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:
Apr. 17, 2007
Filed:
Aug. 28, 2003
Chi-mou NI, Washington, MI (US);
Edward J. Strzelecki, Oxford, MI (US);
Chi-Mou Ni, Washington, MI (US);
Edward J. Strzelecki, Oxford, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method of progressive hydro-forming of a tubular member includes the steps of positioning a tubular member between open die halves mating with one another to define a first tubular cavity portion in a first stage. The method also includes the steps of progressively closing the die halves and applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the tubular member to the first tubular cavity portion in the first stage. The method includes the steps of positioning the expanded tubular member in a second tubular cavity portion in a second stage and progressively closing the die halves to progressively deform the expanded tubular member within the second tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the expanded tubular member to the second tubular cavity portion in the second stage.