Forming machine with multiple work stations

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The forming machine includes a load station adjacent one end, an unload station adjacent the other end and a first work station, turnaround station and second work station spaced longitudinally in succession between the load and unload stations along a workpart flow path. Each work station includes a rotatable spindle fixed in position on one side of the flow path and a tailstock with a workpart support slidable toward the spindle transversely of the flow path. An overhead transfer mechanism is slidable along the flow path and carries multiple workpart transfer members such as grippers to transfer workparts successively from one station to the other along the flow path. First and second …