Patents by Inventor Tad Machrowicz
Tad Machrowicz 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).
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Publication number: 20100263770Abstract: A method for tempering a workpiece is provided. The method includes providing a ferrous alloy workpiece having a martensite and/or bainite phase therein, heating at least a portion of the workpiece to a preselected temperature and then cooling the workpiece to a lower temperature. The preselected temperature is below the austensizing temperature of the alloy and the heating is accomplished in no more than 60 seconds. One embodiment of the present invention heats the workpiece using resistance heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventor: Tad Machrowicz
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Patent number: 7732734Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Noble Advanced Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tad Machrowicz
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Patent number: 7714253Abstract: A method for providing a controlled heating profile in an article being heated in a resistance heating process is provided. The method includes contacting the article with a plurality of electrodes, selecting a first correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, and establishing a flow of electrical current between the electrodes of the first correlated group. The method also includes selecting a second correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, the second correlated group differing from the first correlated group. A flow of electrical current is also established between the electrodes of the second correlated group for the purpose of providing a controlled heating profile for an article undergoing resistance heating.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Noble Advanced Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tad Machrowicz
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Patent number: 7585017Abstract: A structural supporting roof pillar for use in a vehicle including an elongated, interiorly hollowed and polygonal shaped body having a selected arcuate lengthwise configuration and corresponding in placement to at least one of an A, B, and C vehicle pillar. A first component supporting flange is integrally formed, such as by overlapping end portions of a roll formed body, and projecting in at least a partially lengthwise extending fashion from a given cross sectional location. A secondary component supporting flange is affixed to a further cross sectional location associated with the body, such as further by welding.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Noble Advanced Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jim Zimmerman, Tad Machrowicz
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Patent number: 7503116Abstract: A continuous process for producing a shaped metal member from a feedstock comprising a flat web of metal includes a roll-forming station for shaping the web, a cutting station for cutting the shaped web into individual members, and a processing station for altering a physical characteristic of the metal comprising the members. The processing may include heat treating and/or shaping. The process may also be operable to carry out further operations such as marking, inspection, sorting and the like. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the process.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Noble Advanced Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tad Machrowicz, Frank McNulty, Jeff Bladow
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Publication number: 20080302775Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Noble Advanced Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tad Machrowicz
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Patent number: 7429711Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Noble Advanced Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tad Machrowicz
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Publication number: 20080053579Abstract: A preselected metallurgical phase is formed in a body of a ferrous alloy by heating the workpiece to a temperature above an austenizing temperature of the alloy and thereafter contacting the workpiece with a quenching medium. Heat is input to the workpiece during at least a portion of the time it is in contact with the quenching medium. The quenching medium and/or the source of heat are regulated so that they work in combination to maintain the workpiece at a holding temperature which is above the temperature at which the martensite phase forms in the alloy. After maintaining the alloy at the holding temperature for a predetermined period of time, it is cooled to ambient. In particular implementations, the system operates to form a bainite phase in the alloy. Also disclosed are systems for implementing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2005Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Tad Machrowicz, Brandon Landino
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Publication number: 20070215588Abstract: A method for providing a controlled heating profile in an article being heated in a resistance heating process is provided. The method includes contacting the article with a plurality of electrodes, selecting a first correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, and establishing a flow of electrical current between the electrodes of the first correlated group. The method also includes selecting a second correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, the second correlated group differing from the first correlated group. A flow of electrical current is also established between the electrodes of the second correlated group for the purpose of providing a controlled heating profile for an article undergoing resistance heating. The electrical current between the electrodes of the second correlated group can be established after the flow of electrical current is established between the electrodes of the first correlated group.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Applicant: Noble International, Ltd.Inventor: Tad Machrowicz
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Patent number: 7254977Abstract: A system for delivering a coolant fluid to a workpiece has a reservoir for retaining the fluid, a pump for delivering fluid from the reservoir, a supply line in communication with the workpiece and a diverter valve. A bypass line is in communication with the diverter valve, and the valve may be utilized to deliver fluid from the reservoir to the workpiece or to bypass the workpiece and circulate fluid back to the reservoir. The system also includes a fluid return line for conveying fluid from the workpiece back to the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Pullman Industries, Inc.Inventors: Tad Machrowicz, Frank McNulty, Jeff Bladow
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Patent number: 7251915Abstract: A frame system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of frame members each having a connector socket defined therein. The system further includes a connector having an outer profile configured to engage the sockets of two of the frame members so as to connect them in a fixed angular relationship. The connectors are composite bodies including a core member and an exterior body which covers at least a portion of the core member and defines a portion of the outer profile of the connector. Also disclosed are frames which employ the system and methods for manufacturing the frames.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Pullman Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jim Zimmerman, Frank McNulty, Tad Machrowicz, Edward Engler
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Publication number: 20070131319Abstract: A method for tempering a workpiece is provided. The method includes providing a ferrous alloy workpiece having a martensite and/or bainite phase therein, heating at least a portion of the workpiece to a preselected temperature and then cooling the workpiece to a lower temperature. The preselected temperature is below the austensizing temperature of the alloy and the heating is accomplished in no more than 60 seconds. One embodiment of the present invention heats the workpiece using resistance heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 14, 2007Applicant: Pullman Industries, Inc.Inventor: Tad Machrowicz
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Publication number: 20060255624Abstract: A structural supporting roof pillar for use in a vehicle including an elongated, interiorly hollowed and polygonal shaped body having a selected arcuate lengthwise configuration and corresponding in placement to at least one of an A, B, and C vehicle pillar. A first component supporting flange is integrally formed, such as by overlapping end portions of a roll formed body, and projecting in at least a partially lengthwise extending fashion from a given cross sectional location. A secondary component supporting flange is affixed to a further cross sectional location associated with the body, such as further by welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2006Publication date: November 16, 2006Inventors: Jim Zimmerman, Tad Machrowicz
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Publication number: 20060059807Abstract: A frame system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of frame members each having a connector socket defined therein. The system further includes a connector having an outer profile configured to engage the sockets of two of the frame members so as to connect them in a fixed angular relationship. The connectors are composite bodies including a core member and an exterior body which covers at least a portion of the core member and defines a portion of the outer profile of the connector. Also disclosed are frames which employ the system and methods for manufacturing the frames.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Jim Zimmerman, Frank McNulty, Tad Machrowicz, Edward Engler
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Publication number: 20060060268Abstract: A bainite phase is formed in a body of a ferrous alloy by heating the workpiece to a temperature above an austenizing temperature of the alloy and thereafter contacting the workpiece with a quenching medium. Heat is input to the workpiece during at least a portion of the time it is in contact with the quenching medium. The quenching medium and/or the source of heat are regulated so that they work in combination to maintain the workpiece at a holding temperature which is no more than 350° C. but above the temperature at which the martensite phase forms in the alloy. After maintaining the alloy at the holding temperature for a predetermined period of time, it is cooled to ambient. Also disclosed are systems for implementing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Tad Machrowicz, Brandon Landino
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Publication number: 20060060570Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventor: Tad Machrowicz
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Publication number: 20060032849Abstract: A forming system for shaping a metal article includes a pair of die members having a welding station associated therewith. The die members are operative to shape a workpiece disposed therebetween, and the welding station carries out welding operation on the article. The die members may be part of a die quench set which shapes and quenches a heated article. Welding may take place before, during, or after the shaping and quenching steps. Also disclosed are methods and specific apparatus for carrying out the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2005Publication date: February 16, 2006Inventors: Tad Machrowicz, Terry Bowman
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Publication number: 20050262982Abstract: A system for delivering a coolant fluid to a workpiece has a reservoir for retaining the fluid, a pump for delivering fluid from the reservoir, a supply line in communication with the workpiece and a diverter valve. A bypass line is in communication with the diverter valve, and the valve may be utilized to deliver fluid from the reservoir to the workpiece or to bypass the workpiece and circulate fluid back to the reservoir. The system also includes a fluid return line for conveying fluid from the workpiece back to the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2005Publication date: December 1, 2005Inventors: Tad Machrowicz, Frank McNulty, Jeff Bladow
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Publication number: 20050252588Abstract: A continuous process for producing a shaped metal member from a feedstock comprising a flat web of metal includes a roll-forming station for shaping the web, a cutting station for cutting the shaped web into individual members, and a processing station for altering a physical characteristic of the metal comprising the members. The processing may include heat treating and/or shaping. The process may also be operable to carry out further operations such as marking, inspection, sorting and the like. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2005Publication date: November 17, 2005Inventors: Tad Machrowicz, Frank McNulty, Jeff Bladow