Abstract: An assembly line control system, and more particularly, an automotive assembly line storage and lot controlled system is disclosed. A communications network is overlaid onto a manufacturing assembly line. The assembly line includes a number of readers and processing stations to determine and confirm the identity of vehicles passing proximate to the readers and processing stations, and the vehicles' build instructions, status, position, condition, defect and repair history, etc. This information is stored in a computer database. Based on the information stored about the vehicles, the status of inventories, production schedules and the like, a routing of the vehicles through the manufacturing process is determined and implemented.

Abstract: A method and system for the manufacture of an assembly, such as an automobile body-in-white or sub-assembly, that comprises a plurality of components is disclosed. Selected from the plurality of components are components which can form an initial rigid structure. These selected components are then positioned relative to each other with reference to at least one reference point on at least one of the selected components. These selected components are then affixed to one another, by, for example, spot welds to form the initial structure. The non-selected components are then positioned relative to the same reference point and attached to either the initial structure or a component that was affixed in an earlier process. An assembly, such as an automobile body-in-white, will have reduced manufacturing tolerances when compared to the body-in-white manufactured in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An assembly line control system, and more particularly, an automotive assembly line storage and lot controlled system is disclosed. A communications network is overlaid onto a manufacturing assembly line. The assembly line includes a number of readers and processing stations to determine and confirm the identity of vehicles passing proximate to the readers and processing stations, and the vehicles' build instructions, status, position, condition, defect and repair history, etc. This information is stored in a computer database. Based on the information stored about the vehicles, the status of inventories, production schedules and the like, a routing of the vehicles through the manufacturing process is determined and implemented.

Abstract: An assembly line control system, and more particularly, an automotive assembly line storage and lot controlled system is disclosed. A communications network is overlaid onto a manufacturing assembly line. The assembly line includes a number of readers and processing stations to determine and confirm the identity of vehicles passing proximate to the readers and processing stations, and the vehicles' build instructions, status, position, condition, defect and repair history, etc. This information is stored in a computer database. Based on the information stored about the vehicles, the status of inventories, production schedules and the like, a routing of the vehicles through the manufacturing process is determined and implemented.

Abstract: A method and system for the manufacture of an assembly, such an automobile body-in-white or sub-assembly, that comprises a plurality of components is disclosed. Selected from the plurality of components are components which can form an initial rigid structure. These selected components are then positioned relative to each other with reference to at least one reference point on at least one of the selected components. These selected components are then affixed to one another, by, for example, spot welds to form the initial structure. The non-selected components are then positioned relative to the same reference point and attached to either the initial structure or a component that was affixed in an earlier process. An assembly, such as an automobile body-in-white, will have reduced manufacturing tolerances when compared to the body-in-white manufactured in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An automobile manufacturing line is provided which comprises a first assembly line, a second assembly line positioned parallel to the first assembly line on one side thereof, and a third assembly line positioned parallel to the first assembly line on the other side thereof. A first conveyor is located between the first and second assembly lines for carrying workpieces from the end of the first assembly line to the beginning of the second assembly line, and a second conveyor is located between the second assembly line and the third assembly line for carrying workpieces from the end of the second assembly line to the beginning of the third assembly line. The first assembly line, the first conveyor, the second assembly line, the second conveyor, and the third assembly line are arranged in a substantially spiral configuration. The first and second conveyors are overhead conveyors such that parts and workpieces can be transported to the assembly lines by passing underneath the conveyors.