Patent ID: 8397375

Claim:
A modular transfer system for workpieces comprising: (1) at least two manufacturing modules which are identical in their leading dimensions, each manufacturing module comprising: (a) one or more tool mounting fixtures with a drive for tool movement; (b) a table for the accommodation of machining forces; (c) a servo drive for the purposeful displacement of a workpiece carrier along a first main axis to displace the workpiece carrier with respect to the one or more tool mounting fixtures, and along a second main axis, which differs from the first main axis, to displace the workpiece carrier between adjacent manufacturing modules, within a machining space of a module and for direct transfer of a workpiece carrier between modules without the aid of a conveyor belt; (d) an index gripping device associated with a slide of the servo drive that is configured to grip and index the workpiece carrier; and (e) one or more switches, sensors or combination thereof, for gathering information related to machines, tools and workpieces, which connect to at least one local electronic controlling and regulating unit; (2) interconnections for transmission of energy, information or both between the manufacturing modules; and (3) an electronic control station in communication with the controlling and regulating units.