Patents Examined by Anthony L. Green
  • Patent number: 6240626
    Abstract: A pressing device for joining workpieces has a pressing tool and a motorized drive for actuation of the pressing tool over a pressing distance, as well as a control device which has a drive control device for influencing the drive. The drive control device has a malfunction detection device which has an actual value sensor which is suitable for detecting, as the actual value, a physical magnitude which is correlated with the pressing resistance. At least one limit value profile for the actual value is retained in the malfunction detection device, and it has a comparison device which, during a pressing, checks whether the particular actual value lies on the permissible or impermissible side of the pertinent limit value profile. The malfunction detection device comprises a signal device and/or a shutdown device for the drive, which are/is activated if the actual value lies on the impermissible side of the pertinent limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Novopress GmbH Pressen und Presswerkzauge & Co. KG
    Inventor: Xuan Luong Nghiem
  • Patent number: 6219914
    Abstract: A process for producing a cylinder having at least one longitudinally extending outward bulge and a steel base, for a piston-cylinder unit. The process including the steps of initially machining a round input ingot to size, the ingot having a length, subsequently heating the ingot to a deformation temperature between 1250° C. and 1310° C., descaling an entire surface of the heated ingot with pressurized water, subsequently inserting the ingot into a mold, piercing the ingot in a sharply increasing manner using a mandrel so as to form a pierced piece with a base, applying a lubricant to the mold and the mandrel prior to piercing, subsequently ejecting the pierced piece from the mold, cooling and descaling the ejected pierced piece, and mechanically finish-machining the pierced piece to produce the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Wilheim Nickel, Theodor Schmitz, Wilfried Schmidt, Hans-Jürgen Schlüssel
  • Patent number: 6192571
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming re-enforced stiffening means such as panels for use in palletainers, re-enforcement being provided by ribs in which said ribs are shaped, folded and secured to a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew Morrison
  • Patent number: 6182363
    Abstract: A method of making a valve (62) that has a poppet valve member (100) biased by a spring (110) toward a closed position against a poppet valve seat (90). The spring acts between the poppet valve member and a spring seat (120) and applies a predetermined force to the poppet valve member. The method comprises the steps of providing a valve housing (70) having a chamber (72); inserting into the chamber in sequential order the poppet valve seat (90), the poppet valve member (100), the spring (110), and the spring seat (120); applying a force to the spring seat to compress the spring a predetermined amount; and securing the poppet valve seat and the spring seat to the housing (70) while maintaining the spring compressed the predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick D. Venable
  • Patent number: 6178634
    Abstract: A miniature recycle-type heat exchanger to produce recycle-type heat exchangers from high extensibility, high plasticity aluminum or copper billets (ingots) utilizing a pressure forming press to extrude lightweight, thin, and small form factor recycle-type heat exchangers. The production method includes annealing copper and aluminum billet (ingot) material, conveying the material to a vibrator for placement in an ordered arrangement, and then conveying and fixing the material onto molds in a pressure forming press for the extrusion tasks required to fabricate the heat exchanger bodies. In the final stage after shaping and determination of the fluid input direction, the bodies are placed in a vacuum sputtering machine to undergo a rough textured heat conductive microparticulate deposition process to complete the production of miniature recycle-type heat exchangers that are of very compact dimensions and lightweight, but have a large heat exchange capacity and, furthermore, a high heat transfer rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Cheng-shen Hsu, Tien-tsai Lin
  • Patent number: 6176006
    Abstract: A mechanical tube expander for expanding tubes into interlocked relationship with fins. Structure is provided for in situ storage of the expander rods and facilitating use of selected expander rods during a cycle of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Milliman, Derrick S. Small, Rocky L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6167620
    Abstract: A method for transporting heat exchanger fins and forming a core subassembly for a heat exchanger uses a universal fin tray for all subassemblies instead of different tray sizes for different core subassemblies. The method includes indexing core plates forward under a stationary fin stuffing box, loading fins into the universal fin tray, indexing the loaded fins forward one at a time corresponding to the number of fins required, pushing required fins into the fin stuffing box when indexing reaches number required for the core subassembly, and pushing fins out of the fin stuffing box into the plates forming the core subassembly. A universal fin tray size, a stationary fin box, and a stationary cut off are used for all core sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Gerald Joseph Selm, Kevin Bennett Wise, Carl Eckardt Schornhorst
  • Patent number: 6159134
    Abstract: A reusable multi-strip laminate paint roller and method for manufacturing the same. The method comprising steps of: advancing a first strip of polypropylene material about a mandrel; advancing a second strip of polypropylene about a mandrel in offset relation to the first strip; advancing a cover about the second strip of polypropylene; providing a first adhesive layer (preferably a liquefied polypropylene) between the first and second strips of polypropylene; providing a second adhesive layer between the second strip of polypropylene and the cover; and applying a compressing force upon the cover urging the cover toward the second strip and simultaneously urging the second strip toward the first strip, thereby creating the continuous laminated paint roller. After forming of the continuously paint roller it is moved towards a cutter by a helical drive belt system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Chandra Sekar
  • Patent number: 6154948
    Abstract: An interchangeable cast metal block for mounting on a rotor shaft, the shaft having a polygonal cross-section. The block includes a substantially circular body having a central bore complementary to the polygonal cross-section of the rotor shaft such that the rotation of the shaft will turn the block. There are at least two opposed cutting blade mounting bosses for attachment of cutting blades on the external surface of the block. The mounting bosses are positioned on the block in a predetermined geometric arrangement relative to a facet of the polygonal center bore such that the block can be reversed and re-mounted on the rotor shaft to effectively double the available number of cutting blade positions. The number of available cutting blade positions is two times the number of facets on the polygonal center bore. A plurality of the blocks may be stacked on the rotor in an array to provide a plurality of cutting blade patterns along the length of the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Robert M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6154941
    Abstract: A burnisher for use with a lathe or production machine to burnish opposing thrust faces of a crankshaft laterally fixed and rotatably driven thereby. The tool of the burnisher has a plurality of opposing burnishing rollers that operatively engage under opposing torsional load thrust faces of the crankshaft rotatably driven by the lathe or production machine. The burnisher features biasing spring construction that provides for the movement of the burnishing tool laterally into a centered working position relative to the opposing surfaces of the crankshaft when sufficient turning force or torque is applied to the burnishing tool. This construction provides for even application of burnishing force by the burnishing rollers onto the thrust faces for application in which the workpiece is fixed laterally without becoming distorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Hegenschiedt-MFD Corporation
    Inventors: Luis M. Cadena, Hans T. Steffens
  • Patent number: 6141853
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing an elastomeric spring adapted for use in combination with a railroad car energy absorption apparatus. The method of the present invention involves the step of stabilizing the elastomeric spring prior to insertion of the energy absorption apparatus on the railroad car. Stabilization of the elastomeric spring is effected by submitting the elastomeric member to a predetermined repetitive compression pattern comprised of a series of individual compression cycles. Cyclically compressing the elastomeric member in the predetermined repeat pattern prior to installation of the energy absorption apparatus on the railroad car effects permanent deformation of the elastomeric member while maintaining the preload force developed for the energy absorption apparatus to remain at a substantially constant maximized level simulating a predetermined wear condition for the energy absorption apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6138338
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resilient sealing insert with a belt-line extension for a door and window flush glass channel seal is described. The generally U-shaped channel insert includes a base, a first leg and a second leg which is attached to the base along a tearable line of weakness. The legs are separated from the insert into a window run channel portion and an integral belt-line extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventor: David Harold Berry
  • Patent number: 6134784
    Abstract: A method of making solar collectors by encapsulating photovoltaic cells within a base of an elongated solar collector wherein heat and pressure are applied to the cells in-situ, after an encapsulating material has been applied. A tool is fashioned having a bladder expandable under gas pressure, filling a region of the collector where the cells are mounted. At the same time, negative pressure is applied outside of the bladder, enhancing its expansion. The bladder presses against a platen which contacts the encapsulated cells, causing outgassing of the encapsulant, while heat cures the encapsulant. After curing, the bladder is deflated and the tool may be removed from the collector and base and reflective panels put into place, if not already there, thereby allowing the solar collector to be ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Photovoltaics International, LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Carrie, Kingsley D. D. Chen
  • Patent number: 6131263
    Abstract: A slot is formed behind each face of a stackable laser bar spacer of the type having a laser bar supporting face and a lower face for contacting a laser bar therebelow, each slot being generally parallel to the face in front of it and being located near an edge thereof. This produces a thin, flap-like portion at an end of each face. When it is desired to release a stuck laser bar from a face, this flap portion is caused to flex in the direction of the laser bar. The laser bar, being relatively inflexible, will be lifted away from the corresponding face, breaking free thereof. The stacked spacers may then be separated and the laser bars removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Freund, George John Przybylek, Dennis Mark Romero
  • Patent number: 6131283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a part, such as a spool valve, into a bore of a body, such as a transmission valve body. The apparatus includes a gripper tool that holds the part by use of a light vacuum pressure. The gripper tool is attached to a robotic arm that aligns the part with the bore. Once the part is aligned with the bore, a vacuum pressure is created within the bore that is effective to pull the part from the gripper tool and into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Nelson David Bove, Michael R. Linville, James E. Parker
  • Patent number: 6119323
    Abstract: Structural shapes are descaled with water or air jets from a distributor beam in the form of a tube bundle extending across the path of the structural shape and rotatable to juxtapose a selected nozzle array with the structural shape. The nozzle arrays on the distributor have different nozzle patterns depending upon spray distribution required for the particular structural shape and upon a change in the rolling pattern, the distributor can be rotated about the distributor axis to bring one or another of its arrays into operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag AG
    Inventor: Lothar Thone
  • Patent number: 6115918
    Abstract: A manifold tank flow pass separator for a condenser is installed in such a way as to prevent deformation of the manifold tank longitudinal edge when a separator retention groove is formed in the tank inner surface. The inner surface of the tank is thinned or effectively cut away where it borders the tank edges, to create a cross tank, edge to edge width that matches the separator diameter or width. Then, when a tool for forming the retention groove is pushed into the tank inner surface and between the edges, it clears the edges, creating no deformation in the edges, or in the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Edward Kent
  • Patent number: 6112394
    Abstract: A method of continuously casting and finish-rolling a cast slab within a predetermined finished width tolerance, wherein for the cast slab and any subsequent slab an adjustment of the mold position is carried out particularly in accordance with different rolling conditions for achieving the predetermined finished width within a tolerance strip, initially a preadjustment of the mold position is carried out, inter alia, while considering the extreme strip dimensions of the planned production program, a computation for the optimum use for the mold adjusting units and the adjusting units of the finishing train is carried out for each cast slab and any subsequent slab, and, with an existing entering width of the cast slab into the finishing train, a reoptimization of the finished width by means of the adjusting units of the finishing train is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jurgen Seidel, Karl-Ernst Hensger
  • Patent number: 6101701
    Abstract: A reinforcement ring (10) for rotating bodies, for example commutators, comprises at least one metal ring (12) having a rectangular cross-section and a fiberglass ring (14) having a rectangular cross-section, the metal ring and the fiberglass ring both being connected at their end faces to form a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Comtrade Handelsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Joze Potocnik, Ivan Cerin, Boris Krzisnik
  • Patent number: 6094801
    Abstract: A tent clip design for coupling with similar adjacent clips comprises a C-shaped upper portion (11) that can be snapped onto a tent pole (12), a webbing slot (19) at the bottom for attaching a loop of webbing (20) extending up from the tent (21) below, a laterally extending tongue (14) with a toothed lower surface (15) near its distal end, and a corresponding tongue slot (16) immediately below the tongue with a toothed upper surface (17) on its lower edge to join in locked engagement with the toothed lower surface (35) of tongue (34) of a similar adjacent tent clip (30) when two or more similar clips are aligned and pressed together. The portion of the clip below the tongue slot is made of flexible material and comprises flexible portion (18) of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Robert H. Howe