Patents Represented by Attorney Paul E. Rochford
  • Patent number: 5324367
    Abstract: A TiAl composition is prepared to have high strength, high oxidation resistance and to have acceptable ductility by altering the atomic ratio of the titanium and aluminum to have what has been found to be a highly desirable effective aluminum concentration and by addition of chromium and tantalum and boron ingredients according to the approximate formula Ti-Al.sub.46-50 Cr.sub.2 Ta.sub.2-4 B.sub.0.05-0.2. Homogenization of the composition above the alpha transus temperature is used in combination with the boron doping to achieve higher ductility without sacrifice of strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Shyh-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5304427
    Abstract: Composite structures having a higher density, stronger reinforcing niobium based alloy embedded within a lower density, lower strength niobium based alloy are provided. The matrix is preferably an alloy having a niobium and titanium base according to the expression:Nb--Ti.sub.27-40.5 --Al.sub.4.5-10.5 --Hf.sub.1.5-5.5 Cr.sub.4.5-8.5 V.sub.0-6,where each metal of the metal/metal composite has a body centered cubic crystal structure, andwherein the ratio of concentrations of Ti to Nb (Ti/Nb) is greater than or equal (.gtoreq.) to 0.5, andwherein the maximum concentration of the Hf+V+Al+Cr additives is less than or equal (.ltoreq.) to the expression:16.5+(5.times.Ti/Nb),and the reinforcement may be in the form of strands of the higher strength, higher temperature niobium based alloy. The same crystal form is present in both the matrix and the reinforcement and is specifically body centered cubic crystal form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark G. Benz, Melvin R. Jackson, John R. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5273831
    Abstract: Composite structures having a higher density, stronger reinforcing niobium based alloy embedded within a lower density, lower strength niobium based cladding alloy are provided. The cladding is preferably an alloy having a niobium and titanium base according to the expression:Nb.sub.balance -Ti.sub.27-40.5 -Al.sub.4.5-10.5 -Hf.sub.1.5-5.5 V.sub.0-6 Cr.sub.4.5-8.5 Zr.sub.0-1 C.sub.0-0.5,where each metal of the metal/metal composite has a body centered cubic crystal structure, andwherein the ratio of concentrations of Ti to Nb (Ti/Nb) is greater than or equal (.gtoreq.) to 0.5, andwherein the maximum concentration of the Hf+V+Al+Cr additives is less than or equal (.ltoreq.) to the expression:16.5+5.times.Ti/Nb.The reinforcement may be in the form of plates, sheets or rods of the higher strength, higher temperature niobium based reinforcing alloy. The same crystal form is present in both the matrix and the reinforcement and is specifically body centered cubic crystal form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Melvin R. Jackson, Mark G. Benz, John R. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5271884
    Abstract: A TiAl composition is prepared to have high strength and to have improved ductility by altering the atomic ratio of the titanium and niobium to have what has been found to be a highly desirable effective aluminum concentration by addition of a combination of manganese and tantalum according to the approximate formula:Ti.sub.52-43 Al.sub.46-50 Ta.sub.1-4 Mn.sub.1-3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Shyh-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5228493
    Abstract: A method for forming a reinforced metal structure having a filamentary reinforcement evenly distributed therein is taught. The structure is formed by the plasma spray deposit of matrix metal onto and about a filamentary reinforcement. A plurality of layers of filamentary reinforcement are embedded in the structure. Between each layer an abrasive grinding and smoothing operation is performed to render the surface of the spray deposited metal smooth and even and to permit the even spacing of filament reinforcement on the spray deposited surface. The abrasive grinding of the spray formed surface does not have deleterious effects on the property of the composite reinforced structure which is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Siemers, Stephan F. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 5228931
    Abstract: A TiAl composition is prepared to have high strength, high oxidation resistance and to have acceptable ductility by altering the atomic ratio of the titanium and aluminum to have what has been found to be a highly desirable effective aluminum concentration and by addition of chromium, boron, and tantalum according to the approximate formulaTi-Al.sub.46-48 Cr.sub.1-3 Ta.sub.2-4 B.sub.0.1-0.3.The alloy is cast to form a body and the body is HIPped to impart a desirable combination of properties thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Shyh-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5213635
    Abstract: A method for providing improved castability in a gamma titanium aluminide is taught. The method involves adding inclusions to the near stoichiometric titanium aluminide and specifically low chromium and high niobium inclusions. Niobium additions are made in concentrations between 6 and 14 atomic percent. Chromium additions are between 1 and 3 atom percent. Property improvements are also achieved.A preferred composition is according to the following expression:Ti--i Al.sub.46--48 Cr.sub.1--3 Nb.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Shyh-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5205875
    Abstract: A TiAl composition is prepared to have high strength and to have improved ductility by altering the atomic ratio of the titanium and aluminum to have what has been found to be an effective aluminum concentration and by addition of chromium, boron, and niobium according to the approximate formula Ti-Al.sub.46-48 Cr.sub.2 Nb.sub.2 B.sub.0.1-0.2. The composition is preferably prepared by casting, homogenization at a high temperature, and forging the homogenized casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Shyh-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5204058
    Abstract: A method for providing improved ductility in a gamma titanium aluminide is taught. The method involves adding inclusions of boron to the titanium aluminide containing chromium, carbon, and niobium and thermomechanically working the casting. Boron additions are made in concentrations between 0.5 and 2 atomic percent. Fine grain equiaxed microstructure is found from solidified melt. Property improvements are achieved by the thermomechanical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Shyh-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5201939
    Abstract: A method of altering the composition of an alloy deposited by plasma-spray processing is disclosed. It has been found that the composition of a powder can be altered by selective vaporization of the more volatile components of the alloy. In order to do this, the gas mixture employed in the plasma processing is modified to a composition which imparts a higher superheat to the liquid particles undergoing plasma processing. In this way, an alloy which is out-of-specification can be brought within the specification as to its composition by reducing the more volatile components and accordingly increasing the concentration of the less volatile components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul A. Siemers
  • Patent number: 5171380
    Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy having improved crack growth inhibition and having high strength at high temperatures. The composition of the alloy is essentially as follows:______________________________________ Ingredient Concentration in weight % ______________________________________ Ni balance Co 8 Cr 13 Mo 3.5 Al 3.5 Ti 2.5 Ta 3.5 Nb 3.5 Zr 0.06 C 0.05 B 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael F. Henry
  • Patent number: 5160557
    Abstract: A method of improving the low temperature ductility of an iron-aluminide is taught. The aluminide for which the method is applicable is one having between 30 and 50 atom percent of aluminum. The aluminide may also have substituents for part of the iron and for the aluminum. The alloy may contain up to 10 atom percent of substituents for the iron selected from the group of metals comprising nickel cobalt chromium and manganese. The alloy may also contain substituents for the aluminum of up to 5 atom percent of a metal selected from the group comprising titanium, niobium, tantalum, hafnium, zirconium, vanadium, and silicon. The alloy has a B2 crystal structure. The first step of the process is to select the metal to be processed. The next step is to directionally solidify the selected metal. The next step is to determine the Ductile Brittle Transition Temperature (DBTT). The metal is then heated to above the DBTT and is deformed while above the DBTT temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Keh-Minn Chang
  • Patent number: 5160532
    Abstract: A method for the electroslag refining of metal is provided. The method involves providing a refining vessel to contain an electroslag refining layer floating on a layer of molten refined metal. An ingot of unrefined metal is lowered into the vessel into contact with the molten electroslag layer. A refining current is passed through the slag layer to the ingot to cause surface melting at the interface between the ingot and the electroslag layer. As the ingot is surface melted at its point of contact with the slag, droplets of the unrefined metal are formed and these droplets pass down through the slag and are collected in a body of molten refined metal beneath the slag. The refined metal is held within a cold hearth. At the bottom of the cold hearth, a cold finger orifice is provided to permit the withdrawal of refined metal from the cold hearth apparatus. The refined metal passes from the cold finger orifice as a stream and is processed into a sound metal structure having desired grain structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark G. Benz, Thomas F. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 5156808
    Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy having improved crack growth inhibition and having high strength at high temperatures. The composition of the alloy is essentially as follows:______________________________________ Ingredient Concentration in Weight % ______________________________________ Ni balance Co 15 Cr 10 Mo 3 Al 3.35 Ti 5.90 Ta 2.70 Nb 1.35 Zr 0.06 V 1 C 0.05 B 0.03.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael F. Henry
  • Patent number: 5149497
    Abstract: It has been found that a titanium aluminide modified with chromium and tantalum in the rates of about Ti-Al.sub.46-56 Cr.sub.1-4 Ta.sub.4-8 has a remarkable and unique antioxidation capability. Because of this unique antioxidation property, this aluminide can be used as a protective coating on other aluminides as well as on the surfaces of other bodies needing atmospheric protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Douglas W. McKee, Shyh-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5131959
    Abstract: A method for providing improved ductility in a gamma titanium aluminide is taught. The method involves adding inclusions of boron to the titanium aluminide containing chromium and tantalum and thermomechanically working the casting. Boron additions are made in concentrations between 0.5 and 2 atomic percent. Fine grain equiaxed microstructure is found from solidified melt. Property improvements are achieved by the thermomechanical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Shyh-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5130080
    Abstract: A method of extending the life of components of newly constructed nuclear reactors or newly replaced components of existing reactors is taught. The method involves forming a deposit on the surfaces of metallic elements of the nuclear containment, as well as on the surfaces of internal components which are exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure water and steam. The deposit formed is a deposit of at least one member of the platinum group of metals. The deposit is formed by any of a number of conventional methods such as electroless deposition, electrochemical deposition, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering or other conventional method. In operation, this deposit facilitates the combination of hydrogen and oxygen to form water and thereby aids in reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of the system to values below a critical potential range that prevents stress corrosion cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Leonard W. Niedrach
  • Patent number: 5130088
    Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy having improved crack growth inhibition and having high strength at high temperatures. The composition of the alloy is essentially as follows:______________________________________ Ingredient Concentration in weight 5 ______________________________________ Ni balance Co 15 Cr 10 Mo 3 Al 5.5 Ti 2.25 Ta 2.70 Nb 1.35 Zr 0.06 V 1 C 0.05 B 0.03.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael F. Henry
  • Patent number: 5129969
    Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy having improved crack growth inhibition and having high strength at high temperatures. The composition of the alloy is essentially as follows:______________________________________ Ingredient Concentration in weight % ______________________________________ Ni balance Co 15 Cr 10 Mo 3 Al 4.5 Ti 4.0 Ta 2.70 Nb 1.35 Zr 0.06 V 1 C 0.05 B 0.03.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael F. Henry
  • Patent number: 5130089
    Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy having improved crack growth inhibition and having high strength at high temperatures. The composition of the alloy is essentially as follows:______________________________________ Concentration in Weight % Ingredient From To ______________________________________ Ni balance Co 12 Cr 10 16 Mo 2 6 Al 4.5 Ti 3.2 Ta 5 6 Nb 1 3 Zr 0 0.1 C 0 0.20 B 0.01 0.10 Re 0 3.0 Hf 0 0.75 V 0 0.5 W 0 1.0 Y 0 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael F. Henry