By Localized Projection Patents (Class 219/93)
  • Patent number: 11925995
    Abstract: A component loading-welding system for welding a component panel to a vehicle body panel includes a rotation portion body having first and second opposing sides. The first opposing side is coupled to a robot arm. A picking device is installed in the rotation portion body and is configured to hold and release the component panel. A vehicle body pressurizing tip is installed in the rotation portion body. A pressurizing portion body is rotatably installed at the second opposing side of the rotation portion body. A pin clamp is installed in the pressurizing portion body and is configured to clamp the component panel. A component pressurizing tip is installed in the pressurizing portion body and is configured to apply pressure to the component panel. A multi point projection welding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hyun Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 11904669
    Abstract: A hemming structure may include a door, in which the door has an internal panel and an external panel made of different materials, the hemming structure being configured such that each of the internal panel and the external panel is provided with a contact area with end portions of the internal panel and the external panel contacting with each other at the contact area, wherein the contact area includes a first contact area with a sealer applied onto a contact surface between the internal panel and the external panel, and a second contact area extending from the first contact area and being bent to be brought into contact with the internal panel at the first contact area, and the second contact area is provided with a bonding portion at which the internal panel and the external panel are mechanically bonded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ki Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 11673206
    Abstract: A welding auxiliary joining part is disclosed in the shape of a stud having a head, a shank and a tip. The welding auxiliary joining part is driven in by means of a mechanical-thermal setting method into a component of non- or poorly weldable material. During the driving in, a welding head is created due to mechanical deformation so that the component may be connected subsequently via the welding auxiliary joining part to a further component of weldable material by means of welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Draht, Sergej Hartwig-Biglau
  • Patent number: 11644341
    Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (TED) is provided. The IED includes a metering sub-assembly and an input base module sub-assembly. The metering sub-assembly is hinged to the input base module sub-assembly, where when in an open position, various cables, connectors, and input/output cards/modules are accessible. Various input/output cards/modules are interchangeable to add/change functionality and/or communication capabilities to the IED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: El Electronics LLC
    Inventors: Tibor Banhegyesi, Hai Zhu, Erran Kagan
  • Patent number: 11364563
    Abstract: A method of resistance spot welding a stacked assembly of dissimilar workpieces. The stack assembly includes a first workpiece formed of a first alloy, a second workpiece formed of a second alloy, and a third workpiece formed of a third alloy sandwiched between the first workpiece and the second workpiece. The third alloy includes a lower resistivity than the first alloy and a lower resistivity than the second alloy. A faying interface is defined by a portion of the first workpiece in direct contact with a portion of the second workpiece through the third workpiece. A weld nugget, a braze, or a combination of a weld nugget and a braze joins the first workpiece to the second workpiece at the faying interface. An annular ring of re-solidified molten pool of third alloy surrounds the faying interface and a region of re-solidified partially melted third alloy surrounding the annular ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Amberlee S. Haselhuhn
  • Patent number: 11318554
    Abstract: The modular pin spotting system described herein allows a common welding source to be utilized with both hand held pinspotters and fixed pinspotters. This allows the operator to choose the mode of operation for the welding source based on operator needs. In some aspects, the pin spotting system includes a mobile welding source, a ground handpiece, a handheld pinspotter apparatus, and a fixed pinspotter apparatus. The welding source is removably attachable to either of the hand held pinspotter apparatus and fixed pinspotter apparatus and configured to supply welding energy to the attached pinspotter apparatus. Each of the hand held and fixed pinspotter apparatus are configured to energize the mobile welding source to supply welding energy to a weld pin positioned against a sheet metal surface to affix the weld pin to the sheet metal surface through welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Duro Dyne Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Bellise, David B. Krupnick, William Vasquez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11091241
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a boat drive for driving a boat, comprising a drive unit comprising an electric motor and a mounting connected to the drive unit for connecting the boat drive to the boat, wherein the mounting is provided for distancing the drive unit from a hull of the boat, wherein a decoupling arrangement for decoupling of oscillations (S) generated in the drive unit is arranged between the drive unit and the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Torqeedo GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Despineux, Anton Spengler
  • Patent number: 11033986
    Abstract: A system is provided comprising a hardened stud body and an unhardened stud subunit coupled to the hardened stud body. The hardened stud body may comprise a first composition having by weight between 17% and 21% chromium, between 2.8% and 3.3% molybdenum, between 50% to 55% nickel, and between 4.75% and 5.5% niobium. The unhardened stud subunit may comprise a second composition having by weight between 20% and 23% chromium, between 8% and 10% molybdenum, at least 58% nickel, and between 3.15% and 4.15% niobium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Pelletier, William Bogue
  • Patent number: 10780519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining at least one sandwich sheet to at least one functional element made of metal, wherein the at least one sandwich sheet has two metallic outer layers and a thermoplastic layer arranged between the metallic outer layers, wherein at least the region to be joined of the at least one sandwich sheet is heated in such a manner that the thermoplastic layer softens, the plastic layer is pushed out of the joining region by the outer layers being pressed together, and the outer layers of the at least one sandwich sheet are joined, in particular welded, to the functional element by an electric current flow between a first and a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AG
    Inventor: Azeddine Chergui
  • Patent number: 10321595
    Abstract: A box-frame housing for the installation of electronic modules has frame elements and side walls and provides a subdivision into sub-regions, which are limited by dividing walls. The frame elements and the side walls and the dividing walls provide at least one recess and/or at least one edge projection. A projection engages in a recess and both are connected to one another by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hermann Muhr, Andreas Fischl, Wolfgang Kufer, Hans-Dieter Koenig, Helmut Hingrainer
  • Patent number: 10189518
    Abstract: A track nut comprises a main body defining a central aperture with threads disposed in the central aperture, the aperture defining a cylindrical axis and a radial direction, a first end and a second end disposed along the cylindrical axis, and wherein the first end defines an at least partially circular perimeter and the second end defines a generally polygonal perimeter with a plurality of corners, the polygonal perimeter including at least one variable blend portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mircea Dumitru, Jeffrey Paul Nash
  • Patent number: 10054144
    Abstract: A mounting bolt for a sub-frame is disclosed. A mounting bolt for a sub-frame that is used to engage a sub-frame to a front side member of a vehicle according to one or a plurality of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a bolt body that is inserted into a penetration hole of a mounting bracket fixed on the front side member and is joined to the mounting bracket through a first flange that is formed at an upper end circumference thereof, a support body at which a second flange is formed at a lower end circumference to have a hollow space and is disposed on the bolt body, and a joining plate that is interposed between the first flange and the second flange and is welded with a first join protrusion that is formed on an upper surface of the first flange and a second join protrusion that is formed on a lower surface of the second flange by electrical resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SUNGWOO HITECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Won Choi, Mun Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9956614
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly (1) at least comprising a first metal component (2) having a first surface region (5) and a second metal component (3) having a second surface region (7), wherein the two surface regions (5, 7) face each other, and the first and the second component (2, 3) are connected cohesively together at least in a subregion of the two surface regions (5, 7), and wherein at least one of the two metal components (2, 3) is a sintered component, wherein that surface region (7) of the sintered component that has the cohesive connection has a higher density than the adjoining further surface region of the sintered component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Miba Sinter Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Ohler, Christian Kronberger, Horst Roessler, Alexander Mueller
  • Patent number: 9937582
    Abstract: A resistance welding device is provided with a moving distance measuring section for measuring distances between conductors to be joined before and after joining and evaluating joining quality based on the distances, and a projection including a base and a projecting surface is provided to the conductor to be connected in order to easily secure a distance between the conductors after the joining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Sunaga, Noboru Kaneko, Osamu Miyoshi, Ryoichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9180548
    Abstract: A joining operation for a stack of three metal sheets performed using only a single welding step, with access to only one sheet side being required. An inner sheet of the stack has formed therein a pair of bifurcated projections, wherein at least one first apex faces in one direction and at least one second apex faces in the opposite direction. First and second outer metal sheets are assembled with the inner sheet, wherein the first outer sheet abuts the at least one first apex, and the second outer sheet abuts the at least one second apex. A projection welding apparatus welds the sheets, using only access to the first outer sheet superposed the bifurcated projections, wherein a majority of the current flows through the second outer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alexander D. Khakhalev, Sanjay M. Shah, Charles J. Bruggemann, Daniel C. Hutchinson, Joseph M. Lendway, IV
  • Patent number: 9095924
    Abstract: A welded construction according to the present invention has a first metallic member, on one surface of which a projecting portion is formed and on the other surface of which a depressed portion corresponding to the projecting portion is formed, and a second metallic member are welded together at a welded portion which includes a summit portion of the projecting portion; wherein, on at least one of the first metallic member and the second metallic member, on its opposite surface to its surface that faces the other one of the metallic members, a recessed portion is formed that is recessed from its peripheral region towards a region which corresponds to the welded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin Onose, Keiji Kawahara, Hiroshi Fujimoto, Kenta Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9018560
    Abstract: A turbine component repair apparatus includes: a first die having male and female halves for clamping a first section of a turbine blade with a platform and a root portion of an airfoil, the first die having a recess shaped to receive the root portion and retain a faying surface thereof in predetermined alignment; and a second die having male and female halves for clamping a repair section which defines a tip portion of the airfoil, the second die having a second recess shaped to receive the tip portion and retain a faying surface of the tip portion in predetermined alignment. The first and second dies have mating front faces configured to align their bottom surfaces in a common plane. A alignment device is removably attached to the second die to temporarily align the repair section in the absence of the male half of the second die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Gary Krizansky, Gary R. Peters, Hai Sam
  • Patent number: 9012029
    Abstract: A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material is provided. The method includes creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location. An insert composed of the first material is inserted into the second panel hole in the second panel. At least a portion of the insert is fittable in the second panel hole and sized to correspond to the second panel hole. The first panel and the insert are welded together at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first and second panels are placed between the first and second electrodes of a welding gun. A force is applied to clamp the insert and the first panel between the first and second electrodes and a welding current is delivered. A bonded structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Lang, Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Peter M. Parlow
  • Patent number: 8999515
    Abstract: A projection welding structure including plural projection portions that are provided to an end face at an open side end portion of a reinforcement member flange portion and are disposed at intervals along the length direction of the reinforcement member. The plural projection portions are each abutted and welded to welding projections formed in a surface of a panel frame. Contact between the welding member and the welded member is suppressed at locations other than at the welding projections by such a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Horibata, Ken Imai, Hiroaki Taga, Tomio Matsufuji, Shin Maezawa, Hideki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8991030
    Abstract: A method for making a projection on a metal panel includes providing a lower die having a recess in the shape of the desired projection, laying the metal panel atop the lower die, positioning a filler material atop the metal panel, and lowering an upper die onto the filler material so that the filler material is forced into the metal panel and in turn forces the metal panel into the recess of the lower die whereby a projection is formed and the projection is filled with the filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Gugel, Bradley J. Blaski
  • Patent number: 8987631
    Abstract: A method is provided for the projection electric resistance welding of a component to a laminated metal member. The laminated metal member is comprised of top and bottom metal sheets adhered together by a polymer layer provided between the top and bottom metal sheets. A plurality of projections is provided on the component and the projections extend toward the top metal sheet of the laminated metal. Force is applied to the component and the projections have a pointed shape so that the projections pierce through the top metal sheet and contact the bottom metal sheet. Weld current is then applied to flow through the projections so that the projections are electric resistance welded to both the top and bottom metal sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Robert J. Gollehur, James F. Hengel, Narayanan P. Menon, Mark D. Gugel, Alexander Michael Turley
  • Patent number: 8968880
    Abstract: A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material is provided. The method includes creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location. An insert composed of the first material is inserted into the second panel hole in the second panel. At least a portion of the insert is fittable in the second panel hole and sized to correspond to the second panel hole. The first panel and the insert are welded together at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first and second panels are placed between the first and second electrodes of a welding gun. A force is applied to clamp the insert and the first panel between the first and second electrodes and a welding current is delivered. A bonded structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Lang, Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Peter M. Parlow
  • Patent number: 8957345
    Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a diaphragm to a housing of a pressure or force sensor, wherein a measurement element is attached in the housing and can capture a load acting from the outside onto the diaphragm during the use of the finished sensor. A housing ring surface or the housing is situated opposite a diaphragm ring surface of the diaphragm, which are subjected to compressive loading by the load during use of the sensor. A first connection is produced in an inner region between the housing ring surface and the diaphragm ring surface until they rest against each other radially outside the first connection. Then a second connection connects the housing ring surface and the diaphragm ring surface to one another radially outside the first connection up to a shared outer edge. Here, a defined connection depth of the entire double connection is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventors: Dieter Karst, Paul Furter, Stefan Brechbuehl
  • Patent number: 8552332
    Abstract: Provided are a bolt for projection welding and a method of welding the same in which a portion of large fusion depth is formed in a small region and in which junction to a steel sheet part is secured in other regions, thereby realizing high weld strength and stable junction state. A bolt includes a shaft part, an enlarged diameter part, and a fusion bonding projection, the fusion bonding projection including an initial fusion part having at an end surface thereof a tapered portion and a main fusion part continuous with the initial fusion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Aoyama, Shoji Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8516674
    Abstract: A method for bonding airfoil sections includes aligning upper and stub airfoil sections having upper airfoil pressure and suction sides and stub airfoil pressure and suction sides respectively, pressing together upper and stub airfoil cross sections at upper and stub airfoil distal ends of the upper and stub airfoil sections respectively, and then resistance welding, preferably solid state resistance welding, the upper and stub airfoil sections together along the upper and stub airfoil cross sections by passing electrical current across the upper and stub airfoil cross sections. The upper and stub airfoil sections may be clamped between pressure and suction side upper airfoil electrodes and between the stub airfoil pressure and suction sides respectively. The method may be performed while the stub airfoil section is attached to an airfoil carrier such as a rotor disk rim, a gas turbine engine drum, or a gas turbine engine blade platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary Edward Trewiler, Stephen Joseph Ferrigno, Melvin Howard Wilkins, Timothy Joseph Trapp, Matthew Stewart, Gregory Christopher Firestone
  • Patent number: 8513561
    Abstract: A weld gun system for detecting the orientation of a weld nut relative to the metallic component to which it is to be welded prior to welding is disclosed. The system includes a lower electrode having a weld location pin, an upper electrode having a central circular recess formed therein, a fluid supply fluidly connected to the central circular recess of the upper electrode, and a pressure switch also fluidly connected to the central circular recess of the upper electrode. Once the weld nut is captured between the electrodes the fluid flows from the fluid supply into the central circular recess of the upper electrode. If the weld nut is in proper orientation the fluid continues to flow to the pressure switch and the weld occurs. If the weld nut is not in proper orientation the fluid does not flow to the pressure switch but is instead vented from the central circular recess and the weld does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Kuechenmeister, Grady Gipson
  • Patent number: 8466386
    Abstract: A method of repairing a bonded metallic structure having a first metallic member bonded to a second metallic member is provided. The method includes the steps of: A) forming a hole in at least one of the first metallic member and second metallic member, wherein said hole is sufficiently configured to receive a slug; B) inserting said slug into said hole; and C) passing electrical current through said slug of sufficient intensity to promote melting at the interface between the first metallic member, second metallic member, and said slug, thereby securing the first metallic member with respect to the second metallic member. Alternately, the method may include: D) positioning said slug near said hole; E) passing electrical current through said slug of sufficient intensity to promote arcing between said slug and the bonded metallic structure; and F) inserting said slug into said hole thereby securing the first metallic member with respect to the second metallic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, John D. Fickes
  • Patent number: 8436269
    Abstract: Welding electrodes with a welding face for contact with a metal surface for electrical resistance welding are provided with concentric contoured rings formed into the face. The rings may, for example, be ridges upstanding in the face or grooves depressed into the face. The contoured rings may be radially spaced with relatively flat (depending on the curvature of the face) intervening rings. When the electrode is pressed into contact with the surface of the workpiece for delivery of a welding current, the features of the concentric rings penetrate surface oxides or other conductivity barriers. When ongoing welding operations have eroded the contoured rings they may be rapidly reformed in the weld face in a surface re-dressing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David R. Sigler, Michael J. Karagoulis
  • Patent number: 8153921
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a projection weld connection between at least two parts of a workpiece, where the workpiece remains blemish free, comprising automated real-time verification of the quality of the individual weld, without use of destructive testing by analysis of data from a force sensor is disclosed. Measurements of the quality of each weld can be calculated, and real-time measurements and calculations can be used to verification of the structural integrity of the projection in the workpiece before the welding current is applied in order to avoid further damage to the workpiece. The method may be implemented in a system comprising, among other features, a displacement sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: AL-S Technology BV
    Inventor: Karel Pieterman
  • Patent number: 7880112
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James F. Hengel, Pei-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7834292
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Robert J. Gollehur
  • Patent number: 7821417
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of detecting the correct and complete loading of parts in one or more assembly fixtures. A missing or incorrectly loaded part results in an airflow from a respective part cavity in an assembly fixture and a switch assembly, which can be located distal from the assembly fixtures, detects the airflow and provides a signal indicating that the fixture is not correctly loaded. Conversely, if each and every part is correctly loaded into the assembly fixtures, no airflow occurs and the switch assembly outputs a signal indicating that the assembly fixtures are correctly loaded and that subsequent manufacturing/assembly operations can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. D. Burwell, John D. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7645105
    Abstract: A fastener is provided for projection resistance welding to a panel. The fastener includes a base having a fastening element, such as a threaded stud or a nut integral therewith. Multiple projections formed integral with the base extend therefrom to engage with the panel to be welded to the panel by electric resistance welding. A groove is provided in the base facing the panel and is filled with a heat activated expandable sealer material. Upon heating of the base during the electric resistance welding, or in an oven, the sealer expands to fill and seal any gap between the base and the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Hengel, Pei-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20090261075
    Abstract: Provided are a bolt for projection welding and a method of welding the same in which a portion of large fusion depth is formed in a small region and in which junction to a steel sheet part is secured in other regions, thereby realizing high weld strength and stable junction state. A bolt includes a shaft part, an enlarged diameter part, and a fusion bonding projection, the fusion bonding projection including an initial fusion part having at an end surface thereof a tapered portion and a main fusion part continuous with the initial fusion part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Aoyama, Shoji Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20080193255
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Hengel, Pei-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20080182119
    Abstract: Disclosed is a projection welding method including providing a first metal substrate, a second metal substrate, and a projection material of separate construction from the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, disposing the metal projection material between the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, applying a current and pressure to at least one of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, melting the metal projection material via the application of the current and pressure, creating a weld between the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate via the melting, and fixedly associating the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate via the weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Douglas Arnett, Srikanth Chandrudu Kottilingam, Gitahi Charles Mukira, Gene Arthur Murphy, Daniel Anthony Nowak
  • Patent number: 7399942
    Abstract: A pair of tubes are provided, one of greater diameter than the other so that the tubes can be telescoped together. An annular inward facing projection is formed on the outer tube for contact with the outside surface of the inner tube when the tubes are telescoped together. An annular outer facing projection is formed on the inner tube for contacting with the inside surface of the outer tube when the tubes are telescoped together. An adhesive is placed on one of the tubes for contacting with the other tube when the tubes are telescoped together. After the tubes are telescoped together weld current is conducted through the tubes to weld the annular projections to the respective opposing tube in contact therewith and at least partially cure the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, James F. Hengel, John D. Fickes, John F. Cantalin, Timothy J. Roggenkamp
  • Publication number: 20070295698
    Abstract: A fastener is provided for projection resistance welding to a panel. The fastener includes a base having a fastening element, such as a threaded stud or a nut integral therewith. Multiple projections formed integral with the base extend therefrom to engage with the panel to be welded to the panel by electric resistance welding. A groove is provided in the base facing the panel and is filled with a heat activated expandable sealer material. Upon heating of the base during the electric resistance welding, or in an oven, the sealer expands to fill and seal any gap between the base and the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: James F. Hengel, Pei-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20070272660
    Abstract: A method is provided for the projection electric resistance welding of a component to a laminated metal member. The laminated metal member is comprised of top and bottom metal sheets adhered together by a polymer layer provided between the top and bottom metal sheets. A plurality of projections is provided on the component and the projections extend toward the top metal sheet of the laminated metal. Force is applied to the component and the projections have a pointed shape so that the projections pierce through the top metal sheet and contact the bottom metal sheet. Weld current is then applied to flow through the projections so that the projections are electric resistance welded to both the top and bottom metal sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Robert J. Gollehur, James F. Hengel, Narayanan P. Menon, Mark D. Gugel, Alexander Michael Turley
  • Patent number: 7291801
    Abstract: In an electrode for projection welding, an end cover (10) of metal having a through hole (19) is attached to the end of a main body (6) of metal having a cylindrical shape, a guide sleeve (12) of insulation material is disposed in the main body (6), the end of the guide sleeve (12) being formed with a receiving hole (18) for a part (2) in a state in which the receiving hole (18) communicates with the through hole (19) in the end cover (10), and a cooling passage (32) for fluid which cools the guide sleeve (12) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Yoshitaka Aoyama
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Aoyama, Shoji Aoyama
  • Patent number: 7282664
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Doben Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Martin Cabanaw
  • Patent number: 7250585
    Abstract: A system and method for welding projection weld nuts to a work piece. The system and method of the present invention generally makes use of a fixtured work piece having one or more projection weld nuts associated therewith. A resistance welding robot is used to weld the projection weld nuts to the work piece. The welding robot typically has weld electrodes therewith, through which electric welding current is passed to the projection weld nut(s) and the work piece. A first and second contacting electrode is used to transfer electric current from the welding robot electrodes to the projection weld nut(s) and work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Tsuchiya, Noboru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7170025
    Abstract: IMPROVED RESISTANCE WELDING DEVICE that includes a mobile electrode in a support assisted by a spring, gas cylinder or expansion element, allowing its movement on being compressed so that the time lapse for the welding is sufficiently long to be effective, without altering the movement cycle of the press into which it is installed. The support has one or several columns, the electrode being supported sliding along one and with a rod housed on the inside of a positioning device, also axially movable, into which the small parts to be welded are received through a conduit. The positioning device, made from an insulated material, preferably ceramic, has some fixing clamps for said part until the welding is made pushed by the electrode rod through a lower window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Ocon Industrielle Konzepte, S.L.
    Inventor: Ignacio Martin Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7071439
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 7053330
    Abstract: A method of welding and a projection weld bond system is disclosed. A first workpiece is provided that is made of a material that conducts electricity, and a second workpeiece is provided that is made of a material that conducts electricity and has a plurality of projections formed therein. A materail is applied between each projections of plurality of projections, the material having electrical conductivity that is lower than the conductivity of the second workpiece. An area of the first workpiece is disposed at the plurality of projections of the second workpiece, and electricity is conducted through the first workpiece and through at least one of the plurality of projections of the second workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Robin Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7030333
    Abstract: A method of joining plates includes the steps of providing a one or more studs having a head, a barrel and a weld tip. The plates and studs are arranged such that a first plate having at least one hole is located between the studs and a second plate with each stud aligned with a hole and contacting the second plate. Current is passed through the stud using the stud head and the second plate as electrodes to melt the weld tip bonding the stud to the second plate. The studs are arranged such that an air gap between the studs and the first plate prevents arcing during the welding step. Pressure and heat may be applied to compress the barrel such that the stud functions as a rivet. Alternatively, the barrel may remain uncompressed to provide a pin allowing relative rotation between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: David A. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7019251
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Adval Tech Holding AG
    Inventor: Hans Jöhr
  • Patent number: 6992261
    Abstract: A method of forming a sputtering target assembly and other metal articles is described. Sputtering target assemblies and metal articles are also described. The method includes bonding a sputter target to a backing plate using resistance heating or welding to bond assembly members that respectively include mating projections and grooves formed in bonding surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail Y. Kachalov, Charles E. Wickersham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6933459
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a turbine engine blade. The method includes providing a resistance welding system, and welding a metering plate to the turbine engine blade using the resistance welding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Earl Claude Helder, Timothy Dion Riggs, Mark Lawrence Hunt, Daniel Jacob Goertzen, Robert John Heeg, Wendy Howard Murphy
  • Patent number: 6906279
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Doben Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Martin Cabanaw