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:
Jun. 13, 2006
Filed:
Jan. 30, 2004
Charles J. Bruggemann, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Charles J. Bruggemann, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method of forming a tubular member with thickened ends includes the steps of positioning a tubular member between open die halves and sealing ends of the tubular member. The method also includes the steps of applying at least nominal internal hydraulic pressure to the tubular member and progressively closing the die halves. The method includes the steps of raising the hydraulic pressure substantially within the tubular member to expand and conform the tubular member to the tubular cavity portion. The method further includes the steps of thickening a wall thickness of the axial ends of the tubular member, separating the die halves, and removing the tubular member having thickened axial ends from the die.