Automotive body shop flexible framing gate changing system

An automotive body framing system adapted for use on each side of a framing line where body components are transferred to be welded together at a framing station, said system comprising

• a setter supported for linear movement generally perpendicular to the framing line and supporting a framing gate in a work position,
• a power operated drive mechanism connected to move said setter from said work position to a gate changing and storing position,
• a set of gate storage belt shuttles positioned in opposing relation on opposite sides of said setter at said gate changing and storing position and having releasable connections to opposite end portions of said framing gate,
• a belt drive unit for operating each of said gate storage and belt shuttles to move said framing gate between a retracted storage position and said work position on said setter,
• a gate staging cart supported for linear movement in back of said setter and in a direction parallel with said movement of said setter, and
• a power operated drive mechanism connected to move said staging cart between a retracted position and a gate transfer position between said opposing gate storage belt shuttles.

An automotive body framing system adapted for use on each side of a framing line where body components are transferred to be welded together at a framing station, said system comprising

• a setter supported for linear movement by parallel spaced tracks generally perpendicular to the framing line and supporting a framing gate in a work position,
• a set of parallel spaced racks and corresponding motor driven pinions engaging said racks and connected to move said setter from said work position to a gate changing and storing position,
• a set of gate storage belt shuttles positioned in opposing relation on opposite sides of said setter at said gate changing and storing position and having releasable connections to opposite end portions of said framing gate, and
• a belt drive unit for operating each of said belt shuttles to move said framing gate between a retracted storage position and said work position on said setter.