The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 16, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 11, 1998
Kenneth R. Sloan, Troy, MI (US);
Leonard A. Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, MI (US);
Edward L. Jarvis, Howell, MI (US);
Johnny D. Lucaora, Clinton Township, MI (US);
Progressive Tool & Industries Company, Southfield, MI (US);
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. The locating members include at least two vertically spaced locators on each pillar for defining a vertical position and a horizontal position along an axis normal to the fixed path, and a moveable locator for locating the gate in a predetermined position along an axis parallel with respect to the fixed path of travel of the body, when the moveable locator is in a first position, and for allowing movement of the gate with respect to the pillars, when the moveable locator is in a second position.