By Multiple Cooperating Aligning Means Patents (Class 29/466)
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Patent number: 6389698Abstract: A method of making car bodywork, the method including a step of assembling body sides (4a, 4b) to an underbody (1), the underbody (1) including a rigid engine compartment (2) at one end and being placed in an assembly station in a precise position determined in an orthogonal frame of reference having directions X, Y, and Z, the method consisting: in putting the body sides (4a, 4b) into position and holding them in position in the frame of reference of the station by means of two parallel tools (13, 14) each co-operating with a respective body side (4a, 4b), and at least one transverse tool (11) extending transversely to said parallel tools, the three tools being connected to one another and to the X, Y, Z frame of reference of the station in such a manner that the transverse tool (11) is placed and held in a position that is precise and locked in the frame of reference and that it forms a spacer and bracing tool in the Y direction for the two parallel tools (13, 14) in a zone that is remote from the engine coType: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: ABB Body in WhiteInventor: François Malatier
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Patent number: 6367142Abstract: An adjustment assembly (10) for an integral shifter cable interlock is provided. The assembly includes (10) a cable assembly (11) having a conduit (12) defining an axis and a core element (14) disposed within the conduit (12) movable along the axis. A terminal assembly (15) is secured to a portion of the core element (14) and has an aperture (37). An interlock housing (24) is supported by the cable assembly (11) with the terminal assembly at least partially disposed within the interlock housing (24). An interlock device (46) is disposed within the interlock housing (24) and has an armature pin (48) transverse to the aperture (37) for coacting with the aperture (37) and preventing axial movement of the core element (14). The adjustment assembly (10) is characterized by a removable clip (50) interposed between the interlock housing (24) and the terminal assembly (15) for locating the aperture (37) relative to the armature pin (48).Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Teleflex IncorporatedInventor: Klemens J. Meyer
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Patent number: 6363603Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an erect image, unity magnification, resin lens array by injection molding. Two injection-molded lens plates are stacked such that convexly warped sides thereof face each other or such that a convexly warped side of the lens plate whose warp is greater than that of the other lens plate faces a concavely warped side of the other lens plate, while directions of resin injection thereof are aligned so as to optically avoid the influence of molding shrinkage. Engagement spigots and engagement sockets are employed in order to align the two lens plates. The two stacked lens plates are secured by clipping of peripheral portions thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Nemoto, Takashi Kishimoto, Kenjiro Hamanaka
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Patent number: 6357538Abstract: A torque limiting device that allows a drill string to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit when a predetermined torque is applied between the cutting structure of the drill bit and the drill string. The torque limiting device utilizes a retaining member which restricts rotational movement of a first component of the torque limiting device relative to a second component. When a sufficient torque load is placed on the cutting structure of the drill bit, the retaining member allows rotational movement of the first component relative to the second component and allows the drill string to continue to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit until the torque is sufficiently reduced. The torque limiting device may be an integral part of a drill bit, may be a separate device attached between the drill string and the drill bit or between the drill string and a downhole motor, or may be part of a near-bit sub or incorporated in a downhole motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
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Patent number: 6317976Abstract: The invention is directed at a method of manufacturing these catalytic converters having non-round honeycomb substrates and comprises the following steps: (1) wrapping a non-round monolithic ceramic substrate, having a major and minor orthogonal axis, in a sufficient amount of the supporting mat material whereby the substrate's peripheral surface is substantially covered; (2) inserting the wrapped substrate into a metal shell, having a plurality of nodal points, which substantially surrounds the wrapped substrate; (3) placing the metal shell in a resizing die having a plurality of fingers, and associated gaps therebetween, extending axially along substantially the entire surface of the metal shell whereby the nodal points of the metal shell are positioned along a portion of a die finger and the placement of the metal shell and wrapped substrate, within the resizing die is such that the axes of the resizing die are angularly offset from the major and minor axes of the substrate; (4) compressively closingType: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Douglas A. Aranda, Paul S. Schmitt
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Patent number: 6276058Abstract: A system for manufacturing an aluminum alloy and steel railway car includes an aluminum alloy-body-manufacturing subsystem for producing an aluminum alloy railway car body, a steel-underframe-manufacturing subsystem for producing a steel car underframe, and an underframe-and-body combination subsystem for mating and attaching an aluminum alloy railway car body from the aluminum alloy-body-manufacturing subsystem and a steel underframe from the steel-underframe-manufacturing subsystem. The aluminum alloy-body-manufacturing subsystem of the system may include an openable-and-closeable rotating cage for receiving and aligning car body components and a rotator mechanism coupled to the rotating cage for selectively rotating the rotating cage and components therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: TRN Business TrustInventors: Jay S. Gallinger, Keith A. Young
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Patent number: 6266862Abstract: A weld seam opening regulator for use in constricting cylindrical structures, including a frame, first and second wheels for riding on a first edge of a band of metal, a third wheel for riding on a first edge of a cylindrical portion of the structure, and a fourth wheel for riding on an inner surface of the cylindrical portion and maintaining a minimum weld spacing between the band and cylinder. Also, an adjustable bottom roller rides on a second edge of the metal band urges the metal band toward the cylindrical portion of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron CompanyInventors: Arie Oostwouder, Jon Piet Oostwouder
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Publication number: 20010001643Abstract: A 96-well solid phase extraction (SPE) plate assembly comprises a common base plate having plural apertures (bores), and removable extraction cartridges (containers, tubes) extending through the bores. The plate assembly is mounted on a conventional 96-well plate vacuum manifold. The cartridges preferably snap into the base plate, but may also screw in. The apertures have annular counterapertures (counterbores) complementary to annular ridges protruding from the side walls of the cartridges. Each ridge snaps into a corresponding counteraperture. The modular design allows the end user to customize the extraction medium mix of the extraction plate assembly by inserting extraction containers having different sorbents into a common base plate. Gaskets are used to maintain a vacuum seal between the base plate and extraction cartridges, for maintaining a pressure gradient across the sorbents.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 1998Publication date: May 24, 2001Applicant: Nigel SimpsonInventors: NIGEL SIMPSON, DAVID R. NAU, ALBERT J. BUFFA
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Patent number: 6230382Abstract: A method for assembling an aircraft includes determining a three-dimensional representation of a first aircraft structure and a second aircraft structure using an optical positioning device. A predicted mate of the first aircraft structure and the second aircraft structure is generated from the three-dimensional representation of the first and second aircraft structures using a processor. The method further includes adjusting the predicted mate of the first and second aircraft structures to enhance performance characteristics of the aircraft using the processor.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.Inventors: Clifton D. Cunningham, James P. Koesters, Michael A. Leenhouts, Thomas H Mann, II, Eric D. Moore, James J. Howard, Alan D. Schreck
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Patent number: 6199260Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated, Ohmi, TadahiroInventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara
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Patent number: 6196825Abstract: A compression molding system has a pair of mold part holders with corner assemblies that perform guidance, stop and stabilization functions. Interchangeable heated mold parts lacking the aforesaid functions, are removably attached to the respective holders in such a manner that sheet metal core and cavity components of the mold parts are properly aligned. The guidance function of the holders guides the movement of the mold parts toward one another, and the stop function limits such movement to provide a predetermined space between the sheet metal components in order to form compression molding material therebetween to a desired shape and thickness. The stabilization function prevents longitudinal and transverse expansion of one of the mold parts relative to the other. The holders are designed to be attached to platens of a press.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Core Materials, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Winston, Jarvis M. Pigge
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Patent number: 6195866Abstract: A method for making an 8-shaped hole in a bimetallic sleeve, including the steps of preparing two bimetallic tubes, each tube having substantially the same dimension; and also preparing a rear sleeve part, and a front sleeve part; fixing each tube with a plurality of clamping blocks having openings on one side; moving each clamped bimetal tube to a thread cut machine, adjusting the spindle of the thread cut machine to move parallel to the openings on one side of the clamping blocks, and then cutting the clamped tube to form a tube of C-shaped cross section; detaching said tube of C-shaped cross section from said plurality of clamping blocks, and clamping two of said tube of C-shaped cross section together with two fixtures having an 8-shaped cross section; applying spot welding at joints of said two tubes of C-shaped cross section for 6-8 spots to form an 8-shaped hole bushing, and then detaching said two fixtures of 8-shaped cross section; heating the rear sleeve part in a heating furnace for 3-5 hours to reType: GrantFiled: November 24, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics CorporationInventor: Shin-Fa Chang
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Patent number: 6186735Abstract: A bucket for a front end loader is formed with a minimum number of parts so that it can easily be assembled held in fixtures and welded with robot welders. The bucket includes a unitary panel that forms a bottom wall and a rear wall, with a curved junction wall between the bottom and rear walls. An integral top rail is formed at the upper edge of the rear wall for structural integrity. The formed top rail is made with a sloped top rail wall to increase the visibility of a load in the bucket to an operator in a cab of a skid steer loader. The bucket walls and parts which weld thereon have locating tabs and mating edges for locating the parts automatically, so that they can be welded into position. The bucket is made with brackets for mounting it onto a quick attachment plate of a skid steer loader.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Clark Equipment CompanyInventors: Charles E. Deyo, Daniel T. Antrim, Jonathan C. Hollingsworth, Patrick K. Kuhn, Deborah N. Walock, Kenneth R. Weber, James W. Wolsky
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Patent number: 6170378Abstract: A method and apparatus for defeating high-velocity projectiles. A plurality of disks of equal size and having a thickness greater than 0.100″ are milled in a plurality of places. Each milled place having a radius of curvature approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the disk. The disks are then laid out in an imbricated pattern row by row such that each disk in a row is in substantially a straight line with the other disks in the row and overlaps a milled place of a disk in a row above its row and has its milled place overlapped by a disk in the row below its row. The imbricated pattern is then adhered to a flexible, high tensile strength substrate and overlaid by a second high tensile strength layer such that the imbricated pattern is enveloped between the substrate and the second layer. The envelope is then coupled to a soft body armor backing.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventors: Murray L. Neal, Allan D. Bain
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Patent number: 6128814Abstract: A press for press-fitting an axle tube into a differential housing having a locator and accurately locating a flange on the tube relative the locator by offsetting flange mislocation, deflection of the tube and press and deflection and/or shifting of the tube and housing fixtures during press-fitting. The press has a ram in operable communication with a drive and a computer in communication with the ram and drive to accurately control movement of the ram and depth of insertion of each tube. Carried by the ram is a probe that senses flange location relative on the tube for determining deviation in flange location and offsetting depth of insertion to compensate for any such deviation. Another sensor communicates to the computer the insertion force the ram is applying to the tube to determine tube and press deflection.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Unova IP Corp.Inventors: Zbigniew J. Belka, William M. Faitel
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Patent number: 6108831Abstract: Methods are disclosed for mounting an undercounter sink provided with a flange by means of a removable metal collar, which is used: to precisely locate and position the sink beneath a laminated countertop: and to finish cut at the installation site the countertop aperture and the top impervious surface of the countertop to form a flush, watertight seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Vincent Lombreglia, Jr.
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Patent number: 6098272Abstract: A system and method maintain concentricity of a center hole of a top substrate and of a bottom substrate in a bonded storage disk manufacturing system. A first device holds a coaxial arrangement of a top and bottom substrate around a first arbor. A second device holding the arrangement in a coaxial arrangement around a second arbor. One of the first and second arbors is fixed to its associated device and the other is movable in response to urging from the one arbor so that the arrangement maintains concentricity.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: First Light Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Paulus, Scott R. Parent, Thomas M. Thibault, Guy P. Laverriere, Donald G. Parent
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Patent number: 6094797Abstract: Apparatus for installing a starter-generator on an aircraft engine includes a key device for coupling the starter-generator to the engine in coaxial relation and uncoupling the starter-generator from the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1993Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Aircraft Parts CorporationInventor: Seymour Sherman
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Patent number: 6079403Abstract: A door for a high-temperature oven is disclosed that includes an external door and an internal door which are thermally isolated from one another. The internal door is held at a distance in a frame of the external door by internal door carriers. The internal door carriers are in the form of lugs that are integrally formed on the internal door by punching out the metal sheet. The lugs engage with tabs in the form of punched-out recessed that are disposed on the frame of the external door.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Peter Michael Binder
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Patent number: 6015247Abstract: An article assembly an alignment machine includes a table comprising a base frame and a work surface mounted thereon. A jig system includes X-axis and Y-axis jig subsystems each including clamps slidable on the work surface. The jig subsystems are actuated by pneumatic piston-and-cylinder units. An article forming system includes a gang drill mounted on the base frame below the work surface and adapted for raising and lowering between engage and disengage positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Inventor: Vincent E. Branaman
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Patent number: 5989088Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a flat-panel display unit and a carrier therefor which make it unnecessary to implement alignment in each step, except for alignment which require higher precision, by performing the alignment in advance in the pre-stage of a series of steps. The present invention also provides a manufacturing method of a flat-panel display unit which allows alignment with accuracy of about 50 to 100 .mu.m to be performed simply, reliably and quickly. According to the inventive manufacturing method, a display panel is mounted non-shiftably on the carrier and while being mounted thereon, is then carried between processing machines and is processed by the processing machines. In mounting the display panel on the carrier, it is aligned with the carrier in advance by visually aligning alignment marks thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tatsuya Hasegawa, Satoshi Yoshimura, Shinichi Koyama, Keizo Tanaka, Yoshikazu Yomogihara, Sanae Tokunaga, Masaichi Okubo
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Patent number: 5950299Abstract: A device for making plaster memorabilia is provided including a pan for accepting a predetermined amount of plaster therein. As such, various body parts may be impressed therein prior to the plaster drying after which a plaster block is rendered. Also included is a frame assembly for receiving the plaster block therein. The frame and plaster block are adapted to be mounted on a wall such that the impressions may be displayed via an outboard end of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Tomas R. Perez-Alderete
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Patent number: 5943756Abstract: Calibrators (10-16) are pre-aligned on a base (18) that is positioned on a table (60). A guide (82) includes a first section (84a, 84b) connected to base (18) and a second section (94) connected to table (60). First section (84a, 84b) cooperates with second section (94) to laterally maintain base (18) on table (60) while allowing thermal expansion of base (18) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (22).Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: VEKA, Inc.Inventors: Pat A. Racioppi, Rocco D. Nocera
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Patent number: 5819388Abstract: The invention concerns the creation of a prototype workpiece or production equipment.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: MEC Maschinenbau Entwicklung Consulting GmbHInventor: Thomas Salm
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Patent number: 5766300Abstract: A compact fiber rotator has a guiding and support Device (2) which comprises suction channels (17) formed in the angle of two blocks (3, 5), and a rotation device (32) which is attachable to the guide device (2) and comprises a house (33), a rotating toothed wheel part (37), a platform (31) attached thereto and an electric step motor (43). The fiber (1) is secured on the platform (31) by means of a standard fiber retainer (61) which is retained at the platform (31) by means of magnets (29), the rotating part (37) being located between the support (2) and the retainer (61). The suction channels (17) of the support device can be provided with a suitably low negative pressure, so that the fiber which is to be rotated and welded can be retained satisfactorily but still may be rotated against smooth surfaces of the angle of the blocks (3, 5).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM EricssonInventors: Ola Hulten, Wenxin Zheng, Mats Bengtsson, H.ang.kan Ekwall
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Patent number: 5728188Abstract: A method of accurately circumferentially orienting the output shaft of each of a plurality of oscillating gob distribution device units (S) with respect to one another and with respect to a support device (T) used to support a plurality of gob chutes. A fixture (10) having a slot (22) extending therethrough is secured to the output shaft of each of the drive units and in a fixed circular position relative thereto. The positions of the output shafts are adjusted to bring the slots into alignment with one another by inserting the shank portion (42) of a zeroing bar (40) into the slots of the fixtures, and the position of the support device is circumferentially adjusted to bring a recess therein into a predetermined circular orientation with respect to a step end portion (46) of the zeroing bar.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.Inventor: Ronald P. Warnecke
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Patent number: 5673881Abstract: An apparatus for connecting at least two leg members to form a table leg assembly, comprising: a tab bracket disposed on each of said leg members; at least two ganging brackets matingly engageable with said tab brackets; and connecting means for removably connecting said ganging brackets with said tab brackets.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Minchey, William E. Surface
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Patent number: 5620634Abstract: The specification describes a fiber lightguide connector for interconnecting large arrays of lightwave fibers. Linear arrays of lightwave fibers, for example those in so-called ribbon cables, are effectively interconnected using known v-groove connector assemblies. According to the invention two or more such v-groove connector assemblies are stacked to increase the fiber capacity of a connector assembly. Attempts to stack known v-groove connector plates have encountered problems with aligning the v-groove arrays on opposite sides of the internal or intermediate plate of the stack. An alignment technique is described for assuring precise alignment between linear arrays of v-grooves on opposite sides of the interior plates of stacked linear array connectors.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Muhammed A. Shahid
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Patent number: 5597259Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly of a first panel formed with at least one insertion notch extending inwardly from at least one panel edge and a second panel carrying at least one projecting tab extending outwardly of at least one of its edge and fitting in one of the notches. The tab has on at least one of its sides a shoulder defining an edge which is located along the projecting length of the tab at a position intermediate the free edge of the tab and its base, which usually coincides with the edge of the panel from which it projects. The shoulder edge is in abutting contact with a region of the first panel adjacent the insertion notch in the first panel in which the tab fits and functions to maintain the associated edge of the second panel out of contact with the first panel so that the relative positions of the panels is determined by such abutting contact and is independent of other factors, such as the precise linearity of the panel edge.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1994Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N. V.Inventors: Constant Bogaerts, Eric Van Echelpoel, Henri Goossen, Luc Van Goethem, Luc Van Aken
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Patent number: 5595454Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly of a first panel formed with at least one insertion slot and a second panel carrying at least one projecting tab extending outwardly of at least one of its edges and fitting in the slot. The tab has on at least one of its sides a shoulder defining an edge which is located along the projecting length of the tab at a position intermediate the free edge of the tab and its base. The shoulder edge is in abutting contact with a region of the first panel adjacent one of the insertion slot and thus maintains the associated edge of the second panel out of contact with the first panel so that the relative positions of the panels is determined by such abutting contact. The first and second panels can be positively secured together by means of an interconnection element, preferably in the form of an integral flange bent up from one of the panels, which is attached to one or both other panel by screws, bolts and nuts or similar attachment devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1994Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.Inventors: Constant Bogaerts, Eric Van Echelpoel, Henri Goossen, Luc Van Goethem, Luc Van Aken
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Patent number: 5590453Abstract: A rivet system (10) locks separate parts (12, 14) of an assembly (13) together on a support fixture (20) with clamping devices (28) and prevents release of the parts (12, 14) from the fixture (20) until a required number of rivets (51) have been placed. A rivet setting tool (50) provides insertion of the rivets (51) between the parts (12, 14), and disposes spent rivet mandrels (62) through a vacuum tube (58) to be sensed. A detector (72) detects the spent rivet mandrels (62) and provides a signal to a controller (100), which measures the length of the mandrel to determine proper crushing or installation of the rivet (51).Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.Inventor: Gerard H. Gajewski
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Patent number: 5556269Abstract: A double scroll compressor includes left and right stationary scroll members 2, 3 which are located by knock pins 20. Setting of positions of the right stationary scroll member 3 and an orbiting scroll member 1 relative to each other is achieved by using knock pins 16 to 19. A crankshaft 4 and an auxiliary crankshaft 5 are drivingly coupled through a timing belt under such a condition that their cranks have been in synchronization with a position of their maximum radius.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Suzuki, Shigeru Machida, Isamu Kawano
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Patent number: 5549265Abstract: An apparatus for connecting at least two leg members to form a table leg assembly, comprising: a tab bracket disposed on each of said leg members; at least two ganging brackets matingly engageable with said tab brackets; and connecting means for removably connecting said ganging brackets with said tab brackets.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Minchey, William E. Surface
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Patent number: 5428881Abstract: A tool for aligning modular flotation platform sections is lightweight and portable. Its principal components are a fulcrum lever arm, a link rod, and two adapters for gripping coupling means on adjacent flotation platforms. The fulcrum lever arm has a handle portion and a slotted head portion. The link rod is secured at one end in the slotted head portion by means which enable it to move pivotally and translationally in the slots. To the other end of the link rod and the end of the head portion of the fulcrum lever arm are secured the two gripping adapters. They are secured in such a way that they may pivot on the securing means. The adapters may be fabricated to mate with standard coupling means with which standardized flotation platform components are typically equipped.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1993Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Stephen C. WooleryInventor: Stephen C. Woolery
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Patent number: 5400943Abstract: In a welding station, particularly for motor-vehicle bodies, the elements to be welded are locked in a precise position by locking devices carried by locating gates. There are provided a number of pairs of locating gates, corresponding to the number of different types of structures to be welded on which the station must operate. The gates are mounted on powered carriages which are guided longitudinally on both sides of the conveyor line to allow the pair of gates which are in the operative position to be rapidly interchanged. The elements of the structure to be welded reach the work area suspended to a hook, without being preliminarly connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Comau S.p.A.Inventor: Cristiano Rossi
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Patent number: 5397047Abstract: In a welding device for motor vehicle bodies there are provided a number of pairs of locating gates adapted to operate on different models of body. In the work position, each pair of locating gates can be selectively coupled to a plurality of auxiliary fixtures depending upon the specific version (for example hatchback, sedan, station-wagon) of the model of body to be welded.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Comau S.p.A.Inventor: Antonio Zampini
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Patent number: 5363543Abstract: Two bushings are aligned coaxially with a bore in a part in preparation for installation concentrically in the two ends of the bore with an interference fit, using an elongated mandrel which is maintained coaxially on the bore centerline by a guide inserted in one end of the bore while the bushing is pressed into the other end of the bore. The force to press the bushings into the bore is exerted by a pulling tool to which the mandrel is coupled, and that force is transmitted through the mandrel to the bushing by way of a collar attached to the mandrel. The force of the pulling tool exerted on the mandrel is reacted through an anvil attached to the barrel of the pulling tool and effectively in contact with the side of the part opposite to which the bushing is being pressed into the bore. The faces of the collar and the anvil are machined flat and perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel so that the squeezing force exerted between them on the bushing and the part is parallel to the axis of the bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1993Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jerry L. Boyd, Kenneth C. Cameron, Sr.
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Patent number: 5325585Abstract: The front portion of a roof panel has left-hand and right-hand roof opening sections, each roof opening section being wide open without a roof side rail on its transversely outer side. A movable roof member is mounted on the roof opening sections so as to be movable longitudinally through a base frame fixed to the body of a vehicle, thereby opening the roof opening sections when the movable roof member is moved in its rear position and closing it when it is moved in its front position. The base frame contains a front section to be mounted to a front header of the body, a rear section to be mounted to a front edge portion of a rear roof panel section, a middle section for connecting middle portions of the front section and the rear section, and a guide section extending rearward from a transversely outer side portion of the rear section.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1992Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Katsuaki Sasaki, Tomonori Otsubo, Tomoo Taguchi, Yoshihiro Konno, Yasukazu Watanabe, Shigefumi Kohno
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Patent number: 5305521Abstract: Disclosed in an ink-jet head assembling method for executing alignments between a top plate and a heater board. The method comprises steps of holding the top plate by fingers, moving the fingers to bring the top plate to a position above the heater board with adhesives having been applied, releasing the holding of the fingers, enabling them to engage with an ink reception port of the top plate, and moving the fingers sideways to abut against the ink reception port, and adjusting a relative position between heaters of the heater board and nozzles of the top plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1992Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaki Inaba, Tsuyoshi Baba, Tsuyoshi Orikasa, Takashi Ohba, Toshio Tsuda
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Patent number: 5271303Abstract: A device for selectively securing a stripper assembly on a punch guide assembly. A resiliently biased plunger is disposed adjacent the guide assembly, and selectively maintains the stripper assembly in a predetermined rotational position relative to the guide assembly. The stripper assembly includes at least one retaining projection, and the guide assembly includes at least one flange for selective engagement with the retaining projection to secure the stripper assembly and the guide assembly against relative axial movement. A method is disclosed including the steps of placing the stripper assembly on the guide assembly, and affecting relative movement between the stripper assembly and the guide assembly to cause the retaining projection to engage the flange, and the plunger to be received in a locator slot on the stripper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: Strippit, Inc.Inventor: Stephen K. Chatham
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Patent number: 5243755Abstract: An ink-jet head assembling apparatus assembles a nozzle head of an ink-jet head for discharging an ink in a predetermined pattern from a heater board having a plurality of heaters for heating the ink, and a top plate member having a plurality of discharge orifices for discharging the ink heated by the corresponding heaters in a jet-like manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaki Inaba, Fumio Ichikawa, Tsunenobu Satoi, Hiroshi Haruyama, Tsuyoshi Baba, Tsuyoshi Orikasa, Takashi Ohba
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Patent number: 5239739Abstract: A method and system for the flexible assembly of components into an assembly at an assembly station within an assembly area in an adaptive, programmable fashion. Several programmable locators mounted on a platform work cooperatively to receive and support components or parts having critical positioning features at approximate locations. The programmable locators then move the components so that the critical positioning features and hence the components are at desired locations. Thereafter, part position and orientation are constrained at retaining locations while the components are in their desired locations. Processing equipment at least partially joins the retained components either at the assembly station or at a separate processing station. One of the programmable locators may provide one of the retaining locations.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1992Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: GMFanc Robotics CorporationInventors: Hadi A. Akeel, Lane A. Hautau
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Patent number: 5189932Abstract: The method of making a roller cone rock bit wherein a main body having a tool joint adjacent one end and a plurality of leg stubs adjacent the other end, has the outer surfaces of those leg stubs on a common conical locus tapering longitudinally inwardly from the radially outer extremity to the radially inner extremity. A like number of cone bases have their trunnions emplaced in respective recesses in a common fixture, in which the recesses are oriented with respect to one another in the same manner as is desired for the relative orientation of the trunnions on the finished rock bit. The end surfaces of the leg extensions which are integral with these trunnions are then simultaneously machined to lie on a common conical locus corresponding to that of the outer surfaces of the leg stubs. The trunnions are removed from the fixture, and each of the adjoining leg extensions has its machined end surface mated with an welded to a respective one of the outer surfaces of the leg stubs.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1991Date of Patent: March 2, 1993Assignee: Cummins Tool Co.Inventors: Daura Palmo, James H. Snider
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Patent number: 5127293Abstract: A device for selectively securing a stripper plate on a punch guide assembly. The device includes an annular retaining ring adapted to retain the stripper plate on the guide assembly. A resiliently biased plunger is disposed adjacent the guide assembly, and selectively maintains the retaining ring in a predetermined rotational position relative to the guide assembly. The retaining ring includes at least one retaining surface, and the guide assembly includes at least one flange for selective engagement with the retaining surface to secure the retaining ring and guide assembly against relative axial movement. A method is disclosed including the steps of placing the stripper plate on the guide assembly, placing the retaining ring on the stripper plate, and affecting relative movement between the retaining ring and the guide assembly to cause the retaining projection to engage the flange, and the plunger to be received in a locator slot on the retaining ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1990Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Strippit, Inc.Inventor: Stephen K. Chatham
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Patent number: 5085094Abstract: A screw and guide rail coupling assembly is for a garage door operator. The garage door operator has a motor-driven rotatable screw at least partially within a nonrotatable guide rail and a slide guided by the guide rail and movable longitudinally therealong by engagement with the screw and connectable to open and close the garage door. The screw is in at least first and second screw parts, and a screw coupling is adapted to interconnect adjacent ends of the first and second screw parts. The guide rail is in at least first and second guide parts, and a guide coupling adapted to interconnect adjacent ends of the first and second guide parts. The screw coupling is longitudinally spaced or offset from the guide coupling wherein the screw coupling is completely contained and supported within one of said first and second guide parts. The offset provides a significant increase in the maximum torque of the screw and guide rail coupling assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1990Date of Patent: February 4, 1992Assignee: GMI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Clawson, James W. Stottsberry
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Patent number: 5071057Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a roof of a water-steam cooled cyclonic separator. The fixture locates, supports, and restrains portions of the roof during welding operations. By continuing that restraint through a stress relief step, the method and apparatus address the problem of distortion that otherwise would occur during welding. The method and fixture provide good access to the roof during the welding operations and, in particular, allow for faster welding and welds of higher quality by maximizing the availability of "down hand" welding techniques. The fixture is a universal fixture, designed to accommodate roofs of varying geometries.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy CorporationInventor: John Q. Murphy
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Patent number: 5014422Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming core assemblies comprising supporting a plurality of flattened tubes in horizontally spaced relationship, applying forces to the ends of the tubes to align the tubes, interposing undulating fins between adjacent tubes, providing a stop for holding the ends of the tubes at one end in alignment, retracting the force on the opposite ends of the tubes applying a compacting force to the array tubes and undulating fins transversely of the tubes by applying forces to end plates, applying a force to a header plate to force the opposite ends of the tubes through openings in the header plate, applying a deforming force to the opposite ends of the tubes against the outer surface of the header plate to move any unaligned tubes into alignment with the remainder of the tubes against the stop, retracting the stop, applying a force to another header plate to force the one ends of the tubes through openings in the header plate and applying a deforming force to the one ends of the tubes ontoType: GrantFiled: July 2, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Inventor: Bernard J. Wallis
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Patent number: 5002437Abstract: A method for aligning a series of posts begins with providing a first alignment apparatus adjacent a first hole. A first post is attached to one end of the alignment apparatus and hung at the desired elevation in the post hole. A second alignment apparatus is then provided and one end is connected to the first post such that the alignment apparatus may be swung about the post like a door. Once the second alignment apparatus is positioned in the desired orientation, support members are lowered to support the frame. A second post is then provided and hung on the opposite end of the second alignment apparatus at the desired elevation within a second post hole. The second post is plumed and aligned with respect to the first post upon attachment to the second alignment apparatus. Subsequent alignment apparatus and posts may be attached in a similar fashion to form a series of aligned posts.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1989Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Inventor: D. William Giroux
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Patent number: 4830089Abstract: A pair of guide pins are mounted on sideplate extensions of the caster and mating roller pairs are mounted on the nozzle assembly. The nozzle is advanced toward the caster so that the roller pairs engage the guide pins. Both guide pins are remotely adjustable in the vertical direction by hydraulic cylinders acting through eccentrics. This moves the nozzle vertically. The guide pin on the inboard side of the caster is similarly horizontally adjustable. The nozzle roller pair which engage the inboard guide pin are flanged so that the nozzle moves horizontally with the inboard guide pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1988Date of Patent: May 16, 1989Assignees: Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation, USX CorporationInventors: Robert J. Carmichael, Charles D. Dykes, Ronald Woodrow
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Patent number: 4811891Abstract: Vehicle body of a two-wheeled vehicle assembled by holding a plurality of center members on a center jig which may be movable between a setting station and a coupling station, setting side frame members on a pair of side frame jigs in a prostrate posture at a position laterally adjacent the coupling station with the side frame jigs being a jig frame formed of frame materials with spaces therebetween, welding the side frame members together by welding robots adjacent the coupling station, erecting the side jigs to position the welded side frames in position with respect to the center members on the center jig, and welding the side frames to the center members using the same welding robots extending through the spaces in the jig frame of the side frame jigs.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1988Date of Patent: March 14, 1989Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoji Yamaoka, Shogo Ozawa, Naoki Fukai, Masayuki Yuzawa, Takeshi Nakamura, Yutaka Asano