Tube Or Frame Member Patents (Class 228/173.4)
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Publication number: 20040181926Abstract: Techniques are described for making one-piece tubes for surgical instruments in which an inner tube that carries a cutting implement is disposed for movement within an outer tube having a cutting window that exposes the cutting implement to tissue. Swaging is performed to close an end of a tubular member that is to serve as either the inner tube or the outer tube. Other processing steps are also performed. For example, a selected amount of a protrusion formed by the swaging is cut away, the tube material is fused together at a seam formed by the swaging, and the closed distal end of the tubular member is formed into a selected shape. For example, the selected shape is rounded so that the distal end defines convex (e.g., substantially hemispherical) interior and exterior distal surfaces. This renders the tube suitable for use in full-radius surgical instruments. Alternatively, the selected shape is flattened so that the distal end defines flattened interior and exterior distal surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc., a Delaware corporationInventors: Ernest A. Dion, Ronald A. Mayville, Joop F. Hoekstra, John L. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6732906Abstract: Method and apparatus for the manufacture of large-diameter, elongated, generally conical members in a continuous operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventor: John I. Andersen
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Patent number: 6729529Abstract: A system for providing cutting and orbitally welding thin-walled tubing. The system includes a plurality of clamping blocks that hold the tubing while the tubing is trimmed and orbitally welded. The system further includes at least one tooling plate to which the clamping blocks can be mounted such that the tubing is attached to the tooling plate and properly aligned for net length trimming. The system further includes a welding cassette for retaining the clamping blocks and properly aligning the tubing during orbital welding.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Paul J. Cecil, Roger G. Rae, Elton R. Rice
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Publication number: 20040046004Abstract: A layered article having a curved surface made of a supporting metal metallurgically bonded to a supported metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: John James Barnes, Joseph Gerard Biondo, Peter Gideon Gelblum, Richard Delbert Lanam, Charles Joseph Noelke, David Archer Wells
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Patent number: 6688513Abstract: In a process for producing longitudinally welded tubes, a metal strip, which is continuously pulled from a supply, is gradually formed into a slit tube and the longitudinal slit of said slit tube is welded. The metal strip (2) is pulled through a plurality of drawing dies (8, 9, 10, 11) arranged one behind the other and having a diameter that decreases in production direction, and in each of the drawing dies (8, 9, 10, 11) is increasingly bent in circumferential direction. The slit tube is closed in a last forming step (15) immediately in front of the welding point.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: NexansInventors: Klaus Porcher, Friedrich Harten
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Patent number: 6687995Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising two manifolds (10). Profiled pipe sections (11) are accommodated with a lamella configuration (12) between said manifolds. According to the invention, an obstructing means (13) for preventing the flow of solder is provided on the exterior of the profiled pipe section (11) between the manifold (10) and the lamella configuration (12). The invention also relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger. The invention provides that the obstructing means (13) is formed on the profiled pipe sections (11) before the sections are cut from a profiled pipe billet.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Erbslöh AGInventors: Norbert Sucke, Ismail Boyraz
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Patent number: 6644535Abstract: A structural material includes a plurality of discrete, interwoven wires disposed between and fastened to two solid face sheets. Each of the plurality of wires further includes at least two points of contact with each of the two face sheets. Methods for fabricating the aforementioned structural material include an automated methodology for fabricating a relatively inexpensive truss core sandwich panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Jeremy C. Wallach, Lorna J. Gibson
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Patent number: 6629632Abstract: An apparatus and method for welding a shaft having an open seam defined between opposed longitudinal edges. The method comprising passing the shaft along its longitudinal axis through an array of pressure rollers which contact the surface of the shaft at a plurality of discrete points and compress the shaft by applying inwardly directed radial forces to the shaft. An electrical resistance welding assembly welds the seam while closed by the pressure rollers.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: IUSRD (Ireland) LimitedInventors: Robert G. J. Jack, Geoffrey Brook
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Publication number: 20030178472Abstract: A steel pipe is welded to a threaded connector that has an end with a desired nominal inner diameter. Initially, the inner diameter of the steel pipe may be out of a tolerance range of the nominal inner diameter of the connector. A swage is forced over an end of the pipe, reducing an outer diameter and an initial inner diameter of the end of the pipe. The swage is dimensioned to provide the end of the pipe with an inner diameter that is less than the nominal inner diameter of end of the connector. A die is then forced into the end of the pipe, the die having an outer diameter sized to increase the inner diameter of the end of the first tubular member to the nominal inner diameter of the end of the second tubular member. A weld groove is machined on the end of the pipe and the ends are abutted and welded at the weld grooves.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Kevin Gendron
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Patent number: 6609649Abstract: A method for manufacturing a banjo-type drive axle housing for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The first step is the operation of forming the substantially identical upper and lower half members having a U-shaped cross-section along entire length thereof with radially extending wall sections. Each of the members is metal formed, such as by stamping or forging, from a blank sheet of steel. Next step is to select a desired box-section of an axle beam portions, and a desired size of an opening in a central portion of the axle housing. Then, if necessary, the wall sections of the housing half members are trimmed so that when assembled said housing half members provide the desired box section and size of the opening in the central portion of the axle housing. Finally, the trimmed housing half members are welded to each other to produce the axle housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark Charles Barnholt, James A. Krisher
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Publication number: 20030150900Abstract: In a method for welding closed one end of each of a multiplicity of open-ended tubes suitable for use as brachytherapy capsules (100), each tube is loaded into a holder (52), brought to a welding station (80), has one end welded closed and is then released from the holder (52). A number of holders can be arranged on the periphery of a rotatable member (50), each holder being loaded with a tube at a first station, and then carrying the tube to a welding station (80) and an ejection station (90). The tubes can be loaded into the holders individually by means of an escapement mechanism (40).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Charles Shanks, Kevin Helle, John Krewer, Robert Hallgren
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Patent number: 6604283Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode array has an elongate flexible carrier that is much more flexible in a first direction than in a second direction orthogonal thereto. The elongate flexible carrier is formed with a bias force that causes the array to flex in the first direction so as to assume the general spiral or circular shape of the scala tympani duct within the cochlea. The less-flexible direction is the direction that makes it difficult for the array to twist as it is inserted within the scala tympani duct. The bias force is sufficiently strong to cause the array to assume its preformed spiral shape even after being straightened during initial insertion into the cochlea. Electrode contacts, embedded into the carrier so as to be exposed along an inner or concave surface of the spiral, thus wrap snugly around the modiolus, thereby positioning the electrode contacts against the modiolar wall in an optimum position for stimulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Advanced Bionics CorporationInventor: Janusz A. Kuzma
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Publication number: 20030075588Abstract: In a process for continuous production of longitudinally welded metal tubing, in which a metal strip is withdrawn from a strip supply, gradually shaped into a tubing with an open longitudinal slit, and the longitudinal slit is sealed by soldering or welding, a lubricant is introduced into the open slit tubing before sealing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Applicant: NEXANSInventors: Christian Frohne, Klaus Porcher
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Patent number: 6516993Abstract: A fabricated control rod is disclosed having a spacer with a “C” or “U-shaped” channel cross-section. The spacer also has a bushing tube welded to each of its ends. Each end of the spacer is shaped to have a substantially continuous mating engagement with the exterior side surface of the adjacent bushing tube. Also, at least a substantially complete perimeter weld joins both the interior and exterior of each shaped end to the bushing tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: The Boler Company.Inventors: Mark W. Dankow, Christopher W. Forrest, Vincent Mastrangelo, Thomas Sholeen
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Patent number: 6513700Abstract: To provide such a boss welding structure for the arm of a working implement that is light in weight and easy in manufacture. A cylindrical body formed of one sheet metal, there are formed a first hole and a second hole of predetermined shapes. A boss is equipped with a boss seat for covering the first hole, and a bracket is equipped with a bracket seat for covering the second hole. The boss and the bracket are inserted into the cylindrical body and are individually welded on the cylindrical body from the outer side of the cylindrical body such that the first hole is covered from the inner side with the boss seat whereas the second hole is covered with the bracket seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Yukinobu Matsuda, Kyuichi Kawashima
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Publication number: 20020170940Abstract: This apparatus manufactures a welded tube by curling a metal strip T into a tube shape, heating the two edges thereof using an induction heating coil 6, and pressure welding the two edges using squeeze rolls 8. A ferrite core 21 for increasing heating efficiency that has a substantially circular arc shaped cross section is provided at a position on the top surface portion 25 of an impeder body 24 directly below the induction heating coil 6. A protective layer 29 formed from fluororesin is provided on the top surface of the impeder body and this protective layer catches spatter “c” generated during welding. The distal end of a cooling water supply tube 27 is embedded in a concave groove 26 in the impeder body 24 and the ferrite core 21 is cooled via a through passage 21a formed between the ferrite core 21 and a flat surface portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Takashi Kazama, Kazunori Ozaki
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Patent number: 6474535Abstract: In a method for welding closed one end of each of a multiplicity of open-ended tubes suitable for use as brachytherapy capsules (100), each tube is loaded into a holder (52), brought to a welding station (80), has one end welded closed and is then released from the holder (52). A number of holders can 2 be arranged on the periphery of a rotatable member (50), each holder being loaded with a tube at a first station, and then carrying the tube to a welding station (80) and an ejection station (90). The tubes can be loaded into the holders individually by means of an escapement mechanism (40). The invention also extends to apparatus for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Nycomed Imaging ASInventors: Charles Shanks, Kevin Helle, John Krewer, Robert Hallgren
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Patent number: 6433296Abstract: A seat frame assembly of a motorcycle has upper and lower pipes made of an aluminum alloy and having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The upper and lower pipes have front ends constructed as joints, and solid spacers made of an aluminum alloy and having a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the pipes are fitted in the joints. Flat side walls of each of the joints are sandwiched between flat electrodes of a resistance welding machine, and pressed and heated so as to be crimped on the spacer while an electric current is flowing between the flat electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshihiro Hayashi, Katsuhiro Iwase
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Patent number: 6421913Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a pole piece into an internal fuel passage of a fuel injector. The assembly method includes the steps of: (a) providing an endoskeletal injector tube, where the injector tube provides the fuel passage for the fuel injector; (b) forming at least one depression into an outer surface of the injector tube; (c) inserting an injector valve into the injector tube; (d) inserting the pole piece into the injector tube, wherein the pole piece is adjustable thereafter; and (e) affixing the pole piece within the injector tube, where an outer surface of the pole piece is in contact with an inner surface of the injector tube corresponding to the depressions, thereby creating a spring fit between the pole piece and the tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Harrie William Bonnah, II, Otto Muller-Girard, Jr., Michael Schneider, Robert B. Perry, Karl Jacob Haltiner, Jr.
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Patent number: 6401323Abstract: A process for producing welded pipes, from Cu and Cu alloys in a combined production line, having a casting installation for raw materials, a hot-rolling mill, a pipe-shaping and welding section and a drawing device for the welded pipe. The process has the sequence of the following process steps: a. casting of a virtually endless initial strip, b. hot-rolling of the cast initial strip at a rolling speed=casting speed×extension, to form an intermediate strip, c. cooling of the intermediate strip to ≦100° C. to RT and descaling of the surface of the intermediate strip, d. cold-rolling of the intermediate strip to form a strip, e. coiling of the untrimmed strip to form coils of predetermined weights, the steps a to e being carried out as an in-line process followed, directly or after interim storage, by the following further operating steps, f. unwinding and shaping of the strip to form a longitudinal seam pipe, g. welding of the longitudinal seam to form a longitudinal seam pipe, h.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: SMS Demag AGInventors: Erling Roller, Peter Kalkenings, Herbert Berendes
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Process for welding fixture pipes to opposite ends of hollow stabilizer's suspension arm for vehicle
Patent number: 6365865Abstract: A welding process in which fixture pipes 3 are resistance welded to opposite ends of a hollow stabilizer's suspension arm 1 for a vehicle and thereafter, these two parts are subjected to arc welding, but with a first step of the ends of the hollow stabilizer's suspension arm upset to form thick wall portions before resistance welding and arc welding are performed. The initial resistance welding retains the two parts in place for the arc welding step.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Chuohatsujo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hirotusgu Kurokawa -
Patent number: 6350533Abstract: A sheet metal component, obtained by press-forming a one-piece metal sheet comprised of two metal sheets into a desired shape, has an expanding portion having an external appearance varying in dependence on a weld state of a weld portion of the one-piece metal sheet at which the two metal sheets are welded at their confronting ends. In manufacturing the sheet metal component, the one-piece metal sheet is transferred between upper and lower dies of a pressing machine and is positioned such that its metal sheet section including part of the weld portion is disposed between a punch formed in the lower die and a recess formed in the upper die so as to face the punch. The metal sheet section is pressed by the punch to be subject to plastic deformation, whereby the expanding portion is formed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo KabushikiInventors: Kiyoshi Goto, Toshiyuki Komizo, Masayuki Enomoto
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Publication number: 20010046610Abstract: A layered article having a curved surface made of a supporting metal metallurgically bonded to a supported metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: John J. Barnes, Joseph G. Biondo, Peter G. Gelblum, Richard D. Lanam, Charles J. Noelke, David A. Wells
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Publication number: 20010042773Abstract: A process for the production of metal pipes is described in which a thin-walled metal band inclined toward cold spots is gradually formed into a slotted pipe, the longitudinal edges lying flush against one another are welded to one another, and the welded pipe is reduced in its diameter. The form[illegible] of the metal band into the slotted pipe is done by opposing metal forming rollers or forming cylinders cooperating pairwise. The forming rollers or forming cylinders guide the metal band to be deformed in its edge area with rolling friction between them. Therein the forming and guiding of the metal band is done with forming rollers and/or foming cylinders and the reduction with rollers whose surface hardness is greater than 100 GPa.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Friedrich Harten, Michael Meyer
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Patent number: 6260271Abstract: A tubular body having integral branch tubes for use in a distribution tank of a car air conditioner and a method for producing such tubular body. The tubular body is produced almost solely by a deformation process. The process for forming the tubular body includes a swelling step for swelling the sheet metal at predetermined positions to create cylindrically swelled portions by several stages, a boring step for boring the top end of the swelled portion to create branch tubes, a channel creating step for creating mating channel throughout the whole length of the sheet metal, a rounding step for rounding the sheet metal to form a tube having a desired sectional shape, and a mating step for mating the end of the rounded sheet metal with the mating channel. The production process further includes a divider creating step for dividing the space in the tubular body into a plurality of compartments by squeezing the tubular body.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventor: Toshiomi Hayashi
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Patent number: 6250657Abstract: The invention concerns the production of a mechanical assembly (10) comprising two tubular parts (11, 12) mutually connected, the tubular part (11), called bearer part, forming a housing (13) by means of which the tubular part (12) called borne part, is assembled thereto. The invention is characterised in that the housing (13) formed by the bearer part (11) is cut out in a swaged part (16) of said bearer part (12) wherein two wall zones (151, 152) opposite thereof are at least locally in contact with each other along a mutual butt-jointing zone (17) extending from one to the other of the two planes (P1, P2), which, parallel to each other, are offset relatively to each other along swaging direction (D) of these two wall zones (151, 152). The invention is in particular applicable to motor vehicle suspension arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Vallourec Composants AutomobilesInventors: Daniel Valin, Philippe Deletombe
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Patent number: 6250689Abstract: A reinforced tube joint formed by a first tube having an end portion; a stress collar fitted, with an interference fit, about the first tube so that the end portion of the first tube extends beyond the stress collar; and a second tube having an end rigidly connected to both the stress collar and the end portion of the first tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Atlantic Richfield CompanyInventors: Stephen F. McJones, Joseph U. Tleimat, J. William Jones
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Patent number: 6220498Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in welding together sections of coiled tubing (6) in the oil industry, wherein the apparatus has a container (14), legs (12) which can be adjusted to adjust the height of the container (14), welding apparatus in the container and slots in the walls of the container. In use the container is raised to the height of the coiled tubing which is to be joined. A winch pulls the ends of the coiled tubing towards a clamp, which holds the two ends of the coiled tubing fixed inside the container, while the ends are welded together. The slots in the walls allow the joined tubing to pass out of the container after the weld is completed. The container provides a controlled environment for welding and weld inspection.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Agais Offshore LimitedInventors: Alec Gordon, Ashley Thomson