Bi I Zhang

US Patent:

20040121848, Jun 24, 2004

Filed:

Dec 10, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/732061

Inventors:

Bi Zhang - Storrs CT, US

International Classification:

B21K001/64

US Classification:

470/096000

Abstract:

A vibration assisted tapping device includes an elastic frame for translating axial vibration to a vibration having both axial and torsional components. The elastic frame has flexural members that connect an upper plate to a lower plate with a vibratory actuator preloaded therebetween. The flexural members are inclined relative to an axis of the frame in a direction calculated to result in translated vibration substantially aligned with the lead angle of the thread being cut. Also disclosed is an automated system for applying different vibration patterns to the tap/workpiece interface during tapping and for recording the tapping torque associated with each vibration pattern. The disclosed system permits identification of the vibration frequency and amplitude that results in the greatest reduction in tapping torque. The automated system may be configured as an adaptive machine tool to first identify and then apply the optimum vibration pattern.

US Patent:

62871838, Sep 11, 2001

Filed:

Dec 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/466256

Inventors:

Bi Zhang - Storrs CT
Yanhua Yang - Storrs CT

Assignee:

The University of Connecticut - Farmington CT

International Classification:

B24B 518

US Classification:

451407

Abstract:

A vacuum-hydrostatic shoe especially suited for supporting a workpiece in metalworking operations is disclosed. The vacuum-hydrostatic shoe is comprised of a body with a support surface confronting the workpiece. Preferably the support surface is shaped to substantially conform to the workpiece shape. The shoe body comprises hydrostatic pockets. Each hydrostatic pocket has a first pressure opening defined in the support surface and a second pressure opening fluidly connected to a respective first pressure opening. The second pressure openings are also fluidly connected to a supply of pressurized fluid so that a flow of pressurized fluid can be created between the shoe body and the workpiece. The shoe body further comprises a vacuum pocket. The vacuum pocket has a first vacuum opening defined in the support surface and a fluidly connected second vacuum opening.