Patents by Inventor Norbert A. Burns

Norbert A. Burns 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 electrochemically machining airfoil blades
    Patent number: 4851090
    Abstract: In accordance with a preferred, exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of forming a blisk from a workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece includes a blank having oppositely facing first and second faces defined by a radially inner housing, a radially outer top, a first edge, and a second edge. The method comprises the steps of:positioning first and second electrodes adjacent to the first and second faces, respectively, of the blank;supplying a positive voltage to the blank and a negative voltage to the first and second electrodes;channeling an electrolyte between the blank and the first and second electrodes for electrochemically machining the blank;moving the first and second electrodes toward the first and second faces of the blank; andmoving the workpiece toward the first and second electrodes.In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed for practicing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Norbert A. Burns, John S. Reynolds, Willard Hansen, Kenneth R. Hutton