Abstract: An assembly station for interconnecting a chassis and a body of a vehicle comprises a first carrier to support the chassis. A second carrier is suspended in a positive z-direction with respect to the first carrier and includes a plurality of spaced apart rests adapted to support the body prior to interconnecting the chassis and the body. A plurality of supports are coupled to the second carrier and spaced apart from the body when the body is supported on the rests. A portion of each of the supports is pivotable from a first position in a path of travel of the chassis to a second position outside of the path of travel of the chassis. The first carrier is moveable relative to the second carrier. The supports are adapted to engage the chassis and simultaneously support both the chassis and the body when the supports are in the first position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laboratory product transport element for a laboratory transport system with an energy receiver and/or energy accumulator to provide drive power, at least one signal receiver to receive control signals, a control unit to generate drive signals as a function of at least one control signal obtained from the at least one signal receiver, movement devices for independent movement of the laboratory product transport element on a transfer path as a function of the drive signals of the control unit, in which the drive devices are driven by the drive power and at least one holder to hold a laboratory product being transported. The invention also concerns a laboratory transport system with at least one laboratory product transport element according to an embodiment of the invention and a transfer path arrangement. The invention also concerns methods for operation of laboratory transport systems according to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine for processing a product includes a frame, a processing device, an input conveyor belt, an output conveyor belt, two work-stations, two manipulators, and two work-stations. The processing device processes the product. The input conveyor belt transfers the product to the processing device. The output conveyor belt transfers the product after the product being processed. Two work-stations load the product. The two manipulators take the product from the input conveyor belt to the two work-stations, and take the product from the two work-stations to the output conveyor.

Abstract: A transfer system according to an embodiment includes a transfer room, a robot, a trajectory generator, a determination unit, and an output unit. The transfer room has an exclusive area defined by a predetermined distance. The robot has an arm unit that is equipped with a robot hand transferring a thin plate-like workpiece and that operates in horizontal directions. The robot is installed in the transfer room so that a minimum turning area of the arm unit overlaps with a part of the exclusive area. The transfer system generates a trajectory of the robot hand, then determines, based on the generated trajectory, whether a part of the arm unit is included in the exclusive area, and outputs a predetermined signal.

Abstract: A production plant, particularly for suitcases and trunks, such suitcases and trunks comprising at least two half-shells mutually associated so as to form at least one internal containment compartment. The plant comprises: at least one station for loading at least one half-shell; at least one work island which has at least one dispenser of perimetric gasket seals; at least one storage area for the half-shells; at least one center for mating the half-shells, so as to form substantially the finished product, such as a suitcase and a trunk; at least one station for unloading the finished product.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a side panel of a vehicle, the system including upper running rails and lower running rails to provide a movement path of a cart, the cart having a support frame, a transfer roller, and a friction bar provided at a bottom surface of the support frame, wherein the side panel may be mounted on the cart and the cart moves selectively along the upper running rails and the lower running rails, at least a friction drive unit and at least a friction wheel disposed along the upper and lower running rails wherein the at least a friction drive selectively rotates the at least a friction wheel to move the cart by selectively engaging at least one of the friction wheels with the friction bar of the cart, and an external unit supporting an edge portion of the side panel during key welding process.

Abstract: A vehicle body clamping device including a clamping linkage unit adapted for mounting to a conveyor carrier at a location beneath a vehicle body while said vehicle body is carried on a conveyor carrier. A clamping actuation assembly is located below the conveyor carriers and along their path of travel, and includes a pair of actuator units for operating the clamping linkage. Activation of a first actuator unit cause the clamping linkage to place a clamping bar thereof in an unclamped position, such that a vehicle body can be loaded to or removed from the conveyor carrier. Activation of the second actuator unit cause the clamping linkage to place the clamping bar in a clamped position, such that a vehicle body is securely clamped to the conveyor carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line includes a plurality of carriers that support respective vehicle bodies to which vehicle underbody parts, which are parts that are fitted to the vehicle bodies from below the vehicle bodies, are fitted, and convey the vehicle bodies along the vehicle assembly line. The carriers support the vehicle bodies in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of each of the vehicle bodies is perpendicular to the conveyance direction in which the vehicle bodies are conveyed.

Abstract: Manufacture of electronic devices is usually accomplished through automated assembly lines using automated conveyors. These automated conveyors, typically comprising metallic components, cannot convey electronic devices into an RF chamber for testing (e.g., RF) during manufacture without compromising the efficacy of the shielding provided by the RF chamber. Thus, although electronic devices are assembled on automated assembly lines, a device is typically removed from the automated assembly line for testing, transported manually into an RF chamber, powered on, and then tested. After testing, the electronic device is powered down, manually removed from the RF chamber, and returned to the assembly line. Described herein are embodiments of a system and method to automatically transport electronic devices under power through an RF isolated chamber for testing (e.g., RF) as part of an automated assembly line process resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of electronic devices that can be tested.

Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are attached to a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations at which auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. A main car is provided on which the workpiece is mounted and on which the main operator rides. A main operation platform apparatus is also provided that has a main operation platform for carrying out the main operations so as to be movable are used, and then when carrying out at least a portion of the main operations in the main car, the main car and the main operation platform are moved in synchrony. Furthermore, a subsidiary car is provided to travel together with the main car so as to be able to transfer parts and/or jigs.

Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are installed on a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations where auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. At least a portion of operations in which parts and/or jigs are supplied to a main car are carried out via a main delivery apparatus by using a main car on which a workpiece is mounted and on which a main operator rides, and that travels automatically on a predetermined travel route that transits a plurality of stations. The main delivery apparatus has a main serving position and a main receiving position. Parts and/or jigs that have been disposed at the main receiving position are delivered to the main serving position.

Abstract: A method subsequently reinforces injection-molded transporters such as plastic pallets, which have support feet disposed on their underside, at least at the corners, and a groove for inserting a reinforcement profile between two support feet that stand diagonally opposite one another, and the two ends of the groove are formed by pockets shaped to correspond to the profile cross-section, disposed in the region of the support foot assigned to the groove end, in each instance. After completion of the pallet, the distance between the two pockets is increased via elastic deformation of the pallet. Afterwards, the reinforcement profile is laid into the groove, and one end of the profile is laid into one of the pockets. Thereafter, the deformation is canceled out and the pallet returns to the relaxed original state, and in this connection the other end of the reinforcement profile also dips into the corresponding pocket.

Abstract: An assembly-target-object-and-assembly-component carrier pallet carries thereon a target object (semi-finished product) 2 and a plurality of assembly components arranged, as viewed in plane, on a straight line which passes through a predetermined attachment position on the target object where the predetermined assembly component is to be attached. This allows a minimum of moving parts in the attaching device which attaches the assembly components to the assembly target object. Therefore, the structure of an assembling apparatus is simplified and mechanical errors and assembly time are reduced, thereby improving assembling accuracy.

Abstract: A nailing mechanism for a packing plate comprises a middle feeding device, an upper feeding device, a lower feeding device, a first conveying belt, a second conveying belt, a third conveying belt, a first push panel, a second push panel, a plurality of first nail guns, and a plurality of second nail guns, wherein the nailing mechanism are used to automatically assemble a plurality of first, second, and third slabs together to make a finished packing plate, thus lowering production costs and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: An automotive body transfer method and a transfer system is operable to transfer a vehicle body between a transfer mechanism and a stationary assembly station in an automobile production process. In the method and system hereof, one longitudinal half of each of front and rear pairs of left and right jack-up brackets, formed in lower parts of left and right side sills of the body, is supported by the transfer mechanism, and the other longitudinal half of each of the jack-up brackets is supported by the stationary assembly station, thereby enabling the shape and structure of the transfer mechanism and the stationary assembly station to be simplified.

Abstract: A robotic pallet drive arrangement in a robotic roller hemming system including a track and a plurality of pallets movable on the track. The arrangement also includes a robot having an arm adapted for engagement with the pallets. Movement of the robot arm while the robot arm is engaged with one of the pallets moves the pallet along the track.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate movement of a pallet from an assembly table to a pallet stacker comprises a roller frame adapted for movable attachment to the pallet stacker in front of the entrance to the pallet opening such that the roller frame can be moved, in a direction substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the loading direction, from a receiving position nearest to the assembly table, to a remote position farthest from the assembly table. A pallet roller is rotatably attached on top of the roller frame about a substantially horizontal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the loading direction. The pallet roller supports a pallet in a substantially horizontal position such that the supported pallet can be rolled into the pallet opening of the pallet stacker. Conveniently a bias force is provided to return the roller frame to the receiving position when the pallet has been rolled off.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly (16) includes locators (18) driven by horizontal longitudinal X, horizontal sideways Y and vertical Z power operated actuators (50. 58. 72) and having locator pins (82) received by vehicle body positioning holes (84) upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins (82) are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (84 ), the horizontal power operated actuators (50,58) are back driven. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces (80) of locator heads (78) contact the vehicle body (20) and provide lifting thereof upwardly off a system conveyor, and the power operated actuators then move the vehicle body to the proper positioning for further assembly.

Abstract: An automatic driver device (3) for joining components (2) of a driving station (1) is provided including a base support (8) that is provided with several automatic driving tools (4, 5), the driving tools being mounted thereupon so as to be movable in a multiaxial fashion. The movement is via adjusting mechanisms (9, 16, 17, 24, 25). Several of the automatic driving tools (4, 5) are combined into at least one screwdriver group and are jointly mounted so as to be movable on the base support (8) by one of the adjusting mechanisms (9). One or several driving tools (4, 5) can be additionally mounted within the screwdriver group (6, 7) so as to be movable relative to each other by at least one other adjusting mechanism (9, 17, 25).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fibre reinforced metal matrix composite article (10) comprises forming an annular groove (32) in the first metal component (30), forming a second metal component (36) and forming a number of fibre preforms (20). The fibre preforms (20) are placed in an annular channel (80) in a cassette (70). The cassette (70) and the first metal component (30) are arranged such that the annular channel (80) in the cassette (70) is coaxial with and faces the annular groove (32) in the first metal component (30). The fibre preforms (20) are moved from the annular channel (80) in the cassette (70) to the annular groove (32) in the first metal component (30). The second metal component (36) is placed on the first metal component (30) such that the fibre preforms (20) are arranged between the first metal component (30) and the second metal component (36). The second metal component (36) is sealed to the first metal component (30).

Abstract: Vehicle body assembly line apparatus includes a plurality of work pallets (14) having locators (18) with locator members (36) that are adjustable by a grab member (40) on each at a remote location below a vertical rest surface (37) mounted on each locator member. An adjusting station (16) provides either automatic adjustment of the adjustable locators (18) by one or more robots (52) or manual adjustment of the adjustable locators (18). A sensor (58) senses the location of a positioning target (56) on each locator member (36) at a known location from the vertical rest surface (37) and any locator pin (38) mounted thereon and generates a deviation signal when the positioning is not within a design tolerance. A control (60) readjusts the appropriate locator (18) as necessary to the design tolerance range.

Abstract: A sunroof is automatically and precisely positioned to a mounting position by an apparatus including a floating plate movably mounted to a base member. A secondary lift structure is mounted to the floating plate and a centering cylinder unit is disposed between the secondary lift structure and the floating plate such that the centering cylinder unit aligns the floating plate to the sunroof mounting position on the vehicle body.

Abstract: This patent relates to a machine that automatically assembles, inspects, and packages disposable prophylaxis angles. The machine includes a movable table including a plurality of fixtures on which angle components are assembled and the assembled angles are inspected. The movable table is surrounded by a number of stations, each of which performs a different operation of the assembly and inspection procedure. Feeders automatically supply the angle components to their respective stations for assembly. Angles that are incorrectly assembled are automatically rejected. Properly assembled angles are automatically sealed in individual bags. Individually bagged angles are counted into batches by the machine and automatically sealed into cartons.

Abstract: A production line (1) is constituted of a sliding path (10) as a moving path provided along nine working step positions from a first step position (P1) to a ninth step position (P9), nine skids (20) as support-receipt plates slidably mounted on the sliding path (10) every predetermined interval so as to correspond to the step positions (P1) to (P9), and driving mechanisms (30), that is, (31A), (30B) and (30C) as moving and driving mechanisms for moving and driving the skids (20).

Abstract: A palletizer system is described for transferring a object that are conveyed along a conveyor to a rack, the object having a surface, the palletizer system comprising a camera, a robot transfer subsystem and a control module. The camera is configured to generate images of the object as it is being conveyed along the conveyor. The robot transfer subsystem comprises a gripper module mounted on a robot, the robot being configured to move the gripper module, and the gripper module being configured to controllably grip the surface.

Abstract: A composite pallet includes at least two channels and a plurality of stringers. Each channel includes a U-shaped cross-section with an inward facing leg extending from each outer edge of the U-shaped cross-section. Each stringer preferably includes a lengthwise body and at least two retention members. At least two channel retention slots are formed on a bottom of each stringer. Each retention slot is sized to receive an outer width of the channel. Each retention member is attached to a bottom of a stringer in a single channel retention slot. At least one fastener is inserted through the junction of a single stringer and a single channel. A second embodiment of the composite pallet includes at least two channels with outward facing legs and a plurality of stringers with projections that are sized to receive the at least two channels.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for transferring boards, and a component mounting apparatus whereby a production efficiency can be improved in accordance with types of boards to be produced. For accomplishing this object, there are arranged a shift device capable of moving a mounted board from a process-finished board transfer path to an unprocessed board transfer path, a controller for controlling this moving, and an identifying device. This arrangement enables switching of a method of transferring boards in accordance with types of boards to be produced, and controlling supply of boards to the component mounting apparatus, so that production efficiency is improved in accordance with types of boards.

Abstract: A chip mounting system includes a substrate supply apparatus and a chip supply apparatus. The substrate supply apparatus includes a transport conveyor formed to be moved for a length corresponding to the size of a discrete substrate and a stage with a disposition surface corresponding to the size of the discrete substrate. In the chip supply apparatus, the lowermost chip tray of a plurality of stacked chip trays is sequentially transported to a chip supply stage, and a tray stage is disposed near the chip supply stage. In addition, the chip supply apparatus includes a box for surrounding an area in which the substrate and the chip are transported as a substantially closed space and a clean fan for flowing clean air into the closed space.

Abstract: A pallet board removal assembly for providing mechanical assistance to remove any board of a pallet for replacement includes a frame having rollers forming a bed. A pair of jaws are pivoted with staggered distal ends to clamp and subsequently remove a selected board from a pallet. The invention further includes a board cushioning assembly to control movement of the removed board and an optional nail press assembly to drive nail stubble into the stringers of the pallet.

Abstract: There is a module conveyance mechanism 1 projected, which comprises: lift means for transfer 6, in which the module constructed in a subline SL is made to move through a lower part than a floor side FL of a mainline ML; a slide mechanism 5, wherein the module is made to move through a lower part than the floor side of a mainline ML parallel to the floor thereof; the lift means for assembly 4, in which the module transferred from the slide mechanism 5 is made to rise to the assembly zone of the body F.

Abstract: An authenticating pattern is disposed on a cover and an authenticating device is disposed in a robot apparatus for authenticating the cover on the basis of the authenticating pattern of the fitted cover. An information holding device for holding inherent information is disposed in the cover and a reading device for reading out the inherent information from the information holding device is disposed in the robot apparatus. A function of detecting an amount of influence due to the cover and changing manifesting patterns of motions as occasion demands on the basis of the detection result is disposed in the robot apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to simplify the construction of an assembling apparatus and shorten a tact time thereof for inserting a plurality of fuse into a box. In a fuse box assembling apparatus 1, fuses are fed one by one through outlets 2a of parts feeding units 2 provided for the respective kinds of fuses, and are inserted into a movable magazine 30. The movable magazine 30 is displaced to the respective outlets 2a by a displacing unit 5, thereby collecting necessary fuses in a specified order. The fuses are transferred from the movable magazine 30 to a fixed magazine 40 at once by a transferring mechanism 6 of the mounting unit 4, and are inserted one by one into a box by an inserting mechanism 7. Simultaneously with a fuse inserting operation, fuses to be inserted next are collected in the movable magazine 30.

Abstract: A holding connector system is provided for connecting a microdevice feeder to an assembly line table having a plurality of latch stop pins and a plurality of alignment slots. A connector body having a guide rail, which is pivotally mounted to the first structure, engages one of the plurality of alignment slots for connecting the microdevice feeder and the assembly line table. A holding mechanism having a latch, which is pivotally mounted to the microdevice feeder engages one of the plurality of latch stop pins for holding the microdevice feeder to the assembly line table. The holding connector system allows for simple, easy installation and removal of the microdevice feeder without the possibility of front to back tipping.

Abstract: A pallet system 10 for use in a manufacturing process. The pallet system includes several pallets 14 which are adapted to receive and support a portion of a product, such as a vehicle underbody 12. The system 10 uses simplified pallets 14 having externally actuated clamping assemblies 62, 64, 66, and 68. A docking station 16 receives the pallets 14 and includes a pair of robots 24, 26 which detect the proper positioning of the underbody 12 upon the pallet 14 and externally activate the clamping assemblies 62, 64, 66, and 68 thereby securing the underbody 12 to the pallet 14. A controller 82 is communicatively connected to the robots 24, 26 and activates a conveyor assembly 20 which transports the pallet 14 to manufacturing stations 21 once the underbody 12 is properly secured to the pallet 14.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line for automatically and continuously assembling vehicle components to a vehicle assembly. The vehicle assembly line can include multiple stations such as a component assembly station, module assembly station, fluid filling station, door assembly station, wheel alignment station, and brake test station.

Abstract: A production system includes a shuttle (2) for moving a work (W) on a predetermined track (1), a storeroom (3) for storing components of a plurality of types to be assembled to the work, and a plurality of assembly stations (4) arranged along the track between the track and the storeroom (3), each assembly station (4) including an assembler (41) for selecting and attaching one of tools of a plurality of types corresponding to the types of components and assembling the components to the work (W) using the applied tool, and a conveyor unit (42) arranged between the assembler (41) and the storeroom (3) to convey the components stored in the storeroom (3) to the assembler (41).

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling multiple automotive body styles on a single assembly line. The apparatus includes a workstation with multiple geometry fixtures, at least one geometry fixture for each automotive body style to be processed at the work station. One geometry fixture is at a ready position of the work station to support an automotive component during a processing operation. The geometry fixtures can be exchanged at the ready position so that a production rate of the assembly line can be maintained. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring an automotive component from an overhead transport system to the geometry fixture at the ready position.

Abstract: A circular wire with a circular cross section is wound on a coil reel. When a winding-form motor rotates a winding form, the circular wire is pulled and drawn from the coil reel. Rectangular forming rollers press the circular wire, so that a rectangular wire with a rectangular cross section is formed. The rectangular wire is directly wound on the winding form to be formed into a rectangular-wire coil. Because forming rectangular wire and winding on the winding form are carried out in a sequence of contiguous processes, a separate process for removing torsion set of the rectangular wire is unnecessary. The rectangular-wire coil can be formed from inexpensive circular material wire by a simple and low-cost apparatus. It is also possible and preferable to make dimensions and a shape of the rectangular wire variable by controlling clearance widths between the forming rollers and tension acting on the rectangular wire that has passed through the rollers.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automating the assembly of a fiber optic module. The fiber optic module typically includes a housing, a clip, and a ferrule that is attached to the end of a fiber optic cable. The housing, clip, ferrule and fiber optic cable are supported by a pallet assembly. The pallet assembly can be loaded into a docking station of a laser weld machine that welds the ferrule to the clip. The pallet assembly includes a cartridge that is attached to a pallet and supports the housing. The pallet is constructed to receive different cartridges. Each cartridge has support features that correspond to a specific type of module housing. A different type of module housing may be loaded onto the pallet assembly by merely replacing the cartridge. The same pallet can therefore be used for the assembly of different fiber modules.

Abstract: A methodology of sleeving at least one lead of a stator is provided. The methodology includes the steps of robotically selecting at least one of the stator leads, and robotically positioning an insulating sleeve over the stator lead.

Abstract: An Assembly/processing apparatus includes part tray, work tray where work pieces are placed, conveyor, base machine, part-tray lane, work-tray lane, part-tray transfer apparatus and work-tray transfer apparatus. Conveyor conveys part trays and work trays together, base machine includes assembling means for assembling parts to a work piece, and part tray lane and work tray lane are provided on base machine. Conveyor conveys part trays and work trays to base machine, and respectively places them on each of part tray lane and work tray lane. Then, assembling means takes parts from part tray, and assembles them to the work piece on work tray.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus for assembling a magnetic tape cartridge, a plurality of assembling stations, each of which includes an assembling robot 130 for assembling the respective parts of a magnetic tape cartridge 1, respectively comprise pallet delivery mechanism 135 capable of delivering sequentially a pallet 200 on which an upper cases 2a can be placed.

Abstract: A method for merging the disc pack, E-block and magnet of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a merge assembly station and moved to a merge slide assembly where calibration measurements of disc pack height and squareness are made at a reference position. The merge slide assembly moves the disc pack from the reference position to a shuttled position, the E-block is moved to an E-block nest assembly where the load arms of the E-block are spread in response to the calibration measurements, and the discs of the disc pack are interweaved between opposing read/write heads of the E-block. A magnet slide assembly positions the magnet to straddle the E-block. The disc pack, E-block and magnet are moved together, maintaining the merged interrelationship, to the basedeck and fastened to the basedeck.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus that may easily conform to increase in production volume and change in specifications of parts, and exhibits high production efficiency is provided. The assembly apparatus 1 includes a part-supplying station 2 in which an operator 8 supplies parts to a conveyor pallet 5, a part-assembling station 3 in which assembly robots R1, R2 assemble the parts in the conveyor pallet 5, and a conveyor means 4 that conveys the conveyor pallet 5 from the part-supplying station 2 to the part-assembling station 3. After the assembly robots R1 have finished assembling the parts on one conveyor pallet 5 in a work area A1, the conveyor means 4 conveys the one conveyor pallet 5 from the work area A1, and concurrently conveys the next conveyor pallet 5 following the one conveyor pallet 5 in the work area A1.

Abstract: An upstream side first conveyor 5 and a downstream side second conveyor 6 are disposed in a mounting area A capable of mounting electronic components P by a transfer head 23. When mounting electronic components P on a large substrate 30A, the large substrate 30A is positioned on the first conveyor 5 and second conveyor 6 which are used as the mounting stage, and the electronic components P are mounted by the transfer head 23. When mounting electronic components on small substrates, the second conveyor 6 is used as the mounting stage, and the small substrate is positioned, and electronic components P are mounted by the transfer head 23, while the first conveyor 5 is used as a waiting stage, and next small substrate is waiting thereon, so that efficient mounting depending on the size of substrates may be realized.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing a stator is provided. The system comprises: a pallet, which includes, a base portion, a first ring rotatably disposed within the base portion for supporting the stator, a second ring rotatably disposed in the base portion, the second ring including a plurality of clips for releasably securing a plurality of leads extending from the stator; a conveyor system for supporting the pallet and moving the pallet between a plurality of stations; and a means for sleeving at least one of the plurality of leads of the stator at one of the plurality of stations.

Abstract: A method for framing a car body from a plurality of separate body components includes the steps of attaching a bottom plate of the car body to a bottom plate support unit, then bringing at least a part of the separate body components into engagement with the bottom plate by a robot or similar apparatus. The body components are preassembled relative to the bottom plate and/or relative to each other so that a preassembled car body has an external shape of the car body. A support unit is formed from a plurality of separate support elements for supporting the preassembled car body such that at least a part of the support elements is brought into engagement with the bottom plate support unit and/or another support element by a robot or similar apparatus. The support elements are clamped to each other in order to form a support means net.

Abstract: In a production method and system, a set of camera frame assemblies are partially assembled and a film unit is loaded. Each camera frame assembly is disposed on a pallet. Each pallet has a unique machine-readable designator. Defects are found in one or more members of the set of camera frame assemblies and a record is made of the respective designators of the pallets bearing the camera frame assemblies having defects. Assembly of the camera frame assemblies is then concluded. Afterward, camera frame assemblies on pallets having designators in the record of defects are culled. The assembly has the pallets, a transporter, a plurality of assembly devices, a series of defect inspectors, and an alteration unit that prepares for culling film rolls of camera frame assemblies having defects. The alteration unit transmits camera frame assemblies that are free of the defects without the preparing.

Abstract: An operator position adjustable production line assembly includes a main unit having a product path and an interior including a product cavity. An operable top is attached to the main unit with a plurality of support posts enabling equal or near equal access to the interior and product cavity from either side and the ends of the main unit. Optional side covers are selectively movable to increase product cavity and interior height of the main unit. A pair of control stations are provided, one on each side of the main unit, to enable operation from either side or both sides. An optional view screen is rotatably attached to the main unit to permit viewing from either of the control stations.