Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm McNees, Wallace & Nurick
  • Low solar absorptance, high emissivity, inorganic electrostatic dissipative thermal control coating
    Patent number: 8029702
    Abstract: An electrostatic dissipative paint including a plurality of particles having a composition selected from the group consisting of gallium magnesium oxide, gallium aluminum magnesium oxide and combinations thereof. The paint further includes an inorganic binder mixed with the particles to form a mixture. A method of making a thermal paint, a method of applying thermal paint and painted components are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James F. Cordaro, Lynn E. Long
  • Electrically small antenna
    Patent number: 8031128
    Abstract: An electrically small antenna (ESA) for resolution of subwavelength features is disclosed. The ESA is on the order of meters and has an efficient transmit/receive capability. The ESA is 1/10 of the length of the equivalent dipole length, and may be scaled down to 1/10,000. The ESA includes a metamaterial shell. Such an antenna may include phase sensitive current injection in the metamaterial resonant structures for loss-compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Minas H. Tanielian, Robert B. Greegor, Claudio G. Parazzoli
  • Preparation of an article surface having a surface compressive texture
    Patent number: 8024846
    Abstract: A method for preparing a surface includes providing an article having an article surface, thereafter first processing the article surface to establish a first residual compressive stress state and a first surface roughness in the article surface, and thereafter second processing the article surface by surface compressive texturing to establish a second residual compressive stress state and a second surface roughness in the article surface. The second surface roughness is quantitatively less than the first surface roughness, and substantially no material is removed from the article surface in the step of second processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alberto Luna, Jeffrey F. Wessels, Dale R. Lombardo
  • Moving platform on rail vehicle
    Patent number: 8025013
    Abstract: A rail vehicle having a single frame assembly and a movable platform coupled thereto is provided. The rail vehicle indexes, i.e. advances intermittently, along railroad rails. The movable platform advances in a single direction at a generally steady speed as the rail vehicle indexes along a railroad. The platform is the floor of, or a base for, a cabin preferably having a seat, roof support, and controls for the operator. The platform rides longitudinally with the machine on rollers or slides, thus separating the operator and controls from the rest of the machine. Thus, while the rail vehicle moves in an abrupt stop-and-go manner, the platform and the operator move generally consistently in a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony P. Delucia, Robert S. Miller
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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