Patents Assigned to GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
  • Patent number: 7466739
    Abstract: An electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes having blocked threads and having a locking ring interposed between the electrodes, the locking ring composed of a material having a coefficient of friction such that the tendency of the electrode joint to unscrew is retarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bowman, Michael Frastaci, Terrence Patrick Wells
  • Patent number: 7420810
    Abstract: A thermal management device for the removal of thermal energy useful for, inter alia, electronic devices or other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Reis, Prathib Skandakumaran, Martin David Smalc, Gary D. Shives, Gary Stephen Kostyak, Julian Norley
  • Patent number: 7413793
    Abstract: An insulative cap for an induction furnace comprising a carbon foam having a pore distribution such that at least about 90% of the pore volume of the pores have a diameter of between about 10 and about 150 microns and at least about 1% of the pores have a diameter of between about 0.8 and about 3.5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Miller, Irwin C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7393587
    Abstract: A finstock material for heat dissipation, which includes at least one sheet of flexible graphite sandwiched between two outer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Graftech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Witold Krassowski, Gary D. Shives, Julian Norley, Robert Anderson Reynolds, III
  • Patent number: 7393442
    Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and testing methods for evaluating a fluid diffusion component. The apparatus includes a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction, a half-cell electrode assembly able to receive the fluid, and a change in acidity indicator in communication with the assembly. An inventive method of the invention includes the steps of passing a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction through a half-cell electrode assembly to form a sample, contacting the sample with an indicator, and detecting a change in acidity in the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Kaschak
  • Patent number: 7386369
    Abstract: A system is provided for recording information relating to the condition of electrodes in an electric arc furnace. An imaging apparatus is provided in a consistent position relative to an imaging station. Periodically, the electrode columns are removed from the furnace and moved to a position such that the electrode column is placed at the imaging station. Then an image of the electrode column is created with the imaging apparatus, and the images are stored in a memory of a computer for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Eric Gerhan
  • Patent number: 7385819
    Abstract: An image display device comprising an image display panel, heat dispersion material positioned proximate to the image display panel, a frame system including a framework positioned proximate to the heat dispersion material opposite the image display panel, and a plurality of electronic components engaging the framework, where the image display device exhibits a support factor of 0 mm-W/m° K. The framework can be adhesively bonded to the heat dispersion material. The framework can include a height and a width wherein the heat dispersion material substantially spans the height and the width. Additionally, a first cross support can span the framework and a plurality of second electronic components can engage the first cross support. Additionally a second cross support can span the framework wherein at least one of the second electronic components engages the second cross support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Shives, Gerald Hoffert, William Varela
  • Patent number: 7378178
    Abstract: A catalyst support material useful in a membrane electrode assembly is presented. The support catalyst material is elongate electrically anisotropic particles of flexible graphite, and the membrane electrode assembly includes a pair of electrodes, an ion exchange membrane having opposed surfaces positioned between the electrodes and a catalyst material on the inventive support, at least a portion of an opposed surface of the ion exchange membrane being adjacent the catalyst which is supported on the elongate electrically anisotropic particles of flexible graphite sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Angelo Mercuri
  • Patent number: 7365988
    Abstract: A graphite heat spreader is provided for use with a flash LED light source for a camera of a handheld device such as a cell phone. Dramatically reduced operating temperatures are provided at substantially increased power levels thus providing both improved lighting and improved operating life of the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Reis, Martin David Smalc, Brian J. Laser, Gary Stephen Kostyak, Prathib Skandakumaran, Matthew G. Getz, Michael Frastaci
  • Patent number: 7352792
    Abstract: A joint for connecting two carbon members, with at least one carbon member having an asymmetrical coefficient of thermal expansion. The carbon member having the asymmetrical coefficient of thermal expansion also has either a male tang or a female socket with an elliptical cross section selectively oriented to the asymmetrical coefficient of thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Graftech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7341781
    Abstract: A material useful in a process for embossing a flexible graphite sheet is presented. The inventive material is a flexible graphite sheet which has a preselected void condition which provides the capability of controlling the morphology, and thus the functional characteristics, of the resulting embossed sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Klug
  • Patent number: 7324576
    Abstract: An electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes and having a joint strengthening ring interposed between the electrodes, the joint strengthening ring composed of a compressible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bowman, Terrence Patrick Wells
  • Patent number: 7324577
    Abstract: A male-female electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes having blocked threads and having a seal interposed between the electrodes, the seal composed of a material having an oxidation rate equal to or less than that of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bowman, Terrence Patrick Wells, Thomas William Weber, James J. Pavlisin
  • Patent number: 7313160
    Abstract: A furnace's operating efficiency is improved by simultaneously monitoring various furnace operating parameters such that the monitored values may be collectively examined and correlated to determine if the furnace is sub optimally operating. In particular, the electrode current, hydraulic valve spool position, hydraulic fluid pressure, and electrode mast position of an electrical arc furnace are simultaneously monitored and correlated to determine if any unidentified sub optimal operating conditions are present. By improving the chances of detecting and correcting sub optimal operating conditions, the present invention improves the electrode consumption and overall efficiency of a furnace's operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Graftech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Gerhan
  • Patent number: 7306847
    Abstract: A heat spreader for a display device, such as a plasma display panel, a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal display, which includes at least one sheet of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite having two major surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Capp, Timothy Clovesko, Julian Norley, Martin David Smalc, Bradley E. Reis
  • Patent number: 7303820
    Abstract: A heat spreader for a display device, such as a plasma display panel, a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal display, which includes at least one sheet of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite having two major surfaces, both of which have a layer of an adhesive thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Capp, Timothy Clovesko, Julian Norley, Martin David Smalc, Bradley E. Reis
  • Patent number: 7303005
    Abstract: Constructions for and methods of manufacturing graphite heat spreaders having thermal vias placed therethrough are provided. Thermal vias having one or two flanges are disclosed, as are flush thermal vias. Graphite heat spreaders having surface layers covering the graphite material are provided. Graphite heat spreaders having a layer of cladding for increased structural integrity are provided. Also disclosed are methods of co-forging a graphite heat spreader element with a metal thermal via in place therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Reis, Martin David Smalc, Brian J. Laser, Gary Stephen Kostyak, Prathib Skandakumaran, Matthew G. Getz, Michael Frastaci
  • Patent number: 7301982
    Abstract: A graphite electrode joint, where the male tang has a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter, of at least about 0.60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith