Richard Cleo Riggs

US Patent:

6540498, Apr 1, 2003

Filed:

Oct 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/970606

Inventors:

Richard H. Riggs - Saline MI
David John Gabbey - Pinckney MI
Patrick L. Marion - Adrian MI

Assignee:

Pilot Industries, Inc. - Dexter MI

International Classification:

B29C 5308

US Classification:

4251744, 264327, 264339, 425384, 425392

Abstract:

An apparatus is disclosed for thermosetting thermoplastic tubes in a predefined shape having at least one bend. The apparatus includes an oven with an interior chamber which is heated to a temperature approaching that at which the tube thermally deforms. An elongated former has a channel dimensioned to receive the tube, and this channel has the predefined shape. A thermally absorbent coating is disposed only on a surface of the former adjacent to and extending across each bend of the former. This thermally absorbent coating locally adds the thermal energy required to reset the memory of the tube at the bend location. A conveyor extends through the oven chamber from an inlet end and to an outlet end of the oven, and the former is attached to the conveyor.

US Patent:

6702980, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

Apr 30, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/136750

Inventors:

Richard H. Riggs - Saline MI

Assignee:

Martinrea Industries, Inc. - Dexter MI

International Classification:

G21D 106

US Classification:

266258, 148570

Abstract:

An apparatus is disclosed for annealing only a portion of an elongated tubular workpiece. The apparatus includes an elongated tube dimensioned to receive the workpiece so that a first end of the workpiece together with the portion to be annealed is positioned within the tube while a second end of the workpiece extends outwardly from the tube. An induction coil is disposed coaxially around only a portion of the workpiece portion exteriorly of the tube while a source of pressurized nitrogen/hydrogen is fluidly connected to the interior of the tube. In an annealing operation, the tube is filled with hydrogen/nitrogen and the induction coil is energized thus heating only the portion of the workpiece for which annealing is desired. Simultaneously, hydrogen/nitrogen flows through the tube thus cooling the workpiece and maintaining an oxygen-free environment within the tube.