Lattice production line and method of operating such a line

A production line including a plurality of work stations for processing a plurality of workpieces, the production line comprising:

• a first turntable means at each work station, the turntable having a central area and a plurality of radial storage sites leading to the central area, wherein workpieces are stored on the radial paths;
• means for rotating the first turntable to position the radial paths in selected angular orientations;
• second turntable means positioned in alignment with the central area of the first turntable means, the second turntable means having radial transport means associated therewith for shifting workpieces into alignment with selected radial paths on the first turntable means;
• means for rotating the second turntable means independently of the first turntable;
• means for aligning the radial transport with selected radial paths on the first turntable means;
• means aligned with each work station for performing a manufacturing operation on workpieces positioned on the second turntable means;
• a conveyor lattice comprised of a plurality of conveyors aligned with each work station and extending to adjacent work stations, wherein workpieces may be transferred selectively from one work station to one of a plurality of work stations connected by the conveyors;
• and
• means for selecting the work station to which the workpiece is transferred according to the availability of that work station for performing the manufacturing operation on the workpiece.