Patents Examined by Zidia T. Pittman
  • Patent number: 6112971
    Abstract: A brazing process is provided that addresses the braze joint failure problems encountered in some multi-nozzle combustion end covers. The brazing process embodying the invention provides optimal, predictable low cycle fatigue joint life in particular when brazing 304L stainless steel parts using Amdry 915 braze alloy. The invention was realized in particular in the combination of and application of tightly controlled vital variables of gap, braze alloy, braze peak temperature hold time, cooling (quench) rate, surface finish and braze media to optimal limits for the process parameters. The process provides robust/reliable design limits for braze joints experiencing stress during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Dean Henry Castaldo, Bernard Arthur Couture, Anne Elizabeth Kolman, David Robert Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6112976
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides for a method of manufacturing solder columns for particular use in attaching substrates to a printed circuit board. The method results in columns of homogeneous composition and thus overcomes problems associated with the phenomena of segregation. The method includes the steps of forming particles of the metal composition to be used for the columns from a molten source of the composition. The solid particles are then formed into segments of homogeneous composition by drawing ingots of the composition into wire and severing the wire into segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Louis-Marie Achard, Claude Blais, David Hirsch Danovitch, Jean-Francois Garneau, Michel Robert
  • Patent number: 6109503
    Abstract: An internal spacer and expander clamp for use when welding two sections of pipe together. There are two spider rings supported from a frame, one in one section of pipe and the other across the joint in the other pipe. Each spider ring has a plurality of holes with a piston with a pipe contacting pad in each hole. A rotor is supported within said spider ring. A linkage bar is pivotally connected at one end to the piston and at the other end to a pin in a cut-out in the rotor. The convex ends of the linkage bar mates with a concave cut-out in the piston and the other end in a concave cut-out in the rotor. A power linkage rotates the rotor such that in a first position the longitudinal axis of the piston is out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the linkage bar and in a second rotational position thus are aligned forcing the shoe against the inner surface of the pipe with great force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Sabre International, Inc.
    Inventor: William David Parker
  • Patent number: 6076723
    Abstract: A metal jet, metal deposition system has metal jets disposed in an oxygen-free chamber. The metal jets eject droplets of a wetting metal onto conductors on an electrical substrate followed by solder metal. Banks of metal jets can be used to print conductors onto the electrical substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Alfred I-Tsung Pan
  • Patent number: 6065664
    Abstract: The disclosure is for a method of installing a heat pipe within another structure. A completely processed heat pipe is coated with solder and inserted into a cylindrical hole within the structure with sliding clearance. The casing of the heat pipe is then expanded into tight contact with the surrounding hole by heating the heat pipe and expanding the heat pipe casing with the heat pipe's own internal vapor pressure. The application of heat also simultaneously melts the solder to bond the heat pipe into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Thermal Corp.
    Inventors: Scott D. Garner, Douglas W. Grove
  • Patent number: 6056188
    Abstract: A method of attaching an electronic component to a surface of a plate-shaped support member has as a first step the step of applying the electronic component to the surface of the support member, a solder being arranged between the electronic component and the support member. Following this, a glass fiber or a glass fiber bundle is applied to the surface of the plate-shaped support member located opposite the electronic component. Finally, a laser pulse is conducted through the glass fiber or glass fiber bundle for melting the solder so as to establish a punctiform electrical and mechanical connection between the support member and the electronic component in this way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Pac Tech-Packaging Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Ghassem Azdasht, Paul Kasulke
  • Patent number: 6053391
    Abstract: A stir weld tool of the present invention is used to weld two pieces of metal together through frictional heating, plasticizing, mixing, and forging of the plasticized metal into a uniform weldment. The stir weld is accomplished by rotating the stir weld tool with a pin having at least one boss on its surface to create the mechanical friction in the metal in contact with the rapidly rotating pin. As the rotating pin travels along the weld joint, the plasticized metal of the work pieces is extruded to the back face of the pin while undergoing a mechanical stirring and forging from action imparted by the at least one boss on the surface of the pin, and while confined from above by the pressure exerted on the metal by a shoulder on the stir weld tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Tower Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert James Heideman, Jason Winton Thomas Scott, Christopher Brian Smith, Thomas Michael Thessin, Brahmanpalli Narasimhamurthy Ranganathan, Donald Frederic Bishofberger