Expanding Hollow Work Patents (Class 72/58)
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Patent number: 12157159Abstract: Forming superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities with hydrostatically controlled bulging, using a pressurizing incompressible medium, such as urethane elastomer, for hydroforming a metal tube in a mold. The urethane elastomer functions as the pressurizing incompressible medium in the hydroforming process. Stretch-thinning of the metal tube wall is reduced by a decrease in concentrated bending deformation thereof. Friction between the inner wall of the metal tube and the incompressible medium constrains the plastic flow of the tube wall material, thus reducing the stretch deformation and thickness reduction thereof. A stepped press ram may be used to pressurize the incompressible medium material and then pushes on an end of the tube to feed extra tube length into the expanding tube wall for reducing thinning thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2024Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Texas Wind Tower Co.Inventor: John Buttles
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Patent number: 12157426Abstract: A joining method of a structure includes preparing a first member including a first portion provided with a first hole and a second portion provided with a second hole, a second member, a die, and an elastic member, inserting the second member into the first hole, inserting the elastic member into the second member, in a state where one end of the second member in an axial direction is located between the first portion and the second portion, compressing and expanding the elastic member in the axial direction, thereby expanding and deforming the second member at a portion passing through the first hole to be swaged and joined to the first portion. The die includes a support surface for applying a compressive force from the die to the elastic member through the second hole. The support surface is perpendicular to an axial direction of the elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: KOBE STEEL, LTD.Inventors: Yasuhiro Maeda, Toru Hashimura, Taiki Yamakawa
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Patent number: 12135068Abstract: A method includes, providing a tubular member (10) used for a hollow spring, and applying the compressive residual stress to at least a portion of an inner surface of the steel tube by applying the compressive force to at least a portion of an outer surface of the tubular member (10) from a circumferential direction, and a fatigue life of the tubular member (10) is prolonged by applying the compressive residual stress to the inner surface of the tubular member (10). Applying the force to the outer surface of the tubular member (10) includes pressing the tubular member (10) with a die (1). The die (1) has a pressing surface (1a) shaped such that the compressive force can be applied to at least the portion of the outer surface of the tubular member (10) from the circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2020Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: MITSUBISHI STEEL MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Hironobu Sayama, Toru Hirokane
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Patent number: 11925317Abstract: A surgical handheld devices are essentially made up of a device body or main body and of a tubular shaft. In the production of known surgical devices, the tubular shafts are welded to the device bodies. A large number of very complex work steps are necessary for this purpose. On account of the high quality demands placed on surgical handheld devices in respect of mechanical stability and sterility, the weld seam has to meet the most stringent requirements. The invention makes available a method for producing a surgical handheld device, which can be used particularly easily and reliably. This is achieved by the fact that at least one device body and at least one tubular shaft of a surgical handheld device are connected to each other with form-fit engagement by hydroforming.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBHInventors: Christian Brockmann, Andreas Offt
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Patent number: 11912344Abstract: A vehicle lower part structure includes: center rail portions disposed at a central part in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; front rail portions disposed forward of the center rail portions in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; rear rail portions disposed rearward of the center rail portions in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; front connecting rail portions connecting the center rail portions and the front rail portions in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; rear connecting rail portions connecting the center rail portions and the rear rail portions in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; first mount portions supporting a vehicle body constituting a cabin; and second mount portions supporting the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Jumpei Watanabe, Yasuhiro Hara, Norimasa Koreishi, Hirotaka Ishioka
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Patent number: 11807304Abstract: A vehicle base structure includes first and second structural members extending along a vehicle front-rear direction and disposed respectively at first and second sides of a vehicle base in a vehicle width direction, a battery unit disposed between the first and second structural members, and a bracket including a first wall portion fixed to a lower surface of one of the first and second structural members, a second wall portion extending inward in the vehicle width direction from an inner end portion of the first wall portion and inclined downward in a vehicle-height direction from the inner end portion of the first wall portion, and a third wall portion extending inward in the vehicle width direction from an inner end portion of the second wall portion inward in the vehicle width direction and being fixed to a lower surface of a battery case.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takahiro Suzaki
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Patent number: 11779987Abstract: A forming device includes a blow-forming die and a shielding member. The blow-forming die includes a first die that protrudes from a first die holder towards a second die holder and a second die that protrudes from the second die holder towards the first die holder. The shielding member is configured to extend from the first die holder to the second die holder before the blow-forming die commences forming a flange part of a pipe in a sub-cavity part. The sub-cavity part is between a main cavity part and the shielding member. The shielding member is separated from the first die and the second die.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Masayuki Saika, Masayuki Ishizuka, Norieda Ueno
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Patent number: 11752754Abstract: Printing machine of the blocking press type, comprising a heating block which comprises a curved carrier medium surface of a printing plate, an application head comprising means of guidance of the heating block in a tilting motion, and an actuator for tilting of the heating block relative to the application head.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Florent Demange
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Patent number: 11708113Abstract: A vehicle base structure includes first and second structural members extending along a vehicle front-rear direction and disposed respectively at first and second sides of a vehicle base in a vehicle width direction, a battery unit disposed between the first and second structural members, and a bracket including a first wall portion fixed to a lower surface of one of the first and second structural members, a second wall portion extending inward in the vehicle width direction from an inner end portion of the first wall portion and inclined downward in a vehicle-height direction from the inner end portion of the first wall portion, and a third wall portion extending inward in the vehicle width direction from an inner end portion of the second wall portion inward in the vehicle width direction and being fixed to a lower surface of a battery case.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takahiro Suzaki
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Patent number: 11590550Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a radially expandable stent includes a pressure vessel, shaping balloon, and mandrel. The mandrel is configured to slidingly receive a stent thereon, and to be slidingly advanced into the pressure vessel. The shaping balloon is inflated to radially compress the stent onto the form of the mandrel; such compression need not be uniform. Pressurization of the shaping balloon facilitates the expansion of the balloon to achieve compression of the stent, with depressurization of the shaping balloon causing the balloon to return to an unexpanded state.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventor: Harvey H. Chen
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Patent number: 11583913Abstract: A tool for the internal high-pressure shaping of a workpiece, in particular for producing a tubular structural component for a motor vehicle, is provided. The tool includes at least three movable tool segments, which bound a shaping cavity for accommodating and shaping the workpiece. The movable tool segments, at least in some sections, completely form the shaping cavity in a closed state of the tool. A method for shaping a workpiece by internal high-pressure shaping is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Johann-Stefan Lerch, Thomas Schmolke
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Patent number: 11577297Abstract: An accurate springback compensation method for sheet hydroforming component based on liquid volume control is related to a springback compensation method for curved surface part hydroformed with liquid as a punch during deep drawing process. According to the difference between a theoretical volume and a post-springback volume of a target part, an elastic deformation of the die is induced by liquid pressure, the die deformation amount is controlled to be equal to the springback amount. The accurate springback compensation control of a curved surface part is realized to overcome the problems of thickness or mechanical properties variations for different batches of sheets, and the manufacture error of the mould is considered to meet the design requirements. The liquid volume compensation is on-line and in-situ performed without mould re-machining. The advantages is good precision, simple process, high efficiency, short cycle and low cost.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Inventors: Shijian Yuan, Wei Liu
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Patent number: 11478837Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal cup includes a tool having an interior profile of a predetermined shape, the tool having a body forming an inner area; placing a metal sleeve within the inner area of the tool; securing the tool in a closed position such that the metal sleeve is unremovable; applying internal pressure within the inner area and within an inside of the sleeve such that the internal pressure exceeds a yield point of a material comprising the metal sleeve, the metal sleeve deforms into the interior profile; opening the body of the tool; and removing the metal sleeve from the tool in the open position; the metal sleeve maintains a deformed shape having an exterior profile that matches the interior profile of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Nicolas Rogozinski
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Patent number: 11465191Abstract: Provided is a forming device including a die, a lower base portion, an upper base portion, a pillar portion, and an electrical heating unit, in which, at a time of electrical heating performed by the electrical heating unit, a magnetic flux density inside the pillar portion is higher than at least one of a magnetic flux density at a center of a lower surface of the lower base portion and a magnetic flux density at a center of an upper surface of the upper base portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Masayuki Saika, Hiroyuki Kan, Kei Yamauchi
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Patent number: 11338345Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a tube with high internal pressure and low external pressure. The method comprises: putting a tube to be formed into a cavity, such that a bulging area (15) is formed between the tube to be formed and an inner wall of the cavity; continuously injecting a low-pressure fluid into the bulging area, and then injecting a high-pressure fluid into the interior of the tube to be formed, the high-pressure fluid creating a pressure on an outer wall of the tube to be formed such that the tube to be formed starts to expand to the bulging area; stopping the supply of the low-pressure fluid when the tube is bulged to conform to the inner wall of the cavity; and taking the formed tube out to complete a working cycle. Further disclosed is a forming machine for forming a tube according to the above method.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: BAOLONG (ANHUI) AUTO PARTS CO., LTDInventors: Yuqing Zheng, Xulin Chen, Yulei Zheng, Shaoming Chen, Xiaobo Deng, Jie Yang, Yan Xu
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Patent number: 11298738Abstract: A forming device of forming a metal pipe having a pipe portion includes a first die and a second die constituting a first cavity portion configured to form the pipe portion and a second cavity portion configured to form a flange portion, a drive mechanism configured to move at least one of the first die and the second die, and a gas supply unit configured to supply a gas into a metal pipe material which is held between the first die and the second die and is heated, in which each of the first die and the second die has flange forming surfaces which face each other and constitute the second cavity portion, and a protrusion portion, which protrudes from one flange forming surface to the other flange forming surface, is formed on at least one of the flange forming surfaces of the first die and the second die.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kimihiro Nogiwa, Masayuki Ishizuka, Masayuki Saika, Norieda Ueno
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Patent number: 11286975Abstract: A ball joint includes a carrier part and a hollow ball which is a component separate from the carrier part and is fixed on the carrier part.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: THK Rhythm Automotive GmbHInventors: Lothar Schaumann, Harald Walter
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Patent number: 11248632Abstract: A bladder assembly including an inflatable bladder having an elongated body defining an internal volume, the body being formed as a layered structure that includes an elastomeric layer defining an interior surface of the body, a friction-reducing layer defining an exterior surface of the body, and a jacketing layer positioned between the elastomeric layer and the friction-reducing layer, and a pressurized fluid source in selective fluid communication with the internal volume of the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Steven R. Perry
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Patent number: 11174542Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed toward a high volume manufacturing method for forming high strength aluminum parts. The method includes acquiring material blanks that are made of 7xxx series aluminum alloy, heating the blanks to a solvus temperature of the material, and stamping and quenching the heated blanks to form multiple parts. The parts are cooled to a second temperature lower than the solvus temperature during the quenching operation. The method further includes performing one or more structural modifications of the parts within a set time period that is less than or equal to 24 hours. The method further includes racking the parts with a gap defined between two adjacent parts, artificially aging the parts with an industrial oven, and pretreating the parts with a chemical solution.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Nia Harrison, S. George Luckey, Jr., Elizabeth Bullard
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Patent number: 11027863Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for controlling axial length of an ellipsoidal shell based on liquid volume loading. The method includes: determining the volume calculation models of an unformed prefabricated shell and a formed ellipsoidal shell; determining a calculation model of a volume difference between the unformed prefabricated shell and the formed ellipsoidal shell; determining a structure size of the unformed prefabricated shell according to a target axial length of the formed ellipsoidal shell; obtaining the volume difference between the formed ellipsoidal shell and the unformed prefabricated shell, and recording the volume difference as a target volume; injecting liquid into the unformed prefabricated shell with target volume to obtain the formed ellipsoidal shell. The forming process in the present invention is simple and easy to implement without considering differences in materials and wall thicknesses and can control and adjust the axial length dimension accuracy of a shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Harbin Institute of TechnologyInventors: Shijian Yuan, Xiaolei Cui
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Patent number: 10531520Abstract: A molding apparatus capable of improving the quality of a molded article is provided. A control section controls a blowing mechanism to expand and mold a metal pipe material by supplying gas into the metal pipe material held between an upper mold and a lower mold by a pipe holding mechanism. The control section controls a driving section to mold a flange portion by crushing a second molded portion of the expanded metal pipe material in a sub-cavity portion between the upper mold and the lower mold. In a molding apparatus, the control section changes movement speed of a slide during the molding of the flange portion by controlling a servomotor. Accordingly, it becomes possible to control an operation of pressing at an appropriate movement speed according to the shape or the like of the flange portion. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the quality of a molded article.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignees: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., LINZ RESEARCH ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: Norieda Ueno, Masayuki Ishizuka, Masayuki Saika, Takashi Komatsu
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Patent number: 10406591Abstract: A spherical decoupler conduit for connecting misaligned components, and a method for making the same, where the spherical decoupler includes an inlet connection with a first spherical portion; an outer slider with a second spherical portion for pivotably mating with the first spherical portion and a tubular portion; an inner slider having a tubular portion in a telescoping relationship with the tubular portion of the outer slider and a third spherical portion; and an outlet connection with a fourth spherical portion for pivotably mating with the third spherical portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Nelson Global Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert Schellin, Dennis Richard Mevissen, Attila Stephens
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Patent number: 10350665Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a metal vessel may include providing a preform being formed of work hardened aluminum. The preform may have an open portion, a closed portion, and body portion. A multiple segment mold may be closed around the preform. The multiple segment mold may include at least one projecting portion operative to partially deform the preform while closing the mold. The preform may be blow molded by causing a step-like change in pressure within the preform to cause the preform to take a shape defined by the mold when the mold is in the closed position. The molded preform may be removed from the mold.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: John Adams, Rajesh Gopalaswamy
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Patent number: 10328477Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a metal vessel may include inserting a preform into a mold that includes multiple segments, the preform being a work hardened metal. A pre-pressure may be applied to the preform at a first pressure level. The multiple segments of the mold may be closed, and the pressure being applied to the preform may be increased using a step function to a second pressure level after the mold is closed to cause the preform to take a shape defined by the mold.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: John Adams, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Karina Espinel
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Patent number: 10144098Abstract: A method for producing a corrugated foil bearing stiffener involves starting with an austenitic nickel superalloy sheet (15) having an elasticity limit higher than 500 MPa, and subjecting the sheet (15) to at least one step of press bending plastic deformation of the entire thickness of same with a deformation energy higher than 10 kJ in a time shorter than 10?5 s in such a way as to create corrugations.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: LIEBHERR-AEROSPACE TOULOUSE SASInventors: Jerome Rocchi, Gregory Grau, Frederic Letrange
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Patent number: 10112228Abstract: A bottom expansion station is provided. The station provides a blank support, a punch having a central recess configured to punch a blank through the blank support forming a cup, and a pressure exertion medium including a material through which pressure is exerted on a portion the end wall of the cup to increase the area of the end wall. The material is configured to be deformed by the end wall when pressure is exerted through it on the portion of the end wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Silgan Containers LLCInventors: Gerald J. Baker, Michael Patrick Moore
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Patent number: 9694409Abstract: A method for forming a conduit with a radial flange for forming part of a beaded coupling by: positioning a conduit blank in a forming die, wherein the forming die defines a radially extending recess; inserting a forming post in the conduit blank to define an annular space therebetween; inserting a flexible material in the annular space between the post and the conduit; placing a sleeve in a bearing relationship with the flexible material; compressing the flexible material between the post and the sleeve to force the flexible material against the conduit to expand the conduit outward into engagement with the radially extending recess in the forming die to form an annular flange; and releasing compression on the flexible material.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Nelson Global Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert Schellin, Dennis Richard Mevissen, Timothy Fitzmaurice, Mark Vandervest, Jason Drost
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Patent number: 9623460Abstract: A duct-forming apparatus includes an apparatus frame, a forming piston assembly having a cylinder carried by the apparatus frame and a forming piston extendable from the cylinder. A duct-shaping assembly includes a form die having a form die interior and a forming surface provided in the form die interior; a forming assembly having a plurality of expandable forming sections provided in the form die adjacent to the forming surface; and a plurality of piston openings provided in the expandable forming sections, respectively, and adapted to receive the forming piston of the forming piston assembly. A duct-forming method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Peter K. Hwang, Kenneth P. Zaballos
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Patent number: 9541229Abstract: A punch for forming opposite ends of a copper tube into a T includes a tapered or shovel-nose such that the spacing between the ends of the opposed punches is reduced, thereby reducing the excess copper remaining in the T once formed. A method of forming the fitting employs the shovel-nose punches in a hydro-forming process to accommodate such results.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: NIBCO INC.Inventor: John W. Schlabach
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Patent number: 9505048Abstract: A hydroforming mold includes a lower die holder, a lower die, a pair of upper dies, a back pressure die, an upper die holder, and a pair of axial feed push rod assemblies. The lower die is disposed in a groove base of the lower die holder. A lower mold cavity for receiving a pipe blank is provided on the lower die. The two upper dies are clamped on the lower die, and can move along the top portion of the lower die. The back pressure die is disposed between the two upper dies. The axial feed push rod assemblies are respectively sealed at an end portion of the pipe blank and the two upper dies. Each of the axial feed push rod assemblies has a runner for introducing fluid into the pipe blank, so as to axially push the two upper dies to move close to each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Yeong-Maw Hwang, Min-Tsang Chen
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Patent number: 9409225Abstract: A tube expander for heat exchanger coil units according to which a tubular expansion process is conducted. In one aspect, the tube expander includes a fixture, which includes a back unit and first and second door assemblies movably connected thereto. One or more heat exchanger coil units are adapted to be connected to each of the first and second door assemblies. In another aspect, the fixture is adjustable to accommodate different heat exchanger coil units. In yet another aspect, the tubular expansion process is not permitted when the first or second door assembly is closed and a sensor does not sense the presence of a latch bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: FIRST CO.Inventors: Sergiu Vrabie, Anthony Garrett Orchard, Jessie Doria, Irving George Pennini
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Patent number: 9308565Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for obtaining an opening (8) in a hollow-body member (3) having a longitudinal extension and a cavity (6), and to a hollow-body member (3) provided with one or more openings (8, 9) obtained with the above-mentioned method, which includes the following phases: a. predisposing a holding die (12) including a seat (17) countershaped with respect with said hollow-body member (3) and an ejection channel (13) having a first end (18) communicating with said seat (17) and a second ejection end (19); b. inserting and positioning the hollow-body member (3) in the seat (17) so that said first end (18) is arranged in correspondence with a wall portion of said hollow-body member (3) on which to obtain an opening (8); c. generating a progressively increasing pressure inside said cavity (6) sufficient to deform said wall portion (16) to a point of detaching it from the hollow-body member (3) to form said opening (8), and expelling the wall portion (16) along the ejection channel (13).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: GI. DI. MECCANICA S.P.A.Inventor: Dino Giusti
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Patent number: 9296031Abstract: A duct-forming apparatus includes an apparatus frame, a forming piston assembly having a cylinder carried by the apparatus frame and a forming piston extendable from the cylinder. A duct-shaping assembly includes a form die having a form die interior and a forming surface provided in the form die interior; a forming assembly having a plurality of expandable forming sections provided in the form die adjacent to the forming surface; and a plurality of piston openings provided in the expandable forming sections, respectively, and adapted to receive the forming piston of the forming piston assembly. A duct-forming method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Peter K. Hwang, Kenneth P. Zaballos
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Patent number: 9234409Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus comprising an expandable tubular; and at least one section of the expandable tubular having a larger outer diameter than the remainder of the expandable tubular, forming at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring. In an embodiment, at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring is configured to centralize the expandable tubular when the tubular is in use; and wherein at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring has the same diameter as the expandable tubular after the tubular is radially expanded. Also disclosed herein are method of using and method of making the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Ronald C. Parsons and Denise M. ParsonsInventor: Ronald C. Parsons
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Patent number: 9156074Abstract: A method for producing a steel tube, wherein a steel sheet is formed into tubular body having a round cross section in a bending process, welded in a subsequent welding process along longitudinal edges facing each other for producing a continuous longitudinal seam, and then subjected to a stress-relieving treatment. The production quality is improved, with reduced production time, because the stress-relieving treatment is performed in a process for concentrically truing along the circumference in at least one segment relative to the longitudinal axis thereof, while cold forming by compression (FIG. 1). The mechanical technological properties of the material are also thereby improved.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Eisenbau Krämer GmbHInventors: Jochem Beissel, Thilo Reichel
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Patent number: 9044802Abstract: A method and apparatus for a testing facility for simulating downhole conditions is provided. The testing facility may include a test bench for expanding tubular members having one or more threaded connections. The test bench may also be operable to simulate the expansion of a tubular connection downhole and to produce expanded tubular connection test samples.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Merle E. Evans, Richard W. DeLange, John Richard Setterberg, Jr.
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Patent number: 9027601Abstract: A hydraulically installed tube plug with or without O.D surface enhancements and plug installation tooling, high pressure fluid system and method. The invention stops leaks in tubes with a plug that utilizes controlled high pressure fluid within the plug itself to radially expand the plug in place. Other plugs and plugging systems rely on mechanical methods for setting the plugs in the tubes with little or no control on the radial pressure applied to the tube. This lack of radial pressure control can result in a tubesheet ligament being over stressed (plastically deformed) or not enough pressure applied to stop the leak. The plug high pressure expansion tooling is designed with built in safety components that allow high pressure hydraulic expansion methods to be used safely in blind holes. The high pressure fluid system's design allows it to be used in hazardous environments.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: HydroPro, Inc.Inventor: Russell D. Wasson
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Publication number: 20150101380Abstract: An apparatus, and associated process, expands a wall of an associated metal container. The apparatus includes a holder for retaining at least a portion of the metal container. A first tool has a first surface mounted for movement relative to the holder for selective advancement toward and dimensioned to engage at least a portion of the associated metal container. The first tool includes a seal so that fluid received in the associated metal container is pressurized and used to apply an expanding force to the associated metal container as the first tool advances therein. A bubble is formed in the bottom wall, and in a second station, the combination of fluid pressure and metal forming surfaces make the final configuration of the bottom wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventor: Steven T. Cook
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Patent number: 8978433Abstract: A pipe diameter expansion apparatus includes: a hollow cylindrical member that can be placed in a pipe filled with water, and through which a coolant medium having a lower temperature than a freezing point of the water flows from one end to the other end; at least two plate-like fins provided to protrude outward from the cylindrical member; and a cold-heat insulator that is provided between the two fins, and reduces cold-heat transmission between inside and outside the cylindrical member.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Keisuke Kamitani, Kazuhiko Kamo, Jiro Kasahara, Yukihiro Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 8978432Abstract: A method for hydroforming a tubular blank comprising the steps of at least partially closing the die portions of a die about a tubular blank, introducing a hydraulic fluid into the tubular blank at a first pressure, substantially closing the die portions about the tubular blank, partially opening the die while at least initially maintaining the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, and substantially closing the die portions at least a second time.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Scott Christianson, Murray Mason
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Patent number: 8966752Abstract: A shaft, such as a camshaft for use in the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which the shaft includes a basic shaft body, a plurality of functional bodies, such as cams, mounted in axially spaced positions on the basic shaft body, and at least one balancing element mounted on the basic shaft body, in which the at least one balancing element is produced separately from the basic shaft body and from the functional bodies, and the functional bodies and the at least one balancing element are subsequently mounted on said basic shaft body, for example, by axial press fitting.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbHInventors: Manfred Vogel, Matthias Derse, Matthias Bechtold, Thomas Winkler
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Publication number: 20150026977Abstract: A method for manufacturing an assembled camshaft for valve-controlled internal combustion engines, in which at least one cam disc with a base circle region and cam region is machined on the running surface and has a cam-disc recess, includes shrinking the cam disc onto a corresponding shaft designed with a defined dimensional overlap by cooling the shaft and heating the cam disc. Temporally before being shrunk onto the shaft, the at least one cam disc is clamped by a clamping device such that a tension force acts on the recess wall region, which defines the cam-disc recess, the tension force corresponding to a predetermined extent to the state of stresses and/or deformation state of the recess wall region after the operation of shrinking the cam disc onto the corresponding shaft. The running-surface machining of the at least one cam disc takes place when the cam disc is clamped by the clamping device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Ulrich BOEHME, Adrian FINK
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Patent number: 8919165Abstract: An apparatus for forming a reclosable metal can includes a flexible bladder that receives pressure from at least one end. The bladder is received in movable dies that selectively open and close about the bladder, and more particularly about a metal body received between the bladder and die. The die preferably includes thread or lug profile cavities for forming circumferentially spaced thread lugs in the can body.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Dayton Systems Group Inc.Inventor: Steven T. Cook
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Patent number: 8910500Abstract: An end plunger for end feeding during a hydroforming process (such as tube hydroforming) has at least one releasable seal. The effect of the releasable seal is that it avoids pressurizing the blank in a nip area, thereby reducing friction and wear, and allowing increased end feeding with a given end feeding force. The releasable seal may be actuable, for sealing or releasing. The plunger may be modular or monolithic. A kit and method may incorporate the end plunger.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Javad Gholipour Baradari, Priti Wanjara, Eugen Marius Banu, Horatiu Daniel Chiriac
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Patent number: 8899085Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a metal vessel may include providing a preform formed of a work hardened metal that includes an open portion, a closed end portion, and body portion. The body portion of the preform may be preheated in a manner that limits heat being applied to the open portion and closed end portion of the preform. The preheated preform may be blow molded.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: John Adams, Rajesh Gopalaswamy
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Patent number: 8863429Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a gun barrel, in which the barrel is formed from a pipe blank (1) in which barrel rifles (2) are formed against a mandrel (3) having grooves (2b) shaped as the rifles.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Carrel Innovations OyInventor: Torolf Pelin
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Patent number: 8826712Abstract: A pressure sequence hydro-forming method is used to form an extruded structural tube. The extruded structural tube is placed in a hydro-forming die that is partially closed to compress the tube. The tube is filled with a hydro-forming liquid at a first pressure. The hydro-forming die is then closed and the pressure of the hydroforming fluid is increased as the hydro-forming die is fully closed. The pressure is increased to a second level of pressure to shape the tube into the desired part shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: S. George Luckey, Jr., Kiran Kumar Mallela
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Publication number: 20140223983Abstract: A method for hydroforming a tubular blank comprising the steps of at least partially closing the die portions of a die about a tubular blank, introducing a hydraulic fluid into the tubular blank at a first pressure, substantially closing the die portions about the tubular blank, partially opening the die while at least initially maintaining the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, and substantially closing the die portions at least a second time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Scott Christianson, Murray Mason
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Publication number: 20140130566Abstract: A hydraulic expander for use in a tube containing a U-bend region is disclosed and claimed. The tool includes a sheath for transmitting hydraulic fluid therethrough to an inflatable bladder. The sheath is flexible, allowing it to be inserted through the U-bend region of the tube. The bladder is fluidly connected to the sheath and is thereby in fluid communication with a supply of hydraulic fluid. The length of the bladder and the metal end caps, along with the centering spacers on the expansion sheath, allows it to pass through the U-bend region of the tube such that it can be positioned inside the tube adjacent to a support outside the tube, such as an AVB. Hydraulic expansion of the bladder causes it to exert an outward force on the tube inner surface, causing it to plastically deform such that its outer surface comes into contact with the tube support, such as an AVB. This expansion will increase the friction between the tube and the AVB to minimize the risk of tube vibration damage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Inventors: Bruce William Schafer, Jeffrey Lee Snow, Benjamin Joseph Hefner, Brian Cole Claiborne
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Patent number: 8683837Abstract: A method of forming a bottle-shaped or other contoured metal container by providing a hollow metal preform having a closed end and a wall thickness that decreases progressively in a direction away from the closed end, and subjecting the preform to internal fluid pressure to cause the preform to expand against the wall of a die cavity defining the desired container shape. The method may be employed in pressure-ram-forming procedures wherein a punch is advanced by means of a backing ram into the die cavity to displace and deform the closed end of the preform.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignees: Novelis Inc., Montebello Packaging, a division of Great Pacific Enterprises, L.P.Inventors: Robert Mallory, Yihai Shi