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:
May. 25, 2004
Filed:
Dec. 17, 2002
Sanjay M. Shah, Troy, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method of forming a tubular member with at least one flange includes the steps of providing a tubular member, expanding at least one portion of the tubular member, and positioning the tubular member between open die halves. The method includes the steps of applying at least nominal internal hydraulic pressure to the tubular member. The method further includes the steps of progressively closing the die halves to progressively deform the tubular member and progressively expel the at least one portion of the tubular member to define a flange comprised of wall portions of the tubular member engaging one another. The method includes the steps of increasing the hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the tubular member. The method also includes the steps of separating the die halves and removing the tubular member having a flange from the die.