Alfred C Thibodeaux

US Patent:

7520058, Apr 21, 2009

Filed:

Mar 30, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/394023

Inventors:

David M. Allen - Lafayette LA, US
Ricky L. Williams - Lafayette LA, US
Brett M. Northcutt - Carencro LA, US
Patrick N. Dubois - Lafayette LA, US
David J. DeMoia - Breaux Bridge LA, US
Alfred J. Thibodeaux - Carencro LA, US
Gary Keith Fontenot - Youngsville LA, US

Assignee:

Stuller, Inc. - Lafayette, LA

International Classification:

A44C 27/00

US Classification:

298964, 29 8, 29896412, 63 15

Abstract:

A method of enlarging a ring. A ring to be enlarged is severed, preferably with an end mill, and then expanded. The end mill will preferably cut a circular section from the ring, so that the ends of the now severed ring are concave. A plurality of preformed bars are also provided. The bars will have curved ends that match the curvature of the ring ends. The curvature of the bars and the ring will also match. The width of the various bars, between the ends, will be selected to correspond to desired increases in the ring circumference. A cross-sectional slice will be cut from a bar of the appropriate width and inserted into the severed ring. The ring and the cross-section will then be joined together, preferably with an induction welder, which can be used to quickly heat only a limited portion of the ring and insert.