In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a process for forming a reinforced rocker panel assembly, and which includes positioning a reinforcement patch having first and second patch sections in surface-to-surface contact with a blank panel sheet, and welding the first patch section to the blank panel sheet. The process further includes bending both the blank panel sheet and the reinforcement patch along a bend line interposed between the first and second patch sections to form the blank panel sheet into a rocker panel portion having an elongated base section and a longitudinal flange, where the first and second patch sections are in at least partial abutting contact with the base section and the flange. The process also includes welding the second patch section to the flange.

Provided are a low-temperature heat-curable adhesive composition for structures which is able to cure at a low temperature in a short time, is reduced in groove defects after open-state standing, and is excellent in rust-preventive property, corrosion resistance, shower resistance, and workability; and a method for producing an automotive structure using the adhesive composition. The low-temperature heat-curable adhesive composition for structures includes (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a micro-encapsulated curing agent, (C) a hygroscopic agent, (D) a viscosity modifier, and (E) a stabilizer. The hygroscopic agent (C) is calcium oxide, which suitably includes both a surface-treated grade and a non-surface-treated grade.

Provided are a low-temperature heat-curable adhesive composition for structures which is able to cure at a low temperature in a short time, is reduced in groove defects after open-state standing, and is excellent in rust-preventive property, corrosion resistance, shower resistance, and workability; and a method for producing an automotive structure using the adhesive composition. The low-temperature heat-curable adhesive composition for structures includes (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a micro-encapsulated curing agent, (C) a hygroscopic agent, (D) a viscosity modifier, and (E) a stabilizer. The hygroscopic agent (C) is calcium oxide, which suitably includes both a surface-treated grade and a non-surface-treated grade.

A method is disclosed for conveying a vehicle component to a vehicle body with a robot device in an assembly station. The assembly station includes a provisioning position in which the vehicle component is provisioned for conveying to the vehicle body. The assembly station further includes a final assembly location at which the vehicle component is final-assembled on the vehicle body. The robot device grips the vehicle component in the provisioning position and conveys the vehicle component to the final assembly location.

An apparatus for supporting a vehicle body during assembly includes a support frame, at least one first vehicle body supporting portion installed on a front portion of the support frame to be movable in a vehicle width direction, at least one first position adjustment unit installed on the front portion of the support frame and configured to manually vary a position of a corresponding first vehicle body supporting portion, at least one second vehicle body supporting portion installed on a rear portion of the support frame to be capable of clamping, and at least one second position adjustment unit installed on the rear portion of the support frame and configured to manually vary a position in a vehicle length direction of a corresponding second vehicle body supporting portion.

Provided is a method for assembling an automobile body including an orientation-maintaining step in which outer side panels (2) and a roof (3) are brought into contact with predetermined parts of an inner skeleton (1) so as to be held in predetermined orientations, and a joining step in which the outer side panels (2) and the roof (3) which have been brought into contact in the orientation-maintaining step are joined to the inner skeleton (1) in a state of enabling to maintain at least an orientation as the automobile body.

A system for recharging a railcar air-brake system for a road-rail vehicle, including a rail-capable material handler, adapted or modified for transporting an at least one railcar that permits an air compression system to provide a near-constant low-volume airflow to recharge the respective air-brake systems without requiring the road-rail vehicle to be driven. The system can generally comprise a hydraulic pump, an air compressor, and at least one railcar air-brake system. The system can be adapted for recharging railcar air-brake systems for a road-rail vehicle adapted for transporting at least two railcars that does not significantly diminish the utility of the road-rail vehicle.

A system for recharging a railcar air-brake system for a road-rail vehicle, including a rail-capable material handler, adapted or modified for transporting an at least one railcar that permits an air compression system to provide a near-constant low-volume airflow to recharge the respective air-brake systems without requiring the road-rail vehicle to be driven. The system can generally comprise a hydraulic pump, an air compressor, and at least one railcar air-brake system. The system can be adapted for recharging railcar air-brake systems for a road-rail vehicle adapted for transporting at least two railcars that does not significantly diminish the utility of the road-rail vehicle.

An embodiment structure for a vehicle includes a front-end module carrier, a front side member, a fender apron assembly disposed on an upper portion of the front side member, and connecting members connecting the front-end module carrier and the fender apron assembly. Another embodiment structure for a vehicle includes a front side member, a front-end module carrier, a fender apron assembly disposed on an upper portion of the front side member, the fender apron assembly including a shock absorber housing coupled to the upper portion of the front side member, and connecting members connecting the front-end module carrier and the fender apron assembly, the connecting members including a lower connecting member extending from the front-end module carrier and connecting the shock absorber housing and the front side member.

A base assembly for a working machine. The base assembly comprising a ground engaging structure, an undercarriage connected to the ground engaging structure, and a connector for connecting the undercarriage to a superstructure that mounts a working arm. A drive arrangement is provided for moving the ground engaging structure to propel, in use, the base assembly and a connected superstructure. The drive arrangement includes a prime mover and a transmission and the drive arrangement is housed within the undercarriage. An electronic control unit (ECU) is provided for controlling the drive arrangement and/or the ground engaging structure.