Abstract: The invention is concerned with the design of processing stations for the processing, by welding technology, of semi-finished vehicle body subassemblies (5) within the framework of a flexible manufacturing system. Thereby, frame-like work piece carriers (1) with support members (4) are used for loose positioning of components of the subassemblies (5), where the work piece carriers (1) are also capable of accepting differently configured subassemblies. The transfer line (9) is not planned as a single line, but includes only the input station (10), the work position (6) and the output station (11). Next to these stations (10, 11), storage stations (14) are arrayed, which are connected with one another by a transport system (20) which crosses the transfer line (9). In this manner it is made possible to store the work piece carriers (1) with the processed subassemblies (5) or to bypass the next work station if it is not capable of receiving (a work piece carrier), or is out of order.

Abstract: A production line for working on a succession of workpieces has a transporter or conveyor defining a longitudinal path for carrying and displacing the succession of workpieces in longitudinal stop-and-go steps through a succession of stations generally longitudinally equispaced along the path, respective machines at the stations for lifting the workpieces off the conveyor and working on the workpieces as same are stopped between transport steps, and a lifter at at least one of the stations for raising the workpieces thereof off the conveyor and holding them clear thereof between transport steps. Thus some of the stations are merely holding or nonworking stations where nothing is done to the workpieces. The machines at this or these stations can be adapted to work only on other types of workpieces mixed in with the production run, or only on certain of the workpieces for custom work.