Patents by Inventor Gregory Fata

Gregory Fata 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).

  • Method and apparatus for trimming aluminum sheet to reduce slivers and improve edge quality
    Patent number: 7430951
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing or eliminating sliver formation during aluminum sheet trimming operations. A resilient support pad is used in the trimming apparatus to substantially eliminate the formation of slivers which damage the surface finish of the part. Use of the resilient support pad also significantly reduces burr heights and improves trimmed edge quality. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for trimming aluminum autobody sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Li, Gregory Fata
  • Method and apparatus for trimming aluminum sheet
    Patent number: 6976414
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing or eliminating sliver formation during aluminum sheet trimming operations. By controlling parameters such as trimming angle and cutting blade clearance, aluminum sheet can be trimmed while substantially eliminating the formation of slivers which damage the surface finish of the part. Cutting angle and clearance are preferably selected such that a wide range of cutting blade sharpnesses produce satisfactory cuts. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for trimming aluminum autobody sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Li, Gregory Fata
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRIMMING ALUMINUM SHEET
    Publication number: 20020017173
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing or eliminating sliver formation during aluminum sheet trimming operations. By controlling parameters such as trimming angle and cutting blade clearance, aluminum sheet can be trimmed while substantially eliminating the formation of slivers which damage the surface finish of the part. Cutting angle and clearance are preferably selected such that a wide range of cutting blade sharpnesses produce satisfactory cuts. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for trimming aluminum autobody sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: MING LI, GREGORY FATA
  • Trimmed aluminum sheet
    Patent number: 5820999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing or eliminating sliver formation during aluminum sheet trimming operations. By controlling parameters such as trimming angle and cutting blade clearance, aluminum sheet can be trimmed while substantially eliminating the formation of slivers which damage the surface finish of the part. Cutting angle and clearance are preferably selected such that a wide range of cutting blade sharpnesses produce satisfactory cuts. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for trimming aluminum autobody sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Ming Li, Gregory Fata