Patents by Inventor William T. Maybee

William T. 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).

  • Patent number: 9352376
    Abstract: A hemming head device and method for hem forming one or more edges of deformable material. The hemming head device includes dual biasing spring members which provide a resistive force whether the hemming wheel is in a push hemming operation on an exterior joint edge or in a pull hemming operation on an interior joint edge. The device further includes a quick connect device for selectively connecting hemming wheels and other forming devices to the head and a gauge to measure the relative position or resistive force applied on the forming member by the biasing members. A method for hem forming a workpiece using dual biasing spring members is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Cyrek, William T. Maybee, Robert F. Chapman, Kenneth D. St. Denis
  • Publication number: 20120297854
    Abstract: A hemming head device and method for hem forming one or more edges of deformable material. The hemming head device includes dual biasing spring members which provide a resistive force whether the hemming wheel is in a push hemming operation on an exterior joint edge or in a pull hemming operation on an interior joint edge. The device further includes a quick connect device for selectively connecting hemming wheels and other forming devices to the head and a gauge to measure the relative position or resistive force applied on the forming member by the biasing members. A method for hem forming a workpiece using dual biasing spring members is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: COMAU, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Cyrek, William T. Maybee, Robert F. Chapman, Kenneth D. St. Denis
  • Patent number: 8261960
    Abstract: A fastening device and method for mounting equipment to a framing member. The invention includes a single breakaway fastener that is pretentioned using a biasing member to fracture on a predetermined force applied to the fastened joint to avoid damage to the secured equipment. In one example the device and method includes the fastener having a reduced diameter portion that is positioned between an annular plate and the framing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Comau, Inc.
    Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas, William T. Maybee, Hans Nikesch
  • Publication number: 20120066885
    Abstract: A fastening device and method for mounting equipment to a framing member. The invention includes a single breakaway fastener that is pretentioned using a biasing member to fracture on a predetermined force applied to the fastened joint to avoid damage to the secured equipment. In one example the device and method includes the fastener having a reduced diameter portion that is positioned between an annular plate and the framing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: COMAU, INC.
    Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas, William T. Maybee, Hans Nikesch
  • Patent number: 8070040
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Comau, Inc.
    Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas, William T. Maybee, Hans Nikesch
  • Publication number: 20100329820
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: COMAU, INC.
    Inventors: Velibor Kilibarda, Michael R. Dugas, William T. Maybee, Hans Nikesch