With Complementary Tool-faces (e.g., For Embossing) Patents (Class 72/414)
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Patent number: 7481092Abstract: A dimpler includes a frame supporting a fluid cylinder which drives a ram toward a platen to press a dimple into a pipe fitting or other object. A method of dimpling or redimpling pipes or fittings is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Inventor: Walter J. Sperko
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Patent number: 7454940Abstract: A press forming method includes the following steps: (a) approaching an upper die to a lower die to form a space having a shape corresponding to at least one of concave and convex, the upper die having at least one of convex and concave, the lower die having at least one of concave and convex corresponding to at least one of convex and concave of the upper die; (b) forcing a workpiece disposed between the upper and lower dies, into the space so as to form at least one of preliminary concave and convex in the workpiece; (c) striking the upper die against the lower die so as to form at least one of concave and convex in the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: JATCO LtdInventor: Kazumi Saitou
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Publication number: 20080264138Abstract: A bead forming unit for a press is formed between a blank holder and an upper press portion and forms at least a dual circular bead for controlling a material flow along an edge portion of a material panel during a process for pressurizing the material panel placed between upper and lower press portions to form a product panel. The bead forming unit for a press includes: a bead projection formed to protrude out of the lower die face surface of the blank holder and having at least one dual circular bead groove integrally formed to form a waveform thereto; and a dual circular bead groove formed on the upper die face surface of the upper press portion and having at least one dual circular bead projection integrally formed to form a waveform complementary to the dual circular bead groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: Jung Jin Woo
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Patent number: 7430890Abstract: A mast section for a telescoping tower system is made by aligning press brake tools along the length of the metal sheet at spaced width locations and forming the corners of the tube. After forming of the last corner, an opening remains along the length of the tube. The press brake male tool axis is offset sufficiently to permit the tool to apply forming force to the last corner of the tube through the opening, and is sized to remove the tool from the opening. At least three mast sections are nested to form the tower system. Pulleys for a cable extension system are mounted near the upper and lower ends of a wall of an intermediate mast section, with one of the pulleys being oriented at an acute angle to the mast section wall to permit routing of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventor: Vincent P Battaglia
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Publication number: 20080202182Abstract: A thin walled body is deformed in a process in which the body is gripped securely in a holding station and, whilst gripped in the holding station, tooling engages to deform the peripheral wall of the body at a predetermined wall zone. The tooling is provided at a tooling station which is adjacent the holding station during deformation. The predetermined wall zone is co-aligned with the tooling by rotation of the body about an axis prior to securing at the holding station.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Santiago Garcia Campo, Juan Saiz Goiria
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Publication number: 20080184767Abstract: A crimping apparatus and method are provided that enable secure crimping of objects to one another even when the objects are subject to thermal or stress cycling. Specifically, an apparatus for crimping a work-piece includes a die pair with a first die that defines a first groove characterized by a first cross-sectional shape as well as a second die opposing the first die. The second die defines a second groove characterized by a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape. When the dies are moved together for crimping the work-piece, the first and second grooves are aligned to define a die cavity with a compound cross-sectional shape for crimping the work-piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Ukpai I. Ukpai, Andrew L. Bartos
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Patent number: 7363795Abstract: A male die is adapted to be opposed to a first face of a metallic plate member. The male die includes a plurality of punches which are provided on the male die and arranged side by side in a first direction with a fixed pitch. A guide member is formed with a guide face which supports a side portion of the male die, at least when the punches are pressed into the plate member in a second direction, to form through holes therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Fujio Akahane, Nagamitsu Takashima, Kazushige Hakeda, Ryoji Uesugi, Akiharu Kurebayashi
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Patent number: 7357012Abstract: A method for bending strands of material. The method includes providing a first pair of opposing dies each comprising a first surface corresponding to a first pair of predetermined bends to be formed in a first strand of material, positioning the first strand of material at least partially between the first pair of opposing dies, moving the first pair of opposing dies with respect to one another to impart the first pair of predetermined bends in the first strand of material, providing a second pair of opposing dies each comprising a second surface corresponding to a second pair of predetermined bends to be formed in a second strand of material, positioning the second strand of material at least partially between the second pair of opposing dies, and moving the second pair of opposing dies with respect to one another to impart the second pair of predetermined bends in the second strand of material.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Robert Schumacher, John Robert Spriggle, Steven Charles Walko
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Patent number: 7343678Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for production of a hollow section (1) in which a coiled pre-shape of the hollow section (1) is deep drawn from a sheet part, which is pre-bent after a trimming process and coiled into the final shape of hollow section (1). The edges (45) of hollow section (1) lying in the peripheral direction are then joined together in the contact region. In order to improve the joining capability of hollow section (1) to other components in simple fashion, it is proposed that before the coiling process at least one flat site (35) for joining to another component be embossed before the coiling process in a pre-bent region of the hollow section (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Wilfried Bien, Michael Halves, Thomas Hülsberg, Uwe Klüssmann, Bernhard Müller, Holger Nuhn, Ralf Pünjer, Olav Reinhardt, Dirk Riewert, Alfred Riggers, Thorsten Sterna
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Patent number: 7340935Abstract: The equipment for producing a corrugate fin is capable of forming corrugated sections by one closing action. The equipment comprises: a plurality of punches respectively having projections, each of which is upwardly projected from an upper face of the punch and has a side slope face; a pair of cam blocks being capable of relatively moving close and away each other, the cam blocks respectively having pressing sections, which are capable of moving along the side slope faces and contacting the projections; and a cam plate relatively moving the cam blocks close or away each other. Positions of the side slope faces of the projections are different so as to make the pressing sections contact the projections in order, and the cam blocks move the punches toward the die in order by one closing action of the blocks.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Hidaka Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyoshi Ohtsuka, Masanao Karasawa
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Patent number: 7240529Abstract: The present invention intends to provide the partially reinforcing method and apparatus for reinforcing the required part of the metal material having good forming property and relatively low strength (hardness and yield stress) by the press processing. The partial reinforcing method is comprised of a first step and a second step. The first press step generates a plastic strain by a plastic flow of metal material on a front surface and a rear surface of the part to be reinforced, to form a front convex-concave surface and a rear convex-concave surface. The second press step further generates the plastic strain by the plastic flow on the front convex-concave surface and the rear convex-concave surface, to form a front plane surface and a rear plane surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirotaka Todaka, Yoshiaki Kadoma, Masataka Iida
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Patent number: 7234336Abstract: A method and a tool are provided for producing structural parts from sheet metal which have a vault-structured stiffening zone and adjacent, flat connection zones. The starting point for producing these structural parts is vault-structured blanks which are smoothed in the region of the connection zones in the course of the forming, whereas the vault structure is retained unchanged in the region of the stiffening zone. These structural parts are produced by an embossing tool which has a die and a two-piece punch including of a fixing punch and a forming punch. In the process, the blank is first of all fixed relative to the fixing punch in the region of the vault-structured stiffening zone by a fixing element which is in a leading position with respect to the die. The connection zones are then shaped between the punch and the forming punch.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Guenter Braun, Juergen Ehrenpfort, Daniela Frank, Martin Gruenbaum, Bernd Heim, Dieter Lange, Michael Schwabe
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Patent number: 7178374Abstract: A press forming apparatus, for metal separators for fuel cells, has a pair of peripheral portion holding dies which hold a peripheral portion of a material and are movable toward and counter to each other; a pair of intermediate portion forming dies for forming a intermediate portion of the material, which are disposed inside the peripheral portion holding dies and are movable toward and counter to each other; and a pair of center portion forming dies for forming a center portion of the material, which are disposed inside the intermediate portion forming dies and are movable toward and counter to each other, wherein one of the peripheral portion holding dies and one of the intermediate portion forming dies are fixed to each other, one of the center portion forming dies is movable with respect to one of the intermediate portion forming dies toward the material, the other intermediate portion forming die and the other center portion forming die are fixed to each other, and the other intermediate portion formingType: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoyuki Enjoji, Toshiki Kawamura, Hideaki Kikuchi, Takanori Monda
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Patent number: 7134311Abstract: A device for fabricating a lead frame, by press forming, provided with a die having a flat face, on which a lead frame to be fabricated by press forming is to be placed, and a concavity, which is dented relative to the flat face, the die possessing a fabricating face extending from the bottom of the concavity to the flat face through a slant, which is interposed between the bottom of the concavity and the flat face, the fabricating face contributing the fabrication of a lead frame by press forming, and a punch having punching faces formed so as to be opposite to the fabricating faces of the die for the fabrication of the lead frame by press forming, at least one of the die and the punch being movable so as to hold the lead frame between the fabricating face of the die and the punching face of the punch for the fabrication of the lead frame by press forming, wherein the bottom of the concavity of the die has a bottom concavity formed therein, which is dented relative to the bottom, and the punch has a front enType: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Iwabuchi
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Patent number: 7024752Abstract: A crimping press has a tool receptacle arranged at a lower end of a pressing slider provided with a force-sensing device. The forces arising during the crimping operation are transmitted from the supporting surfaces of an upper tool to several points on the force-sensing device. Provided on each side of an upper fork and held by screws are two collars to which are transmitted, the crimping forces on either side of the supporting surface. With their heads, the screws hold the collars, while with their other ends the screws are engaged with the pressing slider. The collars transmit the crimping forces to the sensor elements of the force-sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Komax Holding AGInventors: Peter Imgrüt, Claudio Meisser
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Patent number: 7024912Abstract: A thin walled body such as a container is gripped at a holding station and tooling is engaged to deform the wall of the body at a predetermined zone. The predetermined wall zone is co-aligned with the tooling by means of co-ordinated movement of the tooling (typically by means of rotation about a tooling axis) prior to engagement with the wall zone.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Envases (UK) LimitedInventors: Santiago Garcia Campo, Juan Salz Goiria
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Patent number: 7013699Abstract: The invention herein illustrates a tool and method for use in joining pipes or other tubular fittings having different diameters in a telescopic type joint. The preferred tool provides a pair of dimples or marks on one of the pipes to obstruct insertion as one pipe is slid into another. The obstruction thus provides a uniform overlap of the pipes to ensure sufficient surface area for the material used in the joining process, such as a brazing metal. Overlapping uniformity provides a strong, durable joint. The tool includes a pair of jaws which can be closed along the wall of the tubular member to form for example, a pair of dimples therein. In an alternate embodiment of the pipe fitting tool only one dimple is formed in the pipe wall from a single ram.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventor: Walter J. Sperko
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Patent number: 7003999Abstract: A thin walled body such as a container (1) is gripped at a holding station and tooling (10) is engaged to deform the wall of the body at a predetermined zone. The predetermined wall zone is co-aligned with the tooling (10) by means of coordinated movement of the tooling (10) (typically by means of rotation about a tooling axis) prior to engagement with the wall zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Envases (UK) LimitedInventors: Santiago Garcia Campo, Juan Saiz Goiria
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Patent number: 6948350Abstract: A ring-shaped core metal is pressed and compressed by a main punch and a counter punch so as to have a wave shape. Moreover, each group of three micro-protrusions provided on each of top points of the wave shape are cut in the core metal. Then, three notches are cut on the core metal corresponding to the micro-protrusions. Furthermore, plastic flow is generated at a surface layer of the core metal due to partial compression by the notches at the time of pressing and compressing. Then, the waves are formed on the core metal with the notches as the top points. The notches are cut at seven sections respectively on a front surface and a rear surface of the core metal. Thus, seven waves are formed on the core metal in total. Since the notches are formed on the front and the rear surfaces of the waves, a “return” phenomenon is not generated as seen in a conventional cool working method. Thus, the waves are formed at high accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignees: Aisin Kako Kabushiki Kaisha, Yamamoto Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Ono, Hideto Nakagawa, Katsuhiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6938447Abstract: An apparatus for correcting deformation of a gas turbine blade includes a stationary die fixed to a backside of a tip shroud of a gas turbine blade to hold a back surface thereof and a pressing die pressing a front surface of the tip shroud so as to press the tip shroud of the blade between the pressing die and the stationary. A hydraulic drive mechanism including pressure generator is arranged for pressing the pressing die against the tip shroud held by the stationary die and a control device is operatively connected to the hydraulic drive mechanism so as to set and indicate a driving condition on a basis of deformation correction data preliminarily stored in the control device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Toshiaki Fuse, Daizo Saito, Yomei Yoshioka, Masahiro Hiragishi, Junji Ishii
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Patent number: 6935154Abstract: An apparatus and a method for accurately and repeatably positioning metallic parts having variable length extrusions and shaped sheet metal in a modular die system that forms a joggle in the metallic parts. The apparatus of the present invention includes a standard joggle die system that is currently in use in the art. The apparatus further includes a movable back gage assembly that works in combination with the joggle die system to allow an operator to accurately position the workpiece between the joggle dies at a preselected position. The back gage assembly is movable in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The back gage assembly moves into a stored position away from the working area of the dies to permit the joggle to be formed in the workpiece. The back gage assembly can then move back into the working area to accurately position the next workpiece without the need for further adjustments.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Patrick Calder, Albert Randy Wolfe
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Patent number: 6928850Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling z-axis offset of narrow metal ties straps in lead frames used for packaging integrated circuits to prevent bowing or distortion. Simultaneous offsetting of the tie strap and stress relief mechanisms are provided on both the front and back sides of the lead frame. Those mechanisms include indentations along the long or primary axis of each tie strap, coupled with depressions across the top surface both at the center of the lead frame and between the base of the off set and the chip attach locations to prevent bowing in small pad and no pad lead frames, in particular.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: William J. Pelletier, Wayne E. Mann
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Patent number: 6907766Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tools used to modify the magazines of firearms. A die and anvil are configured to engage and form the lips of magazines, like that of the M16A4 and M4A1, to correct damage and enhance the feed angle of rounds to improve feeding and accuracy. The die and anvil are provided with a means to align them during the forming process to minimize the attempts necessary to complete the forming process. The anvil is configured to enter from the base of a magazine and to engage the side walls with sufficient tolerance to allow for free movement, but tight enough to detect deformation in the side walls. The anvil can be used as a rigid surface to correct deformation of the side walls with a non-marring tool. The preferred embodiment provides sufficient force to form the feed lips of the magazine without the need for additional tools.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventors: Sandy Alexander Garrett, Jr., Robert Hudson Garrett
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Patent number: 6901784Abstract: A countersinking tool for countersinking openings into a hollow metal door frame in order to insert wall anchors through the openings to lie flush with the door frame. The countersinking tool has two parts. The nut is a base with a threaded opening extending lengthwise through its center. The bolt has a hexagonal-sided top that tapers to a threaded screw insertable into the threaded opening of the nut.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Mark Justice
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Publication number: 20040194529Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling z-axis offset of narrow metal ties straps in lead frames used for packaging integrated circuits to prevent bowing or distortion. Simultaneous offsetting of the tie strap and stress relief mechanisms are provided on both the front and back sides of the lead frame. Those mechanisms include indentations along the long or primary axis of each tie strap, coupled with depressions across the top surface both at the center of the lead frame and between the base of the off set and the chip attach locations to prevent bowing in small pad and no pad lead frames, in particular.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: William J. Pelletier, Wayne E. Mann
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Patent number: 6755069Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling z-axis offset of narrow metal ties straps in lead frames used for packaging integrated circuits to prevent bowing or distortion. Simultaneous offsetting of the tie strap and stress relief mechanisms are provided on both the front and back sides of the lead frame. Those mechanisms include indentations along the long or primary axis of each tie strap, coupled with depressions across the top surface both at the center of the lead frame and between the base of the off set and the chip attach locations to prevent bowing in small pad and no pad lead frames, in particular.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: William J. Pelletier, Wayne E. Mann
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Patent number: 6711930Abstract: A fiber optic cable trough notching system with a punch and a punch aperture spaced apart by a wall receiving opening for receiving a fiber optic cable trough component wall, the punch disposed to impart a force on the trough component wall to deform it into the punch aperture, and thereby create a detent and/or projection. The detent and/or projection are then utilized to operatively attach two trough components.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Telect, Inc.Inventors: Terry T. Thom, Steven W. Ellison
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Patent number: 6711931Abstract: An apparatus and a method for accurately and repeatably positioning metallic parts having variable length extrusions and shaped sheet metal in a modular die system that forms a joggle in the metallic parts. The apparatus of the present invention includes a standard joggle die system that is currently in use in the art. The apparatus further includes a movable back gage assembly that works in combination with the joggle die system to allow an operator to accurately position the workpiece between the joggle dies at a preselected position. The back gage assembly is movable in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The back gage assembly moves into a stored position away from the working area of the dies to permit the joggle to be formed in the workpiece. The back gage assembly can then move back into the working area to accurately position the next workpiece without the need for further adjustments.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Patrick Calder, Albert Randy Wolfe
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Patent number: 6694795Abstract: A crimping system comprises a frame having a plurality of plates with a clamp adjacent to the lower end. Applicator mechanisms are adapted to feed crimpable components coupled together by and releasably coupled to a carrier. A crimping mechanism has an anvil with at least one tooth and a nest with at least one recess associated with the anvil. A feeding mechanism coupled to the frame adapted to feed crimpable components between the anvil and the nest. An actuator arm coupled to the frame is adapted to move the anvil and nest toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Robert Quinn
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Patent number: 6655184Abstract: A machine and method for corrugating a metal foil strip utilizes an enclosure defining a chamber and a controllable heat source for heating the chamber. The chamber may optionally include at least one gas that is also heated by the heat source. At least one tool set received in the chamber forms corrugations in the metal foil strip. Foil entry feeder elements supply and guide the metal foil strip from outside the chamber into the chamber and to the tool set. A drive for the tool set is mounted outside the chamber and coupled to the tool set to actuate the tool set. Foil exit delivery elements guide the strip from the tool set and out of the chamber. Where required to prevent oxidation of the foil strip, a source supplying an inert gas to the chamber at a controlled rate is used.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: John E. Meaney, Thomas J. Liebig, Raymond R. Listak, Robert B. Leholm, Jeffrey K. Switzer, Peter H. Ellis, Jack D. Beyer
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Patent number: 6644091Abstract: A lower die (10) for a bending machine includes a support member (40) and a work member (60), manufactured separately. The support member defines a longitudinal groove (44) in an upper surface thereof, a pair of longitudinal V-shaped slots (48) in opposite side walls thereof, and a plurality of screw holes (42) in a bottom surface thereof. A pair of shoulders (46) is formed on opposite sides of the groove. The work member comprises a position portion (66) for being accommodated in the groove, a pair of projections (68, 70) for abutting against the shoulders, and an upper wedge-shaped groove (72) for shaping a workpiece. The lower die is secured on a die shoe (20 or 20′) by screws (12) which extend through the die shoe and engage with the screw holes, or by engagement of the V-shaped slots with V-shaped protrusions (29′) of the die shoe (20′).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fu-Shun Huang, Chun Lin Chang
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Patent number: 6557389Abstract: A machine for corrugating a metal foil strip includes a form gear having identical cavities along its perimeter that is driven intermittently by an electronically controlled rotary servomotor to index successive cavities to a forming station. During each dwell of the form gear, a form tooth of a punch unit at the forming station is driven by an electronically-controlled linear servomotor into the cavity to at least partly form a corrugation in the strip. During each operating stroke of the punch unit, a hold finger clamps the immediately outgoing node of the corrugation that just left the forming station against the immediately outgoing tooth of the form gear, thus preventing any part of the outgoing corrugation from being pulled back into the cavity and ensuring that the next corrugation is formed solely from a segment drawn in from the incoming foil.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Ray R. Listak, John D. Beyer, John E. Meaney
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Patent number: 6546613Abstract: The present invention provides a novel anvil for a rivet setting machine configured to drive a rivet into a workpiece within a riveting process. The anvil has a cavity therein configured to accommodate a deformation of the rivet and the workpiece during the riveting process. The cavity is defined by a main portion configured to support the workpiece during the riveting process and a relief portion that is proximate to the main portion. The relief portion is configured to provide an area into which the workpiece and the rivet deform during the riveting process. The relief portion includes at least one relief pocket configured to maintain an area which remains unoccupied by the workpiece and the rivet throughout the entire riveting process. The relief portion does not substantially hinder the workpiece and rivet during the riveting process and allows the workpiece and rivet to freely deform during the riveting process.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: Steven P. Donovan
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Patent number: 6516649Abstract: A press brake die holder for holding a press brake die having an upper, work-contacting surface and a lower, elongated tang. The die holder has an elongated body having a slot defined by opposing walls, the slot being configured to receive the tang of the press brake die. One of slot walls has a cavity opening into the slot toward the other slot wall, and a resilient plug is received in the cavity and protrudes into the slot toward the other wall. As the tang is received in the slot, the resilient plug contacts and urges the tang resiliently into contact with the other slot wall to restrain the tang from wobbling in the slot.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Wilson Tool International, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Mika, Paul T. Johnson
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Patent number: 6502447Abstract: A progressive die for forming a turbulator having multiple rows of axial corrugations. The corrugations are slit and offset such that artificial turbulence is generated as it passes through the corrugations. The device includes a plurality of dies disposed along an axial material direction. A flat strip of material enters the dies and is folded about its longitudinal axis in a relatively wide V-fold. As the strip of material moves forward, it is intermittently stamped in the series of dies. The initial dies create a central V-shaped fold that gradually narrows into a U-shaped channel with straight walls. Once the first corrugation is formed, a series of progressive dies form the remaining corrugations in alternating fashion. Next, the material moves through a slitting station that provides apertures and an axial offset such that adjacent sections of the corrugation are slit and offset in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Voss Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth L. Adams, Michael E. Harmer, Robert L. Carlo
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Patent number: 6494074Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of to the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donall Cullinane, John Daly, Stephen Farwell, Greg Klein, Barry Lowe, Mitch Rooker, John Tomasko, Geof Brazier
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Patent number: 6357275Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and method for providing mechanically pre-formed conductive leads. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a forming chuck engageable with a first surface of a conductive sheet, and a receiving chuck engageable with a second surface of the conductive sheet opposite from the forming chuck. The forming chuck has a raised forming portion alignable with one or more lead members formed in the conductive sheet, and the receiving chuck has a receiving portion alignable with the forming portion and shaped to closely conform to at least part of the forming portion. The conductive sheet is compressed between the forming chuck and the receiving chuck to mechanically pre-form the one or more lead members into one or more pre-formed conductive leads. In one embodiment, the raised forming portion includes a ridge having a polygonal cross-sectional shape and the receiving portion comprises a channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ronald W. Ellis, Tracy Reynolds, Michael Bettinger
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Patent number: 6345427Abstract: A coining die apparatus for reshaping the backing plates of spent rotary drum brake cores in the production of remanufactured brake shoes comprises a lower die having a concave working surface configured to support a convex outer surface of a brake core backing plate to be coined. A moveable upper die includes axially-spaced outer die portions and a middle die portion between the outer portions having convex working surfaces. The middle and outer die portions are spaced laterally to accommodate a pair of mounting brackets extending from a convex inner surface of the backing plate. The middle die portion enters between the brackets when the dies are closed to strike and reshape a corresponding middle region of the backing plate between the brackets, while the outer die portions strike and reshape corresponding side portions of the mounting plate adjacent either side of the mounting brackets.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence E. Bostic
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Patent number: 6269674Abstract: A method and tools for forming ridges or dimples in tubular members such as copper pipes is provided. A manual tool has a pair of jaws which can be adjustably positioned and has a threaded ram affixed to one of the jaws for rotation. The jaws are adjustable for holding various thicknesses of pipe walls in firm engagement as the ram is manually rotated to form a ridge in the pipe wall. A hydraulic tool is also described for high production requirements.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: Walter J. Sperko
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Patent number: 6250129Abstract: A coining die apparatus for reshaping the backing plates of spent rotary drum brake cores in the production of remanufactured brake shoes comprises a lower die having a concave working surface configured to support a convex outer surface of a brake core backing plate to be coined. A moveable upper die includes axially-spaced outer die portions and a middle die portion between the outer portions having convex working surfaces. The middle and outer die portions are spaced laterally to accommodate a pair of mounting brackets extending from a convex inner surface of the backing plate. The middle die portion enters between the brackets when the dies are closed to strike and reshape a corresponding middle region of the backing plate between the brackets, while the outer die portions strike and reshape corresponding side portions of the mounting plate adjacent either side of the mounting brackets.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence E. Bostic
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Patent number: 6101859Abstract: A one-piece metal plate has an open mesh-like pattern, a plurality of identical rectangular perforations arranged at regular intervals in parallel rows, a plurality of identical rectangular embossed parts arranged at regular intervals and bridging the rows, and a plurality of identical rectangular web parts. Each of the embossed parts is raised relative to the web parts, and has two opposing overlapping ends extending into the rows. Each of the web parts is confined by two adjacent ones of the perforations and two adjacent ones of the embossed parts. The perforations are aligned along first lines which intersect the rows. The embossed parts are aligned along second lines parallel to the first lines. The first and second lines alternate with one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Wilshine Corp.Inventor: Miko Shieh
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Patent number: 6066048Abstract: A blade punch for forming teeth in a connector plate, the blade punch comprising an elongated blade having a metal working tip at one end and a shank at the other end. The blade has an elongated cross-section defined by opposing parallel spaced planar side walls and opposing ends. Each end comprises a major end wall and a minor end wall which converge to end wall intersections, where the end wall intersections are eccentric to a plane parallel to and midway between said side walls. Each end wall intersects a side wall at an obtuse angle. The metal working tip has opposed air cut faces abutting one another along an air cut edge and opposed first and second forming faces, each of the forming faces abutting one of the air cut faces along an exterior edge. Each of the air cut faces is bordered by a portion of one of the minor end walls, a portion of one of the side walls, the air cut edge, and one of the exterior edges.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Alpine Engineered Products, Inc.Inventor: William F. Lees
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Patent number: 6000270Abstract: A method of making a collimator having a generally honeycomb shape made from sheets of thin metal. The sheets are deformed using a progressive form die assembly into what may be termed truncated pyramids alternately inverted with top and bottom major flats connected by slant walls. Successive sheets are joined together by displacing them relative to each other so that the top major flats of the truncated pyramids of one sheet contact the bottom major flats of the succeeding sheet. Advantageously, the edges of the sheet are tapered to a pointed edge by the progressive form die assembly, which may also form roughened surfaces on the sheets by swedging. Edges of the slant walls which connect top and bottom major flats of the truncated pyramid shape are provided with a dual taper, and the edges of the major flats are provided with a single taper. When successive sheets are joined, the top and bottom major flats of successive sheets form a dual tapered edge from the single tapered edges on the flats of each sheet.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: SJM Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Stephen J. Mullen
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Patent number: 5950483Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller driven by an internal combustion engine, a turbine coupled to an output shaft, and a stator that can be blocked in one rotational direction, which together form a converter circuit filled with converter fluid, which is supplied from a supply container by a hydraulic supply system through supply lines and return lines, at least one of which is in flow connection with at least one opening, which is provided on a separating wall located between the turbine hub and the associated casing cover of the converter housing and connects that line to a chamber defined by the casing cover and an adjacent converter element. The separating wall is integrally constructed with the casing cover and preferably acts in the radial extension area of the turbine hub as an axial support for supporting the turbine hub against axial movements.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventors: Ruthard Schneider, Herbert Schmid, Wolfgang Hauck
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Patent number: 5920981Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rotor for use in an electromagnetic friction clutch includes the initial step of forming a flat circular blank of material into a generally cup-shaped outer rotor piece including a flat circular base portion and an annular flange portion. A piercing operation is performed to form a non-circular opening through the base portion of the outer rotor piece. Then, a plurality of concentric arrays of discontinuous recesses are formed sequentially in the outer rotor piece from the radially outermost area of the base portion to the radially innermost area of the base portion. This sequential forming virtually eliminates any manufacturing related stresses in the radially innermost region of bridge areas defined between adjacent recesses, while focusing such stresses toward the radially outermost regions of the bridge areas. A piercing operation is next performed on the outer rotor piece so as to form a circular opening therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: R. James Bushelle, Danny L. Gander, Michael J. Siegmund, David J. Yaniak
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Patent number: 5918497Abstract: A metalworking iterative method of cold-working blanks into configurations having contiguously repeated predetermined forms wherein an advance-worked form functions to locate a succeeding form. A first portion of a blank is squeezed into a predetermined form in a forming position of a press. The predetermined form corresponds to one cycle of the reciprocal undulations of an undulated plate spring. The blank is then shifted in the feed direction of the press by a feed pitch corresponding to one undulation, thereby locating the worked first portion of the blank into a locating position of the press, meanwhile a pitch-length second portion is in the forming position. Accordingly, the accuracy of the succeeding press operation on the second portion in terms of its contiguous position relative to the worked first portion is secured.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventor: Kenji Mieda
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Patent number: 5904123Abstract: A mechanical valve tappet for timing the valves of an internal combustion engine comprising a cup-shaped housing (1), consisting of a hollow cylindrical wall (2) closed at one end by a bottom (3) which is exteriorly contacted by a control cam (6), while on the inner surface of the bottom (3), there is arranged an elevation (4) which cooperates with the end of a valve stem of a gas exchange valve (5) and while the other dimensions of the valve tappet remain unchanged, the elevation is made in each case with a different axial extent whereby the valve clearance can be adjusted without the adjusting elements hitherto required by the prior art by inserting the entire cup-shaped housing (1) having the appropriate elevation (4) into the cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Ina Walzlager Schaeffler oHGInventors: Reinhard Ammon, Robert Kamm
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Patent number: 5842372Abstract: A hand tool is disclosed for producing trigs from flat metal strips. The hand tool has a pair of opposite press blocks or "jaws." One jaw serves as a base. It has a loop affixed in it for receiving an insertion portion of the strip. It also has appropriate guides and stops for promoting proper location of the insertion portion and preventing its untimely dislocation. The other jaw has a corner edge which when the jaws are closed on the single ply of the insertion portion, forms the outer limit of the insertion portion and allows for initiating bending of the remaining portion of the strip back upon the insertion portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Charlotte L. MaddenInventor: Richard C. Madden
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Patent number: 5819579Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing supported conductive networks which can be flexible or rigid, having densely packed circuits. The process and apparatus for making the conductive network involves forming a conductive material supported on a "dynamic pressure cushion" into a non-planar pattern defining the desired conductive circuits in relation to a fixed reference plane. The "dynamic pressure cushion" is a material having suitable viscosity and flow characteristics to flow out from under the conductive material as it is being formed and fill up any voids. To ensure that the "dynamic pressure cushion" properly flows without deforming the desired circuits, the die used to form the conductive material is provided with a material flow control grid and material expansion troughs. After forming the unwanted material is then mechanically removed in dimensional relation to the reference plane leaving the desired conductive circuits.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Research Organization for Circuit KnowledgeInventor: Joseph A. Roberts
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Patent number: 5794484Abstract: Method of universally making waved parts by (a) providing a plurality of wave forming blocks each having a working surface in the form of a conical segment; (b) removably securing a plurality of such blocks to two arcuate supports (preferably discs) with the blocks spaced apart and with the axis of revolution of the block working surfaces aligned with the radius of the support to create a support-block assembly; and (c) facing and accurately bringing together such support-block assemblies with a deformable material (i.e., spring steel) therebetween, the blocks of one support being superimposed over the spaces between the blocks of the other support.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1993Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: John Yas Jaddou