Method and apparatus for flexible manufacturing a discrete curved product from feed stock
US6622540B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC21D9/52
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for manufacturing a discrete curved product from a feed stock includes a source of heat that is adapted to impose a focused beam of light on at least one surface of a work piece to cause the surface of the work piece to expand and thereby move in the general direction of the heat source so as to impart a predetermined radius of curvature to the work piece. The apparatus is described in connection with one example where it may be employed to manufacture a curved backbone for a beam blade windshield wiper assembly from feed stock. In addition, a method of manufacturing a discrete curved product from feed stock, generally, as well as a discrete curved backbone for a beam blade windshield wiper assembly from feed stock, specifically, is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.