Abstract: An automotive body framing system includes a setter supported by parallel spaced tracks for movement from a work position to a standby position and to a gate change position and driven by corresponding racks and synchronized pinion drive units. Opposing gate storage belt shuttles are located at the gate change position for receiving the setter therebetween, and a gate staging cart is supported in back of the setter by parallel tracks and is also moved between opposing gate storage belt shuttles by synchronized rack and pinion drive units. Power operated registration units are positioned on the setter to register each gate received at precise horizontal and vertical positions, and the setter, staging cart and gate storage belt shuttles each have a series of resilient guide and support rollers to provide for quiet operation during rapid transfer of the gates on the setter, staging cart and belt shuttles.

Abstract: A large rectangular rotary table includes a fabricated tubular metal frame having top plates for supporting fixtures and large motor vehicle parts. A center portion of the table frame is supported by an annular turret bearing mounted on a base plate spaced above a floor plate by adjustable leveling screws. A drive unit is also supported by the base plate within the bearing and the center portion of the table frame and includes a planocentric gear reducer driven by an electric servo motor projecting above the table. A laterally projecting torque arm is mounted on the output of the gear reducer and is connected to the table frame by a sliding drive pin assembly which prevents radial loads on the gear reducer when the table is indexed. A fluid actuated table locating pin alternately engages a locating seat on each end of the table after the table is indexed.

Abstract: Horizontal guide rails are mounted on a base and receive linear bearings mounted on the bottom of a tower which carries vertical guide rails receiving linear bearings mounted on a vertical carriage plate. Linear bearings are mounted on the carriage plate and support a horizontal guide rail secured to a horizontal lift arm having an outer end portion supporting a precision locating pin device for a part. Separate gear belts extend around corresponding adjustable idler gears and drive gears and are clamped to the corresponding tower, carriage plate and lift arm. The drive gears are driven by corresponding drive units each including a reversible servo-controlled electric motor, a planetary gear reducer, an absolute resolver unit and an electrically actuated spring set brake. A plurality of the above apparatus are located on opposite sides of a linear part conveyor with the lift arms projecting inwardly in generally opposing relation.