US3876854A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of assembling pivot joints
Assignee: Dana Inc
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Filing: 1973-12-20
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Granted: 1975-04-08
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Expires: 1993-12-20
Abstract
Abstract A method for assembling pivot joints at high rates of production which include a precisely controlled internal end motion dimension notwithstanding variations in the dimensions of the components. The method is characterized by a preliminary gauging step which automatically determines variations in dimensions of the components which are subsequently to be fed to a welding apparatus adapted to effect closure of the pivot joints. The method is further characterized by the step of proportionally controlling burn-down rates in the welding apparatus so as to constantly effect such controlled internal end motion.
Inventors
- 👤 John R Andrew
- 👤 Victor R Mceowen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:02
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K11/00; B23K11/24; B23K11/25; B23K11/252; B23K11/253; B23K11/002; B23K11/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
The steps in the method of assembling pivot joints of the type that include first and second housing portions joined together at junction forming edges, and stacked internal elements including a pivotal head within said housing portions, said pivot joints being characterized by a predetermined dimensional tolerance between the internal components of the joints, said method comprising assembling said internal elements in stacked relationship in one of said housing portions; detecting the height differential between the junction forming edge of one of said housing portions and the top of said stacked internal elements; and applying electrical energy to join said housing portions at a vertically displaced junction, the dimension of the displacement of said junction being proportional to said detected height differential.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
The steps in the method of assembling pivot joints of the type that include first and second housing portions joined together at junction forming edges, and stacked internal elements including a pivotal head within said housing portions, said pivot joints being characterized by a predetermined dimensional tolerance between the internal components of the joints, said method comprising assembling said internal elements in stacked relationship in one of said housing portions; detecting the height differential between the junction forming edge of one of said housing portions and the top of said stacked internal elements; and applying electrical energy to join said housing portions at a vertically displaced junction, the dimension of the displacement of said junction being proportional to said detected height differential.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
157 words
The steps in the method of assembling pivot joints of the type that include first and second housing portions joined together at junction forming edges, and stacked internal elements including a pivotal head within said housing portions, said pivot joints being characterized by a predetermined dimensional tolerance between the internal components of the joints, said method comprising assembling said internal elements in stacked relationship in one of said housing portions; detecting the height differential between the junction forming edge of one of said housing portions and the top of said stacked internal elements; positioning the other of said housing portions in contiguous relationship with said one housing portion at an unfused junction; applying electrical energy to effect burn-down of said junction forming edges to a fused junction located a burn-down dimension from the location of said unfused junction; and varying the input of electrical energy and resulting burn-down dimension responsive to variation in said detected height differential.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
157 words
The steps in the method of assembling pivot joints of the type that include first and second housing portions joined together at junction forming edges, and stacked internal elements including a pivotal head within said housing portions, said pivot joints being characterized by a predetermined dimensional tolerance between the internal components of the joints, said method comprising assembling said internal elements in stacked relationship in one of said housing portions; detecting the height differential between the junction forming edge of one of said housing portions and the top of said stacked internal elements; positioning the other of said housing portions in contiguous relationship with said one housing portion at an unfused junction; applying electrical energy to effect burn-down of said junction forming edges to a fused junction located a burn-down dimension from the location of said unfused junction; and varying the input of electrical energy and resulting burn-down dimension responsive to variation in said detected height differential.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein said detecting is effected mechanically, said electrical energy is varied by an electronic signal, and said electronic signal is transduced from said mechanical detection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method defined in claim 2 wherein said detecting is effected mechanically, said electrical energy is varied by an electronic signal, and said electronic signal is transduced from said mechanical detection.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for the continuous production of pivot joints of the type that a lower housing portion, a closure portion, and internal components, said pivot joints being characterized by a predetermined dimensional tolerance between the internal components of the joints, said method comprising in combination, variably controlling the welding energy supplied to said joints by means of a variable welding energy controller; gauging said pivot joints at a gauging means to determine the height differential between (1) said lower housing portion and (2) said internal components and closure portion; welding the closure on said pivot joints at a welding station; and utilizing an electronic circuit operative between said gauging means and said variable welding energy controller for delivering predetermined amounts of energy to said welding station to burn down the junction between said portions and thereby establish within said pivot joints and predetermined clearance between said internal components of said joints.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for the continuous production of pivot joints of the type that a lower housing portion, a closure portion, and internal components, said pivot joints being characterized by a predetermined dimensional tolerance between the internal components of the joints, said method comprising in combination, variably controlling the welding energy supplied to said joints by means of a variable welding energy controller; gauging said pivot joints at a gauging means to determine the height differential between (1) said lower housing portion and (2) said internal components and closure portion; welding the closure on said pivot joints at a welding station; and utilizing an electronic circuit operative between said gauging means and said variable welding energy controller for delivering predetermined amounts of energy to said welding station to burn down the junction between said portions and thereby establish within said pivot joints and predetermined clearance between said internal components of said joints.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method according to claim 5 wherein said electronic circuit includes a memory component for storing the signal determined at the gauging means and for subsequently energizing said variable welding energy controller to cause said controller to deliver the appropriate amount of welding energy at the welding station as dictated by said signal when each pivot joint is delivered thereto.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-07 | 1978-10-07 | 1979-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-07 | 1982-10-07 | 1983-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-07 | 1986-10-07 | 1987-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |