US3852990A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for removing surface distortion from a metal article
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1973-08-06
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Granted: 1974-12-10
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Expires: 1993-08-06
Abstract
Abstract A process to remove a surface distortion in a metal article, example of which is a landing gear shock strut web. To remove such a distortion, commonly called a ''''can'''' in industry, the portion of the article surrounding the ''''can'''' is clamped on both of its sides with a pressure just under the maximum compressive strength of the material. Heat is applied to the restrained affected region, such as through heated platens. The clamping and restraining pressure is maintained until the metal reaches a preset temperature at which the region ''''thermally expands'''' within itself. The pressure and the heat are then removed from the metal article, and the article is cooled. Upon cooling, the distortion or ''''can'''' is thereby removed, and the metal article is acceptable for its intended purpose. Chilling of the article prior to heating provides an advantageous benefit so that the maximum change in temperature of the affected region is obtained after the part is clamped.
Inventors
- 👤 K Sparling
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:16
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21D; B21D1/00; B21D1/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S72/00; Y10S72/705
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for removing surface distortion from a metal article, the method utilizing a pair of opposed clamp members having a marginal region surrounding a recess between mating surfaces thereof comprising the steps of: heating the opposed clamp members; positioning the metal article between the heated clamp members; closing the clamp members upon the metal article under a clamping pressure and such that, at least a portion of the surface distortion is positioned within the recess and caused to be heated to a pre-set value, opening the clamp members; and cooling the metal article.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for removing surface distortion from a metal article, the method utilizing a pair of opposed clamp members having a marginal region surrounding a recess between mating surfaces thereof comprising the steps of: heating the opposed clamp members; positioning the metal article between the heated clamp members; closing the clamp members upon the metal article under a clamping pressure and such that, at least a portion of the surface distortion is positioned within the recess and caused to be heated to a pre-set value, opening the clamp members; and cooling the metal article.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of closing the clamp members is done quickly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of chilling the metal article prior to the clamping step.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for removing a surface distortion from a metal article comprising the steps of, restraining an area immediately surrounding the surface distortion from lateral movement beyond the restraint, heating the surface distortion to a pre-set temperature, pressing the distorted area, and cooling the metal article.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for removing a surface distortion from a metal article comprising the steps of, restraining an area immediately surrounding the surface distortion from lateral movement beyond the restraint, heating the surface distortion to a pre-set temperature, pressing the distorted area, and cooling the metal article.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4 including the step of chilling the metal article prior to the restraining step.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the heating step comprises transferring the heat from a pair of opposed preheated platens clamped upon the metal article about the surface distortion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 6 including the step of chilling the metal article prior to the restraining step.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for removing a surface distortion from a metal article comprising the steps of: restraining the metal article in a region marginally surrounding at least a portion of the surface distortion so as to preclude lateral motion beyond the restrained region of the metal material within such region; subjecting the metal within the restrained region to an elevated temperature sufficient to result in its thermAl expansion; releasing the restraint; and cooling the metal article.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for removing a surface distortion from a metal article comprising the steps of: restraining the metal article in a region marginally surrounding at least a portion of the surface distortion so as to preclude lateral motion beyond the restrained region of the metal material within such region; subjecting the metal within the restrained region to an elevated temperature sufficient to result in its thermAl expansion; releasing the restraint; and cooling the metal article.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the metal material within the restrained region is restricted in its movement normal to said lateral motion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the heat for said obtaining said elevated temperature is provided through heat transfer from preheated tooling utilized in restraining the metal article.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the metal article is chilled prior to the restraining step.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3535906A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-09 | 1978-06-10 | 1978-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-09 | 1982-06-10 | 1982-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-09 | 1986-06-10 | 1986-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |