Associating Parts By Use Of Aligning Means (e.g., Use Of A Drift Pin Or A "fixture") Patents (Class 29/464)
  • Publication number: 20040177487
    Abstract: A method of assembling a developing apparatus comprises, forming a recess in the outer circumference of a pair of holding members, fitting a first positioning pin of an adjustment jig into the recess without a clearance, after the fitting, fitting a concave support member on a second positioning pin without a clearance, and positioning and mounting them, after the fitting, separating the first and second positioning pins of the adjustment jig from the recess and the support member, after the separation, assembling a pair of holding members in one body with a predetermined interval, and after the assembly, mounting a plurality of developing rollers by fitting both ends of the center shaft into the recess of the pair of holding members and the concave support member, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Eiji Gumbe
  • Patent number: 6789301
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing the spotting of one or more movable cores to mating portions of a mold. The present invention provides for the placement of a mold on a support structure and the releasable connection of each movable core to a force exerting device. The force exerting device allows for controlled and repeatable movement of the movable core or cores to which the force exerting device is attached. The present invention preferably also allows each movable core being spotted to be set to, and retracted from the mold, to a position where adjustments may be made to the movable core and/or the mating portion of the mold without removing the movable core therefrom. The present invention, therefore, provides for a higher quality and more efficient spotting of movable mold cores than is currently possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael A. Luke, G. David Reffitt, Hiroshi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20040163230
    Abstract: A method of assembling a grommet, comprising the steps of: providing a grommet assembling jig which has a mounting portion and a guide portion; providing a first division body which has a seal portion; providing a second division body which has a fixing portion, the first division body and the second division body constituting the grommet; mounting the first division body on the grommet assembling jig so that the seal portion is fitted on the mounting portion; arranging a wire harness on the first division body; and assembling the second division body with the first division body by guiding the guide portion to the fixing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshio Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040163632
    Abstract: An ignition coil cassette having bushings retained by an irregularity of the bushings being encased by epoxy. As a result, the process by which the bushings are installed into the ignition coil cassette avoids the cost associated with the overmolding installation process, and further avoids the potential for damage associated with the ultrasonic insertion process. The irregularity is located generally adjacent one end of each of the bushings and may be, for example, in the form of an undercut or a protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Albert Anthony Skinner, Kenneth P. Senseman, Colin Hamer, Raymond O. Butler
  • Patent number: 6779242
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge is provided, in which the mating of the lower half and the upper half can be easily performed and which is applicable to automated assembly, when the magnetic tape cartridge having a sliding door is assembled. The rib projects from the upper section of the first guide wall in the direction of the opposite second guide wall. On the other hand, the groove, which faces the rib, is carved on the inner side surface of the sliding door. The rib engages with the groove, thereby restricting the vertical displacement of the sliding door. Also, the engagement of the rib and the groove guides the sliding door in the guide channel freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Hatano, Hidetoshi Yamamoto, Hideaki Shiga, Kouta Kitamura, Seiji Tsuyuki, Yusuke Ishihara
  • Patent number: 6779272
    Abstract: A method for assembling wings includes supporting a pair of wing spars, which include a plurality of coordination features, upon a pair of stanchions in a generally horizontal position. A plurality of ribs and wing panels are accurately fastened to the pair of wing spars at a first workstation using the coordination features to position accurately the parts. The combination is transferred to downstream workstations via a ground transport vehicle for further processing and assembly to define a pulsed flow wing assembly system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Dan D. Day, Clayton L. Munk, Luis A. Perla, Harry E. Townsend
  • Patent number: 6775897
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a large format workpiece includes first and second sets of support units on opposite sides of the workpiece. Each support unit includes a support arm carrying individual mounting fixtures such as suction units for suction-holding the workpiece. The support arm is pivotably mounted on a support column, which in turn is movable along a floor-mounted rail. A riveting machine includes an upper tool and a lower tool that are movable parallel to the floor-mounted rail. To make space for the machine to set rivets in the area that is supported by a given support arm, that support arm is released from the workpiece and moved away to allow the machine to carry out its riveting cycle at that area, while the greatest possible number of the other support units simultaneously remain in place and continue to support the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Airbus Deutschland GmbH, Broetje-Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Wolf, Fredo Eisenhauer, Gerhard Holtmeier, Hartwig Pluemer
  • Patent number: 6775898
    Abstract: A positioning device for setting the scanning distance between a scanning element and a scale of a position measuring device, the positioning device including a first part that is fixed in at least one direction of motion along a scanning distance directly or indirectly to the scale and a second part is fixed in at least one direction of motion along the scanning distance directly or indirectly to the scanning element, wherein the first or second part is displaceable relative to the other part in the direction of the scanning distance, and the displacement distance is defined. The first or second part includes a receptacle that is clamped to a face, extending in the direction of the scanning distance, of the scale or to a support of the scale, or to the scanning element or to a support of the scanning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schroter, Horst Röder
  • Publication number: 20040143955
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a shaft to a golf club head is disclosed. The club head is positioned in a club head alignment device of the apparatus, which further includes a holding device and a press device with a jaw mechanism. A ferrule and a sleeve are placed on the tip end of the shaft, and the butt end is inserted into the holding device. The tip end of the shaft and the sleeve are inserted into a tapered bore in the hosel of the club head. The jaw mechanism of the press device is then enclosed around the shaft, and the press device is operated to force the sleeve further into the tapered hosel bore. The club head and partially attached shaft are then removed from the apparatus, and the ferrule is secured to the hosel to completely attach the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventors: Konrad Lenhof, Jerry V. Blanke
  • Patent number: 6766569
    Abstract: Jigs (52 to 57) are respectively set on upper and lower holders (21, 31) of a button attaching apparatus instead of upper and lower dies; relative position of the upper and the lower holders (21, 31) is adjusted while upper and lower springs (211, 317) are disabled; while the upper spring (211) is kept disabled, the lower spring (317) having stronger biasing force is enabled to adjust the lower spring; and the upper spring (211) is enabled to adjust the upper spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Okada
  • Publication number: 20040139591
    Abstract: To align the edges of plates prior to joining them, a generally cylindrical anchor member is spot welded at one location on one of its rims to a plate. A mounting element of a clamp body member slidably engages the anchor member. A force applicator element of the clamp body member is generally laterally spaced from the mounting element. The mounting element includes a generally arcuately extended semi-cylindrical socket portion of such a diameter that it slidably and snugly mounts the socket portion thereon. The rim portions of the anchor member provide a plurality of spot mounting locations for breakably spot welding, brazing or otherwise temporarily attaching the anchor member to a plate or other substrate. At least one of the force applicator or mounting elements is adapted to the incremental application of aligning force on adjacent plates. The body of the clamp bridges between the respective plates that are to be brought into line with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Valtra, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Moreno
  • Patent number: 6763569
    Abstract: A data card drawer for installing a data card, such as a compact flash card, into a device that uses data cards. Devices that use data cards include, for example, medical devices, and more particularly defibrillators. The data card drawer electrically isolates the data card from the user when the user is installing or removing the data card from the device. The data card drawer may also be formed to provide a closure to the opening in the device housing provided to receive the data card. Further, the data card drawer may be formed to prevent damaging pins located on a pin connector within the receiving device which communicate data with the data card. The data card drawer preferably mates with the device to prevent ingress and egress of foreign matter and moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Alan P Greenstein, Daniel J Powers
  • Patent number: 6763564
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling a fan grill to a shroud of a fan housing. The apparatus includes a support structure having a moveable carriage disposed in a horizontal plane. The moveable carriage is adapted to align and carry the fan grill and shroud combination. A clamping structure is moveably attached to the support structure and has clamps adapted to clamp the fan grill and shroud combination in a fixed position. A plurality of automatic drivers attached to the clamping structure are moveable in a direction transverse to the horizontal plane of the carriage. The automatic drivers drive a plurality of fasteners into the fan grill and shroud combination. The moveable carriage may be adapted to carry more than one fan grill and shroud combination to allow an operator to load a second fan grill and shroud combination onto the carriage while a first fan grill and shroud combination is engaged by the drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lakewood Engineering and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Andrei Ilies
  • Patent number: 6760964
    Abstract: The key pad assembly includes a housing that attaches to a secure container. The housing has a front wall, and a key pad attaches to the front face of the front wall. A cylindrical side wall extends back from the front wall. The side wall is truncated at an angle to angle the front face to the door. Where the side wall is widest, which should be at the bottom of the housing, the side wall has a removable section through which a battery can be inserted. A cable extends through an opening in the front face from the key pad to a circuit board that mounts the combination sensing circuit. The cable is flat with multiple electric conductors and a slot. When the key pad and circuit board are properly assembled, the cable slot fits over a fixed pin in the housing. The pin secures the cable so that it is not pulled from its connection with the key pad or the circuit board. Other pins within the housing mount the circuit board. Parallel walls from the rear of the front face create a cavity for the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: U-Code, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus W. Gartner
  • Patent number: 6757956
    Abstract: A method for constructing a box spring/foundation frame utilizes a template that is angled relative to and spaced above the ground. A plurality of frame elements are placed on the template, and a fastening machine is manually operated to attach the frame elements together with fasteners to form the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Denver Mattress Co., LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Koch, Fedor Y. Belits
  • Publication number: 20040117971
    Abstract: A part according to the invention is designed so that a plurality of parts each identical to the part are arranged in the same attitude in parallel with a part moving direction on a guide (40), and includes projections (10f5, 10f6) for pushing abutment surface (10f7) provided on a preceding part placed on the guide, while maintaining the attitude of the preceding part, and an abutment surface (10f7) to be pushed by projections (10f5, 10f6) provided on a succeeding part placed on the guide. The projections and the abutment surface are provided in an area of the part, which area is selected to avoid an area required to have dimensional precision. Accordingly, it is possible to supply the part to an assembly process without causing damage to the area required to have dimensional precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Sato, Yoshiyuki Batori, Takeshi Arimitsu, Masanari Morioka
  • Publication number: 20040117969
    Abstract: A tool (T) facilitates the installation of a hub/bearing assembly (B) on a CV joint (F) during the assembly of an automotive vehicle. The hub/bearing assembly has a housing (4), a hub (6) provided with a spindle (20) that projects into the housing, and a bearing (8) between the spindle and housing to enable the hub to rotate in the housing. The spindle contains an internal spline (34) which mates with an external spline (72) located on a half-shaft (68) of the CV joint, when the hub/bearing assembly is fitted to the CV joint, but the universal movement of the CV joint makes fitting difficult in the absence of the tool. The tool has a sleeve (90) which fits into the spline of the hub spindle and over a reduced end (74) that projects beyond the spline on the half-shaft. It aligns the two splines so that the hub is simply pushed off the sleeve and over the spline of the half-shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Michael C. Avery, John D Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20040117970
    Abstract: A part (18c) according to the invention has a plurality of abutment portions (71a, 71b and 71c) which come into abutment with an upper-side part in a guide (76) and support the upper-side part, and a plurality of receiving portions (72a, 72b and 72c) with which a plurality of abutment portions provided on a lower-side part in the guide are brought into abutment. The center of gravity of the part is disposed inside a region surrounded by the plurality of abutment portions. Accordingly, it is possible to convey parts to an assembly line without causing damage to the regions of the parts that are required to have dimensional precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Ogino, Takeshi Arimitsu, Yoshiyuki Batori, Masanari Morioka, Ken Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6751838
    Abstract: The pipe coupler tool has a tool body with first and second ends and a tool body central axis. A first primary bore section is coaxial with the central axis and extends into the tool body from the first end. A second primary bore section is coaxial with the central axis and extends into the tool body from the second end. A secondary bore is coaxial with the central axis, extends axially from the first to the second primary sections and has a secondary bore diameter that is larger than the diameter of the first and second primary bore sections. First and second coupler end walls are provided at each end of the secondary bore section. A slot extending the length of the tool has sections with minimum widths that are slightly less than the diameter of the bore sections to which they are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Carter
    Inventor: Sam W. Carter
  • Patent number: 6745450
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading solder balls into a mold. Solder balls are loaded into a reservoir having multiple exit ports. A removable mold is fitted into the apparatus and the reservoir is passed across the top of the mold while solder balls are fed into cavities in the mold. After the reservoir has advanced across the mold and the mold cavities are filled with solder balls, the reservoir is reset as a roller is simultaneously guided across the mold to seat the solder balls firmly within the mold. Alternatively, the roller may be applied to the solder balls while the reservoir advances across the mold, or both as the the reservoir is advanced and when it is returned to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Lannie R. Bolde
  • Publication number: 20040104331
    Abstract: The present invention relates to construction forms and more specifically to a device for making concrete forms for making stairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Leroy J. Rellergert
  • Patent number: 6742234
    Abstract: A method includes providing an apparatus that includes a scoring device for making transverse score lines on a roll of sheet material, a dimpler device or dimpler roller for making dimples adjacent the score lines at predetermined width locations, and a rollformer adapted to continuously form the sheet material into a tubular shape with channels. A welder is positioned in line with the rollformer and is adapted to weld the tubular shape into a permanent tube. A break off device positioned in line with the rollformer is adapted to break off sections of the tube at the score lines as the permanent tube exits the rollformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Shape Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Rosasco, Douglas L. Witte, Peter Sturrus
  • Publication number: 20040093713
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for assembling an aircraft wheel or brake (10) component on an axle (26) of an undercarriage in which a holder (12) is provided for the component along with a lifting device (28). The lifting device is used to lift the holder with the component therein to a position where the component is substantially in axial alignment with the axle. Once in that position, assembly of the component on the axle can take place by moving the component axially on to the axle. The holder can then be lowered away from the assembled component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Laird, Richard Dawes
  • Patent number: 6735878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for centring a wheel, especially a cycle wheel. The values of the lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out of the wheel rim are measured. The lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out of the wheel rim are then eliminated by rotating the spoke nipple. The lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out are determined by means of measuring devices which can be fixed to a centring stand and which comprise pointer mechanisms (18 and/or 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Lie
  • Patent number: 6732418
    Abstract: A method of constructing a rail track on a concrete slab, in which method the concrete slab is poured around anchor members for fixing tie plates supporting rails of the rail track, includes the following steps: suspending temporary tie plates at the location where the tie plates supporting the rail track are to be placed, the temporary tie plates supporting anchor members to be partly embedded in the concrete and including vents for evacuating air trapped under the bottom face of the temporary tie plate when pouring the concrete slab, pouring a concrete slab up to the height of the temporary tie plates, removing the temporary tie plates after the concrete slab has dried, and placing the tie plates supporting the rails accurately in their final position and fixing the tie plates to the anchor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventor: Nicolas Rada
  • Publication number: 20040083594
    Abstract: A ride plate positioning mechanism for a personal watercraft can reduce the burden on an operator during assembly, and can also raise manufacturing productivity. In a ride plate positioning mechanism 30 of a personal watercraft 10, a portion of a bottom wall 15a of a stern 15, that is located below a water jet propeller 17, is formed from a ride plate 31 removable from a craft body 11. Further, a pair of left and right positioning projections 32, 32 are formed integrally on the ride plate 31, while a pair of left and right tab stops 33, 33 corresponding to the positioning projections 32 are provided on the craft body 11 side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomohiro Fuse
  • Patent number: 6729119
    Abstract: A means and method for inserting drivers into a surgical stapling cartridge, including a pallet that holds the cartridge firmly. The pallet has a central slot and laterally positioned lip members that are biased toward the slot. The cartridge is positioned in the slot and the lip members are released to extend their lips over the lateral flanges on the cartridge, thereby holding the cartridge in position. A finger extends into a recess formed at one end of the cartridge, thereby positively positioning the cartridge in the slot. The cartridge is released for removal by a tongue inserted between the lip members, thereby separating them by displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: The Schnipke Family Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Schnipke, David B. Erhart
  • Patent number: 6729008
    Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle body includes a step of positioning a pair of front side members so that a span between the front side members is adjusted at a first design span, a step of connecting a pair of hood-ledge reinforcements with hood ledges fixed to the front side members, respectively, while keeping the first design span, so that a span between each hood-ledge reinforcement and each front side member is substantially equal to a second design span; a step of positioning again the front side members connected to the hood-ledge reinforcements so that the span between the front side members is adjusted at the first design span; and a step of attaching a front-end module to the vehicle body while keeping the first design span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoya Nishijima
  • Patent number: 6729681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an end module assembly for installation on a motor vehicle and a method for assembling the same. The assembly comprises an exterior fascia configured to comprise a portion of a vehicle body when the assembly is installed on the vehicle. An external visible component is configured to be positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the fascia with surfaces thereof facing exteriorly of the fascia. The external component is positioned relative to the fascia such that the position controlling portion guides the external component into the predetermined orientation and supports the component thereat, thereby allowing the assembly to be installed on the vehicle without requiring reorientation of the component. The present invention also relates to a loading fixture for installing a front end module assembly onto a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Yustick
  • Publication number: 20040070879
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes an opening 1C through which a magnetic tape is drawn out, and a slide door 6 that slides along a sidewall 1D provided with the opening 1C to open and close the opening 1C. The opening 1C is provided in part of the sidewall 1D across a lower half 1A and an upper half 1B of the cartridge case 1. At least one of a lower half portion and an upper half portion of the sidewall is provided with a holding groove 1L that receives a front end portion 6A of the slide door 6 when the opening is closed. Therefore, the upper half 1B and the lower half 1A of the magnetic tape cartridge may be smoothly combined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Yamamoto, Kenji Ishikawa, Yusuke Ishihara, Naoki Okutsu
  • Patent number: 6711800
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching vehicle doors to a body such that the doors are attachable without further adjustment. A net body coordinate system is established for a welded vehicle frame, and upper and lower locating slots are pierced in hinge pillars of the vehicle frame relative to the net body coordinate system. An offline fixture is provided for setting upper and lower door hinges cross-car and forming a locating nubbin in the hinges relative to a door. The door is attached to the vehicle frame by engaging the locating nubbins in the door hinges with the locating slots in the vehicle hinge pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Utica Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Savoy
  • Publication number: 20040056498
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided having a body being assembled by a joining process line from a plurality of workpieces joined into a plurality of subassemblies according to the steps of providing templates arranged in a predetermined alignment to form a process line, with each template being generated from a defined set of standardized task stations which are operative to perform a joining process on a workpiece of the subassemblies, fixturing workpieces in a workpiece presenter provided in the task stations, at least one workpiece presenter including a tooling plate removably connected and precision located on a platform of a workpiece presenter, and sequentially joining the workpieces together to form the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Abid Ghuman, John E. Robertson, James Wayne Lowe, Marsha J. Rosso, Michael W. Pitt
  • Publication number: 20040055134
    Abstract: A method enables a component to be secured within a tool for manufacture. The tool includes a fixture, a component locator, and a clamping member. The method includes fixedly coupling the component locator to the fixture, coupling the clamping member to the fixture, locating the component within the tool using the component locator such that the component is positioned for manufacture with respect to the fixture, securing the component within the tool between the component locator and the clamping member such that the component locator, the clamping member, and the component are fixedly secured in position for manufacture with respect to the fixture, and retaining the component in position with respect to the fixture using the component locator and the clamping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Jones, Jacques Juneau
  • Patent number: 6708393
    Abstract: A fixture and method for aligning a vehicle fender and door, particularly a fixture for an assembly line point that attaches to a vehicle door and moves a front edge of the door to a spacing element, attaches to a vehicle fender, moves the fender to the spacing element and to a pre-defined 3-dimensional relationship with the door, and holds the fender in the pre-defined relationship while the fender is secured in place on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Roy, Anthony J Osborne, John LeBlanc, Ronald R Moore, Larry Weatherall, Lawrence J Guc
  • Publication number: 20040052887
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a mold (100) in a press comprising a clamping plate (114, 116) comprising a wedge (172-175) and a support bracket (142-145) comprising a wedge receptacle. The wedge and the wedge receptacle act to direct the mold towards the face and vertical center f a press platen (122, 124).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Donald E. Casteel
  • Patent number: 6698079
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cardcage design. The improvements result from the formation of an integral cardcage side using a construction method involving precision punched sheet aluminum that is precision formed into final configuration. The integral cardcage side design provides ease of assembly for the cardcage while enhancing structural integrity, improves the alignment of circuit cards within the cardcage to the backplane, increases the airflow channels between the card guides, and adapts to incorporate additional features for airflow control. The manufacturability of the cardcage is greatly simplified by reducing the number of parts requiring assembly and by the use of simple and inexpensive tools and assembly techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Robert A. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6698077
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a display device patterns a conductive layer on a display substrate and forms pixel electrodes on the display substrate. A plate is employed for carrying separately fabricated active devices to the display substrate. The separately fabricated devices are connected to the conductive layers and the pixel electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Evan G. Colgan, Sung Kwon Kang, Robert L. Wisnieff
  • Patent number: 6694568
    Abstract: A hinge that has a first mounting base for attachment to a first hinged object. The hinge also has first and second hinge members pivotally connected together. The first hinge member and the first base are configured and dimensioned for cooperatively positioning and aligning the first hinge member in a plurality of mounted positions along the base length. At least one first locking member is associated with the first hinge member and the first base for locking the first hinge member to the first base in one of the mounted positions. The hinge may also be segmented. A positioning tool may be connected to at least the first base with an attachment portion and configured for positioning the first base and attachment portion on a first hinged object at a predetermined distance from the second hinge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Austin R. Baer
  • Patent number: 6694607
    Abstract: A cartridge positioning and holding mechanism has a fixed guide for positioning a single-open-ended cartridge when the single-open-ended cartridge is inserted in an axial direction thereof with a cap positioned ahead, and a movable chuck openable and closable for forming and holding the single-open-ended cartridge after a film coil is inserted into the single-open-ended cartridge in an axial direction of the spool of the film coil. The film coil can be inserted into the single-open-ended cartridge highly accurately and efficiently with a simple and small arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiaki Suzuki, Susumu Sato, Takayuki Kambara
  • Patent number: 6691395
    Abstract: A presetting table for preparing a system of converting tools in a stripping station of a converting press positions the following face to face, in a position simulating cantering along the machine axis and positioning at the first rule: the stripper-holder plate of an upper stripping die, a central stripping board and a replica of a pull-out frame carrying telescopic pins. The upper stripping die is prepared by using the central stripping board as a template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Bobst SA
    Inventors: Mauro Chiari, Sylvain Rebet
  • Patent number: 6691392
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X-Y-Z coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on said rigid body frame so that components may be attached to said automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Utica Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Savoy, John A. Kline
  • Patent number: 6687992
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a scroll compressor of the type including an electric motor in driving engagement with an orbiting scroll member having an orbiting scroll vane in a shell extending along an axis between open ends. The method includes the steps of orientating the fixed scroll member angularly about the axis of the shell relative to the orbiting scroll member, and pressing the fixed scroll member having a fixed scroll vane axially into sealing engagement with the shell and into a predetermined spaced relationship with the orbiting scroll member with the scroll vanes of the scroll members in axially overlapping relationship for pumping action between the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Quesada, Neil K. McCoy, Anton D. W. Heinrichs
  • Patent number: 6684502
    Abstract: A method for aligning a circular core. The method has a work station which defines an inner chucking portion being movable between a lower position and an upper position and a retracted position and an expanded position. The work station defines an upper portion being movable between a first position and a second position and a loading position and a clamping position. The clamping position has a plurality of positions. The circular core being aligned during at least a portion of the plurality of positions. And, the work station having a welding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc
    Inventors: Douglas R. Ervin, Leonard Holman, Robert M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6681474
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which wooden railroad ties are pre-plated prior to use in constructing and/or repairing railroad lines. Methodology disclosed comprises placing two plates on top of each of a succession of wooden ties, temporarily positioning disclosed one of the two plates on each tie with a distance or spacer template temporarily clamping the two plates accurately to the tie using a jig, starting a field spike and a gauge spike (usually with one or more sledge hammers) into each wooden tie through the selected apertures in each plate, and further driving the started spikes into the associated tie (usually using a jackhammer). Typically, the field spike is located outside the field flange of the plate and is driven until the head of the spike is contiguous with the plate. Typically, the gauge spike is displaced through an aperture in the gauge flange of the plate until the head is about 1½ inches above the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Ollendick, David Ollendick
  • Patent number: 6675456
    Abstract: Proper registration between layers of a laminated multi-layer interconnect can be achieved by precisely dimensioning the alignment plate, selecting the materials of which the alignment plate is composed to have the same thermal coefficient of expansion as the layers being laminated, and/or providing the alignment plate with pins sized to be equal to or larger the alignment/registration holes of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Pommer
  • Publication number: 20040003490
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for connecting a first tubular with a second tubular. The apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging the first tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. The apparatus also includes a spinner for rotating the first tubular. In one embodiment, the spinner includes a motor and one or more rotational members for engaging the first tubular. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a rotation counting member biased against the first tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting a first tubular to second tubular. The method includes engaging the first tubular using a gripping member connected to a conveying member and positioning the gripping member to align the first tubular with the second tubular. Thereafter, the first tubular is engaged with the second tubular, and the first tubular is rotated relative to the second tubular using the gripping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: David Shahin, Jeff Habetz
  • Patent number: 6671954
    Abstract: The rubber plug insertion apparatus 10 is provided with upper and lower rubber plug holders 36, 37 holding a rubber plug 14 which is to be mounted on the end of an electric wire 67, and upper and lower insertion guides 38, 39 for guiding the end of the electric wire 67, at the time of inserting the end of the electric wire 67 into a barrel hole 14A in the rubber plug 14 arranged in the upper and lower rubber plug holders 36, 37, By arranging the upper and lower insertion guides 38, 39 on the side opposite to one side where the end of the electric wire 67 is inserted into the upper and lower rubber plug holders 36, 37, a rubber plug insertion apparatus can be realized, wherein an electric wire can be reliably inserted into the rubber plug and defective insertion hardly occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Nomoto
  • Patent number: 6662421
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing a continuous track onto a track-driven vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first curved track engaging member, a second curved track engaging member and an elongated member connecting the first and second curved track engaging members in opposed relation. A method of installing a flexible drive track around the drive mechanism on a track-driven vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Joe Krippelz, Sr., Jacob Krippelz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6658716
    Abstract: The present invention provides an auxiliary tool for assembling a motor assembly to a wafer-deposition machine for supporting a wafer. The auxiliary tool facilitates easy and quick assembly of the motor assembly to the wafer-deposition machine. An aspect of the present invention is directed to an auxiliary tool for assembling a motor assembly to a wafer-deposition machine, wherein the motor assembly includes a plurality of first screw holes and the wafer-deposition machine includes a plurality of second screw holes corresponding to the first screw holes, respectively. The auxiliary tool comprises a plurality of locking members each having a substantially uniform dimension in a longitudinal direction and being configured to be inserted through one of the plurality of first screw holes of the motor assembly with a corresponding one of the plurality of second screw holes of the wafer-deposition machine to align the first screw hole with the corresponding second screw hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Mosel Vitelic, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhi-Zhao Tai, Wen-Kan Hu, Ching-Shun Fan, Li-Chun Liang
  • Publication number: 20030221305
    Abstract: The invention presented here describes a method of securely attaching accessories to the tailgates of pickup trucks. The preferred method of installation involves use of a positioning device to locate upper fastener(s) that insert blind into the accessory. Forward fasteners are then installed into a forward portion of the accessory to complete the installation. The positioning device may be either discarded or left in place after the installation of the accessory. Pickup truck tailgate accessories that can be mounted using the described attachment system include, among others, a tailgate mounted drag reducing aerostabilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Burg