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:
Feb. 03, 2004
Filed:
Aug. 22, 2001
Pei-Chung Wang, Troy, MI (US);
Paul M. Zardus, Royal Oak, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for clinching metal sheets is disclosed. The apparatus includes a punch assembly for stamping indentations into stacked metal sheets and a die assembly for assisting in supporting the sheets during stamping of the indentations and for assisting in forming the indentations. The punch assembly, the die assembly or both in combination provide energy to at least a portion of the metal sheets prior to stamping. In turn, the energy elevates the temperature of the portion of the sheets such that the indentations can be more effectively formed in the portion and such that the sheets are fastened to each other with greater strength.