Plural Or Complex Apparatus (e.g., With Plural Operations) Patents (Class 72/306)
  • Patent number: 11890664
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a necker machine includes a plurality of motors, each motor including an output shaft, a plurality of drive wheel assemblies, each drive wheel assembly operatively coupled to an associated necker machine drive shaft, and a number of timing/drive belts operatively coupled to each drive wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Richard James Edward Mercer, Ian Kenneth Scholey, Bradley James Miller
  • Patent number: 11768574
    Abstract: Various embodiments enable batch inspection of a plurality of workpieces by and inspection instrument such as a coordinate measuring machine. Some embodiments present user interfaces, including graphical user interfaces, to enable an operator to configure a batch inspection system and a batch inspection job, and to monitor and control execution of a batch inspection job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. O'Hare, Jonathan Dove
  • Patent number: 11673176
    Abstract: A servo-driven Z-shape bending device includes a base, a Z-shape bending module disposed on the base, a servo-drive mechanism disposed on the base, and a terminal feeding mechanism disposed on the base. The Z-shape bending module is configured to perform a bending operation on a terminal to be bent to form a Z-shaped terminal. The servo-drive mechanism is configured to servo-drive the Z-shape bending module to perform the bending operation. The terminal feeding mechanism is configured to feed the terminal to be bent to the Z-shape bending module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignees: TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH, Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kunshan Leagure Automechanism Co., Ltd., Tyco Electronics Polska Sp. z.o.o
    Inventors: Fengchun Xie, Jaroslaw Kowalski, Andrzej Przybylski, Dandan Zhang, Lvhai Hu, Yingcong Deng, Jian Cao, Radoslaw Mrozik, Roberto Francisco-Yi Lu, Haidong Wu
  • Patent number: 11536083
    Abstract: The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: CARDINAL IG COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
  • Patent number: 11376650
    Abstract: A method for producing a trim strip comprising an extended portion (20) and a bent portion (19) which has a sharp edge (21) comprising the following steps: i) providing a blank with a material thickness and a shaped end cap contour (27); ii) bending the cap contour (27); iii) forming a sharp edge (21) along the bent portion (19), wherein a punch (31) for the edge-forming process, comprising a side surface (33, 37) which is stepped so as to correspond substantially to the material thickness and which faces the die (30) and counter die (32), is guided along the side surfaces (52, 35) of the counter die (32) and die (30) such that the step (34) of the punch (31) engages with the marginal edge (56) and displaces the material of the folded portion (19) towards the edge portion (21), thereby forming a sharp edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ADVAL TECH HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Eckhard Schneider
  • Patent number: 11370015
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a necker machine includes a plurality of motors, each motor including an output shaft, a plurality of drive wheel assemblies, each drive wheel assembly operatively coupled to an associated necker machine drive shaft, and a number of timing/drive belts operatively coupled to each drive wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Richard James Edward Mercer, Ian Kenneth Scholey, Bradley James Miller
  • Patent number: 11331708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bending machine (M) for bending a workpiece (300), remarkable in that a clamping jaw (511) is supported by a clamping jaw holder (510) receiving at least two clamping jaws (511, 512) arranged back to back, the clamping jaw holder (510) being fastened to a shelf (513) guided and driven in translation on the bending arm (500), the support shelves (600) punctually receiving the clamping jaw holder (510) separated from the shelf (513) and to move it on either side of the bending axis transversely to the advance axis of the workpiece (300) to be bent, independently of the bending arm (500) so that the clamping jaw holder (510) can be fastened again to the shelf (513) once the bending arm (500) has been rotated 180 degrees. The invention also relates to a bending process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: NUMALLIANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Bruyas, Joël Etienne
  • Patent number: 11235372
    Abstract: In a method of producing a tubular structure for a gas generator, a tubular body is positioned relative to a forming device having inner and outer tools, which are moved relative to an end portion of the tubular body until an inner circumferential surface of a neck of the end portion rests against a support surface of the inner tool to reduce a diameter of the end portion by a tool contour of the outer tool and thereby form a shoulder. The outer tool is held in position upon the end portion and the neck inner circumferential surface is calibrated by a calibrating surface on a calibrating member of the inner tool while an outer circumferential surface of the neck is supported by the outer tool, as the inner tool is removed from the end portion. The outer tool is then removed from the end portion of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: BENTELER STEEL/TUBE GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Lücke, Leonhard Rose, Dirk Tegethoff, Marcel Wellpott
  • Patent number: 11161252
    Abstract: A multi-tasking end effector system includes a base frame connected to a robot arm of a robot. A first shaft is rotatably supported on the base frame. A first pin-wheel assembly is rotatably mounted to the shaft at a first end of the base frame. Multiple first die assemblies are mounted to the first pin-wheel assembly. A second pin-wheel assembly is rotatably mounted to the shaft at a second end of the base frame. Multiple second die assemblies are mounted to the second pin-wheel assembly and individually oriented in mirror image configuration to one of the multiple first die assemblies. An index motor rotates the first shaft and co-rotates paired and mirror image die assemblies. First and second tab-bending actuators mounted to the base frame are operated to bend opposed cell tabs of a battery cell positioned between the first and second pin-wheel assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yhu-tin Lin, Erik B Golm, Charles W McClure
  • Patent number: 10637336
    Abstract: A stator coil forming method includes a bending step of bending portions of a linear lead wire so as to form bent portions; a cutting step of cutting curve parts of the bent portions thus formed, along a perpendicular plane that is approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the lead wire so as to form coil segments; a U-shape forming step of bending the coil segments in a U-shape; an assembling step of assembling the coil segments to respective slots of a stator core; a tilting step of tilting both distal ends of the coil segments in a circumferential direction of the stator core so that cut surfaces of the distal ends are oriented toward a central-axis direction of the stator core; and a joining step of joining the distal ends of the coil segments adjacent to each other in a radial direction of the stator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Hirao
  • Patent number: 10183363
    Abstract: A spacer formation cell usable in configuration of a window assembly, wherein the cell includes a plurality of stages through which a spacer work piece is routed, and the stages include a holding stage, a cutting stage, a bending stage, and a connecting stage. The stages can be arranged in interlinked configuration, enabling spacers to be fabricated in a direct and time-efficient manner. The stages can be interlinked to form a framework, forming an exterior enclosure for the stages of the cell, and enabling at least of the majority of the cell's operations to be readily overseen by an operator from single vantage points around the cell. The configuration of the formation cell enables a wide variety of spacer types and/or sizes to be readily processed, with such processing to be readily alternated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: Curtis Queck, Michael Milewski, Robert Buchanan, Erik Carlson, James Newman
  • Patent number: 9849493
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bending machine (1) for bending a sheet metal workpiece (2), comprising at least three bending punches (4,5,6) which respectively have working edges (7,8,9) which are aligned parallel with one another. Relative to an initial plane (3) in which a bend section (10) to be made in the sheet metal workpiece (2) lies, the first and the second bending punch (4,5) are positioned on one side and the third bending punch (6) is positioned on the opposite side of the initial plane (3). The working edge (9) of the third bending punch (6) is displaceable between the working edges (7,8) of the first and second bending punches (4,5). The third bending punch (6) has at least one rotary and one translatory degree of freedom in a reference plane oriented at a right, angle to a working edge (7,8,9). The second bending punch (5) has three degrees of freedom in the reference plane (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Aigner, Bernhard Fischereder, Stefano Speziali, Thomas Weiss
  • Patent number: 9724743
    Abstract: A bender machine designed to bend and shape sheet metal comprising a blade holder unit (1) which has a “C” shaped section, which is mobile and moves in two directions, both of which are at right angles to a fixed bench, and where the unit is fitted with one or more bending blades, wherein: servomotors and planetary gear reducers are used for moving the blade holder unit (1); the blade holder unit (1) uses a jointed mechanism comprising two mechanical units (20, 20a; 30, 30a) which form a closed kinematic chain of five components connected by five kinematic pairs all of which are revolute; the mechanical unit (20, 20a) for moving the blade holder unit (1) in a substantially vertical direction comprises a pair of servomotors coupled respectively to two gear reducers, which operate respective cranks (9, 9a) on which respective connecting rods (8, 8a) are hinged, and where the other end of each connecting rod is connected by respective pins (7, 7a) to a respective base (10, 10a) fixed to the blade holder uni
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: FINN-POWER ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luigi Patuzzi
  • Patent number: 9712024
    Abstract: A coil end shaping apparatus shapes a plurality of edgewise bent portions that are bent in the edgewise direction in a lead wire portion extending from one end of a coil, and includes first and second shaping dies capable of approaching each other to shape the edgewise bent portions provided on the base end side with respect to the edgewise bent portion e4 that is the closest to the free end side among the plurality of edgewise bent portions, and a third shaping die capable of cooperating with the second shaping die to shape the edgewise bent portion that is the closest to the free end side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daichi Kurashige, Shingo Hashimoto, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Takanori Ota, Osamu Nakagawa, Daisuke Matsuo, Hirotaka Kawaura, Hiroharu Sugiura, Norihiko Akao
  • Patent number: 9321098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an upsetting press (1, 1?) for upsetting an end (2) of a metallic material pipe (3), e.g. for petroleum applications. The press (1, 1?) comprises a supporting structure (10) which defines a working space and first locking means (15) for locking the pipe (3) to be upset. The press further comprises first upsetting means comprising at least one first upsetting die formed by a first pair of half dies (21, 22) which can be separated and closed about the end (2) of the pipe (3) to be upset and at least one axially movable cylindrical punch (30). The press (1, 1?) further comprises die holding means which support the half dies (21, 22) moving them between a closing position and an opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.P.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Camagni, Maurizio Cosolo, Angelo Furinghetti
  • Patent number: 9314829
    Abstract: A panel bending machine (1) has a counter-blade (3) and a blank holder (5) shaped so as to clamp a sheet metal panel (4) to be bent. The panel bending machine (1) further comprises a “C” type blade holder (7), the terminals of which can be coupled to at least a first (9) and a second (11) bending blade. The machine (1) further has an actuating mechanism (100) of the blade holder structured to swivel the second blade (11) in two different working positions (P2, P3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SALVAGNINI ITALIA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kunze, Johann Klingesberger
  • Patent number: 9291057
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a tie shaft for aero or land based gas turbine engine. The method includes flow forming a tie shaft preform to produce a tie shaft. In one example, the tie shaft includes a nickel alloy cylindrical wall having a length to diameter ratio of at least 6:1, wherein the diameter is an average outer diameter. The wall includes a minimum effective strain of 0.3 in/in (7.6 mm/mm), and a grain size is in the range of G4 to G16 per ASTM E112. The wall includes a roll formed threaded surface having a thread roughness of less than 1260 ?in (32 microns).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Benjamin, Steve A. McLeod, Daniel R. Kapszukiewicz, Larry James Timmons, Paul D. Genereux
  • Patent number: 9114450
    Abstract: A handling mechanism to convey workpieces, includes a mounting seat, a first sliding member, a first driving assembly, a second sliding member, a second driving assembly, and a clamping assembly. The first sliding member is slidably mounted on the mounting seat. The first driving assembly is mounted on the mounting seat and capable of driving the first sliding member to slide along the longitudinal direction of the mounting seat. The second sliding member is slidably mounted on the first sliding member. The second driving assembly is mounted on the first sliding member and capable of driving the second sliding member to slide along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mounting seat. The clamping assembly is fixed to the second sliding member for clamping workpieces. The present invention further discloses a punching machine using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Sheng Chen, Zhen-Hua Xu
  • Patent number: 8950229
    Abstract: A flanged duct blank has a male part defined by lead notches formed at each side of a leading end and has a female part defined by trail notches formed at each side of a trailing end. The male part includes a lock tab. The female part includes a leg part and a Z-bend. The Z-bend includes a leg part and a gap. The duct blank is repeatedly clamped and bent by a pivoting wiper to form a duct portion. The pivoting wiper includes a clench tool that has a retractable rib and a retractable roller. With the lock tab inserted into the Z-bend and the retractable rib engaged with the Z-bend, the retractable roller clenches the leg part over the lock tab to lock the male and female parts together in a duct seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mestek Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C Borwig
  • Publication number: 20150037534
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for bending at least one edge of a composite sheet, which has at least two outer metallic layers and an inner plastic layer, in which the edge of the composite sheet is edge-bent in a first step and is bent into the finished form in at least one further method step. In addition, the invention relates to a correspondingly bent composite sheet. The object of making a method for bending a composite sheet available, in which cracks in the metallic layers of the composite sheet can be prevented and, at the same time, in which a seam can easily be provided, is achieved by using an edge-bending punch, a holding-down device and an edge-bending jaw during the edge-bending operation and by the edge-bending punch having a notch running in the bending direction below the bending edge of the edge-bending punch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, ThyssenKrupp System Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schott, Arndt Marx, Daniel Caspary
  • Publication number: 20150020565
    Abstract: A part correcting device for an automobile part may include a body in which the part is disposed, a hydraulic apparatus which presses and fixes one side of the part disposed in the body, a warpage correcting apparatus which corrects a warpage of the part by rotating the other side of the part left or right while fixing the other side of the part disposed in the body, and a deformation correcting apparatus which corrects an angle of the part by pressing flanges formed on both sides of the part downwardly while fixing the flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Young Hoon JANG, Youn Soo HAN, Byung Hun KIM, Heong Joo PARK
  • Publication number: 20140359988
    Abstract: Hemming finishing pliers press and thereby bring a folded portion of a panel into close contact with an inner surface side of the panel facing the folded portion, by a clamping action of first and second holding arms. A pressure receiving plate for supporting an outer surface of the panel is provided in a tip end portion of the first holding arm. A pressing claw for pressing the folded portion against the panel supported by the plate is provided in a tip end portion of the second holding arm. A pressure receiving surface of the plate facing the outer surface of the panel is set wider than a pressing surface of the claw facing the folded portion. A supporting wall for supporting a flexed part of the folded portion is formed in the plate. Accordingly, the pliers enable efficient hemming finishing without requiring a skill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Hideki ARAI, Hiroyuki HANADA
  • Patent number: 8756971
    Abstract: A bending device includes a bending mechanism for holding an elongated workpiece between a bending die and a clamping die revolvable around the bending die, and revolving the clamping die, to thereby bend the workpiece. The bending device includes a fixing base on which the bending mechanism is mounted, and an articulated robot on which a chuck mechanism for holding the workpiece is mounted and which moves the chuck mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Opton
    Inventor: Teruaki Yogo
  • Patent number: 8646300
    Abstract: A method to check and control a roller bending machine for continuously bending an elongated workpiece at variable curvature radii in a bending machine using a series of rollers for bending, comprises the steps of measuring the distance of the elongated work piece in a point that is situated downstream the series of rollers for bending in successive instants, calculating a curvature radius of each bend section of the elongated workpiece, comparing the calculated curvature radius with the desired curvature radius and determining a difference between them, calculating the change of position to which an upstream roller has to be subjected in order to annul such a difference and operating the upstream roller on the base of the calculated change of position. A machine embodying the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: CML International S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Caporusso, Eugenio Schiarante, Giuseppe Roso
  • Patent number: 8631674
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to a wire bending apparatus capable of both on and off-plane nose and mandrel bends. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention incorporate a center turret cluster with a plurality of radii possible, a nose-bending mandrel, and a mandrel-bending mandrel. This apparatus forms a bending head that is attached to a CNC wire bending machine. This combination allows increased flexibility in forming complex wire forms and cuts down secondary operations, such as operations from robot arms, sometimes associated with CNC wire bending. In addition, the turret cluster position in the center allows for bending support with mandrel bends or nose bending on the back side of the bending head, usually 180 degrees away from the normal bending area. This allows the manufacturing of double end-loop forms without the addition of external clamps or robotic manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: AIM, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom J. Christofilis, Constantine S. Grapsas
  • Patent number: 8607603
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, a device for bending an elongate member includes a support platform and a plurality of engaging members positioned on the support platform. Each of the plurality of engaging members includes at least one engaging portion configured for positioning in contact with the elongate member. Each of the plurality of engaging members is movable in at least three directions relative to the support platform to form one or more bends in the elongate member. In one aspect, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material and the device includes a heating member configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff R Justis, Hai H Trieu
  • Patent number: 8561448
    Abstract: A flanged duct blank has a male part defined by lead notches formed at each side of a leading end and has a female part defined by trail notches formed at each side of a trailing end. The male part includes a lock tab. The female part includes a leg part and a Z-bend. The Z-bend includes a leg part and a gap. The duct blank is repeatedly clamped and bent by a pivoting wiper to form a duct portion. The pivoting wiper includes a clench tool that has a retractable rib and a retractable roller. With the lock tab inserted into the Z-bend and the retractable rib engaged with the Z-bend, the retractable roller clenches the leg part over the lock tab to lock the male and female parts together in a duct seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mestek Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Borwig
  • Patent number: 8561449
    Abstract: In a bending apparatus for rod-shaped workpieces, comprising a machine frame to which a bending head with bending tools is attached, which bending head is movable relative to the frame, further a feed device upstream of the bending head for feeding the workpieces to the same, and a cutting device which can be displaced in the direction of feed of the workpieces and can be applied between bending head and feed device to the respective workpiece for cutting the same, the feed device can also be displaced in the direction of feed of the workpiece in addition to the cutting device, which occurs independent of the displacement of the cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: WAFIOS Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gustav Veit, Frank Wieblen
  • Patent number: 8499604
    Abstract: A duct making apparatus bends a metal web to form a duct blank having a lock tab at a forward end and having a Z-fold at a rearward end. Prior to shearing off the duct blank from the metal web, the apparatus bends the duct blank to insert the lock tab into the Z-fold, and further bends the Z-fold to form a clinch tab holding the lock tab into the Z-fold. After shearing off the duct blank from the metal web, the apparatus clinches the clinch tab over the lock tab to form a completed duct blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mestek Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Borwig, John R. Welty
  • Publication number: 20120318031
    Abstract: A ductmaking apparatus bends a metal web to form a duct blank having a lock seam with male and female portions. Prior to shearing off the duct blank, the apparatus bends the web to form a lock tab that secures the lock seam during subsequent handling of the duct blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MESTEK MACHINERY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael C. Borwig, John Welty
  • Patent number: 8312752
    Abstract: A kinematic system of movement for the clamping/pressing unit of a semifinished piece, that is to say of sheet metal or the like, of panelling machines, the kinematic system comprising a frame on which a presser unit is hinged to a pin and which is free to make angular movements around the pin, the presser unit consisting of elements v fixed to a head supporting the upper presser tool, the presser unit being moved angularly by at least one connecting rod driven by a first lower crank, in which the presser unit is driven by a second upper crank, the first and second crank defining an articulated mechanism, for driving the punch-presser unit, with two degrees of freedom in sequence that can be activated independently or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Finn-Power Oy
    Inventor: Luigi Patuzzi
  • Patent number: 8307684
    Abstract: There is provided a method of bending a medical suturing needle curved at different curvature radii in a length direction more reasonably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: MANI, Inc.
    Inventors: Kanji Matsutani, Tadashi Otsuka, Kazuaki Kato
  • Patent number: 8307526
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hemming device for a wheel housing of a vehicle where a hemming bed unit is attached to an installation frame at one side of the wheel housing, and where a worker can manually hem an inner panel and an outer panel by rotating a hemming roller unit for each process of which the lower portion is fixed to the upper center of the installation frame by a rotary clamper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Yoon Jang
  • Patent number: 8276425
    Abstract: A ductmaking apparatus bends a metal web to form a duct blank having a lock seam with male and female portions. Prior to shearing off the duct blank, the apparatus bends the web to form a lock tab that secures the lock seam during subsequent handling of the duct blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Mestek Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Borwig, John Welty
  • Patent number: 8266940
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending or shaping orthodontic archwires or other medical devices into a complex, patient individual shape is described. The apparatus comprises of two moveable, compact, manipulators with, in total, at least three revolute joints defining three rotation axes and at least three prismatic joints defining at least three translation axes. Gripping tools are provided on the manipulators. The two manipulators are arranged to allow a relative movement in six degrees of freedom. A reduced complexity embodiment is also described having only one or two revolute joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Orametrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Friedrich Riemeier, Werner Butscher, Frank Witte, Christoph Radinger, Andrew Cordell, Rohit Sachdeva
  • Patent number: 8256259
    Abstract: A coil forming method, a coil forming die assembly and a coil manufactured by the coil forming method are disclosed. The coil forming method comprises conducting preliminary forming work on a coil under a linear state before conducting bending work on the coil. The preliminary forming work including conducting compression work on the coil under the linear state to compress the coil in a region covering a rounded corner portion formed when bending work is conducted to decrease a dimension of the coil in a widthwise direction. The dimension of the coil is decreased in the widthwise direction by the nearly same dimension as that of the coil bulged in the widthwise direction when bending work is conducted in the absence of the preliminary forming work. This prevents the occurrence of bulging of the coil during bending work with an increase in lamination factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Takada
  • Patent number: 8235998
    Abstract: Systems, instruments and methods are provided for bending an elongate spinal implant used in a medical procedure. In one form, an instrument for bending an elongate spinal implant includes a proximal handle portion and a bending mechanism having an implant engaging member movably coupled to the proximal handle portion. The bending mechanism is operable to articulate the implant engaging member relative to the proximal handle portion while a second implant engaging member associated with the articulating implant engaging member holding the elongate spinal implant in position. In another form, systems and methods are provided to bend in situ an elongate spinal implant associated with an orthopedic construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E Miller, Charles A Dickinson
  • Patent number: 8225636
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a duct includes a bending apparatus and a support apparatus. The bending apparatus includes a table, a cut off beam, and a leaf hinged to a forward edge of the table. The cut off beam is movable toward and away from the table to clamp or release a metal web being fed forward across the table and the leaf. The cut off beam repeatedly clamps the metal web to the table while the leaf pivots toward the cut off beam to form a duct section. The support apparatus includes a cross rod movable along pivoting support arms. As the metal web is bent to form the duct section, the support arms and the cross rod are moved to internally support the duct section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Mestek Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Borwig, Scott Sloan, Richard Burkart, Steven Kerska, John Welty
  • Patent number: 8047034
    Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Orametrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Butscher, Friedrich Riemeier, Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Rohit Sachdeva
  • Patent number: 8006531
    Abstract: A bending machine designed to bend and shape sheet metal comprises a blade-holder unit (10) with a “C” shaped cross-section, mobile along two mutually orthogonal directions with respect to a fixed bed, and on which one or more bending blades are fixed. This machine comprises a kinematic system for driving the operating units, in which servomotors (15, 21, 22) and epicyclical reduction gears are used for the movement of the blade-holder unit (10). Moreover, the blade-holder unit (10) of the bending machine uses an articulated mechanism consisting of two mechanical units (13, 14) which form a closed kinematic chain with five members connected by five kinematic turning pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Finn-Power Oy
    Inventors: Luigi Patuzzi, Maurizio Felici, Mikael Norbert Haag
  • Publication number: 20110131778
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hemming device for a wheel housing of a vehicle where a hemming bed unit is attached to an installation frame at one side of the wheel housing, and where a worker can manually hem an inner panel and an outer panel by rotating a hemming roller unit for each process of which the lower portion is fixed to the upper center of the installation frame by a rotary clamper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoon Jang
  • Patent number: 7937981
    Abstract: A method of mechanically treating alloy metal surgical needles to improve bending strength is disclosed. The needles are curved and reverse-curved in this method to improve bending strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene D. Reynolds, Robert Maurer, Michael Nordmeyer, Frank R. Cichocki, Lester E. Schaible, Daniel J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7908899
    Abstract: Improved slide lock apparatus used in bending apparatus to bend stock to an acute angle. A hydraulic cylinder with a ram extendable under hydraulic pressure provides the bending power. The ram automatically retracts a slide from an first outward location when hydraulic pressure is removed to a second inward location for two separate bends to achieve an acute angle bend. This improved slide lock prevents any possible injury to the operator by covering a stop arranged to prevent the slide from moving outward a greater distance then the first outward location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Marshall R. Bulle
  • Publication number: 20110048094
    Abstract: A horizontally stacked hemming press includes a horizontally disposed base. A first vertical support is mounted on the base and disposed generally perpendicular to the base. A linear track is mounted on the base. A horizontally disposed die stack including a plurality of cooperably operable die sets are horizontally arranged in series and moveable along the linear track. Each die set includes a pair of vertically disposed die shoes. A guided press platen is horizontally moveable along the linear track. A second vertical support is mounted on the base distal from the first vertical support and disposed generally perpendicular to the base. A drive mechanism is supported by one of the supports and connected to the press platen for opening and closing the die sets. Actuation of the drive mechanism horizontally moves the press platen and thereby horizontally opens one of the die sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: HIROTEC AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: James B. Toeniskoetter
  • Patent number: 7891225
    Abstract: A bending machine for bending elongated workpieces supplied from a magazine is disclosed. The bending machine comprises a base support; two bending robots arranged on a common guideway centrally mounted to the base support, such that the robots are displaceable parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base support. A holding clamp is positioned on the front face of the base support, with one auxiliary gripper on either side of the holding clamp. The holding clamp is displaceable in parallel with the bending robots. A discharge gripper is positioned on the rear surface of the base support, laterally offset with respect to the holding clamp. All grippers and clamps are pivotable to an inner pivoting position, in which they can hold a workpiece in the working area of the bending machine between both bending robots; and to an outer pivoting position away from the base support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: WAFIOS Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Hammerer, Bernd Eppler
  • Patent number: 7878038
    Abstract: A process of production of three-dimensional products from wire (1) or other suitable material, which process may be implemented in a system (8) that may include an advancement mechanism (9), a straightening mechanism (11), a length measuring arrangement (18) towards which advances the material (1), a gripper arrangement (14) suitable to hold the material with fixed grippers (15) and simultaneously with other grippers (16) to twist it to a desired angle around its longitudinal axis (X), and a rotatable bending mechanism (12) that can bend the material plastically in one plane and simultaneously can rotate at a desired angle around the longitudinal axis (X) of the wire (1) so that it may generate bends in different planes. The system (8) implementing the process may also carry a cutting arrangement (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Antonios Anagnostopoulos
  • Patent number: 7870774
    Abstract: In an initial state of roller hemming processing, an erected flange 65 begins to be bent by a roller 48. At this time, a first plate 63 and a receiving face 15 are brought into tightly contact with each other at a contact point 70 between the roller 48 and the erected flange 65 by strongly pinching by the roller 48 and an auxiliary roller 51. On the other hand, in portions other than the contact point 70, the receiving face 15 tends to be separated from the first plate 63 by reaction. Since slider blocks 22 and 22 are movable along rails 21 and 21 on a side of the receiving die 10, the receiving die 10 rotates clockwise in the drawing about the contact point 70. A tight contact in the contact point 70 is guaranteed as the receiving die 10 rotates about the contact point 70. As a result, the hemming processing with a good shape can be achieved without wrinkling, ruffling, or deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisaku Hasegawa, Yoshiyuki Kinouchi, Takeshi Nakamura, Noriko Uematsu
  • Publication number: 20100281940
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hemming head for performing a hemming operation which comprises a support housing adapted for securement to a robot arm on a first end, and having a first roller rotatably secured to a second end. The first roller has a cylindrical body, a head, and a groove between the body and head. The head has a diameter greater than the body, and the groove has a diameter less than the body. The groove also includes a canted surface that conjoins with the head. In use, the cylindrical body is adapted to engage and force a workpiece edge downwardly to a first position and the canted surface is adapted to engage and force the workpiece from the first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Aaron E. Harrow, Thomas A. Cox
  • Patent number: 7770426
    Abstract: A method includes: a step of bending the blade member in the width direction; and a step of, after the bending process, bending the blade member in the thickness direction. In the width-direction bending step, the blade member is clamped by a pair of rotary press claws. In the thickness-direction bending step, a thickness-direction bending shaft, and a thickness-direction bending cylinder are included, a blade member passing hole is penetratingly formed in the thickness-direction bending shaft in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the thickness-direction bending shaft, first and second openings which are opposed respectively to outlet and inlet opening ends of the blade member passing hole are formed in the thickness-direction bending cylinder, and the blade member which is passed from the blade member passing hole to the first opening via the second opening is bent in the thickness direction by relatively rotating the thickness-direction bending shaft 31 and the thickness-direction bending cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Suehiro Mizukawa
  • Patent number: 7757532
    Abstract: In the width-direction bending step for the blade member, the blade member is clamped by a pair of rotary press claws 13, 14 from both sides in the thickness direction to be compressed in the thickness direction, whereby the compressed portion is extended in the longitudinal direction of the blade member and the blade member is bent in the width direction. In the thickness-direction bending step for the blade member, a working die portion comprises: a thickness-direction bending shaft 31; and a thickness-direction bending cylinder 32 which is fitted in a turning paired state onto the thickness-direction bending shaft. The thickness-direction bending shaft 31 and the thickness-direction bending cylinder 32 are relatively rotated, whereby the blade member is bent in the thickness direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Suehiro Mizukawa