Importance

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Abstract

A locating workstation according to the present invention is provided on a conveyor for transporting a workpiece. The locating workstation includes at least one support or rail defining a fixed path of travel along an X-axis with respect to the workstation and having a vertically extending Z-axis, and a Y-axis extending normal to the X-axis and the Z-axis. A movable geometry fixture pallet is supported on the at least one support rail for movement along the fixed path. Positioning devices are provided for locating the pallet in a repeatable precise X-Y-Z position with respect to the workstation. The positioning device includes at least one locating roller and corresponding locating cam surface combination operable between the pallet and the workstation for positioning the pallet in at least one of the Y-axis and Z-axis, and at least one pivotable locating roller and corresponding locating cam surface combination operable between the pallet and the workstation for positioning the pallet along the X-axis, such that when the pivotable locating roller and corresponding locating cam surface combination is in a first angular position, the pallet can move relative to the workstation along the support, and when the pivotable locating roller and corresponding locating cam surface combination is in a second angular position, the pallet is accurately positioned with respect to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the workstation in response to operable engagement of the positioning devices in response to rotational engagement of the pivotable locating roller and corresponding locating cam surface combination.

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First Claim