316  is dedicated to receiving one of the different types of component parts  104   a - d  and another dispatching station  314  and associated dispatching lane  316  is dedicated to receiving a different one of the types of the plurality of component part types  104   a - d , etc., as mentioned above. For example, two different component parts  104  can be further defined as a first part type  104   a  and a second part type  104   b , with the identifier  338  identifying or distinguishing the first part type from the second part type. The identifier  338  communicates the first and second part types  104   a ,  104   b  to the component part robotic manipulator  334  such that the component part robotic manipulator  334  moves along track  336  to relocate the first part type  104   a  from inspection platform  344  to first dispatching station  314   a  which is in communication with a first dispatching lane  316   a ; and moves along track  336  to relocate the second part type  104   b  from inspection platform  344  to second dispatching station  314   b  which is in communication with a second dispatching lane  316   b . It is to be appreciated that the component parts  104  can be further defined as including a third part type  104   c  and a fourth part type  104   d , etc., which are respectively fed to assembly apparatus  120 ,  220  by component part feed system  310  via their respective dispatching stations  314   c ,  314   d  and dispatching lanes  316   c ,  316   d , without deviating from the subject invention. 
     The dispatching lanes  316  are spaced from each other such that the component part robotic manipulator  334  is disposed between the conveyor  320  and the dispatching lanes  316  with the dispatching lanes  316  disposed between the component part robotic manipulator  334  and the assembly apparatus  120 ,  220 . Therefore, the gripping device of the component part robotic manipulator  334  takes one of the component parts  104  from the conveyor  320  and places that particular component part  104  in the dispatching station  314  of the appropriate dispatching lane  316  for delivering the part  104  to the component part receiving station  170 ,  270  of assembly apparatus  120 ,  220 , to perform the manufacturing operation on the workpiece  100 . The component part robotic manipulator  334  moves back and forth along the track  336  and places the parts  104  in the respective dispatching stations  314  of the appropriate dispatching lanes  316  and in the appropriate orientation, thus eliminating the need for skilled laborers to move the component parts  104  to the appropriate dispatching lanes  316  and properly orientating the component parts  104 . Component part receiving stations  170 ,  270 , dispatching stations  314 , and dispatching lanes  316 , are of a type known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are specially designed as a part feeder set for a specific component part having a particular size, configuration and/or type. A part feeder set for component part  104   a  may include, for example, associated receiving station  170   a ,  270   a , dispatching station  314   a , and dispatching lanes  316   a , . . . etc. . . . A receiving station, dispatching station, and dispatching lane set, or a plurality of such part feeder sets, may be of a general type that may be designed and manufactured for, and supplied to, assemblers of workpieces  100  by any of a number of sources such as, for example, Spectrum Automation Company of Livonia, Mich.; Air Way Automation, Inc. of Grayling, Mich.; or Visumatic Industrial Products of Lexington, Ky. Briefly, by way of example, the part feeder set may be of a type in which component parts  104  are blown by compressed air, one at a time, through dispatching lane  316  from its dispatching station  314  towards its associated receiving station  170 ,  270 . A buffer of a plurality of identical component parts may be accumulated in the end of dispatching lane  316  adjacent receiving station  170 ,  270 , ready for use by assembly apparatus  120 ,  220 . 
     Alternatively, the part feeder set may be of a type in which a pneumatic cylinder urges a component part  104  newly inserted into a dispatching station  314  into its dispatching lane  316 , the newly inserted component part forming the end of a stack of component parts  104  that extends along the length of dispatching lane  316 , the component part at the opposite end of the stack located in receiving station  170 ,  270 . These component parts are moved in daisy chain fashion through the dispatching lane as the most recent addition to the stack is moved by the pneumatic cylinder, and are continuously supplied to receiving station  170 ,  270  for ready use by assembly apparatus  120 ,  220 . 
     For illustrative purposes only, the operation of the automated component part feed system  310  is discussed below. First, multiple different types of the parts  104  are poured into the top opening  322  of the hopper  318 . The oscillation mechanism vibrates the hopper  318  which in turn vibrates the parts  104  for aiding in moving the parts  104  out of the bottom opening  324  of the hopper  318  and onto the belt  330  of the conveyor  320 . The parts  104  move from the proximal end  328  toward the distal end  326  of the conveyor  320  with the side rails  332  guiding the parts  104  into single file. As each part  104  reaches the identifier  338 , the identifier  338  determines the type of the part  104  and whether the part  104  requires reorientation. The identifier  338  communicates this information to the component part robotic manipulator  334 , which travels along the track  336  to align itself with the conveyor  320  such that the gripping device can pick up that particular component part  104 . Once the gripping device is gripping that particular part  104 , the component part robotic manipulator  334  travels along the track  336  again and aligns itself with the appropriate dispatching station  314  to release that particular part  104 . The gripping device  335  then places the component part  104  in the dispatching station and in the appropriate orientation. The component part  104  then travels down the dispatching lane  316  to its connected receiving station  170 ,  270  of assembly apparatus  120 ,  220 , which performs the manufacturing operation that assembles the component part  104  to workpiece  100 . The component part robotic manipulator  334  repeats the process of picking up the component parts  104  and moving those component parts  104  to the appropriate dispatching station  314 . 
     While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.