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:
Sep. 13, 2011
Filed:
Jun. 30, 2006
Yen-lung Chen, Troy, MI (US);
John E. Carsley, Clinton Township, MI (US);
Mark W. Verbrugge, Troy, MI (US);
Xiaohong Q. Gayden, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Yen-Lung Chen, Troy, MI (US);
John E. Carsley, Clinton Township, MI (US);
Mark W. Verbrugge, Troy, MI (US);
Xiaohong Q. Gayden, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method is provided for hemming together a pair of panels and immediately sealing the hemmed joint against the intrusion of moisture. A tool mount is attached to a multi-axis manipulator such as a robot for moving the tool mount along the edge portions of the panels. A hemming roller is mounted on the tool mount and adapted to be moved along the edge portions of the panels by the multi axis manipulator to fold the flanged edge portion of the outer panel onto the edge portion of inner panel as the tool mount traverses the edge portions of the panels. A sealing mechanism is mounted on the tool mount adjacent to the hemming roller to seal the hemmed joint immediately after the flanged edge portion is folded onto the inner panel. The sealing mechanism may be a dispenser of adhesive sealer or a friction stir welder.