Patents Represented by Attorney McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC

Find this attorney in the Justia Lawyer Directory

  • Preparation of filler-metal weld rod by injection molding of powder
    Patent number: 8021604
    Abstract: A filler-metal weld rod of a filler-metal composition is prepared by providing a mass of metallic powders, mixing the metallic powders with a temporary thermoplastic binder to form an injection-moldable mixture, and thereafter injection molding the injection-moldable mixture at an injection-molding temperature above the thermoplastic temperature of the thermoplastic binder to form an injection-molded rod. Any excess thermoplastic binder is removed from the injection-molded rod, and the injection-molded rod is thereafter sintered to form a filler-metal weld rod, with the temporary thermoplastic binder removed in the step of sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Kelly
  • System and method for cooling a compressor motor
    Patent number: 8021127
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for cooling motors used to drive gas and air compressors. In particular, the cooling of hermetic and semi-hermetic motors is accomplished by a gas sweep using a gas source located in the low-pressure side of a gas compression circuit. The gas sweep is provided by the creation of a pressure reduction at the compressor inlet sufficient to draw uncompressed gas through a motor housing, across the motor, and out of the housing for return to the suction assembly. The pressure reduction is created by structure in the suction assembly, such as a nozzle and gap assembly, or alternatively a venturi, located upstream of the compressor inlet. Additional motor cooling can be provided by circulating liquid or another cooling fluid through a cooling jacket in the motor housing portion adjacent the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Paul De Larminat
  • Direct to metal sintering of 17-4PH steel
    Patent number: 8017070
    Abstract: A method of sintering a 17-4PH alloy powder and a sintered 17-4PH sintered part are disclosed. The part is formed by selective laser sintering a 17-4PH alloy powder and binder mixture to form a green part that is sintered to form a part having a substantially pure martensitic structure. The metal powder includes boron. The sintered part may be further processed by shot peening to improve crack resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven C. Low, Jerry G. Clark, Neal W Muylaert, Richard J. Nord, Blair E. Thompson, Bryan E. Ake, Reid W. Williams
  • Collectable fingerprinted apparatus and methods
    Patent number: 8019130
    Abstract: Collectable fingerprinted items, and methods of making such fingerprinted items, including original and simulated fingerprints for application to an item to create a collectable item. The processes may be used to create a variety of collectable items, such as instrument picks, pendants, key fobs, charms, and other collectables. The process includes taking an original fingerprint impression, using the original impression to create a simulated fingerprint impression. The methods optionally include altering at least one identifying characteristic in a manner that prevents identity theft of other misuse of the fingerprint impression. The process optionally includes applying the simulated fingerprint impression to an item, such as by making a mold incorporating the simulated fingerprint, such as by using CAD/CAM technology and molding an item using the created mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Mark V. Aletto, Darryl S. Griffing, Richard J. Mackey
  • Variable speed drive with integral bypass contactor
    Patent number: 8014110
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a variable speed drive to receive an input AC power at a fixed AC input voltage and frequency and provide an output AC power at a variable voltage and variable frequency. The variable speed drive includes a converter stage to convert the input AC voltage to a boosted DC voltage, a DC link connected to the converter stage to filter and store the boosted DC voltage from the converter stage; and an inverter stage to convert the boosted DC voltage into AC power with variable voltage and the variable frequency. An integral bypass contactor is connected in parallel with the VSD between the AC power source and the AC output power. The integral bypass contactor is arranged to bypass the VSD when the VSD output frequency and voltage are approximately equal with the AC input voltage and frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Harold R. Schnetzka, Ivan Jadric
  • Method and apparatus for controlling noise levels of a turbine with minimal loss in energy yield
    Patent number: 8013460
    Abstract: A method for controlling a tip speed of a blade of a wind turbine. The method includes determining the wind speed proximate the wind turbine; maintaining a first substantially constant rotational speed of the tip of the blade during variable wind speeds above a first predetermined nominal wind speed and below the second predetermined nominal wind speed; maintaining a second substantially constant rotational speed of the tip of the blade during variable wind speeds above a second predetermined nominal wind speed. The noise generated by wind at the second predetermined nominal wind speed is greater than noise generated by the blade at the second constant rotational speed of the tip of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin Kinzie, Stefan Herr, Benoit Petitjean
  • Apparatus to sense and control compressor operation in an HVAC system
    Patent number: 8011197
    Abstract: An HVAC system and method for configuring a controller to control a compressor including a detection system provided to determine a type of compressor. The detection system includes a processor; and a load sensing circuit connected between the processor and a controller. The controller has a plurality of output connections connectable to a compressor. The load sensing circuit senses whether a load is present on each output connection of the plurality of output connections and provides a load signal to the processor indicating whether a load is present on each output connection. The load signals are processed with the processor to determine the type of compressor is present. The controller is configured to control the compressor in response to the determined type of compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Jeffrey Lee Tucker
  • Producing metallic articles by reduction of nonmetallic precursor compounds and melting
    Patent number: 8012273
    Abstract: A metallic article is produced by furnishing one or more nonmetallic precursor compound comprising the metallic constituent element(s), and chemically reducing the nonmetallic precursor compound(s) to produce an initial metallic particle, preferably having a size of no greater than about 0.070 inch, without melting the initial metallic particle. The initial metallic particle is thereafter melted and solidified to produce the metallic article. By this approach, the incidence of chemical defects in the metal article is minimized. The melted-and-solidified metal may be used in the as-cast form, or it may be converted to billet and further worked to the final form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew P. Woodfield, Clifford E. Shamblen, Eric A. Ott
  • Micromachined piezoelectric ultrasound transducer arrays
    Patent number: 8008842
    Abstract: A piezoelectric composite micromachined ultrasound transducer including single and multilayer 1-D and 2-D arrays having through-wafer-vias (TWVs) that significantly decreased electrical impedance per element, and hence the improved electrical impedance matching to T/R electronics and improved signal to noise ratio is disclosed. The TWVs facilitate integrated interconnection in single element transducers (positive and negative contact on the same side) and array transducers (contact pads array for integration with T/R switches and/or pre-amplifier circuits).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: TRS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoning Jiang, Wesley S. Hackenberger, Kevin A. Snook
  • Variable speed drive
    Patent number: 8004803
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved Variable Speed Drives are provided. One embodiment relates to apparatus for common mode and differential mode filtering for motor or compressor bearing protection when operating with Variable Speed Drives, including conducted EMI/RFI input power mains mitigation. Another embodiment relates to a method to extend the synchronous operation of an active converter to the AC mains voltage during complete line dropout. Another embodiment relates to an active converter-based Variable Speed Drive system with Improved Full Speed Efficiency. Another embodiment relates to a liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor. The liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor may be used in any application where liquid or refrigerant cooling is available and a reduction in size and weight of a magnetic component is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Harold R. Schnetzka
  • Powder food dispenser
    Patent number: 8002153
    Abstract: The present invention is a powder dispenser for dispensing predetermined amounts of a powder product. The powder dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing tube. The dispensing tube removes a predetermined amount of the powder product from the housing to be dispensed into a container. The dispensing tube includes recesses having a predetermined volume to control the amount of powder product dispensed. The housing includes a lower cavity for storing containers that receive the dispensed powder product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Kristine A. Lowther
  • Wind turbine plant high wind derating control
    Patent number: 7999406
    Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine plant including providing a plurality of wind turbines each having a turbine rotor including at least one blade mounted to a rotatable turbine shaft and an induction generator having a stator and a rotor coupled to the turbine shaft for rotation therewith. The wind turbine is configurable to provide a variable amount of power. A control is provided capable of communicating with the plurality of wind turbines. A wind speed is measured and a power derating factor is determined in response to the measured wind speed. The determined derating factor is communicated to the plurality of wind turbines. The amount of power generated by each of the plurality of wind turbines is adjusted in response to the power derating factor. A system for operating a wind turbine plant is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Cardinal, Kirk Gee Pierce
  • Pressure equalization component for a compressor
    Patent number: 7992399
    Abstract: A system to equalize pressure connected to a compressor for use in HVAC&R system is provided. The system includes a component in fluid communication between a high pressure side and an intermediate pressure side of the compressor. The component is configured to permit flow of refrigerant between the high pressure side and the intermediate pressure side at least when the compressor is not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Bristol Compressors International, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Monk, Richard C. Denzau, John Robert Williams, Scott G. Hix, Timothy Michael Wampler, Bruce Moody
  • Corrosion coating for turbine blade environmental protection
    Patent number: 7993759
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine turbine blade comprising an airfoil section, a platform section, an under platform section, and a dovetail section, an exterior surface of the dovetail section comprising a shank exterior surface and a serrated exterior surface. The blade further comprises a silicon-modified diffusion aluminide layer a surface of a turbine blade section selected from the group consisting of an exterior surface of the under platform section, the exterior surface of the dovetail section, and combinations thereof, the silicon modified diffusion aluminide layer having a concentration of silicon at a surface of the silicon-modified diffusion aluminide layer in the range of about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent and a concentration of aluminum at the surface of the silicon modified diffusion aluminide layer in the range of about 5 weight percent to about 25 weight percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bangalore A. Nagaraj, Mark D. Gorman
  • Sealed plug assembly
    Patent number: 7988476
    Abstract: A protective plug assembly for use with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. The plug assembly is installed over a terminated USB connector and provides additional shielding for the USB connector, thereby allowing the USB connector to be used in military, aerospace, industrial or other applications in which signal degradation is a concern. The plug assembly is easily installed in the field, as the plug adapter assembly may be preassembled during manufacture. The plug assembly also provides sealing for the USB connector which allows the USB connector to be used in environmental conditions which are not conducive to the longevity of an unprotected connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Souriau USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Brian Billman, Scott David Harnish
  • Low cost antenna array fabrication technology
    Patent number: 7985463
    Abstract: Methods are provided for producing large volumes of small antenna arrays. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating an antenna array pattern as a computer file, printing the created pattern onto the surface of a suitable transfer paper, placing the printed image surface in contact with the surface of a material to be etched, and transferring the printed image to the surface of the material to be etched. The transfer can be effected by any combination of chemicals, heat, and/or pressure. After transfer of the printed image, the transfer paper is removed. The step of removing the transfer paper optionally includes wetting the transfer paper in a manner that dissolves the transfer paper leaving the printed antenna pattern on the surface of the material to be etched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Randolph Stowell, Michael R. Steele, Thomas Walter Rentz
  • Gelled adhesive remover composition and method of use
    Patent number: 7977294
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process using environmentally friendly materials for the removal of adhesive residues from hard substrates, particularly vehicles, e.g., cars, trucks, buses, aerospace vehicles including airplanes, and the like. The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, and a vapor-pressure modulating agent. The total Hansen Solubility Parameter (?t) at 25° C. for each of the non-halogenated organic solvents is from about 14 MPa1/2 to about 24 MPa1/2. The invention provides a cost effective, safe, environmentally friendly adhesive remover composition specifically formulated for removal of, e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive residues from large areas of aircraft composite and aluminum surfaces, as well as others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ralph E. Dufresne, William M. Egan
  • Composition and method for use with ceramic matrix composite T-sections
    Patent number: 7972430
    Abstract: A composition is for use with fabricating a ceramic composite stiffening member that defines a T-section. The stiffening member includes a web portion, at least one flange portion, a radius region disposed between the web portion and the at least one flange portion, and a skin member that is secured to the at least one flange portion and the radius region. The composition is a pliable mixture of refractory particles, plasticizers, silica-yielding polymers, and solvents that is applied along the radius region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Lee Millard, Robert G. Weber
  • Method of making ternary piezoelectric crystals
    Patent number: 7972527
    Abstract: A ternary single crystal relaxor piezoelectric grown from a novel melt using the Vertical Bridgeman method. The ternary single crystals are characterized by a Curie temperature, Tc, of at least 150° C. and a rhombohedral to tetragonal phase transition temperature, Trt, of at least about 110° C. The ternary crystals further exhibit a piezoelectric coefficient, d33, in the range of at least about 1200-2000 pC/N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: TRS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Luo, Wesley S. Hackenberger
  • Tangentially poled single crystal ring resonator
    Patent number: 7969073
    Abstract: A tangentially poled piezoelectric single crystal ring resonator is disclosed. A single crystal material is machined into elements and formed into a ring structure. The single crystal elements have a <110> poled tangential axis. The elements may also have a <211>, <511> or <322> orientation range in the radial direction. The elements may have a generally wedge shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: TRS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley S. Hackenberger, Kevin A. Snook