Separate Tool Stations For Selective Or Successive Operation On Work Patents (Class 29/564)
  • Patent number: 11189021
    Abstract: Implementations describe systems and methods for machine based defect detection of three-dimensional (3D) printed objects. A method of one embodiment of the disclosure includes providing a first illumination of a 3D printed object using a first light source arrangement. A plurality of images of the 3D printed object are then generated using one or more imaging devices. Each image may depict a distinct region of the 3D printed object. The plurality of images may then be processed by a processing device using a machine learning model trained to identify one or more types of manufacturing defects of a 3D printing process. The machine learning model may provide a probability that an image contains a manufacturing defect. The processing device may then determine, without user input, whether the 3D printed object contains one or more manufacturing defects based on the results provided by the machine learning model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paren Indravadan Shah, Anatoliy Parpara, Andrey Cherkas, Alexey Kalinichenko
  • Patent number: 10207722
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing and/or reconditioning side frames and bolsters for railway cars includes at least one robot adapted to access positions along the length of the part. A map of the part dimensions, which may be obtained by a probe or scanner on the robot(s), allows a processor to determine where welding and machining are required to meet certain dimensional tolerances, leveraging novel reference surfaces on the part which cannot be leveraged using conventional gauges. The robot(s) may locate and mount welding and material removal tools to carry out the welding and material removal operations determined by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: STRATO, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Berg, Christopher J. Clark, Thomas J. Heyden, Kevin P. McGarvey, Michael Fortier
  • Patent number: 9962829
    Abstract: A robot includes a gripping section adapted to grip an object by open and close a pair of finger sections, a moving device adapted to relatively move the object and the gripping section, and a control device adapted to control the moving device to move the gripping section relatively toward the object, and dispose the pair of finger sections in a periphery of the object, and then control the gripping section to open and close the pair of finger sections in a plane parallel to a mounting surface on which the object is mounted, pinch the object between the pair of finger sections from a lateral side of the object, and grip the object with the gripping section at at least three contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Yamaguchi, Kazuhiro Kosuge, Yasuhisa Hirata, Aya Kaisumi
  • Patent number: 9833967
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first stacking portion on which a sheet conveyed by a conveying portion is stacked, a binding portion which forms, in a sheet bundle stacked on the first stacking portion, a tongue cut out from the sheet, with a part of the tongue attached to the sheet, and a slit, and which binds the sheet bundle by inserting a tip of the tongue of the sheet bundle in the slit of the sheet bundle, and a second stacking portion on which the sheet bundle bound by the binding portion is stacked. In the sheet processing apparatus, a plurality of recessed parts is formed on a guide face of the binding portion, the recessed parts extending in different directions from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kushida, Kiyoshi Watanabe, Naoto Tokuma, Toshiyuki Iwata, Akito Sekigawa
  • Patent number: 9822421
    Abstract: A method for making a vehicle body component includes forming a generally flat plate of unhardened, hot-formable sheet steel with a marginal shape which corresponds essentially to the developed configuration of the finished vehicle body component. The formed plate is hot-formed and hardened in a single press tool to define a sheet profile which corresponds to the configuration of the finished vehicle body component, and a surface coating is applied to the sheet profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: VICTOCOR TECHNOLOGIES N.V.
    Inventors: Martin Pohl, Michael Wibbeke, Wilfried Rostek
  • Patent number: 9623465
    Abstract: This document presents a system and method for presenting the invention as a tool that provides the ability to bend and shape rebar type material with less stress on the human body aiding in preventing common injuries that occur from standard rebar tools and processes and it provides portability so that all work can be done at the job site saving time and money from having to go to a workshop to fabricate unique shaped rebar parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 9573269
    Abstract: A tool-holder including: a first rail and a second rail that are parallel and each of which includes first fixing elements configured for fixing said rail to the surface, a driving slide including first guiding elements configured to slide over the first rail, a drive system configured to move the driving slide along the first rail and a first fixing system, a driven slide including second guiding elements configured to provide a sliding connection with the second rail and a second fixing system, an assembly bar carrying a first complementary fixing system cooperating with the first fixing system to form a removable fixing between them, a second complementary fixing system intended to cooperate with the second fixing system to form a removable fixing between them, and a carriage having a first assembly system, and a movement system on which the carriage is fixed and that is configured to move said carriage along the assembly bar, and a support module including second fixing elements for fixing the tool and a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventor: Fabien Albert
  • Patent number: 9526502
    Abstract: A surgical string applicator and method of use for anastomosis surgery are provided. The surgical string applicator includes an elongate shaft, a string applying assembly including a pair of opposing jaws connected to a distal end of the shaft, one or more jaws including one or more grooves along an inner surface of the jaw, each of the grooves configured to receive therein at least a portion of a surgical string, such as a zip-tie, and a string fastening mechanism adapted to engage and fasten the surgical string; and a handle portion connected to the proximal end of the shaft; the handle portion including control mechanisms adapted to open and close at least one of the jaws and to actuate the string fastening mechanism. Further provided is an intra-lumenal position guide to be used together with the surgical string applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Unique Surgical Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Francisco Sergio Pinheiro Regadas
  • Patent number: 9519165
    Abstract: An automated detection method comprises steps of: moving at least one panel to a first detection station by a first automatic loading device for an automated lighting detection of the panel; assembling the panel with at least one polarizer and at least one circuit board to obtain a display module and moving the display module to a second detection station by a second automatic loading device for an automated optical detection and an automated lighting detection of the display module; and combining the display module and a backlight module to form a display device and moving the display device to a third detection station by a third automatic loading device for an automated lighting detection of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: InnoLux Corporation
    Inventors: Min-Cheng Wang, Gang-Tao Gu
  • Patent number: 9314965
    Abstract: A wirelaying apparatus includes a tool arm with a tool head which carries a wirelaying tool. The tool has a cutting tip through which a wire is laid into a working surface of a workpiece. The workpiece is retained in a retainer and is moved relative to the wirelaying tool. In use, the cutting tip follows along an arcuate path while laying the wire into the working surface of the workpiece. Thus, more complex wirelaying configurations are achieved, such as a bi-helical wirelaying pattern in a generally cylindrical pipe fitting or a bi-spiral wirelaying pattern in a semi-cylindrical saddle coupler pipe fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MSA Engineering Systems Limited
    Inventor: Morgan Jones
  • Patent number: 9307990
    Abstract: A wound closure device includes first and second opposing members which open and close in a clam-shell configuration, skin penetrating needles and a pressure bar for applying pressure to close the wound when the device is closed, and releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Innovative Trauma Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Frank Filips, Ian Joseph Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9266288
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a shaping head to discharge a resin material, a table to retain the discharged resin material, a carriage mechanism fitted to the shaping head and moving the shaping head relative to the table, a rotatable member disposed outward of the table, a first horizontal rotary shaft rotatably supporting the table, a first motor to rotate the first horizontal rotary shaft, a second horizontal rotary shaft fitted to the rotatable member and extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal rotary shaft, a second motor to rotate the second horizontal rotary shaft so as to rotate the table, the first horizontal rotary shaft, and the first motor, along with the rotatable member, around the second horizontal rotary shaft, and a microcomputer configured or programmed to control the shaping head, the first motor, and the second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: ROLAND DG CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Okamura
  • Patent number: 9209054
    Abstract: A device manufacturing method and a device manufacturing apparatus in a single wafer processing system with wafers in 0.5 inch size. A large number of sealed-type unit process apparatuses are arranged to form a manufacturing line. The unit process apparatus is portable and processes a single process in the manufacturing process. When the number of a unit of manufacturing is more than the number of the unit process apparatuses, the unit process apparatuses are arranged as a flow shop system, corresponding to the order of processes for the device. When the number of the units is nearly equal to the number of processes, the apparatuses are arranged as a class shop system for classified arrangement at every major division of orders of processes. When the number of the units is far less than the number of processes, the apparatuses are arranged as a multicell shop system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Shiro Hara, Satoshi Haraichi, Akira Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8959750
    Abstract: A machining apparatus has a frame defining an input station, an output station, and first and second machining stations. Respective first and second workpiece holders in the first and second machining stations can retain a workpiece therein. A first pivotal turret is movable vertically and horizontally on the frame between the input station and the first machining station and carries at least one machining tool and a first grab, and a second pivotal turret is movable vertically and horizontally on the frame between the first and second machining stations and the output station and carries at least one machining tool and second and third grabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Emag Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Schuster
  • Publication number: 20150020373
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a continuous sucker rod coil, wherein the method includes the step of selecting a plurality of input coils, each input coil having the same uniform hardness, and each input coil having two free ends. The method further includes the step of fusing adjacent free ends of adjacent input coils together to form one continuous length of rod, the fusing creating fused areas and a heat-affected zone at each fused area. The method also includes the step of treating each of the heat-affected zones to alleviate irregularities induced during fusing. Additionally, the method includes the step of winding the continuous length of rod into a finished coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: DAVID LABONTE, RICKY GERELUK
  • Patent number: 8925180
    Abstract: A processing machine that combines the functions of mounting press and grinding for metallographic analysis and includes a main frame at least one shaft and a drive device horizontally mounted on the main frame. A mounting press unit and a grind unit are mounted on the main frame. The grind unit including a base secured on the main frame and linearly corresponds to the mounting press unit and the corresponding line parallel to the at least one shaft. The grind unit includes a headstock slidably mounted on the at least one shaft the and reciprocally moved on the at least one shaft to selectively align with the base of the grind unit and the mounting press unit when the drive device is operated. A control unit disposed in the grind unit for controlling the mounting press unit and the grind unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Top Tech Machines Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Liang Yang, Hsin-Ying Lee
  • Patent number: 8832934
    Abstract: A method to fit a contact portion in a plug housing by a robot is presented. Steps in the method include attaching a plug housing to a holder and gripping the contact portion by a gripping device of the robot. Other steps in the method include taking at least one spatially resolved picture by at least one optical detection device such that the plug housing and the contact portion are contained in the picture, determining a respective position of the plug housing and the contact portion in the picture by a control unit of the moveable robot, calculating a robot movement by the control unit that is a function of the determined positions, and performing the calculated movement by the robot to fit the contact portion in the plug housing. An apparatus to perform the method and another method to calibrate the control unit of the robot are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Larisch
  • Patent number: 8776360
    Abstract: A workshop for preparing aeroengines for shipping, the workshop including a station for fitting test and measurement mechanism on an engine, a mechanism for transporting the engine to test premises and for returning the engine to the workshop, a station for removing the test and measurement mechanism, a station for endoscopic inspection, a finishing station, and a shipping station. The engines are transported from one station to another by spreaders fastened on the engines and attached to hoists that are movable in translation along an overhead structure arranged in the workshop, each station being fitted with computer terminals for displaying and tracking the tasks to be performed on the engine in the corresponding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Bernard Francois Carcy, Christophe Andre Cheneau, Jacques Georges Philippe Guerin, Henri Muzellec
  • Patent number: 8732937
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting teeth in workpieces, wherein, in a roughing operation, a substantially uncut blank receives rough teeth using a cutting tool having cutting teeth. Operation teeth are produced, the tooth width of which is defined by the spacing between the flanks of the teeth and is greater than the target dimension. In a subsequent deburring operation, a chamfer is incorporated into the end face edge of the tooth flanks, accompanied by the removal of an end face burr. Lastly, in a smoothing operation, the tooth width of the teeth is brought to the target dimension by machining the tooth flanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Profilator GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Erich Prock, Marcel Sobczyk
  • Patent number: 8567039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine tool and a corresponding process for machining a workpiece by means of one or more tools controlled by means of control data, the machine tool comprising at least 5 simultaneously controllable axes. A control device being suited to control the tool supported in a support means by means of the control data along a tool path to remove material from the workpiece clamped in a clamping means. The machine tool being suited to machine a first workpiece to provide the first workpiece with a first gearing, the first workpiece being a counter piece to a second workpiece having a second gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Deckel Maho Pfronten GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Neumaier, Thomas Lochbihler, Uwe-Carsten Hansen
  • Patent number: 8561290
    Abstract: Work line module comprises a plurality of machines (103-106) having a plurality of working functions and non-work facility (107, 108) such as a conveying machine can cooperate so as to produce a necessary amount even if the necessary amount is varied. A plurality of work machines (103-106) for mechanically working a workpiece (124) and non-work facility (107, 108) for processing the workpiece (124). One work machine (106) is a multifunction furnishing machine having a function of measuring the workpiece (124) in addition to a function of mechanically working the workpiece (124). A conveying machine (109) having robots (185-187) for conveying the workpiece (124) between the work machines (103-106), and between the work machines (103-106) and the non-work facility (107, 108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsugumaru Yamashita, Noritaka Fujimura, Kenichiro Hirao
  • Patent number: 8533957
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing bearing seal for use in a roller bearing is provided. A steel coil of a preselected width is fed into a ring rolling machine to form a closed coil ring. The closed coil ring is then welded along the butted joint. The welded closed coil ring is then fed to a series of pre-forming machines wherein the desired profiles of the final bearing seal are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Amsted Rail Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Spurlock, Dwight A. Marcellus
  • Patent number: 8505189
    Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a backlight unit includes a feed mechanism, a testing mechanism, and an attachment mechanism. The feed mechanism arranges a plurality of light-emitting diodes in a row. The testing mechanism tests the light-emitting diodes. The attachment mechanism positions the light-emitting diodes to a circuit board. The attachment mechanism comprises a support assembly and a laminating device, in which the support assembly receives the light-emitting diodes tested by the at least one testing unit, the support assembly is opposite to the circuit board, and the laminating device laminates the light-emitting diodes to the circuit board. A method for manufacturing the backlight unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Chimei InnoLux Corporation
    Inventors: Gang-Tao Gu, Zhong-Hai Xiao, Min-Cheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20130167349
    Abstract: A regenerating method of a cutting blade to be repaired includes a grouping step of dividing the cutting blade differing in the degree of abrasion of the leading end part and side edge parts, into groups A to E depending on the degree of abrasion, a chamfering step of chamfering the leading edge part and the side edge parts of the cutting blade belonging to groups A to D, to positions passing reference lines K1, K2, - - - , K4 built up to a specified height determined in each group, a build-up welding step of welding a build-up on the chamfered leading edge part and side edge parts, and a processing step of regenerating and processing the build-up welding portions of the cutting blade into a specified shape of leading edge part and side edge parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kinki
    Inventor: Kabushiki Kaisha Kinki
  • Patent number: 8453304
    Abstract: An arrangement for covering a machine having a machine frame, includes a covering device adapted to be attached to the machine frame above the machine. The covering device has opposite sides corresponding to opposite sides of the machine frame. Hinges are respectively connected at the opposite sides of the covering device about which the covering device can be selectively swiveled to an open or a closed position relative to the machine. Each one of the respectively arranged hinges at opposite sides of the covering device is selectively coupled to the machine frame and has a parallel-extending swiveling axis. Respectively the non-selected hinge that does not form the swiveling axis for opening the covering device is arranged to be detachable from the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Simon Kunz
  • Publication number: 20130017407
    Abstract: A method of producing a light steel structural member includes the steps of: forming surface treatment in a piece of sheet material; forming a plurality of embosses in the sheet material; and shaping the sheet material into a predetermined shape to form a light steel structural member. A light steel structural member includes a web portion, and a pair of flange portions. The web portion has a web face. The pair of flange portions each extend generally orthogonally from each side of the web portion. Each flange portion is in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane of the other flange portion. Each of the flange portions has a flange face. At least one of the web face and the flange face has a plurality of embosses formed therein; and at least one of the web face and the flange face has a surface treatment formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SUR-STUD STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. STRICKLAND, Douglas M. FOX, Richard Wilson STRICKLAND
  • Patent number: 8327528
    Abstract: A component mounting apparatus mounting a component on a substrate includes a driving unit, a frame structure, a first outputting section, and a compensating section. The driving unit includes a head to hold the component and a driving mechanism to move the head. The frame structure is equipped with the driving unit. The first outputting section detects a vibration of the frame structure and outputs first displacement information as displacement information of the frame structure caused by the detected vibration. The compensating section compensates a position of the head that moves by the driving mechanism based on the first displacement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 8327519
    Abstract: A machine for producing a three dimensional joint replacement article and which exhibits a three dimensional shaped body incorporating a scanner component for at least receiving a digitized input corresponding to a set of dimensions associated with a replacement article to be produced. Incorporated in die machine is a numerical control guided machining subassembly in communication with at least one material blank corresponding to an article to be produced. Material shavings are vacuum removed and collected for disposal and, following CNC machining, the finished part is deposited into a cavity accessed by a retrieval door for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Linares Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8322017
    Abstract: A coverlay processing system includes a processing device and a conveyance device. The conveyance device is configured for moving the coverlay to the process device. The conveyance device includes a pulling member, a first securing member, a detector and a controller. The pulling member is configured for driving the coverlay. The first securing member is configured for stopping moving the coverlay. The detector is configured for detecting a moving state of the coverlay and is connected to the controller. The controller is connected to the processing device for managing the operation of the processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: FuKui Precision Component (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Zhen Ding Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai Liao, Ching-Hung Pi, Cheng-Ta Tu
  • Patent number: 8151437
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for green machining bevel gears, including a CNC machining station for gear cutting a wheel blank (K2). The machining station includes a tool spindle which is used to receive a gear cutting tool and a work piece spindle which is used to receive the gear blank (K2). The machining station also relates to a machining station which operates in a vertical manner. The device also comprises a vertical processing station having a tool holder and a work piece spindle which is used to receive a work piece blank (K1). The machining station mechanically forms a functional unit together with the pre-machining station, wherein the work piece blank (K1) undergoes green machining in the pre-machining station, and is transferred as a gear blank (K2) to the first machining station after the first green machining where it is cut into a gear. The machining station and the pre-machining station are linked together in terms of data and control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Klingelnberg GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmuth Müller, Joachim Thomas, Karl-Martin Ribbeck, Burkhard Schneider, Dietmar Loh
  • Patent number: 8127425
    Abstract: A gear production plant has, along a gear production path, a station for preparing a number of blanks; a cutting station, where respective teeth are cut on the blanks to obtain a number of semifinished parts; a heat treating station, where the toothed semifinished parts are carburized or nitrided; and a finish station for finish machining the heat treated semifinished parts; the plant also having a check station located along the production path, downstream from the heat treating station or the finish station, and which houses an optical measuring unit for non-destructively determining the effective carburized or nitrided case depth on the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: AVIO S.p.A.
    Inventors: Salvatore Milletari, Giulio Barbato
  • Patent number: 8117732
    Abstract: Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Publication number: 20120017409
    Abstract: A stock supply station for use in a insulated glass unit component production line includes a plurality of rotatable sheet stock coils, an indexing mechanism, and an uncoiling mechanism. The indexing mechanism is coupled to the sheet stock coils for indexing a selected one of the sheet stock coils to an uncoiling position. The uncoiling mechanism selectively uncoils sheet stock from a sheet stock coil indexed to the uncoiling position to thereby provide sheet stock to a downstream processing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Calcei, Mohamed Khalfoun, Brian G. James, Timothy B. McGlinchy, John Grismer, Robert R. Shepherd, II
  • Publication number: 20120011722
    Abstract: Method and Apparatus for fabricating a spacer frame for use in an insulating glass unit. One of a multiple number of possible spacer frame materials is chosen for the spacer frame. An elongated strip of the material is moved to a notching station where notches are formed at corner locations. The character of the notches is adjusted based on the selection of the metal strip material and more particularly to achieve bending of the material in an repeatable, straightforward manner. Better control over the notching process is also achieved by exhaust flow control of a double acting cylinder. A positioning spacer achieve very accurate side to side positioning of a die and anvil to precisely notch and deform the metal strip. Downstream from the notching station the metal strip is bent into a channel shaped elongated frame member having side walls. Further downstream a leading strip of channel shaped material is severed or separated from succeeding material still passing through the notching and bending station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: WILLIAM A. BRIESE, Timothy B. McGlinchy, John Grismer
  • Patent number: 8096047
    Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus 1 includes a substrate conveyance mechanism 14 for conveying substrates 13 and 13a; a first drawing head 4 for supplying the substrate 13 with paste at a mounting position; a second drawing head 5 for supplying the paste to the substrate 13a at a pre-paste supply position closer to a conveyance starting side rather than to the mounting position; and a bonding head 3 that mounts, at the mounting position, electronic components on the substrate 13a supplied with the paste at the pre-paste supply position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Shimoyoshi
  • Patent number: 8074335
    Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that includes a plurality of steps in which parts are attached to a workpiece, is moved with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations at which auxiliary steps related to the main operation are carried out. A main car on which a workpiece is mounted and on which a main operator rides and a subsidiary car on which a subsidiary operator rides, the subsidiary operator preparing at least a portion of parts and/or jigs that are necessary for the main operation. The main car automatically travels on a predetermined travel path that transits a plurality of stations, and the subsidiary car travels together with the main car so as to enable transferring parts and/or jigs between the main car and the subsidiary car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Shigeharu Ikeda, Kuniyuki Hashimoto, Junji Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8065784
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a module and process for forming electrical connections on a solar cell substrate in a solar cell production line. The module generally provides a substrate handling system, a substrate positioning system, a cross-buss attachment assembly, and a side-buss attachment assembly. The module may provide adaptations for automatically adjusting the module to receive and process various sizes of solar cell substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Cam Toan Lu, Yacov Elgar, Jeffrey S. Sullivan, David Tanner
  • Publication number: 20110232076
    Abstract: A laminated core punching apparatus, configured such that a stator-punching press machine that has a molding die performing a partial punching gradually approaches the shape of the stator core piece. There is a punching die to punching out the stator core piece from a strip-form steel plate, and two stator lamination stations. A rotor-punching press machine and a stator-punching press machine are constructed to operate synchronously. An intermediate loop portion capable of causing a strip-form steel plate to hang down in a loop is provided in order to adjust a length of the strip-form steel plate between the two press machines, and a loop guide portion that guides a loop locus of the strip-form steel plate from above so that the strip-form steel plate does not invert is disposed above the intermediate loop portion to be capable of ascending and descending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya MATSUBARA, Shigeru MAEDA, Atsuya TAKAGI, Takuya OOURA, Hajime NISHIGUCHI, Motoki KOORI, Masahiro HAYABUCHI, Susumu KATO, Keishi OHKI, Kenji SHINOHARA, Akio MURAKAMI
  • Patent number: 8024854
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated solar cell electrical connection device that is positioned within an automated solar cell fabrication system. The automated solar cell electrical connection device includes a module and process for automatically attaching a junction box to a composite solar cell structure during the fabrication of a completed solar cell device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Cam Toan Lu, Jeffrey S. Sullivan, David Tanner, Yacov Elgar
  • Patent number: 8014894
    Abstract: The present invention is related to manufacturing surfaces with an axis decentered from the spindle axis. In particular, the present invention is related to compensating for tool geometry in cutting processes that involve an oscillating tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Stephen Kendig, Cornelius Daniel Niculas, Jason Emanuele Molinari, Nelson David Baity
  • Patent number: 7984543
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for electronic device manufacturing. The invention includes removing a first substrate carrier and a second substrate carrier from a moving conveyor using an end effector assembly and concurrently transferring the first and second substrate carriers from the moving conveyor to a support location via the end effector assembly. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin R. Elliott, Vinay K. Shah, Eric A. Englhardt, Jeffrey C. Hudgens
  • Publication number: 20110173788
    Abstract: In order to save the investment for a separate cold rolling machine for applying threads etc. a cold rolling unit is placed in a moveable manner onto the Z-drives of a turning machine wherein the cold rolling unit can be configured much larger and much more stable and with less wear than a cold rolling unit used in a tool revolver. Even parallel processing through turning and rolling is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Markus Stanik, Hans-Joachim Stumpp
  • Patent number: 7966718
    Abstract: A component mounting system and apparatus are provided that include a component mounting apparatus with a substrate holding device, a component supplying device, a head support portion, a mounting head and a forcing means. The mounting head is detachably attached to the head support portion. The mounting head of the system has a recording medium in which information relating to the mounting head is recorded. The system has an external storage portion that stores a plurality of batches of information relating to a plurality of mounting heads. The system further includes a recognizing portion that obtains and recognizes information from the external storage corresponding to the mounting head that is attached to the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Machine MFG Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seigo Kodama, Shinsuke Suhara
  • Patent number: 7950131
    Abstract: A robotic system for forming features in orthodontic aligners includes a control system, a platen for three-dimensional positioning of the aligner, a heating station for selectively heating a small region of the aligner, and a thermoforming station for manipulating the heated region to form a desired feature in the aligner. Optionally, a laser cutting and trimming station can also be included to trim excess material from the aligner or to cut features into the aligner. The control system can include a processor with CAD software to enable a user to design features for aligners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Keith Hilliard
  • Patent number: 7891066
    Abstract: A plate material vertical processing line that is capable of subjecting large-sized and thinned glass plates to scribing, venting, etc without degrading their quality, comprises a plurality of processing devices each having a modular structure; wherein each of the processing devices includes a platform; a belt conveyor that is mounted on the platform and is configured to convey a glass plate placed in a substantially upright position while supporting a lower end of the glass plate; and a fluid guide that is mounted on the platform and is configured to apply a fluid pressure to a surface of the glass plate to support the glass plate in the substantially upright position and in a non-contact state; and wherein the processing devices include a combination of at least two processing devices selected from a scribing device, a venting device, a chamfering device, a cleaning agent washing device, a water washing device, a high-pressure water spray device, and a glass plate turn device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Kawasaki Plant Systems Kabushiki Kaisha, Corning Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Aoki, Keiji Tsujita, Morimasa Kuge, Takaaki Yokoyama, Takashi Sakurai, Michio Suzuki, Masayuki Anada, Masayuki Shinkai
  • Patent number: 7854061
    Abstract: A component mounting apparatus mounting a component on a substrate includes a driving unit, a frame structure, a first outputting section, and a compensating section. The driving unit includes a head to hold the component and a driving mechanism to move the head. The frame structure is equipped with the driving unit. The first outputting section detects a vibration of the frame structure and outputs first displacement information as displacement information of the frame structure caused by the detected vibration. The compensating section compensates a position of the head that moves by the driving mechanism based on the first displacement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 7797813
    Abstract: An information processing system for producing a building material has a design drawing generator, a list generator and a member production controller. The design drawing generator generates design drawing information of an objective building. The list generator generates list information of the members used for the objective building. The member production controller controls the production of the members used for the objective building, based on the list information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Hashimoto, Tomohisa Hirakawa, Jun Shimizu, Yoshitomo Ito, Kimihiko Imai, Yoshimitsu Murahashi, Tetsushi Horibe
  • Patent number: 7784183
    Abstract: A manufacturing system and manufacturing method for adjusting the performance of manufacturing operations or steps in manufacturing components having three-dimensional external structural characteristics. An embodiment of the system broadly comprises: (a) a plurality of manufacturing operations for processing a component having three-dimensional external structural characteristics; (b) at least one analytical device for analyzing at least one characteristic of the component after the performance of one or more manufacturing operations to generate a component data set; (c) at least one data storage device for storing the generated component data sets and for providing at least a relevant portion of accumulated component data; and (d) a communication mechanism for transmitting at least a relevant portion of accumulated component data to one or more manufacturing operations so that the performance thereof can be adjusted in response to the transmitted portion of accumulated component data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd Jay Rockstroh, James Joseph Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20100205800
    Abstract: A machine tool has, on a machine bed, two stands which can be moved in the horizontal x- and z-direction, on which y-slides carrying tool spindles can be vertically moved. Arranged on one of the stands directly above a bridge projecting over its upper side is at least one tool magazine, with which a tool changer is associated for each stand. The drives for the y-slides are attached below the upper side of the stands to the stands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Licon mt GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Winfried Benz, Stefan Niethammer, Bernd Schröter, Gerald Stengele, Thomas Weinbuch
  • Patent number: 7735211
    Abstract: A stator bar facility including: a stator bar workstation; an in-ground pit below the workstation; a stator bar elevator extending from the workstation pit, and a coupling mechanism attached to the elevator, wherein the coupling mechanism further comprises a rotational mount to receive at least one stator bar, wherein the rotational mount enables the received stator bar to be turned from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Robert Schumacher, Yu Wang, Vincenzo Sofia, Alan Michael Iversen, Jeffrey Michael Breznak