Patent ID: 7918333

Claim:
A multiple station linear machine, said linear machine comprising: a) a drive section; b) an end section; c) at least one interchangeable module having an open architecture design, said at least one interchangeable module having: i) a plurality of openings positioned therein such that said at least one interchangeable module can be securely fastened and connected end-to-end to two other modules or sections in a generally linear direction, said at least one interchangeable module being connected to two elements selected from a group consisting of said drive section, said end section and another said interchangeable module; ii) a first maximum lateral dimension which is equal to a second and a third maximum lateral dimension of said two elements to which said at least one interchangeable module is connected; iii) a substantially open top wall and a substantially open bottom wall; iv) two lateral side walls each having at least one opening; v) at least two end walls extending between said two lateral side walls, each said end wall having an open center portion for permitting pass through in an axial direction; d) an endless conveyor being driven by said drive section to cycle work pieces sequentially between successive workstation positions and having a plurality of link plates that are hingedly interconnected, said link plates being guided to pass in a slot provided by a structure including said two opposing sides of said at least one interchangeable module; and e) a support structure positioning said drive section, said end section and said at least one interchangeable module above an underlying support surface, said support structure including stabilizing elements, said support structure having sufficient length to extend a distance from a first point beneath said drive section to a second point beneath said end section whereby said light-weight module weighs no more than 80 lbs and said linear machine is readily assembled by one person.