Welding Patents (Class 219/121.63)
  • Patent number: 10639740
    Abstract: A three-dimensional deposition device and a three-dimensional deposition method used to manufacture a three-dimensional object with high accuracy are provided. A three-dimensional deposition device for forming a three-dimensional shape by depositing a formed layer on a base unit, includes: a powder supply unit which supplies a powder material by injecting the powder material toward the base unit; a light irradiation unit which irradiates the powder material feeding from the powder supply unit toward the base unit with a light beam so that the powder material is melted and the melted powder material is solidified on the base unit to thereby form the formed layer; and a control device which controls operations of the powder supply unit and the light irradiation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yoshimura, Yoshiharu Ozawa
  • Patent number: 10611136
    Abstract: A system for three-dimensional printing is disclosed. The system comprises: a rotary tray configured to rotate about a vertical axis; a printing head, each having a plurality of separated nozzles; and a controller configured for controlling the inkjet printing head to dispense, during the rotation, droplets of building material in layers, such as to print a three-dimensional object on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Stratasys Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy Menchik, Andrew James Carlson, Jonathan Bennhard Hedlund, Kevin Ready Campion, Robert Earl Simon, Nathaniel Michael Peterson, Scott Wayne Beaver, Evgeni Levin, Alexander Libinson, Yoav Bressler
  • Patent number: 10583523
    Abstract: Methods of circumscribing defects in optical devices are described. A perimeter is formed about a defect by laser ablation, where the perimeter electrically isolates the defect. The perimeter does not have damage due to excess energy from the laser and thus does not create new electrical shorts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd William Martin
  • Patent number: 10576565
    Abstract: A method of forming a weld interface between a first workpiece and a second workpiece includes arranging a reactive braze material at a first joining surface of the first workpiece. The reactive material is selected to react upon being heated to a temperature below the solidus temperature of the first and second workpieces to form a liquid-containing reaction product. Furthermore, an assembly is prepared of the first workpiece and the second workpiece with the first joining surface of the first workpiece and a second joining surface of the second workpiece separated by the reactive material. The second workpiece is then heated with a first laser beam following a first path and with a second laser beam following a second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James G. Schroth, Thomas A. Perry, Hongliang Wang, Chen Zhou
  • Patent number: 10568695
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products for treating skin lesions. Aspects include receiving an indication that a patient is oriented. Aspects also include acquiring data concerning an area of the patient, the area including a skin lesion. Aspects also include analyzing the data to distinguish between an affected region and an unaffected region of the area of the patient. Aspects also include excising the affected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noel C. Codella, Jonathan H. Connell, Sharathchandra Pankanti, Nalini K. Ratha
  • Patent number: 10562132
    Abstract: Laser additive manufacturing systems and apparatus using laser wavelengths below 800 nm. Raman laser modules having laser pump sources in the blue wavelength range. Matching functional laser beam wavelength with maximum absorption wavelengths of starting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Nuburu, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Zediker
  • Patent number: 10549519
    Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing includes a laser configured to produce a laser beam having a laser spot area and configured to operate at a transverse speed. The system includes a power source configured to power the laser to selectively heat the powdered material at a configurable power level. The system includes a controller configured to determine an energy density for an ideal build for the object, the ideal build having ideal surface properties for the ideal build including a bead overlap and a build layer thickness, the energy density being based on a plurality of parameters, which include the power level, the laser spot area, the transverse speed, the bead overlap, and the build layer thickness. The controller is configured to calibrate one or both of the power source and the laser based, at least, on the energy density, and execute, after calibration, toolpath instructions to form the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Thierry Marchione
  • Patent number: 10537966
    Abstract: A machining apparatus that need not exchange a processing nozzle when changing a shaping condition, and increases the use efficiency of a material. The processing nozzle that performs processing by ejecting a processing material towards a molten pool formed on a process surface by an energy line includes a cylindrical inner housing that incorporates a path through which the energy line passes, and ejects the energy line from one end. The processing nozzle also includes a cylindrical outer housing that incorporates the inner housing, and has an inner surface tapered in the ejection direction of the energy line ejected from the inner housing. The processing nozzle also includes a slide mechanism that changes, along the energy line, the relative position of the outer housing with respect to the inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION FOR FUTURE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
    Inventors: Yuji Sasaki, Hiroshi Ohno, Mitsuo Sasaki, Takashi Obara, Kazuyuki Masukawa
  • Patent number: 10539604
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a leakage current are disclosed. An example apparatus to monitor a welding-type system includes: a test signal generator configured to output a test signal to a welding-type circuit; and a lock-in amplifier configured to: receive a reference signal based on the test signal; measure a leakage current in the welding-type circuit based on the reference signal; and generate an output signal representative of the leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Salsich
  • Patent number: 10539474
    Abstract: In some examples, a method comprises sensing a temperature of a plurality of sub-regions of a portion of a layer of build material in an object generation apparatus. A frequency distribution of sub-region temperatures may be derived therefrom and it may be determined whether the frequency distribution is bimodal. If the frequency distribution is not bimodal, a build material temperature zone is identified. If however the frequency distribution is bimodal, a fusing build material temperature zone and a non-fusing build material temperature zone are identified. The method may further comprise determining a nominal temperature of the at least one identified temperature zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventors: Xavier Vilajosana, Pere Tuset, Diego Javier Mostaccio
  • Patent number: 10532426
    Abstract: A laser machining head controls an irradiation position of a laser beam on a machining target by rotating a first parallel plate by a first motor and rotating a second parallel plate by a second motor. A first holder holding the first parallel plate has a first rotation angle identification unit, and a second holder holding the second parallel plate has a second rotation angle identification unit. The first rotation angle identification unit has a positioning surface that allows positioning relative to the first parallel plate, and the second rotation angle identification unit has a positioning surface that allows positioning relative to the second parallel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yiheng Kung, Wataru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10532427
    Abstract: An optical processing head capable of reducing the energy loss at the time of optical processing is disclosed. The optical processing head includes a first optical element that converts light emitted by a light source into first parallel light, a second optical element that is arranged downstream of the first optical element and converts the first parallel light into first divergent light, a third optical element that is arranged downstream of the second optical element and converts the first divergent light into second parallel light, and a fourth optical element that is arranged downstream of the third optical element and converts the second parallel light into convergent light which is condensed on the processing surface side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION FOR FUTURE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ohno, Tetsuo Sakai, Mitsuo Sasaki, Kazuyuki Masukawa, Takashi Obara, Yuji Sasaki, Satoshi Tsuno
  • Patent number: 10520912
    Abstract: A robot controller having a function that simplifies learning and a robot control method. The robot controller includes: a learning section configured to carry out learning of detecting a deviation between a commanded trajectory representing a position of the robot generated according to the command values and an operation trajectory representing an actual position where the robot has moved, and generate a corrected program by adjusting the commanded trajectory; a saving section configured to save the corrected program; and a relearning section configured to carry out relearning on a relearning location, the relearning location being a part of the operation trajectory designated by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaimeng Wang, Shuusuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10518328
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system including a two-dimensional energy patterning system for imaging a powder bed is disclosed. Improved optical systems supporting beam combining, beam steering, and both patterned and unpatterned beam recycling and re-use are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SEURAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James A. DeMuth, Erik Toomre, Francis L. Leard, Kourosh Kamshad, Heiner Fees, Eugene M. Berdichevsky
  • Patent number: 10507581
    Abstract: A robot system includes: at least one non-learned robot that has not learned a learning compensation amount of position control based on an operation command; at least one learned robot that has learned the learning compensation amount of the position control based on the operation command; and a storage device that stores the operation command and the learning compensation amount of the learned robot, the non-learned robot comprising a compensation amount estimation unit that compensates the learning compensation amount of the learned robot stored in the storage device based on a difference between the operation command of the learned robot stored in the storage device and an operation command of an own robot, and estimates the compensated learning compensation amount as a learning compensation amount of the own robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Inagaki, Wenjie Chen, Kaimeng Wang
  • Patent number: 10500675
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a surface holding a particulate and a focused energy source configured to generate at least one beam that moves along the surface to heat the particulate to a melting point creating a melt path. A camera is configured to generate an image of the surface as the at least one beam moves along the surface. The camera has a field of view and is positioned in relation to the surface such that the field of view encompasses a portion of the melt path defining a plurality of rasters. The camera generates a time exposure image of at least the portion of the melt path defining the plurality of rasters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Allen Cheverton, Harry Kirk Mathews, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10500020
    Abstract: A device for powder based additive material manufacturing of dental appliances. The device has a recoater (10) for providing a powder layer to a build area. The recoater (10) has a slide (11) and is adapted for dispensing of the powder to the build area. The recoater (10) has further at least two powder supplies for individually supplying a first and a second powder on the slide (11) and a powder transport section in which the first and second powder are brought in touch with each other for at least partially merging. The invention is advantageous in that it allows providing dental blanks having color gradients in all three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Malte Korten, Rainer K. Dittmann, Hans R. Schnagl
  • Patent number: 10478887
    Abstract: Provided is an abnormality prediction system and an abnormality prediction method that are capable of predicting an abnormality occurring in a die that is used in a press machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignees: NIDEC-SHIMPO CORPORATION, NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuya Iwakuro, Takayuki Sawada, Masayuki Otani, Kazuyoshi Koga, Takafumi Maeda, Takeshi Honda, Nobuyuki Kita
  • Patent number: 10471551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser ablation and welding method for workpieces, in particular, metal sheets, and an automatic laser ablation and welding system, where an ablation procedure and a welding procedure are executed in an automation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Wisco Lasertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Alber
  • Patent number: 10471545
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a needle including a hole extending from a first end to a second end through the needle and an energy-emitting device arranged in the hole of the needle. The energy-emitting device being configured to emit a specific wavelength and intensity of energy directed at an electrically-actuatable element to bond a circuit trace and the electrically-actuatable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Rohinni, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Wendt, Andrew Huska, Cody Peterson
  • Patent number: 10464262
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a laser device, a first scanning device, and an optical system. The laser device is configured to generate a laser beam, and the first scanning device is configured to selectively direct the laser beam across a powder bed. The laser beam generates a melt pool in the powder bed. The optical system includes an optical detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation generated by the melt pool, and a second scanning device configured to direct electromagnetic radiation generated by the melt pool to the optical detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Allen Cheverton, John Broddus Deaton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10466502
    Abstract: A lens driving device includes a movable unit including a lens holding member capable of holding a lens member, a suspension wire supporting the movable unit movably in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, and a base member disposed below the movable unit. The base member is formed of a synthetic resin material, and includes a through hole through which the suspension wire is inserted, and a plated metal portion formed of a metal film formed at least around the through hole and on an inner face of the through hole. A lower end of the suspension wire is soldered to the plated metal portion. A manufacturing method of the lens driving device includes applying solder paste to the through hole, and soldering the lower end of the suspension wire to the plated metal portion by irradiation of the solder paste by a laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Gomyo, Akiyoshi Sarudate, Yuji Takahashi, Ryuhei Ito
  • Patent number: 10457035
    Abstract: Described is a nozzle assembly that includes a body component defining a center axis. The nozzle assembly also includes an energy beam channel and substantially collinear with the center axis. The energy beam channel has an inlet portion and an outlet portion oriented to pass an energy beam therethrough. At least one side-feeding powder tube extends through the body component at an angle with respect to the center axis. The side-feeding powder tube discharges a powdered material into a focus point of the energy beam. The angle is selected to generate a powder concentration spot diameter that is about twice a beam focus point diameter of the energy beam focus point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kemal Mehmet Coskun, Robert Trent Hullender
  • Patent number: 10450871
    Abstract: A technique for repairing a dual walled component comprising a spar comprising a plurality of pedestals and a coversheet attached to the plurality of pedestals may include removing a damaged portion of the coversheet from the dual walled component to expose a plurality of exposed pedestals and define a repair location and an adjacent coversheet portion. The technique also may include attaching a material to the plurality of exposed pedestals and adjacent coversheet portion using directed energy deposition material addition to form a repaired coversheet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Peter Henderkott, Quinlan Yee Shuck
  • Patent number: 10454237
    Abstract: A surgical laser system includes a pump module configured to produce pump energy within an operating wavelength, a gain medium configured to convert the pump energy into first laser energy, a non-linear crystal (NLC) configured to convert a portion of the first laser energy into second laser energy, which is a harmonic of the first laser energy, an output, and a first path diversion assembly having first and second operating modes. When the first path diversion assembly is in the first operating mode, the first laser energy is directed along the output path to the output, and the second laser energy is diverted from the output path and the output. When the first path diversion assembly is in the second operating mode, the second laser energy is directed along the output path to the output, and the first laser energy is diverted from the output path and the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Honggang Yu, Rongwei Jason Xuan, Jian James Zhang
  • Patent number: 10444521
    Abstract: A device for machining material by means of laser radiation, including a focusing optics for focusing a laser beam onto a workpiece and an adjusting optics for adjusting the intensity distribution comprising at least two plate-shaped optical elements which are arranged one behind the other in the beam path of the laser beam, which are rotatable relative to one another in the circumferential direction, and which each have a surface with a circular pattern of sector-shaped facets which, in the circumferential direction, are alternately inclined with respect to the respective plate plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: PRECITEC GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Rudolf, Martin Schönleber
  • Patent number: 10435189
    Abstract: There is provided a sealing apparatus for a cryopreservation bag, with which a sealing treatment of an inlet/outlet of the cryopreservation bag is carried out automatically and anyone can safely and properly carry out the sealing treatment. The sealing apparatus includes: a bag clamping device 56; a laser device 57; and a scanning structure 58 for moving the bag clamping device 56, for example. The bag clamping device 56 includes a fixed pinching block 67, a movable pinching block 69, and a clamp actuator 70. The laser device 57 includes a laser oscillator 104 and a condensing lens 107. The fixed pinching block 67 includes a block base 73, a heat radiator 74, and a heat radiator holder 75. An infrared laser beam is radiated to a sealed portion 55 of the bag to form a seal bead 125 for sealing in a state in which the sealed portion 55 is pinched and fixed by the heat radiator 74 and the movable pinching block 69 and while the bag clamping device 56, for example, is moved by the scanning structure 58.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: UEDA SEITAI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Kurosaki, Katsuhiko Ueda, Kimitoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 10414101
    Abstract: A fluid reservoir for a vehicle comprises a first reservoir portion and a second reservoir portion, wherein the first and the second reservoir portions define a reservoir to retain fluid for a washer system. The first reservoir portion and the second reservoir portion are secured together using infrared welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J Zaitz, Shawn Griffin
  • Patent number: 10416390
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable unit has an optical fiber cable obtained by binding a plurality of optical fibers and transmits a laser beam using transmission paths having the optical fibers, respectively. The optical fiber cable unit includes: an input-side connection unit that inputs the laser beam to the optical fibers; a one-end-side connection unit fixed to one end of the optical fiber cable and connected to the input-side connection unit; an other-end-side connection unit fixed to the other end of the optical fiber cable; and an output-side connection unit to which the other-end-side connection unit is connected and in which the laser beam from the optical fibers is output. The input-side connection unit has a switching mechanism that switches the transmission paths for transmitting the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takanori Satou
  • Patent number: 10413995
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided to monitor and characterize the dynamics of a phase change region (PCR) created during laser welding, specifically keyhole welding, and other material modification processes, using low-coherence interferometry. By directing a measurement beam to multiple locations within and overlapping with the PCR, the system, apparatus, and method are used to determine, in real time, spatial and temporal characteristics of the weld such as keyhole depth, length, width, shape and whether the keyhole is unstable, closes or collapses. This information is important in determining the quality and material properties of a completed finished weld. It can also be used with feedback to modify the material modification process in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: IPG PHOTONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Paul J. L. Webster
  • Patent number: 10410990
    Abstract: A jig for bonding a semiconductor chip may include a pressurizing portion and at least one opening. The pressuring portion may be configured to pressurize an upper surface of the semiconductor chip bonded to a package substrate via a bump and a flux using a laser. The opening may be surrounded by the pressurizing portion. The laser irradiated to the bump and the flux may be transmitted through the opening. A vapor generated from the flux by the laser may be discharged through the opening. Thus, the contamination of the jig caused by the vapor may be prevented so that a transmissivity of the laser through the jig may be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Man-Hee Han, Dae-Sang Chan, Sung-Il Cho, Jung-Lae Jung
  • Patent number: 10399180
    Abstract: A method and device for strengthening the laser shock of a hidden surface includes establishing a continuous laser shock strengthening track and process after acquiring the information about the whole hidden surface. A control system adjusts the movement and rotation of a total reflection mirror which is arranged in a workpiece according to the signal from signal collecting cards for making a reflected laser beam act on a region to be machined of the hidden surface at an appropriate incidence angle. The method can realize the surface strengthening treatment of the hidden surface of the workpiece, significantly improve the mechanical performance of the workpiece and increase the fatigue life thereof, which is applicable to the surface strengthening of the workpiece with the hidden surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignees: Wenzhou University, Jiangsu University, Southeast University
    Inventors: Wei Xue, Jinzhong Lu, Kaiyu Luo, Yongkang Zhang, Fengze Dai
  • Patent number: 10399179
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing method includes patterning a laser beam using a mirror array; and reflecting the patterned laser beam from the mirror array onto a powder to melt the powder, wherein the pattern corresponds to a portion of a layer of an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kevin George Harding
  • Patent number: 10384306
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus that includes a first and second laser source. The first and second laser sources are each operable to cut a substrate and are each independently movable with respect to one another. Further, the first and second laser sources are included within a multitude of laser sources that are arranged in a circular array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Ian J. Beresford, Joachim Walter Ahner, David M. Tung, Weilu H. Xu, Kuo-Hsing Hwang
  • Patent number: 10372117
    Abstract: A system for evaluating at least one state of a process is provided the system having means for segmenting the process into a plurality of process segments, one or more sensors configured to capture information related to each process segment of the plurality of process segments generated by the segmenting means, the information comprising a plurality of samples, and processing means configured to process the plurality of samples related to each process segment of the plurality of segments, and, based on the processing, provide an indication associated with the at least one state of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignees: TOYOTA MOTOR EUROPE NV/SA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Andrew Willett, Tomoya Okazaki, Shingo Iwatani
  • Patent number: 10369668
    Abstract: A welding system is disclosed that includes a power supply, a controller in communication with the power supply, and a welder in communication with the controller. The controller detects a configuration of the welder that includes at least a 1G configuration. Upon the controller detecting the 1G configuration, the controller inverts a height adjustment and automatically calculates a contact tip to work distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Jack, Stephen Cole
  • Patent number: 10361006
    Abstract: Provided is a laser welding apparatus for spacer grid of nuclear fuel assembly comprising a base frame in which a chamber installment hole is formed horizontally to the center in a way that the hole penetrates the chamber and a guide rail is installed along the chamber installment hole; a welding chamber unit assembled with the base frame in guidance by the guide rail and equipped with an operable door in front and a glass window at the top to be airtight; a laser welding unit mounted on the base frame for radiating laser through the glass window to weld spacer grid in the welding chamber; and a locking member for fixing the welding chamber on the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: KEPCO NUCLEAR FUEL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Kwang Shin, Byeong Eun Oh, Kwang Ho Yun, Sang Jae Han, Jong Sung Hong, Kwang Seok Cha, Wun Su Hong
  • Patent number: 10352342
    Abstract: A formed steel part includes a first steel plate having a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer, the first steel part having a first area without the first metal alloy layer and having at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer; and a second steel plate having a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer, the second steel part having a second area without the second metal alloy layer and having at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area. The first and second steel plates are joined together. The formed steel part may also include a butt-weld joining the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTL FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Canourgues, Aurelien Pic, Pascal Verrier, Rene Vierstraete, Wolfram Ehling, Bernd Thommes
  • Patent number: 10350824
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a platen having a top surface to support an object being manufactured, a support that is movable along a vertical axis, an actuator to move the support along the vertical axis, a dispenser to deliver a plurality of successive layers of feed material over the platen, an energy source configured to fuse at least a portion of the feed material, and a controller. The dispenser and energy source are mounted on the support over the platen such that motion of the support along the vertical axis moves the dispenser and energy source together toward or away from the top surface of the platen. The controller is coupled to the actuator, dispenser and energy source and configured to cause the actuator to move the support to lift the dispenser and actuator away from the top surface after each of the plurality of successive layers is delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Hou T. Ng, Raanan Zehavi, Nag B. Patibandla
  • Patent number: 10350691
    Abstract: A laser brazing system including a torch body, a wire feed tip, a laser processing head, and a cooling collar. The torch body includes nozzle, mounting, and cooling sections. The nozzle section has a nozzle wall and a feed wire conduit. The cooling section has a cooling barrel, a coolant supply connection, and a coolant return connection. The wire feed tip has a feed wire outlet and is connected to one end of the torch body. The laser processing head directs laser light toward the feed wire outlet. The cooling collar is disposed on the nozzle section and includes a collar body and a coolant conduit. The collar body has a through-bore that receives the nozzle wall. The coolant conduit has an end portion attached to the collar body and a leg portion that transports coolant to and from the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: David R Williamson, Patrick Rota
  • Patent number: 10347484
    Abstract: A laser crystallizing apparatus includes a laser generator that generates an incident laser beam that includes a P polarization component and an S polarization component, an optical system that converts the incident laser beam to generate an emitted laser beam, and a stage on which is mounted a target substrate with a target thin film which is laser-crystallized by being irradiated by the emitted laser beam. The optical system includes at least one half wave plate (HWP) that shifts a polarization axis direction of the incident laser beam received from the laser generator, at least one mirror that fully reflects the laser beam, and at least one polarization beam splitter (PBS) which reflects a part of the laser beam and transmits the other part of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joo Woan Cho, Jeong Kyun Na, Seung Hwan Lee, Joon-Hwa Bae, Byoung Ho Cheong, Byoung Kwon Choo, Oleg Prudnikov
  • Patent number: 10335854
    Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensional work pieces comprises the steps of supplying gas to a process chamber accommodating a carrier and a powder application device, applying a layer of raw material powder onto the carrier by means of the powder application device, selectively irradiating electromagnetic or particle radiation onto the raw material powder applied onto the carrier by means of an irradiation device, discharging gas containing particulate impurities from the process chamber, and controlling the operation of the irradiation device by means of a control unit such that a radiation beam emitted by at least one radiation source of the irradiation device is guided over the layer of raw material powder applied onto the carrier according to a radiation pattern containing a plurality of scan vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SLM SOLUTIONS GROUP AG
    Inventors: Andreas Wiesner, Dieter Schwarze
  • Patent number: 10335899
    Abstract: A compact nozzle for laser welding is provided that includes an air knife cross-jet to protect the laser optic, coaxially supplied process shield gas and active air cooling in a singular and compact nozzle. Generally, the nozzle includes a mounting interface at a first end to connect to the laser processing device. An air knife section is positioned adjacent the mounting interface and the optical output of the laser so that the air knife flow can protect the optic from plasma and spatter damage. Further the air flow in the air knife is directed through the nozzle for direct cooling. Adjacent the air knife is the process gas shield that is isolated from the air knife such that the process gas is not contaminated by flow from the air knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: PRIMA POWER LASERDYNE
    Inventor: Aaron Montello
  • Patent number: 10328637
    Abstract: A three-dimensional object printing system improves the interlayer adhesion of an object. The printing system includes a platform on which a three-dimensional object is built. A material applicator in the printing system expels material to form layers of the object on the platform. The material applicator also includes a heater configured to heat the layer of the object ahead of the material applicator when the material applicator moves in a first direction and a second direction, both directions being parallel to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Nystrom, Barry P. Mandel, David A. Mantell, Paul J. McConville
  • Patent number: 10328513
    Abstract: A welding process, welding system and welded article are disclosed. The welding process includes generating a first beam from a stationary fusion apparatus and generating a second beam from a rotatable fusion apparatus. The first beam and the second beam form a weld in an article. The welding system includes a stationary fusion apparatus and a rotatable fusion apparatus directed at an article to be welded, the stationary fusion apparatus and rotatable fusion apparatus being arranged and disposed to form a single weld in the article. The welded article includes a first element welded to a second element, the welded article having a decreased root reinforcement, in an inaccessible region, from that of a hybrid stationary fusion apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dechao Lin, Srikanth Chandrudu Kottilingam, Yan Cui
  • Patent number: 10328520
    Abstract: A side trimming apparatus including a cutting unit which is installed on at least one side of a steel plate being transferred and trims a side of the steel plate by mechanical cutting and a laser processing unit which is installed in front of the cutting unit and emits a laser beam to a portion of the steel plate to be cut to form a groove at the portion to be cut or preheat the portion to be cut, and a side trimming method using the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: POSCO
    Inventors: Choong Soo Lim, Hyeong Jun Huh, Sung Joon Kwak, Sang Ho Park
  • Patent number: 10312215
    Abstract: Provided is an electrode assembly which may be manufactured by providing a first substrate and a second substrate, plasma treating the first substrate, forming an electrode on the first substrate, and thermally compressing the first substrate and the second substrate, with the electrode therebetween, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate includes a fluorine-based polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTIT
    Inventors: Yong Hee Kim, Sang Don Jung
  • Patent number: 10300556
    Abstract: A controller performs gap control such that a Z-axis position of a tip of a cutting head of the machine is not below a preset lower limit position while keeping the distance between the tip of the cutting head and a workpiece constant. The numerical controller calculates a substantial lower limit position based on a detected state of the workpiece and the preset lower limit position. If the Z-axis position of the tip of the cutting head is below the calculated substantial lower limit position, it is compensated so as not to be below the substantial lower limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Oka, Takeshi Mochida
  • Patent number: 10293551
    Abstract: A process for room temperature substrate bonding employs a first substrate substantially transparent to a laser wavelength is selected. A second substrate for mating at an interface with the first substrate is then selected. A transmissivity change at the interface is created and the first and second substrates are mated at the interface. The first substrate is then irradiated with a laser of the transparency wavelength substantially focused at the interface and a localized high temperature at the interface from energy supplied by the laser is created. The first and second substrates immediately adjacent the interface are softened with diffusion across the interface to fuse the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: PICOSYS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Raymond Miller Karam, Georges Roussos, Mark Finkle, Daniella M. Harvey, Pascal R. Ackermann-Karam
  • Patent number: 10286501
    Abstract: The laser welding apparatus includes a welding head and a welding head scanning apparatus. A collimate lens installed on a head body of the welding head is arranged opposite to an end face of optical fibers. The welding head includes only the collimate lens as a lens and the length is shortened. A laser generated by a laser oscillator is introduced into the optical fiber, enters the collimate lens, and then is converted to a parallel beam by the collimate lens. The laser of a parallel beam is irradiated on a surface a welding portion of the welding object through a laser path and the surface of the welding portion is melted. Metallic powder is jetted from powder feed paths formed in a head body to the melted portion and build-up welding is performed on the surface of the welding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kurosawa, Shinya Ohmori, Ren Morinaka, Kazuhiro Nitta, Yoichi Mahara, Keigo Uchiyama