Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided having a body being assembled by a joining process line from a plurality of workpieces joined into a plurality of subassemblies according to the steps of providing templates arranged in a predetermined alignment to form a process line, with each template being generated from a defined set of standardized task stations which are operative to perform a joining process on a workpiece of the subassemblies, fixturing workpieces in a workpiece presenter provided in the task stations, at least one workpiece presenter including a tooling plate removably connected and precision located on a platform of a workpiece presenter, and sequentially joining the workpieces together to form the body.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided having a body being assembled by a joining process line from a plurality of workpieces joined into a plurality of subassemblies according to the steps of providing templates arranged in a predetermined alignment to form a process line, with each template being generated from a defined set of standardized task stations which are operative to perform a joining process on a workpiece of the subassemblies, fixturing workpieces in a workpiece presenter provided in the task stations, at least one workpiece presenter including a tooling plate removably connected and precision located on a platform of a workpiece presenter, and sequentially joining the workpieces together to form the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packer (32) responsive to a first hydraulic pressure for setting the packer (32) within a casing (16), and responsive to a second higher pressure for releasing the packer (32) from the casing (16). The first pressure moves an inner piston (94) which shears a screw (96) to thereby apply a compressive force to elastomeric bands (66, 68). The elastomeric bands (66, 68) bow outwardly and seal the packer (32) to the casing (16). A toothed ratchet ring (135) engages with respective teeth (114,122) of the inner piston (94) and an outer cylinder piston (90) to permit one-way movement of the inner piston (94). The packer (32) is thereby set and the hydraulic pressure can be reduced. The packer (32) is released from its sealing engagement with the casing (16) by applying a second greater hydraulic pressure which shears a screw (92), thereby allowing the outer cylindrical piston (90) to move downwardly.

Abstract: The application discloses a compensating mechanism for vehicles having two or more wheels with one of those driven wheels being pivotally mounted at the rear end of a swingarm. The compensating mechanism is comprised of a eccentric cam arrangement for the forward end of the swingarm to pivot on and a rocker arm with connecting members to interconnect the swingarm and the eccentric cam. A method of controlling the rotation of the eccentric cam with respect to the swingarm is also disclosed to allow the rear driven wheel to remain a fixed distance away from the engine driver sprocket as the swingarm moves with respect to the driver sprocket.