Including Means To Relatively Position Plural Work Parts Patents (Class 29/281.5)
  • Patent number: 8376334
    Abstract: A tool to hold objects by suction includes a glue free gasket structure on its handling surface. The gasket structure includes a gland formed below the handling surface having an approximate dovetail section with a narrow opening at the handling surface defining a suction area, and a gasket inserted in the gland. The gasket has a shoulder portion that conforms to the shoulder portion of the dovetail section of the gland, and a sealing lip protruding through the narrow opening at the handling surface. The gasket fits movably in the gland, and is self-aligning to compensate for variations in the space between the holding surface and the object being handled. This gasket structure is especially useful for devices to cool injection molded parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Swedcord Development AB
    Inventor: Göran Dalvander
  • Patent number: 8371014
    Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: New Sonic Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James T. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8371563
    Abstract: An upper clamping unit and a sub-clamping unit are respectively configured on the upper center of the main frame and on both sides of the front of the mounting portion, a side surface pad unit and a base surface pad unit are configured on one side and the front surface portion of the main frame so as to fix the upper part of a casting block, and the casting block is supplied from the upper portion through a gantry loader such that a separate transfer device is not necessary to make the fabrication process reasonable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Minkyu Shin, Byung Chang Kim
  • Publication number: 20130017082
    Abstract: An alignment assembly for mounting and aligning an inner shell within an outer shell is disclosed. The alignment assembly generally includes a first bushing and a second bushing configured to be received within at least one of an arm extending radially between the inner and outer shells and a boss of the outer shell. The first bushing may generally have an eccentric configuration and the second bushing may include an eccentric portion extending within the first bushing. Additionally, the alignment assembly may include a connection member extending within at least one of said first bushing and said second bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Matthew Stephen Casavant
  • Patent number: 8316919
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for setting a core, a molding machine, and a method for setting a core where the configuration of the apparatus and the machine is simplified and the accuracy of the core-setting is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sintokogio Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Hirata, Koichi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8312611
    Abstract: A first holding frame of a component holding unit is allowed to hold a plurality of components composing a first assembly and a second holding frame of the component holding unit is allowed to hold a plurality of components composing a second assembly which is to be mounted on the first assembly. The first assembly held onto the first holding frame and the second assembly held onto the second holding frame are assembled by an assembly work unit. The second holding frame is allowed to reciprocate towards the first holding frame to pass the second assembly from the second holding, frame to the first holding frame. Thereafter, the first assembly and the second assembly which are held onto the first holding frame are assembled and coupled together by the assembly work unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Tobita, Shinji Yoshino, Kenjiro Tsutsumi, Masashi Sato
  • Patent number: 8307527
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for holding a relative angle between two timing gears. The device includes a connector, two stationary engagement elements, two levers, two movable engagement elements and two fastening units. Each of the stationary engagement elements extends from the connector and can be located between two adjacent teeth of a related one of the timing gears. The levers are pivotally connected to the connector. Each of the movable engagement elements is movably connected to a related one of the levers and can be located between two other adjacent teeth of a related one of the timing gears. Each of the fastening units is operable to retain a related one of the movable engagement units in position relative to a related one of the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Poul Chang Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Hao Huang
  • Publication number: 20120263544
    Abstract: A jacket assembly guide for assembling a jacket structure is provided. The jacket structure includes a plurality of legs, a plurality of connecting braces and a plurality of node elements arranged on the legs for connecting the braces to the legs. The assembly guide includes a plurality of supporting towers for supporting the plurality of legs such that a supported leg is held in a position corresponding to the position of that leg in the assembled state of the jacket structure. The assembly guide further includes a plurality of connecting devices for releasably connecting one of the legs to one of the supporting towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas OESTERGAARD, Henrik STIESDAL
  • Publication number: 20120246938
    Abstract: A device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener into a threaded hole. The device contains a base and a rail extending up from the base. A gearbox may be attached to the rail such that the gearbox can travel along the rail between a fastener loading position, a fastener install position, and a fastener realigning position. A socket assembly is connected to or otherwise associated with the gearbox and includes a drive socket that is adapted to accept the threaded fastener and an input shaft which is adapted to translate rotational motion to the output socket. A spring mechanism is attached to the gearbox and contains a spring that will compress when the gearbox travels into the fastener realigning position. A compressible washer may be interposed between the output shaft and the drive socket of the socket assembly so that the central axes of these components may be misaligned without causing damage or disrupting the alignment process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Beck
  • Publication number: 20120246912
    Abstract: Device and method for installing the third blade (2) of a wind turbine (5), said wind turbine being placed on a platform (4) located on a water surface, so that the device is moved on the platform and along with it towards the final location. The device is moved, through tracks (3), on the platform surface until facing the third blade (2) with its corresponding hole of wind turbine. The blade, vertically held by jaws and legs (1), is lifted, fitted and screwed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GRUPO DE INGENIERIA OCEANICA, S.L.
    Inventor: Cesar del Campo y Ruiz de Almodovar
  • Publication number: 20120210577
    Abstract: An assembly device includes a shaft assembly having a plurality of pistons installed on an outer peripheral portion of a swash plate via shoes. The assembly device has a shaft support portion which supports a shaft having the swash plate in a vertical axis posture, a guide member, a shoe incorporation mechanism, a carriage which conveys the plurality of pistons in the vertical axis posture, and a piston holding portion which holds the plurality of pistons. The guide member is equipped with a first guide surface and a second guide surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SANYO MACHINE WORKS, LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuya ISHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 8234769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting a needle guard onto a syringe body that is provided with a needle. The device includes a retaining device for retaining the syringe body, a needle guard receptacle for receiving the needle guard, a compressed air system for providing compressed air, a first displacement device for displacing the needle guard receptacle in a vertical direction, and a rotation device for at least partially rotating the needle guard receptacle. The needle guard receptacle is disposed beneath the retaining device while the compressed air is fed to the needle guard receptacle such that the needle guard is suspended on an air cushion in a floating manner. The needle guard receptacle can be displaced in a vertical direction by the first displacement device. The invention further relates to a method for mounting the needle guard onto the syringe body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Leidig
  • Publication number: 20120186057
    Abstract: A screen installation device is used for assembling a screen plate to a frame, the screen installation device, and includes a positioning device and a plurality of connection devices. The positioning device is for locating the frame. The connection devices are detachably assembled to the positioning device and are arranged around the screen plate, and part of each connection device is located and retained between the screen plate and the frame to create a constant width gap between the screen plate and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEI GONG, NAI-LIN YANG, HAI-BO LI, MIN ZHUO
  • Patent number: 8225475
    Abstract: A non-conductive stabilizer bar device for aligning and stabilizing fine pitch electronic components, specifically a nanominiature connector, while these components are being mounted to a printed circuit board. The stabilizer bar device provides for alignment and stability in the all directions. The stabilizer bar device provides a series of grooves having detents that come into contact with fine pitch electronic leads and hold fast the fine pitch electronic leads providing stability by maintaining the true positioning of the terminal ends of the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Omnetics Connector Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Strange, Aaron Heitzman
  • Publication number: 20120174364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting rail (8) for mounting and positioning a seal, having attachment devices (12) disposed on a longitudinal side (15) of the mounting rail and each separated from each other by an interruption (13). In order to propose a mounting rail comprising high flexibility allowing simple insertion of the seal even after a long period of use and allowing more uniform pressure distribution when pressing on the seal, the invention proposes that the mounting rail (8) comprises a web (19) running through on the other longitudinal side (16), and at least one opening (1ha-c) is disposed in the mounting rail between the web and each attachment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Grohmann Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Grohmann, Lothar Thommes
  • Patent number: 8209834
    Abstract: A device for centering a tube inside a hollow shaft is disclosed. The device includes a deformable device interposed between the tube and the hollow shaft and including bearing members for bearing against the inside surface of the shaft and suitable for being spaced away from the inside surface of the shaft in order to enable them to be moved inside the shaft. The deformable device is made of a shape-memory material suitable for deforming to press the bearing members against the inside surface of the shaft or to space them away therefrom on being subjected to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Claude Marcel Mons, Laurent Raberin, Jean-Marc Rongvaux, Stéphane Rousselin
  • Patent number: 8196280
    Abstract: A fixture assembly and inspection method by which the internal diameter and/or concentricity of a segmented annular seal can be readily inspected and optionally measured prior to final installation. The fixture assembly has at least two fixture segments supported on a base, by which an annular fixture housing is defined having an outer rim and a groove with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the annular seal. The fixture assembly further includes a device or apparatus for assessing at least one dimensional characteristic of the annular seal when installed in the groove of the fixture housing and as the assessing device/apparatus travels along the interior circumference of the fixture housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Constantine Thermos, Ronald Ralph Cairo, Mehmet Demiroglu, Nitin Bhate
  • Publication number: 20120141284
    Abstract: A device for assembling sections of wind-turbine blades provided with casings, including at least one tie including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being a portion for assembly with a casing of a first section and the second portion being a portion for mounting with a complementary tie supported by a casing of a second section, wherein the first portion includes at least one composite/metal shear link provided with a continuous fitting element on at least one surface of the casing which receives one end of the aformentioned surface of the casing, provided with attachment pins passing through the fitting and the end of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: ASTRIUM SAS
    Inventors: Marcel Auberon, Nicolas Petermann
  • Patent number: 8191219
    Abstract: An assembly mechanism for an external box includes a casing body, a cover body, and a retaining body. The casing body has an opening formed on one side thereof. The cover body is assembled on the casing body. The retaining body is used for sliding the cover body to approach the opening in order to retain the cover body and the casing body together or for sliding the cover body out from the opening in order to separate the cover body from the casing body. Hence, it is easy for users to assemble or detach the external box of the present invention and the cost of the present invention is less than that of the prior art. Therefore, the present invention can solve the problem of needing to use a number of screws to assemble the external box of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Chemtron Research LLC
    Inventor: Jen-Hung Wang
  • Publication number: 20120131779
    Abstract: A transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft includes an undercarriage and an interior component module carrier unit. The interior component module carrier unit is supported on the undercarriage and is adapted to be connected to an interior component module, which is preassembled outside of the aircraft, in order to transport the interior component module with the aid of the transport device into a final assembly position in an aircraft fuselage element. At least a part of the interior component module carrier unit is movable relative to the undercarriage such that an interior component module connected to the interior component module carrier unit is movable horizontally and vertically relative to the undercarriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Umlauft, Dirk Humfeldt, Niklas Halfmann, Dieter Krause
  • Publication number: 20120131786
    Abstract: A positioning system for use in a wind turbine is described herein. The wind turbine includes a rotor, a drive train assembly that is supported from a support frame, and a drive shaft rotatably coupled between the rotor and the drive train assembly. The positioning system includes an alignment assembly that is coupled to a component of the drive train assembly. The alignment assembly is configured to adjust an orientation of the component with respect to the drive shaft with the drive shaft at least partially inserted within the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Ulrich Neumann
  • Publication number: 20120124833
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting and assembling segmented wind turbine blades are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes multiple transport devices that are each moveable as a unit from a blade fabrication site to a blade assembly site, and that have corresponding carriers positioned to carry corresponding spanwise segments of a wind turbine blade. The system can still further include a guide structure carried by at least one of the transport devices and coupled to a corresponding one of the carriers, with a motion path aligned with a corresponding blade axis. The guide structure can be positioned to guide the corresponding carrier along the motion path toward the other transport devices, e.g., to facilitate assembly of the blade segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Cory P. Arendt, Myles L. Baker, Sheldon Vilhauer, Michael Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120117783
    Abstract: A panel positioning apparatus is provided with an outer panel supporting device 20 adapted to support the outer panel 11 from a lower side of the outer panel 11 and an inner panel supporting device 30 adapted to support the inner panel 12 from an upper side of the inner panel 12. The outer panel supporting device 20 has a lower-surface contact section 23 adapted to abut against a lower surface of the outer panel 11. The inner panel supporting device 30 has an upper-surface contact section 344 adapted to expose below the inner panel 12 and to abut against an upper surface of a part of the outer panel 12 against which the lower-surface contact section 23 abuts. The outer panel 11 and the inner panel 12 are overlaid with each other, and a bending part 112A of the outer panel 11 is bent by pinching the outer panel 11 by the lower-surface contact section 23 and the upper-surface contact section 334.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eisaku Hasegawa, Nobuhiro Kozasa, Shunsuke Ishii, Hitoshi Yoshimichi, Koki Sanada
  • Patent number: 8176611
    Abstract: A pin removal assembly for use with an upper block of a crane includes a sheave support and a pin support. The upper block includes a frame, a plurality of sheaves, and a removable sheave pin that defines and axis of rotation for the sheaves and supports the sheaves within the frame. The pin removal assembly includes a sheave support mountable to the frame of the upper block and a pin support mountable to the frame of the upper block. The pin support is configured to support the sheave pin when the sheave pin is removed from the upper block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: MHE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Waisanen
  • Patent number: 8176610
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for precisely placing holes or attaching sub-components to vertical mullions or other workpieces of various shapes and material compositions. The apparatus, in its basic mode of operation, can accurately locate the positions of holes or groupings of holes to be drilled in the workpiece by means of the calibrated positioning, along the workpiece, of a plurality of fixtures affixed to specially-designed drill guide plates. When used in its advanced mode of operation, the fixtures of the apparatus are re-configured and loaded with a plurality of shear blocks or other connectors, and thereupon an operator, by calibrated placement of the fixtures, may simultaneously pinpoint the required fastening location of the shear blocks and sequentially attach specified fasteners through each shear block, directly onto the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Donald L. Arrington, Fred D. Harris
  • Patent number: 8166626
    Abstract: A method and a jig for mounting of a stack of Belleville springs about a shaft. The individual springs of the stack are first positioned over the shaft. A jig is then placed over the shaft and the springs and has at least one axially extending pressure bar that is radially inwardly biased to urge the inner circumferences of all the springs into contact with axially aligned points on the surface of the shaft. The springs are then compressed using a compression element while they are still urged by the pressure bar against the shaft. Finally, to retain the springs on the shaft and maintain the springs in compression, a split retaining clip is pressed onto to the shaft until it engages in a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eugenio Sereni, Johannes Diels, Arie Niemantsverdriet, Matteo Venturelli
  • Patent number: 8161628
    Abstract: An assembling device for attaching a light guide plate and a reflecting member together is provided. The assembling device includes a first receiving member and a second receiving member. The first receiving member defines a first recess therein for accommodating the light guide plate. The second receiving member defines a second recess therein for accommodating the reflecting member. The assembling device has an open position and a closed position. The light guide plate is capable of being loaded in the first recess and the reflecting member is capable of being loaded in the second recess when the assembling device is in the open position. The first receiving member and the second receiving member are aligned with and parallel to each other when the assembling device is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8156629
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling utilities is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for coupling utilities comprises a lower plate supported by a box, the plate having an aperture, at least one preloaded spring, at least one utility connection component, and a primary alignment pin projecting from a first surface of the plate; and an upper plate having a secondary alignment pin shorter than the primary alignment pin projecting from a first surface of the upper plate, an aperture and at least one utility connection component. The upper plate can move toward the lower plate with the first surfaces of the plates facing one another so that the primary alignment pin passes through the aperture in the upper plate and the secondary alignment pin passes through the aperture in the lower plate, the at least one preloaded spring is compressed, and the plates engage, coupling the utility connection components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Peter Theodorus Ceelen
  • Patent number: 8146222
    Abstract: A device and method for joining and tacking several individual components independently of shape and/or size to form inherently rigid, transportable sections for transportation vehicles, such as an aircraft is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the individual components may be spatially positioned relative to each other independently of shape and/or size. The spatial positions of the individual components may be determined by a measuring device, such as a laser measuring device, and varied via several positioning devices until a preset spatial position of the individual components has been reached in which the individual component are tacked together to form a section. In another embodiment, the positioning devices may be designed as base positioners, a first lateral positioner, a second lateral positioner, an upper positioner as well as an inner positioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Frauen, Tomas Gnauck, Eike Klemkow
  • Patent number: 8132310
    Abstract: A work carrier includes a movable clamp unit (15) having resiliently connected first and second sliders (26, 27) mounted on a guide rail (24), a lock lever (37) mounted on the second slider and normally urged in a direction to move a toothed portion (41) into meshing engagement with a rack (25), an operating lever (46) pivotally mounted on the second slider, and a cam mechanism (43, 38, 44, 45) operable in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever in one direction such that the second slider is locked in position against movement relative to the guide rail via meshing engagement between the toothed portion and the rack and, subsequently, the first slider and clamp member carried thereon are forcibly displaced away from the second slider while the second slider remains locked on the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumiaki Suga, Toshihiro Tsuji, Mitsuo Maeda, Yuichi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8127417
    Abstract: A system and method according to which a bearing assembly is removed from a casing. In several exemplary embodiments, the bearing assembly is removed from a turbine casing such as, for example, a gas-turbine casing in a jet engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: American Airlines, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Butler, Michael P. Alvey, Bryan Alan Brown
  • Patent number: 8127581
    Abstract: A tool for correcting the twist angle of a turbine blade includes an adaptor configured to engage a tip of the blade, a socket drive configured to engage the adaptor, a first handle connected to a first side of the socket drive, a second handle connected to a second side of the socket drive, and a torque gauge configured to measure a load applied to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ephraim C. Davis, Bryan G. Parrette, Larry D. Cronin
  • Patent number: 8127418
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing structures having a continuous sidewall includes a stationary inner work station having at least one working level and a stationary outer work station having at least one working level. The outer work station surrounds the inner work station. A shaft is disposed between the inner work station and the outer work. A lift or hoist is provided for raising and lowering a work piece in the shaft as work progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Larry Bertelsen, Alan Kingsley, Richard A. Roen
  • Publication number: 20120051869
    Abstract: A screw assembly for maintaining a substantially constant gap between adjacent components includes a first screw including: an exterior surface including a first threaded surface; and an inner wall defining a bore, the bore being coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the first screw, the inner wall including a second threaded surface, wherein one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface is arranged with a right-hand thread, and the other one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface is arranged with a left-hand thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Brian W. Johansen
  • Patent number: 8117723
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a jig for assembling various types of front end modules to various types of vehicles, comprising: (a) a body movably supported to the ceiling of an assembly line; (b) a car body-fixing part movably mounted to the body to fix various types of vehicles by variably adjusting its fixing position to the front car body of the vehicles; (c) a component-supporting part movably mounted to the body to support the front end module; and (d) a component-holding part mounted to the body and the component-supporting part to fix the front end module by variably change its holding position depending on the types of front end modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yo-Hee Jin
  • Patent number: 8108978
    Abstract: A tooling apparatus for positioning end effector tooling for engagement with a workpiece to facilitate the performance of work operations on the workpiece. The apparatus includes an elongated rectangular tubular backbone member, a plurality of tubular collars positioned over and secured to the backbone member at predetermined longitudinally spaced locations along the backbone member, and a plurality of support structures secured to a side of one or more of the collars utilizing a plurality of fasteners engaging apertures in the collars and aligned apertures in the underlying backbone member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Van Zile, III
  • Publication number: 20120023721
    Abstract: A device for sealed attachment of an oval or circular interchangeable member (24) in an oval or circular chamber ring (8) including its own mechanical system for secure immobilisation of the interchangeable element through the retaining ring mounted on a wall (2) of a containment cell. This attachment device includes an oval or circular retaining ring (20) supporting the interchangeable member (24). The integral retaining ring (20) includes at least three recesses (26) and the chamber ring (8) includes at least three bolts (28) able to penetrate into the recesses (26) in order to lock the retaining ring (20) on the chamber ring (8). The retaining ring (20) receives a set of keys (22) supporting the interchangeable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: PIERCAN SAS
    Inventor: Charles Glachet
  • Publication number: 20120018247
    Abstract: A wedge-shaped, number theoretical acoustic diffuser both diffuses and reflects sound while eliminating wasted space created by prior art. The inventive diffuser consists of wells of continuously variable depths which provide wide-bandwidth diffusion in a single dimension. The back of the wells are reflective planes of a plurality of angles that direct energy away from the sound source. The invention may be installed in the upper corners of a room, with the deepest end of the wedge-shape up and tapering down to the thinnest end of the wedge shape. This installation allows floor standing furniture or other objects to be placed against the wall, an impossibility with the installation of prior art. The present invention may be installed as an array in which the deepest ends of the wedge shape are butted together. This formation splits and reflects sound in two different directions both away from the sound source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Hendrik David Gideonse
  • Patent number: 8096051
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of lifting a wind turbine nacelle (1), the method comprising: arranging a first and second anchoring point (2,3) on each of two opposing sides of the nacelle (1), the first point (2) of each side being arranged below the center of gravity (4) of the nacelle (1) and the second point (3) of each side being arranged above the center of gravity (4), wherein one of said first and second anchoring point (2,3) of each side is immovably arranged, and wherein the other one of said first and second anchoring point (2,3) of each side is movably arranged; interconnecting said first and second anchoring point (2,3) on respective side of the nacelle (1) by means of one connecting element (5) per each of the two sides; connecting each of said connecting elements (5) to a hoisting means (11); adjusting the position of each of the movable anchoring points such that each of the connecting elements (5) is vertically aligned when lifting the nacelle (1) by the hoisting means (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Gunnar K. Storgaard Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8091197
    Abstract: A device and a method for assembling oriented objects, such as parts of a pipeline. The device includes means for rotational displacement about a rotational axis of a first and second base. The first base has a first main axis which is perpendicular to the rotational axis and includes first means for supporting objects that can be displaced in translation along the first main axis. The second base has a second main axis which is perpendicular to the rotational axis and includes second means for supporting objects and a revolving plate device for supporting and orienting one of the objects in an angular manner. The revolving plate device can be displaced in translation in relation to the second supporting means along the second main axis. Visualization means enable at least the rotational angle of the plate and the position of the second base to be visualised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Francois Frehel, Christian M. Schmit, legal representative, Roger Thierry, Christophe Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8087138
    Abstract: A bead crimping tool for crimping a bead element and method for use, wherein the tool includes a base handle, a crush plate member, a pair of opposed pincer members, an actuator handle, and a crush arm member. The bead element is placed on the crush plate and preferably secured in place by the crush arm. Crimping the bead includes squeezing of the actuator handle. During a first portion of such actuation, a cam portion of the actuator handle cases the pincer members to impart a lateral compressive force to a lateral portion of the bead element sufficient to collapse the bead element in a lateral direction. During a subsequent second portion of the single actuation cycle, the crush arm is caused to impart a longitudinal compressive force about a top portion of the bead element sufficient to compress the collapsed bead element in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Nikhil Gupta
  • Patent number: 8087145
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus and method for aligning work pieces. The alignment apparatus includes a base member and at least on adjustable leg that extends from the base member. The alignment apparatus additionally includes a vacuum plate mounted to the adjustable leg. The alignment apparatus also has a an actuator mounted to the base member wherein the actuator includes a shaft extending therefrom. The alignment apparatus includes an attachment member connected to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brent F. Craig, Eric M. Reid
  • Publication number: 20110314650
    Abstract: An alignment component includes a first member, a second member, and a plurality of locating elements. The first member includes at least one surface. The second member includes a plurality of through holes that include a first through hole and a second through hole positioned relative to each other. The second member is affixed with the first member such that a first pocket and a second pocket are formed, each of the first pocket and the second pocket having a wall corresponding to a wall of one of the first through hole and the second through hole. Each of the first pocket and the second pocket have a base corresponding to a surface of the one or more surfaces of the first member. The plurality of locating elements include a first locating element positioned with an interference fit in the first pocket and a second locating element positioned with an interference fit in the second pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Mikhail Fishkin, Michael S. Hanchak, Charles D. Rike, Allan M. Waugh
  • Publication number: 20110311378
    Abstract: An air-driven dual diaphragm pump comprises a pump body with a first air passage leading to a first air cavity with a first diaphragm, a second air passage leading to a second air cavity with a second diaphragm, and a reciprocating shaft which connects the first and second diaphragms. A diaphragm installation tool for the dual diaphragm pump comprises a plate which fits atop the pump body. A groove in a surface of the plate opposite from and nonadjacent to the pump body extends from the location of the first air passage to the location of the second air passage. A hole located within the groove at the location of either the first air passage or the second air passage extends through the plate. Pressurized air entering the pump body is redirected by the groove and the hole to always enter the first air passage, rather than the second, thereby slowly filling the first air cavity and positioning the second diaphragm for installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. MacDonald, Adam K. Collins
  • Patent number: 8061018
    Abstract: A machine is provided for making a fluid level sender assembly having a first mounting member with a flange and a fluid level sender including a second mounting member that telescopically connects with the first mounting member. The machine has a base, a holding member to support the first mounting member, a head member having an outer ring configured to rotate the flange, the head member moving between a first and second position to allow placing the first mounting member on the holding member and a second position to allow the outer ring to rotate the flange and a sensor receiving member to engage the fluid level sender. The sensor receiving member may move with respect to the holding member to telescopically position the fluid level sender and the plurality of different longitudinal positions such that a plurality of differently sized fluid level sender assemblies can be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Medallion Instrumentation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Philip Stepanek, Nicholas Frank DeVille
  • Publication number: 20110272891
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a brush seal assembly comprising, bending a first plate member to a helical shape, bending a second plate member to a helical shape, securing the first plate member to a drum, winding a wire material around the drum and the first plate member, securing the second plate member to the drum, attaching the second plate member and the first plate member to the wire, and cutting the wire to define a bristle length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: William Edward Adis, Bernard Arthur Couture, JR., Marshall Gordon Jones, Michael Dennis Mack, Daniel Frederick Purdy
  • Patent number: 8046895
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a vehicle body structure. The system includes first and second end effectors for positioning first and second body structure components. The second end effector engages the first end effector to position the second body structure component relative to the first body structure component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Cary R. Sherrill, Douglas P. Heerema, Richard D. Pastrick
  • Patent number: 8001667
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for holding lens holders includes a first board (14) and a second board (16). The first board includes a plurality of through slots (146) defined therein. The second board includes a base portion (160) and a plurality of elongated protrusions (162) for insertion in and sliding in the respective slots. The protrusions extend from the base portion. The first board and the second board are attached to each other with the protrusions inserted in the slots. The first board and the second board cooperatively form a plurality of receptacles between the first inner surfaces in the slots and the first surface of the protrusions. A platform (12) with one of the first board and the second board are secured thereon. A driving device (20) is configured for driving the other one of the first board and the second board to move relative to the one secured on the table to change a size of the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Feng Huang
  • Publication number: 20110187122
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub, comprising providing the component with a support comprising at least one adjustable element and adjusting said at least one element to align the wind turbine component. The invention further relates to a system for aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub comprising a support with at least one adjustable element supporting said wind turbine component, such that said wind turbine component can be aligned by adjusting said at least one element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Alstom Wind, S.L.U.
    Inventors: Daniel Castell Martinez, Carlos Casanovas Bermejo
  • Publication number: 20110179629
    Abstract: A panel loading method for loading an inner panel to an outer panel that has a bent portion provided by bending a periphery thereof, the outer panel and the inner panel being overlapped to integrate the outer panel and the inner panel at the periphery thereof. The method includes: providing at least one of the outer panel and the inner panel by an elastic body; disposing the outer panel onto a panel receiver so that the bent portion is directed upward; placing a guide plate on or above the bent portion; loading the inner panel into the outer panel from above the guide plate; and inserting the inner panel into an inside of the bent portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideo Kunita, Tetsuji Nakashima