With Adjustable Or Replaceable Section Of Tool-face Patents (Class 72/413)
  • Patent number: 11951673
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a bending panel of a display includes a lower mold having a first member on which a target panel is placed, an upper mold disposed adjacent the lower mold and including a second member including a first surface to press a portion of the target panel and a second surface having a first slope with respect to the first surface, and side molds disposed at opposite sides of the lower mold and each having a third member with a third surface complementary to the second surface of the second member. The first slope is smaller than about 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wonju Kim, Dohyung Ryu, Wu Hyeon Jung, Daehyun Hwang
  • Patent number: 11801081
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first arm including a first support. A second arm includes a second support. A fulcrum defines an implant cavity with the supports. A member is selectively engageable with alternatively configured and/or dimensioned implants disposable in the implant cavity. Implants, spinal constructs and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventors: Zeeshan K. Shaikh, Ryan M. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 11784449
    Abstract: Crimping pliers are configured to crimp cable lugs onto electrical conductors. The crimping pliers includes first and second crimping jaws pivotally connected together, a first crimping matrix mounted for rotation on the first crimping jaw, a second crimping matrix mounted for rotation on the second crimping jaw, each crimping jaw having a plurality of different first crimping dies formed therein, and interlocks provided on the crimping jaws. The interlocks are configured to lock one of the crimping dies on each crimping jaw into a working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: GUSTAV KLAUKE GMBH
    Inventor: Egbert Frenken
  • Patent number: 11707879
    Abstract: Electrically powered crimp tools are described. Also described are methods of operating the tools and methods of crimping. The tools include a housing, an electric motor, a roller screw assembly, and a jaw assembly. In particular versions of the tools the jaw assembly includes a cam linkage member that is manually displaced by a user to more easily open the jaws after performing a crimp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Ridge Tool Company
    Inventors: Marc Lütolf, Sean Alan Davis, Richard M. Kundracik
  • Patent number: 11670902
    Abstract: A method aligns a crimping cassette crimping tool in a cable processing apparatus having a tensioning device for applying tension to a mounting part relative to a crimping device attachment surface. The crimping cassette includes the crimping tool having cooperating stationary and movable tool parts for crimping and a holding device that attaches to the mounting part fixed to the stationary tool part and has a position allowing a spatially-limited adjustment movement of the stationary tool part. The method includes releasing the tensioning device; inserting the stationary tool part into a tensioning device area; moving the moveable tool part towards the stationary tool part slightly before it touches the stationary tool part; moving the moveable tool part towards the stationary tool part until a pressing force between the tool parts is reached or exceeded and an alignment occurs between the tool parts; and applying tension with the tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: komax Holding AG
    Inventors: Bruno Weber, Dominik Feubli, Alois Conte, Nils Furrer
  • Patent number: 11638947
    Abstract: A mold for a press brake includes an upper mold that is mountable on an upper table and a lower mold mountable on a lower table in a press brake. The upper mold and the lower mold vertically face each other and have respective pressurizing surfaces. The respective pressurizing surfaces are superposed with each other in a pressing direction so as to define a wedge shaped recess between the respective pressurizing surfaces. The respective pressurizing surfaces are configured to pressurize a workpiece positioned between the respective pressurizing surfaces. Further, one of the pressurizing surfaces is formed as a level surface and the other is formed as an inclined surface. The upper mold includes a V-shaped workpiece bending portion that can freely enter into a bending groove provided in the lower mold, and the respective pressurizing surfaces are positioned outside of the bending groove of the lower mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: AMADA HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yingjun Jin, Takahiro Shibata, Shiro Hayashi, Shin Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11541443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an atypical curved panel forming apparatus and, more specifically, to an atypical curved panel forming apparatus having a novel structure, comprising: a mold block 20 enabling a panel A to be formed to be put on the upper surface thereof; and a pressing means 30 positioned on the upper side of the middle portion of a conveyor device 12 so as to downwardly press the panel A put on a mold, thereby pressing the entire panel A so as to enable the entire panel A to be pressed at constant pressure, enabling the time required for forming the panel A to be minimized, and enabling the atypical curved panel put on the mold block 20 to be effectively formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Yoochang Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yong-Sun Cho, In Heo
  • Patent number: 11419727
    Abstract: Techniques for fabrication of implant material for the reconstruction of fractured eye orbit may include using an image processing system to analyze a set of two-dimensional images representing a three-dimensional scan of a skull of a patient, automatically detect an orbital fracture in the skull based on the set of two-dimensional images, and identify which/both of the two eye orbits containing any orbital fracture. The techniques may further include, for each of the two-dimensional images in which the orbital fracture is detected, determining a region of interest, and extracting the region of interest. The techniques may further include generating a three-dimensional reconstruction model for the fractured eye orbit, and outputting model data for generating an implant mold for the fractured eye orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kelvin Kam-lung Chong, Chun Sing Chui, Wing Hing Ringo Cheung
  • Patent number: 11382628
    Abstract: An instrument assembly can comprise a shaft comprising a first drive portion of a drive system, an end effector comprising a second drive portion of the drive system, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the articulation joint, wherein the first drive portion is not operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the first position, and operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the second position. The end effector can comprise a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position within a closure plane, and wherein the end effector is rotatable within an articulation plane which is co-planar with the closure plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11111675
    Abstract: A tool for forming flashing is disclosed. The tool includes an elongate rod member, a handle member disposed on a first end of the rod member, and a spade member on a second end of the rod member opposite the first end, wherein the spade member includes first and second spades symmetrically disposed and having a gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: David Smith
  • Patent number: 11001016
    Abstract: Layers of composite material, such as pre-peg, may be deposited on a reconfigurable polymer mold. An array of actuated pins may deform the polymer mold into a desired 3D shape. The composite material may be inside a cavity formed by the mold and a flexible bag. A vacuum pump may remove air from the cavity, creating a partial vacuum. The partial vacuum may cause the flexible bag to press the composite tightly against the mold, so that the composite conforms to the desired 3D shape. One or more heating elements may be embedded in the mold and may heat the composite to cure the composite. Ball joints may connect the actuated pins to the polymer mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nikolaos Vlavianos, Christoph Schumann
  • Patent number: 10875074
    Abstract: A die mechanism comprises a first support member and a second support member, the first and second support members extending in a first direction; a plurality of pin modules between the first and second support members, wherein each of the plurality of pin modules extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each pin module comprises a plurality of pins; wherein heights of ends of the plurality of pins within each of the plurality of pin modules together define a shape profile for shaping the component during creep-age forming; and wherein: the plurality of pin modules are configured to be movable along the first and second support members in the first direction, and/or the plurality of pins are configured to be movable along respective pin modules in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: AVIC Beijing Aeronautical Manufacturing Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Aaron C. L. Lam, Zhusheng Shi, Xia Huang, Yuansong Zeng, Zhiqiang Li, Jianguo Lin
  • Patent number: 10549337
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a gecko gun, which includes a housing with a left handle on the bottom, and a right handle. The mentioned left handle and right handle are all covered by a handle housing. The mentioned cover housing is installed with a U-shaped seat at the top end. The top end of the right handle is rotated with the top end of the housing through a spindle. The top end of the right handle is installed with a link mechanism, which is covered by the mentioned housing and fixed to the housing via screws. The link mechanism includes a first linkage assembly linked to the top end of the right handle and a second linkage assembly connected to the first linkage assembly, and the second linkage assembly is used to drive the U-shaped seat to shift forward and backward. Thereby the designed gecko gun will help achieve the effect of energy saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Jianming Yuan
  • Patent number: 10265755
    Abstract: A method to produce a molded part having at least two regions of different strength using a press-hardening tool. A heated blank is formed in the tool during a forming step and held therein for heat-treating during a cooling step. At least one region of lower strength is cooled more slowly than at least one region of higher strength. During the forming step, the entire blank is in contact with a molding surface of the tool. Then, the tool surface is changed such that one or more regions of lower strength have no tool contact during the cooling step. The tool surface associated with the one or more regions of lower strength is provided by tool segments that are adjustable relative to the remaining tool surface. The molding surface of the one or more tool segments is larger than the region of lower strength associated with such tool segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: KIRCHHOFF AUTOMOTIVE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Markus Löcker
  • Patent number: 9981302
    Abstract: A stamping tool and a method for deforming a part with the stamping tool are disclosed. The stamping tool may include an array of striking members (e.g., pins), each striking member capable of being actuated independently with respect to the other striking members. In some embodiments, the stamping tool is part of a system having a vision system and a computing device. The vision system is capable of scanning the part to determine a location or location in which the array of striking members will engage the part. The deforming operation can include a rework operation subsequent to another process, or alternatively, the deforming operation can include deforming the part such that the part includes a three-dimensional shape. Also, the part can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional part made from metal (e.g., aluminum, steel) or plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Zhang, Stephen L. Williams, Ed Michael Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 9963978
    Abstract: A 3D thermoplastic pultrusion system, comprises one or more sets of 3D thermoplastic forming machines; a CNC control system controlling the one or more sets of 3D thermoplastic forming machines to form a heated prepreg thermoplastic composite material into a 3D thermoplastic composite pultrusion, the one or more sets of 3D thermoplastic forming machines include a plurality of motion control CNC rotational motors and CNC actuators operatively coupled to the motion control CNC rotational motors, a flexible chilled band shapeable by the CNC actuators to form the heated prepreg thermoplastic composite material into the thermoplastic composite pultrusion, and bearings that the motion control CNC rotational motors pivot the actuators about and hold the actuators in position during a consolidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Ebert Composites Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Johnson, Scott A. Garrett, Stephen G. Moyers
  • Patent number: 9539739
    Abstract: A reconfigurable and reusable flexible membrane mold by which architectural panels and the like can be cast into a variety of different sizes and shapes. The membrane mold includes a pair of mirrored sides that are arranged in spaced, opposing alignment so that a gap between the sides can be filled with casting material. Each side of the mold has a flexible forming membrane with a plurality of receiving cups extending therefrom. An array of actuating pins is coupled to each of the forming membranes by way of ball joints standing atop the actuating pins and ball joint connector heads within which the ball joints are received and retained. The ball joint connector heads are received by and embedded within the receiving cups. The flexible forming membranes are responsive to pushing and pulling forces applied thereto by the actuating pin in order to shape the forming membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Hunter A. Ruthrauff
  • Patent number: 9481026
    Abstract: A press device for forming a work piece includes a punch and an adjustment mechanism. The punch is configured to move along a punch stroke toward a work piece located in a punch zone below the punch. The punch is configured to engage the work piece during the punch stroke to form the work piece. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the punch. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuator and a transfer member. The actuator is rotationally coupled to the transfer member. The transfer member is operably coupled to the punch. The actuator is configured to rotate. The transfer member converts the rotational movement of the actuator into translational movement that advances the punch linearly from a first operative position relative to the punch zone to a second operative position relative to the punch zone to adjust a bottom location of the punch along the punch stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bogdan Octav Ciocirlan, Craig M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 9427898
    Abstract: An apparatus molds sheets of thermoplastic material, thermoset plastic material and other similar molding materials into various desired shapes and contours. The apparatus has a molding surface that supports the thermoplastic sheet, thermoset plastic sheet or other similar material to be molded where the molding surface is adjustable vertically to a variety of different shapes and contours enabling the apparatus to form the molding material into panels having different shapes and contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Taylor Cable Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Percival, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9085023
    Abstract: A swage tool includes a first die coupled to a portion of a first die block and a second die coupled to a portion of a second die block. A cylinder moves the second die toward the first die. The first die block rotates about a longitudinal axis of the first die block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: DMC POWER, INC.
    Inventors: May Danhash, Luis Arturo Chavez, Jeffrey Adam Lloyd Ackermann
  • Patent number: 9032774
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a die comprising a primary plate and secondary plates. The secondary plates comprise through weld holes formed along a direction. The through weld holes of adjacent secondary plates do not overlap when viewed in the direction along which the though weld holes are formed. The primary plate is coupled to at least one secondary plate abutting the primary plate by first welds located in the through weld holes. The secondary plates abutting each other are coupled by second welds located in the through weld holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ryan L. Hanks, Raymond M. Rademeyer, Larry D. Hefti, Steve R. McNamara
  • Patent number: 8919177
    Abstract: A movable die component for a press device includes a plate body having a workpiece engagement surface configured to engage a workpiece formed by the press device. The plate body has a plurality of internal pockets completely enclosed by the plate body. Optionally, the plate body may be formed by an additive manufacturing process, such as by forming a plurality of direct metal laser sintering layers. The direct metal laser sintering layers may include a lower layer, a plurality of middle layers, and an upper layer with the internal pockets being provided in the middle layers, and with the lower layer covering a bottom of each internal pocket and the upper layer coving a top of each internal pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bogdan Octav Ciocirlan, Gregory Thomas Pawlikowski, Chris Edward Whitcomb, Edward Joseph Engasser, Craig Maurice Campbell
  • Patent number: 8904847
    Abstract: In some examples, a laminated tooling die may include multiple sheets or plates used in conjunction in any of a number of forming operations such as, for example, hydroforming, compression molding, and stamping. The sheets or plates can include an open interior that, when used in conjunction with neighboring sheets, produce a cavity into which a deformable workpiece can be placed and subjected to the forming operation. In some examples, one or more sheets can be coupled with a heat exchanger to impart a heat transfer with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Quinlan Yee Shuck
  • Publication number: 20140283576
    Abstract: A sheet material processing apparatus has a pressurizing part of a sheet material and a supporting part of the pressurized sheet material. The apparatus includes an end face pressing upper press die that receives a pressurizing force, an end face pressing lower press die that is arranged on the supporting part and faces the end face pressing upper press die so that an end face of the sheet material is inserted between the end face pressing upper and lower press dies, an end face pressing part that, with the end face pressing upper press die being moved toward the end face pressing lower press die, presses the end face of the sheet material, and an end face pressing width adjusting part that sets a pressing width of the end face of the sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yingjun Jin, Takahiro Shibata, Junichi Koyama
  • Patent number: 8752410
    Abstract: Press tool assemblies involve separable holder and tip portions. Self-seating structure is incorporated in these assemblies, and can stem from one or both of the separable portions of the assemblies. In use, the self-seating structure facilitates proper positioning and seating of the separable portions in relation to each other, and in some cases, can be used in operatively coupling the portions together. Advantages relating to assembly and disassembly of the tool assemblies, as well as improved structural properties result as a consequence of using the self-seating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Rogers, Brian J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8677866
    Abstract: A pliers that includes a jaw member removably coupled to a head of the pliers. The jaw member includes a grip surface and a flange including an aperture. The pliers further includes a fastener that extends into the aperture of the flange and an aperture of a longitudinal side of the head to removably couple the jaw member to the head. The jaw member is slidable along the jaw surface of the head from the first longitudinal side toward the second longitudinal side to uncouple the jaw member from the head when the fastener is uncoupled from at least one of the jaw member and the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Wade Burch, Tim Albrecht, Michael W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8661870
    Abstract: Provided is a tooling system for use in an associated press comprising a lower tool shoe, an upper tool shoe, a first set of tooling plates, and a second set of tooling plates. The lower tool shoe comprises an upwardly facing surface, part of a shoe locator set defining an axis of elongation, a first locator element defining an axis of elongation, and an offset second locator element defining an axis of elongation. The upper tool shoe comprises a downwardly facing surface, part of a shoe locator set defining an axis of elongation, a first locator element defining an axis of elongation, and an offset second locator element defining an axis of elongation. The first set of tooling plates comprises a first lower tooling plate and a first upper tooling plate. The second set of tooling plates comprises a second lower tooling plate and a second upper tooling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Spartanburg Steel Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James Corbett Ade
  • Patent number: 8601850
    Abstract: Any of various features of a workpiece are forged by a common set of tools. The feature is incrementally forged as the tool set is moved to successive forging locations on the surface of the workpiece. One of the tools is used to plasticize and extrude a portion of the workpiece while one or more of the other tools are used to form dams that contain and shape the extruded portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kevin T. Slattery, James B. Castle, Christopher S. Huskamp
  • Patent number: 8578751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for processing a workpiece in particular for pressing, holding and/or cutting a pipe, having a first pair of jaws which has a first upper jaw and a first lower jaw, having a first effective area formed between the front ends of the first jaws, having a first inlet contour formed between the rear ends of the first jaws and having a holding device which movably accommodates the first jaws independent of one another, wherein the first jaws can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position. The present invention is based on the technical problem of specifying a tool, by means of which in one process at least one first and one second effect can be assigned to the tool independently from one another in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Viega GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8544311
    Abstract: [Problem] There is provided a pipe end shape correcting apparatus capable of improving the roundness without loss of work efficiency and the mechanical damage to a weld bead even in the case where the pipe ends of UOE metal pipes having various outside diameters are worked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Abe, Tomoaki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8307689
    Abstract: A discrete die for forming a three-dimensionally curved surface. The discrete die includes a frame and parallel pins which are individually movable in a first longitudinal direction relative to the frame. The pins are arranged in parallel rows and front ends of the pins define the three-dimensionally curved surface. Further included are substantially plate-shaped separating elements and at least one of which is situated between the rows. Also included are pressure elements for pressing against the rows of pins and configured to push off against the frame in the radial direction of the pins. A surface of some of the plate-shaped separating elements extends parallel to the first longitudinal direction, the surface being corrugated in the second longitudinal direction, at least during use of the discrete die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
    Inventor: Sebastiaan Henricus Alphons Boers
  • Patent number: 8303729
    Abstract: A creep forming tool modifies the shape of an aircraft component in the form of a wing skin portion. The tool includes a shaped surface defined by removable rib boards. The component is forced against the shaped surface, via a reusable intermediate plate. The shape of the shaped surface may be adjusted, if necessary, by replacing the rib boards with boards of a different shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Levers
  • Patent number: 8302450
    Abstract: Any of various features of a workpiece are forged by a common set of tools. The feature is incrementally forged as the tool set is moved to successive forging locations on the surface of the workpiece. One of the tools is used to plasticize and extrude a portion of the workpiece while one or more of the other tools are used to form dams that contain and shape the extruded portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kevin T. Slattery, Christopher S. Huskamp, James B. Castle
  • Patent number: 8298242
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, the device includes a bending mechanism having a plurality of engaging members are selectively positioned relative to a receiving area. In one embodiment, a first set of engaging members is positioned in a select arrangement, and a second set of the engaging members is movable relative to the select arrangement of the first set of engaging members to compressingly engage the elongate member to bend the elongate member to a desired shape/contour. The device also includes a heating element configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. In one form, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material, and heat is applied to soften one or more portions of the elongate member to provide added flexibility to facilitate bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff R Justis, Dimitri K Protopsaltis, Hai H Trieu
  • Patent number: 8281638
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing a planar implant (I) for a human or animal body, which planar implant (I) is preformed corresponding to a desired anatomical shape. The method comprises the following steps: making available a blank of the planar implant; making available a preforming device (V) that comprises a plurality of discrete adjustable support elements (STE) for adjusting an associated plurality of support points in accordance with the desired anatomical shape; defining the desired anatomical shape and determining corresponding settings for the support elements; adjusting the support elements in accordance with the settings determined for the desired anatomical shape; and producing the preformed implant by bending the blank onto the adjusted support elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Christian Metzger
  • Patent number: 8230715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a head of crimping pliers for crimping a work piece. The head comprises two inserts. Each insert builds at least two halves of at least two nests for the work piece. The inserts are guided along a guiding axis for a sliding movement between a first and second relative position. The guiding axis is directed transverse to the crimping axis. Two nests built by the halves might be used in one and the same position by moving the inserts from the first to the second relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: WEZAG GmbH Werkzeugfabrik
    Inventors: Kurt Battenfeld, Thomas Glockseisen
  • Patent number: 8128077
    Abstract: This invention relates to a tooling system comprising a plurality of elements (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64) having tessellating sides arranged in an array. The elements of the array being movable between a closed position in which the elements contact one another, and an open position in which the elements of the array are spaced apart. In the open position the elements are capable of vertical movement relative to one another. Drive means for opening and closing the array are provided and the elements are mounted on supporting rails (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14) and are driven by the drive means between the open position and the closed position along a drive axis which is at angle to the longitudinal axis of the supporting rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Ben John Halford
  • Patent number: 8097196
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device are disclosed for manufacturing a mould for the manufacture of at least one product. The product can be a concrete body. The method includes: adjusting a rough shape which roughly approximates, with clearance, the shape of a side of the product; arranging a layer of processible material over the rough shape, and processing the layer of material in accordance with almost exactly the shape of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Interra Bouwburo B.V.
    Inventor: Bernardus Ludgerus Lubertus Hijlkema
  • Publication number: 20110283765
    Abstract: [Problem] There is provided a pipe end shape correcting apparatus capable of improving the roundness without loss of work efficiency and the mechanical damage to a weld bead even in the case where the pipe ends of UOE metal pipes having various outside diameters are worked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto ABE, Tomoaki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7997115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a folding device (1) for a bending press, in particular an edging press for a 180°-folding brace on a workpiece (2) with a forming die (3) comprising a V-groove and a forming stamp (4) adjustable thereto and comprising a wedge extension (26) and with a folding die (5) arranged adjacent to the forming die (3) and forming a support surface (33) in a plane (23) extending perpendicular to an adjustment direction of the forming stamp (4). A tool mount (7) with the forming die (3) and the folding die (5) is arranged adjustably on an upper side (18) of a table beam (9), in a direction perpendicular to a bending plane (22), forming a gap (27) for mounting the wedge extension (26) for the folding procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Trumpf Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Tidl, Heinz Leumüller
  • Patent number: 7980158
    Abstract: A press punch for pressing a powder includes a generally cylindrical metallic body and a polyurethane layer disposed around the metallic body. The metallic body has a nominal outside diameter and a generally flat bottom face. The polyurethane layer is disposed around the metallic body such that a bottom of the polyurethane layer is flush with the generally flat bottom face of the metallic body and an outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is substantially the same as the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body. In another embodiment, the outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is greater than the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John Centrella
  • Patent number: 7980111
    Abstract: It is difficult to bend materials for forming beyond 180° in terms of bend angle due to the entrant nature of prior press forming arrangements including a press tool with a press recess of a static nature. By providing a press recess which is formed from actuators allowed to dynamically shift about a deflection member it is possible as a press tool engages and forces a material to be formed into the press recess to envelope the press tool and therefore achieve greater than 180° bending angles. The actuators are formed in a stack with alternate left right presentation of shaped receiving apertures which include an actuator surface 34 engaged by the material to be formed in order to cause the necessary deflections during the pressing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Bishop
  • Patent number: 7975521
    Abstract: A bending tool that may be used for bending elongated works and in which the works are not likely to be damaged is provided. An angle formed by a blade parting line L1 or L2 and an outside edge (e.g., 55 degrees) of each die (having an angle of a blade edge of, e.g., 90 degrees) is made larger than an angle formed by the blade parting line L1 or L2 and an inside edge (e.g., 35 degrees). The blade parting line L1 or L2 of one of the dies is located at a predetermined position further toward the blade parting line L2 or L1 of the other of the dies with respect to the center of the space between the blade parting line L2 or L1 and the inner end edge of the bending block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Osamu Makino
  • Patent number: 7966858
    Abstract: A bending tool that may be used for bending elongated works and in which the works are not likely to be damaged is provided. An angle formed by a blade parting line L1, L2 and an outside edge of a blade of each die is made larger than an angle formed by the blade parting line L1, L2 and an inside edge. An inner end edge of the bending block of one of dies is chamfered to be parallel to the outside edge of the blade and the inside edge is shorter than the length of the inner end edge 16C, 26C. The blade parting line L1 of one of the dies is located at a position further toward the blade parting line L2 of the other of the dies with respect to the center of the space between the blade parting line and the inner end edge of the bending block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Osamu Makino
  • Patent number: 7870667
    Abstract: To provide a reliable terminal crimping apparatus and a terminal crimping method, which crimps an electric wire to a terminal having crimping pieces, ends of which curve in a direction of approaching each other, the terminal crimping apparatus includes a first die for placing the terminal on a surface thereof, a second die arranged correspondingly to the first die and freely approaching and parting the first die to crimp the crimp pieces by approaching the first die, and a third die arranged correspondingly to the first die and freely approaching and leaving from the first die to approach the first die before the second die crimps the crimping piece so as to push the electric wire toward the bottom plate and insert the electric wire between the pair of crimp pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Takada
  • Publication number: 20100212392
    Abstract: A hot stretch wrap forming die typically includes a rigid backing section, a series of spaced ribs extending forward from the backing section, and an elongated face sheet secured to the ribs forward of the backing section with a convex forward-facing die face. The ribs elastically deflect during thermal expansion of the face sheet when a heated metal bar is forced against the die face so that the metal bar transfers heat to the face sheet. The die typically includes stiff ribs secured to the backing section and the face sheet which provide substantially fixed points for the face sheet during its thermal expansion. The face sheet may include several face sheet segments which together form the die face. The face sheet may also include contour plates which form respective portions of the die face and which may be used to adjust the specific contour of the die face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Alan Schier, Carlos San Martin, Timothy P. Fillmore
  • Patent number: 7628052
    Abstract: A multi-functional crimping tool for connecting pipe joints with pipes is disclosed, the tool includes a pair of crimping head hinged together, form a circle cavity for penetrating the pipe, and at least a capped screw rotatably mounted onto a top side of the crimping head body and shifted from a fastening position and a releasing position; a pair of crimping jaws respectively and operatively clipped onto the crimping heads respectively, wherein in the fastening position, the capped screw is screwed down to secure the crimping jaws attach onto said crimping heads, and in the releasing position, the capped screw is loosened up allowing the crimping jaws transversely pulled off the crimping head for convenient replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Tianjin Runshi Science Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hanzhen Zhang
  • Patent number: 7610790
    Abstract: A tooling system comprises a plurality of elements (24) arranged in an array, the elements of the array being movable between a closed position in which the elements contact one another and are secured in position, and an open position in which the elements of the array are spaced apart and are capable of vertical movement relative to one another. The tooling system further comprises bolster means (34, 36) provided to hold the elements of the array securely in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Surface Generation Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben John Halford
  • Patent number: 7607334
    Abstract: A bending head for bending the peripheral edge of a sheet of material, the bending head being usable with a power source. The bending head includes an anvil member, the anvil member defining a substantially elongated anvil surface. A hammer member is movable relatively to the anvil member substantially perpendicularly to the anvil surface. An actuator is provided for receiving power from the power source, the actuator being operatively coupled to the hammer member for moving the hammer member relatively to the anvil member when the power source powers the actuator. The hammer member defines a hammer surface, the hammer surface being substantially elongated, the hammer surface substantially opposing the anvil surface so as to define a gap therebetween. The gap defines an entry point and a substantially longitudinally opposed exit point. The sheet of material is movable along the gap between the entry and exit points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: André Lechasseur
  • Patent number: 7536896
    Abstract: Pliers include a left grip, a right grip, a positioned clamping base, a movable clamping base, two clamping members and two gears. Each of the positioned clamping base and the movable clamping base has a notch, a recess, a hole cut on the top of the notch and the bottom of the recess respectively, a through hole bored in the bottom of the notch to communicate with the recess. Two clamping members are respectively fitted in each notch, provided with plural plates, plural curved grooves formed in one of them and plural curved projections formed in the other, a bar and a shaft formed on their tops and their bottoms respectively. Each of the recesses is fitted with a gear provided with a through hole. Thus, the invention can be used to press diverse specifications of conducting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Cheng-Hao Hung