Surface Interlocking Patents (Class 29/521)
  • Patent number: 8028392
    Abstract: A quick to connect and quick to disconnect fluid coupling has a clip, a male portion having an annular groove adapted to receive the clip, a female portion, and a sealing element. The female portion has a dual function frustoconical portion adapted to compress the sealing element during joinder of the male portion with the female portion as well as to compress the clip into the annular groove in preparation of separating the male portion from the female portion. Further, a sleeve with a shoulder is slideably placed about the male portion which has a debris barrier and adapted to capture the clip compressed within the annular groove sleeve by wedging the shoulder apart from said debris barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Clark Swift, Geoffrey Richard Keast
  • Patent number: 8024848
    Abstract: Double-action clinching includes establishing a first layer on a second layer, and securing the layers between a tool's punch and clinching punch. First layer has less ductility than second layer, and clinching punch diameter is smaller than punch diameter. Layers are secured so: a tool support receives a portion of a second layer surface; clinching punch, slidably positioned in the support, is adjacent another portion of the second layer surface; and punch, positioned opposed to clinching punch, is adjacent a portion of a first layer surface. Pressing the punch into the first layer surface portion forms an aperture through the first layer. Pressing the clinching punch, in a direction opposite to the punch pressing, into the other portion of the second layer surface forces portion(s) of the second layer into the aperture, and forms a micro-interlocking flush-back joint between an aperture side wall and the second layer portion(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jon T. Carter
  • Publication number: 20110229788
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell stack with a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and a plurality of bipolar plates, wherein at least one surface of a first bipolar plate runs in undulating fashion, meandering fashion or zig-zag-shaped fashion and extreme points of the surface of the bipolar plate make contact with a first surface of a MEA at contact points. The invention provides that at least some of the contact points are associated with mating contact points on a second surface of the MEA, which surface is opposite the first surface of the MEA, with a surface of a second bipolar plate making contact with said mating contact points, and that the contact points and the associated mating contact points are positioned one above the other in the stacking direction. The invention also relates to a method for producing a fuel cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Staxera GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Reinert
  • Patent number: 8011079
    Abstract: An endovascular device tip assembly and method of making the same, incorporating a tip device with a first and second flange, usable with catheters and other suitable endovascular devices is provided. The tip assembly incorporates a tip device by providing a counterbore within a primary bore of a tubular end portion of an endovascular device. The tip device is fitted securely within the counterbore by placing the first flange within the counterbore and the second flange on the outside of the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Magnuson
  • Patent number: 7979986
    Abstract: This method for securing a cartridge mechanical face seal to a sleeve in a rotating shaft sealing assembly uses one or more plunger locks to secure the rotary face of the seal assembly to the sleeve. Such seal assemblies have been previously secured with set screws. This plunger lock method for securing the rotary face of the cartridge seal avoids the use of set screws altogether. Instead, one or more spring activated plunger locks located in the rotary face seal assembly are mated into precisely located receptacle bores in the sleeve. The resulting attachment will not leak, require additional tightening, or distort the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: L. Kimball Simmons, Kevin D. Davis
  • Patent number: 7979973
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering and identifying a container utilizing a thin film material and a frame. The thin film material covers a through hole in the frame and has a perforation that defines an outer detaching surface an inner covering surface commensurate with the container opening. The method comprises the steps of attaching the thin film material to a frame having the through hole; disposing the frame onto an open top surface of the container; depressing a portion of the frame to detach the thin-film from the frame along the perforation and further sliding the frame coaxially to circumscribe the base of the container where it identifies information about the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Patent number: 7955463
    Abstract: A method for connecting shell parts (01, 02), which have been formed from sheet metal, for example by deep drawing. The shell parts (01, 02) may be any desired workpieces of a chassis part in the form of semifinished items or other components that are suitable for a folded seam connection. For this, the shell parts must have edges which are arranged lying one against the other in the connecting position. The method according includes first arranging the shell parts (1, 2) that are to be connected in a position envisaged for the shell parts (01, 02) in the connected state. Subsequently, the edge (03) of the first shell part (01) is folded around the edge (04) of the second shell part (02), so that a folded seam (06) is formed. After the folding operation, according to the invention the folded seam (06) is heated and subsequently once again pressed together. As a result, a positive and gap-free folded seam connection is achieved, with which the shell parts (01, 02) are permanently firmly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Raphael Fischer, Ralf Hund
  • Patent number: 7954224
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of joining edges of adjacent honeycomb core panel sections. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a first edge along a first cellular core panel section. The first edge includes a first plurality of edge cell walls along the first edge. The method further includes forming a second edge along a second cellular core panel section, wherein the second edge includes a second plurality of edge cell walls along the second edge. The first edge is positioned proximate to the second edge. At least a portion of at least one of the first plurality of edge cell walls is mechanically interlocked with at least a portion of at least one of the second plurality of edge cell walls to form a joint therebetween. The invention also includes a composite structure at least partially produced by such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Richard Douglas
  • Patent number: 7950129
    Abstract: A first and a second object (1 and 2) are joined with the aid of a joining element (8) including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends (8.1 and 8.2) a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes (5 and 6) facing each other are provided in the two objects (1 and 2) and the joining element (8) is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends (8.1) are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap (9) between the two objects (1 and 2). This assembly is then positioned between a support (3) and a sonotrode (4). The sonotrode (4) and the support (3) are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode (4) is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends (8.1 and 8.2) are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes (5 and 6) and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores of the hole surfaces or unevennesses or openings provided in the hole surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 7922067
    Abstract: A tailor weld blank assembly and method for making the blank assembly include providing a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet having at least one different characteristic from the first sheet. Complementary interlocking structures are provided on adjoining edges of the first and second sheets and the sheets are mechanically interlocked together by making a weld along the adjoining interlocked edges. Thereafter the permanently affixed together sheets are formed to make a formed sheet metal product. The provision of both a mechanical interlock and a weld provide a blank assembly that is strong for forming into a stamped product, and a metal product that is strong for its intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robin Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7918006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Semyon Brayman, Alexander Rudovich
  • Patent number: 7918008
    Abstract: A technique of easy manufacture of a column and a bed of a machine tool in a short time is provided by having an assembly structure of sheet metal members. A column body of the machine tool is constituted by combining a front member with a rear member 130 and mounting a side cover. Its inside is reinforced by a plurality of ribs 150, 160. Each of the members is made by precision laser machining of sheet plate materials. The column body is assembled by inserting projection portions provided on one member into slits formed on the other member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoomi Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 7891072
    Abstract: A web truss and a chord truss are joined or connected to each other. Each truss has an extruded hole with flanges, collars and combinations of flanges and collars. When a tool placed against the flanges they are expanded to form Z configurations. When the tool is placed against a collar the collar folds over another member's bottom portion or, depending on the configuration, another member's collar. These configurations and the folding of collars act to inhibit separation of the trusses from each other. The method and assembly are ideally suited for automated processes in a Just In Time fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kimmo J Sahramaa
  • Publication number: 20110005981
    Abstract: A screen basket with replaceable profiled bars and method of making such screen basket are described herein. The screen basket includes profiled bars evenly spaced circumferentially to form a plurality of continuous slots that covers the whole basket length. The profiled bars are fixed in place by a backing structure, including support rings. In pulp and paper industry, this type of basket is mainly used for pulp screening and is commonly referred to as wedge wire basket. As opposed to conventional wedge wire baskets, in which the profiled bars are permanently joined to the rings, the present invention allows replacing the profiled bars when required and to fully re-use the main structural elements. This is achieved with an assembly that allows to insert the profiled bars, preferably consecutively sled into each aligned ring grooves in a vertical movement. The ring grooves are profiled such that there is sufficient clearance for sliding in the profiled bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Filtration Fibrewall Inc.
    Inventor: Marc-André Hetu
  • Publication number: 20100242255
    Abstract: There is provided a fixing method for fixing components together in which two components in the form of a first component and a second component are positioned such that they are mutually superimposed in predetermined relative positions, and are then fixed together, wherein the first component has at least two portions for engagement that are recessed in a contact surface thereof which is placed against the second component towards a surface thereof which is located on an opposite side from the contact surface, and the second component is formed from thermoplastic resin and has at least two protruding portions that protrude from positions that correspond to the portions for engagement of the first component on a surface of the second component which is located on the opposite side from a contact surface thereof which is placed against the first component, and wherein the fixing method for fixing components together includes: a first step in which the contact surfaces of both the first component and the second
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki Suigetsu
  • Publication number: 20100246038
    Abstract: The invention is related to an external rear view mirror assembly including a positive connection that fits mirror components as a support frame mounted to a mirror housing or shell. The positive connection is a connector having a two part snap-fit connector with a first snap-fit connector part and a second snap-fit connector part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: SMR PATENTS S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Raimund Negel, Arne Schmierer, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 7793417
    Abstract: A process for producing an electromagnetic fuel injection valve is provided, the electromagnetic fuel injection valve having a structure in which a valve assembly formed by coaxially joining a movable core and a valve body is spring-biased toward the side on which the valve assembly is seated on a valve seat while restricting an end thereof that is in proximity to a fixed core, and in the process a first distance (L1) between the front end of the fixed core (22) and the front end of a cylindrical magnetic body (9) is measured, a stopper (28) and the movable core (18) are formed so that a second distance (L2) between an annular shoulder portion (10c) of a valve seat member (10) and the rear end of the stopper (28) projecting by a predetermined amount from the rear end of the movable core (18) in a state in which the valve seat member (10) and the valve assembly (17) are held coaxially is smaller than the first distance (L1) by a desired value, and the cylindrical magnetic body (9) and the valve seat member (10
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Akabane
  • Patent number: 7788804
    Abstract: A linear compressor and a method of producing the linear compressor which do not generate eddy currents in an inside stator of a linear motor thereof, thus preventing an eddy current loss, caused by an electrical contact between a plurality of thin metal sheets of the inside stator. The linear compressor includes a cylinder having a piston therein, a magnet arranged around the cylinder to actuate the piston, and the inside stator arranged around the cylinder to be placed inside the magnet. The inside stator has the thin metal sheets arranged in a cylindrical arrangement, and a holder which is made of a nonconductive resin material and to which the thin metal sheets are insert-molded to be held in positions thereof in the cylindrical arrangement. Due to the nonconductive holder, the thin metal sheets are prevented from being in electrical contact with each other, and the linear compressor does not generate any eddy currents in the inside stator, and prevents an eddy current loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gyeong Don Kim
  • Publication number: 20100200452
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering and identifying a container utilizing a thin film material and a frame. The thin film material covers a through hole in the frame and has a perforation that defines an outer detaching surface an inner covering surface commensurate with the container opening. The method comprises the steps of attaching the thin film material to a frame having the through hole; disposing the frame onto an open top surface of the container; depressing a portion of the frame to detach the thin-film from the frame along the perforation and further sliding the frame coaxially to circumscribe the base of the container where it identifies information about the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Publication number: 20100186215
    Abstract: A method of joining plates of material to form a predetermined structure, the method comprising: assembling a first plate (40) of a material comprising at least one recess (100) against a second plate (80) of material such that the at least one recess (100) of the first plate (40) is in an exterior surface of the first plate (40) on a side of the first plate opposite to the side which faces the second plate (80); bonding a portion (120) of the first and second plates (40, 80) to one another; superplastically forming the bonded plates, wherein the superplastic forming causes the material of the second plate (80) which is opposite to the at least one recess (100) of the first plate (40) to be driven towards the recess (100), and wherein the unbonded portion of the second plate (80) is deflected away from the plate to form the predetermined structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Jones, Oliver M. Strother
  • Patent number: 7748101
    Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IP Technologies Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James T. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7735209
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the attachment of a fastener element to a component, for example a sheet metal part, wherein the fastener element has an axis of symmetry, a head part having a contact surface which enters into contact with the component, a fastening section having a thread and also at least one undercut which receives the material of the component, and wherein the material of the component is pressed against the contact surface and into the undercut by means of a first tool having a die button shape matching the design of the fastener element, are characterized in that a local force is exerted on the head part of the fastener element or onto the tool to the side of the axis of symmetry and is moved circularly around the axis of symmetry while simultaneously carrying out a relative feed movement between the tool and the fastener element between which the component is arranged in order to press the material of the component into the undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstecnik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Oliver Diehl, Richard Humpert
  • Patent number: 7738826
    Abstract: When a TAB assembly is used in the transfer station of an electrostatic marking system, the blade used in the TABs becomes deformed or improperly aligned due to lateral movement of the clamp, held by rivets, which is used to maintain proper blade alignment. Provided herein is a simple, yet effective, way to secure this clamp with embedded burrs so that the useful life of the TAB is more than doubled over prior art TABs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Montfort, John R. Falvo, Donald C. Koch, Alex Talevski
  • Patent number: 7726000
    Abstract: A method is provided for securing first and second splined members together, such as a midship tube shaft to an end fitting in a driveshaft assembly, to prevent relative axial movement from occurring therebetween. Initially, a first splined member is provided that includes an outer surface having a recess and a plurality of external splines provided thereon. Also, a second splined member is provided that includes an inner surface a plurality of internal splines provided thereon. The inner surface of the second splined member is disposed about the outer surface of the first splined member such that the plurality of internal splines cooperate with the plurality of external splines. Then, a portion of the second splined member is deformed into the recess of the first splined member to secure the first and second splined members together, while preventing relative axial movement from occurring therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip J. Bormuth, David A. Brock, Philip A. Eversole, Ryan W. Laskey, Nelson Wagner
  • Patent number: 7721408
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering and identifying a container utilizing a thin film material and a frame. The thin film material covers a through hole in the frame and has a perforation that defines an outer detaching surface an inner covering surface commensurate with the container opening. The method comprises the steps of attaching the thin film material to a frame having the through hole; disposing the frame onto an open top surface of the container; depressing a portion of the frame to detach the thin-film from the frame along the perforation and further sliding the frame coaxially to circumscribe the base of the container where it identifies information about the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Patent number: 7698797
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining adjacent members, wherein the members are placed in an overlapping layered relationship. The members are clamped between a die and a blank holder. Once clamped, a clinching operation is performed on the members to create at least a partial bond between them. In addition to the clinching operation, a level of vibrational energy is imparted to at least one of the members to reduce clamping force requirements, promote material flow and deformation and provide increased joint strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: Elizabeth Hetrick, Larry Reatherford, Jan Skogsmo
  • Patent number: 7681296
    Abstract: A method and tool for producing a press joint connection, in which portions of the radial lateral walls of an opening of a die are configured as flexible displaceable segments, whereas other sections, when viewed from a periphery of the opening, remain rigidly connected to the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tox Pressotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Eugen Rapp
  • Patent number: 7681297
    Abstract: A seam for ductwork has a male end portion integrally formed at a distal end of a duct wall and a female end portion integrally formed at another distal end of the duct wall. The female end portion includes a first fold and a second fold which define a female groove for accommodating the male portion. A distal end of the second fold is bent transverse to the female groove prior to the male portion being inserted into the female groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Met-Coil Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Toben, Ashok M. Shah, Richard F. Blum, Michael C. Borwig
  • Publication number: 20100031491
    Abstract: An endovascular device tip assembly and method of making the same, incorporating a tip device with a first and second flange, usable with catheters and other suitable endovascular devices is provided. The tip assembly incorporates a tip device by providing a counterbore within a primary bore of a tubular end portion of an endovascular device. The tip device is fitted securely within the counterbore by placing the first flange within the counterbore and the second flange on the outside of the end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Cook Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark A. Magnuson
  • Patent number: 7650680
    Abstract: An improved tool for locking a band clamp, and an improved lock for a band clamp is disclosed. The tool includes a knife body having a knife edge that progressively cuts the free end of the band over a period of time, rather than simultaneously cutting the entire band width. In one embodiment, this is accomplished with a knife edge that is non-linear. The tool further includes a punch with a rounded or hemispherical shaped leading tip that forms an improved locking dimple. The locking dimple forms an improved lock having side walls that are, at least in part, parallel with the walls of the surrounding aperture in the band. By varying the profile of the knife edge, the punch can more fully form an improved locking dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Band-It-Idex, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Stillings, Daniel J. Nelson, Miklos B. Marelin, Ryan M. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 7640711
    Abstract: An Interlocking Continuous Roof Assembly and Method for Wind Resistant Roofing is presented, whereby continuous double lock seams are used exclusively to join panels together. This roof manufacturing methodology results in a roof that possesses improved resistance to wind and water during storm conditions and thereby decreases the chances of the roof being damaged or destroyed by severe weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: David Grove
  • Patent number: 7635116
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an antivibration device that comprises a hydraulic element, the method including at least one overmolding step during which a plastics material connection piece is overmolded over the hydraulic element after said hydraulic element has been closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Alain Bellamy, Pascal Petit, Olivier Come
  • Publication number: 20090311553
    Abstract: A cored reactive metal wire is formed by gathering at least three strands of continuously fed elongated reactive metal wires into a bundle and aligning the bundle of wires with a continuously fed sheet of metal sheath. The bundle of wires is then compacted into a generally cylindrical shape and clad with the sheet of metal sheath whereby the compacted bundle of reactive metal wires form a core of the cored wire in which the core has a substantially larger diameter than each of the strands of continuously fed elongated reactive metal wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Specialty Minerals (Michigan), Inc.
    Inventor: Dominick M. Colavito
  • Patent number: 7632067
    Abstract: A blower housing and method of manufacture includes a wrapper wall sheet conjoined with a first side wall and a second side wall and held together with a seam interlocked with mating protrusions and apertures. The housing design may utilize different types and thicknesses of conjoined materials, allows reuse of the components when separated, and a substantially smooth positive locking seam without the use of welds or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Russell W. Hoeffken
  • Patent number: 7595977
    Abstract: At least a portion of a first plate and at least a portion of a second plate are arranged to have an overlapping portion, a first deformation unit is formed at the overlapped portion, and a second deformation unit is formed in the first deformation unit. The first deformation unit and the second deformation unit protrude in opposite directions from each other, and the second deformation unit has a smaller cross-sectional width than the first deformation unit. Such a joining structure may be utilized to couple elements together in a display device, such as a plasma display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sok-San Kim
  • Publication number: 20090223957
    Abstract: A sealed floating roof for a storage tank, comprising a frame and roof panels, in which the frame provides a guide for directing an automatic welder along said structure to allow for automated welding of the roof panels to the frame, and a method of forming such a roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Doxey, Richard King
  • Patent number: 7581303
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chassis assembly to reduce electromagnetic interference is disclosed. The method includes forming a chassis having a chassis cover top portion, a chassis cover step portion, a chassis cover pre-step portion, a hemmed edge, a hemmed lip, and one or more dimpled spring fingers, by forming a first bend at the hemmed edge residing between the hemmed lip and the chassis cover pre-step portion, forming a second bend between the chassis cover step portion and the chassis cover pre-step portion, and forming a third bend between the chassis cover top portion and the chassis cover step portion. The method further including forming a fourth bends between a chassis back top portion and a chassis back. The formed chassis cover is then seated with the chassis back to create a tortuous path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy Soule, Brian Kash, Andrew Poynot
  • Patent number: 7581300
    Abstract: A method for placing a functional element, especially a fastening element, in an especially liquid-tight and/or gastight manner, on a metal part. In this method a functional element provided with a hollow head segment is pressed against the metal part (212) witch is supported by a die (214). The metal material is deformed into an undercut (324) by deforming the head segment when simultaneous deformation of the hollow head segment occurs and the metal part is shaped in a forming area defined by parts (216) of the die (214). The parts (216) are kept in a stationary position during the forming process but are partially removed from the die to enable the functional element which is placed on the metal part (212) to be extracted. The invention also relates to a die, a functional element, an assembly element and a die arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jiri Babej
  • Patent number: 7578055
    Abstract: The tool, for bonding two plates together, has a punch (1) and a die (2) each as two-part structures with a positive fit between the two parts. One part (8, 13), as a tool which acts directly on the plate workpieces (3), is of a harder material than the other part (7, 12) which acts as a tool holder. The punch and die are divided into their two parts across the working direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Eugen Rapp
  • Patent number: 7578042
    Abstract: An endovascular device tip assembly and method of making the same, incorporating a tip device with a first and second flange, usable with catheters and other suitable endovascular devices is provided. The tip assembly incorporates a tip device by providing a counterbore within a primary bore of a tubular end portion of an endovascular device. The tip device is fitted securely within the counterbore by placing the first flange within the counterbore and the second flange on the outside of the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Cook Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark A. Magnuson
  • Publication number: 20090191019
    Abstract: A safety fastener capable of retaining portions thereof in the event of breakage is disclosed. The safety fastener includes a through hole along the longitudinal axis of a shaft. A secondary member, such as a wire rope, may be disposed within the through hole. Capturing members, such as balls sized larger than the through holes may be swaged or crimped to both ends of the secondary member, thereby capturing the shaft between them. In the event of breakage, portions of the shaft may remain substantially in place being confined by the secondary member and capturing members. Inspection of the safety fastener may include determining that the secondary member is loose relative to the shaft, thereby indicating that no gaps or separation has occurred in the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Jerry Carl Billings
  • Patent number: 7543369
    Abstract: A support member for supporting a guardrail with respect to a support post is provided. The support member comprises a body including a first portion adapted to engage a mounting area of a support post and a second portion adapted to engage a mounting area of a guardrail. The first portion comprises a mounting surface that is substantially concave from a first side to a second side of the mounting surface. The first side is provided with a first mounting protrusion and the second side is provided with a second mounting protrusion. Guardrail assemblies including a support member and methods are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Monroeville Industrial Moldings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Burkett
  • Patent number: 7506425
    Abstract: Provided is a drum of a washing machine and method for manufacturing the same in which the drum can be rigidly manufactured at a low cost. The method includes forming a plurality of holes on a surface of a metal plate, bending first and second end portions of the metal plate, rolling the metal plate into a shape of a hollow cylinder and engaging the first bent end portion with the second bent end portion, and curling the engaged first and second bent edge portions toward an inner surface of the hollow cylinder and seaming the engaged first and second bent end portions to an outer surface of the hollow cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Geon Kim
  • Publication number: 20090065082
    Abstract: A closure plug for bores, including a cylindrical jacket of through hardened steel, whose outer peripheral surface features a toothed design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: MARCO SYSTEMANALYSE UND ENTWICKLUNG GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Reuter
  • Publication number: 20090068399
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite metal sheet having remarkably enhanced electrical property and reliability, a method for preparing the same composite metal sheet, and a device for preparing the same composite metal sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Murakami, Kazuhide Takahashi, Kimitoshi Makino, Yoshihiko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7478469
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a 2-piece skin door comprising a bottom skin (10) and a top skin (20) wherein each of the bottom and top skins' longitudinal edges have been bent and folded to complementarily hem each other in an interlocking manner to form a seam, the method including: holding the bottom skin in an upwardly open pan manner; holding the top skin in an inverted pan manner wherein its folded and hemmed edges are aligned with the corresponding edges of the bottom skin; and pushing the top skin to insert said top skin's folded edge into the bottom skin's corresponding folded edge to form said interlocking seam. The bottom skin may be held securely on a substantially planar surface with securing means. The top skin may be provided with means for pulling it in alignment towards the bottom skin by winch and cable with hook means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Malaysia Woodworking (Pte) Ltd
    Inventor: Toong Chuan Yong
  • Patent number: 7464452
    Abstract: A pin connection structure is used in a floating type brake disc assembly. The assembly is made up of a hub, and an annular disc which is concentrically disposed around the hub with a clearance therebetween. The hub and the disc have plural sets of semicircular connecting dents opening toward the clearance to thereby form respective inserting holes. A hollow pin is inserted into each of the inserting holes with a washer fitted on that one end of the hollow pin which is subsequently caulked radially outward for fixing the washer in position. The hollow pin is made of a metal having a surface-treated layer, and the caulked end of the hollow pin is formed into a convex shape in at least part of the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Yutaka Giken, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shusuke Yamamoto, Toshiyuki Iwai, Hirofumi Noro, Tomoo Oka, Shinichi Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 7464461
    Abstract: A gasket for sealing between a wall and a gasket support surface, such as between an oven housing and an oven door. The gasket includes a clip, the clip typically being made from a single strand of wire. The wire is bent into a head and a base, the base for engaging the gasket and head dimensioned for engagement with a wall for a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Henry C. Hight, Jr., Sylvia Hight
  • Publication number: 20080303277
    Abstract: A non-bolt joint structure comprising; a packing ring sealing between a receiving opening section and an insertion opening section; an engaging means provided with an inner circumference of the receiving opening section preventing a polyethylene pipe from disengaging from the receiving opening section by engaging with an outer circumferential surface of the polyethylene pipe; and a tubular metallic inner core fitting an inner circumference of the insertion opening section of the polyethylene pipe, wherein the inner core is plastically deformed to include a first bulge portion that its cross-sectional shape bulges toward an outward radial direction, a second bulge portion is formed so that the insertion opening section of the polyethylene pipe bulges toward the outward radial direction along the first bulge portion of the inner core, and the polyethylene pipe is prevented from disengaging by the engaging means engaging with the outer circumferential surface of the second bulge portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Tamotsu YAMASHITA, Taihei Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7451536
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods for mounting fingerstock EMI shielding gaskets on sheet metal structures. The fingerstock EMI shielding gasket may include a generally D-shaped cross section with at least one mounting tab forming at least part of an upright portion. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a mounting method generally includes providing a sheet metal structure with inner and outer tabs which protrude outwardly from a surface of the sheet metal structure. The inner tabs may be oriented generally toward the outer tabs and may be laterally separated from the outer tabs. The shielding gasket may be slidably inserted into position longitudinally between the inner and outer tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Sosnowski