By Expanding Inner Annulus Patents (Class 29/507)
-
Patent number: 7757401Abstract: An assembly method for a downhole screen is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the filtration layer is slipped over a perforated base pipe and an expansion technique is used to increase the base pipe diameter to the point where, preferably, an interference fit exists. The expansion can be fully underneath the filtration layer or can be done in discrete zones. The finished assembly can still be expanded further downhole, such as, for example, in open hole completions. An outer protective shroud can be employed over the filtration layer when the expansion of the base pipe occurs.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Bennett M. Richard, John T. Broome, Kendall Dyson, Matt Falgout, Don Simoneaux
-
Patent number: 7707724Abstract: To avoid a difficulty of inserting a spline shaft into a spline hole, respective holding members 29 constituting a holding device 28 for holding a hub 3 are displaced in a radial inward direction of a small diameter stepped portion 15. The inner peripheral surface of the inside end of an original hole 25 is elastically deformed radially inward the same as or slightly greater than the elastic deformation caused by externally securing tightly an inner ring to the small diameter stepped portion 15. In this condition, a female spline portion for constituting a spline hole is formed in the original hole 25.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Yasumura, Shoji Horike
-
Patent number: 7694402Abstract: A lined conduit formed by decorrugating a corrugated liner conduit inside a first conduit is described. A method and apparatus for forming the lined conduit are also described. The corrugated liner conduit may be positioned inside the first conduit. Each end portion of the corrugated liner conduit may be coupled to a hydraulic expander. Each hydraulic expander may include a hydraulic cylinder. Each hydraulic cylinder may include a piston rod with an opening along the length of the piston rod. The corrugated liner conduit may be evacuated through a valve assembly coupled to the passageway in one of the piston rods. The evacuated corrugated liner conduit may be pressurized with fluid from a fluid source coupled to the valve assembly. Pressurizing the corrugated liner conduit may expand corrugations in the corrugated liner conduit to form a decorrugated liner in the first conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Packless Metal Hose, Inc.Inventors: L. Robert Zifferer, Edward A. Reed
-
Patent number: 7669328Abstract: A method of manufacturing a push rod from a length of tube having a first end and a second end. The tube is held in a first fixture and a first tool is brought into engagement with the first end while a force is applied to deform the first end into a cone. A disc is thereafter affixed to the cone through a welding process. The tube with the disc attached is moved to a second fixture and a threaded shaft is partially inserted into the tube adjacent the second end. A radial force is applied to the tube that causes the tube to be compressed into engagement with the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft is then rotated causing its translation within the tube to establish a desired length between a face on the disc and a head on the threaded shaft to complete the manufacture of the push rod.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Masato Wake
-
Patent number: 7610667Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars. Threaded connections are machined into pre-expanded ends of tubulars. Once the threaded connections are machined into the pre-expanded ends, two joints of tubulars are connected using the threads, thus creating a pre-expanded threaded connection. After a tubular string is made up and lowered into a wellbore, the entire length of the string is expanded using known methods for expanding tubulars. During the downhole expansion operation, the pre-expanded threaded connections experience minimal expansion. The minimal downhole expansion of the pre-expanded threaded connections allows the threaded connections to maintain their sealing ability and coupling strength.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Ghazi J. Hashem
-
Patent number: 7603758Abstract: A tubular member is expanded by pressurizing an interior region within the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Lev Ring, Richard Carl Haut, Robert Donald Mack, Alan B. Duell
-
Patent number: 7526849Abstract: A stent loading device may comprise a stent crimping device, a fluid source and a support device arranged to support and move a stent delivery device. The fluid source may provide chilled fluid capable of placing a shape memory material into a martensitic state. After stent crimping, as the crimping device opens, the fluid flow may advance at least a portion of the stent into the delivery device. A step procedure may be used to move the rest of the stent into the delivery device, wherein the delivery device may be moved away from the crimping device, the portion of the stent still in the crimping device may be crimped again, and the delivery device may be moved back to its original position, thereby stepping another portion of the stent into the delivery device. The step procedure may be repeated until the entire stent is oriented within the delivery device.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Gabriel Sobrino Serrano
-
Patent number: 7478844Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars. Threaded connections are machined into pre-expanded ends of tubulars. Once the threaded connections are machined into the pre-expanded ends, two joints of tubulars are connected using the threads, thus creating a pre-expanded threaded connection. After a tubular string is made up and lowered into a wellbore, the entire length of the string is expanded using known methods for expanding tubulars. During the downhole expansion operation, the pre-expanded threaded connections experience minimal expansion. The minimal downhole expansion of the pre-expanded threaded connections allows the threaded connections to maintain their sealing ability and coupling strength.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Ghazi J. Hashem
-
Patent number: 7474221Abstract: An improved method of permanently marking the location of a tubular joint, the method including creating a cavity into the end surface of one of the tubular ends that are to be joined by a forge weld or screw thread connection, inserting a marker into said cavity and subsequently joining the tubular ends.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Johannis Josephus Den Boer, Anthony Thomas Cole, Klisthenis Dimitriadis, Djurre Hans Zijsling
-
Publication number: 20080309075Abstract: A connection device for the connection of a hose to a fluid-transporting line or assembly. The connection device comprises a connecting nipple and a compression sleeve. The nipple includes a fluid channel and a cylindrical or conical peripheral surface, and an annular ring. The compression sleeve includes a hose fitting section and a plastically deformable connecting area associated with the annular ring. In an embodiment, the connecting area fastens the compression sleeve to the connecting nipple without engaging behind it or extending beyond the annular ring. Methods for establishing a hose connection are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2005Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: Eaton Fluid Power GmbHInventor: Voicu Marina
-
Publication number: 20080231042Abstract: A method for making pipe joints on successive pipe sections introduced into an oil well as assembled into a pipeline in which the joints are substantially of the same dimensions as the pipe sections to allow for subsequent plastic expansion of the sections. In each joint, a female pipe end is tapered on the inside and an adjacent male end is tapered on the outside preferably with a complementary self locking taper which also has an interference fit. The female pipe end is heated to be expanded sufficiently to be assembled onto the male end and thereafter cooled to grip the male end in a leakproof manner. For larger pipe sizes, the tapered shapes have features which interlock in a leakproof manner when engaged after assembly of the pipe ends. The tapered shapes preferably are formed by a reversibly positioned forming tool which is alternately engaged with male and female pipe ends to ensure perfectly matching shapes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Semyon Brayman, Alexander Rudovich
-
Publication number: 20080197625Abstract: A hose coupling and method of forming the same are disclosed, wherein a strength thereof is maximized and a cost of manufacture is minimized. The hose coupling utilizes a plastic ferrule which militates against a hose end being released from the hose coupling during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2005Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: WINZELER STAMPING COMPANYInventors: Michael E. Allman, Young Seo
-
Patent number: 7406762Abstract: A fabricating method of an electrical terminal connector comprises the following steps: (1) providing an angled insulating housing having a first opening, a second opening and a through passage therein, the insulating housing further including a window and a cover; (2) providing a conducting terminal which has a flat-end connecting portion facing the first opening and a crimped portion facing the second opening; (3) providing a deformable crimp ferrule which has a core-connecting end and a crimping end facing the conducting terminal; (4) assembling conducting terminal with the deformable crimp ferrule; (5) placing the assembly of the conducting terminal and the deformable crimp ferrule through the window in the passage of the insulating housing, then fastening the cover with the window.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: K.S. Terminals, Inc.Inventor: Yuan-Feng Lu
-
Patent number: 7363690Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Lance Cook, Lev Ring, Edwin A. Zwald, Andrei Gregory Filippov, Kevin K. Waddell
-
Patent number: 7363691Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Lance Cook, Lev Ring, Edwin A. Zwald, Andrei Gregory Filippov, Kevin K. Waddell
-
Patent number: 7322106Abstract: A method of manufacturing a node for joining a plurality of structural members together, such as in a vehicular body and frame assembly, is well suited for joining structural members that are formed from differing materials. An insert is provided having a node securing portion and a mounting portion that is adapted to have a structural member secured thereto. A node is formed about the node securing portion of the insert for joining a plurality of structural members together. The insert can be formed from a first material, while the node can be formed from a second material that is different from the first material. The insert can be provided with a node securing portion having at least one aperture or protrusion formed therein, and the node can be formed within or about the aperture or protrusion. A plurality of inserts can be provided, each having a node securing portion and a mounting portion, and the node can be formed about each of the node securing portions of the inserts.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Richard A. Marando, Scott M. McGill, Jason A. Poirier, Andrew R. Simboli
-
Patent number: 7249787Abstract: A hose coupling using at least one reinforcing ring to reinforce a hose coupling during a crimping process, the hose coupling having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve coaxial with the inner sleeve, and a hose coaxially interposed therebetween. During the crimping process a crimping force is applied directly to the outer sleeve to form at least one depression that results in an area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve, the depression helping to seal and lock the hose between the inner and outer sleeves. The reinforcing ring is positioned within the inner sleeve and concentric with the area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve. Consequently, the reinforcing ring prevents the inner sleeve from deforming under the crimping force, thereby ensuring the integrity and long-term durability of the hose coupling.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Hutchinson FTS, Inc.Inventor: Jerry H. Chisnell
-
Patent number: 7234222Abstract: A method for configuring a gas distribution channel, the gas distribution channel being configured for introducing a plasma source gas into a plasma processing chamber of a plasma processing system is disclosed. The method includes providing a metal conduit, providing a thermo-plastic tubular structure, and disposing the thermoplastic tubular structure within the metal conduit. The method also includes applying heat and pressure to the thermo-plastic tubular structure, thereby causing the thermo-plastic tubular structure to mechanically couple with the metal conduit wherein an outer surface of the thermo-plastic tubular structure is longitudinally coupled with an inner surface of the metal conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Fangli Hao, John Daugherty
-
Patent number: 7225523Abstract: An expandable tubing assembly comprises a tubular connector defining overlapping longitudinal slots, the connector comprising end portions and an intermediate portion. The slots extend over the whole length of the connector, but the only slot overlap occurs in the intermediate portion. The assembly further comprises lengths of expandable tubing defining overlapping longitudinal slots and having end portions defining nodes between and beyond the ends of the tubing slots. Tubing threads are formed on the end most tubing nodes. The connector end portions define threads and are coupled with the threads formed on the nodes of the respective end portions of the tubing lengths.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Paul David Metcalfe
-
Patent number: 7204007Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Lance Cook, Lev Ring, Edwin A. Zwald, Andrei Gregory Filippov, Kevin K. Waddell
-
Patent number: 7181846Abstract: A method for manufacturing a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly includes the initial step of orienting a first component having a first wall thickness and a second component having a second wall thickness to define an overlap region. The first and second components may have the same or different wall thicknesses, may be formed from the same or different materials, and may have the same or different lengths. Portions of the first and second components are deformed to provide the overlap region with a third wall thickness that is the sum of the first wall thickness and the second wall thickness. Lastly, a pair of yoke arms having respective openings therethrough is formed in the overlap region to provide a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly. A pair of combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly can also be manufactured in accordance with this method.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nelson Wagner, Matthew P. Blecke
-
Patent number: 7181821Abstract: A method of joining expandable tubulars includes joining the tubulars by forge welding and flushing a reducing flushing gas around the heated tubular ends during at least part of the forge welding operation such that oxides are removed from the forge welded tubular ends and the amount of irregularities between the forge welded tubular ends is limited.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Mark Wilson Anderson, Johannis Josephus Den Boer, Anthony Thomas Cole, Klisthenis Dimitriadis, Jan Erik Vollebregt, Djurre Hans Zijsling
-
Patent number: 7146702Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Lance Cook, Lev Ring, Edwin A. Zwald, Andrei Gregory Filippov, Kevin K. Waddell
-
Patent number: 7143510Abstract: An assembly provides metallic ends to a composite shaft and a method of fabricating such an assembly. The composite shaft is preferably comprised of reinforced fibers. A metallic inner sleeve is positioned in the cavity of one end of the shaft. A metallic outer sleeve is positioned around the end of the shaft having the inner sleeve therein. The outer sleeve may include structural features, such as dimples, that ensure a stable connection between the sleeve and the shaft. The sleeves are compressibly forced onto the shaft, thereby forming the assembly. Both sleeves are metallic, and therefore provide a surface onto which weld joints can be formed. A preferred method of assembly includes the steps of expanding the inner sleeve and compressing the outer sleeve against the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLCInventors: Christopher Alan Myers, Douglas James Bradley, Edward A. Umin, Ronald Oral Holcomb, Steven Lum
-
Patent number: 7127792Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spring assembly, which includes two annular plates and compression coil springs, and which is adapted so that the compression coil springs are assembled to the annular plates by caulking projection portions formed on the two annular plates, respectively. Projection portions are formed at the side of the annular plates. Plural large-diameter walls and plural small-diameter walls are alternately provided in the circumferential direction of each of the projection portions. A punch having a portion, whose diameter is larger than the inside diameter of a space between the small-diameter walls, is inserted into an inner space among the large-diameter walls and the small-diameter walls of each of the projection portions. As the small-diameter walls of each of the projection portions are enlarged in diameter, the large-diameter walls adjoining each of these small-diameter walls are easily enlarged in diameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Piolax, Inc.Inventors: Masami Wakamori, Toshie Fueki
-
Patent number: 7107663Abstract: An expandable tubular coupling (10) includes first and second thread portions (12,14) each comprising a plurality of inter-engaging teeth (20,22), wherein at least one tooth on the first thread portion (12) engages a corresponding tooth on the second thread portion (14) and the remainder of said inter-engaging teeth (20,22) define respective gaps (32) therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Peter Ellington, Iain Cameron Macaulay
-
Patent number: 7100264Abstract: A bushing (52) has two bushing parts (52, 58), each of which includes a tubular section (54, 60) and a radial flange section (56, 62) Tubular section (54) is inserted into an opening (38) in a work member (40), from one side of the work member (40). Tubular section (60) is inserted into tubular section (54) from the opposite side (44) of the work member (40). A mandrel (M) is moved through the interior of the tubular portion of the bushing to radially and circumferentially expand the tubular portion of the bushing and move the flange sections against the opposite sidewalls of the work member (40). The tubular portions (54, 60) of the bushing (52) is radially and circumferentially expanded an amount sufficient to introduce fatigue life enhancing compressive residual stresses in the work member (40) immediately around the opening (38) in the work member (40).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.Inventors: William A. Skinner, Jude H. Restis, Mark R. Weiss
-
Patent number: 7076854Abstract: A toothed or splined shaft having an external toothing is pushed with clearance into an internal toothing of a hub, tooth to space, and the external toothing of the shaft is pressed together with the internal toothing of the hub. In the push-in position of the shaft, the latter is deformed plastically out of a cavity of the shaft in a radial circumferential widening operation and, so as to provide freedom from clearance between the spaces of the external toothing of the shaft and the internal toothing of the hub, the internal toothing engaging into the external toothing is pressed against the hub in such a way that the hub is deformed elastically and a press fit between the shaft and the hub is produced.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Torsten Harms, Juergen Knuedel
-
Patent number: 7024909Abstract: An improved machine for performing a swaging operation includes a mandrel and an expandable collet that are mounted to an actuator such as a conventional pneumatic gun. The mandrel includes a plurality of ramped planar engagement surfaces that are slidably engageable with a plurality of planar reaction surfaces on deflectable segments of the collet. The planar nature of the engagement surfaces and the reaction surfaces avoids unwanted deflection of the segments that would otherwise turn the segments into cutting tools, such as would occur if the surfaces were of certain other shapes. The mandrel is rotatably mounted to the pneumatic gun whereby the engagement surfaces are self-aligning with the reaction surfaces during an initial stage of a swaging operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Alcoa Global Fasteners, Inc.Inventors: Cristinel Ovidiu Cobzaru, Robert Bryant
-
Patent number: 6961998Abstract: Hollow shafts, and particularly camshafts, are produced using an internal high-pressure forming (IHF) process. Cams and/or machine elements are mounted at intervals onto the outer surface of the hollow shaft, depending on the use of the latter, by a non-positive and/or positive fit, in a position appropriate to their function when the hollow shaft is placed in the forming tool. An element with approximately the same external diameter as the internal diameter of the hollow shaft is placed in at least one of the hollow shaft, and the hollow shaft together with the cams and/or machine elements that have been pushed onto the same and the inserted element are placed in an IHF tool. Once the IHF tool is closed, the medium is caused to act under the required high-pressure in the hollow shaft. At the same time as the medium is acting internally, at least one ram is pressed axially against at least one front face of the hollow shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Salzgitter Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Bodo Furchheim, Franz-Josef Schleifstein
-
Patent number: 6948225Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for strengthening tubular members and attaching components to the tubular member using a hydroforming process. In one embodiment, the outer tube has a non-circular inner surface and the inner tube has an outer surface with a shape different than the non-circular inner surface. In another embodiment, the outer tube has an outer edge with a portion that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube. The outer edge prevents relative rotation between the tubes. The inner tube has a higher Young's modulus so that once the high pressure is removed the hydroforming process the inner tube will not contract as much as the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: ArvinMeritor TechnologyInventor: Mark C. Smith
-
Patent number: 6922882Abstract: A method of joining tubular members together includes the steps of providing an internal tubular member, providing an external tubular member, and heating the external tubular member and/or cooling the internal tubular member. The method also includes the steps of joining the internal tubular member and second tubular member together to form an overlap region of a joined tubular member, and positioning the joined tubular member between open die halves mating with one another to define a tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of progressively closing the die halves to progressively deform the joined tubular member within the tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the joined tubular member to the tubular cavity portion. The method also includes the steps of separating the die halves and removing the expanded joined tubular member from the die.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Sanjay Mahasukhlal Shah, Joseph M. Lendway, IV, Charles J. Bruggemann
-
Patent number: 6842956Abstract: A process for forming a tubular component including at least a first tubular element connected end to end with a second tubular element, the process including location an end portion of the first tubular element within an end portion of the second tubular element to thereby define respective inner and overlapping end portions, hydro-forming the overlapping end portions to radially expand the inner end portion into face to face contact with the outer end portion and in the region of the expanded overlapping end portions, mutually deforming the inner and outer end portions to define one or more mechanical lock formations for preventing relative axial movement between the first and second tubular elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventors: Peter Amborn, Simon Jonathan Giles Griffiths
-
Patent number: 6827375Abstract: An end fitting for tubular member and a method of applying an end fitting to a tubular member, according to which an end portion of the tubular member is placed in an annular space defined between an outer ferrule and a tubular insert having a tapered inner wall and a radially outwardly-directed force is applied to the insert to force it into engagement with the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Wellstream International LimitedInventor: Dana J. Fraser
-
Patent number: 6813818Abstract: A method for joining vehicle components together to form a vehicle frame assembly where the components are formed from dissimilar materials such as metallic and non-metallic materials. A composite body mount bracket may be attached to a structural component of a vehicle body and frame assembly by providing a body mount bracket having an opening formed therethrough and by providing a first structural component formed from a metallic material also having an opening formed therethrough. The body mount bracket is then positioned adjacent the first structural component such that the respective openings are aligned with one another. A second structural component formed of a metallic material is then inserted through the aligned openings. Next, the second structural component is welded first structural component through a magnetic pulse welding technique, and lastly, the second structural component is pulse formed or deformed so as to mechanically clamp the body mount bracket thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Jim Schmidt
-
Patent number: 6792665Abstract: A thread for expandable downhole tubular connections is disclosed. The thread on at least one of the pin and box is coated, preferably with an anti-galling compound. During expansion the coating crumbles and the particles in between the threads keep the joint from becoming undone despite longitudinal shrinkage from the expansion or any tendency of the swage to impart a rotational motion on one part of the joint during the expansion process.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John L. Baugh, Michael Carmody
-
Patent number: 6707193Abstract: In a miniature electric motor for generating vibration, an output portion of a rotary shaft is formed into an irregular shape in cross-section other than a circular shape in cross-section. An engaging hole having a predetermined shape in cross-section, which corresponds to the irregular shape in cross-section of the output portion and which makes a vibrator to be kept under a relatively non-rotatable condition to the rotary shaft, is formed in the vibrator. The output portion is engaged with the engaging hole and the vibrator is positioned and held in a thrust direction relative to the output portion to thereby fix the vibrator to the rotary shaft. This motor is used as a vibration generator for a mobile phone and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takaichi Mabuchi
-
Patent number: 6701598Abstract: The present invention is for a method of lap joining two tubular members and then hydroforming the tubular assembly. An insert end of the first tubular member is inserted into a receiver end of the second tubular member to form a lap joint. A filler metal ring is placed about the outer periphery of the insert end so that it is adjacent the opening of the receiver end of the second tubular member. Heat is applied to braze or solder the lap joint, forming a tubular assembly. The tubular assembly is then hydroformed during which time a supplementary mechanical lock may be formed in the lap joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Chih-Chang Chen, Chi-Mou Ni, Peter A. Tropper, Daniel C. Hutchinson
-
Patent number: 6612020Abstract: A tubular part having a tubular main body and an integral tubular pullout projecting laterally from the side of the main body and in fluid-tight communication therewith is superplastically formed by inserting the tube in a cavity of a die base and heating the die to a temperature at which the material of which the tube is made exhibits superplastic properties. The distal end of a pull-rod is extended through an opening in the die base and through a hole in the side wall aligned with the opening. A pull-die is selected having a cross section larger than the hole and about equal to the desired internal cross section of the tubular protrusion. The pull die is attached to the distal end of the rod and (before or after attachment) is heated to about the superplastic temperature of the tubing material.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Daniel G. Sanders
-
Patent number: 6609301Abstract: A method of hydroforming a reinforced tube comprising providing a metal tubular blank having an interior defined by an inner surface and an exterior defined by an outer surface. A metal reinforcing member is provided and inserted into the interior of the tubular blank. The reinforcing member is engaged with the inner surface of the tubular blank and is attached to the inner surface of the tubular blank. The tubular blank and reinforcing member welded thereto are placed into a hydroforming die having die surfaces defining a die cavity, and pressurized fluid is provided within the tubular blank so as to conform the tubular blank with the die surfaces of the die cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Brian Morris, Mark A. Kessen, Flavia F. Deveny
-
Patent number: 6517126Abstract: An internal swage fitting for swaging a tube. The fitting includes a tube connection region with one or more radial grooves and an expansion cavity at the end adjacent to the end of the tube to be swaged. The expansion cavity accommodates flowing tube material during the swaging process with minimal axial pressure on the fitting. The expansion cavity also includes a stop wall to fix the location of the tube in the fitting. The expansion cavity enables swaging of tube materials of relatively high ductility without accounting for setback. It therefore eliminates the need for a collar to establish setback during swaging.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ivan Harry Peterson, John Carl Glessner
-
Patent number: 6454493Abstract: A method is provided for expanding an expandable steel tubular including the steps of: flattening the unexpanded tubular; transporting the flattened unexpanded tubular to a location at or near the site where the tubular is to be installed; unflattening the tubular before positioning the tubular at said site; and expanding the tubular along at least a substantial part of its length before or after the tubular has been positioned at said site.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck
-
Patent number: 6408515Abstract: A method for manufacturing an engine cradle for use with a vehicular body and frame assembly includes the initial step of selecting desired materials for each of four hollow members that will be secured together to form the engine cradle. The selected materials can include metallic materials, such as steel, aluminum, magnesium, and non-metallic materials, such as fiber and other composites, or any combination thereof. The selected materials are formed into desired shapes using any known method, such as by hydroforming. Then, portions of the four members are disposed in a telescoping relationship with one another, such as by providing protrusions on some of the components and disposing the ends of the other components in a telescoping relationship with such protrusions. Lastly, the telescoping portions of the members are secured together using any securement method, including laser, MIG, or electromagnetic pulse welding techniques and adhesive bonding.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Robert D. Durand
-
Patent number: 6372314Abstract: A base plate for press fitting into an actuator arm boss hole of a predetermined nominal diameter. The base plate has a flange and a hub extending from a region at which the hub meets the flange to an outer end of the hub. The hub has a number of vertical teeth protruding from the hub extending from the outer end of the hub to the region at which the hub meets the flange. The hub has an outer diameter which is greater than the predetermined nominal diameter of the actuator arm boss hole. A corner relief is provided that circumscribes the region at which the hub meets the flange.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Intri-plex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Schmidt, Kevin Hanrahan, Steve Braunheim
-
Patent number: 6372315Abstract: A base plate for press fitting into a boss hole of a predetermined nominal diameter. The base plate has a flange and a hub extending from a region at which the hub meets the flange to an outer end of the hub. The hub has a number of vertical slots cut through the hub extending from the outer end of the hub part way or all the way to the region at which the hub meets the flange a space between slots determining boundaries of a prong. The hub has an outer diameter which is greater than the predetermined nominal diameter or alternatively the hub has an outer diameter at the region at which the hub meets the flange which is not greater than the predetermined nominal diameter, in which case each the prong extends outward to a prong outer diameter which is greater than the predetermined nominal diameter. Also the base plate may have a corner relief that circumscribes the region at which the hub meets the flange.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Intri-Plex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Schmidt, Kevin Hanrahan, Steve Braunheim
-
Patent number: 6286213Abstract: A method of securing intake tubes in an intake manifold is provided in which leakage of brazing material from the joint between the intake tubes and the intake tube mounting rings is prevented. For securing each intake tube in the intake manifold, the intake tube 3 is fitted into the intake tube mounting ring 5. Then, a jig 13 of a tubular shape is inserted into insert areas of the intake tube 3 and the intake tube mounting ring 5. The jig 13 includes separate sections 16 defined by slits extending to a predetermined length in parallel to the axis and has a plurality of projections 19 and 20 provided on the outer side of the separate sections 16 thereof. A bar-like pressing tool 14 reduced in the diameter towards its front end is inserted into the interior of a tubular shape of the peen locking jig 13, and it is then advanced relatively towards the insert area by the action of pressing means.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignees: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masatoshi Hada, Yasuo Sunaga
-
Patent number: 6226855Abstract: Two outer steel pipes (16 and 16A) are each lined by corrosion resistant lining pipes (18 and 18A) of compressible plastics material which stop short of the ends (20, 20A) of the outer pipes to leave an annular recess or counterbore (24 and 24A) at each of those ends. A tubular bridging-member (2) of ductile, plastically deformable, corrosion resistant material, for example brass or stainless steel has two tubular end portions (4 and 6) extending in opposite directions from an intermediate tubular portion (8) having an outer diameter greater than that of the end portions (4 and 6) and an inner diameter greater than that of the said end portions. The end portions (4 and 6) are encircled by ribs (12). Initially the outer diameter of the end portions (4, 6) is less than that of the inner diameter of the lining pipes (18, 18A). Thus each lined pipe (16, 16A) can be fitted over the respective end portions (4 and 6) with the intermediate portion (8) occupying the combined counterbore (24, 24A).Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Lattice Intellectual Property Ltd.Inventor: Leslie Maine
-
Patent number: 6189194Abstract: A process for fastening at least one part, such as a cam, gear wheel, disc, etc., onto a shaft in a torsionally resistant manner. The process includes a combination of features, including threading the part with a mating play onto the shaft, the part seating on the shaft with a seating surface which has a profile of a plurality of curved spline surfaces which are preferably offset by the same angles around the circumference and gradually rise up inwards over a cylindrical reference surface and fall back down again onto the reference surface. The process also includes the feature of eliminating the mating play between the shaft and the part and the feature of turning the part relative to the shaft into an intended position for fastening after eliminating the mating play. The torque required for turning the part into an intended angular position can be measured and can serve as a check to determine if a desired frictional engagement has been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Hans Kühl
-
Patent number: 6183841Abstract: An optimized low profile swage mount or press-in fitted base plate for attachment of a suspension assembly to an actuator arm in a hard disk drive. The base plate has a base plate thickness, TBP, overall height, HH, hub inner diameter, DID, hub outer diameter, DOD, hub inner surface depth, HIS, hub radial width, WH, which is one half the hub outer diameter minus the hub inner diameter (DOD-DID)/2, and a counter bore depth Hcb.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Intri-Plex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hanrahan, Ryan Schmidt
-
Patent number: 6131265Abstract: A plastic pipe adaptor (10) includes a length of pipe (12) having a plastic pipe wall (14) with a substantially rigid pipe stiffener (32) disposed inside the pipe and a substantially rigid collar (34) disposed about the pipe exteriorly of the pipe wall (14), the collar having a recess (40) therein. The stiffener (32) and collar (34) are positioned such that a portion (50) of the plastic pipe wall is disposed between the stiffener (32) and the collar recess (40) and at least a portion (52) of the pipe stiffener is deflected outwardly against the pipe wall portion (50) by an amount sufficient to wedge the pipe wall portion (50) into engagement with the collar recess (40). The result is a firm grip to the pipe which allows the collar to serve as an attachment to another member such as a mechanical joint (30). A method of making the adaptor (10) is also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: M & FC Holding CompanyInventor: Edwin A. Bird