Rotary Machine with Separately Controllable Stations

Abstract

A rotary machine may have multiple stations that have a linear motion operated by a cam and a rotational motion operated by individual motors mounted on each station. Each station may perform a motion profile that is proportional to the machine's central axis rotation or, in some cases, independent of the central axis rotation. In some embodiments, each station may rotate to orient a part prior to processing. In one embodiment, the cam driven linear motion may enable a station to lower for loading and unloading, then raise for processing. The rotary machine may have various mechanisms at each station for processing a part. One such embodiment is a rotary machine that may be outfitted with compound dispensing mechanisms at each station.

1 . A method comprising:
 causing a table of a rotary machine to rotate about a center axis at a first speed, said rotary machine having a plurality of stations disposed about said center axis;   receiving a part onto a first of said stations;   engaging said first of said stations by a linear motion produced from a cam, said linear motion being produced as said table rotates about said center axis;   causing a station motor to perform a motion profile as said table rotates; and   disengaging said first of said stations.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , said motion profile being performed at a speed proportional to said first speed. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , said motion profile being performed at a speed independent of said first speed. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , said motion profile being a constant speed profile. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , said motion profile being a variable speed profile. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , said motion profile comprising an orientation routine. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 while said first of said stations is engaged, applying compound to said part.