Including Means To Relatively Position Plural Work Parts Patents (Class 29/281.5)
  • Publication number: 20090249602
    Abstract: The invention relates to 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 (5) of a first and second base (1,2). The first base (1) has a first main axis (6) which is perpendicular to the rotational axis (5) and includes first means for supporting (7) objects that can be displaced in translation along the first main axis (6). The second base (2) has a second main axis (9) which is perpendicular to the rotational axis (5) and includes second means for supporting (10) objects and a revolving plate device (14) for supporting and orienting one of the objects in an angular manner. The revolving plate device (14) can be displaced in translation in relation to the second supporting means (10) along the second main axis (9). Visualisation means enable at least the rotational angle of the plate (15) and the position of the second base (2) to be visualised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Francois Frehel, Roger Thierry, Christophe Gautier
  • Patent number: 7587813
    Abstract: An assembly device assembles a recording and reproducing device for an optical disc by bonding spindle motor to a mechanical chassis. The assembly device adjusts the attitude of the spindle motor relative to the mechanical chassis prior to bonding by adjusting an inclination of the spindle motor about a first axis and about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The assembly device also adjusts a height of the spindle motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Miyamori
  • Patent number: 7578044
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use are disclosed for coordinating a hole of one part with a hole of another part. The apparatus may include a base member, a pin member defined by a slot having a first length in one direction which is greater than a second length in a second direction, and an index member extending beyond an end of the base member. The index member may be adapted to position the first length of the slot in a position parallel to a datum of a part being joined by the apparatus. During operation, a portion of the pin member may be inserted in a hole of one part. The slot may be at least partially aligned with a second, smaller hole in another part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gregory L. Clark
  • Publication number: 20090205206
    Abstract: The assembly method includes packaging of items for shipment and secures components of the assembly in a fashion and in the related position required for further assembly, as a unit, to an engine that is in the process of being assembled. The timed assembly arrives at the engine plant secured together such that it allows handling, at least in part, as a single component and with its parts arranged in the relative position required for proper timing and for securing to other components of the engine. The chain (44) is pinned between a tensioner pin (66) and the tensioner chain contacting surface (60) and between a guide pin (74) and the guide or snubber chain contacting surface (88). The tensioner is preferably pinned in a state of minimum extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: George L. Markley
  • Patent number: 7568279
    Abstract: A system and a method of installing an instrument panel in a motor vehicle. The system includes a decking arm assembly having a support structure for supporting the instrument panel, an actuator, a cradle disposed proximate the actuator, and a sensor assembly. The cradle engages a steering shaft assembly of the instrument panel when the actuator is in the advanced position and the sensor assembly does not indicate that the instrument panel is in a desired installation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Keith Lohman, Ajay Gupta
  • Patent number: 7562430
    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 an 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: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: MHE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Waisanen
  • Patent number: 7559147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable framing fixture for fabricating wall frames. Pneumatically controlled clamping mechanisms retain and locate various components of a frame wall. Spring loaded locator pins allow for variations in openings in the frame wall and allow for various frame wall designs. An offloading system allows for removal of completed frame walls from the portable framing fixture. The portable framing fixture is mounted onto a wheeled axle assembly to allow for easy transportation of the portable framing fixture to different job sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Fleeman
  • Patent number: 7556469
    Abstract: A swivel frame structure for a hydraulic excavator, said swing frame structure being to be arranged in a swing upperstructure 21, has a center frame 1 composed of side plates 6,7 and a reinforcement plate 8 joined to each other. The swing frame structure is provided with mating portions for bringing the side plates 6,7 and the reinforcement plate 8 into engagement with each other. These mating portions comprise plug-in structure portions, which in turn comprise holes 6a,7a formed through the respective side plates 6,7 and lugs 8a,8b arranged on opposite side edge portions of the reinforcement plate 8 and to be inserted into the holes 6a,7a of the corresponding side plates 6,7. The center frame can be fabricated without needing any jigs for fixedly holding the side plates and a bottom plate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Tanaka, Yasuo Koide, Hiroyuki Isobe
  • Publication number: 20090165273
    Abstract: Methods of assembling a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine having a plurality of components. The method comprises, in one aspect, determining a static unbalance force of each component using the mass and the center of mass location, and determining an optimum assembly arrangement minimizing static unbalance forces. Optimal component stacking positions, among other things, may then be established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce Calvert, Jiemln Wang, Richard Benoit, Harry Harris, Ronald Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090165279
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a CVD showerhead, comprising engaging a showerhead stem clamp with a showerhead stem outside of a process chamber of the CVD system. An alignment fixture is provided, and a plurality of spacer discs are positioned between the showerhead suspended from a top plate of the CVD system and heated platen. Nuts supporting the showerhead to the top plate are loosened, therein permitting the showerhead to move vertically within the process chamber. The process chamber is closed and the top plate is lowered, wherein the showerhead contacts the plurality of spacer discs. The alignment fixture is engaged with the showerhead stem clamp, therein fixing a vertical position of the showerhead with respect to the top plate, and the top plate is raised. The position of the of the showerhead is then fixed with respect to the top plate via a plurality of standoffs, an adjustment bracket, a threaded rod, and a plurality of nuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Joe M. Bockemehl, JR., Antonio Ibarra-Rivera, Jason James New
  • Publication number: 20090158579
    Abstract: A screw connection station is provided for use with a suspension conveyor with body suspension means for a respective vehicle body and with an assembly device for chassis components to be assembled in the vehicle body. The screw connection station has a running gear with a floating plate which has at least one screw connection device. The screw connection device is divided into a z-linear device, an x-linear device and a y-linear device as well as into one or more screw spindles. A centering-adaptation-displacement unit is provided for temporary connection and referencing between a body suspension means and the floating plate or between an assembly device and the floating plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Salvador Climent, Franz Sabo
  • Publication number: 20090139820
    Abstract: A power transmission device for configuration in a drive train between a prime mover and a power take-off with a hub element forming an output and a damper configuration connected upstream of the output, including at least two dampers disposed in radial direction offset relative to one another and coupled with one another—a first damper forming a main damper stage and a second internal damper—wherein the second internal damper is coupled with the hub. The dampers forming individual damper stages can be preassembled respectively as a unit and are connected with one another via a coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventor: Thorsten Krause
  • Publication number: 20090133979
    Abstract: A torque converter including a housing, a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch having a split piston having a radial inner portion and a radial outer portion, and a drive plate connecting the housing and the outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Andre Soto
  • Publication number: 20090133240
    Abstract: To provide a conveying and assembling system in which an operation area where a person coexisting type assembling device and an operator coexist is efficiency distributed, The operation area includes an area A1 where a person coexisting type assembling device R and an operator SS cooperate, an area A2 where the person coexisting type assembling device independently moves, and areas A3 and A4 where the operator independently operates while the person coexisting type assembling device R independently moves. In the operation area, a main line ML along which a vehicle body W moves in the arrow direction (leftward) in a suspended manner, a sub line SL along which the person coexisting type assembling device R travels, a tank mounting base TB, a tank housing shelf TT, and a component mounting base BB are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2005
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Takao Shibayama, Masaru Maruo, Yoshito Ohtake, Tetsuya Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20090131207
    Abstract: A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Publication number: 20090131182
    Abstract: The arrangement comprises parts coaxially mounted on the shaft, the parts including: a lockplate in rotational engagement with the shaft, the lockplate having a first side and a second side, the first side of the lockplate being in engagement with the component; a nut in threaded engagement with the shaft, the nut having a circumferential outer groove, a side of the nut being in pressing engagement with the second side of the lockplate; a damping element mounted in the groove and partially outwardly protruding therefrom; a lockwasher provided around the nut and in rotational engagement with the lockplate, the lockwasher having an interior surface in interfering engagement with the damping element; and a retaining element connected to the nut and to the lockwasher, the retaining element preventing the lockwasher from moving away from the lockplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: DANIEL BLAIS, Roger Huppe
  • Publication number: 20090114407
    Abstract: A sectored disc assembly, removable disc sector, and method of replacing a disc sector are disclosed for use with a soil opener that uses a disc assembly to open the soil prior to injection of a fertilizer or seed into the ground. The sectored disc assembly includes a rotatable hub and a plurality of disc sectors cooperatively forming a substantially continuous disc around the hub. Connectors, such as bolts, secure each of the disc sectors to the hub. The disc sector includes a body with radially inner and outer margins and side margins that are configured for continuous abutment with adjacent side margins of other disc sectors. The method of replacing a disc sector includes removing the connector securing the disc sector to the hub, moving the disc sector radially outwardly away from the hub, placing a replacement disc sector into contact with the hub, and inserting the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Guy J. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20090078808
    Abstract: Apparatus for aligning a refining disc is a refiner is disclosed, the apparatus including a first wedge slidable along a support for the axle package of the refining disc, a second wedge disposed between the first wedge and a bearing housing in which the rotatable axle of the axle package is journalled, the second wedge being slidable transversely to the slidable movement of the first wedge, a controller for controlling displacement of the first wedge including an actuator at one end of the support and a control axle extending from the actuator to the first wedge, the control axle being rotatable and rotatably secured to the first wedge whereby operation of the actuator causes rotation of the control axle, which in turn causes displacement of the first wedge which causes transverse displacement of the second wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Metso Paper, Inc
    Inventors: Tomas Sahlin, Goran Bystrom, Mattias Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20090070980
    Abstract: A system for servicing machine track includes a press having a housing and a reaction bolster coupled therewith, and first and second tool support plates. A first service tool set for assembling track links onto track pins is configured to couple with the first and second tool support plates. A second service tool set for disassembling track links from track pins is configured to couple with the first and second tool support plates. In a first assembly configuration, the system is adapted to field service a first type of machine track, whereas in a second assembly configuration the system is adapted to field service a different type of machine track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Richard E. Livesay
  • Patent number: 7493682
    Abstract: A system for splicing a conveyor belt with belt fasteners is disclosed. A base assembly aligns the belt, belt fasteners and rivet holes thereof with swage structures for securing the rivets. A guide assembly has a rigid guide block with cylindrical pilot holes, and a guide membrane of resilient material. Guide pins are receivable by guide bores for aligning the base and guide assemblies with the pilot holes, rivet holes, and swage structures in registry. The guide membrane including openings aligned with the pilot holes. The openings have a pair of slits defining flaps deflectable to permit the rivet to pass therethrough, and a central hole or cut-out. The flaps and the cut-out assist in centering the rivet with the belt fastener rivet holes. The system uses a single-rivet driver, a multi-rivet driver, a pneumatic driver, or an electric hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas W. Richardson, Mary Jane Richardson
  • Patent number: 7484285
    Abstract: A system for mating and demating a plurality of connectors mounted on a socket board with and from a plurality of corresponding connectors mounted on a motherboard includes: an adapter that is arranged above a surface opposite to the socket board surface on which the connectors are arranged and is movable in a direction in which the connectors are mated and demated; pressing means which contacts the surface of the socket board on which the semiconductor components are placed to press the socket board to the motherboard by lowering the adapter; and pulling means each of which engages with an engaging hole formed in the socket board and pulls the socket board in the direction in which the socket board is separated from the motherboard by lifting the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Advantest Corp.
    Inventors: Masanori Kaneko, Hiroyuki Hama, Takaji Ishikawa, Shigeru Matsumura
  • Patent number: 7475466
    Abstract: A vehicle body (B) is lowered toward a frame (F) from above, and fixed to the frame (F) via a mount insulator (MI). Prior to fixing, a locating jig (1) is attached to the frame (F). A locating hole (E) is formed in the body (B). While lowering the body (B), the horizontal position of the body (B) is adjusted such that the locating jig (1) penetrates the locating hole (E). The body (B) is aligned accurately with the frame (F) when a predetermined state of engagement is reached between the locating jig (1) and locating hole (E). In this state, a fastening bolt (G) which is passed through the mount insulator (MI) is used to fix the body (B) to the frame (F), and thus the fastening bolt (G) can be tightened without applying an eccentric load on the mount insulator (MI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Marume, Hiroaki Tanida, Makoto Umezawa
  • Patent number: 7475663
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1) comprising a housing (2) having at least one opening (4) into its inside, which is preferably the engine-oil feed inlet, and with a camshaft (5), mounted inside the housing for rotation about its geometric shaft. The camshaft (5) and the housing (2) have means cooperating with each other and with a device for locking a turnable shaft (6) with respect to the housing, insertable through this opening. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device consists of a rod (6), the cooperating means in the housing consist in a bore (7) for receiving an end of the rod (6), and the cooperating means on the cam shaft consist of a notch (9) made in the surface of the shaft, which cooperates with the rod. In this way, when there is a need to adjust, repair and/or replace engine (1) components, the rod (6) is inserted through the opening (4) and locked in this bore (7) of the housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Caetano M. A. Calviti, Fausto Luiz C. S. Neves, Joaquim Rodrigues Neto
  • Patent number: 7472465
    Abstract: A device for mounting any type of seat covers (10) on foam cushion parts (12) of a seat, more particularly a vehicle seat, uses gripping elements (14) which form actuation groups (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) receiving the profiled strips (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) arranged on the seat cover (10). The gripping elements pull the profiled strips (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) into channel-like recesses (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) in the foam cushion part (12) by a positioning device (42). The positioning device allows a relative movement between the foam cushion part (12) and the corresponding gripping element (14) to fix the seat cover (10) to the foam cushion part (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Nagele
  • Publication number: 20090000100
    Abstract: A spacer jig using as a tool has developed for easily replacing the spacer dampers on the overhead power lines during the maintenance and repair. The spacer jig is comprised of: a frame having a polygonal shape of two flat panels in parallel with a clearance for mounting the fixtures arranged even intervals in the radial direction between the two flat panels; the frame having square shape using for four-conductor and hexagonal shape using for six-conductor overhead power lines; the fixtures consisting of stationary hexahedron nuts and rotational hexahedron nuts; a clamping arm forming cylindrical-shaped long shafts with threaded end portion for inserting into the fixtures; a cable gripping unit consisting of a clamp, lid, snapping latch and locking detent for easily opening and closing the lid to grip or release the cables, and a clamp mounting unit for rotationally mounting the cable gripping unit on top of the clamping arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Sae Won Kwon, Gap Young Cheong, Hyuek Gi Lee
  • Publication number: 20090000098
    Abstract: An assembling machine with a feeder is provided. The feeder feeds receiving components into an assembler, where a moveable coupling mechanism couples attaching components to the receiving components. Transporting mechanisms coupled to a plurality of drive trains deliver the receiving components across the feeder table and to the assembler. The transporting mechanisms alternate between a plurality of speeds so as to deliver the receiving components to the assembler such that the moveable coupling mechanism may operate at a continuous, periodic rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Gordon H. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20080256770
    Abstract: A device and method of use for aligning elements is presented. In particular, the present invention relates to the device having particular features and the method for its use for axially aligning and welding elements together, especially pipe elements. Disclosed is a device for aligning the pipe elements which includes a head for surrounding the elements, a plurality of alignment elements for axially aligning the pipe elements, and a pressure mechanism for applying a selectable pressure to the pipe elements. Also disclosed is a device for receiving pipe elements which includes a reversibly attachable alignment head for surrounding the pipe elements, a plurality of multi-axis alignment elements, and a pressure mechanism for applying a selectable pressure to the pipe elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Mark D. Dwileski
  • Publication number: 20080256789
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a system, a method and an apparatus for configuring an end of arm tool within a molding environment. The end of arm tool comprises a base structure attachable, in use, to an actuator of the molding system, the base structure comprising a mounting structure interface; a mounting structure configured to be releasably accepted, in use, within the mounting structure interface; the mounting structure for receiving, in use, a part receptacle; the base structure comprising a service connecting interface configured to connect, in use, a service to the part receptacle via the mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Ralf Walter FISCH, Sven KMOCH
  • Publication number: 20080236346
    Abstract: A primary locking tool for use with first and second primary drive assemblies. The first primary drive assembly includes a first drive sprocket and a first input sprocket a first distance from one another. The second primary drive assembly includes a second drive sprocket and a second input sprocket a second distance from one another. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The primary locking tool includes a first side portion having a drive jaw configured to engage the first and second drive sprockets. A second side portion includes an input jaw configured to engage the first and second input sprockets. The first and second side portions are coupled together for movement between a retracted position and an extended position that engage and resist rotation of the first drive sprocket and first input sprocket and the second drive sprocket and second input sprocket, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Klett, Mark Schaefer, Michael Duley
  • Patent number: 7421776
    Abstract: A clamp for attaching a clip to an end of a stator bar including: an anchor adapted to fit into an open end of the clamp; a bracket having a first leg extending radially from the anchor and a second leg substantially perpendicular to the first leg, wherein the second leg has a distal end with a pivot point; at least one alignment post on an inside surface of the second leg; a lever arm pivotably attached to the pivot point on the second leg of the bracket, the lever arm further including a lip on a first end of the arm and adapted to releasably engage an edge of a cover to clip, and an adjustment screw threaded through the lever arm and having a first screw end abutting an outside surface of the second leg of the bracket, wherein turning the screw pivots the lever arm and moves the lip towards or away from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yu Wang, David Robert Schumacher, Lawrence Lee Sowers
  • Publication number: 20080184603
    Abstract: A device for connecting a wear part to a support thereof on materials handling equipment for public works machines, comprises a key placed in an axial alignment with regard to an elastically deformable sleeve placed in part of an adapter. The key has a key foot and a key head on either side and opposite ends of a body. The key head is arranged with a part forming an off-centered seat. The key foot comprises an anchoring element for temporarily penetrating into the elastically deformable sleeve. Rotation of the key causes its misalignment with regard to its initial axis and the tight securing of the key, either in the sleeve by anchoring, or against metal parts of the tooth and of the adapter on differentiated support zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicants: AFE METAL, PREDAC
    Inventor: Charles Pasqualini
  • Publication number: 20080160873
    Abstract: A robot toy including one block to which a servo is installed, another block joined to the one block by fitting an output shaft of the servo to a shaft hole, and a shaft hole diameter adjustment member to change a diameter of the shaft hole so as to be in a condition where the shaft hole is loosely fitted to the output shaft or a condition where the shaft hole is tightly fitted to the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Yosuke Yoneda
  • Publication number: 20080134490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The device comprises a pin attached to the subframe and extending toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body. The pin is adapted to engage the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body. The invention also relates to a method for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The method comprises providing a pin on the subframe that extends toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body, and engaging the pin with the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, Tim D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7343658
    Abstract: In a method of reinforcing an existing concrete electric pole having an annular side wall, an inner hollow portion provided therein and an opening portion formed to a position of the annular side wall to be penetrated therethrough, at least one of a predetermined amount of mortar, a predetermined amount of sand and a predetermined amount of gravel is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion. A reinforcing member for reinforcing the electric pole is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: NTT Infrastructure Network Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Minayoshi, Masato Ushiroyama, Hitoshi Shoji
  • Patent number: 7331094
    Abstract: A device for positioning components to be joined together, such as car body components, is characterized by at least one movable central module and a plurality of arms, movable in space and connected thereto and which in each case have at least one holding element for holding the components. By means of the inventive method for the positioning of the components to be joined together and for the performance of which the said device is particularly suitable, the components are held from a position within a desired arrangement of the components to be joined. In this way the assembled components during a subsequent tacking together and optionally further downstream production processes such as welding or the like, are accessible in optimum manner from the outside. Further advantages of the method according to the invention are a limited space requirement and possible balancing of the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Alwin Berninger
  • Patent number: 7328491
    Abstract: This specification discloses an apparatus for constructing a gate opening comprised of a spacing unit with a first end and a second end, means for expanding the spacing unit such that the distance between the first end and the second end may vary; means for locking the spacing unit such that the distance between the first end and the second end remains constant. The first end is comprised of means for attaching the first end to fence stock; and the second end is comprised of means for attaching the second end to fence stock. In some embodiments, the means for attaching the spacing unit to fence stock is comprised of dual-purpose notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 7310865
    Abstract: A gap setting tool for setting a gap between a pair of panels includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and a pin having a predetermined diameter. The first body portion, the second body portion, and the pin are movable relative to one another. One of the panels is fixed and the other panel is movably mounted adjacent thereto. The body portions are operable to be attached to respective ones of the pair of panels, such as by vacuum cups or the like, and drawn toward one another with the pin in the gap until the panels contact the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Cole, Brian K. Davis
  • Patent number: 7269901
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods of use thereof are provided for improved manufacturing of window and door frames. In particular, the present invention provides an apparatus that can improve efficiency and reduce manpower in manufacturing of window and door frames by being able to accommodate whole assembled window or door frames without manual assistance and by incorporating and utilizing multiple machining tools for machining of multiple surfaces of window and door frames. Correspondingly, the use of the apparatus of the present invention permits the practical use of an unconventional process for manufacturing window and door frames that can reduce wastage of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Aurele Robin
  • Patent number: 7237311
    Abstract: An apparatus 1 for securing a closure 2 in an aperture 3 of a container 4 comprises a securing cap 5 adapted to engage the closure 2 and the container 4 to secure the closure 2, and fittings to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing cap 5 and the closure 2 to move the securing cap 5 into a securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Matcon (R & D) Limited
    Inventor: Edward John Piepereit
  • Patent number: 7225517
    Abstract: There is disclosed a holding device for holding two rotary members relative to one another. The device has two holding members and a connecting member to which the holding members may be clamped by respective clamps. One of the holding members may be selectively positioned along the connecting member and clamped thereto at selected distances from the other holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Private Brand Tools (Australia) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7222417
    Abstract: A tooling system including a workstation assembly and a toolkit, is for performing an operation on a valve assembly. The workstation assembly includes a base platform; upright members extending generally vertically therefrom; an adjustable valve seat assembly coupled thereto for adjusting the height and alignment of the valve assembly being worked on; a stabilizing assembly for further aligning and securing the valve assembly; and a clamping assembly for engaging and securing the valve assembly once it is aligned, in order to permit the operation to be quickly and easily performed on the aligned, secured valve assembly. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Wasileski, Michael C. Moore, Stuart C. Weddle, Jesse Horton
  • Patent number: 7210208
    Abstract: A screw mounting jig. The jig supports an electronic device thereon. The electronic device includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A first screw hole is formed on the first surface, and a second screw hole is formed on the second surface. The jig includes a base and a supporting assembly. The electronic device is received in the supporting assembly. The supporting assembly is disposed on the base in a manner such that it rotates between a first position and a second position. When the supporting assembly is located at the first position, the first surface faces the base so that the second screw hole is exposed for insertion. When the supporting assembly is located at the second position, the second surface faces the base so that the first screw hole is exposed for insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: BENQ Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Hsiang Tseng, Chien-Ta Kang, Ching-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 7210211
    Abstract: An apparatus for making temporary road mats characterized by multiple layers of mutually perpendicular elongated timbers having an array of vertical intersections aligned in lateral rows. The apparatus includes a gang drill that moves relative to a roughly assembled mat for sequentially drilling the lateral rows of intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Harrison
  • Patent number: 7165304
    Abstract: A block attacher for attaching blocks to slats as stringers for pallets includes a slat dispenser disposed to dispense individual slats to a slat driver, the slat driver being selectively positionable. A first block dispenser dispenses a block to an assembly station where a position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver and the block dispenser to position the dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a first selected position. At least one other position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver to position a second dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a second selected position. The subsequent blocks may be dispensed by the same block dispenser as the first block, or by different dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Dustin W. Smith, Dale De'Crescenzo
  • Patent number: 7146699
    Abstract: A screw alignment tool. The tool includes a base, a cover and a plurality of extending elements. The base has a plurality of fasteners, fixing two work pieces. The cover is disposed on the base through a connecting means and has a plurality of holes corresponding to the screw holes on the work pieces. The extending elements are disposed on the cover by the holes facing the base. Each extending element has a chute communicating with the hole of the cover. When the cover is moved to a predetermined operating position, the chutes are aligned with the screw holes, to better align screw mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 7124500
    Abstract: A pinch grip hanger mechanism dispenses pinch grip hangers, one at a time, and then opens the pinch grips for insertion of a garment. The insertion of a garment triggers the closing of the pinch grips, and reciprocation of a hanger feed push plate to dispense another hanger. The device may also automatically attach size indicia to the hanger as the hanger is dispensed. The closing of the pinch grips is initiated by safety triggers, which are triggered by insertion of a garment. This provides a safety feature for the device, since the operator needs to use both hands to hold the garment taut for insertion. Thus, both hands are away from the device at the time the pinch grips are opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Sollanek, Stanley F. Gouldson
  • Patent number: 7117582
    Abstract: A method of enabling a reliable, motor-to-base merge process is designed for motors that are attached to a base with screws that mount from outside of the base. An assembly fixture receives the motor, which has a tooling hole for circumferentially locating the motor relative to the base. The assembly fixture closely receives the motor and has a tooling pin that engages the tooling hole to prevent rotation of the motor relative to the assembly fixture. During the motor-to-base merge process, the motor is inverted with the tooling pin in the tooling hole. The assembly fixture aligns the threaded screw holes in the motor with the mounting holes on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Ta-Chang Fu, Ungtae Kim, Robert A. Lenicheck, Sattar Malek, Stanley Yen Wong
  • Patent number: 7107672
    Abstract: A plurality of flexible printed circuit boards are held on a transfer carrier, which is formed by a base plate and a resin layer formed on an upper surface of the base plate. Reference pins are positioned at reference pin openings of the carrier base plate and reference holes of the flexible printed circuit boards are positioned at the reference pins in order to adhere the board to the carrier resin layer. Electronic parts are mounted on the flexible printed circuit board by bonding the electronic parts to bonding portions of the flexible printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuto Onitsuka, Teruaki Nishinaka
  • Patent number: 7107670
    Abstract: A system for enabling a reliable, motor-to-base merge process is designed for motors that are attached to a base with screws that mount from outside of the base. An assembly fixture receives the motor, which has a tooling hole for circumferentially locating the motor relative to the base. The assembly fixture closely receives the motor and has a tooling pin that engages the tooling hole to prevent rotation of the motor relative to the assembly fixture. During the motor-to-base merge process, the motor is inverted with the tooling pin in the tooling hole. The assembly fixture aligns the threaded screw holes in the motor with the mounting holes on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies
    Inventors: Ta-Chang Fu, Ungtae Kim, Robert A. Lenicheck, Sattar Malek, Stanley Yen Wong
  • Patent number: 7080434
    Abstract: A fixture adapted to precisely position two components to permit multiple machining operations of the components at a single work station. The fixture includes a backbone having a first portion for securing the first component and a second portion for securing the second component. First and second portions each further include an integral lobe and a finger which extend outwardly from the backbone, each terminating in a datum surface, as well as an additional datum surface which collectively form a set of datum locators along both the first and second portions. Each set of datum locators precisely positions the two components at a predetermined distance and orientation from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel E. Jones, Jacques Juneau, Vineet Vermani, Sukhminder S. Grewal, Kenneth Edward Masceranas