Patents by Inventor Dirk STERMANN

Dirk STERMANN 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: 12162106
    Abstract: A method of assembling a structure in aircraft or spacecraft production wherein two components to be joined together at a joint are provided, each component comprising a joining region. Sealant is applied to one of the component joining regions. An arrangement is formed by positioning the components relative to each other, whereby an uncured layer of the sealant is formed between associated joining regions. The associated joining regions are clamped against each other using a clamping device, and a clamped state is maintained until the layer of sealant has cured to a pre-defined degree, the clamping device being installable on and transportable along with the arrangement. After the layer of sealant has cured to the pre-defined degree, drilling at a plurality of fastening positions is performed to obtain a hole of final dimension at each fastening position, and installation of a final fastener at each fastening position is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Dirk Stermann
  • Publication number: 20230226654
    Abstract: A method of assembling a structure in aircraft or spacecraft production wherein two components to be joined together at a joint are provided, each component comprising a joining region. Sealant is applied to one of the component joining regions. An arrangement is formed by positioning the components relative to each other, whereby an uncured layer of the sealant is formed between associated joining regions. The associated joining regions are clamped against each other using a clamping device, and a clamped state is maintained until the layer of sealant has cured to a pre-defined degree, the clamping device being installable on and transportable along with the arrangement. After the layer of sealant has cured to the pre-defined degree, drilling at a plurality of fastening positions is performed to obtain a hole of final dimension at each fastening position, and installation of a final fastener at each fastening position is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventor: Dirk STERMANN
  • Patent number: 9381597
    Abstract: Thus relates to a movable backing system for clamping plate-shaped backing work pieces for friction agitation welding and friction stir welding and to a friction agitation or stir welding system. The movable backing system comprises an upper unit to be arranged above the backing work pieces to support the backing work pieces, a lower unit to be arranged below the backing work pieces to support the backing work pieces, and a connecting means connecting the upper and the lower unit to be arranged in a gap between the backing work pieces to be welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Dirk Stermann
  • Publication number: 20150258641
    Abstract: Thus relates to a movable backing system for clamping plate-shaped backing work pieces for friction agitation welding and friction stir welding and to a friction agitation or stir welding system. The movable backing system comprises an upper unit to be arranged above the backing work pieces to support the backing work pieces, a lower unit to be arranged below the backing work pieces to support the backing work pieces, and a connecting means connecting the upper and the lower unit to be arranged in a gap between the backing work pieces to be welded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Dirk STERMANN