Of Cylinders (e.g., Pipes And Tubes) Patents (Class 219/59.1)
  • Patent number: 8019206
    Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body for molten glass by which local-overheating in the electrode for conduction heating is prevented. A hollow tubular body having a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating is characterized in that a ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, at least one lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and the ring electrode comprises a core portion of electrode of platinum or platinum alloy and a thick portion of platinum or platinum alloy or of a metallic material other than platinum or platinum alloy, provided at an outer side of the core portion of electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yasuharu Hirabara, Hajime Itoh
  • Patent number: 8009970
    Abstract: There is provided a method for electrically energizing and heating a platinum or platinum-alloy composite tube structure having a structure including a first main tube, a second main tube, and a branch tube connecting the first main tube and the second main tube, which prevents a local part of the branch tube from being electrically energized and heated in an excessive or insufficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Sei Nagano, Yasuharu Hirabara, Hajime Itoh
  • Publication number: 20110193339
    Abstract: The invention relates to electrofusion fittings. Hitherto, electrical leads (13) to electrofusion fittings have been passed through the gap between adjacent metal pipe length (1) ends, that are subsequently welded. The electrical leads remain in the weld metal as a contaminant that can be harmful to the integrity of the weld, and the objection of the invention is to eliminate the problem. The objection is met by a construction of electrofusion fitting comprising a tubular length of thermoplastic material (3), of an outer diameter commensurate with the inner diameter of the ends of a compatible thermoplastic material lining of adjacent lengths of metal pipe (1), there being at each end of the fitting at least two heater coils on or in close proximity to the outer surface of the fitting, electrical leads from the heater coils extending through the fitting to emerge at the inner surface of the tubular length, for connection to a source of electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: David Michael Anthony Kenworthy
  • Patent number: 7926694
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and method that allows manufacturing of steel poles and honeycomb columns. It consists of placing previously cut strips of steel in vertical position with a set of top and bottom clamping devices to form a steel tapered pole. The strips of steel are welded together, to form a steel pole or honeycomb column, with a slideable welding device mounted on a ascending and descending moving welding platform. The moving welding platform moves to the top position, the top clamping device is liberated and the finished pole or honeycomb column is tilted 90 degrees to the front of the machine by a hydraulic cylinder that tilts the extraction platform. The finished pole or honeycomb column is positioned in the extraction bed and the bottom clamps release the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Enrique Franco
  • Publication number: 20110049105
    Abstract: The invention relates to an orbital carrier (2) for a device for butt-welding pipes (C, C) to form a pipeline, said device comprising at least one welding carriage (1) supporting at least one welding head (6) which has at least one welding torch, said orbital carrier (2) surrounding the pipes (C, C) to be welded and being designed to enable positioning and movement in the plane of the joint between the pipes (C, C) of said welding carriage or carriages (1), and said orbital carrier (2) also being movable translationally along the pipeline as it grows. The invention consists in the fact that said orbital carrier (2) consists of at least two components (20) in the form of segments of a circle able to be connected together to form the orbital carrier (2) around the pipes (C, C) during a welding phase and also to allow said orbital carrier (2) to be opened, at least at the top, to allow it to pass an obstruction on the outside of the pipe (C, C). Application: the welding of pipes (C, C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thierry Dupont, Denis Destouches, Cyril Tigien
  • Patent number: 7883782
    Abstract: A pore-free weld connection and a method for manufacturing such a weld connection between first, second and third components (1, 3, 5, 13, 15, 17), which are connected together by means of a closed weld seam (7, 18), and of which one component (5, 17) has, at a start- and end-point (9, 11, 21, 23) of the weld seam (7, 18), a cavity (6, 19) serving for a root-side degassing of a weld puddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernd Kastner
  • Publication number: 20100224595
    Abstract: A welding apparatus of a stainless steel pipe comprises a welding torch jetting argon gas for shielding oxygen into a gap of the steel pipe rolled in a circular shape, while fusing any one of base metal and a welding material; and a gas supply pipe installed inside the steel pipe, the gas supply pipe having a jetting nozzle which jets argon gas at a rate of 4 to 20 l/min toward the inner surface of a welding bead portion, where welding has been already completed and which is positioned backwardly at a predetermined distance from a welding bead portion where welding is being performed by the welding torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Dong-A Flexible Metal Tubes Co., LTd
    Inventor: Jin Lim Choi
  • Patent number: 7735709
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining pipe sections (102, 104) together to form an underwater pipeline. The pipe sections (102, 104) are in an abutting position and have a generally vertical orientation. The apparatus comprises at least two welding equipment carriers (148, 152) and at least two welding heads (110, 112). Each welding head is connected to an equipment carrier (148, 152) by means of at least one umbilical (130, 132). The apparatus further comprises a welding head guide assembly (113) which is adapted to be fixed to one of said upper of lower pipe sections. The welding head guide assembly (113) guides the welding heads about the pipe sections (102, 104). The apparatus further comprises a guiding device (133) which guides the welding equipment carriers (148, 152) around said welding area (115). The welding equipment carriers (148, 152) are movable independently from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Frits-Jan Koppert, Cornelis van Zandwijk
  • Publication number: 20100126968
    Abstract: There is disclosed a welding frame for welding a first pipe having a first free end to a second pipe having a second free end; the frame comprising a first clamp for reconforming the first pipe adjacent its first free end and a second clamp for reconforming the second pipe adjacent its second free end; and a mounting frame mounting the first and second clamps in substantially coaxial relation. The first clamp and second clamp are actuable to hold the first free end of the first pipe in close coaxial opposition with the second free end of the second pipe for welding. There are also disclosed clamps for a frame for welding pipes, dies for use with the clamps, and methods for welding pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Justin Vaughn Page
  • Publication number: 20100084377
    Abstract: A method for girth welding of metallic pipes consists in beveling one pipe end in order that, when it is aligned with an identically beveled pipe end on another pipe, results in a bevel of a “cruet” design with a rounded bottom part larger than an upper part with parallel walls. The diameter of the welding wire used for the welding method is within 1.2 and 1.4 mm and the wire contains low levels of impurity including sulfur and phosphorus. The welding technique used is a “strip” technique which does not provide employ weaving or oscillation of the welding torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Antonio Belloni, Marco Belloni
  • Publication number: 20100051586
    Abstract: An orbital welding system and methods of operation controllably and safely weld a first metal tubing to a second metal tubing. A weld head includes interlocking clamping jaws for clamping the tubing. An alignment mechanism aligns the second tubing with the first tubing. The interlocking clamping jaws clamp the second tubing following the aligning of the second tubing with the first tubing. An alignment measurement mechanism measures relative alignment between the first tubing and the second tubing. A weld environment mechanism establishes a gaseous environment for orbitally welding the first tubing to the second tubing. The weld environment mechanism includes a weld environment sealing mechanism for sealing the gaseous environment and an electrode for gas arc welding. The weld environment mechanism orbits the first tubing and second tubing during the orbitally welding. Interface circuitry interfaces a power supply with the weld head and controls parameters associated with said weld head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Apparent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Guerrina, Carlos Jobe
  • Publication number: 20100051587
    Abstract: The tip end of a tubular body is oriented towards an inner bottom face of a recess for holding a heating body, then the outer peripheral surface is oriented towards the inner peripheral surface of a heating body, and said tubular body is inserted into the heating body from the open side of the recess in the axial direction. This allows a film to be shaped from the tip end around the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. The film and the heating body are heated in an overlapping state, and the film is welded to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Keita Iwamizu
  • Publication number: 20100012625
    Abstract: A purging system for an arc welder is disclosed wherein the purging system comprises a control system (20), at least one automatic flow control arrangement (MFC) for a purge gas (28, 30), said flow control arrangement (WIFC) being operably associated with said control system (20), said control system (20) controlling operation of said at least one automatic flow control (MFC) to control flow rate of purge gas (28, 30) to a weld site (W) during a welding operation. An apparatus for purge control of a welding system is disclosed wherein the apparatus comprises a control system (20) and a mass flow controller (MFC), said mass flow controller (MFC) comprising an input that receives a purge gas (28, 30) and an output that provides purge gas (28, 30) to a weld site (W) during a welding operation, said control system adjusting flow of purge gas (28, 30) to the weld site (W) during a welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Kevin C. Silk, Alas A. Richard, William Ponikvar, Michael Mussig, David N. Stafford
  • Publication number: 20090302007
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for centring and clamping conduits which are preferably made from alloy steel and which are positioned end to end in order to be welded to form a pipeline. The invention comprises: means for centring and clamping two conduits that are to be welded, optional leak-tight partition means which define an inerting chamber at the mating surface, and inert gas distribution means for creating a protective atmosphere at the mating surface. The inventive device also comprises at least means for regulating the flow of inert gas and/or the supply pressure of said inert gas as a function of the concentration of O2 measured in the protective atmosphere and/or the pressure measured within said atmosphere, such as to maintain the O2 content of the atmosphere below a pre-determined alarm threshold value and/or the pressure of the atmosphere below a pre-determined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Gilles Richard, Eric L'Arvor
  • Publication number: 20090261072
    Abstract: Thus a lifter table de-stacker 1 is provided comprising a lifter table 3 with a stack 10 holding device 4 above the lifter table. The holding unit positions the stack by motorized guiding elements 14 and 15. A de-stacking unit and in particular a suction unit is provided which can be adjusted in its position above the stack 10 by a motor as well. The lifter table de-stacker with the motorized adjustability of the guiding elements and the de-stacker provides for a very fast adaptation to different sheet metal blank sizes. Such a lifter table de-stacker is preferably provided for feeding sheet metal blanks into a rounding apparatus which is feeding rounded blank container bodies into a resistance seam welding machine for container bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Soudronic AG
    Inventors: Daniel Dieterich, Peter Bertschi
  • Publication number: 20090250438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a screen and welding apparatus thereof, putting a metal filter net around the outside of a support sheath and fixing the metal filter net to the outside of the support sheath by way of welding, such that the metal filter net completely covers all filter holes of the support sheath to form a filter sheath with; fixing the filter sheath to the outside of the base pipe and the filter sheath completely covering all penetrated holes on the base pipe; putting a jacket around the outside of the filter sheath and fixing it to the outside of the base pipe such that the jacket completely covers the outside surface of the filter area of the filter sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Chunhong HUANG, Jichu Chen
  • Patent number: 7592572
    Abstract: A cartridge heater, especially a compressed cartridge heater (1) has at least one heating coil (8, 9), which is arranged exposed in a metallic tubular body (2) and is embedded in a granulated insulating material. The ends of heating coil portions (8, 9) are provided with terminals (7) projecting from the tubular body (2). To make it possible to manufacture such a cartridge heater with minimal effort in terms of labor and material, a flat insulating plate (10) coordinated in its width with the internal diameter of the tubular body (2) is provided as the carrier. The heating coils (8, 9) extend along the two flat sides of the insulating plate (10) and the two heating coils (8, 9) are connected to one another by a coil section (12, 12?), which is led around a deflecting edge (27) of the insulating plate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Türk + Hillinger GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Schlipf
  • Patent number: 7554064
    Abstract: An electrical resistance heater element has a metal tube containing an electrical resistance coil that is electrically insulated from the metal tube by magnesium oxide powder, the coil being bonded to a conductor pin that protrudes from an open end of the tube. The powder is sealed against moisture by placing at least the open end of the tube within a chamber and immersing the open end within liquid silicone. A gas is pumped into the chamber to pressurize the silicone sufficiently to cause some of it to encroach into the powder through the open end of the tube. The heater element is installed within a heat exchanger with the silicone remaining uncured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackie G. Fannin, Jack L. McClanahan
  • Publication number: 20090068495
    Abstract: The present embodiments disclose methods and systems for repairing, reconditioning, and/or re-metallizing the weld seam in steel electrical conduit such that the conduit meets UL standards, as well as other applicable industry and government standards Conduit prepared according to the present embodiments is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Thaddeus J. Dembowski, Christopher F. Hinte, Eduardo Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20090042049
    Abstract: A projection weld element can include structure that prevents gases or other contaminants from passing through or around the weld element before, during or after attachment to a workpiece such as a vehicle body part. The projection weld element can include a barrel having a first axial end and a second axial end, a central axial bore being defined through the barrel from the first axial end towards the second axial end, and at least a portion of the central axial bore including an attachment structure, such as internal threads. A radial flange can extend from the second axial end of the barrel, with the flange including a distal axial face on a side of the flange facing away from the first axial end of the barrel and a proximal axial face on a side of the flange facing toward the first axial end of the barrel. The flange can include an annular projection weld ring formed along the proximal axial face of the flange on the same side of the flange as the barrel that extends from the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Edouard Stuart Sandoz, Masahiro Ishikawa, Robert Zummallen, Thomas H. Croyle, James Paul Ryan
  • Patent number: 7476824
    Abstract: Welding apparatus includes a first electrode having an electrode surface adapted to contact an outward end fold of a heat-exchanger tube which is positioned in an orifice of a tubesheet with the fold contacting an outward-facing side of the tubesheet. A second electrode has an electrode surface adapted to contact the outward-facing side of the tubesheet. Another welding apparatus includes a first electrode having an electrode surface adapted to contact an end of a heat exchanger tube positioned in an orifice of a tubesheet. The first electrode is movable to create an outward end fold in the tube and deform the fold against the outward-facing side of the tubesheet. Another welding apparatus includes a second electrode having an electrode surface adapted to contact the outward-facing side of a tubesheet and having cutouts which surround each of a plurality of heat-exchanger tubes and which are adapted to receive a first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Andrzej Marian Pawlak, James M. Payne, Deepak K. Sharma, Kenneth E Johnson
  • Patent number: 7423232
    Abstract: A method for welding/brazing a tube to a member. The tube has an axially-extending first portion and has a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. A filler material is obtained. The tube, the member and the filler material are positioned such that the filler material contacts the tube form and the member. A resistance current path is created through the tube, the filler material and the member which melts at least some of the filler material creating a weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the tube, at least some of the member, and at least some of the filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra, Richard W. Marczewski
  • Patent number: 7399942
    Abstract: A pair of tubes are provided, one of greater diameter than the other so that the tubes can be telescoped together. An annular inward facing projection is formed on the outer tube for contact with the outside surface of the inner tube when the tubes are telescoped together. An annular outer facing projection is formed on the inner tube for contacting with the inside surface of the outer tube when the tubes are telescoped together. An adhesive is placed on one of the tubes for contacting with the other tube when the tubes are telescoped together. After the tubes are telescoped together weld current is conducted through the tubes to weld the annular projections to the respective opposing tube in contact therewith and at least partially cure the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, James F. Hengel, John D. Fickes, John F. Cantalin, Timothy J. Roggenkamp
  • Patent number: 7399264
    Abstract: A process for producing high pressure tubing from austenitic stainless steels. The process entails passing a continuous austenitic stainless steel strip through pre-weld rolls enclosed in a forming housing to produce a continuous tubular shape having opposing edges separated by a longitudinal gap. While the gap is maintained with a seam guide and a liquid-free gas mixture of an inert gas and a gaseous flux is directed at the gap and into an interior of the tubular shape, the tubular shape is caused to pass through a high frequency induction coil to cause heating of the opposing edges of the tubular shape. Pressure is then applied to the tubular shape with weld rolls to force the opposing edges together and form a continuous tubing having a continuous butt weld joint. The weld joint is then quenched with an inert gas without the assistance of a liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Mill Masters, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Panthofer, Michael P. Fisch
  • Patent number: 7386927
    Abstract: A system and method of fabricating tank car outer jackets are provided that include supporting a plurality of coils of sheet metal on a plurality of coil supports such that the central longitudinal axes of the plurality of coils are generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of a mandrel adjacent the plurality of coils. A plurality of sheets of sheet metal are unwound from the plurality of coils by rotating each of the plurality of coils generally about the respective central longitudinal axes of each of the plurality of coils. As the plurality of sheets of sheet metal are wound onto the mandrel, adjacent sheets of the plurality of sheets of sheet metal are welded together using a plurality of automated welding torches proximate the mandrel. The plurality of automated welding torches may be coupled for communication with a programmable logic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry M. Maxwell, James A. Minton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7372007
    Abstract: An electrical heater bundle has heater elements, each including a metal tube, an electrical resistance coil within the tube, a conductor pin connected to the coil and protruding from an end of the tube, and an electrical insulation powder surrounding the coil within the tube. A conical cavity is located in the insulation powder at the end of the tube, the cavity extending from an inner diameter of the tube to the conductor pin. The cavity is filled with an epoxy that is cured in place. The insulation powder may have an infiltrated layer at the cavity that is an uncured liquid silicone. The heater elements are mounted to a header plate, and the elements associated with the three different phases of electrical power may protrude past the header plate at different distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras, Jackie G. Fannin
  • Publication number: 20080061487
    Abstract: A clamp for a cylindrical workpiece useful for a tube welder includes two clamping plates arranged to move in the same plane to engage the workpiece in a central opening formed by cooperating indentations in the clamping plates and both clamping plates are provided with at least one supported beam flexible member for pressing against the workpiece and accommodating variations in the diameter of the workpiece from the nominal diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: ARC MACHINES, INC.
    Inventor: John Eldon FALK
  • Patent number: 7323653
    Abstract: Welded structures having a first and a second member formed from sheet metal, tubes, and similar shapes, are economically fabricated through use of a method for joining a second member to a first member having a folded rim extending therefrom. The folded rim defines an air gap within the folded rim. The first and second members are joined together by forcing the folded rim against the second member under sufficient pressure to flatten the folded rim to a point that there remains substantially no air gap inside the folded rim, and resistance welding together the first and second members. The second member and the rim respectively define faying surfaces thereof. The air gap inside the folded rim extends generally parallel to the faying surfaces. The faying surfaces of the rim and second member are forced against one another by applying pressure through the folded rim in a direction generally perpendicular to the faying surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Desra N. Herbst, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 7253372
    Abstract: One method for welding includes obtaining a heat-exchanger tube having an outward fold. The tube is inserted at least partially through the orifice of a tubesheet with the fold contacting one of the outward and inward facing sides of the tubesheet. A first electrode is positioned in contact with the outward fold and a second electrode in contact with the one side of the tubesheet. Another method for welding includes obtaining a heat-exchanger tube having a tube end. The tube is inserted at least partially through the orifice of a tubesheet. A first electrode is positioned in contact with the first tube end and a second electrode is positioned in contact with one of the outward and inward facing sides of the tubesheet. The first electrode is moved against the first tube end to create an outward fold with the outward fold contacting the one side of the tubesheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, James M. Payne, Deepak K. Sharma, Kenneth E Johnson, Andrzej Marian Pawlak
  • Patent number: 7253374
    Abstract: Method of welding a metal sheet and metal tubing as well as a welded sheet-to-tube welded structure wherein the tube-to-sheet gage ratio may be reduced to permit use of metal tubing having a reduced wall thickness. One or more intermediate metal bridging members is/are first welded to a metal tube using a relatively rapid welding process that reduces heat input and residual tensile stress imparted to the tube. A metallic sheet then is spot welded directly to the one or more bridging members, rather than to the metallic tube, to form a welded sheet-to-tube structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Schmidt, Pei-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7076987
    Abstract: A method of producing a tubular device is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular stock having an axial passage, heating the tubular stock at a first heating location to form a softened section, the softened section separating a workpiece portion of the tubular stock from a remaining portion of the tubular stock, and drawing the workpiece portion away from the remaining portion to elongate the softened section and separate the workpiece portion from the remaining portion to form the tubular device. The drawing is performed at a rate such that the tubular device has an axial passage having a substantially uniform inside diameter, and an end of the tubular device formed from the elongated softened section is tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Frank E. Martin, M. Ishaq Haider, Marcelino Munoz
  • Patent number: 7060929
    Abstract: A method of spot welding a sheet overlapped to a tube with a servomotor-driven electrode applying a clamping force to the sheet. Over a first clamping time interval, the clamping force is increased to a first force level, at which point a welding current is applied to weld the sheet and tube together for a welding time interval. The first force level is maintained for a second clamping time interval, after which the clamping force is reduced to a second force level over a third clamping time interval and is maintained for a fourth clamping time interval. The welding current is removed upon expiration of the welding time interval and the clamping force is simultaneously reduced over a fifth clamping time interval, after which the electrode is disengaged from the sheet. The reduction in clamping force during the welding cycle reduces cracking of the spot weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Peter C. Sun, Pei-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7028882
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for depositing an overlay weld on a boiler tube panel comprising a plurality of tubes with adjacent tubes joined together with membranes therebetween, and then straightening the panel in response to bowing that occurs as a result of depositing the overlay weld. The apparatus generally comprises an overlay welding apparatus that deposits an overlay weld on a surface of a boiler tube panel, and a straightening apparatus for straightening the panel following deposition of the overlay weld. The straightening process entails placing the boiler tube panel between two members, and the pressing a portion of the panel therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Victor Kislovsky, Warren T. Moss, Richard Wayne Rohaus
  • Patent number: 6953907
    Abstract: A method for metallurgically joining a tube to a member. A tube having a flange is obtained, and a member is obtained. The tube and the member are positioned with the flange contacting the member directly and/or indirectly through an intervening welding/brazing joining material. The flange and/or the member is segmented and their contact is a segmented contact at spaced-apart contact areas between the flange and the member. A resistance welding/brazing current path is created,through the tube and the member at a first contact area creating a first weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the flange and at least some of the member. Then, a resistance welding/brazing current path is created through the tube and the member at a different second contact area creating a second weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the flange and at least some of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra, Richard W. Marczewski
  • Patent number: 6939082
    Abstract: The method of taking a remotely operated vehicle to the ocean floor to land on and move along a subsea pipeline above or below the seafloor and repeatedly circulate seawater which has been heated electrically, mechanically, or chemically across the outer surface of the pipeline to melt hydrates or paraffins which have formed on the inside of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Patent number: 6875944
    Abstract: A method for resistance welding/brazing a tube to a container. A tube is obtained having an axially-extending first portion and a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. A container is obtained having an orifice. A support tool is obtained with an expandable head. The tube form is positioned proximate the outer surface of the container and surrounding the orifice. The unexpanded head of the support tool is passed through the orifice of the container. The head of the support tool is expanded inside the container. The inner surface of the container is supported with the expanded head of the support tool. A resistance current path is created through the tube form and the container creating a weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the tube form and at least some of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 6847001
    Abstract: A method for metallurgically joining a tube to a member. A tube is obtained having a longitudinal axis and having an end portion, wherein the end portion includes a fold, and wherein the fold includes longitudinally-spaced-apart first and second fold portions. A member (such as, but not limited to, a plate or a second tube) is obtained. The tube and the member are disposed with the end portion contacting the member. A resistance welding current path is created through the tube and the member proximate the end portion and the end portion is relatively longitudinally moved deformingly against the member creating a weld zone which includes at least some of the end portion and at least some of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra, Douglas J. Heller, Michael H. Froning
  • Publication number: 20040222193
    Abstract: A method for welding/brazing a tube to a member. The tube has an axially-extending first portion and has a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. A filler material is obtained. The tube, the member and the filler material are positioned such that the filler material contacts the tube form and the member. A resistance current path is created through the tube, the filler material and the member which melts at least some of the filler material creating a weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the tube, at least some of the member, and at least some of the filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra, Richard W. Marczewski
  • Publication number: 20040222194
    Abstract: A method for resistance welding/brazing a tube to a container. A tube is obtained having an axially-extending first portion and a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. A container is obtained having an orifice. A support tool is obtained with an expandable head. The tube form is positioned proximate the outer surface of the container and surrounding the orifice. The unexpanded head of the support tool is passed through the orifice of the container. The head of the support tool is expanded inside the container. The inner surface of the container is supported with the expanded head of the support tool. A resistance current path is created through the tube form and the container creating a weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the tube form and at least some of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra
  • Publication number: 20040188389
    Abstract: A method for resistance welding a tube to a member. A tube is obtained having an axially-extending first portion and having a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. The tube form has at least one axial projection. The tube and the member are positioned with the at-least-one axial projection in contact with the member. A resistance welding current path is created through the member and the tube including the at-least-one axial projection creating a weld zone which includes at least some of the at-least-one axial projection and at least some of the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 6791051
    Abstract: A method for metallurgically attaching a tube to a member. A member having a wall is obtained. The wall includes opposing first and second sides and includes a partial extrusion extending above the first side. The partial extrusion has a through hole. A tube having an end portion is obtained. The tube and the member are positioned with the end portion contacting the second side of the wall proximate the partial extrusion. A resistance welding current path is created through the tube and the member proximate the end portion and the partial extrusion, and the end portion is relatively moved into and deformingly against the partial extrusion creating a weld zone which includes at least some of the end portion and at least some of the partial extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 6791052
    Abstract: A method for resistance welding a tube to a member. A tube is obtained having an axially-extending first portion and having a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. The tube form has at least one axial projection. The tube and the member are positioned with the at-least-one axial projection in contact with the member. A resistance welding current path is created through the member and the tube including the at-least-one axial projection creating a weld zone which includes at least some of the at-least-one axial projection and at least some of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 6765170
    Abstract: A method of single sided spot welding includes the steps of providing a metal tube having a convex surface portion and providing a metal sheet for welding to the metal tube. The method also includes the steps of contacting the metal sheet with the convex surface portion of the metal tube and contacting the metal sheet with a welding electrode. The method further includes the steps of supplying power to the welding electrode for melting metal and solidifying the molten metal to form a weld nugget between the metal sheet and the metal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chang Chen, Chi-Mou Ni, Michael Gerard Poss, Alexander Michael Turley, Daniel C. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6717091
    Abstract: A method for metallurgically attaching together two tubes. A first tube is obtained having a far wall portion with a first through hole and a near wall portion with a second through hole. A second tube is obtained including first and second outward folds. The tubes are positioned with the first fold passed through the second through hole and contacting the far wall portion surrounding the first through hole and with the second fold located outside the near wall portion. A first resistance welding current path is created proximate the first fold and the far wall portion and the first fold is relatively moved deformingly against the far wall portion creating a first weld zone. A second resistance welding current path is created proximate the second fold and the near wall portion and the second fold is relatively moved deformingly against the near wall portion creating a second weld zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra, Johnny R. Gentry
  • Patent number: 6713707
    Abstract: A welding material is constructed and arranged to be positioned in electrically conductive relation between exterior surface portions of first and second weldable members at a location where the first and second weldable members are to be joined. The welding material includes at least one welding material member constructed of an electrically conductive metallic welding material capable of melting when heated by application of an electrical current. Each welding material member is mounted on the exterior surface of the first weldable member and then positioned between the exterior surfaces of the first and second weldable members to be electrically conductively disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Magna International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Richard D. Ashley, Victor J. Malczewski
  • Publication number: 20040056001
    Abstract: Welded structures having a first and a second member formed from sheet metal, tubes, and similar shapes, are economically fabricated through use of a method for joining a second member to a first member having a folded rim extending therefrom. The folded rim defines an air gap within the folded rim. The first and second members are joined together by forcing the folded rim against the second member under sufficient pressure to flatten the folded rim to a point that there remains substantially no air gap inside the folded rim, and resistance welding together the first and second members. The second member and the rim respectively define faying surfaces thereof. The air gap inside the folded rim extends generally parallel to the faying surfaces. The faying surfaces of the rim and second member are forced against one another by applying pressure through the folded rim in a direction generally perpendicular to the faying surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Desra N. Herbst, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 6703093
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a friction welded component, and a method of manufacture for such a component, comprising a pair of upstanding tubular members (6,8) which are friction welded at their respective end cross-sections, in coaxial concentric relationship, to a surface of a thin walled member (4). A reinforcement means (10) is provided in the region between the tubular members such that loads acting on the tubular members are more evenly distributed to the thin walled member. The wall thickness of the thin walled member is substantially the same as or greater than the wall thickness of the tubular members The invention finds particular application in the fabrication of bosses to gas turbine aero-engine casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Plc
    Inventor: Derek John Foster
  • Publication number: 20040035832
    Abstract: A method for metallurgically joining a tube to a member. A tube is obtained having a longitudinal axis and having an end portion, wherein the end portion includes a fold, and wherein the fold includes longitudinally-spaced-apart first and second fold portions. A member (such as, but not limited to, a plate or a second tube) is obtained. The tube and the member are disposed with the end portion contacting the member. A resistance welding current path is created through the tube and the member proximate the end portion and the end portion is relatively longitudinally moved deformingly against the member creating a weld zone which includes at least some of the end portion and at least some of the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra, Douglas J. Heller, Michael H. Froning
  • Publication number: 20040035834
    Abstract: A method for metallurgically joining a tube to a member. A tube having a flange is obtained, and a member is obtained. The tube and the member are positioned with the flange contacting the member directly and/or indirectly through an intervening welding/brazing joining material. The flange and/or the member is segmented and their contact is a segmented contact at spaced-apart contact areas between the flange and the member. A resistance welding/brazing current path is created,through the tube and the member at a first contact area creating a first weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the flange and at least some of the member. Then, a resistance welding/brazing current path is created through the tube and the member at a different second contact area creating a second weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the flange and at least some of the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra, Richard W. Marczewski
  • Publication number: 20040035831
    Abstract: A method for metallurgically attaching a tube to a member. A member having a wall is obtained. The wall includes opposing first and second sides and includes a partial extrusion extending above the first side. The partial extrusion has a through hole. A tube having an end portion is obtained. The tube and the member are positioned with the end portion contacting the second side of the wall proximate the partial extrusion. A resistance welding current path is created through the tube and the member proximate the end portion and the partial extrusion, and the end portion is relatively moved into and deformingly against the partial extrusion creating a weld zone which includes at least some of the end portion at least some of the partial extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra