Michael A Swartz

US Patent:

6436329, Aug 20, 2002

Filed:

Feb 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/253667

Inventors:

William H. Hardgrove - Englewood OH
Hiroaki Yamamoto - Brookville OH
Michael A. Swartz - Brookville OH
Andrew G. Yorde - Brookville OH

Assignee:

Green Tokai Co., Ltd. - Brookville OH

International Classification:

B29C 4514

US Classification:

264266, 264267, 264275, 425127, 4251291

Abstract:

Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

US Patent:

6592173, Jul 15, 2003

Filed:

Jun 18, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/173173

Inventors:

William H. Hardgrove - Englewood OH
Hiroaki Yamamoto - Brookville OH
Michael A. Swartz - Brookville OH
Andrew G. Yorde - Brookville OH

Assignee:

Green Tokai Co., Ltd. - Brookville OH

International Classification:

B60A 2700

US Classification:

296187, 296194, 296901, 293102

Abstract:

Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

US Patent:

62773194, Aug 21, 2001

Filed:

Feb 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/252744

Inventors:

William H. Hardgrove - Englewood OH
Michael A. Swartz - Brookville OH
Andrew G. Yorde - Brookville OH

Assignee:

Green Tokai Co., Ltd. - Brookville OH

International Classification:

B23K 2616

US Classification:

264400

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for laser trimming a shaped plastic workpiece use a laser beam positioned and directed by a robotic arm traveling along a pre-programmed path to trim the edges of a workpiece held against a positioning block. Preferably, the positioning block includes a laser beam capturing channel comprising suction holes for removing smoke generated by the ablation and burning of the plastic so as to minimize the risk of smoke damage to the workpiece and to remove soot and vapors from the work area. At the same time, laser beams are inhibited form reflecting back off the block onto the workpiece by positioning the channel under the workpiece and along the predetermined cutting path.