Patents Examined by Ed Tolan
  • Patent number: 7216521
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a combined machining equipment for steel tubes, and a machining method is of a small size, can easily be moved, and is capable of not only flaring a steel tube, but also grinding a flared surface, forming a groove, and peeling off a lining. A main shaft (121) is rotatably mounted on a slide frame (141) slidable with respect to a common mount (103), and a second machining head (124) is mounted on a flange on the distal end of the main shaft (121). An auxiliary shaft (131) is slidably disposed in the main shaft (121) for rotation therewith. A first machining head (134) is mounted on a mount base (132) on the distal end of the auxiliary shaft (131).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7216524
    Abstract: A vehicle body repair apparatus comprises a platform with cross member retainers, unibody clamps, at least one pulling assembly, at least one movable cross member, a scissors lift, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly comprises an actuator at an angle with respect to the platform, so a toggle action exists that enables the scissors lift to raise the platform from a minimal height position from a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Clarence R. Brewer, Sr., Chad Michael Jarvis
  • Patent number: 7213437
    Abstract: In a first forming step, a metal sheet placed on, and held by a provisional horizontal flat forming portion of a first forming die part is bent along a provisional bend forming portion of the first forming die part to execute bent-forming such that two arch parts of the metal sheet, having respective protuberances oriented in directions opposite from each other, with protuberance surfaces being butted against a provisional inclined flat forming portion of a second forming die part, and a provisional inclined flat forming portion of the first forming die part, respectively, are coupled with each other, thereby obtaining a provisional formed member comprising a provisional inclined flat portion without any warpage, formed continuously from a provisional horizontal flat portion via a provisional bend, and a flange portion formed continuously from the provisional inclined flat portion so as to form a target angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Akira Osumi, Jiro Iwaya, Takayuki Yamano
  • Patent number: 7213433
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the static attitude of a head suspension by scanning a region of the head suspension with a laser. A head suspension having a gimbal region is provided that permits a head slider attached thereto to gimbal about pitch and roll axes in response to fluctuations in an air bearing over which the head slider flies. One or more predetermined regions of the head suspension are irradiated by a laser beam by scanning the laser beam across the head suspension regions to affect the static attitude of the head suspension. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned on the leaf spring arms of a flexure with the laser to correct pitch errors in static attitude, and a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned with the laser in the cross section attached to the leaf spring arms to correct roll errors in static attitude. One or both sides of the head suspension can be scanned to create a desired pitch and/or roll correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy Raymond Ubl, Senthil Balasubramaniam, Hryhory T. Koba
  • Patent number: 7210328
    Abstract: A metal sheet folding device, particularly a folding press, comprising a table beam stationarily arranged on a machine frame, and a press beam arranged on the machine frame in guide arrangements with a driving device. The press beam is adjustable in relation to the table beam. Furthermore, provision is made for a sheet depositing/positioning device for at least one metal sheet plate or at least one workpiece for intermediately positioning the latter for carrying out a gripping operation with the gripping device of a handling system. The device is supported on the machine frame preferably on the table beam and adjustable in a linear guide arrangement in the direction of the longitudinal expanse of the table beam over at least part of the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Trumpf Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Johann Strasser
  • Patent number: 7207205
    Abstract: A magnetic dent removal device (18), method and kit comprises a handle assembly (20) used with a burnishing element (24). The handle assembly (20) includes a handle (26), a containment cup (30) and a magnet (22) received within the containment cup (30). A magnet shield (40) is connected to the handle assembly (20), and a cover pad (38) can be attached to the magnet shield (40). A hooking element (64) can be attached to the handle assembly (20) to allow for the attachment of accessory components to aid in dent removal. An amplification bar (56) can be attached to the hooking element (64) to add strength to the magnetic force. A kit (74) for dent removal includes a carrying case (76), at least one handle (26), at least one magnet (22), at least one burnishing element (24) at least one cover pad (38), and at least one magnet shield (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Richard Satterlee, Wayne Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7204121
    Abstract: A method for inserting blanks to be threaded in automatic rotary rolling machines, in which the step for inserting parts to be machined in the working position occurs at an adjustable, optimized rate, so that the portions of the outer surface of the roller tool affected by contact with the parts that have been inserted vary continuously at each turn of the spindle. This provides a significant reduction in surface wear of the roller, extending its useful life. The invention also relates to an automatic rotary rolling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: S.M.A.R.T., S.R.L.
    Inventor: Enrico Ghezzi
  • Patent number: 7204119
    Abstract: A press and tooling apparatus for forming a preheated blank includes a heated upper tool and an opposing heated lower tool mounted within the press for relative closing movement to press the preheated blank there between. A binder ring assembly surrounds the lower tool and is mounted on the press for movement relative to the lower tool so at to bind the preheated blank to the upper tool in air tight sealing relationship in readiness for closure of the tools and application of pressurized gas to force the blank into contact with the upper tools. The binder ring assembly includes an upper ring that is heated so as to prevent the cooling of the preheated blank, and a lower ring that supports the upper ring and is fixedly connected to the upper ring by spaced apart connectors so as to minimize the heat transfer path from the heated upper ring to the lower ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kruger, John Norman Johnson, Richard H. Hammar, Chongmin Kim
  • Patent number: 7204120
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for forging a workpiece (3) with an intermittently drivable clamping head (4) for the workpiece (3) and with a counter-holder (5) for receiving the end of the workpiece (3) averted from the clamping head (4), which counter-holder is rotatably held in a frame (12). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the counter-holder (5) is connected with an intermittent rotational drive (13) which can be triggered synchronously to the clamping head (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: GFM Beteiligungs- und Management GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Robert Koppensteiner
  • Patent number: 7204112
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a lubricating material to an outer surface of a workpiece. Initially, a workpiece is provided that is preferably formed from a closed channel structural member having a circular or box-shaped cross sectional shape. Lubricating material is applied to an outer surface of the workpiece. In a second step of the method, the workpiece may be heat treated. The workpiece is then heated to elevate the temperature of the workpiece so as to cause the lubricating material to dry substantially immediately on the workpiece, thereby providing a coating of lubricating material having a substantially uniform thickness. In a fourth step of the method, a deforming process is performed on the workpiece during the period of time following the heat treatment process, and after applying the lubricating material, in which the workpiece retains the full or partial softening characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Durand, Richard A. Marando, Eric M. Schrack
  • Patent number: 7204117
    Abstract: The method has a first material of lesser hardness acting as a rod-shaped carrier for a second material of greater hardness, each materials formed within a respective extrusion press tool and the plastic mass flow of the greater hardness material fed to the extrusion press tool for the lesser hardness material for providing a common plastic mass flow in the form of a rod-shaped body with a core and an outer region. An Independent claim for a device for manufacture of a hard metal workpiece is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Arno Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 7204115
    Abstract: An axial thread-rolling head comprising a shank and a bearing unit held by said shank and having the profiled rolling dies wherein said shank has an elongate gripping portion, a first clutch portion, a supporting portion for the bearing unit, and a driver portion for a central toothed gear of said bearing unit and said bearing unit has a second clutch portion which is in engagement with said first clutch portion when said bearing unit and said shank are in a coupled position because of a spring bias, and is out of engagement when said bearing unit and said shank are axially moved apart, against said spring bias, to a separating position, which allows said bearing unit to perform a relative rotation on said shank, wherein said gripping portion and said clutch portion, on one hand, and said supporting portion and said driver portion, on the other hand, define separate components which are axially fixed and fixed for rotation via connecting portions, but are adapted to be releasably connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fette GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Focken
  • Patent number: 7201032
    Abstract: A metal sheet-receiving system for receiving parts and feeding a metal sheet-folding machine, particularly a folding press comprising at least one manipulator for seizing and moving metal sheet parts with a gripper head fitted with gripping means; an electronic controlling device for controlling the movements of the manipulator; as well as a measuring system for determining the position of the metal sheet parts. The measuring system is formed by an optoelectronic measuring device, particularly an image acquisition means, and a transillumination platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Trumpf Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Pfitzner
  • Patent number: 7201031
    Abstract: A flange forming process uses first and second stages. The first stage produces a partially formed flange on an article. The second stage forces the partially formed flange into a die so a stepped surface of a knockout punch that is disposed in the die, produces a predetermined can height such as the FFCH (Factory Finished Can Height) while the retaining die limits the outside diameter of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Belvac Production Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Shuey, Mihail Dinu, Terry Babbitt, Joseph G. Schill
  • Patent number: 7201100
    Abstract: A baler utilizing gas springs for controlling the movement of a loading door. Also disclosed is a baler for paper recycling having a control system responsive to switches and digital timers, and an electromagnetic interlock coupling a loading door and a chamber door, said control system including a programmable relay having outputs to motor starter, control valves, and electromagnetic interlock. A mode selection switch enables automatic, manual down, and manual up modes, the latter of which is used to eject a bale. The electromagnetic interlock performs multiple functions reducing the number of components needed in the system, improving reliability and reducing maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: James Davis, Gregory W. Staggs
  • Patent number: 7197907
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a plurality of bent extruded profiles (4; 5) from a light metal or light metal alloy, which is characterized by the following steps: simultaneously extruding at least two extruded profiles (4; 5) that are mirror-symmetric with respect to their cross-sectional shape while using an extrusion device (1), said extrusion device comprising an extrusion die (2) with an extrusion matrix forming the at least two extruded profiles (4; 5); at the same time bending the at least two extruded profiles (4; 5), while bending, when viewing the direction of extrusion and in a horizontal plane of viewing including the direction of extrusion, at least one of the extruded profiles (4; 5) or the projection thereof into the plane of viewing with a curvature that has a sign opposite the sign of the curvature with which at least one additional extrusion profile (5) or the projection thereof into the plane of viewing is bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: WKW Erbsloh Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Alf Birkenstock
  • Patent number: 7197909
    Abstract: A press unloader is provided for unloading parts from a press. The unloader comprises at least one arm. The arm is operative to rotate responsive to rotation of a shaft into and out of the press between an internal position between the dies of the press and an external position that is not between the dies of the press. The shaft may be driven by a drive linkage connected to an upper portion of the press and may rotate responsive to the up and down motion of the upper portion of the press. The arm may be comprised of lower and upper portions in pivoting connection with each other. A guide member is operative to cause the angle between the upper portion and lower portion of the at least one arm to become relatively wider at the internal position and to become relatively narrower at the external position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ohio Valley Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Haberman
  • Patent number: 7194884
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing lithium or lithium alloy anodes for electrochemical cells by an extrusion process wherein a lithium or lithium alloy ingot is formed into a thin sheet. The method is adapted to extrude thin sheet having a width exceeding the diameter of the lithium or lithium alloy ingot and enables the extrusion of lithium or lithium alloy thin sheets with more than one lithium or lithium alloy ingot. The invention also provides a die assembly adapted to allow adjustment and fine tuning of a die aperture while the extrusion process of a lithium or lithium alloy ingot is being carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Avestor Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Richard Laliberté, Jonathan Dubé
  • Patent number: 7194885
    Abstract: Continuous extrusion apparatus includes a rotatable wheel, the rotatable wheel including a circumferential groove. Continuous extrusion apparatus includes a shoe including an arcuate tooling bounding a radially outer portion of the groove provided with an exit aperture in a die body and an abutment displaced in the direction of rotation from the exit aperture. The shoe includes a heater body assembly including an electrical induction heating coil assembly arranged to be energisable to co-act with a magnetisable element to effect electrical induction heating thereof; and an element is provided to thermally induce movement of co-acting members for one of expanding and contracting to adjust clearances between the rotatable wheel and the abutment and the shoe within requisite limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: BWE Limited
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 7191634
    Abstract: A unique tool for removing dents from sheet metal that is best accessed or can only be accessed from the same side of the metal surface from which the dent was originally created. The tool has a lower plate and an upper plate. The lower plate has a lower side proximate to a dent in a surface to be repaired and an upper side. The upper plate has a lower side proximate to the upper side of the lower plate and an upper side. The tool has a plurality of pins slidably extending through the lower and upper plates, the pins having heads proximate to said upper side of said upper plate and lower attachment ends adapted for receiving an adhesive. The tool further has a displacing member for selectively displacing the upper plate away from the lower plate so that the upper side of the upper plate will push the heads of the pins upwardly as the upper plate is displaced, causing the lower attachment ends to move upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Cesar A. Borgos, III