James Edward Steed

US Patent:

7987689, Aug 2, 2011

Filed:

Jun 6, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/157050

Inventors:

James Toeniskoetter - Rochester Hills MI, US
Ranganathan Padmanabhan - Troy MI, US
James Steed - Pontiac MI, US
Brian Hopkins - Ortonville MI, US

Assignee:

Hirotec America, Inc. - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

B21D 39/02
B21D 7/02
B21D 11/00

US Classification:

72214, 72450, 901 15

Abstract:

A robotic wheelhouse hemming apparatus includes a base. A multi-axis robot is mounted on the base. The robot includes an arm. A roller hemming head is mounted on an end of the arm for roller hemming. A slide mechanism is mounted for multi-directional movement on the base. A support is mounted on the slide mechanism. An anvil is supported on the support. A registration member is integral with the support and is engagable by the roller hemming head. The robot arm is operable to manipulate the roller hemming head into engagement with the registration member, and subsequent movement of the robot arm moves the support on the slide mechanism, thereby adjusting the position of the anvil relative to a workpiece to be hemmed.

US Patent:

20040107559, Jun 10, 2004

Filed:

Nov 26, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/722827

Inventors:

James Toeniskoetter - Rochester Hills MI, US
James Steed - Pontiac MI, US
Gerald Erker - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

TESCO Engineering, Inc.

International Classification:

B23P011/00

US Classification:

029/509000, 029/243580

Abstract:

An apparatus for horizontally actuating hemming and stamping die sets includes a horizontal base support and a roller device horizontally mounted thereon. A linear guidance system is set in and a drive support is vertically attached to the base support. A drive mechanism is supported and an anvil die set is held by the drive support. A vertical platen rests on top of the base support and is loosely guided by the linear guidance system. A punch die set is held by the vertical platen and a plurality of bushings are set therein. At least three guide shafts are secured to the anvil die set and each is engaged to one of the bushings of the punch die set. A plurality of link bars are attached to the vertical platen via link bar attachments and coupled to the drive mechanism. Actuation of the drive mechanism horizontally moves the vertical platen.

US Patent:

20060053616, Mar 16, 2006

Filed:

Jun 17, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/517570

Inventors:

James Steed - Pontiac MI, US
James Toeniskoetter - Rochester Hills MI, US

International Classification:

B21D 39/00

US Classification:

029505000

Abstract:

A portable hemming apparatus includes a support structure, a plurality of modular self-contained hemmers disposed about the support structure and at least one pneumatic drive mounted on the support structure. Each modular hemmer includes a hem die holder, a hem die fixed to the hem die holder and a movable hem punch. A hem operator is operatively connected to each modular hemmer. Each hem operator is a lever arm assembly. Actuation of the drive moves the hem operators and causes the hem punches to close and open on the hem die, allowing for the hemming of a metal panel located within the modular hemmers. The support structure of die hemming apparatus can be adapted to be mounted on a robot arm, mounted on a pedestal stand, or hung from a tool balancer. These arrangements allow for various uses of the hemming apparatus. Further, the modular design of the hemmers allows the apparatus to be used for the hemming of various sizes and shapes of panels.

US Patent:

20060225631, Oct 12, 2006

Filed:

Apr 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/101838

Inventors:

James Steed - Pontiac MI, US
James Holt - Brownstown MI, US

International Classification:

D05B 35/02

US Classification:

112141000

Abstract:

A roller type hemming apparatus includes a support member having a slide bore. A compressible fluid shock absorber is disposed in the support member and is extendable into the slide bore. A guided slide member is received in the slide bore and the slide member contacts the shock absorber. The slide member includes a flange disposed outside of the slide bore. The apparatus further includes a hem roller. The hem roller is rotatably mounted on the slide member flange. A retaining plate having an opening therein is mounted to the support member adjacent the slide bore for retaining a portion of the slide member in the slide bore and for limiting travel of the slide member out of the slide bore. The movement of the slide member is tempered during the application of an abrupt compressive force.