Alexander L Ray

US Patent:

59437685, Aug 31, 1999

Filed:

Oct 8, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/947296

Inventors:

Alexander Ray - Beverly Hills MI

Assignee:

Valiant Machine & Tool Inc.

International Classification:

B23P 2100

US Classification:

29822

Abstract:

An automotive framing system for positioning a lower body component and at least two upper body components together at precise positions relative to each other prior to fixedly securing the body components together. The framing system includes a conveyor for sequentially moving body preassemblies to a predetermined assembly station. A frame of integral construction is positioned around the body at the assembly station. A lifter at the assembly station lifts the lower body component and upper body components from the conveyor together with the frame to a predetermined elevated position in which the lower body component abuts against the upper body components. With the body preassembly positioned within the assembly station, clamps on the frame engage predetermined location points on the upper and lower body components to hold the upper and lower body components together at preset positions relative to each other whereupon the body components are fixedly secured together. In the preferred embodiment, at least two frames are selectively movable in a direction both parallel and transverse to the conveyor into the assembly station to accommodate different styles of automotive body preassemblies.