US3918628A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of welding tanks
Assignee: Paccar Inc
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Filing: 1974-01-02
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Granted: 1975-11-11
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Expires: 1994-01-02
Abstract
Abstract A semi automatic machine for welding fuel tanks of a general cylindrical configuration. The machine is adjustable to handle more than one size tank and once properly adjusted will accurately position and hold the tank for the longitudinal side seam weld as well as slowly rotating the cylinder for the two end seam welds. In addition to properly positioning and holding the tank during the side seam welding process, the machine also positions the end members and forces them into the opposite ends of the side seam welded cylinder assuring a properly aligned and fitted tank prior to the end seam welding process.
Inventors
- 👤 William F Clavey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 20:35
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K9/00; B23K9/02; B23K37/00; B23K37/04; B23K37/053; B23K37/0538
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
200 words
A method of manufacturing a cylindrical taNk comprising the steps of: a. preforming a rectangular sheet into a shell having a configuration approximately the exterior shape of the completed tank; b. placing the preformed shell in position upon supporting arm means; c. clamping the shell in position upon the arm means with the opposing edges in juxtaposition; d. welding the side seam of the shell; e. placing a pair of end members in an opposed coaxial relationship at opposite ends of the shell, each of said end members being mounted within one of a set of coaxial elements adapted to engage the end member about its outer periphery; f. advancing the set of coaxial elements and the end member toward the shell until the end member is wedged into the shell; g. retracting all of the coaxial elements of the set having diameters larger than the end member while retaining those coaxial elements of the set which have diameters smaller than the end member such that the end members are retained in a shell-engaging position; h. welding the end seams; i. retracting the remainder of the set of coaxial elements; j. removing the welded tank from the supporting arm means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
200 words
A method of manufacturing a cylindrical taNk comprising the steps of: a. preforming a rectangular sheet into a shell having a configuration approximately the exterior shape of the completed tank; b. placing the preformed shell in position upon supporting arm means; c. clamping the shell in position upon the arm means with the opposing edges in juxtaposition; d. welding the side seam of the shell; e. placing a pair of end members in an opposed coaxial relationship at opposite ends of the shell, each of said end members being mounted within one of a set of coaxial elements adapted to engage the end member about its outer periphery; f. advancing the set of coaxial elements and the end member toward the shell until the end member is wedged into the shell; g. retracting all of the coaxial elements of the set having diameters larger than the end member while retaining those coaxial elements of the set which have diameters smaller than the end member such that the end members are retained in a shell-engaging position; h. welding the end seams; i. retracting the remainder of the set of coaxial elements; j. removing the welded tank from the supporting arm means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as in claim 1 and further including the steps of selectively adjusting the supporting arms and the set of coaxial elements whereby the shell and the end members will be properly positioned for operation upon the particular tank of the set of tanks capable of being operated upon by the mechanism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 1 and further including the step of urging the shell into a cylindrical configuration prior to insertion of the end members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-10 | 1979-05-12 | 1979-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-10 | 1983-05-12 | 1983-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-10 | 1987-05-12 | 1987-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |