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:
Jan. 29, 1991
Filed:
Mar. 26, 1990
Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kobe, JP;
Abstract
A method for facilitating the assembly of a structural panel and for preventing the sag thereof comprises the step of placing the structural panel (2), comprising an outer plate (6) and an underlying skeleton framework (7), upon longitudinally extending support beams (B') which interconnect the upper ends of laterally spaced rows of longitudinally spaced support columns (C) which extend upwardly from a floor support surface (F). A mobile radiation heating element truck (4), movable upon laterally spaced rails (8) by means of casters (11), includes radiation heating elements (12). The truck (4) is movable between operative successive operative positions, stages, or stations (A,B), and when the truck (4) is disposed at the first station (A), the plate (6), or a section thereof, is preheated to a predetermined temperature so as to thermally expand the same whereupon the truck (4) is then moved to the second station (B) so as to permit the thermally expanded plate (6) disposed at the first station (A) to be tack-welded and finish-welded to the underlying skeleton framework (7 ) while a second plate (6), or section thereof, is preheated to a predetermined temperature at the second station (B). Upon cooling of the heated plate (6) disposed at the first station (A), 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 (2), including the plate (6) and the skeleton framework (7) at the elevated level or height above floor (F) provides substantially unobstructed access to the undersurface regions of the plate (6) and the skeleton framework (7) so as to facilitate the welding operations. Movement of the truck (4) to the next operative position or station (B) likwise provides substantially unobstructed access to the upper surfaces of the plate (6) and skeleton framework (7) so as to likewise facilitate the welding operations to be performed within such regions.