Patents by Inventor Xihua Zhao

Xihua Zhao has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Hybrid laser and resistance welding system and method
    Patent number: 7718917
    Abstract: An improved fusion welding system having a heating unit and welding device is adapted for increasing the efficiency of welding a plurality of workpieces. The system preferably presents a single-sided process, and includes first and second electrode wheels operable to heat a portion of the workpieces to a minimum temperature, and a translatable laser cooperatively configured to form a continuous weld within the heated portion. The preferred system provides the advantages of laser welding, such as precision, while enabling weld production at lower laser power outputs or faster welding speeds than conventional laser welding systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Jilin University
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Xihua Zhao, He Zhao
  • Hybrid laser and resistance welding system and method
    Publication number: 20070007254
    Abstract: An improved fusion welding system having a heating unit and welding device is adapted for increasing the efficiency of welding a plurality of workpieces. The system preferably presents a single-sided process, and includes first and second electrode wheels operable to heat a portion of the workpieces to a minimum temperature, and a translatable laser cooperatively configured to form a continuous weld within the heated portion. The preferred system provides the advantages of laser welding, such as precision, while enabling weld production at lower laser power outputs or faster welding speeds than conventional laser welding systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Xihua Zhao, He Zhao
  • Weld nugget inoculation
    Patent number: 7150799
    Abstract: A weld nugget between aluminum alloy parts is inoculated with a material in order to refine the grain structure of the weld and thereby improve its mechanical strength. The inoculate may be a Ti or Na based compound in the form of a paste, powder or film, which is applied to the sheets before welding. The inoculation promotes nucleation of desirable equiaxed grain within the molten weld nugget as the weld cools and solidifies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignees: General Motors Corporation, Jilin University
    Inventors: Xihua Zhao, Lei Zhao, Pei-Chung Wang
  • Weld nugget inoculation
    Publication number: 20050103406
    Abstract: A weld nugget between aluminum alloy parts is inoculated with a material in order to refine the grain structure of the weld and thereby improve its mechanical strength. The inoculate may be a Ti or Na based compound in the form of a paste, powder or film, which is applied to the sheets before welding. The inoculation promotes nucleation of desirable equiaxed grain within the molten weld nugget as the weld cools and solidifies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Xihua Zhao, Lei Zhao, Pei-Chung Wang