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).
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Patent number: 11154950Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2020Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: ArcelorMittal FranceInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Publication number: 20200277975Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
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Patent number: 10626903Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: ARCELOEMITTAL FRANCEInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Patent number: 10626902Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL FRANCEInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Patent number: 10480554Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: ArcelorMittal FranceInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Patent number: 10473130Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: ArcelorMittal FranceInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Publication number: 20190285103Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
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Publication number: 20190285102Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
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Publication number: 20190271342Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
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Publication number: 20190271341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
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Patent number: 10352342Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: ARCELORMITTL FRANCEInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Publication number: 20170232560Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
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Patent number: 9682443Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Arcelormittal FranceInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Patent number: 9676061Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL FRANCEInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Patent number: 9669491Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL FRANCEInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Patent number: 9669490Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL FRANCEInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Patent number: 9597750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Arcelormittal FranceInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Patent number: 9375809Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: ArcelorMittal FranceInventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
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Publication number: 20160047026Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES
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Publication number: 20160008924Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Jean-Francois CANOURGUES, Aurelien PIC, Pascal VERRIER, Rene VIERSTRAETE, Wolfram EHLING, Bernd THOMMES