Patents Represented by Attorney William H. Pittman
  • Patent number: 5904201
    Abstract: A method for forming integral extensions on the end of directionally oriented, superalloy articles, such as airfoil blading members or other components used in gas turbine or other turbine engines. An extension is formed directly on an article by dipping a portion or end of the article into a molten bath of a compatible alloy, followed by withdrawal of the end under controlled conditions sufficient to cause an integral extension to solidify on the article. A ceramic mold is utilized over the dipped end of the article with a mold cavity that generally defines the shape of the extension to be formed. The mold may be formed in situ, or preformed and attached to the subject article. Extensions formed by the method of this invention have a microstructure that is continuous and compatible with that of the article. Such microstructures may include epitaxial growth of the extension from the microstructure of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Melvin Robert Jackson, Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Wayne Alan Demo, Stephen Joseph Ferrigno
  • Patent number: 5833773
    Abstract: Nb-base alloys that include Ti, Hf, Cr, Al and Si as alloy constituents have a microstructure that includes a metallic solid solution phase and a mixture of intermetallic silicide phases. The metal silicide phases include an M.sub.3 Si silicide, where M comprises Nb, Ti or Hf, and an M.sub.5 (Si, Al).sub.3 silicide, where M comprises Nb, Ti or Hf. These alloys have mechanical properties such as low temperature fracture toughness, high temperature fracture strength, high temperature stress rupture strength and high temperature creep resistance, that meet or exceed those of certain Ni-base superalloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Melvin Robert Jackson
  • Patent number: 5830288
    Abstract: Additions of a first alloy constituent of at least one element from the group consisting of Y, Sc, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, or any combinations of them, and a second alloy constituent of at least one element from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb, or any combinations of them, to Ti-base alloys can be employed so as to result in an alloy containing an very fine, substantially homogeneous oxide dispersoid of the first constituent, and produce alloys having improved tensile properties, especially tensile elongation. The dispersoid results from the decomposition of an intermediate phase dispersoid comprising a compound of the first and second constituents which results from rapid solidification of the alloy from a melt. It is preferred that the second alloy constituent should be at a concentration sufficient to form the intermediate phase with all of the element or elements comprising the first alloy constituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr., Ernest Leroy Hall
  • Patent number: 5830586
    Abstract: An article having a spallation resistant TBC comprises a metal substrate, such as a high temperature superalloy, and a TBC, such as a coating of yttria stabilized zirconia. The TBC comprises a plurality of plasma-sprayed layers. The TBC has a coherent, continuous columnar grain microstructure, wherein at least one layer has a plurality of continuous columnar grains which have been extended by directional solidification into an adjacent layer. In a preferred embodiment, the coherent, continuous columnar microstructure comprises substantially all of the volume of TBC. A coherent, continuous columnar grain microstructure is also taught wherein at least some of the plurality of coherent, continuous columnar grains which comprise a TBC extend through essentially the entire thickness of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis Michael Gray, Yuk-Chiu Lau, Curtis Alan Johnson, Marcus Preston Borom, Warren Arthur Nelson
  • Patent number: 5801262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to prepare polysiloxane microspheres with narrow size distribution having a particle size in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 10 microns. The first step involves combining, by weight, an optional anionic surfactant, a polymeric stabilizer, an hydroxide base, and water to form a first aqueous mixture to which is added a silane monomer to form a second aqueous mixture. The second aqueous mixture is then stirred at a temperature of from about 5.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. for at least about 1 hours to form an aqueous dispersion comprising polysiloxane microspheres. The polysiloxane microspheres upon separation may be optionally washed with water and optionally dried at a temperature of up to about 300.degree. C. The polysiloxane microspheres can be further optionally jet treated to yield polysiloxane microspheres with a narrow size distribution having a particle size in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 10 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mary Elizabeth Adams
  • Patent number: 5779809
    Abstract: A process for removing, leaching, or dissolving ceramic cores used to maintain dimensional tolerances for internal passages during metal casting operations of hollow airfoils. The process is especially suited for dissolving porous ceramic cores, such as alumina, silica, alumina doped with oxides, and combinations thereof, that are used in internal passages in turbine airfoils during metal casting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: D. Sangeeta
  • Patent number: 5763686
    Abstract: 1,1,1-Tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, a branching agent for polycarbonates, is prepared by the reaction of phenol with 2,4-pentanedione in the presence of sulfuric acid and at least one mercapto sulfonic acid such as 3-mercaptopropanesulfonic acid as promoter. By employing specific proportions of the promoter and sulfuric acid, high product yields can be obtained in relatively short times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph McCloskey, Eric James Pressman
  • Patent number: 5760272
    Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are converted to diaryl carbonates by reaction with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst package and an added diluent free from active hydrogen. The preferred catalyst packages comprise a Group VIIIB metal or salt thereof, an inorganic cocatalyst, and organic cocatalysts and a bromide or chloride source. The amount of added diluent is an effective amount to improve selectivity to diaryl carbonate. Preferred diluents are diphenyl carbonate and N-methylpyrrolidone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric James Pressman, Sheldon Jay Shafer
  • Patent number: 5760171
    Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are decolorized by contact in the melt or in solution with a hydroxy compound containing either another hydroxy group or a double or aromatic bond in a specific location in the molecule. Illustrative decolorizing compounds are benzopinacol, benzoin and acetoin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dwain Montgomery White, Gary William Yeager
  • Patent number: 5759305
    Abstract: A method for forming nickel base superalloy articles of manufacture by a combination of hot die forging, isothermal forging and heat treatment below and above the solvus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Gilbert Benz, Edward Lee Raymond, Robert Donald Kissinger, Eric Scott Huron, Charles Philip Blankenship, Jr., Michael Francis Henry
  • Patent number: 5759406
    Abstract: An adsorption process uses a non-ion-exchangeable adsorbent polymeric resin of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer such as styrene and a polyvinylidene monomer such as divinylbenzene for the adsorption of organic bases, such amines, amine salts and guanidinium salts, from high ionic strength aqueous solutions. Desorption may be employed for the recovery of said organic bases, and said adsorbent resin may be regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter David Phelps, Joseph John Caringi, Larry Ivis Flowers, Eugene Pauling Boden, David Lee Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5756859
    Abstract: 1,1,1-Tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane in admixture with bisphenol A is obtained by the reaction of 2,4-pentanedione with excess phenol under acidic conditions and in the presence of a mercapto compound as promoter. The products may be separated by extracting bisphenol A with a chlorinated alkane. Purification of the resulting 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane is achieved by slurrying in and/or recrystallization from methanol-water, optionally with addition of an alkali metal borohydride or dithionite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph McCloskey, Paul Dean Sybert, Julia Lam Lee, David Michel Dardaris
  • Patent number: 5756843
    Abstract: Quaternary salts having a double helix structure are prepared by the reaction of dihydroxyaromatic compound, preferably a bisphenol, with an alkali metal hydroxide and a quaternary salt, such as a tetraalkylammonium or hexaalkylguanidinium chloride. The quaternary salts and their alkaline hydrolysis products are useful as catalysts in various reactions, including imide formation from bisphenol salts and halo- or nitro-substituted phthalimides and redistribution and equilibration of polycarbonates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jimmy Lynn Webb, Matthew Hal Littlejohn, Joseph John Caringi, Thomas Link Guggenheim, Robert Joseph Nick, Patrick Joseph McCloskey, Joseph Anthony King, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5756801
    Abstract: Adducts of hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol and diaryl carbonates such as diphenyl carbonate are washed with a washing composition comprising a major proportion, typically about 90%, of the hydroxyaromatic compound and a minor proportion, typically about 10%, of the diaryl carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sheldon Jay Shafer, Eric James Pressman
  • Patent number: 5750954
    Abstract: A water exclusion device for underwater arc welding comprises a chamber having flexible gas permeable surface contact member at the lower end. A wire mesh material is the preferred gas permeable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond Alan White, Harvey Donald Solomon
  • Patent number: 5747181
    Abstract: A superconductive article is made from interconnected superconductive, metallic tapes. The tapes preferably are mechanically joined and electrically interconnected by a plurality of superconductive interconnections that extend between the tapes. The interconnections are formed by overlapping the edges of two tapes and forming a plurality of superconductive welds between the tapes in the overlapping regions. Articles of this invention may be formed from superconductive tapes made from Nb.sub.3 Sn having superconductive interconnections that also include Nb.sub.3 Sn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas Robert Raber
  • Patent number: 5733159
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for exhausting and combined exhausting and seasoning of x-ray tubes having glass envelopes for a high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode therein. The methods include providing a glass tubulation having a diameter greater than about 20 mm, then operatively connecting the glass tubulation to the x-ray tube glass envelope, providing a glass sealing cup inside the glass tubulation, the glass sealing cup having a smaller diameter than the glass tubulation, providing a vacuum to the glass tubulation, positioning a heater on the outside of the glass tubulation, heating the anode of the x-ray tube to a temperature inside the x-ray tube glass envelope of about 1500.degree. C., positioning the glass sealing cup inside the glass tubulation proximate the position of the heating means on the outside of the glass tubulation, heating the glass tubulation proximate the glass sealing cup to about 1300.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Raber, William Joseph Jones, Michael Patrick Dennin
  • Patent number: 5733162
    Abstract: Improved methods of exhausting and combined exhausting and seasoning of x-ray tube envelopes for high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode therein which includes providing a glass tubulation having a diameter greater than about 20 mm then operatively connecting the glass tubulation to the x-ray tube envelope, providing a disk inside the glass tubulation, the disk having a smaller diameter than the glass tubulation, providing a vacuum to the glass tubulation; positioning heating means on the outside of the glass tubulation, heating the anode of the x-ray tube to a temperature temperatures inside the x-ray tube envelope of about 1500.degree. C., positioning the disk inside the glass tubulation proximate the position of the heating means on the outside of the glass tubulation, heating the glass tubulation proximate the disk to about 1300.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Gilbert Benz, Robert John Zabala, Thomas Robert Raber, William Joseph Jones
  • Patent number: 5726856
    Abstract: Ultracapacitors including at least one cell with two solid, non-porous current collectors, two porous electrodes, preferably of carbon, and a porous separator between the electrodes, employ as electrolytes materials comprising at least one hexasubstituted guanidinium salt. Such salts may be employed in solution in a stable organic liquid such as propylene carbonate, or neat in liquid form. They may be prepared by first preparing a hexasubstituted guanidinium halide and then performing an anion exchange reaction, either with a salt which forms an insoluble halide such as a silver salt or by a liquid--liquid extraction method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Anthony King, Jr., Peter David Phelps
  • Patent number: 5726270
    Abstract: A process for the synthesis of polysiloxane emulsions is discussed. The process yields mono modal polysiloxane emulsions, providing control over the particle size and dispersity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Daniel Horace Craig