Methods Patents (Class 219/117.1)
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Publication number: 20090184093Abstract: An aluminum heated substrate support suitable for use in high temperature substrate processing systems and method for fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, an aluminum heated substrate support can include an aluminum body, a stem coupled to the body and a heating element disposed in the body. The body has an average grain size less than about 250 ?m. In some embodiments, the stem to body joint is a fully penetrated lap weld that promotes service life of the substrate support.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventors: ABHI DESAI, Robert T. Hirahara, Calvin Augason
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Patent number: 7564005Abstract: A method of monitoring a resistance welding system is provided. The method utilizes a sensor for isolating and determining movement of a pin that typically supports an object to be welded such as a fastener. The movement of the pin is used to determine various present welding operation parameters to reduce cycle time, and increase efficiency and quality of the weld. The present welding operation parameters are compared to learned or stored welding operation parameters, for example, to determine whether a fault should be generated or whether an acceptable weld was achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Doben LimitedInventors: Daniel Martin Cabanaw, David M. Beneteau
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Publication number: 20090152245Abstract: A method to diagnose a failed weld in a welding process includes monitoring a location of a weld created on a plurality of work pieces, diagnosing the weld as a failed weld based on said location with respect to a closest edge of one of the work pieces, and identifying said failed weld based on the diagnosing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Samuel P. Marin, Daniel C. Hutchinson, Sheila A. Marin
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Publication number: 20090145885Abstract: This method for soldering or hybridizing two components (1, 2) together using a solder material, at least one (1) of said components, called first component, comprising one or more electrically conducting metal tracks (4), connected to as many outer connection dots (5), consists in: preparing, on the opposing surfaces of the components to be welded or hybridized, a wettability surface (7, 8); depositing on one of said wettability surfaces an appropriate quantity of solder material, suitable for constituting a soldering or hybridization dot (6); contacting the wettability surface (8) of the other component (2) with the solder material thereby deposited; then raising the temperature of the chamber in which the components to be welded or hybridized are positioned, to at least the melting point of the solder material in order to ensure the effective soldering or hybridizing of the two components together by a remelt effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUEInventor: Francois MARION
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Publication number: 20090139966Abstract: A process is provided for scam welding advanced high strength steel sheets together. Respective end portions of first and second advanced high strength steel sheets are placed in overlapping contact with one another, and subjected to first and second weld passes. In the first weld pass, a seam welder including weld electrodes operate at a first-pass applied current and a first-pass pressure and are moved relative to the overlapping end portions at a first-pass carriage speed to establish a weld seam containing a weld nugget with a martensite phase. In the second weld pass, the weld electrodes operate at a second-pass applied current and a second-pass pressure and move relative to the weld seam at a second-pass carriage speed selected to fuse microcracks, lap openings, and porosity in the seam, relieve the residual stress in the joint, and temper the martensite phase of the weld nugget, and thereby form a weld joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Soumitra V. AGASHE
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Publication number: 20090127232Abstract: Weld faces of electrodes for resistance spot welding are formed with a suitable area of protrusions and/or intrusions. The size, shape, and elevation or depths of the protrusions or intrusions are determined for the formation of suitable spot welds in and between metal workpieces such as aluminum or steel panels for vehicle bodies. The protrusions or intrusions are also conceived and used to form an image on at least a visible surface of the welded article to produce an attractive appearance on the surface of the welded sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David R. Sigler, James G. Schroth
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Publication number: 20090120913Abstract: A system for and method of producing invisible welds for a plurality of workpieces, includes the steps of selecting a free-body projection, fixedly securing the projection intermediate the workpieces, and engaging the workpieces with a resistance welding apparatus such that the projection fuses to form the weld joint, and preferably, further includes autonomously securing the projection and an encircling portion of an adhesive tape intermediate the workpieces utilizing a roll dispenser, so as further cause to form an adhesive seal around the weld, and engaging the workpieces with modified electrodes having enlarged workpiece engaging faces over optimized weld force only application and weld force plus electric current application periods.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Alexander D. Khakhalev
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Publication number: 20090090700Abstract: A joining method of the present invention includes conducting friction-stir-welding of members to be joined, to form a joint; and then conducting melt-welding or resistance-welding of the joint, wherein the friction-stir-welding of members to be joined is conducted while flowing an inert shielding gas, or the melt-welding or resistance-welding of the joint is conducted while applying an ultrasonic wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Toyoyuki Sato, Toshimitsu Ochiai, Hidetoshi Fujii, Takeshi Ishikawa
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Publication number: 20090087259Abstract: A hybrid joint of dissimilar materials capable of bearing structural loads without long term creep due to a fiber stack in direct bearing of shear pins, studs, or legs on the lateral surfaces of multitudes of high-modulus fibers. The shear pins, studs, or legs may be welded onto a metal member and precisely incorporated into the composite during textile assembly prior to resin infusion and cure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: David S. Bettinger
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Publication number: 20090078684Abstract: The welding of a tight envelope is performed in two stages (8, 9), with an intermediate sucking up by an appendage with holes (6, 7) to create a vacuum in an envelope and strengthen the insulation offered by the interlining (1). When the second weld (9) has been performed, the appendage having the hole may be withdrawn. An electric resistance seam weld is preferable. One can thereby use welding procedures under atmosphere and weld metallic envelopes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2006Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Stephane Grimault
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Publication number: 20090031655Abstract: A structural sandwich plate member is provided with at least one stud welded to one or both of the outer plates and extending into the core. The stud may be arc stud welded to the outer plate before formation of the core. Alternatively, the stud may be installed after formation of the core by drilling a hole in one outer plate and friction welding the stud to one or both outer plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2005Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Stephen John Kennedy, Howard Mackenzie Wilson
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Publication number: 20090026177Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for controlling a welding angle which is capable of resolving restrictions occurred when a conventional float type welding angle control device is used to manufacture a welded pipe, and giving full play to the ability of such a float type welding angle control device, by adopting a new mechanism for supporting and adjusting a fin roll. When the welding angle is controlled by inserting the fin roll between opposing edges of a band steel at a position located in an upstream side of squeeze rolls, the fin roll is attached to a link mechanism in which two arms are coupled so as to be pivotable within a plane defined by a pipe manufacturing line direction and a perpendicular direction thereof, and positions of gripping points of the arms are changed to adjust a position of the fin roll within the plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2005Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: NAKATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Feizhou Wang, Satoshi Tsuruta, Tomoyasu Nakano
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Publication number: 20090013659Abstract: An apparatus and a method for welding metallic fibers to form a knitted fabric having a predetermined width, include feeding a composite of metallic fibers to an apparatus for welding the fibers to form a knitted fabric, and separately welding a plurality of partial sections of the composite in a time period, in which the composite is at a standstill, for example through the use of a plurality of welding electrode pairs which are disposed over the width of the composite. A method for filtering exhaust gases and an exhaust-gas treatment component are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUR EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBHInventor: Gottfried Wilhelm Haesemann
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Patent number: 7476825Abstract: A process for producing a body for exhaust gas treatment having a plurality of metallic layers, includes bringing the layers into contact with each other in a connection region. A connection is made by a roller seam welding process in such a way that the layers form passages through which a gas stream can flow. A corresponding body for exhaust gas treatment can especially be used as a filter or catalyst carrier body in the automobile industry.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft Fuer Emissionstechnologie mbHInventors: Peter Hirth, Rolf Brück, Thomas Härig
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Publication number: 20090004559Abstract: A cap assembly for use in an electrochemical cell. The cap assembly includes a tab collection post, a core insert, and at least one current collecting tab connected at one end to an electrode foil in the electrochemical cell, and horizontally connected at the other end to the tab collection post and the core insert. The at least one current collecting tab is disposed between and welded with the tab collection post and the core insert. The cap assembly also includes a shock absorber disposed around the core insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: William H. GARDNER, Donald G. DAFOE, Lucien FONTAINE
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Publication number: 20090001054Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonding method or an apparatus for projecting a conductive element from a nozzle onto an object to be bonded and electrically bonding the object to be bonded and the conductive element. The method of invention comprises the steps of: preparing the conductive element having an outer diameter with a curvature radius larger than a curvature radius of a portion of an opening of the nozzle which is in contact with the conductive element; pressurizing and attaching the conductive element to the opening of the nozzle; and supplying a compressed gas into an inner space of the nozzle and projecting the conductive element in a solid phase state onto the object to be bonded.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Toru Mizuno, Tatsuya Wagou, Hidetoshi Suzuki
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Publication number: 20080308533Abstract: A spot welding system including a welding gun with an electrode pair actuated by a servo-motor, a robot carrying the welding gun or objective workpieces and operating to change the relative positions and orientations of the welding gun and the workpieces, and a gun motion controller controlling the servo-motor to actuate the electrode pair to open or close. The gun motion controller includes a motion commanding section outputting a motion command to the servo-motor in accordance with a speed set-value designating a closing speed of the electrode pair, and a set-value adjusting section automatically adjusting the speed set-value to an appropriate value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: FANUC LTDInventors: Hiromitsu Takahashi, Toshimichi Aoki
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Publication number: 20080290073Abstract: A welding apparatus includes a single weld head, a weld power supply, a conductive fixture plate, a data acquisition card, and a computer. The single weld head includes one or more electrodes, one or more actuating devices in operative communication with the electrodes, and one or more force control devices in operative communication with the actuating devices. The weld head is in communication with a weld power supply. The weld power supply welds articles in accordance with a computer program running on a computer. The computer is in communication with the weld power supply, the force control device, and the data acquisition card. The computer is capable of receiving, evaluating, and storing welding data received from the data acquisition card. The apparatus further includes a switch in communication with the weld power supply, the electrodes, the conductive fixture plate, and the data acquisition card.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: TechMatrix, LLCInventor: Charles Wood
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Publication number: 20080241572Abstract: Disclosed is a bonding method for dissimilar materials made from metals and its resulting structures. The materials to be bonded are formed by layering three or more sheets such that a dissimilar material interface and a same material interface are formed. A first current is conducted between a three-sheet layered plate material wherein an aluminum alloy plate, a zinc plated steel plate and a bare steel plate, for example, are layered in order. A nugget is formed in an interface between the zinc plated steel plate and the bare steel plate, which are the same materials. Then, a second current greater than the first current is conducted, and a nugget is formed in an interface between the aluminum alloy plate and the zinc plated steel plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji Miyamoto, Shigeyuki Nakagawa
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Publication number: 20080210666Abstract: A joined component, in particular a rotation symmetrical component for connecting to another second joined component into a unit for creating a continuous material, non-disengageable connection through compression welding, comprising a joined surface and a joint portion, provided at the joined surface, for contacting the other, second joined component. A recess for receiving weld bead material is provided at the joined surface around the joint portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Yannick Strub
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Publication number: 20080193255Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a fastener to the inside wall of a member. The fastener may be a bolt or a nut having a shank and a shaped head with head portions radiating from the shank. A hole is made in the member and has a shape closely corresponding to the shape of the head. The head of the fastener is inserted into the shaped hole and the fastener is reoriented so that the head engages with the inside walls of the member and therefore the fastener cannot be withdrawn. Electric current is applied to the fastener and the member to bond the head to the inside wall of the member either by heat curing an adhesive coating the head or by creating an electric resistance projection weld between the fastener head and the member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: James F. Hengel, Pei-Chung Wang
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Publication number: 20080128394Abstract: A method for monitoring the presence of an adhesive between two metal workpieces includes measuring the depth of indentation made by electric resistance weld electrodes by measuring the advance of the weld electrodes, and comparing the measured depth of indentation with the depth of indentation that is known to occur when the presence of the adhesive between the metal workpieces minimizes the shunting of weld current and thereby affects the depth of indentation. If the adhesive is absent, a supplemental electric resistance weld is made to compensate for the absent adhesive. The invention is applicable to both adhesive bonding, where only adhesive is used to attach the workpieces, and weldbonding, where an electric resistance weld is made atop a layer of adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, John D. Fickes
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Publication number: 20080113209Abstract: An exhaust manifold and a method for manufacturing an exhaust manifold that includes a housing part and overlapping corrugated sheet parts having corrugations at an angle of 10 to 60 degrees relative to each other. The method includes the steps of preoxidizing the manifold parts and after the preoxidation step joining the manifold parts simultaneously to each other by resistance welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: ECOCAT OYInventors: Reijo Lylykangas, Veli-Matti Vekki, Keijo Keskitalo, Erkki Narhi
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Publication number: 20080105540Abstract: It is described a bipolar plate consisting of a single wall and a perimetrical sealing frame obtained by folding and provided with a planar abutment surface for the frame-to-wall welding. The wall is further provided with projections on one face thereof preferably obtained by moulding, and with supports on the other face consisting of sheet strips housed in the recesses formed by the concave part of the projections. The projections substantially extend along the entire length of the bipolar plate. The projections and supports are connected to electrodes or current distributors. The projections, the supports, the single wall and the perimetrical frame are made of the same metal or alloy. The electrode or current distributor supported by the projections, the same projections and the supports are welded together by a single pass of arc-welding or preferably laser-welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2005Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Fulvio Federico, Leonello Carrettin, Dario Oldani, Corrado Mojana
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Publication number: 20080107948Abstract: A metallic, rigidized foil support structure (11) supports a cell (14) of a solid oxide fuel cell (10). The support structure (11) includes a separator sheet (18), a support sheet (16) having perforations (26) configured to communicate a fluid, and a porous layer (20) positioned between the separator sheet (18) and the support sheet (16). The porous layer (20) provides support and reinforcement to the support structure (11) as well as an electrical connection between the support sheet (16) and the separator sheet (18). Fuel flows through the porous layer (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2005Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: UNITED Technologies CorporationInventor: Jean Yamanis
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Patent number: 7368680Abstract: A method of producing a plate stack preform, including preparing a reinforcement stack having first and second reinforcing plates, overlapping first and second plates respectively larger in size than the first and second reinforcing plates on the first and second reinforcing plates, respectively, inserting a weld-preventing conductive plate between side peripheries of the overlapped first and second reinforcing plates, after the inserting operation, simultaneously conducting joining the first plate with the side periphery of the first reinforcing plate and joining the second plate with the side periphery of the second reinforcing plate by lap resistance welding, and then joining side peripheries of the first and second plates together by continuous welding.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Sakurai, Kenji Kanamori, Shigeyuki Nakagawa
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Publication number: 20080090146Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments of bipolar plate electrode structures for use in an electrochemical battery assembly and a bipolar battery assembly utilizing the bipolar electrode plate structure as a fundamental building block. An exemplary bipolar electrode assembly can have an electrically isolated mechanical supporting plate sandwiched between two electrically conducting electrode substrate plates which are mechanically and electrically connected through holes in the supporting plate. Vapor and liquid tight sealing can be accomplished with an internal sealing ring placed in compression between and thermally bonded to the two conducting electrode substrates. The exposed metallic edges of the electrode supports and substrates can provide improved heat removal from the bipolar battery assembly. Associated construction methods are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventor: David Batson
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Publication number: 20080087650Abstract: A method is provided for welding a laminated metal sheet to a workpiece. The laminated metal sheet includes an outer metal sheet and an inner metal sheet bonded together by a polymer material that impedes the flow of weld current. A punch is applied against the outer metal sheet and driven through the laminated metal sheet to create a hole and also create an annular metallic burr that bridges across the polymer material layer between the outer metal sheet and the inner metal sheet. A weld electrode is positioned against the outer metal sheet at the punched hole and weld current is conducted through the first annular metallic burr to create an electric resistance weld between the laminated metal and the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Robert J. Gollehur
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Patent number: 7282664Abstract: A welding assembly is provided for welding a fastener to an object such as a vehicle body panel. The assembly includes a weld gun having first and second electrodes movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The first electrode includes a housing assembly. A pin is received in the housing assembly and is movable when in said closed position between a desired nut position, and upside down nut position, and a no nut position. An optical sensor has a terminal end space from the pin for direction light thereon. The terminal end of the sensor received reflected light from the pin. A sensor control system processes the reflected light into a signal corresponding to one of the desired nut, upside down nut, and no nut positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Doben LimitedInventor: Daniel Martin Cabanaw
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Patent number: 7268319Abstract: An article suitable for metallurgical bonding having a first part having a lower surface, and a second part having an upper surface is disclosed. The lower surface of the first part is disposed at the upper surface of the second part to provide for a faying surface thereat. The faying surface has a plurality of channels having a depth equal to or greater than about 1 micron and equal to or less than about 1000 microns. The article is suitable for metallurgical bonding at the faying surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Hai-Lung Tsai
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Patent number: 7265312Abstract: An improved battery pack is proposed. The battery pack includes a housing, and first and second cells disposed in the housing, the first cell having a radius and a periphery. In addition, the battery pack includes a metal strap connecting the first and second cells, the strap having an end disposed over the first cell and a portion of the periphery, and two contact protrusions contacting the first cell, wherein distance between the strap end and the overlaped periphery is greater than the radius of the first cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. White, Paul S. White, Adam M. Casalena
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Patent number: 7259349Abstract: A method for monitoring the quality of spot welding, in particular for robotic applications. Workpieces, such as metal sheets are welded together using spot welding tools. The sheets are placed between at least two electrodes, which are pressed against one another and supplied with energy. The spot weld is evaluated using an evaluation element, in particular an optical visualization. A tape is placed between the electrodes or electrode caps and the sheets. The tape is transported onwards after the welding process. The tape is configured in such a way that a mirror-image, in particular a proportional reproduction or impression of the spot weld that has been produced on the workpiece is created by the welding process on the tape. The reproduction or impression is detected and evaluated by the evaluation element and the size, shape and position of the spot weld are deduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Fronius International GmbHInventors: Walter Stieglbauer, Manfred Wimmer, Wolfgang Zauner
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Publication number: 20070187371Abstract: A structural component for a motor vehicle, such as a center pillar or bumper cross member, includes comprising a plurality of metal sheets joined together by welding spots. At least one of the metal sheets is provided with relief zones in an area between the welding spots, with the relief zones being formed by recesses in the metal sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventor: Hans-Jurgen Knaup
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Patent number: 7253374Abstract: Method of welding a metal sheet and metal tubing as well as a welded sheet-to-tube welded structure wherein the tube-to-sheet gage ratio may be reduced to permit use of metal tubing having a reduced wall thickness. One or more intermediate metal bridging members is/are first welded to a metal tube using a relatively rapid welding process that reduces heat input and residual tensile stress imparted to the tube. A metallic sheet then is spot welded directly to the one or more bridging members, rather than to the metallic tube, to form a welded sheet-to-tube structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Kenneth R. Schmidt, Pei-Chung Wang
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Patent number: 7180027Abstract: There is disclosed a method of applying activatable material to a member of an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. According the method, the activatable material is provided to an applicator followed by applying the activatable material to the member. Preferably, the activatable material is applied in a condition that makes the material suitable for allowing further processing or assembly of the member, the article of manufacture or both.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: L & L Products, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hable, Michael J. Czaplicki, David Sheasley, Kevin Hicks
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Patent number: 7148444Abstract: A method and a system for resistance seam welding of a foil and at least one foil support of a fuel cell system. During welding, the thin foil, together with the thicker foil support, is moved relative to the roller electrode while resting on a flat support element. In a suitable welding system, a counter-electrode is designed as a flat support element, such as a welding strip, that is displaceable relative to the roller electrode, the roller electrode being in rolling contact with the foil support, but not with the foil. Depending on whether one foil is to be welded to one or two foil frames, the support element may be designed having a high or a low specific electric resistance.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Thomas Beisswenger, Arnold Lamm, Thomas Poschmann, Bernhard Vogel, Wolfgang Weger, Norbert Wiesheu
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Patent number: 7148445Abstract: A process for manufacturing a tie rod housing formed of a tie rod head (1) and a shaft element (2) fastened thereto. The tie rod head (1) receives its final shape by a mechanical machining process after the manufacture of the tie rod housing blank. The shaft element (2) and the tie rod head (1) are connected by means of a resistance pressure welding process. At least two material accumulations (8, 9), which connect the two components to one another, are brought about by a welding operation. The at least two material accumulations (8, 9) are subsequently created between the outer circumferential surface of the tie rod head (1) and of the shaft element (2).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwarren AGInventors: Helge Rakers, Achim Möll, Martin Wellerding
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Patent number: 7141754Abstract: A method for repairing defects in a substrate including the steps of placing a consumable filler slug in contact with the substrate in the vicinity of the defect; placing at least one electrically conductive cover sheet in contact with a portion of the consumable filler slug; bringing a first electrode and a second electrode in contact with the at least one cover sheet and applying a force; and transmitting electrical current between the electrodes, thereby resistively heating the at least one cover sheet and conductively heating the consumable slug and a portion of the substrate resulting in coalescence in a substantially liquid pool that fills the defect. The pool is then cooled to solidification under pressure. Alternative embodiments eliminate the need for the conductive cover sheet(s) by utilizing electrodes having increased electrical and thermal resistance. The consumable slug may be formed as a single unit or multiple sections, and may incorporate sacrificial retainers.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.Inventors: David Page Workman, Timothy Joseph Trapp, Jerry Ellison Gould
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Patent number: 7138598Abstract: A method of joining a pair of overlapping workpieces, the method includes: inserting a filler material between the pair of overlapping workpieces; applying a pressure to at least one of the workpieces so that the filler material is crushed; and joining the two workpieces together in a region defined by the filler material. A welded joint includes: a pair of overlapping workpieces; and a filler material that is made from a material whose comparability has been established by the American Welding Society, and the filler material is a porous material.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Robin Stevenson, Pei-Chung Wang
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Patent number: 7126077Abstract: The formation of spot welds in high strength steel workpieces is improved by using welding electrodes with annular, or donut shaped welding tips for the formation of the molten metal weld pool at the weld site. The annular poll solidifies to form an annular weld nugget. Preferably the donut shaped nugget has an internal diameter that is no more than three-quarters of the outside diameter. The method is applicable to carbon steel workpieces with allowing elements for strengthening, and to thick sheets of mild carbon steels.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Pei-Chung Wang
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Patent number: 7126079Abstract: A workpiece structure having a hole therein is repaired by preparing a stack having a first confinement sheet, a first donor sheet, a workpiece structure having a hole therein, a plug of a plug material in the hole, optionally a second donor sheet, and a second confinement sheet. The first confinement sheet, the first donor sheet, the second donor sheet, and the second confinement sheet each overlie the hole. The first confinement sheet and the second confinement sheet each melt at a temperature greater than do the first donor sheet, the plug, and the second donor sheet. The stack is locally heated at the hole using an electrical current source to a temperature sufficiently high to locally melt the first donor sheet, the plug, the second donor sheet, and the workpiece structure. The stack is thereafter cooled to solidify all melted material and form a weldment.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gary Edward Trewiler, John Michael Muldoon
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Patent number: 7126076Abstract: A method for repairing defects in a metallic substrate including the steps of placing a consumable filler slug in contact with the substrate in the vicinity of the defect; bringing a first electrode and a second electrode in contact with the consumable slug and applying a pressure to the consumable slug; and transmitting electrical current between the electrodes for a period, thereby resistively heating the consumable slug and the metallic substrate resulting in coalescence in a substantially liquid pool that fills the defect. The pool is then cooled to solidification under the pressure of the electrodes. The electrodes are then removed from contact with the consumable slug and excess material may be removed. The consumable slug may be formed as a single unit or multiple sections, and may incorporate sacrificial retainers to add additional defect filling material, retain the pool, and seal the pool from atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.Inventors: David P. Workman, James L. Reynolds, Jr., Timothy J. Trapp, Jerry E. Gould
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Patent number: 7126078Abstract: An arrangement is provided including an electrode extending to an electrode tip for contacting a workpiece. A welding configuration of the electrode tip is established by exposing the electrode tip to a selected welding environment for use in forming a weld having a target set of weld parameters. An electrode passage is defined in a biasing force arrangement supporting at least a portion of the length of an elongated, flexible electrode and to limit lateral movement sufficient to transfer at least a portion of a resilient force to the electrode tip so that the tip resiliently contacts the weld region. The electrode passage limits induced lateral flexing to an extent which transfers an amount of the resilient force to the first end portion of the electrode that is sufficient to provide for formation of a weld between the support arrangement and the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Emcore CorporationInventors: Joseph R Demers, Nathan Woodard, Chien-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 7105769Abstract: A method of specifying components in order to design and evaluate a weld gun configuration. A visual representation of the type of welding gun to be designed is provided along with a plurality of menus with user selectable options, such as dimensional specifications. Available options are offered in each of the menus that are available for the welding gun to be designed and non-available options are so indicated. A user selects an option from one of the menus, triggering calculation of new design values. User selection also initiates determination and display of newly available or newly non-available options resulting from the user selection. In addition, a weld gun parameter specification system is described that includes a parameter database, a computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions for performing a method of weld gun parameter specification and an output component.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Milco Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Muzaffer Aktas
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Patent number: 7075029Abstract: The method for assembling a vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a floor assembly key-welding process for affixing a center floor and a rear floor together through a tack welding; a floor assembly respot process for forming a floor assembly by completely affixing a plurality of parts of the center floor and the rear floor together by spot welding; a vehicle body build-up key-welding process for forming an overall vehicle body frame by temporarily assembling a left side panel, a right side panel, a cowl, and a roof to the floor assembly; a vehicle body respot process for forming a vehicle body by completely affixing a plurality of parts of the left side panel, the right side panel, the cowl, and the roof by spot welding; and a front end assembling process for forming a final vehicle body by assembling a front end to the vehicle body by spot welding.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Gi Ho Lee
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Patent number: 7075028Abstract: Attaching an attachment surface of an electrically conductive workpiece to an electrically conductive support surface is described. In one aspect, a biasing force is distributed at least partially around a weld region of the workpiece to urge the attachment surface of the workpiece against the support surface in a way which at least resists welding induced movement of the workpiece relative to the support arrangement. An electrode arrangement, having an electrode tip, contacts the workpiece to provide for substantially compliant movement of the electrode tip against the weld region in directions that are parallel to the support surface. In another aspect, a combined manipulation/welding arrangement is supported for controlled movement with a free end configured for engaging the workpiece to bias the workpiece against the support surface to manipulate the workpiece against the surface and to conduct an electrical current, while holding the workpiece, for welding to the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Emcore CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Demers, Nathan G. Woodard, Eric C. Johnson, Chien-Chung Chen, Ronald T. Logan, Jr.
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Patent number: 7071439Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed within as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
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Patent number: 7060929Abstract: A method of spot welding a sheet overlapped to a tube with a servomotor-driven electrode applying a clamping force to the sheet. Over a first clamping time interval, the clamping force is increased to a first force level, at which point a welding current is applied to weld the sheet and tube together for a welding time interval. The first force level is maintained for a second clamping time interval, after which the clamping force is reduced to a second force level over a third clamping time interval and is maintained for a fourth clamping time interval. The welding current is removed upon expiration of the welding time interval and the clamping force is simultaneously reduced over a fifth clamping time interval, after which the electrode is disengaged from the sheet. The reduction in clamping force during the welding cycle reduces cracking of the spot weld.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Peter C. Sun, Pei-Chung Wang
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Patent number: 7019251Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing lamella packets (e.g. 70) such as those used for adjustable steering columns in automobiles. According to the invention, at least one of the lamellae (e.g. 71) is provided with a collar (71.1) and is joined to another lamella (e.g. 72) so that the collar (71.1) of the first lamella (71) is supported against the other lamella (72) whereby defining the width (B) of a space between the lamellae (71, 72). Both lamellae (71, 72) are welded at at least one location of the collar (71.1). The welding is preferably carried out by resistance welding. In order to obtain defined ratios, the edge of the lamella collar (71.1) is preferably provided with projecting points (Z). The method is, among other things, advantageous in that the same material quality can be used for all lamellae (1–74).Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Adval Tech Holding AGInventor: Hans Jöhr
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Patent number: 6995332Abstract: The present invention provide a resistance welding method for solving the problem of breakage of the welded portion by corrosion of an iron-copper alloy layer having a poor corrosion resistance formed at the welding portion, when a first metallic member comprising an iron-based metal is joined to a second metallic member comprising a copper based metal, wherein the problem above is solved by forming a nickel film on at least one surface of the first metallic member comprising the iron-based metal and the second metallic member comprising the copper-based metal to be joined, and by applying resistance welding while the first metallic member is made to butt against the second metallic member, thereby forming the first alloy layer containing nickel, copper and iron at the side of the first metallic member, and the second alloy layer containing nickel and copper at the side of the second metallic member to allow the alloy layers to exhibit an excellent corrosion resistance.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignees: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiichi Nagatsuka, Toshio Kitagawa, Akito Asakura, Masaki Kitagawa, Akihiko Ueyama