Plural Holders To Hold Workpieces Relative To Each Other Patents (Class 269/37)
  • Patent number: 7963013
    Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus includes a plurality of movable fastener securing devices. A controller moves the fastener securing devices to position the fastener securing devices in a selected pattern to provide for assembly of a truss. The apparatus includes a powered conveyor arrangement that moves the trusses through the apparatus during the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Scott E. Sluiter
  • Patent number: 7963511
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving and positioning objects to be laminated inside a press, comprising a tray arranged on a horizontal plane and having multiple seats with vertical axis. Each seat accommodates a pin having a protruding head and forming, with their heads, a supporting surface for the object to be positioned in the press. The pins are movable along the seat axis to pass from a raised position, in contact with the object, to a lowered position, in which they are spaced downwardly from the object. The apparatus further comprises elastic wings which cooperate with each pin and seat in order to retain the pin in the raised position, and selection elements which can engage a protruding portion of each pin for the transition of the pin from the raised position to the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Italpresse S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Meda
  • Patent number: 7940023
    Abstract: A geometric end effector system for use on a robot. The system includes a platform and a frame secured to the platform. At least one base is arranged at a predetermined position on the frame. The system also has an anchor mount secured to the base and a component connected to an end of the anchor mount by a collar assembly. A key is arranged between the component and the anchor mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Kniss, Michael J. Goff, Jerry Berendt, Ron Micallef
  • Patent number: 7922158
    Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Truss Industry Production Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde R. Fredrickson, Mark Wismer
  • Publication number: 20110062642
    Abstract: A workpiece mounting block and a machine tool are provided that permit a plurality of workpieces to be mounted and machined without giving rise to interference between the workpiece or a table and a main spindle. Work mounting section (27) in a shape of square pyramid with four sides serving as workpiece mounting surfaces is fixed to table (17). Main spindle (19) with tool (23) mounted thereon can be moved relative to table (17) in three mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-directions, and table (17) can be moved in rotation feed in A and C-directions. Positions of rotation angle of A-axis and C-axis when the workpiece mounting surface is perpendicular to the axis of main spindle (19) are stored in advance in storage means. When workpieces (33) mounted on the workpiece mounting surfaces are to be machined, a workpiece coordinate system is set based on the stored positions of the rotation angle and NC machining is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: MAKINO MILLING MACHINE CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Yabe
  • Patent number: 7905994
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate holder comprises a base supporting a substrate that includes a surface having a peripheral region. A cover may be assembled with the base and includes at least one opening exposing only a portion of the surface therethrough. A seal assembly substantially seals a region between the cover and base and further adjacent to the peripheral region of the substrate. An electrode includes at least one contact portion positioned within the region and extending over at least a portion of the peripheral region of the substrate. A compliant member comprises a polymeric material and may be positioned within the region between the at least one contact portion and either the peripheral region of the substrate or the cover. In other embodiments, an electroplating system is disclosed that may employ such a substrate holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Moses Lake Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Valery M. Dubin, James D. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 7866642
    Abstract: A modular universal holding fixture and corresponding methods, accommodating a wide range of workpiece contours, geometries, sizes, and configurations. The fixture may include a fiducial base, a registration frame, and a bridge module. Fixable to a fiducial (reference) location, the fiducial base may be attached in alignment to the registration frame. The bridge module may have a central cavity and guide tracks on top, exterior, and interior support surfaces. The bridge module transversely engages the registration frame for longitudinal movement to a registration position, and supports a tooling for transverse movement. The bridge module may repositionably constrain the tooling at an indexed position. The bridge module may be configured to engage multiple types of tooling and additional tooling headers, supports, and side actuators. A tooling may be passive linear actuators positioned by a N/C operated gantry engaged with the registration frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven J. McAllister
  • Patent number: 7815177
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for aligning and/or retaining pallets to be repaired and/or pallet elements used in repairing pallets. The apparatus comprises a base frame comprising at least one fixed lateral stop member and at least one movable lateral stop member for each bottom deck board member and/or for each connecting block member of a pallet. The movable lateral stop member is adapted to press the particular bottom deck board member and/or the assigned connecting block members against the cooperating fixed lateral stop member, such that the particular bottom deck board member and/or the connecting block members is/are aligned with reference to a line running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pallet and retained in that position. Preferably, a movable lateral stop member is assigned to each fixed lateral stop member. Additionally, the apparatus comprises at least one fixed longitudinal stop member and at least one movable longitudinal stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Holliger Paletten Logistik AG
    Inventor: Robert Holliger
  • Publication number: 20100252973
    Abstract: A clamping device for components to be joined, which clamping device comprises: a first component holder for a first component, a second component holder for a second component, and a clamping structure which secures the component holders relative to one another in a joining position, and when the component holders are in the joining position, the clamping structure extends from an external face of the first component holder to an external face of the second component holder facing away from the external face of the first component holder and extends respectively around a peripheral edge of the component holders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: EDAG GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Stefan Reith, Christian Koerbel
  • Publication number: 20100252974
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bearing cap is disclosed using a fixture that has a mandrel that is received in the bearing bore and clamps that engage the outer surface of the bearing caps. A pair of bolt shoulders of the bearing caps are machined and a bolt hole is drilled in each of the bolt shoulder portions. The bearing bores are subsequently machined with the bearing caps being located based upon the location of the bolt holes to form a plurality of finished bearing caps. A holding fixture is disclosed for machining bearing caps that have a generally semi-cylindrical bearing bore on an interior surface and bolt shoulders on opposite sides that are drilled to receive bolts. The holding fixture comprises a fixture frame to which a mandrel is attached that receives the bearing caps with the bearing bore centered relative to the mandrel. A plurality of clamps engage an exterior portion of the bearing caps to retain the bearing caps on the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. McKown, Richard T. Najarian
  • Publication number: 20100201054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock (3) for a device (1) for temporarily spacing an opening element with respect to a fixed element of a motor vehicle body, said lock comprising, on the one hand, locking means (21, 23) designed so that they can deform elastically under the action of the stresses exerted by the opening element and, on the other hand, a substantially cylindrical pedestal (14) provided with fastening means (16, 17, 27) which can be activated by pivoting the pedestal about its axis. The present invention also relates to a base (2) intended to cooperate with a lock according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: EXSTO
    Inventor: Stephane Perche
  • Patent number: 7766313
    Abstract: A spring clamping system includes improved spring clamping mechanisms and a gimbal mechanism. Removable attachment clips securely join each clamping mechanism to the gimbal mechanism while allowing positive-lock positioning and rapid repositioning of a workpiece through at least two planes of motion. Curved strengthening and alignment sections resist lateral misalignment during operation while maintaining handle alignment and clamp opening scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Amarillo Hardware Company
    Inventor: Michael Panosian
  • Publication number: 20100190343
    Abstract: A load lock includes a chamber including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a partition between the upper portion and the lower portion, the partition including an opening therethrough. The load lock further includes a first port in communication with the upper portion of the chamber and a second port in communication with the lower portion of the chamber. The load lock includes a rack disposed within the chamber and a workpiece holder mounted on a first surface of the rack, wherein the rack and the workpiece holder are movable by an indexer that is capable of selectively moving wafer slots of the rack into communication with the second port. The indexer can also move the rack into an uppermost position, at which the first surface of the boat and the partition sealingly separate the upper portion and the lower portion to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Auxiliary processing, such as wafer pre-cleaning, or metrology can be conducted in the upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ASM AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Ravinder Aggarwal, Jeroen Stoutjesdijk, Eric Hill, Loring G. Davis, John T. DiSanto
  • Publication number: 20100171252
    Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: CLYDE R. FREDRICKSON, MARK WISMER
  • Publication number: 20100164158
    Abstract: A portable holder for supporting a ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, sighting and repair operations at a work station, the holder being adapted to support a portion of the ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm, the portable holder comprising: a base section adapted to be fixed to the work station in a substantially upright position; a threaded rod mounted to the base section in a substantially vertical orientation; and, one of a support bead and a vise assembly affixed to the upper portion of the threaded rod; wherein the base section contains a substantially vertically orientated threaded aperture allowing the threaded rod to be rotated about its longitudinal axis into the threaded aperture of the base section to permit both mounting of the threaded rod to the base section and height adjustment of the threaded rod relative to the base section; the support head having a base and at least one flange extending upwardly from the base to receive a support tongue of one of
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard WEISSENBORN
  • Patent number: 7721419
    Abstract: A full complement taper roller bearing consists of an inner ring or cone having an inner track on its radially outer conical surface, and an outer ring or cup having an outer track on its radially inward conical surface and one or more rows of taper rollers having a contact angle of less than 30 degrees freely disposed between the inner and outer rings and guided between said tracks. Each row of rollers is axially located within a recess on the inner track defined by a shoulder abutment disposed at least at the edge of the inner track having the greatest diameter and each of the rollers is in contact with the inner track over the entire length of the taper roller in the axial direction of the bearing. A method of assembly is also enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Hansen Transmissions International, N.V.
    Inventor: Dirk-Olaf Leimann
  • Patent number: 7712731
    Abstract: The gutter clamp is a handheld clamp allowing a user to temporarily clamp a gutter to a support surface, such as a face board, while work is being performed on the gutter. The gutter clamp includes an handle portion and a clamping portion extending from the handle portion. The clamping portion includes first and second clamping members joined to the handle portion in such a manner that the clamping members pivot toward and away from each other. The first clamping member is adapted for contacting an outer face of the support surface, and the second clamping member has a substantially U-shaped upper end, allowing the upper end to be mounted on an outer wall of the gutter, and to securely contact an inner face of the outer wall, the handles being resiliently biased to hold the clamping members, thus releasably securing the gutter to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Alban J. Candiff
  • Patent number: 7707765
    Abstract: A fishing rod fixing device includes a base that is supported by two suction cups for easy and efficient attachment of the device to a smooth fixture surface. A seat is rotatably mounted on the base and is releasably set any desired horizontal direction by an adjustment knob. The seat includes a tubular bar on which at least one retainer is mounted and rotatable about the bar for setting the retainer at any desired inclination angle. An angle locking member is provided to releasably secure the retainer at the desired inclination angle. The retainer has a base support mounted to the tubular bar and a top wall member spaced from the base support to define a passage therebetween for receiving a fishing rod. A locking member is provided on the top wall and is manually movable to releasably and selectively secure the fishing rod to the base support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po Lin Liao
  • Publication number: 20100059915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a geometrical conformation unit (1) for a vehicle, including: a frame (2) for receiving the vehicle body (5); two pairs of conformers ((12, 14), (13, 15)) to be attached on the frame symmetrically relative to the vehicle symmetry plane, each conformer (12, 14, 13, 15) including holding means (16) for maintaining the portion of the body opposite which said conformer (12, 14, 13, 15) is attached, each pair of conformers ((12, 14), (13, 15)) including a front conformer (12, 13) maintaining the front portion of the body (5) and a rear conformer (14, 15) maintaining the rear portion of the body (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES S.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Martinais
  • Patent number: 7621053
    Abstract: An assembly apparatus for assembling components including a work surface, a laser projector, a computer controlling the laser projector to protect a laser image on the work surface, and an ejector lifting a completed assembly from the work surface having a retro-reflective surface within a field of view of the laser projector when the ejector is lifted, such that the laser projector scans the retro-reflective surface and the computer determines at least one of the number of completed assemblies made and the time required to make the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Virtek Vision International Inc.
    Inventor: Edward S. Bianchin
  • Publication number: 20090250856
    Abstract: A welding support assembly includes an elongate workpiece support having a first end, and a second end. The workpiece support is adapted to support a first workpiece in a substantially horizontal position. A back plate is positioned at the first end of the workpiece support, the back plate having a first side and a second side, the plane of the plate being perpendicular to the workpiece support and the first side facing toward the workpiece support, where the relative vertical position of the back plate and the workpiece support is adjustable while maintaining the relative orientation of the back plate and the workpiece support. A magnetizer for magnetizing the back plate such that, when magnetized, the back plate can magnetically hold a second workpiece to the first side of the back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: William Tanasiychuk
  • Patent number: 7559147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable framing fixture for fabricating wall frames. Pneumatically controlled clamping mechanisms retain and locate various components of a frame wall. Spring loaded locator pins allow for variations in openings in the frame wall and allow for various frame wall designs. An offloading system allows for removal of completed frame walls from the portable framing fixture. The portable framing fixture is mounted onto a wheeled axle assembly to allow for easy transportation of the portable framing fixture to different job sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Fleeman
  • Publication number: 20090084468
    Abstract: A method of automatically placing pucks on a truss assembly table includes the steps of receiving input regarding the truss assembly table and a truss to be assembled on the truss assembly table, and processing the input. Locations on the truss assembly table for each puck are selected based on the processed input that optimizes the overall support given to the truss. The pucks are automatically moved to their selected locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: MITEK HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Jerome E. Koskovich, John Fingerson
  • Publication number: 20090001642
    Abstract: A device for affixing a decking member to a joist includes a jig body positionable atop a pair of spaced-apart decking members positioned atop a joist. The jig body has an angled bore having a bottom end extending through a bottom face of the jig body, the bottom end of the angled bore in communication with the space between the decking members. The angled bore defines a centerline extending through the space to a position on the side of the first structural member. The angled bore is for receiving a fastener drivable therethrough into the first structural member's side face, through the first structural member's bottom face, and into the second structural member's top face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Carl William Bolton
  • Patent number: 7445697
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining a workpiece against a workpiece holder are described. A flexible member can be used to provide a substantially uniform force to securely retain the workpiece, which can allow the workpiece to be consistently positioned in a process module. In one detailed embodiment, a barrier to fluid entry is formed between the workpiece and a ring for retaining the workpiece against a workpiece holder. This provides a reliable seal during fluid processing to prevent fluid from reaching the underside of a workpiece. In various embodiments, the workpiece holder can be used to align a workpiece in a process module or to hold one or more workpieces in a configuration that allows for higher throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: NEXX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Keigler, John Harrell, Zhenqiu Liu, Qunwei Wu
  • Patent number: 7430793
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a trim cover to a foam pad includes a base and a platform coupled thereto that defines a working surface for supporting the foam pad thereon. A plurality of actuators project from the working surface. Each actuator is capable of movement away from and toward the working surface and includes a pair of retaining fingers capable of movement between an open and closed position. In use, the retaining fingers grasp a first connecting member on the trim cover and move the first connecting member toward the working surface as the actuators are moved toward the working surface so as to engage the first connecting member with a second connecting member in the foam pad thereby securing the trim cover to the foam pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Hamilton, Brian Zapalski, Don Hamilton, James Szura
  • Publication number: 20080179802
    Abstract: A jig positioning system for use on a truss assembly table. The puck assembly 108 has a puck 109 positioned at least partially above the table top 105 with the puck 109 connected to a carriage 110 positioned at least partially below the table top. The puck assembly 108 moves along slots 118 in the table top 105. A threaded rod 102 extends through a threaded passageway 103 in the carriage 110, so, when the threaded rod rotates, the puck assembly moves along a corresponding slot in the table. A rod support member 116 extends along the length of the threaded rod 102 and is positioned below the threaded rod 102, the support member 116 contacting the carriage and, thereby, preventing the threaded rod from excessive sagging. A debris path is provided along both sides of the support member 116.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: David L. McAdoo, Ronald E. Findley, Jeffrey Ceurter, Neill Bradley
  • Publication number: 20080172857
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for manipulating a frame in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment of the invention, a system with at least one robot with a pair of robotic arms can be deployed in a manufacturing process. A frame associated with the manufacturing process can include a first portion operable to be manipulated by the robot or one robot arm, and a second portion operable to be manipulated by the robot or the other robot arm. An associated control device, such as a computer or software program, can coordinate operation, movement, and control of the robot, including the pair of robotic arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: TENNESSEE RAND AUTOMATION
    Inventors: Alan Brinkworth, Brent E. Boxall
  • Publication number: 20080122152
    Abstract: A tooling system comprises a plurality of elements (24) arranged in an array, each element being supported on a cross rail (22) and being moveable relative to the other elements in the array. Each element terminates in a threaded support post (25) extending from a first end of the element, and is associated with a corresponding internally threaded aperture in the cross rail upon which the element is supported. The tooling system further comprises an adjusting component in the form of a fork (46) which is driveable in rotation and engageable with an element of the array to drive the element in rotation, upon rotation of the fork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Surface Generation Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben John Halford
  • Publication number: 20080124662
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a wafer stage module comprises: a stage divided into an exposure zone and a measurement zone; a plurality of chucks configured to be respectively moved between the exposure zone and the measurement zone; guides parallel to each other at both edge sides of the wafer stage; a plurality of first sliders slideably disposed along the plurality of guides; a plurality of beams vertically connecting the plurality of first sliders; and a pair of second sliders formed on each of the plurality of beams, for holding and moving each of the plurality of chucks and for swapping the plurality of chucks without moving on each of the plurality of beams, thus avoiding a travel time of the chucks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Se-Jong YU
  • Patent number: 7377048
    Abstract: The truss setting bracket has an elongated body member, a first cradle, and a second cradle. Each cradle is provided with a first and second finger that define a cradle face therebetween. The second cradle is designed to be secured, at ground level, to a truss that is to be set in place on top of a building structure. The first cradle is designed such that, as the truss is lifted into place by a crane, the second finger is used as a guide for spacing the current truss from the previously set truss. Each cradle allows successive trusses to temporarily held in place by the truss setting bracket until all the trusses have been set and they can be permanently nailed or tacked into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond E. Koetter
  • Publication number: 20080084013
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing motor vehicle sub-assemblies with unrestricted model mix and quick changeover between models. The apparatus includes a track; a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement along the track between first and second positions; and first and second turrets rotatably mounted on the carriage at longitudinally spaced locations and each including a plurality of circumferentially spaced individual faces and unique tooling fixtures on the respective faces for receiving unique work piece components corresponding to a plurality of motor vehicle body styles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Progressive Tool & Industries, Co.
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Publication number: 20080079209
    Abstract: A slight displacement of a door hinge in lateral and longitudinal directions is adjusted while the door hinge is assembled to the vehicle body. A lower plate is coupled to the vehicle door mounting apparatus. First and second linear motion guide rails are fixed on the lower plate. First and second linear motion blocks are coupled on the first and second linear motion guide rails. First and second restricting devices are fixed on the lower plate and restrict movement of the first and second linear motion blocks. First and second stroke adjusters are fixed on the lower plate for adjusting a slight displacement of the first and second linear motion blocks. A pressure pipe having an opening and closing valve thereon supplies operation pressure to the first and second restricting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Ki-Nam yangjung-dong Kim
  • Patent number: 7343658
    Abstract: In a method of reinforcing an existing concrete electric pole having an annular side wall, an inner hollow portion provided therein and an opening portion formed to a position of the annular side wall to be penetrated therethrough, at least one of a predetermined amount of mortar, a predetermined amount of sand and a predetermined amount of gravel is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion. A reinforcing member for reinforcing the electric pole is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: NTT Infrastructure Network Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Minayoshi, Masato Ushiroyama, Hitoshi Shoji
  • Patent number: 7341246
    Abstract: The machine has stopper pins for locating two or more truss members to be connected in respective predetermined design positions and a press head adapted for movement from a pre-pressing position in which one or two nail plates may be loaded for pressing to a range of pressing positions in which the nail plates may be pressed into engagement with adjacent truss members in a predetermined securing position by reference to an outside edge of one of the truss members. Securing mechanism on the press head are adapted to secure different sized magazines, each magazine being adapted to hold a plurality of nail plates of a predetermined size. The securing mechanism is adapted to secure each sized magazine in a position in which a selected edge of a nail plate is in a predetermined loading position irrespective of the magazine selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Australian Timber and Trusses Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Donohue
  • Patent number: 7331094
    Abstract: A device for positioning components to be joined together, such as car body components, is characterized by at least one movable central module and a plurality of arms, movable in space and connected thereto and which in each case have at least one holding element for holding the components. By means of the inventive method for the positioning of the components to be joined together and for the performance of which the said device is particularly suitable, the components are held from a position within a desired arrangement of the components to be joined. In this way the assembled components during a subsequent tacking together and optionally further downstream production processes such as welding or the like, are accessible in optimum manner from the outside. Further advantages of the method according to the invention are a limited space requirement and possible balancing of the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Alwin Berninger
  • Patent number: 7293349
    Abstract: Various models of engines and transmissions can be installed in an engine room model in a relatively easy manner. As a result, efficiency of inspecting the engine room is optimized by using the engine room model and various potential problems which may occur in a mass production of vehicles are discovered and can be prevented in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Oh-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20070222132
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for batches of elongate flimsy members includes batch handling portion and a coating portion. The batch handling portion having an array support portion and an array alignment portion. The array support portion secures and vertically moves an array of elongate flimsy members to be lowered into an array of inlets of the coating portion, the inlets aligned in an array. The array alignment portion provides removable discrete position locating of the individual flimsy members by a guide portion that moves from an upwardly position downwardly to position each member of the array in alignment with the array of inlets. The support portion then lowers the flimsy members into the coating portion through the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Anderson, Scott D. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7273210
    Abstract: A truss clamp for connection with a second clamp when installing truss assemblies includes a mechanism for adjustably connecting the two clamps in spaced relation. The truss clamp includes a fixed member and a rotatable member, the rotatable member having first and second ends and being pivotally connected to the fixed member intermediate the ends of the rotatable member and being rotatable between a first position wherein the first end is in confronting relation with a portion of the fixed member and a second position wherein the second end is in confronting relation with the portion of the fixed member. A holding mechanism may be disposed over a center spring action mechanism, for selectively maintaining the rotatable member in at least the second position. A method of installing trusses using a truss clamp is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth Earl Thurston, Kathy Marlene Chan, Lyle Shayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 7269886
    Abstract: A ladder station supporting device is provided which includes an upper holder assembly having an upper mounting body and a first vertically-oriented holder rotatably fastened to the upper mounting body; a lower holder assembly having a lower mounting body and a second vertically-oriented holder rotatably fastened to the lower mounting body; and a vertically-oriented articulation rod interconnecting the upper and lower holder assemblies, wherein the upper holder assembly may be adjustably positioned along an axis defined by the articulation rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: 3 Day Blinds, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael C. Lopez, Chin Chu Yeit
  • Patent number: 7269901
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods of use thereof are provided for improved manufacturing of window and door frames. In particular, the present invention provides an apparatus that can improve efficiency and reduce manpower in manufacturing of window and door frames by being able to accommodate whole assembled window or door frames without manual assistance and by incorporating and utilizing multiple machining tools for machining of multiple surfaces of window and door frames. Correspondingly, the use of the apparatus of the present invention permits the practical use of an unconventional process for manufacturing window and door frames that can reduce wastage of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Aurele Robin
  • Patent number: 7210676
    Abstract: A clamp for use in installing crown molding which has a top front lip, a bottom rear lip and a bridging segment extending diagonally between them, comprising a clamp part for engaging the ceiling of a room and for engaging the top front lip of the crown molding from in front, and another clamp part for engaging the bottom rear lip of the crown molding from below and engaging the room wall behind the crown molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Karl T. Blau
  • Patent number: 7182309
    Abstract: A cleat device (20) is taught for forming concrete curbing that jointly retains a back board form (22) and a front board form (24) with a spreader (25) spaced apart between the forms. The cleat device consists of three basic elements first a right angle shaped cleat back (26) having a top (28) and leg (30) configured to intimately engage and retain the back board form. Second a cleat arm (44) that includes a top arm (46) and an acute angled downwardly depending member (48) attached to the cleat back top forming an inverted channel. The third element is a cleat leg (58) that is attached to the downwardly depending member allowing the cleat leg to be adjusted vertical or at an acute angle. Adjustment means provide a cleat device capable of supporting the back board and front board form with a spreader in-between while constructing a L-curb and gutter, a A-22 curb or a A-90 curb configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Bret R. Olsen
  • Patent number: 7172184
    Abstract: A carrier for use in processing of a plurality of wafers or other substrates includes a support frame on which the wafers are mounted and in one embodiment at least one auxiliary frame for holding the substrates on the support frame. A plurality of clips extend from the auxiliary frame and engage the substrates in pressure engagement, and fasteners retain the auxiliary frame in position with respect to the support frame. In one embodiment two auxiliary frames can be employed for holding wafers on opposing surfaces of the support frame. The support frame has electrically non-conducting surfaces whereby the processing does not affect the support frame, and the auxiliary frame is made of electrically non-conductive material. The clips are electrically conductive and bridge current from the support frame to the wafers during plating operations. In another embodiment, auxiliary frame are not used and the wafer retention clips are mounted on the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventors: Luca Pavani, Neil Kaminar, Pongsthorn Uralwong, Thomas Phu, Douglas H. Rose, Thomas Pass
  • Patent number: 7169252
    Abstract: A method of assembling a light handling device that includes a plurality of separate walls for reflecting and that is tolerant of elevated heat and heating cycles. The method provides a fast-set adhesive to portions of the walls that are to be secured together. The method also secures the walls in a temporary fixation device for a time period needed for the fast-set adhesive to set, and removes the walls from the temporary fixation device subsequent to the setting of the fast-set adhesive such that the walls are secured together by the fast-set adhesive. The method also provides another means of securing the walls together that is resistant to degradation caused by elevated heat and heating cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: OC Oerlikon Balzers AG
    Inventors: Bertram Frei, Norman Korner, Ralph Scholl
  • Patent number: 7168693
    Abstract: The adjustable angle clamp of the present invention is provided with opposing arm members that are pivotably coupled to one another. Jaw members are independently advanced or withdrawn along the lengths of the arm members to provide clamping pressure at a joint formed between opposing objects disposed between the jaws. An angle adjustment screw is coupled to the arm members to incrementally adjust the angular relationship of the arm members with respect to one another and secure the clamp at selected angle settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Sjuts, Steve Classen
  • Patent number: 7140100
    Abstract: A truss fabrication system and method for use in fabricating trusses has a truss set-up table and a gantry movable relative to the truss set-up table for pressing connector plates into truss members. A wheel guide directs movement of the roller assembly relative to the truss set-up table. The truss set-up table has a substantially horizontal table deck having a side edge, and extension arms projecting generally horizontally outward from the side edge. A gantry press moves relative to the truss set-up table and is sized and arranged relative to the truss set-up table for pressing connector plates into truss members supported on the table deck and for pressing connector plates into truss members supported on the extension arms. The extension arms are spaced apart from each other along the table deck side edge to define work bays sized to permit a worker to pass into the work bay to the table deck side edge for manipulating the truss components on the table deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Manish C. Kanjee, Thomas Bruce Hanna, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7093829
    Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Truss Industry Production Systems
    Inventors: Clyde R. Fredrickson, Mark Wismer
  • Patent number: 7055787
    Abstract: A sheet material clamp having a rigid clamp base of a pre-selected length. The rigid clamp base has a clamping surface and at least two clamping apparatus attached to the clamping base for applying clamping pressure through a pressure foot toward the clamping surface. The apparatus for applying clamping pressure are spaced along the length of the clamp base so that clamping pressure can be applied evenly along the edge of the sheet material being clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher Todd Cross
  • Patent number: 7044460
    Abstract: A device for affixing a decking member to a joist includes a jig body positionable atop a pair of spaced-apart decking members positioned atop a joist. The jig body has an angled bore having a bottom end extending through a bottom face of the jig body, the bottom end of the angled bore in communication with the space between the decking members. The angled bore defines a centerline extending through the space to a position on the side of the first structural member. The angled bore is for receiving a fastener drivable therethrough into the first structural member's side face, through the first structural member's bottom face, and into the second structural member's top face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Carl William Bolton