Miscellaneous Apparatus Patents (Class 29/284)
  • Patent number: 11804616
    Abstract: Discussed is a battery pack manufacturing apparatus and method, and more particularly, a battery pack manufacturing apparatus allowing automatic production and having a minimized manufacturing defect rate. The battery pack manufacturing apparatus manufactures a battery pack having a pack housing and a battery module, and includes a lifting mechanism having a frame configured to mount the pack housing and a moving unit configured to move the frame so that the battery module is inserted into an inner space of the pack housing; and a module support configured to support the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.
    Inventors: Seok-Won Jeung, Hyeong-Min Park, Geon-Tae Park, Jung-Ho Oh, Ju-Hwan Baek
  • Patent number: 8950046
    Abstract: A method for disassembling a low-pressure process apparatus. The method provide a transmission device and a low-pressure process apparatus; and moves the housing to a transmission device in a first horizontal direction via the first roller set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Ting-Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 8918975
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating fluid bladder removal from a support structure through an access opening includes a frame defining a central opening dimensioned to conform to the access opening, the frame having opposed first and second surfaces and adapted to removably mount inside the support structure around the access opening, and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted to the first surface around the central opening. The apparatus is connected inside the support structure with the rollers extending away from and surrounding the access opening to facilitate passage of the fluid bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Stemit Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140216216
    Abstract: In a method for machining a workpiece using a tool, the tool engages with the workpiece and between the two a cutting motion is induced. Furthermore, a relative first vibration motion between workpiece and tool, which is superimposed on the cutting motion, is induced in such a way that one or more characteristic values of the first vibration motion and one or more characteristic values of the cutting motion are adjusted in relation to one another. The superimposed vibration motion can also be induced in such a way that distinctive surface zones of the workpiece are generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SAUER ULTRASONIC GMBH
    Inventor: Axel Hessenkamper
  • Patent number: 8763249
    Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing a reactor unit in a reactor tube. A reactor installation tool including a movable assembly and a fixed assembly linked together such that the movable assembly can be adjusted relative to the fixed assembly. The movable assembly including a reactor sleeve attachment means for releasably securing a reactor sleeve loaded with a reactor unit to the tool. The fixed assembly including an expandable clamping unit for releasably securing the tool to a reactor tube. A reactor unit can be installed in the reactor tube by adjusting the movable assembly to extract the reactor unit from the reactor sleeve as the fixed assembly is rigidly secured to the reactor tube. The fixed assembly can be released from the reactor tube and the reactor installation tool can be removed from the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Catacel, Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randall J. Bartos
  • Patent number: 8749330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an electric contact element from a semifinished product and to the electric contact element and the corresponding semifinished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Umicore AG & Co. KG, Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Heinrich, Ralf Hoffmann, Peter Sandeck, Martin Wieberger, Peter Braumann, Andreas Koffler, Bernd Kempf, Allen Molvar
  • Publication number: 20140091016
    Abstract: A method for automated in-line determination of the center thickness of an ophthalmic lens including providing an inspection cuvette (2) having an optically transparent bottom (21) and a concave inner surface (210) and containing the lens immersed in a liquid, providing an interferometer having a light source and a focusing probe (30) focusing light coming from the light source to a set position (310) of the lens. Focusing probe (30) also directs light reflected at the boundary between the back surface of the lens and the liquid as well as light reflected at the boundary between the front surface of the lens and the liquid or at the boundary between the front surface of the lens and the concave inner surface (210) to a detector of the interferometer. The center thickness of the lens is determined using the light reflected at the respective boundary at the back surface and at the front surface of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Roger Biel, Matthias Schwab
  • Patent number: 8621738
    Abstract: A glass cutting apparatus (101) includes a pair of cutters (13a, 13b) installed oppositely to each other in such a way as to sandwich, therebetween, a glass plate with surfaces of the glass plate thereof being along a vertical direction; a first pressing unit (14a) which presses one of the cutters to one of the surfaces of the glass plate in a horizontal direction with a pressing force P; a second pressing unit (14b) which is placed oppositely to the first pressing unit and presses the other one of the cutters to the other surface of the glass plate in the horizontal direction with the pressing force P; and a moving unit (20) which moves the pair of cutters pressing the glass plate with the pressing force P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Iwamoto, Yoshiyuki Tani, Fumio Yamazaki, Takao Hisazumi
  • Publication number: 20130318762
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of profiling a running surface of a laid rail by means of a processing vehicle, in particular in the region of a switch, comprising placing a first copying probe element displaceable transversely to the rail in contact with the running edge or the inner side edge and machining the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Linsinger Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Johann Knoll
  • Patent number: 8572828
    Abstract: The present invention includes a mounting structure for mounting a component between a first member and a second member. According to the mounting structure, the component is first placed on a surface of the first member. Then, the second member is fitted with the component by a fitting device, so that the component is positioned relative to the second member. Thereafter, the component is fixed in position relative to the first member by a joint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Sakai, Akihisa Hotta, Koji Katano, Toshiyuki Inagaki, Nobutaka Teshima
  • Publication number: 20130212854
    Abstract: In a system and a method for positioning a processing tool in relation to a workpiece, an object alignment mark and the workpiece are situated on a first object. In addition, a workpiece alignment mark is situated on the workpiece. The processing tool via which the object alignment mark is detectable is situated on a second object, which is disposed so as to be displaceable along at least one movement direction in relation to the first object. Furthermore, an alignment sensor is disposed thereon, with whose aid the object alignment mark and the workpiece alignment mark are detectable. In addition, a scannable measuring standard, which extends along the at least one movement direction, is disposed on the second object. At least two scanning units for scanning the measuring standard are situated on the first object in order to thereby determine the relative position between the first and the second object along the movement direction, the two scanning units having a defined offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventor: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130185924
    Abstract: A method of machining a fibrous sheet for a composite structure is described. The sheet comprises a resin matrix having a glass transition temperature, wherein the method comprises cooling the sheet substantially to maintain the temperature of the matrix below its glass transition temperature during machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Yohann Bellanger, Christopher Thomson
  • Patent number: 8490277
    Abstract: A tool to aid in the installation of garbage disposal units through the facilitation of lifting such a unit to the drain portion of a sink is provided. Such a tool permits a single user to retain and maneuver a disposal unit into position in order to facilitate attachment thereof to a sink drain with reliability and consistency. Such a tool includes moveable rods of sufficient strength and rigidity to accommodate the disposal unit weight at specific levels such that the user may place and lift the disposal unit on demand without deleteriously effecting the finish or other portions of the subject sink to marring during such installation. The method of installation utilizing such a manual tool is encompassed within the invention as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Michael K. Dahood
  • Publication number: 20130180967
    Abstract: A system for automatically inspecting and trimming a ceramic patch antenna includes an inspection apparatus electrically connected to a radio frequency component testing fixture. The inspection apparatus is inputted standard parameters of electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna. The ceramic patch antenna is arranged on the radio frequency component testing fixture. Then, the inspection apparatus is configured to measure electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna and to judge whether the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are the same as the standard parameters or not. The inspection apparatus is configured to drive a trimming machine for trimming a radiation metal surface of the ceramic patch antenna if the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are different from the stand parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: CIROCOMM TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Cirocomm Technology Corp.
  • Publication number: 20130133168
    Abstract: There is provided a profile measuring apparatus, including an irradiation section configured to irradiate a measurement light to a measurement area of the object; an imaging section configured to obtain an image of the measurement area; a table configured to place the object thereon; a coordinate calculation section configured to calculate a position of the measurement area based on an image detected by a detection section; and a positioning mechanism configured to drive and control a relative position of the imaging section and the table. The positioning mechanism calculates a relative position of the imaging section to the table, based on an information with respect to an edge line direction of a convex portion or an extending direction of a concave portion in the measurement area of the object having a repetitive concave-convex shape, to move at least one of the table and the imaging section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: NIKON CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130097865
    Abstract: A trajectory extracting step of extracting a relative movement trajectory of each convex tooth pin of a mating gear with respect to a concave-convex gear at the time when torque is transmitted between the mating gear (fixed shaft) and the concave-convex gear (nutation gear) and a machining step of, when the concave-convex gear is machined on a concave tooth forming face of a disc-shaped workpiece on which the concave teeth have not been machined, moving at least one of the disc-shaped workpiece and a working tool such that a relative movement trajectory of the working tool with respect to the disc-shaped workpiece coincides with the relative movement trajectory of each convex tooth pin with respect to the concave-convex gear, extracted in the trajectory extracting step, are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ando, Masayuki Takeshima, Ikuko Hirota
  • Publication number: 20130055540
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a miffing, cutting or grinding tool of a spectacle lens frame machining unit, for which a) in a first machining step, prior to shaping an edge or surface shape RF by the milling, cutting or grinding tool, the lens is measured by an optical measuring device, b) the shaping of an edge or surface shape RF is carried out by the milling, cutting or grinding tool, c) the generated edge or surface shape RF is measured by the optical measuring device, d) a deviation between the surface or edge shape RF so produced and the desired surface or edge shape target values is determined, and e) the tool is calibrated at least by adjusting the control variables. The invention further relates to a device for the initial working of edges, chamfers and/or grooves at the edges of lenses, wherein an optical measuring system for measuring surface or edge shapes RF and/or edges K of the lens prior to and/or after machining the lens is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER GMBH & CO. KG.
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Torsten Gerrath
  • Patent number: 8388223
    Abstract: A method for measuring the temperature at various locations in a furnace adapted to heat-treat a metal part commences by placing one or more devices at various location within the furnace. Each device is an inorganic/metallic skeletal structure residual from firing a mixture of binder and one or more of inorganic or metallic particles at a temperature that chars the binder to form the inorganic/metallic skeletal structure of a determined shape. A physical parameter of the skeletal structure determined shape is monitored after firing of the furnace. Then, the monitored physical parameter is compared to a plot of temperature versus the physical parameter to determine the temperature of the furnace at the various locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation
    Inventors: Gary Childress, James Litzinger, Thomas McInnerney
  • Publication number: 20120288367
    Abstract: A turbocharger has a housing with at least one section that is divided in the longitudinal direction into at least two housing halves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Boening, Holger Faeth, Udo Schwerdel, Christian Uhlig
  • Patent number: 8302278
    Abstract: A method of separating a structure including a fragile zone delimiting two substructures to be separated, where at least one plane blade is advanced in a separation plane corresponding to a median plane of the fragile zone, from an entry edge of the structure in a direction of advance toward an exit edge of the structure, so as to cause progressive separation of the two substructures, and where the inclination of the blade in the separation plane is varied relative to the direction of advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Marc Zussy, Léa Di Cioccio, Christophe Morales, Hubert Moriceau
  • Patent number: 8291564
    Abstract: An assembly adapted to access a weld extending circumferentially around a core shroud of a nuclear reactor, wherein the core shroud is contained in a pressure vessel reactor, the assembly including: a baffle plate rail having a lower surface adapted to abut a baffle plate in a gap between the core shroud and the pressure vessel reactor; a telescoping rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the baffle plate rail, and a reciprocating rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the telescoping rail, wherein the reciprocating rail includes at least one of a weld conditioning tool, a weld inspection sensor and a weld repair device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: William Dale Jones, Mark Broaddus, Miguel Zamarripa, Jamie Magdaleno
  • Patent number: 8276260
    Abstract: A positioning device is provided for positioning of a spring leg and a shock damper motor axis when a connection to a body-shaped pieces of a suspension promoter suspended coach industry unit with a mounting stored chassis unit of the vehicle, with the positioning device includes an attachment element Fixture for fixing the direction positioning to mount one of the fixture resistance element jointed affiliated gripping central carrier with a gripper attached to appropriation reach of the spring leg and shock damper, with the gripping means by moving the grief-structural funds his joints in a rest medium defined rest positions to warden can be brought, namely a working position in which the grief by the central taken one spring leg or shock absorbers positioned, and the suspension strut or shock absorbers are not positioned normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Köhler, Olaf Recha
  • Publication number: 20120243097
    Abstract: An optical system includes an optical element that has a surface on which a plurality of sub-wavelength structure bodies are formed; and an imaging device that has an imaging region which senses light via the optical element, wherein the surface of the optical element has one or two or more sections that scatter incident light and generate scattered light, and wherein a sum total of components of the scattered light reaching the imaging region is smaller than a sum total of components thereof reaching regions other than the imaging region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya Hayashibe, Yutaka Muramoto, Hiroshi Tazawa, Shunichi Kajiya, Yu Nomura, Sohmei Endoh, Takashi Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 8261420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus of reducing stress during stent manufacture. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for expanding a stent using primarily radial loads thereby reducing the stresses that are generated due to the axial loads applied during loading of the stent onto a mandrel or other expansion device. The method of the invention provides for the stepwise expansion of shape memory stents, while reducing the overall stresses that the stent encounters, and thereby improving manufacturing yields due to fractured struts during expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Randolf Von Oepen, Travis Richard Yribarren, Richard Roy Newhauser, Rainer Bregulla
  • Patent number: 8161628
    Abstract: An assembling device for attaching a light guide plate and a reflecting member together is provided. The assembling device includes a first receiving member and a second receiving member. The first receiving member defines a first recess therein for accommodating the light guide plate. The second receiving member defines a second recess therein for accommodating the reflecting member. The assembling device has an open position and a closed position. The light guide plate is capable of being loaded in the first recess and the reflecting member is capable of being loaded in the second recess when the assembling device is in the open position. The first receiving member and the second receiving member are aligned with and parallel to each other when the assembling device is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8141236
    Abstract: An apparatus for removal of retentive mechanisms retaining a cover of a component device. The apparatus includes a structure. The apparatus also includes a component device positioner coupled to the structure. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of retentive mechanism removers coupled with the structure. Each of the plurality of retentive mechanism removers are configured for interoperability with each retention mechanism retaining a cover of a component device having a plurality of retention mechanisms disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a drive mechanism that is coupled with the structure. The drive mechanism is for rotation of each of the plurality of retentive mechanism removers, causing removal of each retention mechanism retaining the cover of the component device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Khaled M. Fawzi, Chandrasekaran Nagappan
  • Patent number: 8132316
    Abstract: A tappet clearance setting apparatus includes a screwdriver, a pneumatic portion, and a controller. The screwdriver engages the tappet screw and the pneumatic portion provides a monitored and air flow through an engine cylinder. The controller directs the screwdriver to tighten the tappet until the air flow through the cylinder is indicative of a valve opening. The controller then directs the screwdriver to reverse directions until the sensed air flow indicates that the valve has closed, which further indicates that the tappet screw is in a reference position. From the reference position, the controller directs the screwdriver to loosen the tappet a predetermined amount to establish the desired tappet clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brent Rankin, Marc McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20120014759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, David Hassan Amirehteshami
  • Publication number: 20110296669
    Abstract: The present invention is a comprehensive system, method, and apparatus for marking tools, and other related objects, to be able to quickly identify the nearest size tool, or other object, regardless of the standard a tool, or other object, is manufactured according to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Jack L. Marovets
  • Patent number: 8006364
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the lowest workpiece from a stack of a plurality of substantially similar workpieces. A horizontal shuttle has a lip on its edge, and is driven in one direction to remove the lip from a void beneath the stack, thereby permitting the stack to fall. The lowest workpiece drops into the void, and the next higher workpiece rests on the upper surface of the shuttle lip. The shuttle is subsequently reversed to drive the workpiece into a slot in a vertical clamp body. The clamp body is driven downwardly, thereby driving the workpiece downwardly, to be acted upon by a secondary device, such as a conventional degating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: The Schnipke Family, LLC
    Inventor: Brian T. Doepker
  • Patent number: 8006374
    Abstract: A paperclip fastening apparatus includes paperclips each having a first half loop, a second half loop and an inner half loop. A support has an upper surface, a front end and a rear end. A track is positioned in the upper surface. A driving plate is positioned on the upper surface and is slidably movable toward and away from the front end. A housing, containing the paperclips, is attached to the support and the driving plate is slidable through the housing and engages a lowermost one of the paperclips positioned in the housing. The driving plate engages the paperclips and pushes them outwardly of the housing toward the front end while a flange on the house engages the first half loop to lift the first half loop to allow one or more sheets of paper to be placed between the first half loop and the inner half loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Salvator G. Zangari
  • Publication number: 20110186321
    Abstract: A pneumatic impact device and method provide a high powered striking force against a target object. The device includes a core shell that houses a piston sub-assembly and a sear arm sub-assembly, and that further defines a forward gas chamber and a rearward gas chamber. The rearward gas chamber is loaded with compressed fluid via a handle actuator. A mostly external sear trigger assembly responds to the impact of a striker plate against the target object, thereby releasing a sear arm that then releases a piston, which is then accelerated forward by the compressed fluid charge. The device can be re-set manually via compressed fluid (e.g., air) in one embodiment, or automatically via a spring mechanism in another embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Scott E. Chambers, Rick Rahim
  • Patent number: 7958612
    Abstract: A low-pressure process apparatus for processing a substrate comprises a base, a stage, a housing and at least one first roller set. The stage is disposed on the base for supporting the substrate. The housing is detachably disposed on the base moving between a first position and a second position, wherein when the housing is in a first position, the housing and the base form a chamber to receive the stage. When the housing is detached, the first roller set contacts and supports the housing to facilitate movement thereof in a first horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Ting-Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 7959870
    Abstract: An unloading device includes: a separator connected to a suction hose connected to the reactor and to another suction hose connected to a vacuum car, the separator separating a catalyst sucked from the reactor by the vacuum car from air; a flexible container bag for storing the catalyst dropped from the separator; and a dumping hose provided between the separator and the flexible container bag for transferring the catalyst dropped from the separator to the flexible container bag. The separator includes a blower unit for blowing a gas to the catalyst unloaded in the separator body toward a lower cone and a cover that openably closes a catalyst outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Softard Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Yanokuchi, Keiichi Yamaguchi, Masayuki Kidokoro, Katsuhiko Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20110036216
    Abstract: A system for marking rotationally operated tools to indicate direction. Said tools incorporate green indicia to indicate clockwise motion and/or tightening of right hand threaded implements, i.e. nuts, bolts, screws, drill bits, pipes, fasteners, fittings, etc. and red indicia to indicate counterclockwise motion and/or loosening of right hand threaded fasteners fittings and other spirally operated implements. Also a tool marked as previously indicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Richard W. Cobbs, Patrick C. Cobbs
  • Publication number: 20110000077
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for making motor vehicle component assemblies of the type having a plurality of previously formed and interconnected elements. A machining tool is supported on an outer end of a pivotable robot arm. A workpiece fixture selectively supports the motor vehicle component assembly, and is pivotal about at least one axis to accurately, yet movably position the motor vehicle component assembly relative to the machining tool for machining portions of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Stefan Hilgenberg, Bernhard Bloms, Leonhard Meier
  • Publication number: 20100296888
    Abstract: A method of placing a bottom block includes: placing bottom blocks on a block storage area in which a spindle can hold the bottom blocks; attaching a block-transferring tool to the spindle, the block-transferring tool having a main shaft attachment attached to the spindle and a block holder for holding the bottom block; and holding the bottom blocks by the block holder of the block-transferring tool and placing the held bottom blocks on a predetermined workpiece placing position on an upper surface of a table by relative movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Kouichi KATOH
  • Publication number: 20100043193
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mass-productive automatic rhinestone attachment apparatus. More particularly, disclosed is a mass-productive automatic rhinestone attachment apparatus capable of performing mass-productive processes for the attachment of symmetrical or asymmetrical rhinestone using a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Kwang Teak Choi
  • Patent number: 7634853
    Abstract: Two or more plates, each having a matching alignment hole, are precisely aligned and mated together by an aligning and clamping device that includes: (a) a plurality of movable aligning fingers, retraction means for causing the aligning fingers to move into a retracted state where they occupy a first volumetric space sufficiently small to allow the two or more plates to be moved over the retracted fingers so as to have their respective alignment holes surrounding the retracted aligning fingers; (b) expansion means for use after the plates have been moved over the fingers, the expansion means urging the fingers to expand outwardly to occupy a second volumetric space greater than the first volumetric space such that the fingers begin to contact and begin to improve co-alignment between the surrounding alignment holes; and (d) clamping means for use after the alignment holes of the plates have begun to come into improved co-alignment, the clamping means applying a clamping force for clamping the two or more mate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Precision Machining, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090282669
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus of reducing stress during stent manufacture. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for expanding a stent using primarily radial loads thereby reducing the stresses that are generated due to the axial loads applied during loading of the stent onto a mandrel or other expansion device. The method of the invention provides for the stepwise expansion of shape memory stents, while reducing the overall stresses that the stent encounters, and thereby improving manufacturing yields due to fractured struts during expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Randolf von Oepen, Travis Richard Yribarren, Richard Roy Newhauser, Rainer Bregulla
  • Patent number: 7565743
    Abstract: A reactor cartridge includes a plurality of spaced-apart monoliths, formed along a tube or other mandrel. Each monolith is formed of a pair of flat and corrugated metal strips, spirally wound around the tube. These strips could be made of solid or screen material. The corrugations are skewed, such that the monolith imparts a swirl to gases flowing through it. The corrugations of the strips in adjacent monoliths are oriented differently, so that successive monoliths impart different swirls to the gases, so as to promote mixing of gases and better heat transfer from the exterior to the interior of the cartridge. An insertion and removal tool simplifies the procedure for stacking such cartridges in a long pipe, or for removing cartridges from the pipe. The all-metal construction facilitates heat transfer through the entire reactor, and avoids the problems associated with packed ceramic beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Catacel Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randy Bartos
  • Publication number: 20080295312
    Abstract: A method of making a component of a spinal fixation system. The method may comprise providing a mixture of a powder of at least one metal or metal alloy and a polymeric binder. A metal-injection-molding process may use the mixture to form a component for a spinal fixation system. The components may have varying flexibility across their cross-sections. Also, components are provided that are produced by this process, such as spinal fixation rods and plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Fred Molz, Hai H. Trieu
  • Publication number: 20080280180
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a fuel cell component in which a deposition mechanism deposits loading material particles onto the fuel cell component and an actuation mechanism actuates the deposition mechanism. A unit provides a tape fixing agent to the fuel cell component and loaded material particles so as to retain the particles on the fuel cell component. Other fuel components are retained to the fuel cell component also using a tape fixing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Salvador E. Correa, Thomas M. Lucas, Lawrence J. Novacco
  • Publication number: 20080256766
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamping device which can resiliency clamp an item. The claming device comprises a W-shaped metallic member to impart resilience for clamping an item, and a casing member having the metallic member embedded therein. The casing member is formed of a polymeric material through injection-molding to prevent corrosion of the metallic member while enhancing an appearance of the clamping device. A mould for the clamping device, and a method for manufacturing the same are also disclosed. Since the metallic member for imparting resilience is embedded in the casing member, the clamping device can be easily manufactured as a single component, remarkably reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, the metallic member is prevented from being corroded, whereby the clamping device has a remarkably enhanced endurance as well as a compact structure and a high quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Gye Youl Kim
  • Publication number: 20080147120
    Abstract: A method of making a component of a spinal fixation system. The method may comprise providing a mixture of a powder of at least one metal or metal alloy and a polymeric binder. A metal-injection-molding process may use the mixture to form a component for a spinal fixation system. The components may have varying flexibility across their cross-sections. Also, components are provided that are produced by this process, such as spinal fixation rods and plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Fred Molz, Hai H. Trieu
  • Publication number: 20080115339
    Abstract: An apparatus including a composite structure forming tool having a circumferential core, a first endplate and a second endplate, at least one extended flange shoe having a first side and a second side, the first side removeably coupled to the first endplate, and at least one flange shoe removeably coupled to the second side of the extended flange shoe such that when a composite structure preform having at least one mounting flange preform is fabricated about the composite structure forming tool and the extended flange shoe and flange shoe are removeably coupled, a cavity is formed about the mounting flange preform by the extended flange shoe and flange shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Lee Alan Blanton, Curt Brian Curtis, Lori Renee McGrath, Paul Edward Wilkerson, Ming Xie
  • Patent number: 7373709
    Abstract: A method of installing a threaded fastener from one side of a hole through a substrate. The fastener includes a collar and a bolt having a head, a threaded tail portion and a tool engagement portion extending from the tail. The method includes: (a) engaging the tool engagement portion with a bolt engagement portion of a tool (b) passing the bolt through to the far side of the hole and supporting it there by way of the tool, (c) passing the collar through the hole while supporting it with the tool; (d) assembling the bolt and collar to form the threaded fastener having a head larger than the hole; (e) engaging a nut to tighten the fastener; and (f) detaching the tool from the fastener. Separation of the bolt engagement portion and the tool engagement portion is prevented by a moveable member, which engages both portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: GEF Holdings Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Saman Fernando, Jianwen Wang, Hugh Richard Coleman
  • Patent number: 7310867
    Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a belled, socket end of a plastic pipe. The groove in the plastic pipe is preformed during manufacture and the gasket is installed thereafter. The gasket nominal diameter exceeds the internal diameter of the belled pipe end. A special installation tool is used to pull the gasket from an initially deformed, elliptical shape to a normal cylindrical shape. The installation tool uses only one fluid cylinder for power and can be hand installed and operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradford G. Corbett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070257033
    Abstract: A seal member internally seals a depressurized chamber constructed by joining a plurality of plates. The seal member includes a linear portion for sealing a linear joint of the depressurized chamber and a loop portion for sealing around a corner of the depressurized chamber by being pressed against internal walls of the plates forming the corner. The loop portion is arranged to enclose the corner of the depressurized chamber. The loop portion is fixed by using a support block held at the corner and a corner pressing member joined to the plates forming the corner. The loop portion is secured between a support surface of the support block and the corner pressing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Youhei YAMADA
  • Patent number: 7275293
    Abstract: A fuel line assembly tool and method for repairing or creating replacement fuel lines. An exemplary embodiment of this tool uses a squeeze operated plunger to insert a fitting into a length of synthetic flexible tubing by holding the parts and plunger in alignment for accurate and direct insertion. Another exemplary embodiment uses specially adapted fittings assembled in a kit for use in creating replacement fuel lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: S.U.R. & R. Auto Parts Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Wathey