Including Composite Tool Patents (Class 29/566)
  • Patent number: 5903974
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing a hollow ring groove insert for an engine piston, which is inserted by casting near the top of a piston for an engine to constitute a ring groove and a cooling path adjacent to the ring groove. The hollow ring groove insert comprises a formed sheet ring and a ring body having an inner peripheral surface and a piston ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 5819395
    Abstract: A machine tool module has a platen supported on a track above a metal-removing tool. A workpiece is placed on the platen at a loading station at one end of the track. A drive is provided to move the platen from the loading station to the metal-removing station where the tool removes material from the workpiece and then to an unloading station at the opposite end of the track. After the workpiece is unloaded, the platen is moved back to the loading station. A workpiece loading elevator is provided at the loading station and a workpiece unloading elevator is provided at the unloading station. Two such machine tool modules may be placed end-to-end so that a workpiece on the platen of one module may be transferred to the platen on the other module for machining by both modules in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Western Atlas, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Faitel
  • Patent number: 5794835
    Abstract: An improvement to a friction stir welding tool having a rotating member, the improvement including an attachable cutting tool (30) having one or more radial cutting edges (32). A first embodiment of a cutting tool including one or more cutting inserts (42), each cutting insert having a lower end cutting edge; a like number of insert-engaging grooves (44); a collar (46) sized to closely engage around the rotating member with engaged inserts; a collar attachment arrangement for securing the collar (46) to the rotating member (38); and a number of set screws (48) for anchoring the cutting inserts (42) to the member (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Colligan, Steven J. Avila
  • Patent number: 5771950
    Abstract: A machine for carving workpieces having substantially similar configurations generally including a base member, means disposed on the base member for retaining at least one workpiece thereon, means for rotationally indexing the workpiece disposed on the retaining means, about an axis, a working tool operatively engageable with a workpiece disposed between the retaining means, supported on the base member and displaceable along x, y and z axes pursuant to a programmed sequence of motions coordinated with the workpiece indexing means for shaping the workpiece in a selected configuration, and at least one means for successively positioning a plurality of similarly configured workpieces in a selected orientation including a support member, a jointed linkage supported on the base member, supporting the support member and manipulatable to position the support member into a support relationship with an initial one of the workpieces disposed in the selected orientation and held by the retaining means, means for fixin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 5697138
    Abstract: Automated forming apparatus including a horizontal feedbelt and an overlying gantry containing a number of tool heads for forming alphanumeric trim pieces for sign letters. A number of laterally and vertically controlled tool heads are indexed to the feedbelt and operative per programmed micro-instructions to clamp, bend and cut a spooled trim material to define an alphanumeric shape. One or more formed trim pieces are fitted to a flat panel that is separately formed to a corresponding alphanumeric shape to define a letter which can be used alone or as a cover to a mating canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Gemini, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Swanson, David Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5664311
    Abstract: An automated assembly machine for fabricating large mechanical structures including a floor assembly jig for receiving and holding parts in a desired orientation, a pair of carriages, a first drive mechanism for independently driving the carriages longitudinally, a second drive mechanism for moving the carriages vertically, a tool tray mounted on the carriages, and a plurality of tools, including a drill, a hole diameter measurement probe, a nut runner, and an electromagnetic riveter, mounted on the tool tray for lateral movement toward and away from a workpiece clamp-up position. The tools are positioned at the workpiece clamp-up position by moving one of the carriages longitudinally along the floor assembly jig and raising the other carriage to elevate the tool tray to a desired elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Boeing Co.
    Inventors: David P. Banks, James E. Brodhead, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Paul E. Ffield, Darrell D. Jones, James C. Murphy, John F. Richards, Melvin R. Wiseman, John W. Schooff, Steven C. Van Swearingen
  • Patent number: 5647706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device to machine workpiece edges with variable dimensions using a device for clamping the workpieces and a machining unit, whereby the device according to the invention is characterized by a first clamping bed with a clamping plate for clamping the workpiece surfaces, a second clamping bed with a clamping plate for clamping the workpiece edges hanging over the first clamping bed and means to change the position and the orientation of the first clamping bed relative to the second clamping bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventors: Hans-Friedrich Lehmler, Harald Koller, Jukka Gustafson, Kalevi Heino
  • Patent number: 5621965
    Abstract: In very high speed adiabatic face milling machines whose operation provides a highly efficient machining process suitable for production manufacturing conditions, it is essential that appropriate fixturing is utilized to position and support the workpiece in order to induce added rigidity to the workpiece while reliably clamping and dampening each workpiece to enable machining to withstand small flatness tolerances. Accordingly, primary rests are spaced apart relative to one another to ensure that a stable platform is provided for each workpiece. Force inducement devices are strategically positioned along peripheral edges of the workpiece to selectively deflect the workpiece and thereby significantly add rigidity to the workpiece to better withstand the cutting forces associated with the milling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Manuel C. Turchan
  • Patent number: 5444902
    Abstract: A cylinder rounding/holding tool that is positioned in the center of the rotary table and bolted to a base plate for rigidity. The tool is formed from a metal frame that is circular on the inside diameter to form a locating boss and has flats on the exterior corresponding to the number of shoes required for the application. At each flat is a shoe that has two mechanical jacks (one at each end of the shoe) and a center guide tube. The jacks are powered by DC electric stepper motors that allow precise radial displacement of the shoes. The center guide tubes provide circumferential and axial load carrying capability and stability for the tool. The shoes are replaceable to allow machining to match the inner diameter of the cylinder being rounded. A computer controller may be used to control the stepper motors and a linear variable displacement transducer may be used for input to the computer controller and a real time feedback loop for roundness condition of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Scott E. Casturo, P. E. Lewis, E. V. Harlow, Gerald L. Olsen, E. Rod Hensley, Keith M. Wing
  • Patent number: 5442848
    Abstract: To permit close positioning of a wire positioning finger (2) adjacent a slit blade insulation piercing connector, a pressing element (19) having a pressure surface (22) is movably located adjacent a wire outlet opening (10) of a wire guide duct (4) in the positioning finger. The pressing element (19) is movable, preferably longitudinally slidable on the finger, for movement transverse to the axis of the wire outlet opening between a quiescent position removed from the wire opening and a holding position to hold the wire (5) preparatory to cutting it off. A cutting knife (12) is movably located on the positioning finger (2), preferably slidable longitudinally, in the vicinity of the wire outlet opening (10) and movable between a rest position and cutting position in front of the wire opening. Respective pressing element control units (21) and knife operating control units (13) are provided, coupled to the pressing element (19) and to the knife (12) for programmed movement of the respective elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Vossloh-Schwabe GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Koller, Bernhard Albeck
  • Patent number: 5414918
    Abstract: A framing jig for building various configurations of wall sections, roof trusses and similar structural components in building construction. In one embodiment, two or more ganged cradle assemblies are provided with spaced cradles for supporting building studs in a spaced transverse configuration. Each set of ganged cradle assemblies may be set for a characteristic spacing distance. In an alternative embodiment, one set of ganged cradle assemblies is provided with means for extending alternate cradles so that staggered stud double walls may be constructed. By providing jig stops along transverse structural members, roof trusses may be constructed using the same framing jig on which building walls may be constructed. In a further embodiment, the framing jig may be deployed in a portable configuration combined with a sawing station and other supporting equipment for a fulling integrated on-sight fabrication facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: High Tech Housing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5299346
    Abstract: An apparatus is used to align, burnish, and secure an upper needle guide for a fuel injector valve body. The apparatus includes a lower portion having a fixture containing a spring-loaded plunger and a spring-loaded centering pin, and an upper portion having a burnishing tool, a spring-loaded stripper, and a crimping ram. The fixture aligns the needle guide and the valve body, and as the two portions are operated closed, the inside diameter of the upper needle guide is first burnished, and then the valve body is crimped onto the needle guide. The stripper holds the crimped parts against the lower portion of the apparatus while the upper and lower portions are operated open to withdraw the burnishing tool from the inside diameter of the needle guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventors: David C. Kilgore, Thomas F. Gosnell, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5295298
    Abstract: A semiconductor device of the SOP type packaged on a lead frame and separated individually is fed into a lead-forming position by a holder, and the distal ends of leads arrayed on one side of the semiconductor device are imaged by a camera. The image data from the camera is processed by a recognition unit, which outputs the actual position of the semiconductor device. If the recognized actual position is different from the position to start forming leads, then a controller actuates the holder to eliminate the positional error and to position the semiconductor accurately in the lead-forming position. Based on data corresponding to the type of the semiconductor device, the lead bases of the leads are held by a lead-fixing finger assembly, and the distal end portions of the leads are bent arcuately by a lead-forming finger assembly, thereby forming the leads to a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5274903
    Abstract: A crimping tool system is provided for compressing a connector component onto an optical fiber cable, wherein the component includes an open end into which the cable is inserted. A tool includes a pair of jaws relatively movable toward and away from each other. Each jaw includes a first stage recessed surface area combining with the first stage recessed surface area of the other jaw to define a first stage crimping cavity sized to compress the cable sufficiently to ensure that the cable is insertable into the open end of the connector component. Each jaw includes a second stage recessed surface area combining with the second stage recessed surface area of the other jaw to define a second stage crimping cavity sized to compress the connector component onto the cable. The second stage recessed surface areas have protrusions for indenting the connector component and driving portions of the component against the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Igor Grois, Mark Margolin
  • Patent number: 5226211
    Abstract: A combination of a workpiece support means and a workstation allow a workpiece to be positioned for machining. The support includes a precision way and a transfer fixture slidable along the way. The transfer fixture has precision ground datum markers for locating a workpiece in the vertical sense, and supports means providing an upright surface against which the workpiece can be urged, thus establishing for the workpiece a limit position in one horizontal direction. Locator devices are provided to clamp the workpiece into a predetermined position in the horizontal direction at right angles to the direction established by the upright surface, and a transfer bar or the like moves the transfer fixture. At the workstation there is provided a clamping device for urging the workpiece downwardly against the datum markers, a further clamping device for urging the workpiece firmly against the upright surface, and a third clamping device for clamping the transfer fixture against the precision way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Tri-Way Machine Ltd.
    Inventor: Joel W. Jones
  • Patent number: 5137397
    Abstract: A cutting tool for finishing a back surface of a workpiece having a hole is proposed. A blade having an equilateral triangular shape is attached to a shaft of the cutting tool. One of cutting edges formed along the sides of the blade projects transversely of the shaft. The tip of the projecting cutting edge comes to contact the workpiece's back surface. When the workpiece is rotated and the shaft is moved in the diametrical direction relative to the hole, the cutting edge tip grinds the back surface. At this time, if the shaft moves in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, the blade creates a notch in communication with the hole on the workpiece's back surface, resulting in a stepped borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Higashihara Kogyosho
    Inventor: Hitoshi Koketsu
  • Patent number: 5068957
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for permeanently anchoring air turning vanes to manufactured vane rails or runners in ductwork systems and which incorporate pre-positioning, splitting and bending means into one continuous sequence when the device is applied to the exposed edge of an air turnign vane which has been inserted into the slotted depression of manufactured vane rails or runnes and is actuated by means of a hammer blow or similar energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Raymond M. Felson
  • Patent number: 4979292
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a filament harness which comprises feeding a plurality of strands in a downstream direction onto a support which receives the strands. There is a head which contacts the strands and a control means for causing relative motion between the support and the head to form the plurality of wires into a predetermined, desired pattern. In addition, the product produced by the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Fukuda, Tsutomu Iida, Naoki Kuroda, Nobuyuki Itaya
  • Patent number: 4955927
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for operating an electrical harness making machine on which a variety of electrical connectors may be used with a common set of tooling. In such an operation, a leading end of a wire is terminated in a preselected terminal of a row of terminals in a first electrical connector at a first operating station, and the trailing end of said wire is terminated in a preselected terminal of a row of terminals in a second electrical connector. The electrical connectors traverse a number of operating stations at which additional discrete wire segments are terminated to such electrical connectors to produce an electrical harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruno Aiello
  • Patent number: 4934040
    Abstract: A spindle driver for a machine tool is disclosed which is adapted to move the spindle and a tool driven thereby in a helical path with variable pitch and with an orbital radius which may be varied. A quill is mounted on a support member and driven by a variable pitch drive mechanism in the form of a differential lead screw to provide a selectable ratio of axial motion to rotative motion of the quill. A spindle carrier is rotatably mounted on the quill for rotation about an eccentric axis offset from the quill axis. A spindle motor and a spindle driven thereby is mounted on a carrier with the spindle axis offset from the eccentric rotation axis. The orbital radius for the spindle is adjustable by rotation of the spindle carrier about the eccentric rotation axis to adjust the offset of the spindle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Manuel C. Turchan
  • Patent number: 4881518
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing thin wafers from bars, such as in the manufacture of wafers for use as semiconductor substrates, include an arrangement wherein a holder member is fastened to the bar, the bar is sliced to separate a disc-shaped wafer therefrom and wherein prior to completion of the slicing operation, the end face of the bar is leveled to a precisely planar condition. The slicing operation is terminated after the bar is sliced completely through and the holder member is partially, but not completely, sliced through so that a wafer formed by the slicing operation remains connected to the bar by the holder member. The wafer is disconnected from the bar by abrading a portion of the holder member connecting the wafer to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: GMN Georg Muller Nurnberg AG
    Inventor: Fritz Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 4873759
    Abstract: Apparatus for quickly and effectively removing the bead wires from tires, and comprising first and second clamps which are movable toward and away from each other. A tire to be debeaded is positioned between the two clamps with the axis of the tire parallel with the direction of movement of the clamps. A harpoon is mounted for movement parallel to the axis of the tire and through openings of the clamps and the tire. The first and second clamps hold the tire between them, the clamps engaging the side walls of the tire. The harpoon is moves through the center opening of the tire, and barbs or hooks formed on the harpoon engage the beads and pull the bead wires out of the tire. The movement of the harpoon in one direction operates to center the tire, and movement in the opposite direction operates to remove the bead wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Nu-Tech Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Elsward K. Burch
  • Patent number: 4862927
    Abstract: A wire harness assembly arrangement acquires, prepares and routes various sections of wire by means of a wiring tool apparatus attached to a robotic manipulator. The tool apparatus moves coincident with an arm of the process controlled robotic manipulator and acquires the wire section through a front end portion. The first end of the wire section is fed into the tool apparatus and through a tail end portion of the tool apparatus. The next portion is wound around a spool member disposed within the tool apparatus and rotatable in response to a controlled motor operation. The front end portion is movable in relation to a wire feeding unit so that the wire section wound around the spool member is wound in a helical manner. The wire harness assembly arrangement can also include a strip/crimp station to prepare the acquired wire section for termination. The process controlled robotic manipulator then routes the acquired wire section along a predetermined path to form a part of the wire harness assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: John G. Dorman, Mark E. Wylie, Robert H. Sturges
  • Patent number: 4856187
    Abstract: A wire feed mechanism alternately feeds a pair of parallel wire strands A and B through spaced-apart turret jaws on a rotatable turret, through a cutter-stripper head, through a wire gathering device and through spaced-apart conveyor clamps in a conveyor. When a desired length of first wire strand A is fed, a first conveyor clamp closes on strand A and the cutter-stripper head severes a wire segment 12A from strand A and strips the newly-severed ends of strand A and wire segment 12A. The turret then rotates 90.degree. in one direction to present the stripped end of strand A to a first terminating machine which attaches a terminal thereto. While termination of strand A occurs, a desired length of the other strand B is fed through the cutter-stripper head and wire gathering device and through a second conveyor clamp, whereupon the latter clamp closes on strand B and the cutter-stripper head severs a wire segment 12B from strand B and strips the severed ends of strand B and wire segment 12B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Artos Engineering Company
    Inventor: Gerald Blaha
  • Patent number: 4827602
    Abstract: A U-shaped coil is place on the fixture of the present invention and is folded such that each arm of the U is made into a U. The folded coil is then placed upon the insulators of a tree or rack through further movement of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: John R. McManus
  • Patent number: 4825519
    Abstract: A machine for assembling awning slats having a front longitudinal side edge portion curled downwardly and rearwardly along the length of the slat, and having a rear longitudinal side edge portion curled upwardly and forwardly along the length of the slat in the complementing configuration, has a pair of aligned anvils for receiving two side-by-side slats which are interfitted by their front and rear curled side edge portions. Punching units form locking tabs and registering cutouts in the interfitting side edge portions of the slats on the anvils and then the slats are advanced laterally a slat width by slat shifting units to receive another interfitting slat fed longitudinally onto the anvils. Slat hold-down units cooperate with the anvils during the slat punching and feeding operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Supreme Aluminum Products
    Inventors: Robert M. Henderson, William Aspinall
  • Patent number: 4794687
    Abstract: A fixture system for numerical controlled rough and finished machining of a workpiece including a first fixture having defined reference points for rough machining and a second fixture having the same defined reference points for finish machining. The system is used in conjunction with CAD/CAM applications under the control of Tool Design and NC Programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jerry W. Peters, John L. Burnett
  • Patent number: 4696631
    Abstract: In order for a coil winding head, preferably to be reinforced by the baked-lacquer process, to be compression-molded with no need for preliminary pre-positioning by tape-wrapping and with no damage to the winding wires, a form shell apparatus is provided with a form core, which radially confines the coil end forms shape on the inside, with a radially advanced confining form shell divided into at least two parts in the circumferential direction. This multi-part shell radially confines the coil end turns on the outside. A compression form shell axially advanceable against the coil end turns confines the coil end turns in an axial direction. It has, on its inner and outer circumferential surfaces, integrally molded guide fingers, which extend axially in the direction of the coil end turns to be shaped. Corresponding guide grooves are molded into the form core and the confining form shell, into which guide grooves the guide fingers extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Nitt
  • Patent number: 4675975
    Abstract: This combination tool (10) includes a body (12) attachable to a drill press (16) by means of a shaft (14). The body includes an end face (34) for attachment of an abrasive finishing disc (36) and provides a mounting for cutter inserts (40). Each cutter insert includes a horizontal cutting edge (46') and a vertical cutting edge (48'). The cutter inserts (40) are generally rectangular and are mounted to vertical abutment bearing faces (52) on the body, utilizing a single fastener (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventors: Peter P. Kucharczyk, Richard Hahn
  • Patent number: 4656724
    Abstract: A tool for connecting a tap assembly to a tap body for making an electrical connection to an electrical cable having a conducting core and an insulator sheath and an outer conductor is adapted for hand rotation. A first end of the tool is adapted with an internal configuration to rotate a threaded tap assembly into a recess in a threaded aperture in the floor of a cable-engaging member. The second end includes a drill and a depth stop geometry to drill into the insulator sheath through the threaded aperture in the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Lev B. Furman
  • Patent number: 4614106
    Abstract: A combination tab lifting and crimping tool for lifting and crimping tabs which have been bent over a flange consisting of a casing having a pair of openings at opposite ends thereof and an elongated tool channel therein communicating with the openings. An elongated tool member is slidably mounted the tool channel and has a tab lifting finger proximate a tab lifting end of the casing and a tab crimping face proximate a tab crimping end of same. A flange gripping finger is affixed to the tab crimping end of the casing. A trigger is pivotally mounted in the casing and has a tool engaging end in the interior of the casing coupled to the elongated tool intermediate the tab lifting finger and the tab crimping face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Inventor: Daniel Forget
  • Patent number: 4539832
    Abstract: A hole sizing tool uses a swaging tap to move material which deforms the sides of a generally cylindrical hole toward the axis of the cylinder and is followed by a portion of the tool having a generally flat flaced helical spiral configuration with the turns increasing in radius as the tool advances but with all portions of the surface of the helical spiral including lines parallel to the axis of the tool whereby only radial forces are exerted by said portion to force the sides of the hole gradually toward a final diameter larger than that left by the tap but smaller than the original dimension. In an alternate form of the tool the flat surfaces of the helical spiral are inclined slightly, so that the edge of such surface nearest the nose of the tap is at a slightly greater radius than the edge of the turn nearest the tool in which the tap is held, to generate a slight axial force tending to pull the tool into the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Balax, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Koller
  • Patent number: 4489874
    Abstract: A pallet manufacturing machine and method for joining wooden slats (W) to elongate splines (S) includes spline clamping means (70) mounted on a frame (10). The spline clamping means (70) grip and release the elongate splines (S) so that the lateral edge portions of the splines (S) extend from the clamping means (70). The wooden slats (W) are carried along the length of the frame (10) by first and second advancing means (12-18, 50-56) with the advancing means (12-18, 50-56) adapted to force the slats (W) over and onto the extending edges of the splines (S). In this way, the edges of the splines (S) are embedded within the wooden slats (W) to form a contiguous structure. Drive means (76) are provided for displacing the first and second advancing (12-18, 50-56) means along the frame. In operation, the wooden slats (W) are arranged in a generally parallel, spaced relationship and the splines (S) are clamped in the clamping assembly (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: World Wide Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel G. Worst, William G. Grutter, Walter C. Bramer
  • Patent number: 4480364
    Abstract: An adjustable holding and alignment device is provided for a workpiece having alignment pins. The device has a plurality of bars separated by spacers which define an alignment hole and an alignment slot through which the workpiece alignment pins may be inserted. The spacers can be removed and different sized spacers can be substituted to accommodate other alignment pin sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: BMC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Wojciech B. Kosmowski
  • Patent number: 4471521
    Abstract: A head rotatable about an axis for machining and simultaneously polishing the peripheral surfaces of shafts or the like, comprises a support plate provided with a central opening through which a shaft to be machined and polishing may extend. A plurality of tool supports are mounted in a star-like manner on the support plate adjustable in radial direction toward a shaft extending through the central opening. The tool supports alternatingly carry at inner ends knives or polishing rolls. A central adjustment device is provided for simultaneously adjusting of the tools carried by the tool supports through equal distances in radial direction toward the workpiece. The central adjustment is carried out by a plurality of angular drives, each including a bevel gear for each tool support and at least one gear ring with which the bevel gears mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Kieserling & Albrecht
    Inventors: Alfons Goeke, Gunter Gerhardt, Horst Lorenz
  • Patent number: 4375708
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for machining a tubular workpiece to form an internally threaded coupling having a faced and chamfered end and a tapered counterbore. The method includes forming a tool support bar having a longitudinal axis and supporting on the tool support bar first and second tools having cutting edges and a thread cutting tool. The method further includes rotating the workpiece about its longitudinal axis and positioning the tool support bar relative to the workpiece such that the axis of the tool support bar and the workpiece lie in one plane and are substantially parallel to each other. The method further includes moving the support bar to chamfer and face the end of the workpiece with the first tool, moving the tool support bar to taper and counterbore the interior of the workpiece with the second tool, and moving the support bar to thread the tapered interior of the workpiece with the thread cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1983
    Assignee: Jo-Way Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter H. Hellnick, Michael C. Sterioff
  • Patent number: 4363165
    Abstract: A wire harness manufactured by a new method and a new apparatus is provided. A covered wire paid out from a selected one of reels is extended in a predetermined lay-out and fixed. The thus fixed wire is cut-off from the reel. Then, another wire is paid out from another reel for arranging it in a juxtaposing relation to the previously laid-out wire and cut off from the reel. After repeating the above steps, the arranged wires are tied up to form a wire harness. There is also provided a device which puts the above method into practice, thereby reducing complicated assorting work involved in the manufacture of a wire harness. A method and a device for automatically uncovering end portions of each wire of the wire harness and attaching terminals thereto are also provided to greatly increasing the productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Suzuki, Syogo Iizuka, Shigeo Kajiyama, Kenji Usui, Masahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4360962
    Abstract: A wire harness manufactured by a new method and a new apparatus is provided. A covered wire paid out from a selected one of reels is extended in a predetermined lay-out and fixed. The thus fixed wire is cut-off from the reel. Then, another wire is paid out from another reel for arranging it in a juxtaposing relation to the previously laid-out wire and cut off from the reel. After repeating the above steps, the arranged wires are tied up to form a wire harness. There is also provided a device which puts the above method into practice, thereby reducing complicated assorting work involved in the manufacture of a wire harness. A method and a device for automatically uncovering end portions of each wire of the wire harness and attaching terminals thereto are also provided to greatly increasing the productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Suzuki, Syogo Iizuka, Shigeo Kajiyama, Kenji Usui, Masahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4294041
    Abstract: A mobile machine mounted on a track for advancement therealong for removing irregularities from the surfaces of the rail heads comprises a machine frame, a tool carrier vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame and arranged thereon for guidance along a respective track rail, and a cutter head on the tool carrier. The cutter head has a cutting tool capable of machining the surface of the head of the respective track rail continuously upon advance of the tool carrier along the track rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Klaus Riessberger
  • Patent number: 4288908
    Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for use during connection of insulated wires into an electrical connector. The wires are collectively provided by an electrical cable which must be orientated by the clamp to project perpendicular to the connector when all the wires are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: John G. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 4283838
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic encapsulated semiconductor device which comprises a connected metal plate having a plurality of semiconductor element holding parts which are connected in series in one direction with at least two connecting arms, said connecting arms having sectional area smaller than that of said semiconductor element holding part and being disposed inside of the side surface of said semiconductor element holding parts in the connecting direction.The invention provides a method of preparing semiconductor devices having relatively large current capacity of about 5 to 50 amperes used as diodes for automobiles and having high quality in the mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamane, Toshimi Watanabe, Keiji Itoga, Kiyoshi Ishibashi, Yutaka Morita, Isamu Yamamoto, Kiyoji Imanaka
  • Patent number: 4198741
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in a machine for trimming and shaping the leads of electrical components wherein the components are advanced through a series of work stations by means of a plurality of sprocket wheels. A pair of guide elements are provided which engage the leads to seat them upon the sprocket drive and to positively hold the leads thereon as the components are advanced through the work stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Assignee: The Eraser Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Wheeler, John R. Batruch
  • Patent number: 4194276
    Abstract: Fixture for supporting an electrical connector and positioning wires in spaced relationship to the connector in preparation for insertion of the wires into the connector comprises a channel-shaped frame member having a web and sidewalls. The external surface of the web serves as a supporting surface for the mating end of the connector. First and second connector clamping means are mounted against the external surfaces of the sidewalls of the frame and clamp the connector in a predetermined position. The clamping means extend above the external surface of the web and have aligned wire positioning slots in their free ends which position the wires in alignment with the connector. The fixture is intended for use with a tool which can be latched to the fixture and which, upon actuation, trims the wires and inserts them into the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel B. Grubb
  • Patent number: 4193177
    Abstract: Apparatus for assembling an electrical connector housing (15) and a conductor mounting comb (41) comprising a pair of clamping mechanisms (14, 27) for clasping the housing (15) and comb (41) which mechanisms are brought together by a press (10) to force the housing (15) about the prewired comb (41). The conductors (52) are arranged in the comb (41) which in turn is supported between two fixed jaws (28, 29) of a lower clamping mechanism (27), the conductors (52) being arranged in slots (54) of one jaw (28). The housing (15) is clasped between two jaws (16, 17) of an upper clamping mechanism (14), one of which terminates in a blade (21), the blade (21) rising to a conductor folding ramp (22). As the press is operated, the upper mechanism (14) moves downward, the blade (21) cooperating with a second blade (33) on a lower jaw (28) to trim the conductor (52) ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventor: John D. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 4180900
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing commutators, especially for small electric motors. Commutator segments are separately inserted into a mold intermediary plate. The segments are inelastically deformed by a coaxially inserted tool before the molding process. The formation of webs of the injected plastic body material between commutator segments is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: ITT Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Otto Klein
  • Patent number: 4172317
    Abstract: A hand tool for inserting a MOS integrated circuit into a socket is described. The tool is characterized by a handle having at one end gripping means operative with a collet-like action for receiving the MOS IC. A rotatable sleeve on the handle opens and closes the gripping means, and further means are provided on the handle to eject the IC. The tool is mainly of plastic, with a conductive surface, and means are provided for electrically grounding the tool to avoid damaging the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: O.K. Machine and Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Marvin Kober, Thomas Rivera
  • Patent number: 4100661
    Abstract: A door hinge applying unit for supporting and releasably holding a door and the hinge jamb of the door frame in positions alongside each other with the butt-receiving surfaces of the door and jamb coplanar for applying the butts of a butt hinge, which unit includes a butt mortiser for simultaneously forming the mortises for said butts, a drilling device for forming the holes for the screws to secure said butts in said mortises, and a screw driving assembly for holding the hinge to be applied with the butts thereof opposed to said mortises, and for holding the screws for securing said butts in said holes in alignment with the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: Norfield Manufacturing Co.,
    Inventor: Edward G. Cheak
  • Patent number: 4046985
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a wafer of semiconductor material so that individual devices which may be simple devices or complete complex integrated circuits defined on the front surface of the wafer can be easily separated from the wafer. The apparatus aligns the wafer to a fixed reference position, inverts the aligned wafer to expose its backside and transfers it with controlled motion to a set position under a laser beam apparatus. The laser beam scans the backside of the wafer to create in the kerf area between each of the devices an easily fractured region. While maintaining the wafer alignment the laser treated wafer may be transferred to a flexible pressure sensitive tape tensioned across the frame which maintains the wafer alignment. The wafer, while on the frame can be tested, fractured into respective individual devices, and selectively removed from the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1977
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Alan Gates
  • Patent number: 4035897
    Abstract: Apparatus for inserting wires into the wire-receiving portions of terminals in an electrical connector housing comprises a wire-inserting press and a fixture means which is separate from the press and which can be mounted on the press during the inserting operation. The fixture means comprises a block-like member having wire-locating means and housing positioning means thereon arranged such that when the housing and wires are located on the fixture means, the wires will be in alignment with the terminals in the housing. When the fixture means and press are assembled to each other and the press ram is moved towards the fixture means, cooperative aligning pins and sockets on the fixture and on the press ram move into engagement with each other precisely to align the wires and the connector housing with the insertion punches on the press ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: William Roderick Over, Ronald Carl Brehm