Patents by Inventor Frank Horton
Frank Horton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 10792972Abstract: A heating and cooling system for a vehicle included within a radiator module having a plurality of fins. At least two thermophysical batteries are provided, each including an adsorption bed unit and an evaporator condenser unit. At least one upper coolant line extends along the adsorption bed unit of each of the thermophysical batteries and is configured to be connected to a source of waste heat of the vehicle for transferring heat from the source of waste heat to a coolant contained in the coolant line and to the adsorption bed units to recharge the adsorption bed unit. At least one distribution element configured in discharge mode to convey heated fluids from adjacent the adsorption bed units or cooled fluids from adjacent to the evaporator condenser units to another region of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Jasmin Jijina Sinkular, Frank Horton, Hussein Dourra
-
Publication number: 20190100075Abstract: A heating and cooling system for a vehicle included within a radiator module having a plurality of fins. At least two thermophysical batteries are provided, each including an adsorption bed unit and an evaporator condenser unit. At least one upper coolant line extends along the adsorption bed unit of each of the thermophysical batteries and is configured to be connected to a source of waste heat of the vehicle for transferring heat from the source of waste heat to a coolant contained in the coolant line and to the adsorption bed units to recharge the adsorption bed unit. At least one distribution element configured in discharge mode to convey heated fluids from adjacent the adsorption bed units or cooled fluids from adjacent to the evaporator condenser units to another region of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Jasmin Jijina SINKULAR, Frank HORTON, Hussein DOURRA
-
Patent number: 9737922Abstract: An explosion forming apparatus (10) that preferably utilizes a shock wave (42) directed along a work piece (12) to progressively conform the work piece to a contour die cavity (44).Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Alexander Zak, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Frank A. Horton
-
Patent number: 9522424Abstract: An automotive component including a composite casting is provided. The composite casting includes a steel member and an end cap fastened to an end portion of the steel member. A cast coupling member is cast about the end portion of the steel member including the end cap, thereby positively and rigidly securing the cast coupling member to the steel member. The automotive component can comprise an engine cradle, a control arm, an instrument panel support structure, a bumper assembly, or a twist axle. The cast coupling member is typically formed by casting-in-place aluminum about the end cap and the end portion of the steel member. The steel member is typically a tubular member, and the end cap typically includes a flange designed to provide a mechanical interlock surface with the cast coupling member. For example, the flange can have a polygonal shape, an outwardly extending member, or notches.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Gregory P. Kiselis
-
Patent number: 9073403Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Mark F. Werner, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Gregory P. Kiselis, DeWayne Dale Egle, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Erryn Leigh Ashmore, Daniel Sulisz, Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs, Ying Zhang, Ryan R. Warpup, Dalip K. Matharoo
-
Publication number: 20150035245Abstract: An automotive component including a composite casting is provided. The composite casting includes a steel member and an end cap fastened to an end portion of the steel member. A cast coupling member is cast about the end portion of the steel member including the end cap, thereby positively and rigidly securing the cast coupling member to the steel member. The automotive component can comprise an engine cradle, a control arm, an instrument panel support structure, a bumper assembly, or a twist axle. The cast coupling member is typically formed by casting-in-place aluminum about the end cap and the end portion of the steel member. The steel member is typically a tubular member, and the end cap typically includes a flange designed to provide a mechanical interlock surface with the cast coupling member. For example, the flange can have a polygonal shape, an outwardly extending member, or notches.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Gregory P. Kiselis
-
Patent number: 8899624Abstract: A method of forming metal castings, including positioning a first end of a structural member in a first mold cavity and a second end of the structural member in a second mold cavity. The first and second mold cavities being fluidly coupled to a reservoir of molten metal. Applying a main pressure to the molten metal in the reservoir to force the molten metal into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity. Then, applying a first auxiliary pressure to the first mold cavity and a second auxiliary pressure to the second mold cavity to densify the casting formed in the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity. Also, a method for casting including maintaining a main pressure at or less than an initial, mold-filling pressure after first and second mold cavities have been filled. Additionally, a method for detecting whether a first mold cavity is sufficiently filled with molten metal by monitoring a moveable element.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Gregory P. Kiselis
-
Patent number: 8656750Abstract: A hot forming die that includes a first die and a second die. The first die has a first die structure that is formed of a tool steel. The first die structure has a first die surface and a plurality of first cooling apertures. The first die surface has a complex shape. The first cooling apertures are spaced apart from the die surface by a first predetermined distance. The second die has a second die surface. The first and second die surfaces cooperate to form a die cavity. Related methods for forming a hot forming die and for hot forming a workpiece are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Frank A. Horton, Boris Shulkin, Bradford L. Hastilow, Jim Metz, James R. Judkins, Monty Hansen, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Andreas G. Janssen
-
Publication number: 20130285343Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Mark F. Werner, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Gregory P. Kiselis, DeWayne Dale Egle, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Erryn Leigh Langlois, Daniel Sulisz, Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs, Ying Zhang, Ryan R. Warpup, Dalip K. Matharoo
-
Patent number: 8496258Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Mark F. Werner, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Gregory P. Kiselis, DeWayne Dale Egle, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Erryn Leigh Langlois, Daniel Sulisz, Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs, Ying Zhang, Ryan R. Warpup, Dalip K. Matharoo
-
Patent number: 8443641Abstract: An explosion forming apparatus (10) that preferably utilizes a shock wave (42) directed along a work piece (12) to progressively conform the work piece to a contour die cavity (44).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AGInventors: Alexander Zak, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Frank A. Horton
-
Publication number: 20120247171Abstract: A hot forming die that includes a first die and a second die. The first die has a first die structure that is formed of a tool steel. The first die structure has a first die surface and a plurality of first cooling apertures. The first die surface has a complex shape. The first cooling apertures are spaced apart from the die surface by a first predetermined distance. The second die has a second die surface. The first and second die surfaces cooperate to form a die cavity. Related methods for forming a hot forming die and for hot forming a workpiece are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Frank A. Horton, Boris Shulkin, Bradford L. Hastilow, Jim Metz, James R. Judkins, Monty Hansen, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Andreas G. Janssen
-
Patent number: 8215147Abstract: A hot forming die that includes a first die and a second die. The first die has a first die structure that is formed of a tool steel. The first die structure has a first die surface and a plurality of first cooling apertures. The first die surface has a complex shape. The first cooling apertures are spaced apart from the die surface by a first predetermined distance. The second die has a second die surface. The first and second die surfaces cooperate to form a die cavity. Related methods for forming a hot forming die and for hot forming a workpiece are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Frank A. Horton, Boris Shulkin, Bradford L. Hastilow, Jim Metz, James R. Judkins, Monty Hansen, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Andreas G. Janssen
-
Publication number: 20110068619Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: Mark F. WERNER, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Gregory P. Kiselis, DeWayne Dale Egle, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Erryn Leigh Langlois, Daniel Sulisz, Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs, Ying Zhang, Ryan R. Warpup, Dalip K. Matharoo
-
Publication number: 20110012320Abstract: A method of forming metal castings, including positioning a first end of a structural member in a first mold cavity and a second end of the structural member in a second mold cavity. The first and second mold cavities being fluidly coupled to a reservoir of molten metal. Applying a main pressure to the molten metal in the reservoir to force the molten metal into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity. Then, applying a first auxiliary pressure to the first mold cavity and a second auxiliary pressure to the second mold cavity to densify the casting formed in the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity. Also, a method for casting including maintaining a main pressure at or less than an initial, mold-filling pressure after first and second mold cavities have been filled. Additionally, a method for detecting whether a first mold cavity is sufficiently filled with molten metal by monitoring a moveable element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Seetarama S. KOTAGIRI, Timothy W. SKSZEK, Frank A. HORTON, Gregory P. KISELIS
-
Patent number: 7837230Abstract: A hybrid component for lightweight, structural uses, including a steel member formed of a high strength steel; and a cast coupling member cast on a portion of the steel member by casting-in-place a semi-solid aluminum about the portion of the steel member, thereby positively and rigidly securing the coupling member to the steel member. A method of forming a hybrid component for lightweight, structural uses, including: forming a steel member formed of a high strength steel into a predetermined configuration; and casting a coupling member on a portion of the steel member by casting-in-place a semi-solid aluminum about the portion of the steel member, thereby positively and rigidly securing the coupling member to the steel member.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Frank Gabbianelli, Erryn Leigh Langlois, Daniel Sulisz, Mark F. Werner, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, P. Gregory Kiselis, Dewayne Dale Egle
-
Patent number: 7806162Abstract: A method of forming metal castings includes positioning a first end of a structural member in a first mold cavity and a second end of the structural member in a second mold cavity. The first and second mold cavities are fluidly coupled to a reservoir of molten metal. A main pressure is applied to the molten metal in the reservoir to force the molten metal into the first and second mold cavities. First and second auxiliary pressures are applied to the first and second mold cavities to densify the castings formed in the first and second mold cavities. Another method for casting includes maintaining a main pressure at or less than an initial, mold-filling pressure after the first and second mold cavities have been filled. Additionally, a method for detecting whether a first mold cavity is sufficiently filled with molten metal includes monitoring a moveable element.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, P. Gregory Kiselis
-
Publication number: 20090320547Abstract: A hot forming die that includes a first die and a second die. The first die has a first die structure that is formed of a tool steel. The first die structure has a first die surface and a plurality of first cooling apertures. The first die surface has a complex shape. The first cooling apertures are spaced apart from the die surface by a first predetermined distance. The second die has a second die surface. The first and second die surfaces cooperate to form a die cavity. Related methods for forming a hot forming die and for hot forming a workpiece are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Frank A. Horton, Boris Shulkin, Bradford L. Hastilow, Jim Metz, James R. Judkins, Monty Hansen, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Andreas G. Janssen
-
Publication number: 20090205396Abstract: An explosion forming apparatus (10) that preferably utilizes a shock wave (42) directed along a work piece (12) to progressively conform the work piece to a contour die cavity (44).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: Alexander ZAK, Seetarama S. KOTAGIRI, Frank A. HORTON
-
Publication number: 20090014144Abstract: A method of forming metal castings, including positioning a first end of a structural member in a first mold cavity and a second end of the structural member in a second mold cavity. The first and second mold cavities being fluidly coupled to a reservoir of molten metal. Applying a main pressure to the molten metal in the reservoir to force the molten metal into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity. Then, applying a first auxiliary pressure to the first mold cavity and a second auxiliary pressure to the second mold cavity to density the casting formed in the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity. Also, a method for casting including maintaining a main pressure at or less than an initial, mold-filling pressure after first and second mold cavities have been filled. Additionally, a method for detecting whether a first mold cavity is sufficiently filled with molten metal by monitoring a moveable element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Gregory P. Kiselis