Abstract: An assembly material logistics system and methods includes a marketplace component storage area and an assembly area each including an aligned rack aisle for the selected positioning of predetermined full containers and empty containers depleted of components. A plurality of transfer vehicles movable along a material aisle positioned directly adjacent to the rack aisle reciprocally move between the component storage and assembly areas to retrieve and deposit full and empty component storage containers to support assembly of at least one product in the assembly area. In one example, the component storage area includes a large component storage area, small component storage area and a consumable materials storage area. In an alternate example, the transfer vehicles include a first support and a second support to simultaneously support and transfer both a full component container and an empty component container leading to greater efficiency of material logistics.

Abstract: System devices and methods for logistical handling and transfer of components and consumable assembly materials to support assembly or manufacturing operations. Through use of a transport vehicle having first and second container supports, the method allows in a component storage area and an assembly area, the transport vehicle both engaging or picking up a full or empty container and disengaging or depositing a full or empty container. In an alternate example, two separate transport vehicles can coordinatingly move together to engage or pick up a full or empty container and disengage or deposit a full or empty container in the component storage area or assembly area.

Abstract: A modular vehicle assembly system and methods for increased flexibility and adaptability of a high-volume assembly facility which builds several vehicle models. In one example, the invention includes modular assembly equipment (AE) support pallets which are shipped to vendors for installation of selected AE equipment devices that are specific to a predetermined assembly operation and then validation tested prior to shipment to the assembly facility. The validated modular AE pallets and AE devices are then shipped to the assembly facility and quickly installed to support manufacturing, assembly or other operations.

Abstract: An inverted carrier lift and method is disclosed. The inverted carrier lift includes a trolley movable along an overhead conveyor and a carrier for supporting a workpiece to undergo an assembly or manufacturing process. The carrier is movable relative to the trolley from a raised position to a lowered position by a motor engaged with a lifting mechanism on the trolley. On rotation of the motor, the carrier and supported workpiece is lowered or raised to position the workpiece in the workstation for processing. The workpiece may be disengaged by the carrier for support of the workpiece by one of many different fixtures depending on the processing. Following processing, the workpiece is re-engaged by the carrier, moved to a raised position and the trolley is transferred to a subsequent workstation.

Abstract: A transport system and method useful for autonomously or semi-autonomously transporting and positioning materials or components in an industrial facility. In one example in use for passenger vehicle body assembly, a transport device includes a lift device and first and second build devices for alternately supporting a workpiece. The transport device includes a clearance opening for passage by the second build device along the path of travel. The transport device positions the first build device and workpiece over the second build device and deposits the workpiece on the lower second build device for processing. When the process is complete, the first build device re-engages the workpiece for movement to another workstation.

Abstract: A thermal metal spraying apparatus for applying a metal coating to a target surface. The apparatus provides a cathode, a wire feed stock having a free end, and a wire guide that directs the free end of the wire feedstock to a position for establishing and maintaining a plasma transferred wire arc between the cathode and the free end of the wire feedstock. The wire guide maintains at least three points of contact with the wire feedstock as the wire feedstock is fed through the wire guide.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A modular reconfigurable vehicle assembly pallet system and method are disclosed. In one example, a plurality of modular assembly plates are assembled having vehicle locators positioned specifically for a particular model vehicle. The assembled vehicle-specific plates are easily installed on a universal pallet positioned along an assembly line in an assembly sequence. The vehicle-specific modular plates can be quickly interchanged on the assembly pallet to thereby reconfigure the assembly pallet to coordinate with changing vehicle build assembly sequences.

Abstract: An inverted carrier lift and method is disclosed. The inverted carrier lift includes a trolley movable along an overhead conveyor and a carrier for supporting a workpiece to undergo an assembly or manufacturing process. The carrier is movable relative to the trolley from a raised position to a lowered position by a motor mounted engaged with a lifting mechanism onboard the trolley. On rotation of the motor, the carrier and supported workpiece is lowered or raised to position the workpiece in the workstation for processing. The workpiece may be disengaged by the carrier for support of the workpiece by one of many different fixtures depending on the processing. Following processing, the workpiece is re-engaged by the carrier, moved to a raised position and the trolley is transferred to a subsequent workstation.

Abstract: A combination component handling and connecting device connectable to a multi-axis robot for use in moving and connecting components and subassemblies includes a housing and an actuator fixedly connected to the housing. The actuator includes an actuating link movable from a first position to a second position. Connected to the actuating link is an end effector for concurrent movement with the actuating link. The component handling and connecting device includes a clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw. The second jaw is connected to the actuating link for selectively moving the second jaw toward the first jaw operative to engage a component.

Abstract: An adaptable end effector useful to accommodate a wide variety of components, component geometries and variations in component geometries. In one example, the end effector includes a movable arm and at least three fingers each having a gripping tool for engagement of the component with variable and/or programmable holding force preventing relative movement.

Abstract: A modular vehicle assembly system and methods for increased flexibility and adaptability of a high volume assembly facility which builds several vehicle models. In one example, the invention includes modular assembly equipment (AE) support pallets which are shipped to vendors for installation of selected AE equipment devices that are specific to a predetermined assembly operation and then validation tested prior to shipment. The modular AE pallets and AE devices are quickly installed and easily removable for maintenance or replacement. In other examples, modular AE support platforms and safety fencing are used to support ground level assembly operation and safer working environment.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a workpiece includes clamps configured to engage tie rods secured to the workpiece, locating pins configured to engage a corresponding pin secured to the workpiece, pads, and actuators configured to move clamps for alternately drawing the workpiece into contact with the pads and disengaging the tie rod from the clamp such that the fixture assembly can release the workpiece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for continuous fastener feeding for sequentially delivering single fasteners to a fastener installation device are disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a first fastener reel for supporting a first fastener tape securing a plurality of fasteners and a second fastener reel for supporting a second fastener tape for securing a plurality of fasteners. A fastener tape joining device positioned downstream of the first and second fastener reels receives the respective first and the second fastener tapes and selectively engage the first and second fastener tapes when one of the fastener tapes becomes depleted of fasteners.

Abstract: A thermal metal spraying apparatus for applying a metal coating to a target surface. The apparatus provides a cathode, a wire feed stock having a free end, and a wire guide that directs the free end of the wire feedstock to a position for establishing and maintaining a plasma transferred wire arc between the cathode and the free end of the wire feedstock. The wire guide maintains at least three points of contact with the wire feedstock as the wire feedstock is fed through the wire guide.

Abstract: A robotic end effector system and method having a plurality of end effectors which are selectively suitable for particular applications on a workpiece. The end effectors include a resident controller adapted to execute tasks specific to the end effector and are rapidly attachable and removable from the robot for easy change over to different workpieces.

Abstract: A method for positioning a vehicle assembly support device in a vehicle assembly station positioned along an assembly line. The method includes use of a plurality of locator pads selectively engaged with respective receiver sockets to position a vehicle support pallet in the X and Y coordinate directions. Vertical supports are used to position the vehicle support pallet in the Z coordinate direction. In one example, at least one receiver is a four-way positional receiver and at least one receiver is a two-way positional receiver. In another example, each receiver socket includes rollers which engage the respective locator pad to bias the vehicle support pallet towards the desired X and Y coordinate position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for continuous fastener feeding for sequentially delivering single fasteners to a fastener installation device are disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a first fastener reel for supporting a first fastener tape securing a plurality of fasteners and a second fastener reel for supporting a second fastener tape for securing a plurality of fasteners. A fastener tape joining device positioned downstream of the first and second fastener reels receives the respective first and the second fastener tapes and selectively engage the first and second fastener tapes when one of the fastener tapes becomes depleted of fasteners.

Abstract: Methods for welding motor vehicle body component subassemblies at a weld stations are disclosed. First and second pallets may be arranged for reciprocal movement between a load/unload station and the weld station and the pallets are alternately moved from a load/unload station to the weld station while the other pallet is moved from the weld station to a load/unload station. Each pallet may have a plurality of substations for receipt of component subassemblies and, while each pallet is at the load/unload station, the component subassembly at each substation is moved to the next successive substation and a further component is added to the moved component.

Abstract: A combination component handling and connecting device connectable to a multi-axis robot for use in moving and connecting components and subassemblies includes a housing and an actuator fixedly connected to the housing. The actuator includes an actuating link movable from a first position to a second position. Connected to the actuating link is an end effector for concurrent movement with the actuating link. The component handling and connecting device includes a clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw. The second jaw is connected to the actuating link for selectively moving the second jaw toward the first jaw operative to engage a component.