Associating Parts By Use Of Aligning Means (e.g., Use Of A Drift Pin Or A "fixture") Patents (Class 29/464)
  • Patent number: 6503422
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a device for engaging and holding two ferrules of respective optical fiber connectors in axial alignment for transmission of a beam from the fiber of one ferrule to the other. A pair of ferrules made to close tolerances and having no fibers in their central, axial passageways are inserted into a corresponding pair of cylindrical split sleeves in end-to-end relation, and a precision gauge in the form of an elongated wire having a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the ferrule passageways is inserted therethrough. The two sleeves are then positioned and permanently fixed within a surrounding structure. In a first embodiment, the sleeves are placed in a mold cavity into which a potting agent is injected to surround the sleeves. When the potting agent hardens, it is removed, together with the sleeves, ferrules and gauge, from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: NuVisions International
    Inventors: Paul Chudoba, Jerome Polizzi
  • Publication number: 20020194721
    Abstract: A compensating device assembly and method for tolerating mis-alignment of a machine mounting on linear guides supported by a moving axis is disclosed. The compensating device includes a plurality of mounting blocks wherein the blocks include at least one datum block and at least three non datum blocks each attached to a support structure wherein the non datum blocks have error alignment element. The alignment element is provided by slots therein and sliding friction therebetween for errors in alignment between the blocks can be accommodated to thereby reduce the loads induced in the guides from misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Murray Forlong
  • Publication number: 20020157234
    Abstract: An installation apparatus is comprised of a pair of grasping brackets and an installation jig. The installation apparatus is employed to install a cockpit module in a vehicle body in a manner that the grasping brackets is detachably attached respectively to both end portions of a steering member of the cockpit module and that the installation jig grasps the grasping brackets and conveys the cockpit module to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sawada, Shigenori Toyonaga, Kouichi Ohira, Toshifumi Inoue, Masashi Matsumoto, Masanobu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020152602
    Abstract: A method of loading a clutch pack into a clutch drum. The clutch pack includes a plurality of friction plates between a plurality of reaction plates. Each reaction plate has a plurality of outside spline teeth slidably received in a corresponding plurality of straight spline grooves in a cylindrical wall of the drum. The method of loading the clutch pack into the drum includes the steps of forming annular seat on an outboard end of the cylindrical wall of the drum interrupted by a plurality of notches where the spline grooves intersect the annular seat, supporting the drum on a platform with the outboard end of the drum opening upward, supporting the clutch pack in a sleeve above the annular seat, releasing the clutch pack for vertical descent toward the sleeve until the outside spline teeth on the bottom one of the reaction plates engage the annular seat, and vibrating the drum at high frequency and low amplitude to induce rotation of the clutch pack within the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Krishna K. Relan, Sungchin Hong
  • Publication number: 20020152598
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a frame structure, a plurality of suction cups and a clamp assembly. The plurality of suction cups are coupled to the frame structure and are operable in an energized mode for securing the apparatus to a first structure. The clamp assembly is coupled to the frame structure and exerts a clamping force onto a second structure when the suction cups have secured the apparatus to the first structure. The clamping force is of sufficient magnitude to retain the second structure in a predetermined position relative to the first structure. An optional tool may be included to perform a desired operation and an optional conveyance mechanism may be employed to selectively position the tool relative the frame structure. A method for coupling a first structure to a second structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Branko Sarh
  • Patent number: 6467148
    Abstract: A producing method of a metal band of a metal belt for a belt-type continuously variable transmission includes the following steps of: superposing a predetermined number of blank rings concentrically on one another to constitute a laminated blank rings; fitting the laminated blank rings to an outer periphery of a circle jig made of material having higher thermal expansivity than that of the blank ring; heating the laminated blank rings together with the circle jig; and deforming the laminated blank rings plastically by thermal expansion of the circle jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Suzuki, Akira Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6457224
    Abstract: The invention provides a device, a dambar punch setup jig, which permits dambar punches to be rapidly installed in a dambar punch housing. The dambar punches are placed on the dambar punch setup jig, where their positions are fixed relative to one another. The dambar punches may be held in place on the dambar punch setup jig by a cover. Once installed in the dambar punch setup jig, the dambar punches can be simultaneously installed in the dambar punch housing. The dambar punch setup jig may then be removed, leaving the dambar punches installed in the dambar punch housing. The dambar punches are easier to install in the dambar punch setup jig then in the dambar punch housing, saving operator time. Using the jig substantially reduces the equipment downtime required to replace the dambar punches. The jig may also be used to remove dambar punches from the dambar punch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Adisorn Kanjanavikat
  • Patent number: 6453546
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembly multi-piston pumps such as the type used in air conditioning compressors. The conveyor is used to releasably retain the required number of pistons which is then moved to an assembly station wrapping the conveyor and pistons around a swashplate which is held there in place. The conveyor retains the pistons in the appropriate circumferential and radial positions about the swashplate. The cylinder block is in partially inserted over the pistons after which the conveyor can be moved back to the loading station releasing the pistons therefrom. After the pistons are released from the conveyor and held in place by the cylinder block the pistons may then be fully inserted into the cylinder block forming a pump subassembly which may then be used to form a complete pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Assembly Automation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Kennicott, Jerry A. DePoy
  • Publication number: 20020129483
    Abstract: A fixture for positioning at least two articles in a predetermined relationship generally consisting of a body having at least two abutment surfaces disposed in such predetermined relationship, each of the surfaces having a port closeable upon positioning one of the articles on the surface in abutting relation therewith, in a passageway communicating with the port and communicable with a vacuum source; and a valve disposed in the passageway normally disposed in a closed position and operable to open upon positioning such article on such surface in abutting relation therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Susnjara
  • Patent number: 6438837
    Abstract: A method of stacking a plurality of wheels and spacers forming a rotor for a turbine, the wheels and spacers having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending openings spaced radially from axes of the wheels and spacers including providing a support fixture having an axis and disposing a plurality of alignment rods about the fixture in circumferentially spaced relation to one another about and generally parallel to the axis. Each of the rods has a cross-section with a radial dimension less than a circumferential dimension. The method includes disposing the wheels and spacers on the support fixture with the alignment rods extending through the openings with clearances between the rods and margins of the openings being greater in a radial direction than in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Randolph Berry, Gene David Palmer, Ian David Wilson
  • Patent number: 6438842
    Abstract: A method for framing a car body from a plurality of separate body components includes the steps of attaching a bottom plate of the car body to a bottom plate support unit, then bringing at least a part of the separate body components into engagement with the bottom plate by a robot or similar apparatus. The body components are preassembled relative to the bottom plate and/or relative to each other so that a preassembled car body has an external shape of the car body. A support unit is formed from a plurality of separate support elements for supporting the preassembled car body such that at least a part of the support elements is brought into engagement with the bottom plate support unit and/or another support element by a robot or similar apparatus. The support elements are clamped to each other in order to form a support means net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventor: Juha Raami
  • Publication number: 20020113043
    Abstract: A method is described for making a reinforcing wire frame for embedding in a moulded polymer support frame over which woven wire cloth is to be stretched and secured to form a sifting screen. The method involves locating lengths of cut wire substantially equally spaced apart in a jig to form a first array. A second array of lengths of cut wire is located over the first array with the lengths of wire in the second array being substantially at right angles to those of the first array. The lengths of wire in the first and second arrays are resistance welded at points of mutual intersection so as to form a first substantially rectilinear matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Gordon James Cook, Andrew Hughes, Arthur Robert Bailey, George Charles Hartnup, Dugald Stewart
  • Patent number: 6430802
    Abstract: A clean box has a box body having an aperture in one side surface, an opening/closing lid for hermetically closing the aperture while undergoing vacuum suction to the box body, and a plurality of latches provided on the box body so as to be able to engage the opening/closing lid outside the box body. The latches of the clean box can be unlatched by latch releasing mechanisms from outer and lateral sides of the box body, which are side positions with respect to the side surface having the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Miyajima
  • Patent number: 6427322
    Abstract: A registration mechanism has a datum unit and a bolster movable toward and away from the datum unit. First, second, and third pins are mounted to the bolster. At least one spring resiliently biases the pins outward from the bolster. A pallet is supported by the pins between the bolster and datum unit. The pallet has first, second, and third sockets aligned with respective pins. The pallet has a registering face facing the datum unit. The registering face is disposed opposite the sockets. The pallet is movable by the bolster toward the datum unit from a lowered position. In the lowered position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit and respective pins and sockets are spaced apart. In a first intermediate position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit, and the sockets rest freely on respective pins. In a second intermediate position, respective sockets and pins are pressed together in partial counteraction of the resilient biasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael L. DeCecca, Joseph A. Watkins, Duane B. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6427321
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly system automatically decks and automatically fastens body components to chassis components. The system uses an automatic decking and fastening unit that includes a base with an elevatable platform repositionable relative to the base by at least one actuator. A slidable unit carries a fastener driver, is supported on the elevatable platform, and is repositionable relative to the elevatable platform by at least one other actuator. The slidable unit also carries an arm that is repositionable relative to the slidable unit by yet another actuator. A pair of conveyors are positioned away from the base, are movable relative to the base and carry a pair of vehicle components. The conveyors are cycled so that the vehicle components are positioned relative to one another in a predetermined position, and the actuators are operated to reposition the fastener driver to a position determined by engagement of the slidable unit with one of the vehicle components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Rino A. Fedato, John Campbell
  • Patent number: 6425173
    Abstract: A forming die including of a holder having an upper portion and a lower portion, each portion having a main substrate extending in a first longitudinal direction. A fixing substrate is located on one end of the main substrate and a movable substrate is located on an opposite end of the main substrate and is movable along the main substrate in the first longitudinal direction. A plurality of die forming segments are situated between the movable substrate and the fixing substrate. Tie rods extend along the main substrate outside the periphery of the plurality of die forming segments, and connect the movable substrate and the fixing substrate to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Enomoto, Shinji Tada, Hiroshi Kashiwagi
  • Publication number: 20020094409
    Abstract: In this method, in particular for manufacturing a piece of motor vehicle interior equipment comprising a main body (10) made of rigid plastic overmolded onto a coating (12) made of plastic, the coating (12) is manufactured, at least one orifice (32) is formed through the coating (12), a fixing insert (22) is pushed through the orifice (32), the insert is sealed (30, 36; 30, 70) to the coating, the fixing insert (22) is fixed to the coating, the coating (12) provided with fixing inserts (22) is placed in a mold, and the plastic of the main body (10) is overmolded onto the non-visible side of the coating (12), the solidified plastic immobilizing the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Pascal Query, Christophe Lyonnet
  • Publication number: 20020092149
    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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Manfred Wolf, Fredo Eisenhauer, Gerhard Holtmeier, Hartwig Pluemer
  • Publication number: 20020092193
    Abstract: A registration mechanism has a datum unit and a bolster movable toward and away from the datum unit. First, second, and third pins are mounted to the bolster. At least one spring resiliently biases the pins outward from the bolster. A pallet is supported by the pins between the bolster and datum unit. The pallet has first, second, and third sockets aligned with respective pins. The pallet has a registering face-facing the datum unit. The registering face is disposed opposite the sockets. The pallet is movable by the bolster toward the datum unit from a lowered position. In the lowered position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit and respective pins and sockets are spaced apart. In a first intermediate position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit, and the sockets rest freely on respective pins. In a second intermediate position, respective sockets and pins are pressed together in partial counteraction of the resilient biasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. DeCecca, Joseph A. Watkins, Duane B. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6415510
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an aircraft leading edge nose structure includes the following steps. Parallel strengthening members are welded onto a flat planar outer skin sheet. Two forming tool members having appropriately shaped outer contours contact the inner surfaces of the strengthening members, and are then pivoted and shifted toward each other so as to bend the outer skin sheet into a parabolic shape along the curved contour defined by the forming tool members. The resulting bent outer skin sheet with the strengthening members welded thereon is secured into a negative mold. To provide boundary layer suction, a perforated throttling sheet, inner ribs, and a non-perforated inner skin sheet may be successively secured by sealant and blind rivets onto the pre-bent structure of the outer skin sheet and the strengthening members. The finished structure is then removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Mertens, Henri Lajain
  • Patent number: 6415503
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembling system of rubber cones of computer keyboards and an assembling method for the same. The assembling system of rubber cones of computer keyboards of the present invention comprises an assembly housing, a moldboard stage, a rocking apparatus, and a rotating apparatus. The assembly housing has an operational space. The moldboard stage has a plurality of moldboards, and is arranged above the operational space of the assembly housing. Each moldboard corresponds to a keyboard to be assembled, and has a plurality of recesses corresponding to key switches of the keyboard on the surface thereof. The rocking apparatus and the rotating apparatus join with the moldboard stage at two sides thereof to provide required rocking and rotating forces for the moldboard. Thereby, the present invention can partly automate the originally wholly-artificial assembling method, increase the assembly efficiency, and reduce the cost of manpower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Wu, Jerry Lin
  • Publication number: 20020073529
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: DECOMA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Robert F. Yustick
  • Patent number: 6405411
    Abstract: The clasp comprises a coupling element with which the cheek plate elements adjacent to a closed position and comprising a coupling bolt for a closing device can be provisionally connected. The coupling element is a bracket which is mounted at its one end so that it can pivot on the coupling bolt of the one cheek plate element and which can be connected by its other end to the other cheek plate element in such a manner that this other end is movably mounted in the coupled position on the other cheek plate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Allemann, Silvio Marti
  • Patent number: 6405424
    Abstract: An apparatus for precisely aligning bolt holes in first and second adjacent drive shaft couplings, including a cam pin for being positioned in the generally aligned bolt holes in the shaft couplings and rotated to bring the bolt holes in to more precise alignment. The cam pin includes a first, relatively large diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a first longitudinal axis for being positioned in a precisely fitting condition in the bolt hole of the first coupling, and a second, relatively small diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a second longitudinal axis offset from and eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the first segment for being relatively loosely positioned in the generally aligned bolt hole of the second coupling. A cam sleeve is provided for being positioned in axial and rotational sliding relation over the small diameter segment of the cam pin and within the bolt hole of the second coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Leslie W. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20020069505
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nanotube cartridge including the steps of: adhering numerous nanotubes to a surface of a holder, disposing a knife edge at an inclination to the surface of the holder so that the knife edge is raised with its tip end being in contact with the surface of the holder, and collecting the nanotubes to near the tip end of the knife edge by moving the knife edge in a direction opposite from the tip end with the tip end being kept in contact with the surface, thus allowing the nanotubes to be arranged on the tip end of the knife edge with the nanotubes protruding from the tip end. When adhering the nanotubes to the holder surface, nanotubes are merely put in a vessel, the holder is placed in the vessel, and then the vessel is vibrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: YOSHIKAZU NAKAYAMA and DAIKEN CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nakayama, Seiji Akita, Takayoshi Kishida, Akio Harada
  • Patent number: 6401319
    Abstract: A method of marrying a rear axle assembly to a vehicle body is provided. The axle assembly includes parallel-spaced trailing control arms connected together by a transverse twist beam. The trailing control arms have a sleeve at a forward end and a spindle plate adjacent a rear end. The spindle plate along its lower end having V-shaped notches which are vertically and fore and aft aligned with one another. The axle assembly is connected with a tool tray, having two fore and aft aligned and vertically aligned elevated first and second pins projecting toward one another and third and fourth pins for contacting said trailing control arm sleeves to set the vertical height of the forward end of the trailing control arms. The axle assembly is set on the tray by placing the spindle plate V-shaped notches on the first and second pins to set the axle assembly fore and aft position and rear end vertical position with respect to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Oxford Suspension, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hicks, Daniel E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6389675
    Abstract: A tool 10 having a pair of movably connected handles 12,14, each of which respectively include a substantially identical and generally semi-cylindrical retention member 20,22, The tool 10 may be used to secure a connector 36 upon end 34 of hose 28 while protecting a user of the tool 10 from contact with the frayed sheathing portions 32 proximate to end 34. In operation, end 34 is secured between members 20 and 22 and the connector 36 is forced onto end 34, thereby attaching the connector 36 to the hose 28. In alternate embodiments, members 20,22 may be removably connected to handles 12,14 or may be integrally formed with a robotic arm 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Tech., Inc.
    Inventors: Leo Anthony Tykoski, Robert Harold Wilson
  • Patent number: 6385840
    Abstract: A method of applying a sign comprising of raised characters to a surface using a template or pattern which provides a precise orientation and alignment of the characters. The method renders it unnecessary to separately align each character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Michael L. Scarfia
  • Publication number: 20020053124
    Abstract: A method of applying a sign comprising of raised characters to a surface using a template or pattern which provides a precise orientation and alignment of the characters. The method renders it unnecessary to separately align each character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: MICHAEL L. SCARFIA
  • Patent number: 6381908
    Abstract: A device for setting studs includes a rigid face plate that has a fixed length and includes a lower surface, a front edge, a rear edge, and opposite side edges; a rigid bar member extending from the face plate lower surface so as to have a rear surface perpendicular to the face plate lower surface. The face plate has first and second square inside corners formed in its rear edge for squarely aligning and setting studs a desired distance apart between centers and restricting movement thereof during fastening to a sill plate or similar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6378192
    Abstract: First and second two spacing jigs 81 are used each having a rectangular parallelepipedal body 81a formed on the bottom surface thereof with projections 82 which are arranged side by side at a spacing equal to a predetermined interval between reference bores 106. First, the projections 82 of the first jig 81 are fitted in front reference bores 106 of respective lower members 31, 32, 33, and the projections 82 of the second jig 82 in rear reference bores 106 of the lower members. A right angle holding jig 84 in the form of a rectangular frame and having inner side faces positionable respectively in contact with the front side face of the first jig 81, the rear side face of the second jig 81 and the left and right side faces of the two jigs 81 is fitted around the bodies 81a of the two jigs 81 to adjust the arrangement of bores 106 to right angles. The lower members are fixed to a support member in this state by tightening up screw members 110.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20020042981
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling re-bar cages are provided that minimize or eliminate manual lifting of re-bar. The system is adjustable to accommodate the size of the re-bar cage and the field conditions in which the system is to be employed. Various methods for assembling re-bar cages with the system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Bryon D. Barnum, Otis Norris
  • Publication number: 20020042994
    Abstract: Plates having a predetermined pattern are provided in each frame, side by side, at certain intervals along the longitudinal direction of the frame. A plurality of positioning holes, into which pins are inserted, are formed in each frame. A retainer portion is provided so as to extend from the inner periphery of each positioning hole and is plastically deformed when a pin is inserted thereinto. By inserting a pin into each positioning hole while a plurality of frames are stacked, the outer periphery of the pin contacts the retainer portion of each positioning hole. The retainer portion is deformed to correct misalignment among a plurality of plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ito, Masaaki Deguchi, Hisaki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6367153
    Abstract: In a valve main body, there is provided a guide pin having an aligning end portion for aligning with respect to a central axis of a fuel injection path. This guide pin is inserted into the valve main body, and a whirler is inserted into the guide pin, and a valve seat is fixed at one end of the valve main body such that the aligning end of the guide pin is aligned with respect to the central axis of the fuel injection path. The guide pin is then pulled away from the valve main body, and the valve body is inserted into the valve main body so that the section of the valve body to be slid in the whirler can be inserted into the valve body sliding hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Aota, Norihisa Fukutomi, Kazuo Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6367141
    Abstract: A method of inserting a piston assembly into a cylinder of an engine block. The method eliminates the need for a technician to individually lift and insert the piston assemblies into the respective cylinders. The method for inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder aligns the piston assembly with the cylinder and inserts the piston assembly into the cylinder by pivoting the piston assembly from an upright position to a horizontal position, and inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Cook, Brad A. Moore, Kevin R. Shaffer, James L. Thien, Robert L. Walters
  • Publication number: 20020038503
    Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Robert B. Crocker, Kenneth Benczkowski
  • Patent number: 6363609
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for aligning crankshaft sections such as center sections of so-called “pressed-together crankshafts” found in multiple-cylinder-engines of the type used in personal motorized watercrafts and snowmobiles. The alignment of these crankshaft sections is effected by a phasing tool comprised of two symmetrical machined steel cylinders which are mounted on a die shoe, facing each other in virtual image formation, and provided with specifically designed phasing and centering tools. The phasing tools are designed in accordance with the diameters of the peripheral pins of the journals of the crankshaft section and the stroke of the crankshaft. A centering tool is used to center the crankshaft section with respect to the machined steel cylinders, and a spacing tool, placed between the two webs of the crankshaft section, prevents the force of the hydraulic-actuatordriven upper plate of the die shoe from compressing the crankshaft section excessively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Short Block Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Bernard Pickren
  • Patent number: 6360417
    Abstract: A method of assembling a remote keyless entry transmitter (10) having a housing and at least one battery in the housing includes the steps of providing a first housing part (70) and a battery (80, 82) to be assembled with the first housing part; positioning the battery in a desired location on the first housing part; and applying a magnetic field to the battery to maintain the battery in the desired location in the housing part during further assembly of the remote keyless entry transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Jack, Thomas R. Tracz, Mark Kane, Stephan Gierlach, Geoffrey Wright, Kurt R. Odmark
  • Patent number: 6360418
    Abstract: Conventional gas compressors use dry gas sealing arrangements mounted on a shaft of the gas compressor. Functionally, for the dry gas sealing arrangement to properly seal, the concentricity of shaft and the dry gas sealing arrangement must be maintained at a close tolerance. Past assembly techniques have failed to mount such dry gas sealing arrangement to the shaft in an effective and efficiently manner to control the concentricity during operation. The present method and apparatus for controlling the concentricity of a member with a centering device effectively and efficiently controls the concentricity between the member and the shaft. The structure of the centering device includes a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion and a transition portion. The first cylindrical portion is cantilevered about the shaft and centers a first end of the member. The second cylindrical portion and the transition portion form a mid-support for a second end of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Jess L. Freeman, Donald E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020023334
    Abstract: In order to fit side doors precisely on a motor vehicle, this is performed mechanically by aligning an assembly frame on the side frame of the vehicle. This assembly frame has points for receiving supports in which the doors are held. These receiving points are configured such that they permit the alignment of the doors in directions X, Y and Z.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Scott Rhoads, Martin Schmitt, Olaf Hglinger
  • Patent number: 6347451
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a built-up camshaft by which the operational safety of the camshaft is ensured in a simple manner in any engine operation and the camshaft can arbitrarily be adapted to abutments which have different positions because of the individual engine construction. At least one cam is pushed onto a hollow shaft, after which the hollow shaft is expanded between the two faces of the cam which extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal course of the hollow shaft and at the respective bearing point by means of a highly pressurized pressure fluid. This fluid is delivered by a lance-shaped probe introduced into the hollow space of the shaft. On the one hand, a press fit occurs between the cam and the hollow shaft and, on the other hand, a bulging of the bearing point of the hollow shaft occurs which bridges the distance between the hollow shaft and the abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Henning Bloecker, Klaus Brandes, Martin Kruessmann
  • Publication number: 20020002829
    Abstract: A cryostatic vessel 12 is radially interconnected inside a tubular thermal shield 18. A shield first endplate 20 includes a plurality of spacers 30 which are disposed in axial abutment with a corresponding first endplate 14 of the vessel during assembly. A shield second endplate 22 is disposed in axial abutment against an opposite end of the shield, and includes alignment holes 36 receiving corresponding alignment pins 32 extending from an opposite endplate 16 of the vessel. The spacers maintain a predetermined clearance between the endplates of the vessel and shield which clearance is precisely maintained upon fixedly joining both shield endplates to the shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Ranze, Kenneth Gordon Herd
  • Patent number: 6334245
    Abstract: An air bag gas generator has a cylindrical member that permits reliable welding of the cylindrical member with an inner surface of a ceiling portion of a housing even if the welding surface is slightly misaligned. It furthermore permits welding in such a manner (a more stable manner) that unsteadiness does not occur in the area where the inner surface of the ceiling portion of the housing and the inner cylindrical member abuts. In the air bag gas generator, which includes the inner cylindrical member in the housing, the inner cylindrical member has a peripheral wall portion bent to form a flattened surface portion as an extension of the one of that cylindrical member where it joins the inner surface of the ceiling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Shogo Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 6334264
    Abstract: A fixation method of a hinge point of a tailgate for an automobile adapted to improve a difficulty of fixing a hinge point due to a difference between a central roof panel and a hinge point of an outer block when a tailgate is mounted. The method of a hinge point of a tailgate for an automobile enables fixation within a short period of time and to preclude interference from a tailgate parting line and a roof panel parting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Joo-Tae Oh
  • Patent number: 6321814
    Abstract: A labeler for the placement of a label, having a central aperture and a peripheral edge, onto a surface of a disk, having central hole and an outer edge, comprising a disk positioning member having points of contact with the spindle hole and/or the outer edge of the disk, for positioning the disk; a label positioning member having points of contact with the central aperture and/or peripheral edge of the label, for positioning the label; and a joining member interconnected with said disk positioning member and said label positioning member, having a first position in which the label and the disk are spaced and a second position in which the disk and the label are contacted. The label positioning member is preferably a tapered cylinder which is adapted to be inserted in the central aperture. The disk positioning member is preferably a cylindrical rod. The tapered cylinder and cylindrical rod may be an integral structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Neato, LLC
    Inventors: Peter H. Tracy, Gregory R. Veilliex, Robertson Parkman, Michael D. Cecchi
  • Patent number: 6321437
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a processor bracket to a system board. The apparatus includes: a) a driver base, b) a plurality of air drivers secured to the driver base, c) a screwdriver rod, with a screwdriver head, extending from each air driver, and d) a positioning guide attached to the driver base. The method includes the steps of: a) positioning a processor bracket, having a processor bracket slot and having multiple bracket nuts, on a system board, b) positioning a positioning guide of a multiple nut driver within the processor bracket slot, c) contacting the bracket nuts with the corresponding screwdriver heads of the multiple nut driver, and d) exerting downward pressure on all the screwdriver heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Sloan, Michael Tuohy
  • Patent number: 6317964
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for aligning a waveguide connector to at least one optical device is set forth. The arrangement includes a waveguide connector and a substrate carrying at least one waveguide. The waveguide connector having both guide legs and aligning elements. The method includes the step of shaking the arrangement at a frequency and amplitude sufficient to cause opposing aligning elements disposed on the waveguide connector and on the substrate to engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Mats Robertsson, Paul Eriksen, Kristian Engberg, Peter Lo Curizo
  • Patent number: 6311382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for installing door hinges on car bodies, whereby the actual opening width of the car door on the side frame receiving one or two car doors in the longitudinal car axis is touch-sensitively determined by means of a sensor in a direction X and the arrangement of the door hinges is adjusted in said direction X using a positioning system connected to the sensor by a cranking device, depending on the tolerance margin, which should be calculated so as to have at least vertically (direction Z) as uniform a slot width as possible once the car door is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Thyssen Krupp Technologies AG
    Inventor: Kurt Jäck
  • Patent number: 6308396
    Abstract: A secure enclosure (10) for an automated banking machine includes a chest portion (12) and a moveable door (14). The door is supported on hinge assemblies (20, 22) which enable mounting and accurately positioning the door despite misalignment of the hinges. The chest portion is manufactured from panels (28, 36, 38, 66, 76) which include interengaging projections and recesses. The projections and recesses ensure that the proper panels are used in the assembly of the particular type secure enclosure, as well as that the panels which make up the enclosure are properly oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kim R. Lewis, Richard C. Lute, Jeffrey A. Hill, Howard E. Antram
  • Patent number: 6309177
    Abstract: There is provided a method of assembling a gas turbine engine using a concentricity ring to compensate for assembly tolerances. The blade tips of the gas turbine during turbine rotation define a tip surface of rotation concentric the shaft axis. Due to cumulative tolerances in part manufacture and assembly, the shaft axis is invariably radially eccentric the engine axis at the axial position of the turbine an assembly eccentricity within the range between zero and a predetermined allowable assembly tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph John Swiderski, William Donald Moase