Patents Assigned to Valiant Corporation
  • Patent number: 7857539
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Dominic Baulier, Mihaela Petrescu, Thomas Stein, Justyna Klapacz
  • Patent number: 7802364
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Publication number: 20090245930
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Dominic Baulier, Mihaela Petrescu, Thomas Stein, Justyna Klapacz
  • Patent number: 7559489
    Abstract: A high-pressure liquid projection assembly for cleaning and/or deburring industrial parts, having a housing with an inlet adapted for connection with a pressurized liquid source, an outlet and a fluid passageway connecting the inlet to the outlet. A fluid chamber is formed in the housing and disposed around an intermediate portion of the passageway. At least one opening is formed in the housing which fluidly connects the chamber to the passageway while a control port on the housing is fluidly connected to the chamber. The control port is adapted to be connected to a variable flow pressurized liquid source to thereby vary the projection cone pattern from the outlet as a function of the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Noestheden
  • Publication number: 20080048048
    Abstract: A high-pressure liquid projection assembly for cleaning and/or deburring industrial parts, having a housing with an inlet adapted for connection with a pressurized liquid source, an outlet and a fluid passageway connecting the inlet to the outlet. A fluid chamber is formed in the housing and disposed around an intermediate portion of the passageway. At least one opening is formed in the housing which fluidly connects the chamber to the passageway while a control port on the housing is fluidly connected to the chamber. The control port is adapted to be connected to a variable flow pressurized liquid source to thereby vary the projection cone pattern from the outlet as a function of the valve opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Noestheden
  • Patent number: 7204118
    Abstract: A hemming die tool assembly for use with an anvil supporting a workpiece to be hemmed. A mounting plate is pivotally secured about an axis relative to the anvil while a vertical slide is slidably attached to the mounting plate along a first direction. An elongated channel is attached to the vertical slide so that the axis of the channel is transverse to the first direction. A hemming tool is secured to the vertical slide while a rocker arm is pivotally secured at one end to the mounting plate about the pivotal axis of the mounting plate while a second end of the rocker arm is longitudinally slidably mounted in the channel. A first cam assembly pivots the mounting plate between a retracted position, in which the hemming tool is positioned away from the workpiece, and an extended position in which the hemming tool overlies the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Philip V. Wiens, Keller McGaffey, Darius Gheorghita, Kenneth St. Denis, Gabor Sztvorecz, Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 7134542
    Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of conveyor modules which are secured together in an end-to-end relationship. Each conveyor module includes a frame and a plurality of drive rollers rotatably mounted along one side of the frame, and a motor mounted to the frame is drivingly connected to the drive rollers. A first upper guide is also mounted to the frame at a position spaced upwardly from the drive rollers. At least one work support includes a lower rail supported by the drive rollers and an upper follower slidably positioned within the upper guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Noestheden
  • Publication number: 20060236518
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Applicant: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 7124611
    Abstract: A hemming machine having a nest adapted to support a part to be hemmed. A hold down is movable between a retracted position in which the hold down is spaced from the part and an extended position in which the part is sandwiched between the hold down and the nest and a guide surface is formed around the periphery of the hold down. A hemming head having a roller hemmer assembly and mounted to and manipulated by a robotic arm. The roller assembly includes a first roller which engages the guide surface during a roller prehemming operation of the part performed by the robotic arm and a second roller which prehems the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Dominique Baulier, Gabor Sztvorecz
  • Patent number: 7100271
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 7051566
    Abstract: A hemming method for performing a 180 degree hem between an inner panel and outer metal panel. A curvilinear prehemming tool is then moved in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the inner and outer panels so that the prehemming tool contacts a protruding coupon on the outer panel and creates a bend line in the coupon at a position spaced outwardly from the outer edge of the inner panel. Thereafter, a final hemming tool moves relative to the panels in a direction substantially parallel to the original plane of the inner and outer panels. This final hemming tool includes a first curvilinear surface which initially contacts the coupon and rolls the coupon such that the edge of the coupon contacts the inner panel. Thereafter, a generally planar wedge section of the final hemming tool contacts the coupon and compresses the coupon against the inner panel thus completing the hemming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Dominique Baulier, Darius Gheorghita, Gabor Sztvorecz
  • Patent number: 6907763
    Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Publication number: 20050060862
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Applicant: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6789748
    Abstract: A water jet is disclosed having a tank which forms a reservoir containing a liquid, such as water. An elongated conduit has one end fluidly connected to the reservoir while a nozzle is connected to the other end of the conduit. This nozzle, furthermore, has an opening with a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the conduit. A valve is connected in series between the conduit and the reservoir, and this valve is movable between an open and a closed position. The reservoir is pressurized to a pressure in the range of 30-300 psi so that, once the valve is opened, water flows through the conduit and out through the nozzle at a high pressure and high speed water jet. This water jet can be used, inter alia, to clean industrial parts, such as engine blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Noestheden
  • Patent number: 6742372
    Abstract: A machine for hemming a sheet metal assembly is disclosed in which the sheet metal assembly includes an inner sheet metal panel and an outer sheet metal panel. The outer panel also has an outer lip which lies in a plane transverse with respect to the plane of the inner panel from a bend line in the outer panel. The inner panel also has an outer edge spaced inwardly a few millimeters from the bend line of the outer panel. The apparatus includes a base and a nest adapted to receive and support the sheet metal assembly, and this nest is movably mounted relative to the base. A final hem tool mounted to the base performs a final hem operation. This final hem tool has a generally planar section overlying the outer edge of the inner panel and a portion of the lip following a prehem operation. The final hemming tool also includes a second curvilinear section adjacent the first planar section and this second curvilinear section overlies the remainder of the lip and extends to the bend line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6739169
    Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6739956
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a passage in an engine block, such as the oil galley and oil galley legs, in which the passage includes an inlet and an outlet end. The apparatus includes a fixture having an interior passageway with an opening. The fixture is dimensioned to abut against the engine block so that the opening in the fixture registers with the engine block passage outlet. An air induction source is then fluidly connected to the fixture passageway so that, upon actuation of the air induction source, the air induction source inducts air through the engine block passage, through the fixture opening, and through the fixture passageway. A feeder containing abrasive shot is then coupled to the engine block passage inlet so that, upon actuation of the air induction source, the abrasive shot is inducted through the engine block passage and into the fixture passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Noestheden
  • Publication number: 20030200782
    Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6612146
    Abstract: A hemming machine having a stationary base and defining a work station. A lifting beam is vertically movably mounted to the base at the work station while a motor assembly moves the lifting beam between a raised and a lowered position. Two die cartridges, each having hemming tooling and a nest vertically movably mounted to the die cartridge, are horizontally movable relative to the base by a conveyor assembly. A conveyor motor selectively moves the die cartridges between a position laterally spaced from the work station and the work station. With the die cartridge positioned at the work station, a first clamp releasably secures the nest to the lifting beam while a second clamp assembly releasably secures the die cartridge to the base. With the nest secured to the lifting beam and the die cartridge secured to the base, hemming operations are performed at the work station in the conventional fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Saint Denis, Ray Cote, Louis Raffin, Lee Harrison
  • Patent number: 6578401
    Abstract: A hemming machine is disclosed having a base, a plate mounted to the base and a nest adapted to support a workpiece to be hemmed which is vertically slidably mounted to the base above the plate. An inflatable bladder is sandwiched in between the plate and the nest or even the base and the plate while a source of incompressible fluid selectively inflates the bladder thus vertically displacing the nest relative to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier