Conveyorized apparatus for performing work operations on one or more layers of sheet-type work material

A conveyorized apparatus for performing work operations on one or more layers of sheet-type work material, comprising:

• a frame;
• at least three flexible advancing members coupled to said frame for movement in a direction longitudinal thereof, said advancing members being approximately parallel and spaced-apart relative to one another;
• at least three advancing member guides, each coupled to said frame adjacent to one of said flexible advancing members for directing the movement of said advancing members during the performance of a work operation;
• a plurality of elongated slats extending transversely across said frame and positioned consecutively relative to one another, longitudinally of said frame, each slat defining a first upper surface, and a second lower surface coupled to each of said flexible advancing members, the first upper surfaces of the slats collectively defining a support surface for carrying one or more layers of work material;
• a controller associated with said apparatus, having machine readable data stored therein for controlling work operations performed on said work material;
• and
• drive means for selectively moving said flexible advancing members and said plurality of slats in a direction longitudinal of said frame, in response to commands issued from said controller.