Patents by Inventor Jeffrey N. Hernden

Jeffrey N. Hernden 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).

  • Welding process and apparatus
    Patent number: 5371337
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fixture for positioning a first sheet metal part in proximity of a second sheet metal part so that each sheet metal part has one surface facing the other sheet metal part across a gap and one surface facing away from the other sheet metal part, wherein at least one of the sheet metal parts comprises galvanized steel. A laser beam delivery device applies a laser beam to one of the facing away surfaces. A feed wire source provides a feed wire comprising a supplemental wire and a reactive agent at an intersection of the laser beam and the one facing away surface. The apparatus affects relative movement between the one facing away surface and the laser beam to provide a laser weld between the two sheet metal parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Campbell, John J. Sniezek, Robert I. Phillion, Jeffrey N. Hernden