Abstract: A production line manufacturing system and method for building automotive vehicle bodies wherein a succession of workpieces is moved past stationary work stations includes programmable multi-position rotate unit that can be used in each of the work stations to accommodate both changes in workpieces to be processed and tools. The rotate unit comprises a four-position horizontally arranged fixture rotate table including four vertically arranged fixtures removably mounted thereon. A precision locator key on each of the fixtures positions each individual fixture on the rotate table and also serves as a positive fixture stop in the work position. A control for detecting the presence of a vehicle frame to be worked on controls the operation of the carrier and motor drive and cooperates to accurately position a desired fixture adjacent to the work position.

Abstract: A permanently installed manufacturing system, to join together loose part sub-assemblies with quick change workstations and exchange tool transporters. The flexible manufacturing process involves the automatic, or manual, joining of loose components, regardless of the assembly technology used, the model mix required, or the type of product to be assembled. The system allows the utilization of interchangeable flex-tools, supported on various types of power and free transporters, that can be programmably controlled and automatically changes over. The system will accommodate batch runs, random runs, prototype runs, as well as synchronous and asynchronous operations.

Abstract: A production line manufacturing system and method for building automotive vehicle bodies wherein a succession of workpieces is moved past stationary work stations includes programmable multi-position rotate unit that can be used in each of the work stations to accommodate both changes in workpieces to be processed and tools. The rotate unit comprises a four-position horizontally arranged fixture rotate table including four vertically arranged fixtures removably mounted thereon. A precision locator key on each of the fixtures positions each individual fixture on the rotate table and also serves as a positive fixture stop in the work position. A control for detecting the presence of a vehicle frame to be worked on controls the operation of the carrier and motor drive and cooperates to accurately position a desired fixture adjacent to the work position.

Abstract: A permanently installed manufacturing system, to join together loose part sub-assemblies with quick change workstations and exchange tool transporters. The flexible manufacturing process involves the automatic, or manual, joining of loose components, regardless of the assembly technology used, the model mix required, or the type of product to be assembled. The system allows the utilization of interchangeable flex-tools, supported on various types of power and free transporters, that can be programmably controlled and automatically changes over. The system will accommodate batch runs, random runs, prototype runs, as well as synchronous and asynchronous operations.