Patents by Inventor Bernd Thommes

Bernd Thommes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11154950
    Abstract: A method for creating a welded steel part includes providing a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer; providing a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer; butt welding the first and second steel plates at a weld so as to melt material from at least the first base, the first intermetallic alloy layer, the second base and the second intermetallic layer to form a molten weld material; austenizing the welded steel plates at a temperature between Ac1 and Ac3+100 degrees C. for a time greater than or equal to 20 seconds; and cooling the welded steel plates so as to render a uniform microstructure to the weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal France
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Publication number: 20200277975
    Abstract: A method for creating a welded steel part includes providing a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer; providing a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer; butt welding the first and second steel plates at a weld so as to melt material from at least the first base, the first intermetallic alloy layer, the second base and the second intermetallic layer to form a molten weld material; austenizing the welded steel plates at a temperature between Ac1 and Ac3+100 degrees C. for a time greater than or equal to 20 seconds; and cooling the welded steel plates so as to render a uniform microstructure to the weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
  • Patent number: 10626903
    Abstract: A formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: ARCELOEMITTAL FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 10626902
    Abstract: A formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 10480554
    Abstract: A formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal France
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 10473130
    Abstract: A formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal France
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Publication number: 20190285103
    Abstract: A formed steel part is provided. The formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
  • Publication number: 20190285102
    Abstract: A formed steel part is provided. The formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
  • Publication number: 20190271342
    Abstract: A formed steel part is provided. The formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
  • Publication number: 20190271341
    Abstract: A formed steel part is provided. The formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
  • Patent number: 10352342
    Abstract: A formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTL FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Publication number: 20170232560
    Abstract: A formed steel part is provided. The formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
  • Patent number: 9682443
    Abstract: A plate is provided. The plate includes a steel substrate and a precoat having a layer of intermetallic alloy in contact with the substrate, topped by a layer of aluminum alloy. On at least one precoated face of the plate, an area situated at the periphery of the plate has the aluminum alloy layer removed. A part and a welded blank are also provided. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Arcelormittal France
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 9676061
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a precoated steel plate is provided. The method includes coating a steel plate by dipping the steel plate in a molten bath to obtain a precoat upon the steel plate. The precoat consists of an intermetallic alloy layer and a metal alloy layer, the intermetallic alloy layer is topped by the metal alloy layer. On at least one face of the plate, the metal alloy layer is removed in an area at a periphery of the plate using a laser beam, while at least part of the intermetallic alloy layer is left in the area. The step of removing includes measuring a characteristic of the laser or an area where the metal alloy area is to be removed to obtain a measured value, comparing the measured value with a reference value and stopping a removal operation to leave the at least part of the intermetallic alloy in place as function of the comparing step. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 9669491
    Abstract: A method of forming a steel part is provided. The method includes the steps of coating a first steel plate to obtain a first precoat upon the first steel plate so as to define a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer. On a first face of the first steel plate the first metal alloy layer is removed in a first area of the first steel plate, while at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer in the first area remains. A second steel plate is coated to obtain a second precoat upon the second steel plate so as to define a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer. On a second face of the second steel plate, the second metal alloy layer is removed in a second area of the second metal plate, while at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area remains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 9669490
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a precoated steel plate, the method including coating a steel plate by dipping the steel plate in a molten bath to obtain a precoat upon the steel plate, wherein the precoat includes an intermetallic alloy layer and a metal alloy layer. The intermetallic alloy layer is topped by the metal alloy layer. On at least one face of the plate, the metal alloy layer is removed in an area at a periphery of the plate using a laser beam, while leaving at least part of the intermetallic alloy layer in the area. The at least part of the intermetallic layer in the area has a thickness between 3 and 10 micrometers thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 9597750
    Abstract: Plate consisting of a steel substrate (1) and a precoat (2) consisting of a layer of intermetallic alloy (3) in contact with said substrate, topped by a layer of metal alloy (4), characterized in that, on at least one precoated face of said plate, an area (6) situated at the periphery of said plate has said metal alloy layer removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Arcelormittal France
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 9375809
    Abstract: A method of butt-welding steel plates is provided. The method includes the steps of coating a first steel plate by dipping the first steel plate in a molten bath to obtain a first precoat upon the first steel plate. The first precoat includes a first intermetallic alloy layer and a first metal alloy layer, the first intermetallic alloy layer is topped by the first metal alloy layer. On a first face of the first steel plate, the first metal alloy layer is removed in a first area at a first periphery of the first steel plate, while at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer in the first area remains. A second steel plate is coated by dipping the second steel plate in the molten bath or a further molten bath to obtain a second precoat upon the second steel plate. The second precoat includes a second intermetallic alloy layer and a second metal alloy layer, the second intermetallic alloy layer is topped by the second metal alloy layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal France
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Publication number: 20160047026
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a precoated steel plate is provided. The method includes coating a steel plate by dipping the steel plate in a molten bath to obtain a precoat upon the steel plate. The precoat consists of an intermetallic alloy layer and a metal alloy layer, the intermetallic alloy layer is topped by the metal alloy layer. On at least one face of the plate, the metal alloy layer is removed in an area at a periphery of the plate using a laser beam, while at least part of the intermetallic alloy layer is left in the area. The step of removing includes measuring a characteristic of the laser or an area where the metal alloy area is to be removed to obtain a measured value, comparing the measured value with a reference value and stopping a removal operation to leave the at least part of the intermetallic alloy in place as function of the comparing step. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
  • Publication number: 20160008924
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a precoated steel plate, the method including coating a steel plate by dipping the steel plate in a molten bath to obtain a precoat upon the steel plate, wherein the precoat includes an intermetallic alloy layer and a metal alloy layer. The intermetallic alloy layer is topped by the metal alloy layer. On at least one face of the plate, the metal alloy layer is removed in an area at a periphery of the plate using a laser beam, while leaving at least part of the intermetallic alloy layer in the area. The at least part of the intermetallic layer in the area has a thickness between 3 and 10 micrometers thick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES