Abstract: An apparatus for workpiece assembly is disclosed. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus includes a carousel which rotates between a plurality of assembly stations for assembly. Workpieces are loaded onto or unloaded from the carousel at a load/unload station and the carousel rotates to position workpieces proximate to the plurality of assembly stations. As illustrated workpieces are loaded into a plurality of assembly nests on the carousel. The plurality of assembly nests include alignment fingers rotatable with the plurality of assembly nests or carousel to align components, for example to align discs of a hydrodynamic spindle assembly for merge operations.

Abstract: Each of a pair of side members (4) is located relative to an underbody (3) using two locators (16). Each locator is lowered by a lifter (15) and placed on a slide base (18). The slide base is movable along a slide guide (17) toward and away from a transfer conveyor (11).

Abstract: A flexible workpiece assembling method for assembling a flexible workpiece (W) with an object by using a first robot comprising a first hand and a second robot comprising a second hand includes the steps of: gripping a first portion of the flexible workpiece by the first hand and gripping a second portion of the flexible workpiece different from the first portion by the second hand; moving the flexible workpiece to the object through a cooperating operation of the first and second robots; deforming the flexible workpiece into a shape corresponding to the nonflexible object by the first and second robots; and assembling the flexible workpiece onto the nonflexible object by the first and second robots. As a result, the flexible workpiece can be accurately assembled onto the nonflexible object without breaking or tearing. The first and second robots may comprise a pushing means for pushing the flexible workpiece into the object.

Abstract: In a cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that includes a plurality of steps in which parts are attached to a workpiece, is moved with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations at which auxiliary steps related to the main operation are carried out. A main car on which a workpiece is mounted and on which a main operator rides and a subsidiary car on which a subsidiary operator rides, the subsidiary operator preparing at least a portion of the parts and/or jigs that are necessary for the main operation, are used. The main car automatically travels on a predetermined travel path that transits a plurality of stations, and the subsidiary car travels together with the main car so as to enable transferring parts and/or jigs between the main car and the subsidiary car.

Abstract: A device for assembling, tuning and testing motor vehicles may be installed anywhere in a flat hall without modifying the ceiling or floor and is transportable. The device may be assembled from individual, transportable, modular, interconnectable components that can be installed on a flat surface without using pits or creating floor load. The device encompasses the conveying mechanisms and assembly units for the motor vehicles to be assembled.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic feeding of elongated sheet stock from a stamping station into a roll forming station in a window component production line includes a transfer mechanism, a feed mechanism and a controller. The transfer mechanism is between the stamping station and the roll forming station. The feed mechanism is positioned at an entrance to the roll forming station. The controller is in communication with the stamping station, the transfer mechanism and the feed mechanism. The controller is programmed to engage stock material that extends from the stamping station with the transfer mechanism, transfer the stock material paid out by the stamping station to the feed mechanism, and drive the feed mechanism to feed the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly (16) includes locators (18) driven by horizontal longitudinal X, horizontal sideways Y and vertical Z power operated actuators (50. 58. 72) and having locator pins (82) received by vehicle body positioning holes (84) upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins (82) are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (84 ), the horizontal power operated actuators (50,58) are back driven. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces (80) of locator heads (78) contact the vehicle body (20) and provide lifting thereof upwardly off a system conveyor, and the power operated actuators then move the vehicle body to the proper positioning for further assembly.

Abstract: An automatic driver device (3) for joining components (2) of a driving station (1) is provided including a base support (8) that is provided with several automatic driving tools (4, 5), the driving tools being mounted thereupon so as to be movable in a multiaxial fashion. The movement is via adjusting mechanisms (9, 16, 17, 24, 25). Several of the automatic driving tools (4, 5) are combined into at least one screwdriver group and are jointly mounted so as to be movable on the base support (8) by one of the adjusting mechanisms (9). One or several driving tools (4, 5) can be additionally mounted within the screwdriver group (6, 7) so as to be movable relative to each other by at least one other adjusting mechanism (9, 17, 25).

Abstract: A machining center is provided enabling a high degree of machining automation. The machining center includes a master machining head including multiple spindles mounted fixedly to the machining base. A workpiece transport system transports workpieces between machining stations and also moves it toward and away from the machining stations which are preferable fixedly mounted. Registration pins mounted to the master machine head register with a receiving socket carried by the workpiece platform or associated workpiece fixture. A robot actuator is provided which loads and unloads workpieces with the machining center 10 and can also potentially provide other functions such as tool inspection tool changing, workpiece repositioning.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for supplying essentially hollow bodies with equipment wherein the hollow bodies each have a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension being larger than the transverse dimension. The bodies have at least one opening for accessing their interior from outside along their longitudinal dimension. The hollow bodies are arranged essentially side-by-side along the longitudinal dimension and they are moved along their transverse dimension in a clocked fashion. An arrangement comprises a plurality of conveyor means for moving hollow bodies, wherein the conveyor means are arranged such that the hollow bodies are arranged side-by-side along their longitudinal dimension and moved along their transverse dimension in a clocked fashion.

Abstract: In a system for equipping component carriers with electrical components, two feed paths for component carriers that are parallel to one another are provided, one being conducted on a straight line over equipping locations of the system and the other being conducted past the equipping locations. Handover devices with which the component carriers can be arbitrarily switched between the two paths are provided between the equipping locations. As a result thereof, a line, parallel or mixed operation of the system is possible, in adaptation to the component carriers to be equipped.

Abstract: A semi-trailer is assembled by constructing a semi-trailer body at a remote location. The semi-trailer body is transported from the remote location to an originating port by highway or rail and loaded onto a vessel by lifting the semi-trailer body using a plurality of upper female ISO connection points. The semi-trailer body is arranged in a stacked configuration on the vessel using the upper female ISO connection points and vertical load carrying members. The semi-trailer body is unloaded from the vessel at a destination port and a running gear assembly, a landing gear assembly, and a rear under-ride guard are attached to form an assembled semi-trailer.

Abstract: A machine is provided for making holes in the legs of a structural angle oriented lengthwise along the X-axis of a mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-axis coordinate system. The machine includes a first or main frame, a second frame moveable along the Y-axis relative to the first frame, and a carriage moveable along the Z-axis relative to the second frame. A punch is mounted on the second frame for punching a first hole in the first leg of the angle. A drill is mounted on the carriage for drilling a second hole in the second leg of the angle. The punch has a punch operating axis along which the punch moves longitudinally to punch the first hole and which is parallel to the Z-axis. The drill has a drill feed operation axis along which the drill moves longitudinally to drill the second hole and which is parallel to the Y-axis. The drill and the punch are oriented with the drill feed operation axis and the punch operation axis together defining a common plane.

Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are attached to a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations at which auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. A main car is provided on which the workpiece is mounted and on which the main operator rides. A main operation platform apparatus is also provided that has a main operation platform for carrying out the main operations so as to be movable are used, and then when carrying out at least a portion of the main operations in the main car, the main car and the main operation platform are moved in synchrony. Furthermore, a subsidiary car is provided to travel together with the main car so as to be able to transfer parts and/or jigs.

Abstract: A flexible system for welding motor-vehicle bodies or subassemblies thereof envisages a series of pairs of side frames provided with referencing and clamping devices for keeping in the correct position the structures to be assembled during welding. For each different type of body to be assembled a different pair of side frames is provided, equipped with referencing and clamping devices adapted to the respective type of body. Each pair of side frames is associated to a basic structure, with which it forms a unitary referencing and clamping module. Said modules can be moved through the assembly station to follow one another in the operative welding position, according to the type of body to be welded. The structure to be assembled, or at least part thereof, is fed to the welding station by means of a conveying line that is totally independent and separate from the basic structures of the modules.

Abstract: A system that delivers window or door components to an assembly station where multiple components are assembled to form a multi-sided window or door frame or sash. A preparation station in proximity to the assembly station includes an alignment fixture for bringing multiple frame or sash components into alignment while a preceding frame or sash is being assembled at the assembly station. A conveyor moves aligned components of a next subsequent frame or sash to the assembly station while maintaining the alignment of said window components for clamping at the assembly station prior to assembly. One system is used to assemble vinyl door or window components by welding them together.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant (1) is provided for vehicle body parts (2, 3). The manufacturing plant includes a number of processing stations (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), which are situated one behind the other along a transfer line (22), and of a number of multiaxial robots (18, 19). In at least one processing station (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), one or more handling robots (18) for transporting parts is/are arranged on at least one axis of travel (20, 21). Next to the handling robot (18), one or more processing robots (19) is/are displaceably arranged on the same axis of travel (20). Working locations (11, 12) are arranged on both sides of a common axis of travel (20), whereby another common axis of travel can be provided on the rear side of the working locations.

Abstract: A cell for automated assembly operations, in particular for the assembly of parts of multicylinder internal-combustion engines, has manipulator means that are designed for simultaneous assembly of a plurality of elements on a work piece and that are adjustable for varying the distance between the positions of said elements.

Abstract: Provided is a buffer system for adjusting first-in first-out, more particularly, a buffer system that temporarily stores a plurality of substrates and is capable of adjusting first-in first-out. The buffer system includes one or more buffer layers having shafts and rollers fitted and fixed to the shafts so as to temporarily store or transfer substrates, a vertically moving unit moving the buffer layers up or down such that a buffer layer having thereon a substrate to be transferred is connected to a driving unit, and the driving unit rotating the shafts of the buffer layer having thereon the substrate to be transferred to transfer the substrate.

Abstract: Vehicle body assembly line apparatus includes a plurality of work pallets (14) having locators (18) with locator members (36) that are adjustable by a grab member (40) on each at a remote location below a vertical rest surface (37) mounted on each locator member. An adjusting station (16) provides either automatic adjustment of the adjustable locators (18) by one or more robots (52) or manual adjustment of the adjustable locators (18). A sensor (58) senses the location of a positioning target (56) on each locator member (36) at a known location from the vertical rest surface (37) and any locator pin (38) mounted thereon and generates a deviation signal when the positioning is not within a design tolerance. A control (60) readjusts the appropriate locator (18) as necessary to the design tolerance range.

Abstract: A method for processing a gear set through a lapping operation that includes: providing a lapping machine tool having a first spindle and a second spindle, the second spindle being rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to a rotational axis of the first spindle, the lapping machine tool having a loading zone for loading the first and second spindles; providing a robot with an end effector; loading a first gear set to a first end of the end effector, the first gear set having a ring gear and a pinion gear; moving the first end of the end effector into the loading zone; and loading the first gear set to the lapping machine tool without removing the end effector from the loading zone such that the ring gear is loaded onto the first spindle and the pinion gear is loaded onto the second spindle. An end effector is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting and merging a head stack assembly with a disc stack of a data storage device. The head stack assembly comprises a cantilevered flexure which supports a transducer at a distal end thereof. A carrier includes a carrier support surface arranged to contactingly support the distal end of the flexure. A merge tool is adapted to merge the transducer with a recording surface of the disc stack. The merge tool includes a merge support surface arranged to contactingly support a medial portion of the flexure while the carrier support surface is disposed between the merge support surface and the transducer. The transducer is merged by aligning the merge support surface with the medial portion of the flexure, and using the merge support surface to displace the distal end of the flexure from the carrier support surface and advance the transducer to a final position.

Abstract: The mounting component (2) includes a module rack (4), on which components (6, 10) of a vehicle electrical system have been mounted beforehand, and is intended for installation in the motor vehicle (18) together with the previously mounted components (6, 10). At least one additional module of the vehicle electrical system (11) that extends beyond the spatial limit of the module rack (4) is connected by prior assembly with the components (6, 10) arranged on the module rack (4). The module rack (4) also serves as a self-contained transportation base for both the pre-assembled components (6, 10) and the additional electrical system module (11). This configuration enables a high degree of pre-assembly and thus also simplifies final assembly.

Abstract: A production organizing method and a method and apparatus for assembling vehicle body are provided. The production line organizing method comprises the steps of classifying all parts for all types of vehicles to be assembled into groups of main part, synchronous subparts, and non-synchronous subparts, and the manhour for the non-synchronous subparts are assigned to the difference in manhours for assembly of main parts and synchronous subparts. In addition, a vehicle body assembly method and a vehicle body assembly line are also provided, which are capable of reducing a length of a main line and increasing the productivity by classifying all of the parts used for all vehicle types into three groups of main parts and two groups of subparts including non-synchronous main parts and subparts, and by assembling and storing the non-synchronous main parts and subparts in the separate section and supplying the sub-assembled non-synchronous subparts to the main line when necessary.

Abstract: In a water diversion system, in a preferred embodiment, a first fold of a deflector is disposed into a first hanger cavity and a second deflector fold is disposed into a second hanger cavity. The first fold of the deflector cooperates with the first cavity of the hanger to allow a resistance hinge-like action of the deflector. The deflector may be lifted open by compression of a curve of the deflector to remove the second fold of the deflector from the second hanger cavity. Methods are provided in which, in a preferred embodiment, a deflector-forming machine is disposed above a trough-forming machine and the deflector-forming machine is moveable forward and backward relative to the trough-forming machine.

Abstract: A system and a method for in-line production of insulated glass units (IGU) for custom windows. The system and method schedule IGU production based on the order in which the cut glass is available, or broken out, from a glass cutting station. Once the IGUs are assembled, they are then sorted into the order in which they are to be further processed, i.e., into the order in which the corresponding windows are to be produced and shipped. Thus, the sorting, or carting, step occurs after the cut glass is contained in sealed IGUs, and the workers who perform the sorting step do not have to directly handle the pieces of cut glass.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing an item. The method comprises the steps of creating a build schedule; creating a first portion of the item for manufacture; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to a first individual; which said individual assembles at least one of the several components on the first portion; notifying a second individual of the existence and location of the first portion of the item proximate to the first individual; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to the second individual whereby said second individual assembles at least one of the several components onto the first portion of the item. The method further includes applying dataforms or other such markings on individual components to uniquely identify them and, through such markings, tracking the application of those components to the item being manufactured at each manufacture step.

Abstract: A wing positioner apparatus for installing and removing an aircraft wing includes a wheeled base having a pair of vertically extending telescoping posts attached thereto. A wing support arm is hinged to each vertically extending telescoping post. A winch couples one wing support arm to one of the vertically extending posts for raising and lowering the wing support arm. A telescoping post winch is attached to the wheeled base for raising both vertically extending telescoping posts simultaneously. This allows an aircraft wing to be supported between the pair of wing support arms and the pair of vertically extending telescoping posts while being moved on the wheeled base and positioned for installation or removal from an aircraft fuselage.

Abstract: An installation apparatus is comprised of a pair of grasping brackets and an installation jig. The installation apparatus is employed to install a cockpit module in a vehicle body in a manner that the grasping brackets is detachably attached respectively to both end portions of a steering member of the cockpit module and that the installation jig grasps the grasping brackets and conveys the cockpit module to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A block attacher for attaching blocks to slats as stringers for pallets includes a slat dispenser disposed to dispense individual slats to a slat driver, the slat driver being selectively positionable. A first block dispenser dispenses a block to an assembly station where a position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver and the block dispenser to position the dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a first selected position. At least one other position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver to position a second dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a second selected position. The subsequent blocks may be dispensed by the same block dispenser as the first block, or by different dispensers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling motorcycle frames includes a conveyor defining a path of travel and a pallet movable along the conveyor through a workstation. The pallet supports a rotatable frame for receiving individual components and/or sub-assemblies in fixed relationship with respect to one another in a geometry fixture. The angular position of the rotatable frame and supported geometry fixture can be reoriented about an axis of rotation by engagement with a drive motor. The rotatable frame is normally locked in an angular orientation with respect to the pallet until released by engagement with a lock release actuator or key. The pallet is supported on a movable section of the conveyor, which can be guided between raised and lowered positions with respect to the workstation to accurately and repeatably position the support pallet with respect to the workstation for automated processing operations at the workstation.

Abstract: A method for notifying installers 14–22 of the existence, type, and location of a portion 26 of an item within an assembly line 10. The notification allows the installers 14–22 to respectively ensure that the components 40 which are needed to be placed upon the portion 26 are available for use by the installer 14–22 in a timely manner.

Abstract: A security door for a gate or building opening is formed of a metal frame that defines a pair of hollow stile frame members and upper and lower hollow transverse rail frame members. Each of the frame members has an inner face with an attachment flange projecting therefrom. Security receiving apertures are defined in the inner faces of the frame members. In the fabrication of the door a plurality of metal security bars are positioned relative to the hollow frame member so that the ends of the security bars project through the security bar receiving apertures and into the hollow frame members. The security bars pass over and reside in contact with the attachment flanges. The security bars are spot welded to the attachment flanges so as to permanently secure them to the door frame. Also, the frame itself is preferably formed from a single, elongated strip of metal that is roll formed and then bent at mitered corner cuts to create and delineate the stile and rail members.

Abstract: As part of a method for producing a combination packaging container (28), which combination packaging container (28) comprises a beaker-shaped plastic inner part (15) and a casing-type outer part (14) surrounding the plastic inner part (15) and retained on the external face of the plastic inner part (15) in an interlocking arrangement, and by which method the two parts (14, 15) are pushed one in the other in an interlocking arrangement, the assembly process is improved due to the fact that the outer part (14) is retained in a holder (13) and the plastic inner part (15) is introduced into the outer part (14) retained in the holder (13) and then pushed down into the outer part (14) so as to interlock.

Abstract: Battery cans are produced in a continuous in-line operation from a group of drawing press tools. The streams of parts from each tool are merged into an ordered stream of parts without losing their identity as to the tool that produced them. The parts are automatically inspected and if parts from a particular tool are defective, the other parts from that tool are ejected from the line without ceasing operation of the stream of parts from the remaining tools. The operation continues through packing the parts in containers identified with the tool source of the respective parts.

Abstract: A drill fitted to an adapter is used to drill a hole in a workpiece fixed on a table of a machining center. When the hole drilling is finished, the drill is removed from the adapter, and a workpiece holding jig is fitted to the adapter. Then, the adapter is lowered, and the workpiece holding jig takes the workpiece for which the hole drilling operation has been finished. Following this, the adapter is raised, and the workpiece is temporarily held in the machining center. Then, in this state, the next workpiece is mounted on the table of the machining center. Accordingly, by temporarily holding the workpiece, for which the hole drilling operation has been finished, in the machining center, mounting of the next workpiece is simplified.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: A method of assembling a truss utilizing a truss assembly apparatus having a truss table with a work surface, the steps comprising: arranging at least two truss members on the work surface to form a truss in a first assembly zone; clamping the truss in the first zone with a movable first clamp rail having at least one flip-arm recess therein; and automatically flipping the truss from the first assembly zone to a second assembly zone by activating a plurality of flip arms, at least a portion of one of the plurality of flip arms movable into the at least one corresponding flip-arm recesses of the first clamp rail.

Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for assembly of component parts to produce an article includes a plurality of separate process modules for executing the various process steps, and a plurality of magazine units, which can be coupled to the process modules, for storage and transport of article components produced in the process steps. The process modules have a substantially identical base structure which can be suited to the respective process steps.

Abstract: A method of repositioning the pivot point of the assembly tool and using a tether assembly to limit the tool travel of the assembly tool in provide an assembly tool reduced travel envelope that only overlaps the position of the point-of-use of an in-station work-piece and does not overlap the position of the point-of-use of any out-of-station work-piece. The method includes the steps of: calculating and positioning the pivot point a horizontal offset distance from a conveyor reference point, calculating the reduced travel distance, and attaching the tether assembly to the flexible conduit of the assembly tool so as to limit the tool travel to the reduced travel distance.

Abstract: For assigning a tool to a workpiece conveyed on an assembly line, at least one transmitter is arranged in the area of an assembly line, and a receiver is arranged on the tool. An analyzing unit determines the distance of the tool from each transmitter, based on the transit times of at least one received signal, and an indicating device emits positions information regarding workpieces on the assembly line. An assignment unit assigns a tool or a tool position to a workpiece, based on at least one distance of the tool from the transmitter, and on the workpiece positions. The arrangement of the transmitters and receivers can also be interchanged.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying melt flowable materials to components of articles of manufacture. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein are concerned with formation of appropriate flowable materials, control over the manner in which the flowable materials are applied, treatment of the components prior to application of the flowable materials and the like. Moreover, the apparatuses and methods may be particularly suited for applying flowable materials to surfaces and components found in automotive, aerospace, and marine vehicles.

Abstract: A method of forming a cushioning pad includes placing a component formed of polyurethane foam onto a first web of polyethylene foam. A second web of polyethylene foam is then placed over the component to sandwich the component. Heat and pressure is applied to the sandwich, which flattens the component and forms a seam between the first web and the second web encircling the component. If an unsealed cushioning pad is to be formed, a hollow needle is inserted into one of the first web or the second web. Air passes through the hollow needle and into the component, which absorbs the air and expands. Later, the needle is removed. If a sealed cushioning pad is to be formed, an insertion point of the hollow needle is in the seam, between the first web and the second web. After the component absorbs air and expands, the needle is removed and the insertion point of the hollow needle is re-seamed.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system having a feature section including at least one module, at least one operational unit mounted to the module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to receive a reference signal and to control the operation of the operational unit based upon the reference signal.

Abstract: An accelerated vehicle development process includes establishing a common, standardized interface system whereby different types of vehicle bodies may be attached to a single chassis design. Chassis and bodies are designed, manufactured and validated independently of each other in accordance with the standardized interface system, thereby accelerating the development process. As new bodies are designed to mate with the previously manufactured and validated chassis, the newly designed bodies may be developed more quickly in response to market demand and attached to the previously validated chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line (10) and method for assembling vehicle bodies utilizes electromagnetic gauging apparatus (44) to generate production gauge data of an assembly of formed sheet metal components, and an electrical controller (38) compares the production gauge data to design gauge data to detect any production deviation and is electrically connected to the assembly line to adjust the assembly of the formed sheet metal body components to correct any production deviation detected.

Abstract: A production line (1) is constituted of a sliding path (10) as a moving path provided along nine working step positions from a first step position (P1) to a ninth step position (P9), nine skids (20) as support-receipt plates slidably mounted on the sliding path (10) every predetermined interval so as to correspond to the step positions (P1) to (P9), and driving mechanisms (30), that is, (31A), (30B) and (30C) as moving and driving mechanisms for moving and driving the skids (20).

Abstract: A method for producing aluminum drive shafts from molten aluminum alloy using a continuous caster to cast the alloy into a slab. The method comprises providing a molten aluminum alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 0.8 wt. % Si, 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Cu, 0.45 to 1.2 wt. % Mg, 0.04 to 0.35 wt. % Cr, 0.7 wt. % max. Fe, 0.15 wt. % max. Mn, 0.25 wt. % max. Zn, 0.15 wt. % max. Ti, the remainder aluminum, incidental elements and impurities and providing a continuous caster such as a belt caster for continuously casting the molten aluminum alloy. The molten aluminum alloy is cast into a slab which is rolled into a sheet product. After solution heat treatment, the sheet product is formed into a tube having a seam which is welded to provide a seam welded tube. The seam welded tube is placed in a forming die and hydroformed to form the drive shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for assembling individual body components of a body-in-white vehicle with respect to one another to form a unitary vehicle body including a framing workstation for receiving and positionally locating an underbody member of the vehicle, and for receiving and positionally locating at least one upper body member of the vehicle with respect to the underbody member. The framing workstation establishing a predetermined geometry of the individual body components, while forming the unitary vehicle body. At least one self-piercing rivet tool for securing the at least one upper body member of the vehicle to the underbody member of the vehicle to form and maintain the predetermined geometry of the unitary vehicle body with self-piercing rivets.