David J Fish

Address:

30524 Mcgrath Dr, Warren, MI 48093

VIN:

2A4GP54L17R157493

Make:

CHRYSLER

Model:

TOWN AND COUNTRY

Year:

2007

US Patent:

6497128, Dec 24, 2002

Filed:

Mar 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/811369

Inventors:

James C. Canfield - Lake Orion MI
Randall F. Alder - Fenton MI
Gail M. Cunningham - Oxford MI
David R. Fish - Waterford MI
Harjinder Singh - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

International Classification:

B21D 2602

US Classification:

72 61, 72 60, 294211

Abstract:

A method of manufacturing a fuel rail for use in a fuel delivery system, such as for an engine in a vehicle, includes the initial hydroforming step to deform a central portion of a workpiece to have one or more outwardly extending node portions, followed by a subsequent hydroforming step to deform one or more end portions of the workpiece to have additional outwardly extending node portions. To do this, a pair of pressure feed pistons are disposed within the interior of the workpiece and have head portions that sealingly engage the inner surface of the workpiece so as to define a pressure chamber therein. Pressurized fluid is introduced into the pressure chamber so as to deform a portion thereof into conformance with the portion of the die cavity located within the pressure chamber. Then, the pressure feed pistons are moved to re-define the pressure chamber within the workpiece. Pressurized fluid is again introduced into the enlarged pressure chamber so as to deform other portions of the workpiece.