Abstract: A tooling fixture positioning system for securing automotive body part components to create an automotive body. The tooling fixture positioning system comprises a plurality of pivot joint assemblies and link arms coupled together to facilitate supporting tooling fixtures in desired positions and orientations. Each pivot joint assembly includes a brake that selectively engages and disengages the pivot joint assembly for rotation about a respective axis.

Abstract: A tooling fixture positioning system for securing automotive body part components to create an automotive body. The tooling fixture positioning system comprises a plurality of pivot joint assemblies and link arms coupled together to facilitate supporting tooling fixtures in desired positions and orientations. Each pivot joint assembly includes a brake that selectively engages and disengages the pivot joint assembly for rotation about a respective axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for randomly interchanging up to four pairs of side framing gates at a framing station of a vehicle assembly line while maintaining a predetermined build cycle time interval of the assembly line. The system employs first and second carousels positioned on opposite sides of the assembly line upstream of the framing station and third and fourth carousels positioned on opposite sides of the production line downstream of the framing station.

Abstract: A method for randomly interchanging up to four pairs of side framing gates at a framing station of a vehicle for randomly interchanging up to four pairs of side framing gates at a framing station of a vehicle assembly line while maintaining a predetermined build cycle time interval of the assembly line. The method includes positioning first and second carousels on opposite sides of the assembly line upstream of the framing station and third and fourth carousels on opposite sides of the production line downstream of the framing station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for randomly interchanging up to four pairs of side framing gates at a framing station of a vehicle assembly line while maintaining a predetermined build cycle time interval of the assembly line. The system employs first and second carousels positioned on opposite sides of the assembly line upstream of the framing station and third and fourth carousels positioned on opposite sides of the production line downstream of the framing station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for randomly interchanging up to four pairs of side framing gates at a framing station of a vehicle assembly line while maintaining a predetermined build cycle time interval of the assembly line. The system employs first and second carousels positioned on opposite sides of the assembly line upstream of the framing station and third and fourth carousels positioned on opposite sides of the production line downstream of the framing station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for randomly interchanging up to four pairs of side framing gates at a framing station of a vehicle assembly line while maintaining a predetermined build cycle time interval of the assembly line. The system employs first and second carousels positioned on opposite sides of the assembly line upstream of the framing station and third and fourth carousels positioned on opposite sides of the production line downstream of the framing station.

Abstract: A vehicle body welding system includes a work station for welding components of a preassembled body with respect to one another. The body is moveable along a fixed path of travel through the work station. At least two moveable pillars are located on each side of the fixed path of travel through the work station for synchronized reciprocation between first and second end limits of travel toward and away from the fixed path of travel of the body. At least one gate is connectible in a repeatable located position with respect to the moveable pillars on each side of the fixed path for synchronized reciprocation between first and second positions toward and away from the fixed path of travel of the body. Locating members are engageable between each pillar and the corresponding gate for locating the gate with respect to the moveable pillar in at least two dimensions.