Apparatus for the location for inspection and other purposes of a generally circular article

Apparatus for mounting and for locating an article where the article can be subjected to monitoring, inspection, measurement or machining at angularly spaced locations, said apparatus comprising

• fixed support means carrying
• cradle means,
• gantry means movable relative to the fixed support means, including
• gripper means mounted on the gantry means and movable horizontally in two orthogonal directions,
• horizontal plate means,
• drive means mounting the horizontal plate means for vertical motion relative to the fixed support means,
• framework means for mounting and orientating the article to be monitored, the framework means having an opening to facilitate access to the article by monitoring means and including
• first support and radially-acting means for centering and rotating the article when mounted on the framework, and
• second securing and locating, means for the the article, said second means being adapted to contact one face of the article, the arrangement being such that vertical movement of the plate means can be effected between
• a first location where the plate means equipped with the framework means can receive a pallet carrying the article to be monitored,
• a second, upper, location where the article is engaged by the gripper means, the plate means being subsequently moved to the first location where the pallet is withdrawn from the plate means,
• a third location where the framework rests on said cradle means, and
• a fourth, rest location where the framework is removed from the plate means.