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:
Dec. 19, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 11, 1998
John B Shook, Madison Heights, MI (US);
Philip V Wiens, LaSalle, CA;
Unova IP Corp., Woodland Hills, CA (US);
Abstract
A multi-axis roller hemmer for forming at least a pre-hem of a flange area of a sheet metal panel having a roller engageable with the flange and movable about at least 3 axes to enable the roller to remain in contact with the flange along a substantial portion of the panel. Preferably, the apparatus is capable of varying the position of the roller along orthogonal X-Y-Z axes to enable the apparatus to form at least a pre-hem of more intricate, curved panels. Desirably, the roller may also be pivotally displaced to vary the relative angle between the roller axis of rotation and the panel to maintain the roller axis essentially parallel to the immediately underlying portion of the panels. Preferably, at least a pair of rollers are carried by the apparatus with one or more rollers forming a pre-hem of the flange and a final hem roller constructed to complete the hem of the flange area.