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. 23, 2006
Filed:
Jun. 24, 2002
Richard A. Marando, Mohrsville, PA (US);
Eric M. Schrack, Shartlesville, PA (US);
James C. Larkin, Hummelstown, PA (US);
Edward Drost, Reading, PA (US);
Jeffrey P. Dziki, Sewickley, PA (US);
Joseph J. Vasalani, McKees Rocks, PA (US);
Daniel E. Hunter, Export, PA (US);
Richard A. Marando, Mohrsville, PA (US);
Eric M. Schrack, Shartlesville, PA (US);
James C. Larkin, Hummelstown, PA (US);
Edward Drost, Reading, PA (US);
Jeffrey P. Dziki, Sewickley, PA (US);
Joseph J. Vasalani, McKees Rocks, PA (US);
Daniel E. Hunter, Export, PA (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A hydroforming apparatus includes upper and lower platens that are connected together by tie rods extending through respective compression tubes. An upper die section is carried on the upper platen by a generally C-shaped suspension arm, while a lower die section is carried on the lower platen. The upper and lower die sections have recessed areas formed therein that define a die cavity. Lift assemblies are provided on the lateral ends of the hydroforming apparatus for selectively elevating the lower die section upwardly into engagement with the upper die section. When the lower die section is elevated by the lift assemblies, a workpiece is enclosed within the die cavity. A bolster is then moved between the hydroforming die and the lower platen. A cylinder array containing a plurality of pistons is next hydraulically actuated so as to securely clamp the hydroforming die between the cylinder array and the lower platen. While the cylinder array is actuated, pressurized fluid is supplied within the workpiece, deforming it into conformance with the die cavity.