By Multiple Cooperating Aligning Means Patents (Class 29/466)
  • Patent number: 8347501
    Abstract: Within the field of wind turbine generators (WTG), to provide a consistent way of manufacturing a WT blade there is disclosed a blade mould and a blade spar fixture to support the spar in the mould so as to provide a fixed predetermined relative position, and preferably also orientation, between at least a root end, such as a bushing in the root end of the blade spar, and a root end of the mould. Overall consistency is also obtained in that hereby a blade with anticipated aerodynamic and strength characteristics is provided, among others in that at least adjacent to the root of the spar there is substantially the same distance for a cured adhesive between an innermost surface of each of blade shells and an outermost surface of the spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Leif Kappel Petersen, Olav Davis
  • Publication number: 20120317785
    Abstract: An alignment tool affords a safe and economical way to install surface casing, eliminating the need to align or delay the installation in speedhead or multibowl well drilling applications. The alignment tool includes two split halves that may clamp onto an existing surface casing. A top plate of the alignment tool may overlay the top flat surface edge of the surface casing, eliminating the possibility of the surface casing coupling to strike the flat edge and obstructing passage. The top plate may include a beveled edge to further help align the surface casing into the conductor pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: NOEL E. GARCES
  • Publication number: 20120294673
    Abstract: An angularly adjustable clamp assembly includes a hub clamp, an adjustment base connectable to the hub clamp and a plurality of attachment members. The hub clamp includes a hub and collar, the hub having a sleeve portion forming a passageway to receive a shaft. The sleeve portion has multiple slits along the sleeve portion to form a plurality of sleeve segments. The collar has an inner surface configured to engage an outer surface of the sleeve portion. The attachment members cause the collar to move axially along the length of the sleeve portion to urge the sleeve segments radially inward to secure the shaft within the passageway. The assembly is configured such that at least one attachment member further connects the adjustment base to the hub clamp. The attachment members can be actuated to cause an angular adjustment of two shafts connected by the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: COUPLING CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: James H. ANDERSON, III, Adam LEHIGH
  • Publication number: 20120288272
    Abstract: A camera module with a lens barrel containing a lens, and a lens carrier that slidably receives the lens barrel. Each of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a seating surface formed thereon. One of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of protrusions for controlling the relative position of the lens barrel and the lens carrier. The other of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of channels that are sized and arranged so as to slidably receive the protrusions to allow for the lens barrel to be slid into the lens carrier. The channels also each include a transverse section to allow the lens barrel to be pivoted about an optical axis of the lens barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventors: Prebesh Pavithran, Yeow Thiam Ooi, Haw Chyn Cheng, Hung Khin Wong, Giap Chye Toh, Shun Kyo Low
  • Patent number: 8302293
    Abstract: In order to ensure reliable feeding in particular of a clinch nut (M) from a ready position (16) into a processing position, the processing tool designed as a press-in tool (2) has a guide element (14), through which the clinch nut (M) is pressed into the processing position by means of a punch (8) against an elastic holding force exerted by the guide element (14). The guide element (14) is designed in particular as a slotted bush and is arranged as an insert in a hold-down (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Richard Bergner Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Dehlke
  • Patent number: 8291571
    Abstract: A pocket-sizing method for a device that inserts staple drivers into pockets aligned to form a slot in a surgical staple cartridge. A fin extends from a driver guide fixture for insertion into the slot. The fin increases the size of the slot, thereby aiding in inserting drivers into the pockets. Preferably a second fin extends from the driver guide fixture adjacent the fixture passage and aligned with the first fin. A gap is formed between the first and second fins, extending from a first edge to an opposite edge of the fixture passage. The driver is driven through the gap. The fins are substantially equal to the thickness of the driver. The fins have tapered leading edges to aid cartridge insertion and removal, and a lip extends from the driver guide fixture for preventing the fins from widening the slot too much and for narrowing an overly wide slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Schnipke Family, LLC
    Inventors: Leonard J. Schnipke, Brian Doepker, Ronald J. Schnipke
  • Patent number: 8286318
    Abstract: An assembling method that is high in assembly accuracy and easily performed at the actual installation site is provided. In this method, the sub base plates on the sub mounting tables are aligned with respect to a main base plate on a main mounting table at a temporary installation site, and the state thereof is maintained. Then, the main mounting table and the sub mounting tables are separated from each other to be transferred to the actual installation site, and the positioning state is restored at the actual installation site. Since a positional alignment can be performed at the temporary installation site, the work required at the actual installation site can be reduced. Furthermore, since a fine adjustment can be performed at the actual installation site, the accuracy in the positional alignment can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuzo Tanaka, Junpei Yuyama, Mitsuru Yahagi, Hirofumi Minami, Makoto Takahashi, Shinya Ito
  • Publication number: 20120233845
    Abstract: A tool includes an annular frame portion including a mount portion extending radially from the frame portion, a hook portion arranged on the mount portion, the hook portion sized and shaped to engage a member of a tubular component of a turbine combustor, and a force exertion portion arranged on the mount portion, the force exertion portion operative to engage a portion of the turbine combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Mustafa Gerengi
  • Publication number: 20120219256
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for mechanically coupling an optics system holder of an optoelectronic module with an optical connector of the optoelectronic module. The apparatus comprises first and second retention features formed on opposite ends of the optics system holder and first and second latches formed on opposite ends of the optical connector. When a lower surface of the optical connector is pressed against an upper surface of the optics system holder, the first and second retention features engage the first and second latches, respectively, such that the first and second latches flex to a limited degree and exert a spring force on the optical connector that firmly presses the lower surface of the optical connector against the upper surface of the optics system holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES FIBER IP (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Laurence R. McColloch
  • Patent number: 8220132
    Abstract: In this manufacturing method, when a plurality of planetary shaft main bodies are arranged at even intervals around a sun shaft main body, a state in which a sun threaded section is engaged with each of planetary threaded sections is referred to as a regular assembled state, and an assembly formed by a combination of the sun shaft main body and the planetary shaft main body in the regular assembled state is referred to as a first assembly. The first assembly is assembled in a state in which the relationship of the planetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body is in correspondence with the relationship of the planetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body in the regular assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Kinoshita, Masakazu Kurihara, Hideo Saito, Motohiro Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8220125
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly aid for positioning a hinge (1) on a door arrangement part (12) in a reproducible manner, said assembly aid comprising a clamping screw (22) having a screw shank (23) and a screw head (21), and an adjusting element (20) which is applied to a part (17) of the hinge (1) in a positively locking manner. The adjusting element (20) radially engages with said screw shank (23) and can be axially fixed to the door arrangement part (12) by means of the clamping screw (22). The invention also relates to a method for the reproducible positioning of a hinge (1) on a door arrangement part (12) whereon a positioning axis (30) is provided. The aim of the invention is to provide an assembly aid and a method that enable a hinge to be precisely positioned in a simple and reproducible manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Edscha AG
    Inventors: Joerg Paulus, Georg Dell
  • Publication number: 20120141114
    Abstract: A novel camera module includes a housing having a lens unit receiving portion and an image capture device receiving portion, which includes a plurality of discrete support members. A lens unit is coupled to the lens unit receiving portion of the housing. An image capture device has a top surface, which includes an image sensor array. The top surface of the image capture device contacts the bottom of the discrete support members of the housing to align the tilt of the image capture device with respect to the housing. In a particular embodiment, the image capture device is mounted on a surface of a circuit substrate that is coupled to the housing. In an alternate embodiment, the housing is coupled directly to the image capture device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Kwang Jin Gooi, Tzer Nan Tan, Kean Leong Tai
  • Patent number: 8191226
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling a pipe and a fitting. The device includes a pipe holder for releasably gripping a pipe, a fitting retainer for releasably retaining a pipe fitting substantially coaxially with a pipe in the pipe holder, and a drive mechanism for driving together the pipe holder and the fitting retainer along a longitudinal axis in a relative motion between them. The device may optionally slide a reinforcing sleeve along the pipe to cover the end of the pipe on the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Sagiv Shitfut Chaklait Be'am
    Inventor: Moty Avnon
  • Patent number: 8191219
    Abstract: An assembly mechanism for an external box includes a casing body, a cover body, and a retaining body. The casing body has an opening formed on one side thereof. The cover body is assembled on the casing body. The retaining body is used for sliding the cover body to approach the opening in order to retain the cover body and the casing body together or for sliding the cover body out from the opening in order to separate the cover body from the casing body. Hence, it is easy for users to assemble or detach the external box of the present invention and the cost of the present invention is less than that of the prior art. Therefore, the present invention can solve the problem of needing to use a number of screws to assemble the external box of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Chemtron Research LLC
    Inventor: Jen-Hung Wang
  • Publication number: 20120121243
    Abstract: A method for aligning an actuator device relative to an adjacent component, such as a rear cover of an actuator module or a stationary lens, includes disposing a plurality of radially extending tabs around an outer periphery of the actuator device, disposing a corresponding plurality of pairs of raised mounting features on a front surface of the adjacent component, each pair defining a slot having sidewalls that are complementary in configuration to respective sidewalls of corresponding ones of the tabs, and inserting respective ones of the tabs into corresponding ones of the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: TESSERA MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Calvet, Roman C. Gutierrez, Guiqin Wang
  • Patent number: 8166626
    Abstract: A method and a jig for mounting of a stack of Belleville springs about a shaft. The individual springs of the stack are first positioned over the shaft. A jig is then placed over the shaft and the springs and has at least one axially extending pressure bar that is radially inwardly biased to urge the inner circumferences of all the springs into contact with axially aligned points on the surface of the shaft. The springs are then compressed using a compression element while they are still urged by the pressure bar against the shaft. Finally, to retain the springs on the shaft and maintain the springs in compression, a split retaining clip is pressed onto to the shaft until it engages in a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eugenio Sereni, Johannes Diels, Arie Niemantsverdriet, Matteo Venturelli
  • Publication number: 20120097816
    Abstract: A clip for both mounting and grounding photovoltaic panels is disclosed. The clip has retention tabs which interact with mounting rails to fully support photovoltaic panels during installation. The interaction allows for adjustment along the length of the mounting rails. Interlocking fingers allow the mounting clips to fit together securely. The interlocking nature of the mounting clips provides a secure fit between photovoltaic panels and requires less mounting hardware. Additionally, the interlocking nature of the mounting clips allows for security and stability of the photovoltaic panels during the mounting process, allowing a single installer to mount a number of photovoltaic panels. The use of serrated washers, or cutting edges on certain portions of the mounting clip provide grounding for the system by digging into both photovoltaic panels and mounting rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: D THREE ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventors: Don N. Tamm, Richard F. Schaefer, David Kreutzman
  • Patent number: 8156629
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling utilities is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for coupling utilities comprises a lower plate supported by a box, the plate having an aperture, at least one preloaded spring, at least one utility connection component, and a primary alignment pin projecting from a first surface of the plate; and an upper plate having a secondary alignment pin shorter than the primary alignment pin projecting from a first surface of the upper plate, an aperture and at least one utility connection component. The upper plate can move toward the lower plate with the first surfaces of the plates facing one another so that the primary alignment pin passes through the aperture in the upper plate and the secondary alignment pin passes through the aperture in the lower plate, the at least one preloaded spring is compressed, and the plates engage, coupling the utility connection components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Peter Theodorus Ceelen
  • Patent number: 8132329
    Abstract: A method and tool for mass manufacturing convertible roofs having an outer shell, a frame and lateral linkage parts for supporting the outer shell, the outer shell including at least two outer shell parts is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an upper tool fixture and a lower tool fixture, aligning and assembling the frame and outer shell in the lower tool fixture such that the frame and outer shell are upside down, aligning and assembling connection members onto the frame part so the roof can fittingly engage the windshield frame when the roof is in a closed position, and lowering the lateral linkage parts onto the assembled frame and outer shell using the upper tool fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Hälker, Johannes Dreising, Paul Lothar
  • Patent number: 8061018
    Abstract: A machine is provided for making a fluid level sender assembly having a first mounting member with a flange and a fluid level sender including a second mounting member that telescopically connects with the first mounting member. The machine has a base, a holding member to support the first mounting member, a head member having an outer ring configured to rotate the flange, the head member moving between a first and second position to allow placing the first mounting member on the holding member and a second position to allow the outer ring to rotate the flange and a sensor receiving member to engage the fluid level sender. The sensor receiving member may move with respect to the holding member to telescopically position the fluid level sender and the plurality of different longitudinal positions such that a plurality of differently sized fluid level sender assemblies can be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Medallion Instrumentation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Philip Stepanek, Nicholas Frank DeVille
  • Publication number: 20110247194
    Abstract: A bracket for attaching and aligning a forward-looking radar (FLR) having a front face is disclosed according to one embodiment. The bracket includes a bracket frame having an attachment feature for attaching the FLR to the bracket frame. The bracket also includes a first mounting feature extending from the bracket frame for coupling the bracket face and the first mounting surface of the conveyance to define a first mounting surface angle. The bracket also includes a bracket member extending from the bracket frame. The bracket member includes an end portion disposed proximate to the bracket face and a distal end portion, which includes a second mounting feature for coupling the bracket member and the second mounting surface thereby defining a second mounting surface angle and aligning the FLR front face to an alignment angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Hartley, Paul Schmitt, John V. Bond, III, John Wuerth, Michael Czarnecki, Joseph Ciaravino, John Juronoc, Aaron Mills, Kurt Peterson, Paul L. Stanko, John Wilds, SR., Harish Dutt
  • Patent number: 7998549
    Abstract: A method of forming an assembly including a first workpiece having a surface provided with a mortise and a second workpiece provided with a tenon inserted into the mortise joining the workpieces together in which the second workpiece is disposed in a certain orientation relative to the first workpiece to provide a certain disposition of the workpieces when joined together, generally consisting of providing identifying marks on the surface of the first workpiece and the tenon of the second workpiece at locations assuming a certain disposition when the second workpiece is disposed in a certain orientation and the tenon is registered with the mortise; positioning the second workpiece relative to the first workpiece wherein the second workpiece is disposed in the certain orientation relative to the first workpiece, the tenon is registered with the mortise and the marks are disposed in the certain mark disposition; and displacing the second workpiece toward the first workpiece and inserting the tenon into the mort
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Susnjara
  • Patent number: 7992302
    Abstract: A lower tool frame is used in manufacturing a plurality of convertible roofs. Structural roof parts are disposed in the lower tool frame upside down with respect to their use position. Forward connection parts are provided for selectively connecting the forward end of the convertible roof to a windshield frame and rearward connection parts are provided for attaching the rearward end of the convertible roof to a vehicle body. A single upper tool frame is lowerable onto the lower tool and is used to position the forward and rearward connection parts with respect to the structural roof parts. The single upper tool frame is used to assemble all of the convertible roofs for a series of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Jorg Halker
  • Publication number: 20110162191
    Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to break away in response to predetermined impact against the riser. Each mounting bracket further includes means defining a triangulated mounting interface between the base and the riser arranged in concentric relation to the fastener bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: COMAU, INC.
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Patent number: 7971344
    Abstract: A device for assembling a lens assembly includes a base, a barrel having a bottom, a universal joint disposed between the base and the bottom of the barrel, a push rod, and a resilient member. The universal joint is configured for allowing the barrel to tilt in any direction. The push rod is configured for depressing the lenses received to the barrel to form a lens barrel. The resilient member is disposed between the base and the bottom of the barrel. In process of assembling lenses, when the push rod presses the lenses received in the barrel, the lens assembly can hold the axis of the lenses in coaxial alignment under the cooperation of the universal joint and exert a uniformity force on a surface of the lenses. The lens assembly can eliminate the risk of breakage of the lenses and accurately position the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Teng Wu
  • Publication number: 20110078891
    Abstract: A pocket-sizing method for a device that inserts staple drivers into pockets aligned to form a slot in a surgical staple cartridge. A fin extends from a driver guide fixture for insertion into the slot. The fin increases the size of the slot, thereby aiding in inserting drivers into the pockets. Preferably a second fin extends from the driver guide fixture adjacent the fixture passage and aligned with the first fin. A gap is formed between the first and second fins, extending from a first edge to an opposite edge of the fixture passage. The driver is driven through the gap. The fins are substantially equal to the thickness of the driver. The fins have tapered leading edges to aid cartridge insertion and removal, and a lip extends from the driver guide fixture for preventing the fins from widening the slot too much and for narrowing an overly wide slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: THE SCHNIPKE FAMILY, LLC
    Inventors: Leonard J. Schnipke, JR., Brian Doepker, Ronald J. Schnipke
  • Patent number: 7887034
    Abstract: A method and clamp system for use on an ion implanter system for aligning a cathode and filament relative to one another in-situ are disclosed. The invention includes a clamp system having a clamp including a first clamp member separably coupled to a second clamp member, and an opening to a mount portion of one of the cathode and the filament in at least one of the clamp members. Each clamp member includes a surface to engage a mount portion of one of the cathode and the filament. The opening is adapted to receive a positioning tool to position the cathode and the filament relative to one another by moving the mount portion when the clamp is released. The mount portion may include a tool receiving member to facilitate accurate positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Krause, Eric R. Cobb, Russell Low
  • Publication number: 20110023286
    Abstract: A device for applying a sander disc to an orbital sander includes a member having alignment projections or an alignment wall for releasably holding at least one sander disc having a surface with hook or loop type fasteners such that the surface having the hook or loop type fasteners faces away from said member. The device is cooperatively engagable with the orbital sander to align the sander disc with a corresponding hook or loop type fastener surface of the orbital sander and fasten it thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Bryon Bierman
  • Publication number: 20100325866
    Abstract: To efficiently assemble or manufacture a belt by fastening a plurality of elements in a circular manner using a ring. A belt assembling device is adapted to assemble a belt by fastening a plurality of plate-like elements juxtaposed in a same orientation and in a circular manner using a ring. The belt assembling device includes a holding member. The holding member holds the ring to which the elements are attached sequentially, in a manner to keep a curvature radius of the ring partially larger than that of the remaining portion. Therefore, the portion of the ring at which the curvature radius is thus kept larger can be twisted and deformed easily so that the element can be attached to the ring at the portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke Kobayashi, Yuji Hattori, Toshihiko Gotanda
  • Patent number: 7849598
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an isothermal plate includes the steps of preparing a plurality of heat pipes, a first plate body and a second plate body; pressing on the second plate body to form a plurality of shielding covers recessed into the bottom surface of the second plate body and protruding from the top surface of the second plate body, the recessed portion of each shielding cover having a cambered space for horizontally accommodating the heat pipe therein; disposing each heat pipe into each cambered space to make the first plate body adhered to the bottom surface of the second plate body and the two plate bodies overlapped with each other; and applying an external force to the second plate body to bring each heat pipe into a tight and planar contact with the inner wall of its corresponding cambered space in the direction of pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Jaffe Limited
    Inventor: Hul-Chun Hsu
  • Patent number: 7845075
    Abstract: A camshaft has at least two completely machined individual cams fixedly mounted on a shaft in predetermined angular positions. The shaft includes an outside shaft and an inside shaft arranged concentrically in the former, and is to be manufactured in such a way that remachining of the joined camshaft is not necessary. This is by combining the individual cams even before they are mounted on a shaft and joining them to this shaft to form a machining module, such that the individual cams are combined in their mutual arrangement in relation to one another in which the cams are to be mounted on the finished camshaft. The final machining of the cams is performed within this machining nodule. When the cams are completely machined in this way, the cams are joined to the shaft of the camshaft within the machining module. This ensures that the desired mutual arrangement is maintained, i.e., that remachining is not necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Mahle Ventiltrieb GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Fritz, Tilo Hentschel, Hermann Hoffmann, Martin Lechner
  • Patent number: 7823273
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing workpieces containing plastics material by welding, stamping, cutting and/or bonding is described. The apparatus includes a loading and unloading station for loading and unloading the workpieces (35), a processing station with a free space for processing the workpieces (35) and at least one interchangeable module (15) which can be inserted and fixed in the free space and which comprises at least one workpiece receptacle (34) and at least one processing tool (37) which are both adapted to a selected processing task. In accordance with the invention the interchangeable module (15) is supported on running wheels (17) and can be inserted in the free space therewith, and the relative position between the receptacle (34) and the processing tool (37) required in the processing is determined by the interchangeable module (15) alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mschinenfabrik Spaichingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Braun
  • Patent number: 7823276
    Abstract: The present invention provides a printed circuit board that can suppress the positional displacement of parts mounted thereon. The printed circuit board includes resist formed on the surface of the printed circuit board, lands for receiving respective parts to be mounted, the lands being arranged off openings free from the resist, and lands for alignment, respectively alignment marks being formed on the land for alignment by means of solder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumoto Chiba, Seigo Sato
  • Patent number: 7814644
    Abstract: A positioning assembly for a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the positioning assembly includes at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical carriage carried by the at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical motor drivingly engaging the at least one vertical carriage, a transverse carriage support carried by the at least one vertical carriage, a riser block carried by the transverse carriage support and at least one horizontal motor drivingly engaging the riser block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John D. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7793401
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheeting goods installation support. The present invention includes a system and techniques using a sheeting goods installation support for both overhead ceiling and vertical wall applications. A solo worker can install sheeting goods using the inventive sheeting goods installation support system. The inventive sheeting goods installation support can be operated by attaching an end articulation bracket to a support member with the end articulation bracket connected to a first elongated beam and placing sheeting goods upon the first elongated beam. Next, a worker can position the sheeting goods proximate to the end articulation bracket and temporarily secure the sheeting goods with a second elongated beam. Next, a worker can adjust the sheeting goods in a final position proximate to the support member, secure the sheeting goods to the support member, and remove the sheeting goods installation support from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Gene Curtis McKinney
  • Publication number: 20100170077
    Abstract: In this manufacturing method, when a plurality of planetary shaft main bodies are arranged at even intervals around a sun shaft main body, a state in which a sun threaded section is engaged with each of planetary threaded sections is referred to as a regular assembled state, and an assembly formed by a combination of the sun shaft main body and the planetary shaft main body in the regular assembled state is referred to as a first assembly. The first assembly is assembled in a state in which the relationship of the planetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body is in correspondence with the relationship of the planetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body in the regular assembled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Kinoshita, Masakazu Kurihara, Hideo Saito, Motohiro Tsuzuki
  • Publication number: 20100107397
    Abstract: An air-cooled electronic device includes a device housing having a bottom surface, and a motorized fan having a fan housing having a mounting hole, and having a hook projection secured to the bottom surface, the hook projection shaped and dimensioned to engage the mounting hole, and having an abutment, with the abutment, the hook and the mounting hole being arranged to secure the fan housing in a position without screws, rivets, or other hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Alcatel-Lucent
    Inventor: Fabien Letourneau
  • Patent number: 7694417
    Abstract: A method enables rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine to be assembled. The method includes providing a plurality of rotor blades that each include a dovetail, providing a rotor disc that includes a plurality of dovetail slots spaced circumferentially about the disc, partially inserting each rotor blade dovetail into a respective rotor dovetail slot, and seating the plurality of rotor blades in the respective rotor dovetail slot substantially simultaneously using an annular blade installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harold Keith Crain, Gregory Edmond Andruskevitch, Daniel Eugene Wieprecht
  • Patent number: 7685699
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Variant Corporation
    Inventors: Dominique Baulier, Mihaela Petrescu, Thomas Stein, Justyna Klapacz
  • Patent number: 7644491
    Abstract: A device for assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the device includes a table module, a first plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module and a second plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module in adjacent and adjustable relationship with respect to the first plurality of flipper devices, respectively. The first plurality of flipper devices and the second plurality of flipper devices are capable of accommodating a variation in thickness of the composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Joseph E. Absalonson
  • Publication number: 20100002367
    Abstract: A modularized device includes a seat body, a first assembly unit, a cover, and a second assembly unit. The first assembly unit is fixed within the seat body and includes a first engaging portion. The cover removably covers the seat body. The second assembly unit is mounted on a bottom surface of the cover and is movable relative to the cover. The second assembly unit includes a second engaging portion having a shape complementary to that of the first engaging portion. The second assembly unit is movable relative to the cover to compensate an amount of deviation caused by tolerances so that the second engaging portion is adjustable to correspondingly engage the first engaging portion when the cover is secured to the seat body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: AOPEN INC.
    Inventor: Chun Chang
  • Publication number: 20090257204
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for electronic components is provided. The mounting apparatus includes a mounting frame including a support portion, backing portion, and lip portion. The backing portion is coupled to a support portion rear end and includes a first segment and a second segment, wherein the second segment is oriented perpendicular to the support portion and the first portion. The lip portion is coupled to a support portion front end such that the support portion and the lip portion define a plurality of slots extending therethrough. The mounting apparatus also includes a plurality of tee bolts each including a first portion and a second portion extending perpendicularly through the first portion, wherein the first portion is removably inserted into a slot. The mounting apparatus also includes a plurality of locating pins that are inserted into a threaded hole extending through the backing portion second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Melaragno, Glenn A. Jessen, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Timothy J. Rozic, Russell C. Fisher, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090255958
    Abstract: A container comprises a dispensing head (13) and a protective cap (1) fitted on the dispensing head (13). The cap (1) comprises a base portion (1a) engageable to a dispensing head (13); a lid (1b) hinged to said base portion (1a) and movable between an open position, in which it allows access to the dispensing head (13), and a closed position in which it prevents access to the dispensing head (13); an outer locator plate (9) engageable with a corresponding inner locator plate (24) of said dispensing head (13), the mutual engagement between said locator plates (9, 24) defining a screwing motion of the cap (1) relative to the dispensing head (13) to automatically achieve an installation of the cap (1) on the dispensing head (13) according to a pre-determined mutual angular positioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: EMSAR S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio SANTONI, Fabrizio CAMPLONE
  • Patent number: 7596843
    Abstract: A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Noel A. Spishak, Paul E. Nelson, Thomas J. Hagman, Jeffrey D. Schwindt, Matthew J. Masters, Michael G. Sanders, Alan R. Merkley, Eric M. Reid, James C. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20090178266
    Abstract: A golf club head is formed with openings respectively on top and bottom sides thereof and a circumferential recessed groove is formed in the club head along a circumference of each opening. Pegs are formed in and spaced along the circumferential grooves. A faceplate and a bottom plate are provided, each having a circumferential edge along which notches are formed in a spaced manner to correspond to the pegs. Thus, when the faceplate and the bottom plate are received in the top and bottom openings respectively to be supported by the circumferential grooves, the notches respectively snugly fit over the pegs to thereby securely and properly hold the faceplate and the bottom plate in position for subsequently welding operation. Thus, the subsequent welding operation can be carried out in a smooth manner without any underside shifting of the faceplate and bottom plate with respect to the club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: YUNG-HSIUNG CHEN
  • Patent number: 7526847
    Abstract: An automated crankshaft oil seal installation device and method of installing a crankshaft oil seal therewith. The device and method of the present invention allows an oil seal to be quickly and accurately installed to and around an exposed portion of a crankshaft in a manufacturing setting. One embodiment of the device makes use of a self-retention mechanism to ensure that the device is properly mated to an engine block that houses the crankshaft, and a pneumatic cylinder in combination with an oil seal retention/installation mechanism to install the oil seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Randall J. Arthur, Ryan M. Johnson, David H. Hook, Bart L. Anthony
  • Patent number: 7506433
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sawada, Shigenori Toyonaga, Kouichi Ohira, Toshifumi Inoue, Masashi Matsumoto, Masanobu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20090039198
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning structures. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tapered member and a plurality of segments. The tapered member has a first end and a second end, a diameter that increases from the first end to the second end, and the diameter has a first center. The each of the plurality of segments has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the plurality of segments define a tapered channel capable of receiving the tapered member, wherein the outer surface has an outer diameter with a second center corresponding to the first center, and wherein movement of the plurality of segments to the second end increases the outer diameter with the second center remaining in around a same location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Mark Buckus
  • Publication number: 20090040515
    Abstract: Formats for the optical testing of fluids are manufacturing using modular format components. The format components are constructed so that matching format components can be mated together to form a single format for optical testing. Formats may be manufactured using pin-and-hole construction so that pins on optical format components mate with holes on opposing format components. Optical read surfaces provided on optical format components oppose each other in a completed optical format to form a read area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventor: Allen J. Brenneman
  • Patent number: 7452494
    Abstract: A method of loading a moldset having a core plate and a cavity plate into an injection molding machine. The method comprises the steps of latching a cavity plate to a core plate using a removable latch, guiding the core plate into an open mold along a face in the mold while maintaining separation between the face and the core plate and maintaining the cavity plate spaced from hot runner nozzles in a hot runner in the mold, closing the mold to engage the cavity plate with the hot runner nozzles, securing the cavity plate to the hot runner, removing the latch between the cavity plate and the core plate, and opening the mold. The face may be a face of a movable platen or a back surface of a hot runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: John DiSimone