Importance

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Abstract

An automotive body component positioning method and apparatus including a framing station that receives and supports the two gates of a framing gate pair in respective framing positions against opposite sides of a vehicle body disposed between them. At least two framing gate pairs are movable between the framing station and respective gate pair storage stations. Each framing gate pair includes a plurality of locating fixtures that hold sub-elements of a vehicle body in their respective proper positions relative to one another when the gates are held in their respective framing positions. Each framing gate pair accommodates a specific corresponding vehicle body configuration. A turntable is rotatably supported adjacent the framing station with the gate storage stations spaced circumferentially around and adjacent the turntable. The turntable is rotated into respective positions to receive a framing gate pair from any one of the stations and is then rotated into respective positions to allow the framing gate pair to be offloaded to any other of the stations.

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First Claim