Presses Or Press Platen Structures, Per Se Patents (Class 156/580)
  • Patent number: 11986107
    Abstract: A cell (1) for storing a set (2) of products (20) includes ventilation means (4) for creating a rear-to-front air flow (A) circulating in the housing (14) and at least one first sealing device (5 or 6) having a first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) that is inflatable in relation to one of the walls (10, 11, 12) of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14) under the effect of an air pressure which is generated in the housing (14) by said air flow. The first sealing device (5 or 6) has at least one second sealing element (52 or 62) that can be actuated between an inactive configuration and an active configuration in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: FROMFROID
    Inventor: Thierry Paupardin
  • Patent number: 11648763
    Abstract: A method of applying an adhesive film to a component includes applying an adhesive film to a surface of a component, wherein the adhesive film is positioned between the surface and an elastic membrane, the elastic membrane is transferred into a curved state with a convex and a concave side and contacted with the surface with the convex side first such that an adhesive layer of the adhesive film is pressed onto the surface in a full-area by the elastic membrane, the adhesive layer is pressed onto the surface in a full-area by a negative pressure being applied to that side of the elastic membrane facing towards the adhesive film, and to stabilize the component against deformation brought about by this negative pressure, the elastic membrane along with the adhesive film is pushed against the surface of the component with a plunger means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventors: Jörg Eisenlohr, Daniel Mencel, Helge Warta
  • Patent number: 11562912
    Abstract: A device, a system and a method for bonding two substrates. A first substrate holder has a recess and an elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: EV Group E. Thallner GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Wimplinger, Florian Kurz, Viorel Dragoi
  • Patent number: 11541477
    Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding device includes a stage and an ultrasonic horn. A first flat member and a second flat member to be bonded are placed on the stage. The ultrasonic horn includes a press part to be pressed on a laminated portion of the first flat member and the second flat member. The stage includes a lower-side surface, a higher-side surface, and a step wall surface. The first flat member is to be placed on the lower-side surface. The higher-side surface is positioned higher than the lower-side surface by a predetermined step height. The second flat member is to be placed on the higher-side surface. The step wall surface is positioned in a boundary between the lower-side surface and the higher-side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seijiro Sunaga, Toshinobu Miyagoshi, Mitsuyoshi Makida
  • Patent number: 11408799
    Abstract: A method for measuring a thickness of a dielectric layer in a circuit board is provided. The method for measuring the thickness of the dielectric layer includes the following steps. First, a circuit board including at least one dielectric layer and at least two circuit layers is provided. The dielectric layer is between the circuit layers, and the circuit board further includes a test area including a test pattern and a through hole. The test pattern includes at least two metal layers. Next, a measuring device including a main body, at least one light source and a lens module is provided. When the main body is moved into the through hole, the light source emits light to the dielectric layer and the metal layer, and the lens module shoots the dielectric layer and the metal layer to form a captured image. The thickness of the dielectric layer is obtained via the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Unimicron Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Jui Chang, Hung-Lin Chang
  • Patent number: 11325320
    Abstract: A system and method for welding thermoplastic components by positioning and moving a heated plate between the components to melt their respective faying surfaces, and as the plate moves, pressing the components together so that the melted faying surfaces bond together as they cool and re-solidify, thereby creating a composite structure. The plate has a heated portion which is positioned between and heated to melt a portion of the first and second faying surfaces. A manipulator mechanism moves the plate along an interface from between the portion to between a series of subsequent portions of the first and second faying surfaces, thereby welding the thermoplastic components along the entire interface to create the composite structure. The heated portion may contact the faying surfaces and melt them through conduction, or may be suspended between them and melt them through radiation and convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 11276589
    Abstract: A device, a system and a method for bonding two substrates. A first substrate holder has a recess and an elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: EV Group E. Thallner GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Wimplinger, Florian Kurz, Viorel Dragoi
  • Patent number: 11247791
    Abstract: A handheld electric packing machine having a strap press structure, vibrating component, cutter, and strap press spacer matching the strap press structure. The strap press structure connects to the vibrating component or is part of the vibrating component. The vibrating component is a swing vibrating component capable of rising and falling. The machine has a downward pressing mechanism and rising reset mechanism for the vibrating component. The vibrating component swings leftward and rightward relative to the lengthwise direction of a packing strap. The machine has a leftward and rightward swing driving device for the vibrating component. The machine has a manually downward pressing operating mechanism with a lock, which is locked when the vibrating component is pressed downwards until the strap press structure is located at a strap press position. The downward pressing operating mechanism cannot retreat after the manually downward pressing is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: TAIZHOU YONGPAI PACKK EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuhua He, Shuibo Jiang
  • Patent number: 11224420
    Abstract: An active anvil assembly for use in forming a looped suture is provided. The active anvil assembly includes an anvil member, a first sensor operably connected to the anvil member, and a control assembly. The first sensor is configured for measuring at least one of force, torque, and distance feedback. Also provided are systems and methods for forming a looped suture including an active anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Nicholas Maiorino, Timothy Kosa, Mark Buchter, Keith Kroeber, Richard Casey Hart, Gary Suszynski
  • Patent number: 11164842
    Abstract: Deformation of substrates after the substrates are bonded can be suppressed. A bonding apparatus includes a first holding unit configured to attract and hold a first substrate from above; a second holding unit provided under the first holding unit and configured to attract and hold a second substrate from below; and a striker configured to press a central portion of the first substrate from above and bring the first substrate into contact with the second substrate. The first holding unit is configured to attract and hold a partial region of a peripheral portion of the first substrate, and the first holding unit attracts and holds the region which intersects with a direction, among directions from the central portion of the first substrate toward the peripheral portion thereof, in which a bonding region between the first substrate and the second substrate is expanded faster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Yosuke Omori, Kenji Sugakawa
  • Patent number: 11084229
    Abstract: A setting welding device is set forth for setting stud-like auxiliary joining parts in a plurality of layers of material and subjecting them to a mechanical-thermoforming process on a second layer of material and connecting them to said second layer by way of a welding operation. For this purpose, the punch is used to apply to the welding auxiliary joining part mechanical and thermal loads that follow prescribed characteristic force and current curves. Furthermore, a corresponding connecting method that can be realized with the aid of the setting welding device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Draht, Sergej Hartwig-Biglau, Holger Thommes
  • Patent number: 11077624
    Abstract: A system and method for welding thermoplastic components by positioning and moving a heated plate between the components to melt their respective faying surfaces, and as the plate moves, pressing the components together so that the melted faying surfaces bond together as they cool and re-solidify, thereby creating a composite structure. The plate has a heated portion which is positioned between and heated to melt a portion of the first and second faying surfaces. A manipulator mechanism moves the plate along an interface from between the portion to between a series of subsequent portions of the first and second faying surfaces, thereby welding the thermoplastic components along the entire interface to create the composite structure. The heated portion may contact the faying surfaces and melt them through conduction, or may be suspended between them and melt them through radiation and convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 11027363
    Abstract: An ironing plate is attached to a friction stir welding apparatus in such a manner that the ironing plate surrounds an outer peripheral portion of a rotating tool and does not rotate together with the rotating tool, an inside diameter of a portion of the ironing plate into which the rotating tool is inserted is larger than the diameter of the rotating tool, and a material inflow path through which an excessive material of two metallic plates flows in is formed between the ironing plate and the rotating tool when the ironing plate is disposed to surround the outer peripheral portion of the rotating tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES JAPAN, LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Onose, Shinichi Kaga, Satoshi Hirano, Akihiro Satou
  • Patent number: 10964562
    Abstract: A device, a system and a method for bonding two substrates. A first substrate holder has a recess and an elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: EV Group E. Thallner GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Wimplinger, Florian Kurz, Viorel Dragoi
  • Patent number: 10953488
    Abstract: A linear friction welding machine comprising a compression unit and an oscillator unit, each having a clamping holder for a workpiece. Both clamping holders are configured such that workpieces are held with the surfaces thereof to be welded, aligned and facing each other. The clamping holder of the compression unit is linearly movable relative to the clamping holder of the oscillator unit, and the latter is movable in an oscillating manner at right angles transversely with respect to the direction of travel of the compression unit and fixed to ends of vertical and horizontal supports which can be deflected laterally in a sprung manner in the oscillation direction, the other ends of which are anchored rigidly on supporting bodies. The supports are flexible under deflection in the oscillation direction but are designed to resist buckling when the clamping holders are loaded in the direction of travel of the compression unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: pewag austria GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 10780684
    Abstract: A bonding device includes a flexible platen disposed between an upper platen assembly (9) and a transmission device and within a vacuum chamber (6). The flexible platen can expand to apply a downward pressure to the upper platen assembly (9) connected thereto. Under the effect of the pressure, the upper platen assembly (9) slowly moves downward until the upper platen assembly (9) itself and a lower platen assembly (7) respectively come into tight contact with objects to be bonded. After that, the flexible platen continues exerting the downward pressure on the upper platen assembly (9). In this way, the pressure applied by the upper platen assembly (9) to the objects to be bonded is uniform. Meanwhile, because of slow expansion of the flexible platen, the uniform pressure is applied slowly by the upper platen assembly (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Fu, Feixiang Shang
  • Patent number: 10745648
    Abstract: A system and method for the extraction of a material, wherein the system is configured for use with a press assembly and the extraction system includes a press ram, a pressure vessel for holding the material to be extracted, a filter, bottom hot plate and a cooling plate. The extraction system a novel system and method for improved marijuana oil and rosin extraction and manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Andrew Lewis
  • Patent number: 10737353
    Abstract: A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to oscillate along a welding axis, and a first and second power shaft operably connectable to the ram through a vibrating assembly. Respective motors are configured to drive respective power timing gears fixedly connected to the first and second power shafts. A slave timing gear is operably connected to the first power shaft in variable rotational relationship and to the second power shaft in fixed rotational relationship. The first slave timing gear is configured to be driven by one power shaft to force oscillation of the ram and by the other power shaft to stop oscillation of the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: APCI, LLC
    Inventors: Thaddeus W. Gorski, Stephen A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10703049
    Abstract: A system and method for welding thermoplastic components by positioning and moving a heated plate between the components to melt their respective faying surfaces, and as the plate moves, pressing the components together so that the melted faying surfaces bond together as they cool and re-solidify, thereby creating a composite structure. The plate has a heated portion which is positioned between and heated to melt a portion of the first and second faying surfaces. A manipulator mechanism moves the plate along an interface from between the portion to between a series of subsequent portions of the first and second faying surfaces, thereby welding the thermoplastic components along the entire interface to create the composite structure. The heated portion may contact the faying surfaces and melt them through conduction, or may be suspended between them and melt them through radiation and convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 10682836
    Abstract: A machine for transferring a preformed functional film onto a curved face of an ophthalmic substrate, including: a first device for receiving and holding the substrate; a second device for receiving the film, the first device and/or second device configured to hold the film by applying a pressure force to the periphery thereof; a first mechanism for moving the devices, configured to place the curved face such that it faces the film, a second mechanism for moving the devices, configured to bring into contact the center of the film with the center of the curved face and to apply the film with the substrate to radially spread, from the center of the film up to the periphery thereof, a conformal contact between the film and the curved face; and a control and command unit configured to control at least the second mechanism when the film and the substrate are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Essilor International
    Inventors: Michel Matz, Herve Gentils, Jean-Marc Tridon
  • Patent number: 10618225
    Abstract: A stitchless highly oriented polypropylene fabric bulk bag of the type that can hold 500 to 5000 pounds (226.7 to 2268 kilograms) of bulk material includes a highly oriented polypropylene fabric top, body and bottom, with a heat fused joint providing an air tight connection between the top and body, and another air tight heat fused joint connecting the body and bottom. A fill spout and discharge tube may also be provided with an air tight heat fused joint connecting the fill spout to the top and another air tight heat fused joint connecting the discharge spout to the bottom. Heat sealing machinery include heat seal bar assemblies that can self-align during heat-sealing to apply even pressure to all areas being heat sealed. A heating element is of single piece construction and can include end coupler portions as part of the single piece construction. Carrier plates used in a heat-sealing assembly line guide parts placement, provide quality checks for parts placement, and tooling set-up for machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: AMERIGLOBE, LLC
    Inventor: Clifford Dunlap
  • Patent number: 10610958
    Abstract: Aspects relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for a manufacturing tool. The manufacturing tool is comprised of a vacuum tool and an ultrasonic welder as a unified manufacturing tool. The manufacturing tool may be used to pick and position a manufacturing part that is then welded with the associated ultrasonic welder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Conall Regan, Chih-Chi Chang, Kuo-Hung Lee, Ming-Feng Jean
  • Patent number: 10456985
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing components includes joining a first edge of a thermoplastic-containing first component part and a second edge of a thermoplastic-containing second component part to one another without any overlap. The first and the second edge are interconnected by friction stir welding. Friction stir welding involves rubbing a rotating friction stir welding pin against at least one metal object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Silvanus, Heiko Fietzek
  • Patent number: 10384305
    Abstract: A dissimilar metal joining method includes moving a tool on a first metal along a first track on an overlapped part where the first metal is overlapped on a second metal while the tool is rotated around an axis of the tool and is pressed along the axis against the first metal such that the tool penetrates the first metal and is inserted into the second metal by a first insertion depth. The tool is moved from the first track to a second track which is on the overlapped part and which is substantially parallel to the first track after the tool has moved along an entirety of the first track. The tool is moved on the first metal along the second track on the overlapped part while the tool is rotated around the axis and is pressed against the first metal along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yosuke Tokoro, Mitsuru Sayama
  • Patent number: 10343346
    Abstract: A multipurpose spatula which has a separable pressing member on the outer surface of a body thereof. The pressing member is rotatable as required to allow a side surface thereof to be located on the end of one side pressing piece. This minimizes the occurrence of scratches on sheets attached to advertising signs and tables, etc. and also promotes user conveniences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Soungjo Kang
  • Patent number: 10319615
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure bonding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a leveling adjustment system configured to provide leveling adjustment of upper and lower block assemblies of the apparatus. In some cases, the leveling adjustment system may include a plurality of threaded posts, differentially threaded adjustment collars, and leveling sleeves. In some instances, the leveling adjustment system further may include a plurality of preload springs configured to provide a given preload capacity and range of adjustment. In some instances, the leveling adjustment system further may include a load cell through which one of the threaded posts may be inserted. In some embodiments, the upper block assembly further may include a reaction plate configured to reduce deformation of the upper block assembly. In some embodiments, the upper block assembly further may include a thermal isolation plate configured to provide compliance deflection and being of monolithic or polylithic construction, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SUSS MICROTEC LITHOGRAPHY GMBH
    Inventors: Gregory George, Hale Johnson
  • Patent number: 10293431
    Abstract: A friction stir spot welding apparatus includes a pin member, a shoulder member, a rotation driver, a forward/backward movement driver, and a controller. The controller controls the forward/backward movement driver, such that the pin member and/or the shoulder member press workpieces before a clamp member presses the workpieces, and then controls the rotation driver and the forward/backward movement driver, such that the pin member and the shoulder member stir the workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Okada, Junichi Tamura, Kenichi Kamimuki
  • Patent number: 10293460
    Abstract: A method of producing a polishing head including: a backing pad, for holding a workpiece back surface, stuck on a lower portion of a rigid body; and a ring template, for holding a workpiece edge, disposed on a lower surface of the backing pad. This polishing head brings a front surface of the workpiece into sliding contact with a polishing pad attached on a turn table while holding the workpiece back surface on the lower surface of the backing pad. The method includes sticking the backing pad on the lower portion of the rigid body with a double-sided tape under a reduced pressure without heating; and sticking the template on the backing pad with a double-sided tape or a liquid or paste reaction curable adhesive containing no solvent under a reduced pressure without heating. This method can polish the workpiece into a very flat workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: SHIN-ETSU HANDOTAI CO., LTD., SHIN-ETSU ENGINEERING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hiromasa Hashimoto, Yasuharu Ariga, Masanao Sasaki, Takahiro Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10260605
    Abstract: With the traction mechanism tensioner, a traction mechanism having at least two ends is tensionable. The traction mechanism tensioner comprises a first fastener, a second fastener and a coupler. The first fastener has a first fastening portion at which the first end of the traction mechanism as fastenable. The second fastener has a second fastening portion at which the second end of the traction mechanism is fastenable. The coupling means couples the first and the second fasteners to each other so that the first and the second fasteners are movable with respect to each other and their movability is at least restricted on one side. Further, the first and the second fasteners are pre-tensionable with respect to each other via at least one spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: BRANSON ULTRASCHALL Niederlassung der Emerson Technologies GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventor: Zbynèk Lukes
  • Patent number: 10252472
    Abstract: A method is provided for joining a fiber-reinforced joining element, formed from a plastic material, to the joining surfaces thereof by way of an ultrasonic welding method. A concentrator and/or at least one insertion element is arranged in the region of the joining surfaces prior to fusing between the joining surfaces, and the concentrator and/or the insertion element are fused together with the joining surfaces in order to form a positive fit joint therewith after hardening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Clemens Stefanziosa, Oguzhan Eroglu
  • Patent number: 10245676
    Abstract: In the present disclosure, friction stir welding tools having probes and stationary shoulders are disposed at corners between a first workpiece and a second workpiece. A welding device main body includes axially perpendicular movement units for moving spindle units, which hold the respective friction stir welding tools on a frame, in directions perpendicular to rotary shafts of probes, and axial movement units for moving the spindle units in directions parallel to the rotary shafts of the probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Saito, Kunitaka Masaki, Koji Nezaki, Tadafumi Kanayama, Satoshi Yamanaka, Yasushi Tabei
  • Patent number: 10207483
    Abstract: A lamination device according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a support table, a first plate coupled to the support table, a second plate coupled to the first plate and configured to be attachable to and detachable from the first plate, a jig spaced from the second plate and configured to hold a window, the jig including a flat surface portion, and side surface portions extending from opposite sides of the flat surface portion, and a pad on the second plate and configured to pressurize an electric panel on the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yanghan Son, Byungik Kong, Sehun Park, Gwang-jea Seo, Youngkuil Joo
  • Patent number: 10166574
    Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes fabricating a screen panel support frame having a curved non-planar shape, wherein the curved non-planar shape has a first amount of post-fabrication curvature. The method further includes performing a screen panel unitization process to unitize the screen panel support frame having the first post-fabrication amount of curvature with at least a plurality of layers of screening material, the screen panel unitization process reducing the curvature of the screen panel support frame from the first post-fabrication amount of curvature to a second post-unitization amount of curvature that is less than the first post-fabrication amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Monty Dean Mitchell, Marek Kozikowski
  • Patent number: 10016840
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal pipeline by friction stir welding (FSW) along a circumferential interface includes spinning first and second FSW tools about respective axes of rotation in contact with a pipe wall to heat, plasticize, and stir respective zones of plasticized metal at the interface. The zone of plasticized metal produced by the second FSW tool extends deeper into the pipe wall than the zone of plasticized metal produced by the first FSW tool. Relative circumferential movement of the FSW tools along the interface is controlled such that the second FSW tool following the first FSW tool enters the zone of plasticized metal produced by the first FSW tool while the metal in that zone remains plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Acergy France SAS
    Inventors: Cesar Atin, Jacques Lacome, Gregory Alexandre Toguyeni
  • Patent number: 10010969
    Abstract: A method for friction welding, the method comprising: locating a first workpiece in a recess or aperture of a first tool; bringing a weld face of the first and a weld face of a second workpiece into frictional engagement; and moving the first tool and the second workpiece relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Kuka Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Reed, Frederick John Harris, John Searle
  • Patent number: 10011072
    Abstract: A plastic welding device for the automatic welding of at least three components comprises at least one first tool, at least one second tool and at least one transfer device. A first component is positionable on the first tool. The first and the second tool are movable relative to each other in order to weld the first component with a second component. The transfer device is movable relative to at least one of the tools and with it at least one third component is automatically feedable to one of the tools. In this manner, the at least one third component is weldable with the compound made up of the first and second components via the first and the second tool or via the first or the second tool in combination with the third tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: BRANSON ULTRASCHALL Niederlassung der Emerson Technologies GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Franz Wacker, Silvio Fuchs
  • Patent number: 9976988
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method and system for inspecting structures, and more particularly for evaluating the condition of a structure. The disclosed nondestructive inspection testing method and apparatus enables an operator to assess the condition of a structure, such as a composite laminate part and determining the location and depth of anomalies. The method includes generating a subsurface longitudinal ultrasonic wave signal at a high incidence angle into a structure being evaluated and collecting at least one of any front, back or side reflected wave data. The method may include processing the reflected wave data to determine the condition of the structure, including any anomalies that may have been detected and their location, size and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, William J. Tapia
  • Patent number: 9937644
    Abstract: An upper shell panel may be placed between first and second sections of a mold. The first section may include one or more expansion cavities and the second section may include one or more pour cavities. A foam-producing chemical mixture may be delivered into the one or more pour cavities and the mold may be closed. The delivered foam-producing chemical mixture may be allowed to expand within the closed mold and to force regions of the upper shell panel into the one or more expansion cavities. The upper shell panel may then be removed from the mold subsequent to the expansion of the delivered mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hochdoerffer, Christopher J. Lyke, Atikom Tappatarnpornsuk
  • Patent number: 9937586
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for friction stir welding materials of different thicknesses and that have fillet welds, comprising the following features: a) a receiver panel (1) that has a drive head (2) and a welding shoe (4) that has a pin bearing, said welding shoe (4) being selected and inserted according to whether it is being used with materials of different thicknesses or with materials that have fillet welds, b) the longitudinal axis of the spindle bearing being at an incline of an angle between 0 and 5 degrees relative to the vertical line; the transverse incline being 0 degrees for the fillet weld shoe (4), and c) when the welding pin (6) is exchanged, the length of the welding pin (6) being adjusted using an adjustment element (12) and the position of the counter-bearing of the welding pin (6) being adjusted using an adjustable pin stop (19) and, in the case of the pin stop (19), additionally secured by an adjustment screw (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GRENZEBACH MASCHINENBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Weigl, Alexander Feineis, Sascha Christoph, Matthias Kunz
  • Patent number: 9899148
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a field pole magnet body includes a reference jig having reference surfaces in a lengthwise direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction for positioning the plurality of cleaved and divided magnet fragments; a lengthwise direction pressing means that presses the magnet fragments from the lengthwise direction to the lengthwise direction reference surface; a width direction pressing means that presses them from the width direction to the width direction reference surface; and a thickness pressing means that presses them from the thickness direction to the thickness direction reference surface. The lengthwise direction pressing means is operated to press the magnet fragments in a state in which a pressing force of at least one of the width direction pressing means and the thickness direction pressing means is suppressed to be weaker than a pressing force generated by the lengthwise direction pressing means or is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Matsushita, Hideki Watanabe, Takashi Sekikawa, Kimio Nishimura, Kazuhiro Takaichi, Akihisa Hori, Takumi Ohshima, Michito Kishi, Kunitomo Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 9835234
    Abstract: With the traction means tensioner, a traction means having at least two ends is tensionable. The traction means tensioner comprises a first fastening means, a second fastening means and a coupling means. The first fastening means has a first fastening portion at which the first end of the traction means as fastenable. The second fastening means has a second fastening portion at which the second end of the traction means is fastenable. The coupling means couples the first and the second fastening means to each other so that the first and the second fastening means are movable with respect to each other and their movability is at least restricted on one side. Further, the first and the second fastening means are pre-tensionable with respect to each other via at least one spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: BRANSON ULTRASCHALL Niederlassung der Emerson Technologies GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventor: Zbynèk Lukes
  • Patent number: 9821419
    Abstract: The method for manufacturing a heat exchanger plate includes a lid groove closing process to insert a lid plate into a lid groove formed at a periphery of a concave groove opening to a surface of a base member; and a primary joining process to perform friction stirring while relatively moving a primary joining rotary tool equipped with a stirring pin along a butting portion of a side wall of the lid groove and a side surface of the lid plate, and in the primary joining process, the rotating stirring pin is inserted into the butting portion, and the friction stirring is performed in a state of only the stirring pin being in contact with the base member and the lid plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIPPON LIGHT METAL COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hisashi Hori, Nobushiro Seo
  • Patent number: 9796169
    Abstract: A display panel manufacturing apparatus includes a first jig having a portion that is bent and a lower surface to which a window member is coupleable, a second jig having one surface that is coupleable to the lower surface of the first jig, the second jig being spaced apart from the first jig and having an upper surface on which a sheet member is attachable, a grip unit that is spaced apart from the second jig, the grip unit including a seating groove in which an end portion of the sheet member is seatable, and a movement limiting member moveably mounted on a top of the grip unit and configured to support the end portion of the sheet member in a state that the sheet member is separated from the grip unit, such that a movement of the sheet member is limited for a preset time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun Chuel Kim
  • Patent number: 9764518
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel, the panel comprising a composite skin and at least one composite stiffener, the method comprising: positioning first and second mandrels on opposite sides of the stiffener; positioning first and second compaction tools on opposite sides of the skin; and compacting the skin between the first and second compaction tools by moving one or both of the compaction tools, wherein the movement of the compaction tool(s) causes the first and second mandrels to move towards the stiffener along inclined paths so as to compact the stiffener between the mandrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Risto Kallinen
  • Patent number: 9751477
    Abstract: A vibration welding device 40 includes: a vibration welding mold that is configured including an upper mold and a lower mold divided in an up-down direction, that is fitted with a first component and a second component forming an elongated shape having a bent portion, and that is disposed with length directions of the first component and the second component along a left-right direction; plural first mold divisions that configure one of the upper mold or the lower mold, and that are divided in the left-right direction; a pressing device that is coupled to each of the plural first mold divisions, and that applies pressure to the first mold divisions; and a vibration device that is coupled to each of the plural first mold divisions, and that vibrates the first mold divisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Iwano
  • Patent number: 9754719
    Abstract: A cutting method and a cutting device of cutting a magnet body including a coating film feed, in a state where the magnet body in which cutout grooves serving as brittle sections are provided on a lower surface along cutting planned positions is supported by dies serving as two support points from the lower side, the magnet body to a position where the brittle section is arranged between both the support points, and press the magnet body from the upper side of a position offset rearward in the feeding direction from the brittle section between both the support points, so as to cut the magnet body into a cut magnet body and a magnet piece smaller than the cut magnet body while cutting the coating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takumi Ohshima, Kiyoshi Hasegawa, Kimio Nishimura, Takashi Sekikawa, Yasushi Matsushita, Akihisa Hori, Michito Kishi
  • Patent number: 9745855
    Abstract: The apparatus and method allows multiple components to be simultaneously bonded to a central shaft or tube using linear friction welding in a single welding process. The method involves simultaneously pressing the work pieces radially against the central shaft or tube at the desired locations while the shaft is vibrated axially. The weld is facilitated by the use of a linear friction welding machine, which includes a number of fixtures and press assemblies to hold and press the various work pieces against the central shaft or tube and a vibrating assembly for vibrating the central shaft or tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: APCI, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9700958
    Abstract: An apparatus for friction stir welding with a drive shaft, a probe, which has a first friction surface, and a shoulder element having a second friction surface. An annular cavity is formed between an inner surface of the shoulder element and the drive shaft and/or the probe. The shoulder element includes first and second through holes that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. An annular ring element is rotatable with respect to the shoulder element and is rotatably supported on the shoulder element by first and second support members between which an annular channel is formed. The annular channel is arranged such that the first through hole connects the annular channel with the annular cavity. The annular ring element radially outwardly delimits the annular channel and includes a through bore which extends to the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum fuer Material—und Kuestenforschung GmbH
    Inventors: Luciano Bergmann, Jorge Fernandez Dos Santos
  • Patent number: 9687934
    Abstract: The invention relates to a friction application device having an application element which is movable by means of a moving device on a surface of a workpiece and in a relative movement with respect to the surface of the workpiece, wherein at least one supporting tool which is in contact with the application element and prevents bead formation on the application element is arranged in the contact region between the application element and the surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften—Fachhochschule Kempten
    Inventor: Paul Schindele
  • Patent number: 9647343
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling different multi-element items with different specifications using a reconfigurable apparatus are provided. One embodiment includes a base plate, a back plate coupled to the base plate in a predetermined angle relationship. The exemplary back plate comprises a plurality of alignment pins adapted to engage with alignment locations of multiple element assembly items. The exemplary base plate and alignment mounting structures couple to end cap parts disposed on opposing ends of the multiple element assembly items holding the items together. A clamping mechanism maintains/releases pressure on the multiple element assembly items against the back plate. The back plate holds alignment pins in a first back plate location in a first orientation for one type of multiple element assembly items and hold the alignment pins in a second location when the back plate is in a second orientation for a different type of multiple element assembly items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Waters