Mounted On Manually Maneuverable Carrier Patents (Class 72/211)
  • Patent number: 11486152
    Abstract: A device provides for an efficient, fast, and less labor-intensive way of laying dovetailed interlocking flooring material which have interlocking tabs to connect adjoining flooring material. The device comprises of a chassis offering structural support to which all other elements are connected to either directly or indirectly. The chassis has an upper portion which accepts additional weight and an undercarriage portion which is configured to connect to one or more front wheels and back wheels. The front wheels are configured to put pressure along each side of the interlocking tabs, while the one or more back wheels are configured to press on the interlocking tabs, and wherein the combined weight of the device interlocks the interlocking tabs in the flooring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: American Mammoth Tool Co.
    Inventor: Corey L. Mertes
  • Patent number: 9598530
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coating mixture for applying a polymeric, corrosion-preventing protective layer to a metallic base for protecting an edge area, a soldered point, a weld seam or a repair point or for sealing the seam of one or more optionally interjoined strips, metal sheets or shaped parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Chemetall GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Gros, Norbert Maurus, Karl-Heinz Stellnberger, Marcus Schinzel
  • Patent number: 9472987
    Abstract: Induction motor stator windings are described. An electric submersible pump apparatus comprises an induction motor rotatably coupled to a multi-stage centrifugal pump, the induction motor comprising a stator frame, the stator frame comprising a plurality of slots, and a squircle-shaped magnet wire windingly inserted into the plurality of slots, the magnet wire comprising a conductor comprising a squircular-shaped cross-sectional area, and an insulation layer coating an outer surface of the squircular-shaped conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Summit ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Clint Franklin Hall, Larry Parmeter
  • Patent number: 9156077
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided which makes a border wire having a rectangular cross-section. The apparatus is adapted to receive a roll of wire having a circular cross-section, straighten the wire and change the cross-section of the wire to rectangular. The reconfigured wire is then accumulated, passed through another straightener, cut to size and then bent into a rectangular configuration. Opposed ends of the piece of wire having a rectangular cross-section are welded together to complete the border wire. The apparatus has an ejector which removes the completed border wire from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Von W. Brottlund, Travis L. Brummett, Kelly M. Knewtson, Thomas J. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20140260484
    Abstract: A compound rod bender includes a first distal arm, a second distal arm, a rotating and translating barrel, and a compound hinge. The barrel includes a plurality of bending surfaces configured to be selectively positioned to contour a rod. The barrel is positioned on a pivot point between the first and second distal arms. The compound hinge includes at least one additional pivot point configured to increase a bending force when the rod is contoured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 8819908
    Abstract: A crimping assembly is provided for securing a cover part to a structural member. The crimping assembly includes a housing, a drive shaft disposed within the housing and rotatable in a first direction, and a first roller fixedly secured to the drive shaft and rotatable therewith. The crimping assembly also includes a slide shaft disposed within the housing and rotatable in a second direction. A second roller is fixedly secured to the slide shaft and rotatable therewith. A drive mechanism is operably coupled to the drive and slide shafts to roll the first and second rollers over the cover part to secure the cover part to the structural member. A coupling mechanism is operably connected between the drive shaft and the slide shaft to allow movement of the slide shaft towards and away from the drive shaft during operation of the crimping assembly to accommodate variations in flange thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Henry Muxlow, David Christopher Marchand
  • Patent number: 8783079
    Abstract: A portable handheld device for introducing an external profile into a longitudinal workpiece by noncutting shaping includes a locking element and a profiling tool having a pitchless profile disposed opposite the locking element and disposable at an adjustable angle as a function of a desired lead angle of the external profile within a force transmission plane, wherein the workpiece is disposable and removable between the profiling tool and the locking element, and wherein the profile tool and the locking element are configured to execute a feed movement relative to one another and to be adjustable to a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universitaet Hannover
    Inventors: Bernd-Arno Behrens, Hagen Schmidt, Philipp Silberkuhl, Dietmar Schnier
  • Patent number: 8739593
    Abstract: A device for configuring foil for use in cooking food comprising: a base portion; a first plurality of rotatable elements operatively associated with the base portion; a support mounted on the base portion; and a second plurality of rotatable elements operatively associated with the support; the support operating to pivot relative to the base portion so as to allow entry of foil between the first and second plurality of rotatable elements in a first position and engagement of the first and second plurality of rotatable elements in a second position; whereby in the second position the first and second plurality of rotatable elements impart a configuration to the foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence E Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130125602
    Abstract: A rolling stand with a bending and shifting device for rolling rolls with two lower blocks (12, 13) integrally fixed to the housing (2) and carrying a lower chock (17), two upper blocks (14, 15) connected to an upper chock (16), a shifting device (30) for the upper roll (10) connected to the upper chock by means of a sliding coupling, a shifting device (31) for the lower working roll (11) connected to the lower chock by means of a sliding coupling. The lower chock is coupled to the blocks (12, 13) by means of a sliding coupling which allows the chock (17) to be moved in a vertical direction to generate a bending of the lower roll (10) by means of actuators (20, 21). The two upper blocks (14, 15) are vertically coupled with the housing (2) to allow the upper roll (10) to be bent. The shifting movement of the upper roll (10) is achieved by means of a sliding coupling between the upper chock and the two upper blocks, and may be carried out under load while the rolling operation occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DANIELI & C. OFFICINE MECCANICHE S.P.A
    Inventors: Luca Sandrin, Karl Heinz Wessel, Aandrea Dorigo
  • Publication number: 20120186318
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for introducing a thread into a workpiece having a cylindrical outer surface by means of thread rolling, comprising a profiling tool (7) having a profile without pitch, wherein the axis of the profiling tool is at an angle or parallel to the axis of the workpiece, wherein the profiling tool (7) is formed by a circular disk (9) rotatably mounted about the axis (8) of the disk, on the outer edge of which disk two annular, coaxial profiles (10) without pitch protrude, wherein said profiles form an annular space therebetween that corresponds in shape and dimensions to the thread profile of the thread to be created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Bernd-Arno Behrens, Hagen Schmidt, Philipp Silberkuhl, Dietmar Schnier
  • Patent number: 8166788
    Abstract: A lip-rolling and flanging tool for bending back and/or widening fender-wheelwell edges of motor vehicles, the tool having a flanging roll (46) that is attached through a telescoping tube arrangement (10) to an affixing flange (4) mountable on a wheel axle of the motor vehicle, and while generating a pressing force against the fender-wheelwell edge is pivotable together with the wheel axle, the flanging roll (46) is mounted in a forked support bracket (44) disposed at one end of the telescoping tube arrangement (10), which bracket is disposed in a rotatable and lockable manner between the clamping jaws (40, 40?) attached to the telescoping tube arrangement (10?), the clamping jaws (40, 40?) each have at least one recess or milled-out section (100,100?) that interacts with a pin (103) disposed in the flanging-roll support bracket (44) so as to restrict the pivoting range of the flanging-roll support bracket (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Röpke
  • Publication number: 20110232350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roll stand comprising at least one roll (1) having a rotation axis (a), said roll being supported in two installed parts (2, 3) disposed in the axial end regions of the roll (1) and each having a center plane (M), wherein the roll (1) can be positioned in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction (F) of the product to be rolled by means of at least one positioning element (4). In order to be able to introduce a bending moment acting counter to the roll bending moment into the roller in a simple manner and without additional elements, according to the invention, each installed part (2, 3) is connected to a bending lever (5, 6) and the positioning element (4) is disposed such that the positioning force thereof is introduced into the bending lever (5, 6) at a location (G) removed from the center plane (M) of the installed part (2, 3), and thereby into the installed part (2, 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Hartung
  • Patent number: 7963140
    Abstract: A variable crimp on flange (COF) tool is provided for engaging and attaching a weather strip and like structures onto a flange. The COF tool includes a housing with two or more crimp rollers that project therefrom. For example, a fixed roller is mounted to the housing to rotate in a first direction, while a movable roller is mounted to the housing to rotate in a second, opposite direction. The movable roller is axially offset from and movable relative to the fixed roller. A driving mechanism, such as a pneumatic motor, is encased within the housing, and operates to rotate the crimp rollers. A biasing mechanism, such as a pneumatic piston assembly, is also encased within the housing, and operates to move the movable crimp roller relative to the fixed crimp roller. The COF tool is engineered such that the crimp speed, crimp rate, and crimp pressure are independently adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David M. Bentoski, Theodore W. Foster
  • Publication number: 20100300170
    Abstract: A variable crimp on flange (COF) tool is provided for engaging and attaching a weather strip and like structures onto a flange. The COF tool includes a housing with two or more crimp rollers that project therefrom. For example, a fixed roller is mounted to the housing to rotate in a first direction, while a movable roller is mounted to the housing to rotate in a second, opposite direction. The movable roller is axially offset from and movable relative to the fixed roller. A driving mechanism, such as a pneumatic motor, is encased within the housing, and operates to rotate the crimp rollers. A biasing mechanism, such as a pneumatic piston assembly, is also encased within the housing, and operates to move the movable crimp roller relative to the fixed crimp roller. The COF tool is engineered such that the crimp speed, crimp rate, and crimp pressure are independently adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David M. Bentoski, Theodore W. Foster
  • Patent number: 7516638
    Abstract: A portable hand tool includes a frame for guiding a sheet of material, e.g., sheet metal. A pair of shafts are spaced from each other and are selectively slideable relative to the frame to define a plurality of adjustment positions. A pair of rollers are respectively mounted to the shafts for deforming the sheet of material between the rollers. An adjustment rod is mounted to and extends outwardly from the frame. A support interconnects the shafts and an adjustment device is rotatably engaged with the support. A coupling device is disposed about the adjustment rod and is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the coupling device couples the adjustment rod and the adjustment device to lock the shafts and rollers laterally relative to the frame. In the disengaged position, the shafts and rollers are slideable relative to the frame between the adjustment positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roush, Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 7464631
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shape forming device for use with dies to provide cut, punched and embossed objects made from a variety of media. The shape forming device includes a housing that contains at least one pair of rollers oriented substantially parallel to one another, a power supply, electrically connected to the pair of rollers to drive their rotation so as to permit the feeding of a die between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John Nottingham, John Spirk, Patrick Brown, Robert Dorsey, Trevor Jackson, Carolyn McNeeley
  • Publication number: 20080092617
    Abstract: A crimping tool attachment for drills that crimps spiral sheet metal pipe decreasing the diameter allowing it to fit into an equally sized spiral sheet metal pipe. The crimping tool will adjust for different sized drills using an adjustable steel rod in combination with a commercial grade rubber bands with holes allowing for adjustment. The crimping tool used in conjunction with an impact drill will crimp the ends of spiral sheet metal pipe in seconds using very little physical labor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Joshua Alan Stewart
  • Patent number: 7134306
    Abstract: A crimping assembly roll crimps a cover part over an underlying structure. The crimping assembly includes a base. A first roller extends out from the base and is rotatable with respect thereto. A second roller extends out of the base and is rotatable with respect thereto. In addition, the second roller is movable axially with respect to the first roller. A transmission is operatively connected to the first roller and the second roller such that the first and second rollers roll at the same speed. The crimping assembly also includes a pneumatic motor connected to the transmission to selectively drive the transmission and roll the first and second rollers as the first and second rollers roll over the cover part to force the cover part into engagement with the underlying structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Muxlow, Steve Chandler
  • Patent number: 7017268
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for temporarily reforming or deforming the lip portion of a resinous seal so that the seal may be readily installed in an intended application. The invention includes a method and apparatus that includes a fixed frame unit having two leg portions and a backbone portion, a slot in each position, an axle in each slot, and roller assemblies received over each axle, with adjustment means for each axle, the guide rollers being circumferentially spaced apart and the center or reforming roller being adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: SKF USA Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Lang
  • Patent number: 6981398
    Abstract: A seam closing apparatus for use in sealing a duct seam having an outwardly extending sealing portion and a lower fold includes a handle portion having a power actuation trigger and a first roller for engaging the outwardly extending sealing portion of the duct seam. A second roller is also provided for engaging the lower fold of the duct seam. Operation of the power actuation trigger causes the first roller to rotate in a first direction, thereby flattening the outwardly extending sealing portion of the duct seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Met-Coil Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Toben, Michael C. Borwig
  • Patent number: 6978650
    Abstract: A roll-forming tool for deforming a flange cap from a splayed configuration to engage a vehicle flange, the tool includes a polymeric contact surface disposed about a rigid drum. The polymeric contact surface can be in the form of a sleeve and integrally formed to the metal drum, or alternatively, the sleeve can be removeably attached to the drum for allowing replacement. The drums can be metal and configured for eccentric rotation relative to a corresponding drive shaft, thereby accommodating further variations in flange thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventors: Keith W. Rosenau, Marion A. Royse, Michael J. Lagerstrom, William J. Konitsney
  • Publication number: 20040255634
    Abstract: A crimping tool having a housing. A driving shaft is rotatably mounted within the housing and includes at least one end extending beyond a boundary of the housing. A driven shaft is pivotally and rotatably mounted within the housing and includes at least one end extending beyond a boundary of the housing. A first drive mechanism engages the driven shaft for pivotally moving the driven shaft. A second drive mechanism engages the driving shaft for rotating the driving shaft. The driven shaft is pivotally moveable from an operating closed position wherein the driven and driving shafts extend in a parallel relation and engage each other to provide a rotational force for the crimping tool and an open position wherein the driving and driven shafts are angularly spaced from each other and wherein the driven shaft does not engage the driving shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Fred Muxlow, Wade Bonhomme
  • Publication number: 20040177667
    Abstract: A roll-forming tool for deforming a flange cap from a splayed configuration to engage a vehicle flange, the tool includes a polymeric contact surface disposed about a rigid drum. The polymeric contact surface can be in the form of a sleeve and integrally formed to the metal drum, or alternatively, the sleeve can be removeably attached to the drum for allowing replacement. The drums can be metal and configured for eccentric rotation relative to a corresponding drive shaft, thereby accommodating further variations in flange thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventors: Keith W. Rosenau, Marion A. Royse, Michael J. Lagerstrom, William J. Konitsney
  • Publication number: 20040093924
    Abstract: A seam closing apparatus for use in sealing a duct seam having an outwardly extending sealing portion and a lower fold includes a handle portion having a power actuation trigger and a first roller for engaging the outwardly extending sealing portion of the duct seam. A second roller is also provided for engaging the lower fold of the duct seam. Operation of the power actuation trigger causes the first roller to rotate in a first direction, thereby flattening the outwardly extending sealing portion of the duct seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: MET-COIL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Toben, Michael C. Borwig
  • Patent number: 6257039
    Abstract: A paper clamp press for straightening or smoothing a bended, folded or creased clamp arm of a metal paper clamp. In a preferred embodiment the paper clamp press is characterized by a pair of pivoting, plier-type handles which terminate in top and bottom jaws which can be manipulated between open and closed positions by means of the handles. After the open jaws receive the distorted clamp arm, a cylindrical roller disposed for travel in the top jaw, presses the clamp arm against the bottom jaw along the length of the clamp arm, toward the extending end of the jaws as the jaws are pivoted to the closed position, progressively straightening or smoothing the clamp arm. A leaf spring provided in the top jaw returns the bidirectional roller to the pivoted end of the top jaw as the spring-biased handles are released and the jaws opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: LuEllen Childress
  • Patent number: 6233995
    Abstract: A forming tool for creating a profile in a workpiece held within a bending brake is provided. The forming tool includes a body, and a carriage attached to the body and operable to move longitudinally along a guide provided on the bending brake. A pair of opposed forming dies is rotatably and removably mounted on the body, wherein the forming dies are operable to create a profile, such as for brick mold or a fascia rib, in the workpiece as the workpiece passes between the forming dies. The forming dies are interchangeable with another pair of forming dies for creating a different profile in the workpiece. The forming tool of the present invention is intended for use with any type of bending brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Van Mark Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Cleave, Eugene G. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 6101857
    Abstract: Apparatus for progressively manufacturing fabricated or semi-fabricated articles, such as a rotor or stator assembly, includes a punch press and a progressive stamping die for creating the assemblies from sheet stock moving therebetween. A microcontroller board or network, including a plurality of microcontroller boards, is secured to the die for controlling operation of the apparatus responsive to information provided to them. Sensors are provided for monitoring operation of the apparatus and providing such information to the microcontroller boards. The communication system provides for communication between the sensors and the logic chips, among the logic chips and among the microcontroller boards and between the microcontroller boards and other portions of the apparatus which are to be subjected to responsive control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Oberg Industries
    Inventors: Ronald R. Fox, Samuel A. Rummel
  • Patent number: 6047579
    Abstract: A tag for use in a press machine includes a reprogrammable storage area provided in the form of a read/write memory for storing reprogrammable die information associated with the die assembly. A communications device provided in the form of a transceiver transmits die data supplied by the read/write memory and receives data for storage in the read/write memory. The tag, which is integrally attached to one of the die members, establishes a wireless bi-directional communications link with a production monitoring system provided in the form of a reader module integrally associated with the press machine. The reader includes a transceiver arranged for RF communication with the tag transceiver. Die data received by the reader from the tag is supplied to a press controller, which may also provide the reader with information to transmit to the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Dave Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6000268
    Abstract: A multifunction machine for modifying a workpiece held in a bending brake is provided that allows one tool to be easily interchanged with another tool. The machine includes a carriage operable to move longitudinally along the bending brake, and a tool detachably connected to the carriage and operable to modify the workpiece. The tool can be detached from the carriage and interchanged with another tool for performing a different modification to the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, either the tool or the carriage includes a projection extending therefrom, and the other includes an opening sized to receive the projection in order to connect the tool and the carriage. The tool preferably includes rotatably mounted rolls that may be used for cutting or forming the workpiece. The multifunction machine is intended to be used in conjunction with any type of bending brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Van Mark Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Cleave, Eugene G. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 5907966
    Abstract: A tool and method for roll-forming a seat and retainer with a shoulder and seal surface capable of operatively engaging a ferrule to form a fluid-tight seal around the outer surface of a rigid tube which is harder than the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Boyd B. Moore
  • Patent number: 5875665
    Abstract: An apparatus for bending a workpiece comprises a stretching device for stretching the workpiece. In the process for bending the workpiece, an inclination angle made by a direction a tension force is acted to the workpiece and a direction a stretching forth is applied to the workpiece by the stretching member is detected. The tension force acted to the workpiece is controlled in such a manner that the stretching force from the stretching member is controlled in consideration of the inclination angle. Accordingly, the amount of the spring back after bending is uniform and an accuracy of the dimension of the bent workpiece is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Yamamoto, Katsuyoshi Suzuki, Shigehide Ishikawa, Mineo Suzuki, Takumi Yamada, Youichi Harada, Toshiyuki Miyagawa, Daisuke Okuizumi, Koichi Mikami
  • Patent number: 5875670
    Abstract: A tool for roll crimping a flange cover onto a flange, the tool having a body, a first roller having an axis and being supported on and fixed to a first shaft having a coincident axis, and a second roller having an axis and being supported on and fixed to a second shaft having a coincident axis, the rollers being biased toward one another. The first shaft and second shaft are rotatingly driven and one of the axes is movable relative to the body which allows the first and second rollers to move toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventors: Nenad Stojkovski, Bay Le
  • Patent number: 5813322
    Abstract: A die height correcting apparatus for a press having sides formed by C-shaped frames and a slide to be driven up and down being provided on an upper portion of a press body, includes an auxiliary frame provided on the side surface of at least one of the C-shaped frame. The lower end side of the auxiliary frame is pivotably mounted on the C-shaped frame and has a free end at the upper end side, a slide position detector provided on the upper end side of the auxiliary frame, and a temperature detector provided at least on the upper end side of the auxiliary frame among the upper end side of the auxiliary frame and the slide position detector. The slide is NC controlled on the basis of a slide position detected by the slide position detector, the temperature detector detects a temperature of the upper end side of the auxiliary frame among the upper end side of the auxiliary frame and the slide position detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5784915
    Abstract: On a machine for bending a sheet-metal edge (4) provided with a first sheet metal part (2) over a second sheet metal part (3) to be connected to the first (2), with at least one pair (12, 15) of form rollers, preferably driven, whose form rollers (13, 14; 16, 17) roll over it in the feed direction (19) on opposite sides of the sheet-metal edge (4) along its longitudinal edge and whose roll gap (20, 22) in the bending direction is inclined toward the second sheet metal part (3), wherein one of the form rollers (14, 17) grasps the sheet-metal edge (4) underneath on the side facing the second sheet metal edge (3), and with a support going across the feed direction (19) with at least one abutment supported on one of the sheet metal parts (2,3) by the fact that the abutment(s) is (are) arranged lagging behind the pair (12) of form rollers in the feed direction (19) and is (are) supported on the side of the sheet-metal edge (4) facing the second sheet metal part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Trumpf GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Marco Allemann, Andreas Janutin
  • Patent number: 5727409
    Abstract: A terminal crimping apparatus is equipped with a vertically reciprocating crimper for crimping a terminal to an exposed conductive portion of an electric wire and an anvil opposing to the crimper. The crimper is vertically reciprocated by an activation device, such as a servo-motor. The apparatus has a sensor to monitor a load applied to the activation device or to monitor the height of the crimper when the terminal is crimped. A driver control for the apparatus includes a decision section comparing the monitored load or the monitored crimper height with predetermined reference data to determine whether the terminal is correctly crimped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Inoue, Masao Igarashi, Kazuhiko Takada
  • Patent number: 5724843
    Abstract: A diagnostic method of diagnosing a press for the presence of any abnormality that deteriorates a quality of a product manufactured by the press, wherein physical value (Fs, Fsi, Ff, Ffi, Fp, Fpi, Xsi, Xei, Xy, Xz, Vx, Gx, Gy, Gz, Temp A, Temp B, Va0, Vf0, Vd0, V, Aa, Ag, Az, Afi, Ps, Pmai, Psa, Paa, Pyai, Peai, Pzai) such as a load generated at a selected portion of the press during operation of the press is detected, and the press is diagnosed for any abnormality, on the basis of the detected physical value, and according to a predetermined reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunari Kirii, Masahiro Shinabe
  • Patent number: 5666710
    Abstract: A system for first setting a blind rivet and then verifying the correctness of the set comprising a rivet setting tool to set the rivet and computer logic to verify the correctness of the set. The setting tool includes a jaw assembly for holding the stem of the rivet's mandrel fitted to an axially movable pulling shaft. Both the pulling force of the setting tool and the displacement of the pulling shaft are measured and the measurements are interpreted by an integrator to determine the total energy of the setting process. The determined total energy is then compared with an ideal total energy to assess whether or not the set of the particular rivet is acceptable. Other quantitative comparisons may be made against other ideal values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Weber, Jeffrey T. Blake, William E. O'Connor, Charles F. Smart
  • Patent number: 5661887
    Abstract: A blind rivet set verification system for setting a blind rivet assessing the acceptability of the rivet set. The system includes a remote intensified rivet setting tool and computer hardware and software. The tool comprises a displacement transducer that produces a displacement signal and a pressure transducer that produces a pressure signal. The transducers are connected to the computer which receives the distinct signals. These signals are interpreted to plot a displacement-versus pressure waveform and to determine the velocity of the movement of an air piston that responds to the rivet set by hydraulic pressure. Using the combined date of the velocity waveform and the displacement-versus pressure waveform, the breakload is identified and compared against predetermined ideal data to assess the acceptability of the set. The displacement reading at break is corrected for jaw slippage and offset of the air piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Darren S. Byrne, Eymard J. Chitty
  • Patent number: 5661656
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved tool set-up and adjustment using thin tactile sensors. A method is provided comprising the steps of affixing a plurality of sensing cells to the tool at spaced locations thereon, electrically connecting the sensing cells to a measuring instrument, establishing a measurement event threshold for each electrically connected sensing cell, detecting occurrences of the measurement events for each electrically connected sensing cell, and, in response to detecting these occurrences, adjusting the tool set-up consistent with the measurement events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Breed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5660069
    Abstract: A duct assembly tool is provided with "vise grip" type handles to allow the tool to be completely released while it assembles sections of duct. Duct assembly flanges are closed together by gripping members which are rotatable with respect to the tool handles. The gripping members may be disc shaped to allow the tool to be used to straighten bowed duct walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Charles A. Williams
  • Patent number: 5533371
    Abstract: A rolling or continuous casting and rolling mill facility includes a roll set comprising working rolls defining a roll gap therebetween and support rolls, at least one of the working rolls and the support rolls having coaxial reduced diameter barrel portions defining measurement surfaces thereon; a measuring element for determining the roll gap by measuring a distance between the measurement surfaces, comprising a measurement head and a contact-free double sensor positioned on the measurement head; and an element for moving the measurement head between a working position wherein the double sensor is positioned in a rolling plane drawn through axes of rotation of the working rolls and aligned with the measurement surfaces and a rest position wherein the measurement head and double sensor are withdrawn from the rolling plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Lauener Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruno Frischknecht, Peter Messerli, Daniel Fankhauser, Rudolf Roder, Rolf Eigel
  • Patent number: 5488849
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rolling and flanging tool to bend back and/or widen fender-wheelwell edges of motor vehicles. To carry out the bending back and/or widening of fender-wheelwell edges in simpler and more uniform manner and without risk of damage to the enamel and sheetmetal, a flanging roll 46 to be pressed against the fenders is provided, which is connected to an affixing flange 4 to be affixed to the motor-vehicle axle, said roll being pivotable about said axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Thomas Ropke Werkzeugbau und Technischer Vertrieb
    Inventor: Thomas Ropke
  • Patent number: 5390521
    Abstract: A hand operated tool used to remove the burr from the inside end of a cut metal pipe comprising two rollers adapted to be placed inside the end of a pipe, means to expand the rollers with a hand squeezing motion on the handles of the tool and rotating the pipe or tool until the burr is rolled outward making the inside of the pipe free of any obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kerze
  • Patent number: 5327769
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for straightening handhold safety appliances located on the side of rail cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Bobby Price
  • Patent number: 5245852
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a shutter on a piece of flat stock sheet metal material, said shutter having a raised panel of continuous configuration without any cutting of the stock material, said raised panel having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, the method consisting of the steps of establishing a pattern for the inner perimeter on the back side of the sheet metal material, establishing a pattern for the outer perimeter line on the front side of the sheet metal material, establishing a pattern of beveled lines between the inner perimeter line and outer perimeter line, said beveled lined pattern being on the back side of the sheet metal material, gripping the sheet metal material about its perimeter between the jaws of a straight edge brake along the sides and top of the sheet metal material in successive steps, rolling the inner perimeter line of the sheet metal stock with a beveled roller along the back of the sheet metal, rolling the front of the sheet metal material along the outer perimet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Noah A. Pullum
  • Patent number: 5213139
    Abstract: The present invention is a hand operated tool for flattening a portion of a ribbon cable preparatory to installing a cable tap. The tool includes a set of rollers which are closeable upon the cable. The rollers are then rotated, first in one direction and then the other while varying the pressure on the rollers to effect removal of kinks and to generally flatten a portion of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory F. Deuel, Kenneth F. Folk
  • Patent number: 5189784
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the locking bend on a Pittsburgh type seam used in joining the sections during assembly of box-shaped sheet metal ducts. The apparatus provides a means for securely holding the duct without the use of a mandrel to permit the sheet metal along the seam to be bent over by a forming roller moving along the seam so as to complete the joint and lock the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Iowa Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Welty
  • Patent number: 5024076
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and tools for forming sheet metal, and in particular, a method for making a chase top from a stock rectangular piece of sheet metal. Creasing tools are described that each have a handle member and a creasing wheel suspended therefrom cooperates with a support lip to form first and second crease lines and first and second flange areas along each perimeter edge of the workpiece. A reinforcing ridge tool is shown having a handle member with a wheel rotatively suspended therefrom is used to indent the sheet metal along desired lines inwardly of the crease lines to form reinforcing ridges. A bending tool is described having cooperating bending members for clamping the workpiece along each second crease line for bending the workpiece there along to form vertical wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Richard L. Warner
  • Patent number: 4996756
    Abstract: A tool is described for assembling a length of sealing strip onto a mounting flange around a door opening in a motor vehicle. The strip has a channel-shaped gripping part whose walls are initially splayed apart so that it is an easy fit onto the flange. It carries a tubular sealing part. The tool comprises a roller which engages the outside of the base of the channel of the gripping part and a perpendicularly mounted roller which engages the outside of the tubular sealing part of the strip and, via this sealing part which it compresses, exerts a side force on the corresponding wide wall of the channel of the gripping part. A flange rigid with the roller engaging the gripping part itself engages the opposite side wall of the gripping part. The two rollers may or may not be geared together and are driven via a flexible drive shaft by a motor. The tool thus travels along the length of the sealing strip which is drawn off a coil or other supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Draftex Industries Limited
    Inventors: Robert G. Bright, Heinz J. Hennen
  • Patent number: 4982487
    Abstract: A technique for sealing a housing (10) is disclosed characterized by use of a multi-stage tool (50) specifically adapted to progressively cold roll and crimp seal one or more flanges (18) formed on a component (12) over a beaded edge (24) which, in one embodiment, may be formed on another component (14). The multi-stage tool (50) includes a series of laterally spaced roller dies (56A,56B,56C) configured to structurally support desired walls (15,16) of one or more of the components (12,14) during the process as well as progressively roll form and crimp the flanges (18) about the beaded edge (24) of the component (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Shuji U. Maruko, Richard R. Mulliner