Advancing Work To Successive Stations (i.e., Assembly Line) Patents (Class 29/430)
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Patent number: 11975413Abstract: A production station for vehicle body parts is configured in a modular manner and has at least two production cells (8, 10; 12, 14), each of which has a separate work area (16, 18; 20, 22). The work areas have uniformly disposed robots (64, 66, 68, 70) and receiving arrangements (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42) that interact with the robots. At least one transport arrangement (56) for required components (58, 60, 62) and workpieces (44, 46) is provided for both production cells (8, 10; 12, 14). A receiving arrangement store (24, 26; 28, 30; 110) with all of the receiving arrangements is assigned to each production cell (8, 10; 12, 14), and a transport arrangement (48, 50; 52, 54; 111) is provided for at least one production cell. The production cells are coupled to one another via a connecting axle (102) having at least one connecting robot (104).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Dr. Ing h. c. F. Porsche AGInventors: Johannes Christoph Boehmer, Alexander Eckert, Markus Kreutel, Andreas Wachtel
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Patent number: 11969865Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and an electric tool for setting an operating mode and/or associate result values of an electric tool. The method comprising the steps of. Detecting at least one radio signal from at least one radio tag positioned on or in relation to an object to be processed, wherein the radio tag comprising an identifier associated with the object. Measuring distances between the electric tool and the at least one radio tag based on radio signal time of flight between the electric tool and the at least one radio tag. Selecting a first radio tag based on the distances. The first radio tag comprising a first identifier. And setting an operating mode of the electric tool based on the first identifier and/or associate result values of the processing steps performed by the electric tool with the first identifier.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE ABInventors: Robin Karlsson, Jakob Lindström
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Patent number: 11974400Abstract: A supporter for electronic parts includes: an adsorption plate which is attached to an upper surface of a first electronic part among the first electronic part and a second electronic part where the first electronic part and a second electronic part are spaced apart from each other on a plane; and a supporting member which includes 1) a first support part which supports a lower surface of the second electronic part and 2) a connection part which connects the adsorption plate and the first support part. On the plane, about 70-90% of the area of the first support part is overlapped with the second electronic part.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.Inventors: Seyoung Oh, Ki-Yong Park
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Patent number: 11952064Abstract: A vehicle body assembly system is provided. A pre-buck section and a main-buck section are formed along a transport path of a floor assembly of the system. In particular, the system includes a pre-buck unit disposed in the pre-buck section and that regulates a lower portion of a different side assembly for each vehicle model with respect to opposite sides of the floor assembly, regulates a cowl and a front roof rail with respect to an upper portion of the side assembly, and key-welds the upper portion of the side assembly, the cowl, and the front roof rail. A main-buck unit is disposed in the main-buck section and regulates a rear roof rail and a package tray with respect to the upper portion of the side assembly pre-assembled in the pre-buck unit, and key-welds the upper portion of the side assembly, the rear roof rail, and the package tray.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sekyu Kang, In Ho Jeong, Seon Woo Kweon
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Patent number: 11936033Abstract: The present disclosure provides a battery tab-feeding device including a battery tab disposed on a non-coating part of an electrode plate during a process of manufacturing an electrode by fusing the battery tab to the non-coating part of an electrode plate, an electrode plate supporting part disposed to support the electrode plate having a first surface exposed from both surfaces of the electrode plate and a tab transferring part disposed to support a battery tab and transfer the battery tab to the non-coating part of the electrode plate. Additionally, a guide part guides the transfer of the battery tab to position a first side edge of the battery tab perpendicular to a first side edge of the electrode plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.Inventors: Tae Hyun Kwon, Joo Hwan Sung, Hyoung Kwon Kim
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Patent number: 11878410Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2023Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Hamann, Daniel Kersey, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Edwin E. Marttinen
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Patent number: 11878475Abstract: A system and method for assembling a plurality of components into an assembly is provided. The system includes an assembling robot and an adhesive dispensing robot. The assembling robot is configured to attach a first sub-assembly to a second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly includes at least one of the plurality of components, and the second sub-assembly includes remaining ones of the plurality of components. The adhesive dispensing robot is configured to apply an adhesive between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly, after the first sub-assembly is attached to the second sub-assembly, to bond the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2022Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alan George Dry, David A. Brown, Robert William Miller
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Patent number: 11874077Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an obstruction within a tube being cleaned and repetitively advancing and retracting a flexible high pressure fluid cleaning lance within the tube is disclosed. The apparatus monitors drive roller/belt position and actual hose position, compares the belt (expected travel) to hose position (travel) and generates a position difference, or mismatch. If the mismatch is above a predetermined level, the drive motor direction is reversed for a predetermined time interval, and forward operation restored after the predetermined time interval; and the sequence of repeating the reversing and restoring operations is continued until the position difference or mismatch no longer exceeds the predetermined difference threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: STONEAGE, INC.Inventors: Travis Watkins, Jeffery R. Barnes, Daniel Szabo, Cody R. Montoya
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Patent number: 11845566Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabrication of frames for aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel R. Smith, Darrell D. Jones
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Patent number: 11845584Abstract: A pallet reassembly system includes at least one block installation mechanism configured to install a block within a partially assembled pallet, at least one board installation mechanism configured to install a board within the partially assembled pallet, and at least one transport assembly for transporting the partially assembled pallet to each of the at least one block installation mechanisms and each of the at least one board installation mechanisms. The transport assemblies are arranged into a loop including at least two perpendicular arranged legs.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: ALLIANCE AUTOMATION, LLCInventors: Jason Daniels, Justin Haverstock, Josh Foltz, Ken Randolph, Benjamin J. Zellers, Browning Sheehan
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Patent number: 11840298Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring and adjusting the parameters of the chassis geometry at a rear axle of a motor vehicle on a production line for the motor vehicle. Gripping and holding means for the rear axle and loading means for the rear axle are associated with the production line. According to the invention, a plurality of interchangeable frames is associated with the production line, and positioning means for positioning one of the interchangeable frames into a position for gripping the rear axle in the production process are associated with the production line. The gripping and holding means for the rear axle and the loading means for the rear axle are associated with the interchangeable frame in question. The interchangeable frames can thereby be matched to rear axles of different vehicle types, such that these different rear axles can be processed in one assembly line.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: DURR ASSEMBLY PRODUCTS GMBHInventors: Gerhard Heiduczek, Alexander Bauer, Ismail Kurt
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Patent number: 11840297Abstract: An embodiment parallel cell based mobility production system includes a front serial production line which is composed of one or more cells arranged in series and through which vehicles of various types sequentially pass to be processed, a parallel production line provided with a plurality of cells arranged in a matrix form, and a rear serial production line in which the vehicles of various types passed through the parallel production line are sequentially fed.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia CorporationInventors: Suk Jae Youn, Won Jin Jung
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Patent number: 11802403Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a concrete floor of a multistorey building, the method including: installing a first building module having a first precast concrete floor slab adjacently spaced from a second building module having a second precast concrete floor slab, at least the first precast concrete floor slab supporting an upstanding support member for supporting an upper floor; forming a channel between the spaced first and second precast concrete floor slabs by providing supporting formwork between the floor slabs for supporting poured concrete; and pouring concrete into the channel to form a concrete connection between the first and second precast slabs, thereby forming a concrete floor of a building.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: HICKORY DESIGN PTY LTDInventor: George Argyrou
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Patent number: 11772725Abstract: Processes for producing an electric vehicle include manufacture of a lower body skateboard platform including at least energy storage/conversion (batteries within a ladder frame), propulsion, suspension and wheels, steering, crash protection, and braking, and manufacture of a top hat upper portion including at least the vehicle cabin housing various interior components such as passenger seats, frame covers, and a roof headliner, together with steering and acceleration controls. The upper body portion and the lower body platform are manufactured separately in parallel and then merged, which allows for ease of manufacture and a more compact design.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Canoo Technologies Inc.Inventors: Frank Faga, Ulrich Kranz, Steven Offutt
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Patent number: 11766806Abstract: The invention refers to a method of joining a nogging to a stud to form a sub-module of a prefabricated building module.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Nordiska Truss ABInventors: Åke Svensson, Daniel Bäckström
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Patent number: 11753963Abstract: A method for repairing in-situ an oil manifold of the aft end bearing assembly of a gas turbine is provided that is cost-efficient, effective and dramatically reduces the costs for repair of a leaking oil manifold.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Virgil Adam, Glenn L Knight, III, Wiebe Van Der Werff, Valerio Goffi, Willem Smit
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Patent number: 11732475Abstract: A composite open web beam joist includes a cambered beam joist portion including a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, and an open web layout extending from end to end. The open web layout includes triangular web sections and openings between each of the triangular web sections. Each triangular web section includes a peak. A first chord angle beam is attached to the first side of the cambered beam-joist portion at the peaks of the triangular web sections. A second chord angle beam is attached to the second side of the cambered beam-joist at the peaks of the triangular web sections. A plate is vertically attached to a center of the top end of the cambered beam-joist. The plate extended longitudinally along the center of the top end of the cambered beam joist portion. The plate includes a distal end having a flange and a recess.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Inventor: Ernest Teitelbaum
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Patent number: 11724421Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for demolding a composite part from a mandrel. The method includes mechanically coupling a first arm of an extraction tool to a first arcuate portion of a composite part that has been hardened onto a mandrel, mechanically coupling a second arm of an extraction tool to a second arcuate portion of the composite part, and separating the composite part from the mandrel by iteratively performing the following operations until the composite part no longer contacts the mandrel: elastically straining the first arcuate portion of the composite part via the first arm, and elastically straining the second arcuate portion of the composite part via the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Darrell D. Jones, Daniel R. Smith, Patrick B. Stone, David Raines, Byron James Autry, Matthew B. Moore
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Patent number: 11715679Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a substrate, a set of terminals protruding from a first surface of the substrate, a power stage physically and thermally coupled to the first surface of the substrate, and a flexible circuit including at least one circuit layer forming power stage conductors and control circuit conductors disposed on a flexible insulating substrate layer. The power stage is between the flexible circuit and the substrate and is mounted on a first surface of the flexible circuit such that the power stage is electrically connected to the power stage conductors. The package includes a die mounted on a second surface of the flexible circuit opposite the power stage. An output of the die is electrically connected to an input of the power stage via the control circuit conductors.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Woochan Kim, Vivek Kishorechand Arora
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Patent number: 11673693Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing aircraft are disclosed. For example, a method for repetitively manufacturing aircraft comprises fractionally pulsing a constituent part down an assembly line by periodically advancing the constituent part down the assembly line by less than a length of the constituent part. The periodic advancing may include advancing the aircraft component by a pulse length that is less than the length of the aircraft component, stopping movement of the aircraft component for a duration and performing work on the aircraft component, and then advancing the aircraft component by the pulse length again. In another example, a method comprises determining a fractional pulse length to fractionally pulse one or more constituent parts of an aircraft based on one or more of a minimum workstation length of one or more assembly line workstations and a minimum section length of one or more work processes to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeremy Justice, Daniel Richard Smith, Jr., Darrell Darwin Jones
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Patent number: 11653486Abstract: In a component replenishment management system, a setting unit sets work allowable time of an operator in a work area, a replenishment target identification unit identifies component replenishment target devices which are targets of component replenishment work by the operator, and a work progress determination unit determines a progress state of the component replenishment work. Then, an extraction unit extracts the component replenishment target devices for which the component replenishment work is to be performed before work time in the work area by the operator reaches the work allowable time among the component replenishment target devices whose progress state of the component replenishment work is work not performed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoichi Matsushita
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Patent number: 11638949Abstract: In a method for producing a multilayered heat shield, which has a first metal layer and a second metal layer that has an insulating layer arranged between the metal layers, the metal layers are connected at the edge by a flanging. To produce the heat shield, the first metal layer, the insulating layer and the second metal layer are placed into a first pressing tool. This is effected in such a way that an edge portion of the first metal layer protrudes beyond an edge portion of the second metal layer. The insulating layer is set back from the edge portions of the first metal layer and of the second metal layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Carsten Sonntag, Tobias Dupmeier
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Patent number: 11623766Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing aircraft are disclosed. For example, an aircraft manufacturing system for repetitively manufacturing aircraft comprises a first manufacturing zone configured to repetitively manufacture first aircraft subassemblies, a second manufacturing zone configured to repetitively manufacture second aircraft subassemblies, and a third manufacturing zone configured to receive the first aircraft subassemblies from the first manufacturing zone, to receive the second aircraft subassemblies from the second manufacturing zone, and to repetitively assemble the first aircraft subassemblies and the second aircraft subassemblies into the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeremy Justice, Daniel Richard Smith, Jr., Darrell Darwin Jones
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Patent number: 11613792Abstract: A method of forming a coating of an Al—Zn—Si—Mg alloy on a steel strip to form an Al—Zn—Mg—Si coated steel strip is disclosed. The method includes the steps of dipping steel strip into a bath of molten Al—Zn—Si—Mg alloy and forming a coating of the alloy on exposed surfaces of the steel strip and cooling the coated strip with cooling water. The cooling step includes controlling the p H of cooling water to be in a range of pH 5-9. Particular embodiments focus on Al—Zn—Si—Mg alloys that contain the following elements in % by weight: Zn: 2 to 19, Si: 0.01 to 2, Mg: 1 to 10, and Balance Al and unavoidable impurities.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2018Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Bluescope Steel LimitedInventors: Wayne Andrew Renshaw, Aaron Kiffer Neufeld, Ross McDowall Smith, Geoff Tapsell
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Patent number: 11597168Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide automated lamination method and device that can efficiently perform automated lamination by using a thin-layer tape. A thin-layer tape automated lamination device 1 includes a provisional formation unit 2 configured to form lamination tapes having thicknesses different from each other by laminating a plurality of thin-layer tapes each having a thickness of 5 ?m to 80 ?m, and a lamination-shaping unit 3 configured to laminate and shape each formed lamination tape in a lamination region of a basal body surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: FUKUI PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENTInventors: Kazumasa Kawabe, Kohei Yamada, Keiichi Kondo, Hirofumi Iyo, Shin Kaechi
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Patent number: 11585405Abstract: A method of assembling a tower section of a wind turbine tower is provided. The method includes arranging the tower section of the wind turbine tower in a horizontal orientation; transporting a damper unit to a position inside the tower section while the tower section is arranged in the horizontal orientation; and mounting the damper unit to the tower section, wherein the damper unit is configured to damp motions of the wind turbine tower. Further, a horizontal transport system is provided that is supported at least at one position by the tower section and that includes a movable part configured to support a damper unit and to transport the damper unit in a horizontal direction from a position adjacent to an end of the tower section to a position at or adjacent to a mounting position of the damper unit inside the tower section.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/SInventors: Malte Herbert Rumler, Madhup Tiwari
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Patent number: 11536030Abstract: A composite open web beam joist includes a cambered beam joist portion including a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, and an open web layout extending from end to end. The open web layout includes triangular web sections and openings between each of the triangular web sections. Each triangular web section includes a peak. A first chord angle beam is attached to the first side of the cambered beam-joist portion at the peaks of the triangular web sections. A second chord angle beam is attached to the second side of the cambered beam-joist at the peaks of the triangular web sections. A plate is vertically attached to a center of the top end of the cambered beam-joist. The plate extended longitudinally along the center of the top end of the cambered beam joist portion. The plate includes a distal end having a flange and a recess.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2022Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Inventor: Ernest Teitelbaum
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Patent number: 11524736Abstract: A vehicle assembly method includes assembling a chassis platform, mounting a floor pan to the platform, mounting a modular interior to the floor pan, assembling a body top-hat separate from the platform and the floor pan, and mounting the body top-hat to the platform and the floor pan after mounting the modular interior to the floor pan.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christian Hosbach, Ari Caliskan, John Jaranson, Christopher Bondanza, Jonathan Weiler, Peter A. Friedman
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Patent number: 11498109Abstract: A method of forming a closure member may include: providing a support member with an outer support surface; providing a member including a first member made of electrically conductive material, wherein the first member includes a first tubular sleeve extending along a longitudinal direction between a first top end and a first bottom end; positioning the member on the support member; applying a magnetic field on the member to deform at least a portion of the first tubular sleeve around the support member to form the closure member; and/or removing the formed closure member from the support member for subsequently fitting the formed closure member on a neck of a container or a closure body.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Guala Closures S.p.A.Inventors: Luca Viale, Marco Giovannini, Andrea Pozzi
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Patent number: 11491591Abstract: An attachment device attaches a plurality of attachment target members to an attachment portion formed in a circumferential direction of a rotating main body portion. A first measurement unit measures a physical amount concerning a perimeter of the attachment portion. An attachment unit attaches, to the attachment portion, the plurality of attachment target members selected based on the physical amount concerning the perimeter measured by the first measurement unit. A second measurement unit measures a physical amount concerning a gap between the adjacent attachment target members to be attached by the attachment unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: HIRATA CORPORATIONInventors: Keisuke Teramoto, Masaru Kozaki
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Patent number: 11447039Abstract: A communication seat-type vehicle having communication seats arranged at locations to allow the passengers seated thereon to talk face-to-face, four wheels including two front wheels and two rear wheels, a driving source configured to apply driving force to at least one of the four wheels, a steering mechanism configured to steer at least one of the four wheels, and a vehicle body frame which is at least partially provided between front ends of the two front wheels and rear ends of the two rear wheels in the vehicle front-rear direction, and in which a cabin space is provided to accommodate the passengers. The vehicle body frame has a front H-shaped frame structure including a ceiling frame, a floor frame provided directly below the ceiling frame, a front H-shaped frame including two front pillars and a front intermediate transverse frame connecting the two front pillars, and a rear frame including two rear pillars.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Arato Takahashi
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Patent number: 11428524Abstract: A generating device that includes: a unit for generating triggering positions, a unit for generating, during the course of the movement of the moving element, actual positions of said moving element, this unit further including a unit for measuring successive effective positions of the moving element, the actual positions including at least these measured effective positions, a unit for comparing, for a current triggering position, the actual positions successive to this current triggering position in such a way as to identify, among these successive actual positions, the closest actual position to said current triggering position, and this within a given limit, and a unit for generating a pulsed signal for the current triggering position, if and when the moving element reaches said closest actual position and that this position is situated within the given limit.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: MICRO-CONTRÔLE-SPECTRA PHYSICSInventors: Daniel Gvero, Christophe Ahrens
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Patent number: 11332209Abstract: A robot system has at least one robot that performs predetermined work on at least first and second work portions among a plurality of work portions, and a plurality of locators each having a locate pin movable in three axial directions orthogonal to one another, and that position the workpiece with the locate pins being inserted into the holes at a first position where the robot performs work on the first work portion, and a control device that controls operation of the plurality of locators, in which after the work of the robot on the first work portion is completed, the control device controls the plurality of locators while keeping a state that the locate pins are inserted into the holes, so as to change a position of the workpiece from the first position to a second position where the robot performs work on the second work portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazumi Fukuhara, Hitoshi Nariai
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Patent number: 11335477Abstract: A power cable has an insulated conductor; a copper water barrier, in form of a tube with a welding line, surrounding each insulated conductor; and a polymeric sheath surrounding each copper water barrier. The copper water barrier has a thickness and the polymeric sheath has a thickness such that a ratio between the thickness of the copper water barrier and the thickness of the polymeric sheath is 0.15 at most.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.p.A.Inventors: Fabrizio Cristofani, Paolo Liboi, Silvio Frigerio, Giovanni Pozzati
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Patent number: 11267088Abstract: A nail plater apparatus includes at least one nail plate magazine configured to hold a plurality of nail plates, and at least one nail plate extractor assembly associated with the at least one nail plate magazine and configured to position at least one nail plate therefrom to at least one nail plate pressing area. A board feeder is configured to position a board to a board receiving area. At least one nail plate presser assembly is adjacent the board receiving area and aligned with the at least one nail plate pressing area and configured to press the at least one nail plate into the board.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: CHEP Technology Pty LimitedInventors: Dwight Bryan Whitfield, Sr., Frank S. Lusczakoski
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Patent number: 11260911Abstract: A frame for a personal electric vehicle includes (a) a chassis floorpan extending axially between a front and a rear and laterally between opposite sides, the floorpan having a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the floor to a raised peripheral edge of the floorpan; and (b) a safety cage mounted to the chassis floorpan and comprising a plurality of interconnected tubular members defining an occupant interior. The tubular members include a plurality of pillars spaced apart from each other along the peripheral edge and fixed against the sidewall for securing the safety cage to the chassis floorpan.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2021Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: ELVY INC.Inventor: Frank Stronach
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Patent number: 11254033Abstract: An automated method and system for making painted vehicle body panel skins and vehicle body panels, such as instrument panels, are provided wherein throughput and equipment utilization are greatly improved at a relatively low cost. The method includes transferring a mold having a mold surface from an entrance station to a paint station within a dispensing area. The method further includes applying paint on the mold surface to form a layer of paint on the mold surface at the paint station. The method still further includes spraying curable polyurethane elastomer on the painted surface at a spray station within the dispensing area. The paint and spray stations may be coincident.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Larry J. Winget, Darius J. Preisler, Jason T. Murar, William G. Krowl
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Patent number: 11253897Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing plate part blanks for a heat exchanger. A sheet material (2) in the form of continuous sheeting is worked between two rolls (5, 6) with opposite surface patterns (7, 7?, 8) to form profiled plate part blanks (3, 3?,3?) into the sheet material (2) so that the rolls (5, 6) are synchronized to rotate at substantially same rate by controlling the rotation of them in relation to each other with common synchronization gear (9), which gear is coupled to the rolls (5, 6) by means of shafts (10, 11) with disk pack or gear couplings.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: VAHTERUS OYInventors: Mauri Kontu, Paavo Pitkänen
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Patent number: 11195640Abstract: Process for manufacturing a power cable includes: providing a power cable core having an electric conductor; providing a copper foil; providing a protective strip over the power cable core, the protective strip having a radially inner and outer surface and being made of copper with a coating; folding the copper foil around the power cable core so as to bring two longitudinal copper foil rims to contact one to the other; welding the two contacted longitudinal copper foil rims thus obtaining a copper sheath in form of a tube with a welding seam; reducing the diameter of the copper sheath to put it into direct contact with the power cable core and the protective strip; heating the protective strip and the copper sheath at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the coating of the strip so that the coating fuses in the welding seam.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.p.A.Inventors: Giovanni Pozzati, Fabrizio Cristofani, Silvio Frigerio, Paolo Liboi
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Patent number: 11186334Abstract: Object adjusting apparatus and related methods for use with automotive manufacturing systems are disclosed. A disclosed object adjuster for an automotive manufacturing system includes a frame. The object adjuster also includes a guide supported by the frame and positioned near a conveyor configured to convey an object. The object adjuster also includes a receiver slidably coupled to the guide. The receiver includes a portion that is configured to engage an attachment movably coupled to the object to adjust the attachment when the object moves.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Anna M. Cokeley
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Patent number: 11150644Abstract: Technologies for steering sensors in a payload carrier structure on an autonomous vehicle (AV) are described herein. An example method can include receiving, by a motor control system on the AV, instructions for controlling a motor on the motor control system to reposition the payload carrier structure from a first position to a second position; based on the instructions, sending, by a controller on the motor control system to a motor driver on the motor control system, a command instructing the motor driver to reposition the payload carrier structure from the first position to the second position; sending, by the motor driver to the motor, a control signal generated by the motor driver based on the command, the control signal controlling the motor to reposition the payload carrier structure to the second position; and moving, by the motor, the payload carrier structure and sensors to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings, LLCInventors: Yung Change Ko, Shane McGuire, Radu Raduta, Brendan Hermalyn, Joseph Robbins, Mabel Lee, Nate Herse, Roger Lo
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Patent number: 10928835Abstract: Systems and methods for flexible conveyance in an assembly-line or manufacturing process are disclosed. A fleet of self-driving vehicles and a fleet-management system can be used to convey workpieces through a sequence of workstations at which operations are performed in order to produce a finished assembly. An assembly can be transported to a first workstation using a self-driving vehicle, where an operation is performed on the assembly. Subsequently, the assembly can be transported to a second workstation using the self-driving vehicle. The operation can be performed on the assembly while it is being conveyed by the self-driving vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: CLEARPATH ROBOTICS INC.Inventors: Ryan Christopher Gariepy, Andrew Dobson, Nir Rikovitch, William John Alexander Torrens, Roydyn Clayton
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Patent number: 10914337Abstract: A fastener locating and retention structure which includes a dog house attached to a part. The doghouse includes at least three walls and an opening in the fourth wall large enough for allowing a T-stud shaft portion to enter. A top surface it provided for extending inward from the walls. The top surface has an aperture formed there in by two pairs of spring retention legs which oppose each other engage the shaft portion of the T-stud on either side of the shaft thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Dobbs, Gregory A. Engele
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Patent number: 10737404Abstract: A nailing machine for assembling wood pallets includes a nailing station and an advancement and guiding component which form a substantially horizontal resting surface at the nailing station configured for the assembly of at least two superimposed wood pieces to be assembled by nailing to provide a pallet. The nailing station includes at least one nailing head, each of which is associated with at least one nailing stem, which can move along a substantially vertical direction with respect to the resting surface between an inactive position, in which the lower end of the nailing stem is spaced from the upper surface of the superimposed wood pieces, and an active position, in which the lower end of the nailing stem is moved closer to, or made to penetrate, the upper surface of the superimposed wood pieces.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Inventor: Giancarlo Storti
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Patent number: 10518972Abstract: A system for the transfer, storage and distribution of intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The system comprises a first storage area comprising a first plurality of shafts arranged in a grid pattern along a first and second axis, a plurality of gantry cranes slidably disposed along the first axis and extending beyond the storage area, a roof structure disposed at a distance above the plurality of shafts, and a plurality of overhead cranes slidably associated with the plurality of tracks. The shafts disposed in rows along the first axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The shafts disposed in a given row along the second axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a corresponding length. The plurality of gantry cranes are each configured to attach to and transport an intermodal container from a first location to one of a plurality of platforms slidably disposed along the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: SuperDock LLCInventors: David Alba, Samuel Alba
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Patent number: 10458659Abstract: A spring clip for attaching a radiant burner unit to a cooktop includes a retention tab having a portion extending in a first direction and a retention arm defining a lever portion projecting away from the retention tab to an end displaced from the tab in a second direction generally normal to the first direction. The retention arm further defines a resiliently deformable section facilitating movement of the lever toward and away from the retention tab. The spring clip further includes a snap tab positioned opposite the retention arm from the retention tab and resiliently deflectable toward and away from the retention tab.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Alexander S. Pille
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Patent number: 10449674Abstract: A part support apparatus for supporting a plurality of parts which form a product by being connected to each other includes a plurality of support robots arranged in a work space and supporting the plurality of parts, a control unit controlling the plurality of support robots, and a storage unit storing a form pattern of each support robot corresponding to a type of a product. Each of the plurality of support robots includes a support unit supporting a part, and a multiaxial robot to which the support unit is attached, and which changes the posture and position of the support unit. The control unit controls the posture and position of each support unit by the multiaxial robot based on the form pattern, such that the plurality of parts are arranged to be connectable to each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: HIRATA CORPORATIONInventor: Masaru Kozaki
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Patent number: 10392062Abstract: An example instrument panel includes a plurality of modules and first and second section. Each section includes a module-receiving area. The plurality of modules are interchangeable. The module-receiving areas can each receive at least one of the plurality of modules. An alternate instrument panel and a method of assembling also include interchangeable modules.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Inventors: Chain Sandhu, Lev Lilov, Jeffrey Michael Bisson
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Patent number: 10394228Abstract: A combination of batch exchange carts that includes all of the feeders that supply components to be used in the post-changeover production from the multiple batch exchange units prepared in preparation space is decided based on the component information of feeders loaded on batch exchange carts used in the pre-changeover production and setup information of batch exchange carts that can be used for exchange memorized in memory device (component information of feeders loaded on batch exchange carts in preparation space), and then an operator is notified of the decided combination of batch exchange carts by sound or by the display of a mobile terminal or display device of production management computer.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: FUJI CORPORATIONInventor: Teruyuki Ohashi
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Patent number: 10220882Abstract: A vehicle body lower portion structure includes: a lower frame member formed as a chamber that extends in a vehicle body longitudinal direction, having a guide portion at inner surfaces of wall portions that structure the chamber, the lower frame member being disposed at a vehicle body lower side; and a reinforcing member formed as a second chamber that extends in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, having a plurality of projections at outer surfaces of wall portions that structure the second chamber, the reinforcing member being provided within the chamber of the lower frame member in a state in which the plurality of projections are made to contact the guide portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tatsuya Ayukawa