Patent ID: 7197810

Claim:
A transport system for moving at least one workpiece in a transportation direction along a production line, comprising: a first work station, said first work station comprising tool means for applying a rotational force at a plurality of locations simultaneously; a second work station spaced from said first work station along the production line; first and second sets of guides disposed parallel to the transportation direction and connecting said first and second work stations; a plurality of guide stands disposed in spaced relation along the production line, said first and second sets of guides supported by said guide stands; a workpiece carrier moveable along said first set of guides for carrying the workpiece through at least said first work station and to said second work station; said tool means coupled to said second set of guides for movement along said production line in a direction parallel to said first set of guides; a first drive means for moving said workpiece carrier along said first set of guides and a second drive means for moving said tool means along said second set of guides; wherein said drive means each comprises a rotatable shaft and at least one friction wheel engaging said shaft, said friction wheels having an adjustable angle of inclination relative to the corresponding shaft.