Abstract: A system for handling vehicle frames. The system includes a conveyor assembly including a loading end and an unloading end, and the conveyor assembly carries a plurality of vehicle frames thereon. The system also includes a frame transfer assembly disposed at the unloading end of the conveyor assembly. The frame transfer assembly may be adapted to grasp a vehicle frame from the conveyor assembly and transfer the vehicle frame from the conveyor assembly. A vehicle frame inversion system is also provided that includes a first robotic inversion device that may include a first clamping system, and a second robotic inversion device that may include a second clamping system. The first and second clamping systems are adapted to grasp a vehicle frame, and the first and second robotic inversion devices are adapted to lift and invert the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A system for handling vehicle frames. The system includes a conveyor assembly including a loading end and an unloading end, and the conveyor assembly carries a plurality of vehicle frames thereon. The system also includes a frame transfer assembly disposed at the unloading end of the conveyor assembly. The frame transfer assembly may be adapted to grasp a vehicle frame from the conveyor assembly and transfer the vehicle frame from the conveyor assembly. A vehicle frame inversion system is also provided that includes a first robotic inversion device that may include a first clamping system, and a second robotic inversion device that may include a second clamping system. The first and second clamping systems are adapted to grasp a vehicle frame, and the first and second robotic inversion devices are adapted to lift and invert the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the assembly in abutting relationship of at least two stamped mating sheet metal parts is provided. The method includes the steps of providing bench mark indicia on each of the mating parts at a predetermined location near to the juncture of abutment of the mating parts and then subsequently, after assembly of the mating parts, comparing the relationship of the bench mark indicia of one mating part to the bench mark indicia of another mating part with a predetermined optional relationship.

Abstract: First and second stamping press lines have multiple stamping stations to serially stamp first and second parts into finished form and with bench marks reflective of the different stamping stations that also interrelate with one another to show if the stations are stamping to specifications. The marks on a part finished by the first line ideally match with the marks on a part finished by the second stamping line providing a visual indicator of quality so that the two separate parts can be permanently secured together with assurance of a quality assembly. Bench marks on separate parts that do not align or conform with one another identify stamping lines and stamping stations requiring adjustment or repair.