With Clamping Or Holding Patents (Class 228/212)
  • Patent number: 11717919
    Abstract: A beam-end component welding fixture including a stand having a central horizontal axle mechanism and a housing. A handle is mounted on a first end portion of the axle mechanism and a rotatable plate structure is mounted on a second end portion of the axle mechanism. A column connecting simulator is attached to the plate structure and configured to support a beam-end component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Boyd, Kevin Marek, Eric Bellman, Maxwell C. Simmons, Robert J. Simmons, Brian Hood
  • Patent number: 11411278
    Abstract: A battery pack for use with a power tool and including a housing having an internal cavity in which one or more battery cells are supported. The housing has a set of openings. A printed circuit board is supported within the housing and in electrical communication with the battery cells. Battery pack contacts are coupled to and in electrical communication with the printed circuit board. A terminal block is supported by the printed circuit board and encloses the battery pack contacts. Each of the battery pack contacts are accessible through one of the set of openings in the housing and the terminal block. A first gasket is positioned between a first wall of the terminal block and the housing and a second gasket is positioned between a second wall of the terminal block and the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyle J. Radovich, James P. Elfering, Zoe L. Hinton, Terry L. Timmons
  • Patent number: 11319008
    Abstract: A reusable magnetic device for temporary retention of a vehicle opening element in a closed position. The reusable magnetic device includes one or more magnets engaging at least one of the opening element and the fixed element of the vehicle in the closed position. The reusable magnetic device may include one or more pads to reduce the contact surface area between the device and either one or both of the opening element or fixed element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignees: AST/Acme, Inc., Quadrant Magnetics, LLC
    Inventor: Phil Pascoe
  • Patent number: 11185911
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or deploying a swage machine, which includes a die plate that enables a die to be used to conformally deform a pipe fitting around pipe segment tubing to be loaded in the swage machine, a grab plate having grab plate sections that are pivotably connected, and grab adapter sections. Each grab adapter sections includes a base sub-section connected to a corresponding grab plate section, in which an inner surface of the base sub-section includes an alignment notch, and a modular sub-section to be secured to the base sub-section, in which an outer surface of the modular sub-section includes an alignment tab to be disposed within the alignment notch in the base sub-section and an inner surface of the modular sub-section includes a grab tab section that matingly interlocks with a fitting grab notch on the pipe fitting to facilitate securing the swage machine to the pipe fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Allen Hegler, John Paul Leger, Jagtar Singh Thethy
  • Patent number: 11052496
    Abstract: A backing plate for includes a synthetic diamond portion configured to abut a joint region during a welding operation. A welding clamp includes a plurality of clamping blocks, each including a synthetic diamond portion configured to abut a pipe joint region during a welding operation. Because the backing plate and clamping block each include a synthetic diamond portion, the backing plate and clamping block can withstand high welding temperatures without damaging or diminishing the quality of the weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: J. Evan Greenberg
  • Patent number: 10967501
    Abstract: Example implementations may relate to providing a dynamic jig in a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system. Specifically, a control system may (i) receive task data specifying a manipulation of one or more parts at a specified location; (ii) determine: (a) one or more work surfaces and (b) a first position of each of the one or more work surfaces, such that the one or more work surfaces collectively provide a jig to facilitate the specified manipulation of the parts; (iii) a plurality of guide end effectors that are positionable by one or more robotic devices such that the end effectors provide the work surfaces at the respectively determined first positions; and (iv) operate the one or more robotic devices to position the guide end effectors to provide the one or more work surfaces at the respectively determined first positions, thereby forming the jig from the one or more work surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Linnell, Marek Michalowski, Kendra Byrne, Brandon Kruysman, Eli Reekmans
  • Patent number: 10906112
    Abstract: Provided is a novel method for improving fatigue strength, which is applicable to any small portion that is covered with another member. A method for improving fatigue strength according to the present invention includes: disposing an aid (3, 15) to be opposed to an processing object (2A, 2B, 6) on which a fatigue strength improving process is performed, the aid being configured to assist the improving process; and generating sparks between the aid (3, 15) and the processing object (2A, 2B, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaoru Tsukigase, Tsuyoshi Saotome
  • Patent number: 10800367
    Abstract: A coupling link (18) for a hinged roll bar (12) has first and second cover plates (24, 26) spaced apart from each other. An axle bearing (32, 50) is connected to the two cover plates (24) for forming a rotary joint (40) with a first link lever (14) that can be mounted on the axle bearing (32, 50). The coupling link (18) has, in the region of the rotary joint (40), a reinforcing element (42) that forms a support of the first link lever (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Schmitt, Alexander Eichinger
  • Patent number: 10661387
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bridge (B) for laser cutting machines. In the latter, a laser cutting head (K) is guided over a workpiece support (W) by means of a guide system. The bridge (B) is configured in the form of a substantially straight and box-like profile (1) which has at least one guide for a cutting carriage carrying the laser cutting head (K). According to the invention, at least two side faces (10, 11) of the profile (1) that are located opposite one another with regard to the vertical plane of symmetry (VSE) of the bridge enclose a non-zero angle (a) of less than 180° that opens in the direction of the machining region, at least over a part of the height of said profile (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: BYSTRONIC LASER AG
    Inventor: Sergio Bossoni
  • Patent number: 10239142
    Abstract: A method for working an airfoil cluster is disclosed. The method may include attaching a first datum to a first portion of the airfoil cluster and a second datum to a second portion of the airfoil cluster; adding material to at least one of the first portion and the second portion; and joining the first portion to the second portion, the first and second datums substantially aligned in a common plane spaced away from the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward R. Bareiss, Russell J. Bergman, Bradley T. Duelm, Michael L. Miller, Paul M. Pellet
  • Patent number: 10150213
    Abstract: Example implementations may relate to providing a dynamic jig in a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system. Specifically, a control system may (i) receive task data specifying a manipulation of one or more parts at a specified location; (ii) determine: (a) one or more work surfaces and (b) a first position of each of the one or more work surfaces, such that the one or more work surfaces collectively provide a jig to facilitate the specified manipulation of the parts; (iii) a plurality of guide end effectors that are positionable by one or more robotic devices such that the end effectors provide the work surfaces at the respectively determined first positions; and (iv) operate the one or more robotic devices to position the guide end effectors to provide the one or more work surfaces at the respectively determined first positions, thereby forming the jig from the one or more work surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Linnell, Marek Michalowski, Kendra Byrne, Brandon Kruysman, Eli Reekmans
  • Patent number: 9951886
    Abstract: An arrangement for retrieving a laydown head to a surface vessel from a pipeline end section that is secured to a pipeline termination skid at the seabed. The arrangement is detachably mountable to the pipeline termination skid and comprises a base frame configured to bear against the pipeline termination skid when the arrangement is mounted to the pipeline termination skid; and one or more rigid supporting units provided on the base frame for supporting the laydown head from below, each supporting unit comprising an upwardly directed seat for receiving the laydown head and an actuating device for moving the seat in the vertical direction. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a system comprising such an arrangement and a pipeline termination skid, and a method for retrieving a laydown head by means of such an arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Curt Lejon, Halvard Eneberg
  • Patent number: 9509071
    Abstract: A sealed circuit board connector for electrically connecting a connector to a circuit board. The connector includes an interface housing which has at least one signal contact in the connection region and which has at least two press-in elements with press-in zones. The interface housing is designed with a contact area for a seal. The seal is arranged in the sealing region of the circuit board plug. The seal has a passage opening for the at least one signal contact or contacts and has in each case one opening for the at least two press-in elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GMBH
    Inventors: Sven Filipon, Danica Holley, Michael Knodler
  • Patent number: 9486946
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body of an absorbent article by depositing a liquid absorbent material on an air-permeable member by passing an air that contains the liquid absorbent material in a thickness direction of the air-permeable member, the apparatus including: a plurality of plates that are stacked in the thickness direction, that constitutes the air-permeable member, each of which includes a plurality of air holes that penetrate the plate in the thickness direction and that allow the air to pass, and each of which includes a joining portion for joining to an adjacent plate in the thickness direction in a portion of the plate in which the air holes are not formed, the plurality of air holes of each of the plates being arranged so as to communicate with corresponding air holes of an adjacent plate in the thickness direction, corresponding air holes of all the plates stacked in the thickness direction having a same shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isshiki, Osamu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9440341
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an anti-rotation key installation tool includes at least one magnet mounting member. A tool positioning member is coupled to the magnet mounting member and has a first end and a second end. An installation tool positioning channel extends from the first end to the second end of the tool positioning member and has an opening at the first end of the tool positioning member for accepting a portion of the anti-rotation key installation tool. At least one mechanically switchable frame securing magnet assembly is mounted to the at least one magnet mounting member for releasably securing the apparatus to an outer surface of a tubular connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Bell, William Rey Patterson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9393641
    Abstract: A method of aligning a subject tooling element of a material handling system of an ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing an overlay defining a relative position of at least a portion of a reference tooling element; b) viewing an image of at least a portion of the subject tooling element combined with a corresponding portion of the overlay; and c) adjusting a position of at least a portion of the subject tooling element by referring to the overlay in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Orthodyne Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Byars, Garrett Leigh Wong
  • Patent number: 9016551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device in an aircraft. In one aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for assembling a metal securement member of the mounting device. In another aspect of the invention, a mounting device is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for installing and using a mounting device in an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad L. Kirkwood, Paul S. Gregg, Gerry D. Miller, Jeff D. Will, David W. Evans
  • Patent number: 9016553
    Abstract: Disclosed therein are an apparatus for and a method of welding a flange to a guide thimble tube in a nuclear fuel assembly. The automatic welding apparatus includes a welding unit located on an axially conveying line of a tube for welding a surface of the tube inserted thereinto and a surface of a flange, a flange supplying unit for supplying the flange at a tube inlet of the welding unit onto the axially conveying line, and a conveying unit mounted on the axially conveying line in such a way as to move the tube and the flange on the axially conveying line, so that they are inserted into and drawn from the welding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-jun Kwon, Se-yong Shin, Sang-pil Kong, Hung-soon Chang, Jeong-ho Kim, Tae-hyung Na
  • Patent number: 8981257
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to an associated method for joining sheet metal parts, each with a flange, by laser, wherein the flanges of the sheet metal parts (2) are joined into one connecting flange. The device has a clamping device (5) for clamping the sheet metal parts (2) to be joined in a main clamping direction running transversely to the connecting flange and a beam guidance system for a laser beam (1). Moreover, the device has a compensation shaft (9) which tracks the laser beam (1) according to a relative movement between the connecting flange and a guidance apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Scansonic MI GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Walter, Igor Haschke
  • Publication number: 20150060528
    Abstract: A pipe welding fixture is disclosed herein. The pipe welding fixture includes a body portion. The pipe welding fixture also includes a first support segment fixedly engaged with the body portion and defining a first support surface extending in a first arc in a first plane. The pipe welding fixture also includes a second support segment fixedly engaged with the body portion and defining a second support surface extending in a second arc in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are transverse with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Robert David Reid
  • Patent number: 8963057
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for an electric induction brazing process in an inert atmosphere using a substantially oxygen-free copper alloy filler or preform under an inert atmosphere within a brazing chamber minimally sized for containment of the brazed joint region and an induction coil. The inert atmosphere may be nitrogen gas supplied from a liquid nitrogen source. For brazing of an open-interior fitting around a hole in a tubular material a nesting area is provided around the hole for seating of the filler or preform and the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Radyne Corporation
    Inventors: Brian R. Gramoll, Robert P. Frank
  • Patent number: 8936730
    Abstract: An apparatus used for forming stud bumps may be formed by providing a first clamp plate comprising a clamping surface, forming a notcher on the clamping surface, and forming a contact stopper on the clamping surface. The apparatus may include a clamp that includes at least two opposing plates, and at least one of the opposing plates includes a protruding feature that intersects the wire when the wire is clamped forming a first notch in the wire. The method for forming stud bumps includes bonding wire to a bonding surface, releasing the wire from the clamp, passing the wire a notch pitch distance through the clamp, clamping the wire with the clamp forming a second notch in the wire, and breaking the wire leaving a bonded portion of the wire on the bonding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeong-Jyh Lin, Hsin-Hung Liao, Chien Ling Hwang, Chung-Shi Liu, Mirng-Ji Lii, Chen-Hua Yu, Yi-Li Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20140312102
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes preparing a solder, a soldering article, a base material, a weigh having a foot where a center of gravity of the weight is shifted from a center of the soldering article, a positioning jig having a hole for holding the soldering article in the base material, and a dam member; disposing the dam member on a side having a relatively lower height due to a warp of an edge portion of the base material; placing the positioning jig on a principal surface of the base material; placing the soldering article on the solder in the hole; placing the weight on an upper surface of the soldering article to position the center of gravity on the side having relatively lower height; and raising the temperature of the solder to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the solder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji SANO, Tatsuo NISHIZAWA
  • Patent number: 8851359
    Abstract: A method for assembling at least two plates using a brazing process, the plates being separated by a filler material situated therebetween, includes placing the two plates, separated by the filler material, in a furnace; compressing the two plates separated by the filler material; controlling the temperature in the furnace according to a brazing cycle. The two plates separated by the filler material are compressed using a plurality of devices that can be pressurized using a fluid, the pressurizable devices being located in the furnace and being distributed over the surface of one of the two plates to which each pressurizable device applies a mechanical pressure that is remote-controlled as a function of the temperature in the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Bernard Bertrand, Dominique Guilhem, Manfred Lipa
  • Patent number: 8844795
    Abstract: In some examples, an electrode plate K is conveyed to a gap 230 of a pair of stacking drums 210 and 220 with a conveying section 100. In synchronization with conveyance of the electrode plate K, the drums 210 and 220 feed a pair of separators S each formed into a predetermined shape with the separators S adhering to corresponding peripheral surfaces of the pair of drums 210 and 220. While feeding the electrode plate K forward in a generally horizontal manner, the separators S are sequentially stacked on both surfaces of the electrode plate K in synchronized with rotations of the drums 210 and 220, and both edge portions of the separators S are welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Kyoto Seisakusho Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yano, Manabu Yamashita, Hiroshi Yuhara, Takahiro Yanagi, Yasufumi Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20140286363
    Abstract: A laser module includes: a bottom plate of a box; the frame member being fixed to the bottom plate; a pipe member including a hollow portion PH communicating with the through hole OP of a box, the pipe member being fixed to the outer wall of the frame member; an optical fiber held on the hollow portion PH of the pipe member; and a laser element accommodated in the internal space of the box, the optical axis of the laser element being aligned with the optical axis of the optical fiber. When the bottom plate is placed on a plane, the bottom face of the pipe member is on the same face as a bottom plate portion contacting the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Yohei Kasai
  • Publication number: 20140263587
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for manufacturing bearing assemblies. In accordance with one embodiment, a fixture is provided for use in brazing bearing elements to a bearing ring. The fixture comprises a substantially annular body and at least one or more force-applying mechanism associated with the annular body. The force applying mechanisms include a push rod disposed within a channel that is formed in the annular body, the push rod being displaceable within the channel. A biasing member is configured to bias the push rod in a radial direction relative to the annular body. In one embodiment, a plurality of force-applying mechanisms are circumferentially spaced about the substantially annular body. In one embodiment, the push rods extend radially inwardly from a peripheral surface of the body, while in another embodiment the push rods extend radially outwardly from peripheral surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy N. Sexton, John Corradini
  • Patent number: 8759151
    Abstract: A fixture assembly and method of forming a chip assembly is provided. The fixture assembly includes a first plate having an opening sized to accommodate a chip mounted on a laminate. The fixture assembly further includes a second plate mated to the first plate by at least one mechanical fastening mechanism. The fixture assembly further includes a space defined by facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate and confined by a raised stepped portion of at least one of the first plate and the second plate. The space is coincident with the opening. The space is sized and shaped such that the laminate is confined within the space and directly abuts the stepped portion and the facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate to be confined in X, Y and Z directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Lombardi, Donald Merte, Gregg B. Monjeau, David L. Questad, Son K. Tran
  • Patent number: 8714433
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of welding track clamps are disclosed herein. These track clamps provide several new features including, without limitation, alternate methods and apparatuses for adjusting clamping force and assemblies that provide for increased clamping force for rigidity and stability of welding tracks. The invention further provides ease of use and assembly/dissassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamil C. Snead, Richard D. Traver
  • Patent number: 8695198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of positioning a first pipe facing a second pipe, the end of the first pipe being provided with a first chamfer and a first substantially annular surface placed close to its inside surface, the end of the second pipe being provided with a second chamfer and with a second substantially annular surface located close to its inside surface, said first and second annular surfaces defining a joint plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of each of said pipes. According to the invention, a plurality of clamping actuators regularly distributed around the first and second pipes are used and controlled to shift the second pipe relative to the first pipe parallel to said joint plane as a function of a radial offset H, H? between the first and second annular surfaces so as to guarantee a maximum facing area, referred to as a “coincidence” area for said annular surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Serimax
    Inventor: Jean-François Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8663438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a target arrangement comprising a tubular-shaped carrier element and a hollow-cylindrical target having at least one target material, said target comprising at least one one-piece tube segment which at least partially surrounds the carrier element. Said carrier element and the tube segment are partially interconnected in a material fit by at least two plastically deformable compensating means. The invention also relates to a method for producing said type of target arrangement and a tubular segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GFE Fremat GmbH
    Inventors: Grit Hüttl, Folke Steinert, Joachim Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140042211
    Abstract: A system and a method for welding two or more conduits are disclosed. The system includes a root welding tool, a filler welding tool and a support member. The root welding tool root weld a gap to form a root layer configured along end portions, from outer circumferential surfaces side opposite to inner circumferential surfaces side of conduits. The root weld is performed such that spattering of root weld material is prevented. The filler welding tool is utilized to fill the gap. The support member is provided for applying an outward thrust to ensure shrinkage of the filler and root weld materials longitudinally and radially outward, preventing pressing out of the filler and root weld materials along the inner circumferential surfaces side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LTd
    Inventors: Ari BECKER, Andreas Bresinski
  • Publication number: 20140034714
    Abstract: A method of welding a pipe section in a ring-based welding system, wherein the welding system comprises: (i) an adjustable ring gear mount; (ii) a ring gear assembly positioned on the adjustable ring gear mount, the ring gear assembly having an inner diameter and a center point; and (iii) at least one weld head assembly mounted on the ring gear assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Global Industries Offshore, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Gatlin, Charles Stewart, Ian Sykes
  • Patent number: 8631996
    Abstract: A composite of sheet metal parts on or for a vehicle comprises a first sheet metal part forming a first outer shell region and comprising a first joining region which projects from the first outer shell region via a bent transition towards an inner side of the composite. The composite further comprises a second sheet metal part forming a second outer shell region and comprising a second joining region which projects from the second outer shell region towards the inner side of the composite, the second joining region facing the first joining region. The composite also comprises a welding or soldering seam along which the sheet metal parts are connected, wherein the seam runs along or alongside a flange edge formed in the first joining region at a distance from the first outer shell region, a flange deviating from the first joining region along the flange edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Corporation, FFT EDAG Produktionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ewald Quell, Jochen Schneegans, Jean Heussner, Volker Stark, Yoshihiro Fujikawa, Takayuki Oidemizu
  • Patent number: 8627997
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing components soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB). Embodiments presented generally include a contact plate having a component specific platform offset from the contact plate body. The offset platform may be substantially identical in size and shape as the component to be removed. Accordingly, contact between a heated platform and component may allow for conductive heating to occur based on contact with the component. Thus, forced air or convective heating of the component does not occur such that solder joint defects in adjacent components may be prevented. A vacuum retention port may be provided at an interface of the platform and component when in contact. The vacuum retention port may allow the freed component to be removed from the PCB using vacuum to hold the freed component to the platform. Also, apparatus for automation of a process according to the forgoing are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Dason Cheung, Simon Medina Sotelo, Enrique Avelar, Omar Garcia Lopez
  • Patent number: 8622278
    Abstract: A cover for a socket that is to be soldered to a printed circuit board is described. The socket has connections to be soldered to the printed circuit board and connections to contact a die that will be carried by the socket. The socket includes a top surface to cover the die contacts of the socket and side walls surrounding the top surface and extending toward the socket to separate the top surface from the die contacts. The top surface has a plurality of inlet vents, and the side walls have a plurality of outlet vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Alvarez, Scott K. Buttars, Steven R. Vandervoort, Shijiang He
  • Patent number: 8622276
    Abstract: In aspects of the assembly jig and method of the invention, when a packaging substrate is curved concaving upward at temperatures of melting solder, the gap between the assembly jig and the packaging substrate can be made smaller than the dimension of the sum of the thickness of the semiconductor chip and the thickness of the melted solder by allowing a part of the bottom surface of the chip positioning piece to become always, or substantially always, in contact with the upper surface of the packaging substrate owing to the weight of the chip positioning jig itself. As a consequence, the semiconductor chip does not slip aside out of the opening of the chip positioning piece. Therefore, the semiconductor chip can be positioned accurately on the packaging substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130320072
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a head 2 includes the steps of: (A) producing a plurality of head components Ph; (B) welding at least two of the head components Ph to each other while abutting the head components Ph on a guide core gc1; and (C) removing the guide core gc1. Preferably, the guide core gc1 is made of a water-soluble material. Preferably, at least one of the head components Ph is produced by a press process. Preferably, the guide core gc1 has a lack part Ms1. Preferably, existence of the lack part Ms1 avoids contact between a welding joint part wd1 and the guide core gc1 in the step B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Akio YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8590769
    Abstract: An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. The grab arm housings of the grapple mechanisms are each individually adjustable separate from one another relative to the main beam in one or more directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam. The attachment can fine adjust the positions of the pipe ends relative to one another until the ends align with each other, at which point the pipe ends can be welded or otherwise secured to each other while being held in position by the grapple mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: LaValley Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Jason LaValley, Daniel Larson, Jesse Kilde, Michael Burgess, Lawrence D. Kilpo
  • Publication number: 20130306713
    Abstract: A method of forming a solder joint includes the steps of providing a heat shield member formed as an arcuate preferably metallic shell attached to a spring-clamp by means of an obedient shaft; attaching the spring clamp to a structure adjacent the solder joint; moving the heat shield member by bending the obedient shaft so that the heat shield member is positioned in a location spaced-apart from the solder joint with the concave surface of the heat shield member facing the solder joint; and applying heat from a torch to the solder joint from the side opposite the heat shield so that the heat shield reflects the heat back onto the solder joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Keith SHARROW
  • Publication number: 20130299563
    Abstract: Weld stress compensation system and method comprising: 1) a primary tube/rod clamp; 2) a secondary tube/rod clamp for selectively and accurately, angularly positioning the secondary tube relative to the primary tube. The secondary clamp is transferable while a secondary tube/rod is clamped therein to: 3) a saddle cutting fixture to produce a concave, relieved portion in the end of the secondary tube/rod with flanking flanges that fit precisely over the primary tube at the join intersection; 4) a miter-cut fixture for miter cutting of tube/rod ends to fit flat surfaces or conversely-cut tubes/rods for angular joins; and 5) a welding fixture for precise angular positioning of a miter cut tube/rod to a deck, wall, or stair plate. The primary clamp includes an adjustable pressure pad that applies pressure to the side of the primary tube opposite the secondary tube weld join line thereby preventing warping due to weld stresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy M. Uecker
  • Patent number: 8573470
    Abstract: A welding bug (1) comprising a welding torch (3) for welding in a groove (19). The welding torch (3) is mounted for rotational movement about an axis (21) that is substantially horizontal, relative to the welding bug, (typically tangential to a pipe during use) so that the torch is moveable, during use of the welding bug (1) when arranged to enable the torch to weld in a groove, between (i) an operating position, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the welding torch is positioned away from the groove (19). The welding bug may be less cumbersome and more compact than some known arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Saipem S.p.A.
    Inventors: Renato Bonelli, Teresio Signaroldi, Andrea Provesi
  • Publication number: 20130256469
    Abstract: A holding part is provided for connecting two pipes running parallel to each other, such as the two parallel measuring pipes of a Coriolis mass flowmeter, at a defined spacing. The holding part includes a first holding ring with a first holding opening for a first pipe, a second holding ring with a second holding opening for a second pipe, and a holding web firmly connecting the two holding rings and defining the spacing between the two holding rings. The holding part also includes a first slot running radially and having a first slot width in the first holding ring, a second slot running radially and having a second slot width in the second holding ring, and a slot width changing device, by actuation of which the first and the second slot width and therefore the diameter of the first and second holding opening can be changed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Gûnter Rasche, Karl-Heinz Rackebrandt, Laurenc Wertheim
  • Patent number: 8479391
    Abstract: A method of repairing an integrally bladed rotor includes the steps of placing a support collar around at least a leading and trailing edge portions of the blade stub, and performing linear friction welding to add a replacement airfoil to the blade stub. The linear friction welding is generally along a direction between the leading and trailing edges. In addition, the support collar leading and trailing edge portions are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert A. Chin, Robert P. Schaefer, Eberhardt Privitzer, Wangen Lin, Billie W. Bunting, James J. Moor, Vincent Nevins, Jr., Andrew L. Haynes, Greg Czeladko, Kenneth T. Raczewski
  • Publication number: 20130105046
    Abstract: A method of generating a welded assembly includes providing a work-hardened steel component. The method also includes annealing a region on the work-hardened steel component to impart a local temper to the region such that formability of the region is increased. The method additionally includes forming a projection on the annealed region. Furthermore, the method includes clamping a panel against the projection and joining the panel and the work-hardened steel component at the projection via a welding apparatus to generate the welded assembly. A system for generating a welded assembly employing the disclosed method and a method of generating a reinforced assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Blair E. Carlson, Mark T. Hall
  • Patent number: 8397975
    Abstract: A removable two-ring clamp has a first segmented ring assembly and a second segmented ring assembly that pivot relative to one another and can be individually loosened and tightened. The first ring assembly is received on and secured around an end portion of a first tubular section and the second ring assembly is received on and secured around an end portion of a second tubular section. The ring assemblies, when loosened, allow relative pivotal movement therebetween and allow the tubular sections to be rotated about their axes relative to one another to accommodate positioning the axes of the sections in any combination of planes, and when tightened, firmly hold the two tubular sections concentrically end-to-end in the proper position while a small tack weld or bonding agent is placed at their joined ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Victor M. Franco
  • Patent number: 8376211
    Abstract: A blade processing fixture has first and second jaws. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw from a disengaged position for accepting a root of the blade. The blade is accepted in a receiving area between the first and second jaws. The second jaw is movable to an engaged position clamping the blade between the first and second jaws. A gas flow path extends from an inlet port to an outlet port. The outlet port is positioned to introduce gas to a blade inlet port when the blade is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William M. Rose
  • Patent number: 8365386
    Abstract: A framing device (1) and a method are provided for connecting disk-type bodies (6) to a frame (5) by a manipulator (2). A joining device (4) is associated with the manipulator (2), for joining individual frame parts (8, 9, 10, 11) to the disk-type body. The manipulator (2) guides the disk-type body (6) and inserts it into the frame parts (8, 9, 10, 11) provided, the frame parts being pressed against the disk edge (7) at the same time or one after the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: KUKA Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Vontz, Thomas Dobkowitz, Elisabeth Schärtl
  • Publication number: 20130028659
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a process for cohesively joining two plates (1 and 2) having differing melting points, one of which plates, the end plate (1), includes a light metal material, in particular aluminum material, and the other of which plates, the connecting plate (2), includes an iron and/or titanium material, wherein a coating (9) preferably on the basis of zinc or aluminum is provided at least partially on at least one of the abutting faces (3?, 3?) of the abutting edge (3) of the connecting plate (2) which extend inclined with respect to one another, in which process both plates (1 and 2) are joined together by braze welding so as to abut against one another along their common joint using an additional material (5) on the basis of light metal, in particular on the basis of aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: VOESTALPINE STAHL GMBH
    Inventors: Alois Leitner, Roland Rechberger
  • Patent number: 8360304
    Abstract: A method of operating a wire bonding machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing a workpiece secured in a bonding position by a device clamp of a wire bonding machine; (2) raising the device clamp to a first height above the workpiece, the device clamp remaining at the first height for a first predetermined period of time; and (3) raising the device clamp to a second height above the workpiece after step (2), the second height being further away from the workpiece than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kulicke and Soffa Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Sig Kang, Hing Kuong Wong, Samuel Capistrano, III, Abdul Shukor Mohd Salleh, Wun Man Oranna Yauw