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:
Oct. 10, 2006
Filed:
Dec. 26, 2002
Mark A. Savoy, Metamora, MI (US);
Mark A. Savoy, Metamora, MI (US);
Utica Enterprises, Inc., Shelby Township, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming attachment pads in an inner body panel for the precise attachment of an outer body panel thereto. The apparatus positions a fixed anvil at a predefined net reference position while a face plate simultaneously 'finds' the panel and is mechanically locked into position. Thereafter, the apparatus forms the inner body panel between a forming die and the fixed anvil. The face plate maintains the location of the surface metal around the die, resulting in the formation of a raised pad the outermost surface of which is at the predefined net reference position. A single such apparatus can form raised pads having different predefined net reference positions for different attachment locations. A reciprocating punch having a variable stroke length selectively provides either a hole or a slot in the raised pad.