David W Peck

US Patent:

6622540, Sep 23, 2003

Filed:

Jul 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/900075

Inventors:

Jerald E. Jones - Golden CO
David E. Peck - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

Trico Products Corporation - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B21D 3716

US Classification:

723425, 72 83, 72 112, 72206, 723426, 723792

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.

US Patent:

6813923, Nov 9, 2004

Filed:

May 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/448709

Inventors:

Jerald E. Jones - Golden CO
David E. Peck - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

Trico Products Corporation - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B21D 3716

US Classification:

723425, 72 162, 7234294

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. In addition, a method of manufacturing a discrete curved product from feed stock is also disclosed.