in Apparatus and method for preparing a tire for mounting By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus is configured to receive a tire having at least two bead portions, including a first bead portion and a second bead portion. The apparatus includes a plurality of members configured to engage the first bead portion of the tire, at least one expander configured to move the plurality of members outward, and a rotating device configured to rotate the plurality of members about an axis of the tire. Full Article
in Tyre-changing machine and a relative bead-breaking method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A tire-changing machine comprising support means (4) for a wheel, a tool-bearing arm (50) at an end of which a bead-breaking tool (6) is hinged according to a hinge axis (E) which is perpendicular to an axis (A) of the wheel, and first motorised means (32, 33) for causing a relative movement, in a parallel direction to the axis (A) of the wheel, between the support means (4) and the tool-bearing arm (50), such as to press the bead-breaking tool (6) against a flank of a tire on the wheel, characterized in that it comprises second motorised means (64), activatable independently from the first motorised means (32, 33), which second motorised means (64) are destined to rotate the bead-breaking tool (6) about the hinge axis (E) with the tool-bearing arm (50), in order to vary an inclination of the bead-breaking tool (6) with respect to the axis (A) of the wheel which is mounted on the support means (4). Full Article
in Roller platform for tire inflation cage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A roller platform for use in a tire inflation cage includes a frame and at least one roller assembly and facilitates the rotation of a rim-wheel within the tire inflation cage. The roller platform includes a frame having members that are spaced so that the tire stop on a tire inflation cage fits between the frame members. The roller platform includes cross members that are spaced so that the cross members fit between adjacent bars of a tire inflation cage and so a bar fits between the cross members. Full Article
in Roadside repair kit for restoring tire bead integrity By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A sealing tube is wrapped around the rim and inflated such as to seal the gap between tire and rim if the seal between the tire bead and rim has lost its integrity. After this, the tire can be inflated to specified pressure at a slow rate using a portable compressor. The repair can be done at roadside on any vehicle using inflatable tires usually without demounting the wheel or even jacking up the defective wheel. Full Article
in Inflation work station By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT An inflation work station for inflating a tire-wheel assembly including a tire mounted to a wheel is disclosed. The inflation work station includes an inflation probe including a female portion and a male portion. The inflation work station further includes a movement actuator connected to a controller and the inflation probe. The movement actuator imparts movement to the male portion of the inflation probe to result in the online/offline orientation of the at least one inflation probe. The inflation workstation includes a pressurized fluid source connected to the inflation probe by way of a valve to permit or deny communication of a pressurized fluid through the inflation probe to a cavity formed by the tire-wheel assembly for inflating the tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed. Full Article
in Mounting device, and method for mounting and dismounting a vehicle tire on a wheel rim By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 May 2014 08:00:00 EDT A mounting device for mounting or dismounting a vehicle tire on a wheel rim, the wheel rim or the wheel being supported on a mounting table and a pressing-down device being provided for sliding the vehicle tire on the wheel rim. A movement of the pressing-down device is essentially parallel to the wheel axis for sliding the vehicle tire on the wheel rim or pulling off the vehicle tire from the wheel rim. Full Article
in Motorcycle tire/wheel changing tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 08:00:00 EDT A motorcycle wheel changing tool is presented that utilizes a rolling carriage that immobilizes the front or back wheel utilizing flat steel swing arms and a tension spring that holds the wheel in place with a knockout retaining rod through the wheel. The entire unit can be rolled and/or lifted in place to work in conjunction with a motorcycle stand. There is a folding handle that expands or contracts to accommodate different size tire/wheel widths and can pull the unit. The rolling wheels can be raised or lowered for different motorcycles depending on the height of the bike in relation to the wheel stand. Additionally, four large eye hooks can be raised or lowered to secure the wheel. Two threaded rods are utilized that secure both angle ends in place to secure the unit so that it is perpendicular to the wheel and keeps the unit from flexing. Full Article
in Working tool orienting device in tire demounting machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A working tool orienting device in a tire demounting machine includes a base which supports a rotary apparatus, rotating about an axis of rotation and designed to bear and lock wheel rims thereon; a column rising from the base and having an end secured to the base and an end opposite thereto facing upward; a moving arm, which is moved between positions close to and away from the rotary apparatus; a support arrangement for supporting working tools, which is coupled with the upward facing end, and joint means interposed between the support arrangement and the upward facing end, which are configured to make the support arrangement movable relative to the arm. Full Article
in Tire bead seating method and apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A tire bead seating apparatus for seating tire beads on a vehicle wheel, the apparatus comprising: (a) a repositionable arm operatively coupled to a rotatable drum, the repositionable arm directing the rotatable drum into selective engagement with an inflated tire mounted to a vehicle wheel, the rotatable drum operative to rotate when engaging the inflated tire to rotate the inflated tire and the vehicle wheel; (b) a first set of rollers selectively contacting a first peripheral surface of the inflated tire, the first peripheral surface bridging between a first sidewall and a treaded surface of the inflated tire; (c) a first set of rollers selectively contacting a second peripheral surface of the inflated tire, the second peripheral surface bridging between a second sidewall and the treaded surface of the inflated tire, the first sidewall being generally opposite the second sidewall; (d) a first bead roller selectively contacting the first sidewall proximate a first bead of the inflated tire; and, (e) a second bead roller selectively contacting the second sidewall proximate a second bead of the inflated tire. Full Article
in Jet assisted tubeless tire seating device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A nozzle for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes an outlet, a jet configured to accept pressurized gas and emit a stream of gas through an orifice into a chamber. As the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. A system for seating a tubeless tire on a rim includes the nozzle, a tank and a valve configured to control the flow of pressurized gas from the tank to the nozzle. The tire may be seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim if the valve is opened. Full Article
in Device for the automatic demounting of a tire from a rim and machine equipped with such device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A device for automatic demounting of a tire from a rim having: a support arm (4); a demounting tool (10) articulated to the support arm (4); an attachment member (12) having one end articulated to the demounting tool (10) by a first articulation pin (13) and the other end thereof pivoted to the support arm (4) around a second articulation pin (14) extending substantially parallel to the first articulation pin (13); at least one extension appendage of the support arm (4) or a section (17) of the support arm (4), which extends beyond the second articulation pin (14); and at least one tie rod member (18) that is articulated on one side to the tool, and on the other side to the extension appendage or section (17) of the support arm (4). Full Article
in Modular tire inflator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A tire inflation system comprising a tire inflation apparatus having an inflation head, a pressurized gas source, and a controller, with the inflation head being positioned at a tire and wheel assembly inflation location at which a tire and wheel assembly is received to inflate the tire and wheel assembly. The tire and wheel assembly includes a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) valve stem that detects and transmits inflation pressure data of the tire and wheel assembly. The inflation head defines a tire inflation cavity that seals with the tire of the tire and wheel assembly when engaged with the inflation head. Pressurized gas is delivered from the pressurized gas source through an outlet in the tire inflation cavity for inflation of the tire and wheel assembly. The controller receives inflation pressure data from the TPM valve stem and controls operation of the tire inflation apparatus in response thereto. Full Article
in Apparatus and method for sealing tubeless tires By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method to seat a tire on a rim are described. Protrusions and a handle on the apparatus allow a user to brace the protrusions against the rim to prevent blow back when air is vented into the gap between the tire and the rim to seat the tire bead. The air is vented through a plurality of holes in the apparatus and the flow of the air into the apparatus is controlled by positioning a bridge handle of a flow control valve situated between the apparatus and a tank of air. Full Article
in Inflator apparatus, system and method for utilizing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT An inflator apparatus for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The inflator apparatus includes a support structure; an interface portion rotatably-attached to the support structure, wherein the interface portion includes a plurality of inflator heads, wherein each inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads includes a fluid inlet; a plunger portion movably-connected to the support structure, wherein the plunger portion is movably-connected to the support structure to permit selectively coupling of the plunger portion with one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads; and a fluid conduit connected to the plunger portion, wherein the fluid conduit is fluidly connectable with the fluid inlet of the one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads. A system for processing more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed. A method for utilizing an inflator apparatus for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed. Full Article
in Tire changer with rotational position and tracking control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A tire changer machine includes a control system that monitors a rotational position of a sensitive feature associated with a wheel rim and tire during a tire change procedure. The system adjusts operation of the machine to avoid damaging the sensitive feature, which may be a valve stem or a wheel sensor such as a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor. Full Article
in Apparatus and method for mounting and removing tyres on and from respective wheel rims By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus (1) for mounting and removing a tire (2) on and from a respective rim (3) comprises: a movement element (9) for moving a bead (2a) of the tire (2) in order to insert/remove the bead (2a) into/from a respective groove in the rim (3); means (4) for supporting and moving the rim (3), designed to rotationally drive the rim about its longitudinal axis; characterized in that the means (4) for supporting and moving the rim (3) comprise a sensor (252) for measuring the mechanical strain applied to the supporting and movement means (4) as a result of the mechanical stress on the bead (2a) of the tire (2) during mounting/removal of the latter on/from the rim (3). Full Article
in Tire changing machine with automated tire bead pressing devices, controls and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT Tire changing machines with automated positioning and closed loop control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain and control operation of the bead pressing devices during tire mount and de-mount procedures. Methodology is also disclosed. Full Article
in System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed. Full Article
in Upgraded bead breaking unit for tyre changing machines or the like By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A bead breaking unit for tire changing machines includes an arm having a bead breaking tool and associated rotatable with a supporting structure between an away position, wherein the tool is spaced out from the supporting structure, and a work position, wherein the tool is near the supporting structure, an actuator apparatus having a mobile element associated sliding with the arm, a dragging device for dragging the arm, associated with the mobile element and suitable for operating during movement of the mobile element from an extracted position to a retracted position to bring the arm to the work position, a coupling device between the mobile element and the arm, suitable for operating during movement of the mobile element from the retracted to the extracted position to bring the arm from the work position to the away position, and a selection device associated with, and suitable for operating/disconnecting the coupling device. Full Article
in Machine for regeneration of pneumatic tyres By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT There is described a machine (1) for regeneration of pneumatic tires (2) comprising a beading device (5) for axial locking of the pneumatic tire to be regenerated in the direction of the revolving axis of the pneumatic tire (2) which provides an untranslatable bead (6) and a translatable bead (7) in said direction, a work rasp (9) mounted on a spindle (25), inflation means (66) of the pneumatic tire and a discharge cochlea (77). Said machine further comprises a roughing miller (8) suitable to prepare the pneumatic tire to a subsequent finishing by means of the rasp (9), said miller (8) being mounted on the same spindle (25) of the rasp (9) and after it, and constituted of a monoblock (27) with discharge channels (28) for chips produced by inserts (29) with a curved profile (30) providing a plurality of planar blades (31) joined by discharge grooves (32) of the chips produced. Full Article
in Machine for fitting and removing wheel tires for vehicles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A machine for fitting and removing wheel tires for vehicles includes a bearing structure, at least an apparatus for fastening and rotating the rim of a wheel for vehicles, a tool-carrier unit associated mobile with the bearing structure and having a removal tool, at least an adjustment apparatus suitable for adjusting the position of the tool-carrier unit with respect to the bearing structure, to place the tool-carrier unit into a work configuration wherein the removal tool is arranged in proximity of the apparatus for fastening and rotating, at least a memorisation device for memorising the position of the tool-carrier unit in the work configuration and at least a positioning device for positioning the tool-carrier unit with respect to the bearing structure between the work configuration and a configuration of minimum overall dimensions, wherein the tool-carrier unit is arranged in proximity of the bearing structure. Full Article
in Apparatus for servicing vehicle wheels By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Apparatus including a wheel balancing device and a tire changing device, comprising a spindle shaft for rotatably supporting a vehicle wheel or rim, unbalance measuring means operatively connected to the spindle shaft and having a spatial unbalance measuring area in which unbalance forces of the wheel or rim are detected, tire changer tools for assembling a tire onto a rim, spindle supporting means supporting the spindle shaft in a force acting range in which forces are created between the tire changer tools and the tire during the assembling or disassembling of the tire, tool supporting means supporting the tire changer tools within the force acting range which is arranged outside of the spatial unbalance measuring area, and drive means driving the spindle shaft with a rotational speed and torque adapted for assembling and disassembling the tire or for measuring unbalance forces of the wheel or rim. Full Article
in Device for demounting the second bead of a tire from a rim and respective demounting method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention relates to a demounting device comprising a support member translatable along a movement axis (y-y), drive means for the support member, a tool-holder arm (3) borne by the support member (2), an abutment element (4) and a hook-like extraction member (5) both supported by the tool-holder arm (3), the abutment element (4) having a substantially flat work surface (4a), whereas the hook-like extraction member (5) is suitable for being moved in a substantially transverse direction with respect to the rotation axis (x-x) of a rim (W). Full Article
in Device for demounting a tire from a rim as well as a tire demounting machine equipped with such device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention relates to a device for demounting a tire (T) from a rim (W) including at least one support element;an articulation pin element borne by the at least one support element;a spring shackle element having a first end and a second end articulated on the articulation pin;a demounting lever;an actuator borne by the at least one support element and set to act on the demounting lever in order to make the demounting lever angularly move during use; andfriction or elastic loading means designed to slow the angular movement of the spring shackle element around the articulation pin with respect to its angular movement around the first axis (x-x). Full Article
in Bead seater apparatus and method for using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An apparatus for seating a bead of a tire adjacent a bead seat of a wheel is disclosed. Full Article
in System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one linear mounter sub-station that couples the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. The apparatus also includes a transporting device that transports one of the wheel and the tire along a linear path that traverses the at least one linear mounter sub-station. The component of the at least one linear mounter sub-station resists, but does not prevent, movement of one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel along the linear path in order to spatially manipulate one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel in order to at least partially couple the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed. Full Article
in Method for mounting A tyre on a rim or demounting A tyre from a rim and apparatus therefore By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a method for controlling a current fed to an electric motor during an operation to mount a tire on a rim of a wheel including the tire and the rim, or to demount the tire from the rim. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor about an axis, and the motor current fed to the electric motor is controlled dependent on the rotational speed and torque required for the mounting and/or demounting operation. The motor current is automatically changed to cause the electric motor to apply a high torque peak to rotate the wheel, when the motor current is measured to be greater than a preset limit at a low rotational speed during a preset time. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a tire on a rim or demounting the tire from the rim. Full Article
in System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed. Full Article
in Demount tool assembly and methods for automated tire changer machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tire changer machine and tire demounting methodology includes a demount tool assembly having a demount tool selectively positionable relative to a support and configured to extract a bead of the tire from the wheel rim. A guide element is mounted to the support, and the guide element is operable to provide a limited degree of freedom of the distal end from a predetermined path of motion in a tire demount procedure, thereby allowing the distal end to reliably grip the tire bead while the support arm is maintained in a stationary position relative to the wheel rim. Full Article
in Tire sorting apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tire sorting apparatus for reliably reading information from a tire identifier, such as a barcode, formed on the surface of a tire without damaging the tire. Placed under a tire mounting table is a tire grip means which has three grip arms arranged circularly in a plane perpendicular to the tire center axis and link mechanisms for spreading the grip arms. Placed above the mounting table is a barcode reader rotating means for rotating a barcode reader held by a barcode reader holding means. The rotation axis of the barcode reader is aligned with the center of the circle formed by the grip arms of the tire grip means. Full Article
in Tire bead breaker device and methods for automated tire changer machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Automated tire changer machines, control systems and methods therefor utilize positive contact and contact force generation between wheel rims and bead breaker devices to break tire bead seals. The bead breaker devices may accordingly follow different geometries of wheel rims without prior knowledge or identification of the specific rim configuration by the machine. Full Article
in System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed. Full Article
in System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed. Full Article
in System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed. Full Article
in Rapid opening gas valve By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pneumatically operated gas valve includes a piston positioned in a cylinder with one closed end so that the piston may seat against a gas outlet to close the gas valve. A control reservoir may be formed in the cylinder between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder. Means for filling the control reservoir with gas to a control pressure may be provided so that the control pressure acting against the piston may close the gas valve. A release valve may be opened to allow the gas in the control reservoir to escape through an exhaust port to open the gas valve. Full Article
in Wheel-clamping device for a wheel-service-machine and method for reversibly clamping a wheel on a wheel-clamping device for a wheel-service-machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention concerns a wheel-clamping device for wheels on wheel-service-machines with only one drive unit and further a method for clamping wheels on a wheel-clamping device of wheel-service-machines with only one drive unit. The innovative wheel-clamping device for a wheel-service-machine according to the present invention comprises a frame 20 having a through-opening 22, and a spindle 30 being rotatably supported in the through-opening 22. Further, the spindle 30 has a through-hole 32 with a mounting-side end 30b and a driving-side end 30a, which is connectable to a drive means which is provided for a rotary movement for the spindle 30, wherein the spindle 30 has an external thread 34 on an external circumferential portion. Moreover, the wheel-clamping device comprises a sleeve 50 with a turntable 58 for the wheel to be clamped, wherein the sleeve 50 has an internal thread portion 52 which is in threaded engagement with the external thread-portion 34 of the spindle 30. Furthermore, a stopping or holding means 70 is able to temporarily hold the sleeve 50, and a clamping means 60 for the temporarily fixation of a fixing element 40 which is inserted through the mounting-side end 30b, to the spindle 30 is also provided in the innovative wheel-clamping device. Full Article
in Magnetomechanical markers for marking stationary assets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An article, system and method related to a magnetomechanical marker used to mark stationary assets. Magnetomechanical markers can be arranged in clusters and associated with stationary assets, including assets buried underground. Markers can be associated with an asset by being attached to the asset, arranged in a particular spatial relationship with the asset, or in any other appropriate way. A portable locating device can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field to activate the magnetomechanical marker and thus locate the asset. Full Article
in Method for surface inclusions detection, enhancement of endothelial and osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation, sterilization of electropolished and magnetoelectropolished nitinol surfaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The method for surface inclusions detection, enhancement of endothelial and osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation and sterilization of electropolished and magnetoelectropolished Nitinol implantable medical device surfaces uses an aqueous solution of chemical compounds containing halogenous oxyanions as hypochlorite (ClO−) and hypobromite (BrO−) preferentially 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). Full Article
in Thin gauge steel sheet excellent in surface conditions, formability, and workability and method for producing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides ultralow carbon thin gauge steel sheet and a method for producing the same where coalescence and growth of inclusions in the molten steel are prevented and the inclusions are finely dispersed in the steel sheet, whereby surface defects and cracks at the time of press forming are prevented, growth of recrystallized grains at the time of continuous annealing is promoted, and a high r value (r value≧2.0) and elongation (total elongation≧50%) are exhibited, that is, ultralow carbon thin gauge steel sheet excellent in surface conditions, formability, and workability comprised of, by mass %, 0.00030.003%≦C≦0.003%, Si≦0.01%, Mn≦0.1%, P≦0.02%, S≦0.01%, 0.0005%≦N≦0.0025%, 0.01%≦acid soluble Ti≦0.07%, acid soluble Al≦0.003%, and 0.002%≦La+Ce+Nd≦0.02% and a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities, said steel sheet characterized by containing at least cerium oxysulfite, lanthanum oxysulfite, and neodymium oxysulfite. Full Article
in Method of manufacturing a sputtering target and sputtering target By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT [Object] To provide a method of manufacturing a sputtering target and a sputtering target that are capable of achieving refinement and uniformity of crystal grains. [Solving Means] A method of manufacturing a sputtering target according to an embodiment of the present invention includes forging an ingot formed of metal by applying a stress in a first axis direction (z-axis direction) and a plane direction (xy-plane direction) orthogonal to the first axis direction. The ingot is additionally forged by applying a stress in a second axis direction (axial directions c11, c12, c21, c22) obliquely intersecting with a direction parallel to the first axis direction. The ingot is heat-treated at a temperature equal to or higher than a recrystallization temperature thereof. In such a manner, since slip deformation can be caused not only in the first axis direction and the plane direction orthogonal thereto but also in the second axis direction, the high density and uniformity of an internal stress can be achieved. Full Article
in Method for producing seamless steel pipe for oil wells excellent in sulfide stress cracking resistance By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A high-strength seamless steel pipe for oil wells excellent in sulfide stress cracking resistance which comprises, on the percent by mass basis, C: 0.1 to 0.20%, Si: 0.05 to 1.0%, Mn: 0.05 to 1.0%, Cr: 0.05 to 1.5%, Mo: 0.05 to 1.0%, Al: 0.10% or less, Ti: 0.002 to 0.05% and B: 0.0003 to 0.005%, with a value of equation “C+(Mn/6)+(Cr/5)+(Mo/3)” of 0.43 or more, with the balance being Fe and impurities, and in the impurities P: 0.025% or less, S: 0.010% or less and N: 0.007% or less. The seamless steel pipe may contain a specified amount of one or more element(s) of V and Nb, and/or a specified amount of one or more element(s) of Ca, Mg and REM. The seamless steel pipe can be produced at a low cost by adapting an in-line tube making and heat treatment process having a high production efficiency since a reheating treatment for refinement of grains is not required. Full Article
in Methods of forming molybdenum sputtering targets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT In various embodiments, planar sputtering targets are produced by forming a billet at least by pressing molybdenum powder in a mold and sintering the pressed powder, working the billet to form a worked billet, heat treating the worked billet, working the worked billet to form a final billet, and heat treating the final billet. Full Article
in Method and apparatus of forming a wrought material having a refined grain structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of forming a wrought material having a refined grain structure is provided. The method comprises providing a metal alloy material having a depressed solidus temperature and a low temperature eutectic phase transformation. The metal alloy material is molded and rapidly solidified to form a fine grain precursor that has fine grains surrounded by a eutectic phase with fine dendritic arm spacing. The fine grain precursor is plastic deformed at a high strain rate to cause recrystallization without substantial shear banding to form a fine grain structural wrought form. The wrought form is then thermally treated to precipitate the eutectic phase into nanometer sized dispersoids within the fine grains and grain boundaries and to define a thermally treated fine grain structure wrought form having grains finer than the fine grains and the fine dendritic arm spacing of the fine grain precursor. Full Article
in Two step annealing process for TMR device with amorphous free layer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An annealing process for a TMR or GMR sensor having an amorphous free layer is disclosed and employs at least two annealing steps. A first anneal at a temperature T1 of 200° C. to 270° C. and for a t1 of 0.5 to 15 hours is employed to develop the pinning in the AFM and pinned layers. A second anneal at a temperature T2 of 260° C. to 400° C. where T2>T1 and t1>t2 is used to crystallize the amorphous free layer and complete the pinning. An applied magnetic field of about 8000 Oe is used during both anneal steps. The mechanism for forming a sensor with high MR and robust pinning may involve structural change in the tunnel barrier or at an interface between two of the layers in the spin valve stack. A MgO tunnel barrier and a CoFe/CoB free layer are preferred. Full Article
in Steel material superior in high temperature characteristics and toughness and method of production of same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A steel material superior in high temperature characteristics and toughness is provided, that is, a steel material containing, by mass %, C: 0.005% to 0.03%, Si: 0.05% to 0.40%, Mn: 0.40% to 1.70%, Nb: 0.02% to 0.25%, Ti: 0.005% to 0.025%, N: 0.0008% to 0.0045%, B: 0.0003% to 0.0030%, restricting P: 0.030% or less, S: 0.020% or less, Al: 0.03% or less, and having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, where the contents of C and Nb satisfy C—Nb/7.74≦0.02 and Ti-based oxides of a grain size of 0.05 to 10 μm are present in a density of 30 to 300/mm2. Full Article
in NdFeB system sintered magnet and method for producing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a NdFeB sintered magnet which can be used in the grain boundary diffusion method as a base material in which RH can be easily diffused through the rare-earth rich phase and which itself has a high coercive force, a high maximum energy product and a high squareness ratio, as well as a method for producing such a magnet. A NdFeB system sintered has an average grain size of the main-phase grains magnet is equal to or smaller than 4.5 μm, the carbon content of the entire NdFeB system sintered magnet is equal to or lower than 1000 ppm, and the percentage of the total volume of a carbon rich phase in a rare-earth rich phase at a grain-boundary triple point in the NdFeB system sintered magnet to the total volume of the rare-earth rich phase is equal to or lower than 50%. Full Article
in High Al-content steel sheet excellent in workability and method of production of same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a high Al-content steel sheet having an excellent workability and a method of production of the same at a low cost by mass production, a high Al-content metal foil and a method of production of the same, and a metal substrate using a high Al-content metal foil, that is, a high Al-content steel sheet having an Al content of 6.5 mass % to 10 mass %, the high Al-content steel sheet characterized by having one or both of a {222} plane integration of an α-Fe crystal with respect to the surface of the steel sheet of 60% to 95% or a {200} plane integration of 0.01% to 15% and a method of production of the same, a high Al-content metal foil and a method of production of the same, and a metal substrate using a high Al-content metal foil. Full Article
in Method for manufacturing high strength galvanized steel sheet with excellent formability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of manufacturing a high-strength galvanized steel sheet includes hot-rolling a slab to form a steel sheet; during continuous annealing, heating the steel sheet to a temperature of 750° C. to 900° C. at an average heating rate of at least 10° C./s at a temperature of 500° C. to an A1 transformation point; holding that temperature for at least 10 seconds; cooling the steel sheet from 750° C. to a temperature of (Ms point—100° C.) to (Ms point—200° C.) at an average cooling rate of at least 10° C./s; reheating the steel sheet to a temperature of 350° C. to 600° C.; holding that temperature for 10 to 600 seconds; and galvanizing the steel sheet. Full Article
in Method for case hardening a component by means of oil jets and device for carrying out said method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for treating a component comprising a metallic or ceramic material with a crystalline, semi-crystalline or amorphous structure. According to the method, to case-harden the component, at least part of the surface of the component is exposed to an oil jet, while the temperature of the oil and/or the component is regulated. Also disclosed is a device for carrying out the method. Full Article
in Low nickel austenitic stainless steel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments of the invention provide a low nickel austenitic stainless steel alloy composition including about 0.6% to about 0.8% by weight carbon; about 16% to about 18% by weight chromium; about 4.5% to about 5.5% by weight nickel; about 2.0% to about 5.0% by weight manganese; about 0.8% to about 1.2% by weight tungsten; about 0.8% to about 1.2% by weight molybdenum; about 0.65% to about 0.85% by weight niobium; about 0.3% to about 1.0% by weight silicon; balance iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein percentages are based on the overall weight of the composition. The invention further provides articles, such as turbine housings, prepared using the inventive alloys. Full Article