Patents by Inventor Kevin Meyer

Kevin Meyer 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: 10717130
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence Garay, Mark Kevin Meyer, Douglas Gerard Konitzer, William Thomas Carter
  • Patent number: 10702958
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence Garay, Mark Kevin Meyer, Douglas Gerard Konitzer, William Thomas Carter
  • Patent number: 10625342
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence Garay, Mark Kevin Meyer, Douglas Gerard Konitzer, William Thomas Carter
  • Patent number: 10610933
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence Garay, Mark Kevin Meyer, Douglas Gerard Konitzer, William Thomas Carter
  • Publication number: 20200023631
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a metallic component, and corresponding methods. The apparatus may include a build plate with a build surface and an aperture. The apparatus may also include an actuator operable to translate a metallic component such that an end portion of the metallic component is positioned within the aperture of the build plate and below the build surface. The apparatus may further include a seal coupled within the aperture of the build plate and configured to engage the end portion of the metallic component. The aperture of the build plate, the seal, and the end portion of the metallic component may cooperate to form a powder bed to hold metallic powder therein. The apparatus may also include an external heat control mechanism operable to form a predetermined temperature profile of the end portion of the component to prevent cracking of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: William Thomas Carter, Mark Kevin Meyer, Andrew David Deal, Mark Allen Cheverton, Smara Jyoti Kalita, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti
  • Patent number: 10494008
    Abstract: An improved auxiliary container for connection to a shopping cart is disclosed. The auxiliary container provides specialized capacity for small items, while providing numerous advantages to retailers and users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Wiremasters, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Scriba, Mark Nelson, James Street, Kevin Meyers
  • Publication number: 20190232294
    Abstract: Disclosed are high-throughput vessel receiving systems and methods of receiving sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for receiving a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample, and systems and apparatus for guiding, reorienting, collecting, and transporting a plurality of articles, including vessels, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: David Wilson, Jay Krajewski, Kevin Meyer
  • Publication number: 20190234980
    Abstract: Disclosed are high-throughput vessel supply systems and methods of supplying sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for supplying a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: David Wilson, Jay Krajewski, Kevin Meyer
  • Publication number: 20190234970
    Abstract: Disclosed are high-throughput vessel sorting systems and methods of sorting sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for sorting a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: David Wilson, Jay Krajewski, Kevin Meyer
  • Patent number: 10343392
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a metallic component, and corresponding methods. The apparatus may include a build plate with a build surface and an aperture. The apparatus may also include an actuator operable to translate a metallic component such that an end portion of the metallic component is positioned within the aperture of the build plate and below the build surface. The apparatus may further include a seal coupled within the aperture of the build plate and configured to engage the end portion of the metallic component. The aperture of the build plate, the seal, and the end portion of the metallic component may cooperate to form a powder bed to hold metallic powder therein. The apparatus may also include an external heat control mechanism operable to form a predetermined temperature profile of the end portion of the component to prevent cracking of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Thomas Carter, Mark Kevin Meyer, Andrew David Deal, Mark Allen Cheverton, Samar Jyoti Kalita, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti
  • Publication number: 20190143444
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatuses for additive manufacturing using foil-based build materials. Such methods and apparatuses eliminate several drawbacks of conventional powder-based methods, including powder handling, recoater jams, and health risks. In addition, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for compensation of in-process warping of build plates and foil-based build materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Justin MAMRAK, MacKenzie Ryan REDDING, Thomas Graham SPEARS, Mark Kevin MEYER
  • Publication number: 20190143587
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatuses for additive manufacturing using foil-based build materials. Such methods and apparatuses eliminate several drawbacks of conventional powder-based methods, including powder handling, recoater jams, and health risks. In addition, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for compensation of in-process warping of build plates and foil-based build materials, in-process monitoring, and closed loop control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Justin MAMRAK, MacKenzie Ryan REDDING, Mark Kevin MEYER
  • Publication number: 20190143443
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatuses for additive manufacturing using foil-based build materials. Such methods and apparatuses eliminate several drawbacks of conventional powder-based methods, including powder handling, recoater jams, and health risks. In addition, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for compensation of in-process warping of build plates and foil-based build materials, in-process monitoring, and closed loop control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Justin MAMRAK, MacKenzie Ryan REDDING, Mark Kevin MEYER
  • Patent number: 10077828
    Abstract: A powertrain system in a machine includes a transmission, and a transmission drive mechanism coupled between the transmission and an engine. The transmission drive mechanism includes a split path architecture where a first input gear receives a torque input from a driveshaft and a second input gear receives a torque input from a variator. The transmission drive mechanism is thereby structured to operate the transmission at a range of speeds that is not dependent upon a speed of the engine, enabling the engine to operate at an engine speed set point or with an optimum engine speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cronin, Kevin Meyer
  • Publication number: 20180236558
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence GARAY, Mark Kevin MEYER, Douglas Gerard KONITZER, William Thomas CARTER
  • Publication number: 20180236557
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence GARAY, Mark Kevin MEYER, Douglas Gerard KONITZER, William Thomas CARTER
  • Publication number: 20180236615
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence GARAY, Mark Kevin MEYER, Douglas Gerard KONITZER, William Thomas CARTER
  • Publication number: 20180236616
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence GARAY, Mark Kevin MEYER, Douglas Gerard KONITZER, William Thomas CARTER
  • Publication number: 20180238173
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence GARAY, Mark Kevin MEYER, Douglas Gerard KONITZER, William Thomas CARTER
  • Publication number: 20180236556
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing or repairing a turbine blade or vane are described. The airfoil portions of these turbine components are typically manufactured by casting in a ceramic mold, and a surface made up of the cast airfoil and at the least the ceramic core serves as a build surface for a subsequent process of additively manufacturing the tip portions. The build surface is created by removing a top portion of the airfoil and the core, or by placing an ultra-thin shim on top of the airfoil and the core. The overhang projected by the shim is subsequently removed. These methods are not limited to turbine engine applications, but can be applied to any metallic object that can benefit from casting and additive manufacturing processes. The present disclosure also relates to finished and intermediate products prepared by these methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Terrence GARAY, Mark Kevin MEYER, Douglas Gerard KONITZER, William Thomas CARTER