Patent · US Expired

Process for manufacturing stamp formed mufflers

US4928372A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
39References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 7, 1989
Grant dateMay 29, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 7, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49398
  • WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Apparatus and process are provided for assembling an exhaust system which includes a stamp formed muffler and pipes connected thereto. The muffler is assembled on an indexable fixturing apparatus having a plurality of stations for receiving the formed components of the muffler. Robotic gripping apparatus are provided in proximity to the indexable fixturing apparatus for moving aligned components of the muffler to welders for securely connecting the aligned components to one another. Simultaneously the pipes for the exhaust system are bent into their required configuration by programmable pipe benders. The assembled muffler and the bent pipes are then delivered to a second indexable fixturing apparatus. The loosely assembled components of the exhaust system are indexed into proximity to programmable welders which securely connect the exhaust system components together. The completed exhaust system is indexed into a position for unloading and subsequent shipment.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.