The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 15, 1989
Filed:
Sep. 19, 1988
Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Hyogo, JP;
Abstract
Apparatus for facilitating the assembly of a structural panel and for preventing the sag thereof comprises an upstanding support structure in the form of laterally spaced rows of longitudinally spaced columns (C) which extend upwardly from a floor support surface (F). Longitudinally extending support beams (B') interconnect the upper ends of the support columns (C), and the structural panel (2) comprising an outer plate (6) and an underlying skelton framework (7) is supported upon the support beams (B'). A radiation heating element truck (4), movable upon laterally spaced rails (8) by means of casters (11), include radiation heating elements (12) mounted upon a support panel (5) whereby the truck (4) is movable between first and second operative positions or stages (A, B). When disposed at a particular stage (A,B), the plate (6) is preheated to a predetermined temperature so as to thermally expand the same whereupon the truck (4) is moved to the next operative position stage (A,B) so as to permit the thermally expanded plate to be tack-welded and finish-welded to the underlying skeleton framework (7). Upon cooling of the heated plate (6), the plate (6) develops a residual tensile stress due to thermal shrinkage deformation whereby sag of the panel is effectively prevented. The support of the panel, including the plate (6) and skeleton framework (7) at an elevated height above the floor (F) provides substantially unobstructed access to the undersurface of the pate (6) and skeleton framework so as to facilitate the welding operations. Movement of the truck (4) to the next operative position or stage (A,B) likewise provides substantially unobstructed access to the upper surfaces of the plate (6) and framework (7) forming the structural panel (2).