Patents by Inventor William J. Maybee
William J. Maybee 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: 9581983Abstract: An automated guided cart (AGC) that is configured to travel along a cart path according to generally non-precision movements is implemented to support a build process requiring precise positioning of vehicle build devices. In an example of a method of use, a vehicle build device for the build process is engaged with the AGC. When the AGC travels proximate a build operation area, the AGC can be secured in a dimensionally fixed position, with the result that both the AGC and a vehicle build device engaged with the AGC are located in precise positions. Based on the precise location of the vehicle build device, the vehicle build device can be interfaced with robots or other automated equipment according to preprogrammed and/or precise movements to carry out a build process.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: COMAU LLCInventors: Velibor Kilibarda, William J. Maybee
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Publication number: 20130325159Abstract: An automated guided cart (AGC) that is configured to travel along a cart path according to generally non-precision movements is implemented to support a build process requiring precise positioning of vehicle build devices. In an example of a method of use, a vehicle build device for the build process is engaged with the AGC. When the AGC travels proximate a build operation area, the AGC can be secured in a dimensionally fixed position, with the result that both the AGC and a vehicle build device engaged with the AGC are located in precise positions. Based on the precise location of the vehicle build device, the vehicle build device can be interfaced with robots or other automated equipment according to preprogrammed and/or precise movements to carry out a build process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Comau, Inc.Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, William J. Maybee
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Patent number: 7784665Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Comau, IncInventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas, William J. Maybee, Hans Nikesch
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Publication number: 20070284355Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Applicant: PROGRESSIVE TOOL & INDUSTRIES, CO.Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas, William J. Maybee, Hans Nikesch
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Patent number: 7271367Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Comau, Inc.Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas, William J. Maybee, Hans Nikesch
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Patent number: 6698736Abstract: A clamping and locating fixture includes a hollow body, a pin mountable to the body, a locking arm positionable within the body locatable between two positions and a drive pin moveable within the body to engage the locking arm. A workpiece can be directed to a clamping position by the guide pin. The pin includes an aperture allowing a locking projection of the locking arm to extend therethrough and over a workpiece to clamp the workpiece for a processing operation. The locking projection can be retracted through the aperture while the workpiece is being located or is being removed. The drive pin can be moved within the body to engage a cam follower of the locking arm. The drive pin can be supported during movement by one or more rollers mounted in the body. The drive pin can include a pin body and a pin member moveably associated with one another to selectively define the position of a cam surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Progressive Tool & Industries Co.Inventors: Michael R. Dugas, Velibor Kilabarda, Fred Zarna, Greg Bildson, William J. Maybee
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Publication number: 20020135116Abstract: A clamping and locating fixture includes a hollow body, a pin mountable to the body, a locking arm positionable within the body locatable between two positions and a drive pin moveable within the body to engage the locking arm. A workpiece can be directed to a clamping position by the guide pin. The pin includes an aperture allowing a locking projection of the locking arm to extend therethrough and over a workpiece to clamp the workpiece for a processing operation. The locking projection can be retracted through the aperture while the workpiece is being located or is being removed. The drive pin can be moved within the body to engage a cam follower of the locking arm. The drive pin can be supported during movement by one or more rollers mounted in the body. The drive pin can include a pin body and a pin member moveably associated with one another to selectively define the position of a cam surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Michael R. Dugas, Velibor Kilabarda, Fred Zarna, Greg Bildson, William J. Maybee
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Patent number: 5966808Abstract: An apparatus assembles a heat exchanger core having first and second side plates. The first and second side plates cooperate with first and second end plates to sandwich a plurality of layered tubes and fin plates therebetween. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism for stacking the tubes and fin plates with respect to one another to define a layered stack having opposite sides and opposite ends. A side plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second side plates on opposite sides of the layered stack. An end plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second end plates on opposite ends of the layered stack.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignees: Progressive Tool & Industries Company, Ford Motor CompanyInventors: William J. Maybee, Eddy G. Mizzi, James C. Rollinson, Daniel J. Stark, Ronald Pardi, Walter Kowaleski, Paul Krause
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Patent number: 5934443Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and delivering fins manufactured in a fin mill for use in manufacture and assembly of heat exchangers used for controlling temperature conditions. The apparatus includes first and second conveyors, the first conveyor receiving and transporting fins emanating from a fin mill, and the second conveyer delivering the fins to an apparatus for manufacturing and assembling a heat exchanger. A tier of chutes reorient the direction of the fins with respect to the direction of the conveyor travel.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignees: Ford Motor Company, Progressive Tool IndustriesInventors: Ronald Pardi, James C. Rollinson, Daniel J. Stark, William J. Maybee, Eddy G. Mizzi, Walter Kowalewski, Paul Krause
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Patent number: 5897289Abstract: An apparatus for alignment and delivery of tubing for use in manufacture and assembly of heat exchangers used for controlling temperature conditions. The apparatus includes a drum into which bulk tubes are loaded. The drum aligns and deposits the tubes onto a conveyor which transports the tubes to a feed magazine. An alignment mechanism aligns the tubes within the feed magazine for use in the process of the assembly of the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignees: Ford Motor Company, Progressive Tool Industries, Co.Inventors: Ronald Pardi, James C. Rollinson, Daniel J. Stark, William J. Maybee, Eddy G. Mizzi, Walter Kowalewski, Paul Krause
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Patent number: 5870819Abstract: An apparatus assembles a heat exchanger core having first and second side plates. The first and second side plates cooperate with first and second end plates to sandwich a plurality of layered tubes and fin plates therebetween. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism for stacking the tubes and fin plates with respect to one another to define a layered stack having opposite sides and opposite ends. A side plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second side plates on opposite sides of the layered stack. An end plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second end plates on opposite ends of the layered stack.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignees: Progressive Tool & Industries Company, Ford Motor CompanyInventors: William J. Maybee, Eddy G. Mizzi, James C. Rollinson, Daniel J. Stark, Ronald Pardi, Walter Kowalcski, Paul Krause