Having Member Which Crosses The Plane Of Another Member (e.g., T Or X Cross Section, Etc.) Patents (Class 428/598)
  • Patent number: 7288327
    Abstract: Various structures or components can include plated surfaces or other parts. For example, an article can include a base and a plated part with a limit artifact that results from plating adjacent a non-plateable surface; the limit artifact can be disposed away from the base. Exemplary limit artifacts include lack of protrusions, smooth upper surfaces, and curved surfaces, where a curved surface can transition between a smooth upper surface and an irregular side surface. Exemplary plated structures can be tube-shaped or cup-shaped, with an opening at a top end and, around the opening, a lip with a limit artifact. Wall-like structures can similarly have limit artifacts at their top end. If plating on a mold's side surface, the non-plateable surface can be the lower surface of an overhanging polymer disk or structure positioned on the mold. Plated tubes and wall-like structures can be employed in microfluidic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jurgen Daniel, Brent S. Krusor, Alexandra Rodkin, John S Fitch
  • Patent number: 7288326
    Abstract: Multifunctional cellular metals (or other materials) for structural applications that are capable of recovering their original (undeformed) shape and thickness after impact or crushing (i.e., self-healing). Alternatively, they may normally be stored or used in their compressed (i.e., crushed) state and deployed when needed to act as energy absorbing structure or packaging (i.e., deployable energy absorber). Additionally, the multifunctional structures may act as an actuator, capable of providing localized or distributed force and displacement, and related methods of using and manufacturing the same. These active cellular metals (or other materials) are composites consisting of conventional metal/alloy truss structures (or other material structures) in combination with shape memory metal/alloy components (or other material components) and offer high specific strength and stiffness, but which are also deployable energy absorbers or self-healing smart structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Dana M. Elzey, Haydn N. G. Wadley
  • Patent number: 7229700
    Abstract: A novel coating composition is provided for imparting corrosion and wear resistance to metal substrates. The novel coating composition is thermally applied and comprises an aluminum alloy mixed with a hard, inert matrix. The coating composition has found particular use in providing corrosion and wear resistance to metal seat rails used to secure aircrafts seats to the aircraft frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Catalysts, LLC.
    Inventors: Peter F. Ruggiero, Marc J. Froning
  • Patent number: 7132173
    Abstract: Braze and electrode wire assemblies, e.g., used with an implantable microstimulator, include a wire welded in the through-hole of an electrode, which electrode is brazed to a ceramic case that is brazed to a metal ring that is welded to a metal can. The braze joints are step or similar joints that self-center the case, provide lateral support during braze assembly, and provide increased surface area that prevents braze material from exuding from the joints. The end of the ceramic case that is brazed to the metal ring need not be specially machined. The shell has a reference electrode on one end and an active electrode on the other, and is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventor: Jay Daulton
  • Patent number: 7056594
    Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Aota, Tsuyoshi Takenaka, Yasuo Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 7026056
    Abstract: A structure for encapsulating and protecting fiber insulation material as well as other materials in multicompartment devices in order to provide unitized material which can be applied to any surface desired for insulation or other purposes. A first sheet of material is formed with pockets or depressions in the sheet which are adapted for receiving the material desired to be unitized and a second sheet placed over the first sheet, and the two sheets are attached together in the areas between the pockets or depressions thus encapsulating the material in the pockets. The material is unitized by placing the material in individual sealed metal foil containers or compartments, then the individual containers of unitized material are attached in matrix form to a continuous sheet, such as positioning the containers in openings in the continuous sheet. The product can be applied to any surface desired for insulation or other purposes. Preferably a multilayer metal foil material is employed in the structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: ATD Corporation
    Inventor: G. William Ragland
  • Patent number: 6986949
    Abstract: A fugitive pattern of an article to be investment cast wherein the pattern includes a plurality of locator embossments disposed in an array to provide a datum reference system by which the pattern can be held and positioned by a manipulator, such as for example a gripper device to a computer controlled robotic device, for assembly with another component of the pattern assembly. The datum embossments are located on a portion of the pattern that will be removed from the final metallic casting made to replicate the pattern. The casting includes integral cast datum embossments thereon by which the casting can be held and positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Howmet Corporation
    Inventor: Michael W. Mertins
  • Patent number: 6974633
    Abstract: An extruded structural member having improved damage tolerance containing a base section (6); a stiffening section having at least one pair of structural stiffeners (10), the structural stiffeners integral with the base section (6) and projecting outwardly thereof; and at least one intra-stiffener (90) area positioned between the pair of structural stiffeners (10), the intra-stiffener area (90) having a microstructure with intentionally increased amounts of fiber texture to reduce the rate of fatigue crack growth in the extruded structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Garratt, Gary H. Bray, Diana K. Denzer, Patrick Ulysse
  • Patent number: 6893733
    Abstract: Modified contoured crushable structural members and methods for making the same are described. The contoured structural members comprise composite or metal materials sandwiching a support or stabilizing structure. The structural members are made crushable by incorporating an initiator into the structural members. The structural member crushes at the location of the initiator by absorbing the energy of an exerting load. The modified structure is provided by attaching additional structural components or elements to the end or outside of the structural member or by modifying the shape of the structural member. With a modified, contoured, crushable, and generally non-flat structure, applications and uses for the structural members of the present invention are nearly limitless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Francis Obeshaw
  • Patent number: 6882145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Wheatstone bridge containing bridge elements that are connected in a conventional manner and consisting of a spin-valve system, in addition to a method for producing the same. The aim of the invention is to produce a Wheatstone bridge, in which respective half-bridges lying adjacent to one another have a respective non-parallel bias magnetisation direction. To achieve this, the respective bridge elements that are not adjacent (1, 3 or 2, 4) are provided with a doping of implantable ions in quantities of between 1.1012 and 5.1016 atoms/cm2 beneath the pinned ferromagnetic layer of a GMR- or TMR-spin-valve layer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Institut fuer Physikalische Hochtechnologie e.V.
    Inventors: Arno Ehresmann, Wolfgang-Dietrich Engel, Juergen Fassbender, Burkard Hillebrands, Roland Mattheis, Tim Mewes
  • Patent number: 6869689
    Abstract: A joined structure of a metal terminal and a ceramic member has a joining layer between the terminal and the ceramic member. The joining layer has a metal adhesive layer containing at least indium metal. The invention further provides a joined structure of a metal member and a ceramic member. The metal member has a tip face and a side face. A hollow is formed in the ceramic member. A joining layer is formed between a bottom surface facing the hollow and the tip face of the member, and further formed between a side wall surface facing the hollow and the side face of the member. The joining layer has a metal adhesive layer containing at least indium metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Fujii, Mitsuru Ohta, Tsuneaki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6863991
    Abstract: A coated metallic mesh having a molecular layer thereon comprising: (1) a metallic mesh comprising at least one aperture; (2) a coating disposed on the metallic mesh that at least partially fills at least one aperture so as to form a partially-filled aperture; and (3) a molecular layer comprising at least one molecule having a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region, wherein the hydrophilic region at least partially extends into the partially-filled aperture. Also, provided are coated metallic meshes having bilayers and a method of providing a molecular layer to a coated mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: James V. Coe, Shaun M. Williams, Kenneth R. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6863950
    Abstract: A puncture proof material is provided. The material includes a first mat that is woven using metal strips forming a warp and a weft of the first mat. The metal strips have a capture device near the center of each intersection of the warp and weft of the first mat. The capture device can be implemented with a hole, depression or etched rectangular hole near the center of each intersection of the warp and weft of the first mat. A second mat, woven of metal strips having a capture device near the center of each intersection of the warp and weft of the second mat, overlays the first woven mat. Additional mats can be overlaid to increase the puncture proof characteristic of the material. Another capture device implementation includes a top layer woven of annealed metal foil of relatively low tensile strength overlaid over other randomly overlaid layers each woven of metal foil of higher tensile strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Frank W. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6821638
    Abstract: Shaped, contoured crushable structural members and methods for making the same are described. The contoured structural members comprise composite or metal materials sandwiching a support or stabilizing structure. The structural members are made crushable by incorporating an initiator into the structural members. The structural member crushes at the location of the initiator by absorbing the energy of an exerting load. The shaped structure is provided by bending the generally straight shape of the structural member. With a shaped, contoured, crushable, and generally non-flat structure, applications and uses for the structural members of the present invention are nearly limitless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Francis Obeshaw
  • Patent number: 6821640
    Abstract: A method for producing a bent extruded profile that includes extruding a first profile bar having a first lateral formation, extruding a second profile bar having a second lateral formation corresponding in a form-fitting manner to the first lateral formation, and inserting the first lateral formation into the second lateral formation so as to connect the first and second profile bars and to create a form-fitting connection restricting relative movement between the first and second profile bars in all directions except a longitudinal direction of the profile bars. The method also includes bending the connected first and second profile bars using a bending process, wherein after bending, the form-fitting connection restricts relative movement between the first and second profile bars in all directions. In addition, an extruded profile including a first profile bar having a first formation on a first longitudinal side and a second profile bar having a second formation on a second longitudinal side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Wüllrich, Franz Haberl, Michael Rauscher
  • Publication number: 20040197519
    Abstract: A multifunctional member with a first active member (30), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a first transition temperature range. A second active member (40), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a second transition temperature range. A core member (20), which is adaptive for deformation. The first and second active members (30, 40) are attached on opposite or different sides of the core member (20). A heat source operatively connected to the first and second active members (30, 40) to expose them to transition temperatures. The first active member (30) contracts while above the first transition temperature range causing the second active member (40) to expand, wherein the second active member (40) is below the second transition temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Dana M. Elzey, Haydn N.G. Wadley
  • Patent number: 6767650
    Abstract: A lightweight support for a bumper is formed by an extruded profile with a plurality of chambers. In order to provide a profile which, along with an extremely low weight, meets all the static requirements, is easy to bend and is suited to the properties of a light-metal alloy, the profile (1) comprises four walls (2, 3, 5, 6), which preferably form an isosceles trapezoid, and two webs (7, 8), which are arranged in the interior of the profile, parallel to the side walls (5, 6) and likewise symmetrically. The side walls (5, 6) of the support (1) have stiffening ribs (25) which are produced in the same operation as the support (1) is bent. A description is given of the associated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Hausberger, Guntram Ruef, Bruno Götzinger, Thomas Friesenbichler
  • Patent number: 6756132
    Abstract: A joined structure includes a metal terminal, a ceramic member and a joining layer between the metal terminal and the ceramic member. The joining layer includes a metal adhesive layer containing at least indium metal. The invention further provides a joined structure including a metal member, a ceramic member, and a joining layer. The metal member includes a tip face and a side face. A hollow portion is formed in the ceramic member. The joining layer is formed between a bottom surface facing the hollow portion and the tip face of member, and further formed between a side wall surface facing the hollow portion and the side face of the metal member. The joining layer also includes a metal adhesive layer containing at least indium metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Fujii, Mitsuru Ohta, Tsuneaki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6656603
    Abstract: A method of making an expanded metal sandwich structure includes cleaning at least two metal superplastic core sheets to remove metal oxides and residues that would interfere with diffusion bonding of the sheets. The core sheets are placed face-to-face and a gas pressure line fitting is inserted between one edge and is welded into place. The fitting has a through bore through which gas can flow under pressure from a gas pressure control system into the space between the core sheets. The core sheets are pressed together and laser welded together into a core pack along lines which will form junction lines between the core sheets when the core pack is superplastically expanded. The core pack is chemically cleaned to remove metal oxides and residues that would interfere with diffusion bonding of the core pack sheets to face sheets. Two metal face sheets having superplastic characteristics are chemically cleaned and placed over and under the core pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Frederick W. Buldhaupt, David H. Gane, Matthew G. Kistner, Jeffrey D. Will
  • Publication number: 20030219618
    Abstract: A ribbed die cast product includes a plate-shaped main body and at least one rib provided on a back surface of the main body. The die cast product is made of an Al—Mg alloy. A first imaginary straight line runs along a lengthwise direction of the rib and intersects a plurality of second imaginary straight lines that run along the flow of molten metal in the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Yusuke Toyoda, Katsuhiro Shibata, Tsunehisa Hata, Fumiaki Fukuchi, Takahiro Mizukami
  • Publication number: 20030175542
    Abstract: A method for producing a bent extruded profile that includes extruding a first profile bar having a first lateral formation, extruding a second profile bar having a second lateral formation corresponding in a form-fitting manner to the first lateral formation, and inserting the first lateral formation into the second lateral formation so as to connect the first and second profile bars and to create a form-fitting connection restricting relative movement between the first and second profile bars in all directions except a longitudinal direction of the profile bars. The method also includes bending the connected first and second profile bars using a bending process, wherein after bending, the form-fitting connection restricts relative movement between the first and second profile bars in all directions. In addition, an extruded profile including a first profile bar having a first formation on a first longitudinal side and a second profile bar having a second formation on a second longitudinal side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Wuellrich, Franz Haberl, Michael Rauscher
  • Patent number: 6613447
    Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in adjoining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces, structural body formed. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Kinya Aota, Masakuni Ezumi, Yasuo Ishimaru, Hisanori Okamura, Isao Funyuu, Akihiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6599641
    Abstract: End portions of face plates 21 and 22 of a hollow extruded frame member 20 are connected with a rib 24 and these end portions are welded to end portions of face plates 11 and 12 of a hollow extruded frame member 10 using friction stir welding. A visible outline of a connection portion of the end portion of the face plate 21 and the rib 24 is constituted by circular arcs 31 and 32 which are recessed in the hollow extruded frame member 20. A visible outline of a connection portion of the end portion of the face plate 22 and the rib 24 is constituted by circular arcs 33 and 34 which are recessed in the hollow extruded frame member 20. The diameter of the circular arc 31 (33) is smaller than the diameter of the circular arc 32 (34). Accordingly, a structural body having a light weight structure can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Nakamura, Takeshi Kawasaki, Toshiaki Makino, Yoshihiko Ina
  • Patent number: 6586110
    Abstract: Contoured metal-containing structural members and methods for making the same. The contoured structural members comprise metal-containing materials sandwiching a support or stabilizing structure. The contoured structure can be provided by tube rolling (or roll wrapping) the metal-containing materials and the support structure together and then, if necessary, bonding them or connecting them. With a contoured and generally non-flat structure, applications for the structural members of the present invention are nearly limitless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Francis Obeshaw
  • Patent number: 6582831
    Abstract: The abutted face plates of frame members are joined using friction stir welding. Next, a connection member is mounted on seats formed in the frame members, while a projection of one end of the connection member is inserted into a groove of an end portion of a face plate of the frame member. Next, the other end of the connection member is temporarily welded to the face plate of the hollow frame member. With this condition, an abutted portion of the face plate and the connection member are joined using friction stir welding. Then, the overlapped portion between the other end of the connection member and the frame member is joined by friction stir welding. When the hollow frame members are welded from one side, a temporary welding of the connection member can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakuni Ezumi, Kazushige Fukuyori, Tetsuya Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6548184
    Abstract: A joint for joining a first metal sheet (10) to a second metal sheet (30) comprises a plurality of projections (18) on the edge (12) of the first metal sheet (10). The projections (18) are symmetrical about a plane extending perpendicularly to the plane of the first metal sheet (10). The symmetrical projections (18) are rotatable about an axis (X), the axis (X) is arranged in the plane of the first metal sheet (10) and in the plane extending perpendicularly to the first metal sheet (10). A plurality of slots (32) are provided through the second metal sheet (30). The symmetrical projections (18) extend through the slots (32) in the second metal sheet (30) and the symmetrical projections (18) are rotated such that the symmetrical projections (18) are arranged in the plane perpendicular to the plane of the first metal sheet (10) to clamp the second metal sheet (30) between the edge (12) of the first metal sheet (10) and symmetrical projections (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Jeffrey C Bishop
  • Patent number: 6539598
    Abstract: In a hinge-part blank made from a rolled or drawn profiled strip of stock that is separated into the individual hinge-part blanks by beam-cutting along an oblique boundary line (I) followed by parting along a parting line (II), the profiled strip of stock has a T- or Y-shaped cross section and is separated into the individual hinge-part blanks by beam-cutting along the boundary lines (I) and the parting lines (II) and is separated at that time in the region of the hinge head (7 or 8) by means of a saw cut along a parting line (III).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 6537682
    Abstract: The superplastically formed structural assembly includes first and second structural members having facing surfaces. The first and second structural members can include a first outer structural member, a second outer structural member or at least one intermediate structural member. In one embodiment, the first and second structural members include first and second outer structural members. In another embodiment, the first and second structural members include first and second intermediate structural members. The structural assembly includes at least one friction stir weld joint joining the first and second structural members. In one embodiment, the facing surface of the first structural member is at least partially covered with oxide to prevent thermo-compression welding of the first and second structural members adjacent the at least one friction stir weld joint. In another embodiment, the facing surface of the second structural member is at least partially covered with oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kevin James Colligan
  • Publication number: 20030049482
    Abstract: A method of making an expanded metal sandwich structure includes cleaning at least two metal superplastic core sheets to remove metal oxides and residues that would interfere with diffusion bonding of the sheets. The core sheets are placed face-to-face and a gas pressure line fitting is inserted between one edge and is welded into place. The fitting has a through bore through which gas can flow under pressure from a gas pressure control system into the space between the core sheets. The core sheets are pressed together and laser welded together into a core pack along lines which will form junction lines between the core sheets when the core pack is superplastically expanded. The core pack is chemically cleaned to remove metal oxides and residues that would interfere with diffusion bonding of the core pack sheets to face sheets. Two metal face sheets having superplastic characteristics are chemically cleaned and placed over and under the core pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Frederick W. Buldhaupt, David H. Gane, Matthew G. Kistner, Jeffrey D. Will
  • Patent number: 6528176
    Abstract: In a hemming structure of metal plate material with an edge portion (7) of an outer panel (6) hemmed over an edge portion (2) of an inner panel (1), the edge portion (2) of the inner panel (1) has an inside rise portion (3) having a surface plane (3′) down-sloping towards an edge (4) thereof and the edge portion (7) of the outer panel (6) has an outside rise portion (8) telescopically fitted with the inside rise portion (3), a back plane (8′) of the outside rise portion (8) abutting on the surface plane (3′) of the inside rise portion (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Machine Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Asai, Koichi Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20030017356
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structural assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing first and second structural members having preselected shapes and dimensions. The first structural member defines a first raised portion and the second structural member defines a second raised portion. According to one embodiment, the providing step includes forming the first and second structural members into preselected shapes and dimensions. The first and second structural members can comprise plates, T-stiffeners or tubular members. The first raised portion of the first structural member is positioned adjacent to the second raised portion of the second structural member following the providing step to thereby define an interface therebetween and wherein the first and second raised portions define a substantially consumable weld land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary W. Coleman, Terry L. Smith, Joseph Peter Reilley, Warner B. Vanaken, James H. Lee, Kevin L. Nash, Julius J. Schaan, Scott W. Franz
  • Patent number: 6465111
    Abstract: In a metal foam jointing method for joining preformed bodies, a first preformed body (1) and a second preformed body (1, 2) are located in fixed positions relative to each other. By means of a jointing clamp (10), an encasement of a space (9) is formed in a jointing zone of the preformed bodies (1, 2) in which foamable metal foam material (17) is disposed. The metal foam material is foamed in the encasement, as a result of which the preformed bodies (1, 2) are compacted into a composite body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Fritz Michael Streuber
  • Publication number: 20020139831
    Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in adjoining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces, structural body formed. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Kinya Aota, Masakuni Ezumi, Yasuo Ishimaru, Hisanori Okamura, Isao Funyuu, Akihiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6436552
    Abstract: A cold formed, elongate, steel metal structural member having a web portion having two longitudinally extending edges, there being a first tubular flange extending along one edge and projecting laterally to both sides of the web and a second tubular flange extending along the opposing edge and projecting laterally to one side only of the web, each of the tubular flange members having an elongate margin juxtaposed the web, one of the tubular flange members having its elongate margin secured to the web member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Raymond C. Frobosilo
  • Publication number: 20020106468
    Abstract: Shaped, contoured crushable structural members and methods for making the same are described. The contoured structural members comprise composite or metal materials sandwiching a support or stabilizing structure. The structural members are made crushable by incorporating an initiator into the structural members. The structural member crushes at the location of the initiator by absorbing the energy of an exerting load. The shaped structure is provided by bending the generally straight shape of the structural member. With a shaped, contoured, crushable, and generally non-flat structure, applications and uses for the structural members of the present invention are nearly limitless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Dale Francis Obeshaw
  • Publication number: 20020106483
    Abstract: Modified contoured crushable structural members and methods for making the same are described. The contoured structural members comprise composite or metal materials sandwiching a support or stabilizing structure. The structural members are made crushable by incorporating an initiator into the structural members. The structural member crushes at the location of the initiator by absorbing the energy of an exerting load. The modified structure is provided by attaching additional structural components or elements to the end or outside of the structural member or by modifying the shape of the structural member. With a modified, contoured, crushable, and generally non-flat structure, applications and uses for the structural members of the present invention are nearly limitless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Dale Francis Obeshaw
  • Publication number: 20020094446
    Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in adjoining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip and first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Kinya Aota, Masakuni Ezumi, Yasuo Ishimaru, Hisanori Okamura, Isao Funyuu, Akihiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6401292
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade with a wiper head (1), wiper lip (2) and a connecting tilting bar. It is distinguished in that the wiper head (1) and the wiper lip (5) consist of at least one elastomer, and the connecting tilting bar is an elastic, resilient metal strip (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Leutsch
  • Patent number: 6391470
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a crossmember for stiffening an instrument panel of a motor vehicle, the crossmember that is to be manufactured having at least two profiled segments, with cross sections differing from one another, arranged in axial prolongation, the smaller-cross-section profiled segment is arranged so as to overlap the larger-cross-section profiled segment over at least a partial length; and in the overlap region, the profiled segments are joined to one another in at least one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by way of at least one stabilizing joining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG
    Inventors: Hansjörg Schmieder, Hans Merkle
  • Patent number: 6387533
    Abstract: A hollow profile having at least one laterally protruding flange and a method for the production thereof. The hollow profile having a hollow profile blank and a sheet metal strip. The hollow profile blank and the sheet metal strip each having a joining element and being adapted to be joined in a locking relationship. Wherein a hydraulic internal high pressure is generated within the hollow-profile blank and the joining element of the hollow-profile blank is shaped, whereby a non-releasable clamping action is formed between the joining elements of the hollow profile blank and the sheet metal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Günther Ast, Konrad Eipper
  • Publication number: 20020022145
    Abstract: A metal foil connection of first and second metal foils having a thickness of less than 0.05 mm includes a connecting point in which the metal foils are brazed to one another. The connecting point forms a wedge which is filled with brazing medium. A mass of the brazing medium, and a mass of sections of the metal foils which the brazing medium contacts in the wedge, have a given ratio. A honeycomb body, a brazing medium particle fraction and a method for manufacturing metal foil connections with a thickness of less than 50 micrometers, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Ludwig Wieres, Ferdi Kurth, Helge Schlotmann
  • Publication number: 20020006523
    Abstract: Contoured structural members containing vibration damping mechanisms and methods for making the same. The contoured structural members comprise composite or metal materials sandwiching a support or stabilizing structure. The contoured structure can be provided by tube rolling (or roll wrapping) the composite or metal materials and the support structure together and then, if necessary, bonding them or connecting them. With a contoured and generally non-flat structure, applications for the structural members of the present invention are nearly limitless. As well, by incorporating a vibration damping mechanism, the structural impact of oscillations caused by varying mechanical loads is diminished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Dale Francis Obeshaw
  • Publication number: 20010045411
    Abstract: A non-woven wire mesh screen having a first planar array of stainless steel wires disposed in a longitudinal direction and a second planar array of stainless steel wires disposed transverse to the first planar array. The stainless steel wires have a tensile strength greater than 200,000 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Edwin C. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20010024734
    Abstract: An aluminum extruded door beam includes an outer flange, an inner flange, and at least one web for connecting the outer flange and the inner flange. The outer corners at the extended ends of the outer flange have a radius R of 2.5 mm or less. The outward corners at the connections between the web and the inner flange and between the web and the outer flange have a radius R of 2 mm to 4 mm. The radius of the outward corners at the connections between the web and the inner flange and between the web and the outer flange is 1.5 to 2 times the width of the web. The length of the extended ends of the outer flange is 1 to 2 times the radius R of the outward corner at the connections between the web and the outer and inner flanges. The aluminum alloy extruded door beam material contains 0.8 to 1.5% by weight (hereinafter the same) of Mg and 4 to 7% of Zn, and the recrystallization surface layer has a thickness of 50 &mgr;m or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KOBE SEIKO SHO
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamashita, Masakazu Hirano
  • Publication number: 20010020498
    Abstract: A thin, forged magnesium alloy casing is integrally constituted by a thin plate with projections on either or both surfaces, and the thin plate is as thin as about 1.5 mm or less. The thin forged casing can be produced by (a) carrying out a first forging step for roughly forging a magnesium alloy plate to form an intermediate forged product under the conditions of a preheating temperature of the magnesium alloy plate of 350-500° C., a die temperature of 350-450° C., a compression pressure of 3-30 tons/cm2, a compressing speed of 10-500 mm/sec. and a compression ratio of 75% or less; and (b) carrying out a second forging step for precisely forging the intermediate forged product under the conditions of a preheating temperature of the intermediate forged product of 300-500° C., a die temperature of 300-400° C., a compression pressure of 1-20 tons/cm2, a compressing speed of 1-200 mm/sec., and a compression ratio of 30% or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Isao Seki, Shigeo Hama, Shigehiro Taniike, Fukashi Watanabe, Masahiko Kakizaki, Shinji Seki
  • Patent number: 6274250
    Abstract: Ornamental jewelry is made from a composite wire for manufacturing semifinished products to be subjected to an emptying process. The wire comprises a support core (1) of a nonprecious metal that is removable by chemical or electrochemical means as well as a plurality of sections (3,4,5) of precious metal wherein at least a portion of each of said sections is radially engaged in the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Cento Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Urbano Terziani
  • Patent number: 6268066
    Abstract: A structure and a method of making a burner box by providing a U-shaped body with end members. The end members each rest on an end of the body and of the U-shape body. The ends are welded to the end members to the U-shaped body by a tungsten arc gas welding process whereby the end members are welded to the U-shape body and the edges are catalyzed in the weld. The end members overlaps the U-shape body by about half the thickness of the body to provide a filler material for the weld. A tab is integrally attached to each side of each of the end members. The tab rests on flanges and are catalyzed in the weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Loyd E. Swain
  • Patent number: 6258465
    Abstract: Provided is an energy absorbing member which makes it possible to induce contraction and deformation into a form of bellows, with Euler's buckle being restrained. An energy absorbing member comprises a hollow extrusion which is made of an aluminum alloy and has an outer portion and an inner rib connected to the outer portion, and the radius of the corner where the rib and the outer portion are connected to each other is not more than a half of the thickness of the rib. A similar energy absorbing member has plural inner ribs which are connected to the outer portion and cross each other, and the radius of the corner where the ribs cross each other is 1 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Takashi Oka, Hiroyuki Yamashita, Masakazu Hirano
  • Patent number: 6242105
    Abstract: Before the application of an external coating having a base of polyester or epoxy resin, or of a mixture of the two by spraying with an electrostatic spray gun, the parts to be coated are subjected to an initial zinc coating treatment by electrolytic process and a layer of an acrylic paint is applied to the zinc coating and polymerized to define a bonding sublayer between the metal and the external coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Ateliers Reunis Caddie
    Inventors: Alice Joseph, Alain Le Marchand, Pierre-Noël Rollin
  • Patent number: 6231995
    Abstract: An aluminum extruded door beam includes an outer flange, an inner flange, and at least one web for connecting the outer flange and the inner flange. The outer corners at the extended ends of the outer flange have a radius R of 2.5 mm or less. The outward corners at the connections between the web and the inner flange and between the web and the outer flange have a radius R of 2 mm to 4 mm. The radius of the outward corners at the connections between the web and the inner flange and between the web and the outer flange is 1.5 to 2 times the width of the web. The length of the extended ends of the outer flange is 1 to 2 times the radius R of the outward corner at the connections between the web and the outer and inner flanges. The aluminum alloy extruded door beam material contains 0.8 to 1.5% by weight (hereinafter the same) of Mg and 4 to 7% of Zn, and the recrystallization surface layer has a thickness of 50 &mgr;m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamashita, Masakazu Hirano