Patents Examined by Rebecca Janssen
  • Patent number: 11504769
    Abstract: A method of forming an additive manufactured component comprises depositing a first layer of build material on a build platform within an additive manufacturing machine, depositing reinforcement fibers into the first layer of build material, orienting the reinforcement fibers within the first layer of build material, lowering the build platform, depositing a second layer of build material on top of the first layer of build material, depositing reinforcement fibers into the second layer of build material, and orienting the reinforcement fibers within the second layer of build material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrew T. Cunningham, Ali Shabbir, Zachary P. Steffes, Paul J. Wolcott
  • Patent number: 11498123
    Abstract: A metal powder for powder metallurgy contains Co as a principal component, Cr at 16 mass % or more and 35 mass % or less, and Si at 0.3 mass % or more and 2.0 mass % or less, wherein when one element selected from Ti, V, Y, Zr, Nb, Hf, and Ta is a first element, and one element selected from the group and having a higher group number in the periodic table than that of the first element or having the same group number in the periodic table as that of the first element and a higher period number than that of the first element is a second element, the first element is at 0.01 mass % or more and 0.5 mass % or less, and the second element is at 0.01 mass % or more and 0.5 mass % or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventors: Takayuki Tamura, Hidefumi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11498128
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a metallic article involve providing a non-metallic feedstock, for example in the form of an oxide of a desired metal or a mixture of oxides of the components of a desired metal alloy. A manufacturing apparatus has a reduction apparatus for electrochemically reducing the feedstock to a metallic product and a processor for converting the metallic product to a metallic powder. The powder is fed into an additive-manufacturing apparatus for fabricating the metallic article from the metallic powder. At least the reduction apparatus and the processor, and preferably also the additive-manufacturing apparatus, are collocated, or located in the same container, or in the same building, or on the same site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: METALYSIS LIMITED
    Inventors: Dion Vaughan, Melchiorre Conti
  • Patent number: 11492680
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of heat treatment for metal plate strips, and discloses a water spray system for heat treatment of metal plate strips and a control method. The system comprises a shunt water collector, sub-water supply pipelines, a control valve group and a control system. The control method comprises a water pressure regulating method and a water flow regulating method. The shunt water collector adopts multi-pipeline uniform flow design and realizes uniform shunt and constant pressure water supply. The sub-water supply pipelines are designed with three configuration modes of a control valve group in accordance with varieties and specifications of metal plate strips, rhythms of production and heat treatment technologies to realize dual closed-loop control of water pressure-water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tianliang Fu, Guozhi Song, Junguo Gao, Yanqi Ye, Zhiwei Jia, Lin Su, Guanghao Liu
  • Patent number: 11491546
    Abstract: Described herein are additive manufacturing methods and products made using such methods. The alloy compositions described herein are specifically selected for the additive manufacturing methods and provide products that exhibit superior mechanical properties as compared to their cast counterparts. Using the compositions and methods described herein, products that do not exhibit substantial coarsening, such as at elevated temperatures, can be obtained. The products further exhibit uniform microstructures along the print axis, thus contributing to improved strength and performance. Additives also can be used in the alloys described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignees: UT-Battelle, LLC, University of Tennessee Research Foundation, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Eck Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Alex J. Plotkowski, Orlando Rios, Sudarsanam Suresh Babu, Ryan R. Dehoff, Ryan Ott, Zachary C. Sims, Niyanth Sridharan, David Weiss, Hunter B. Henderson
  • Patent number: 11491541
    Abstract: A hybrid method of surface hardening metallic components using a combination of chemical modification achieved through additive manufacturing and/or diffusion-based processing with transformation-based processing using a high energy density heat source. The hybrid process results in increased surface hardness and/or increased average case hardness and/or increased case depth compared to either treatment individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: APOLLO MACHINE & WELDING LTD.
    Inventors: Dakota Z. Jones, Gentry D. Wood, Douglas J. Hamre
  • Patent number: 11466518
    Abstract: A drill bit having reinforced binder zones and method of forming same are disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing reinforcing particles with a binder-reinforcing material, placing the mixture of reinforcing particles and binder-reinforcing material in a mold used in forming a body of the drill bit, placing a universal binder in the mold, and heating the mold. The binder-reinforcing material is infiltrated with the universal binder which thereby forms reinforced binder zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan Voglewede, Grant O. Cook, III
  • Patent number: 11453928
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device and method for detecting heating treatment temperatures of double steel wires. The temperature detection device includes a double wires coiling machine, two heating mechanisms for respectively heating two steel wires, and two temperature detection mechanisms for respectively detecting temperatures of the two steel wires in real time, and a controller electrically connected to the two heating mechanisms and the double-wire spring coiling machine respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Guangzhou Lianrou Machinery & Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhiming Tan
  • Patent number: 11446736
    Abstract: A method of producing a patterned composite metal plate includes a) providing at least two different metal and/or metal alloy powders, b) filling a container, b1) with the powders in different individual layers, or b2) making a three dimensional non-solid body of one of the powders, inserting said body in the container and filling the cavities in and around the said body completely with the other powder, c) sealing and evacuating the container, d) subjecting the container to hot isostatic pressing, e) optionally subjecting the consolidated body to hot deformation to form an intermediate body having a thickness of 50 to 200 mm, f) hot rolling the intermediate body in two perpendicular directions in order to form a plate, and optionally one or more of g) cold rolling the hot rolled plate to form a cold rolled plate h) slitting the plate and i) etching the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Damasteel AB
    Inventor: Per Jarbelius
  • Patent number: 11440256
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a base, a first build plate, and a second build plate. The base includes a build platform. The first build plate is attached to the base and is movable in vertical directions to a position spaced vertically from the build platform. The second build plate is supported by the first build plate such that the second build plate is spaced vertically from the first build plate. A plurality of objects is fabricated by the apparatus. A first object is fabricated on the first build plate. The first build plate is moved vertically. A second object is fabricated on the second build plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Gearoid Walsh, Eoin Kendall
  • Patent number: 11426942
    Abstract: Manufacturing systems with coolant supply systems and related methods. A manufacturing system includes an additive manufacturing (AM) assembly, a milling assembly, and a coolant supply system. The AM assembly includes a support assembly that supports a build component and that is in thermal communication with the build component. The coolant supply system is configured to remove heat from the support assembly by flowing the coolant through at least a portion of the support assembly. A method of operating a manufacturing system during a manufacturing process includes detecting a manufacturing mode of the manufacturing system, forming a build component via the manufacturing process, and, at least partially concurrent with the forming the build component, selectively supplying a coolant to a support assembly and/or a milling tool. The selectively supplying the coolant is based, at least in part, on the detecting the manufacturing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Andrew P. Simpson, Eric E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11427350
    Abstract: A method of forming a rotor blade, including forming at least one of a partial upper skin, a partial lower skin, and a partial support network using an additive manufacturing process; and forming a first receptacle in at least a one of the partial upper skin, the partial lower skin, and the partial support network using the additive manufacturing process. The first receptacle is configured to receive of at least one of an electronic component and a mechanical component. In some embodiments, there is a method of manufacturing a rotor blade that includes forming a first locating receptacle in at least one of the upper skin, the lower skin, and the support network using the additive manufacturing process; and positioning at least one of the upper skin, the lower skin, and the support network in a desired position on a fixture based, in part, on the first locating receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Justin A. Rivera
  • Patent number: 11426799
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing machine for repairing a component includes a build platform that supports the component and a powder dispensing assembly for selectively depositing additive powder over the build platform. A powder seal assembly includes a powder support plate positioned above the build platform and defining an aperture for receiving the component without contacting the component. A clamping mechanism is movable relative to the powder support plate and defines a void for receiving a resilient sealing element around the aperture. An actuating mechanism, such as bolts or a linear actuator, moves the clamping mechanism toward the powder support plate to deform the resilient sealing element until the resilient sealing element contacts and forms a seal with the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jinjie Shi, Richard Roy Worthing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11421310
    Abstract: A precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy is disclosed along with a precipitation hardened form of the aluminum alloy and a method of manufacturing an aluminum alloy article from the precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy. The disclosed precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy has a composition that includes, on a weight percent (wt %) basis, 8%-13% zinc, 1.5%-5% magnesium, 0%-5% copper, 0%-2% of zirconium, chromium, or zirconium and chromium in total, and the balance aluminum with no more than 0.5% impurities. The alloy composition is adaptable to a wide range of manufacturing processes including additive manufacturing. The composition of the aluminum alloy also enables the dispersion of strengthening precipitate phases selected from an ?-phase precipitate, a ?-phase precipitate, and a T-phase precipitate, while being free of a S-phase precipitate, when precipitation hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew C. Bobel, Anil K. Sachdev
  • Patent number: 11413688
    Abstract: A method of three-dimensional printing of target material can include filling a receptacle with a matrix suspension comprising a powder matrix suspended in a first liquid. A second suspension can be extruded into the matrix suspension, where the second suspension can include a target powder suspended in a second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Xuan Song, Li He
  • Patent number: 11407035
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing machine for repairing a component includes a build platform that supports the component and a powder dispensing assembly for selectively depositing additive powder over the build platform. A powder seal assembly includes a powder support plate positioned above the build platform and defining an aperture for receiving the component without contacting the component. An inflatable sealing element is operably coupled to the powder support plate around the aperture and is inflated to contact and seal against the component, thereby forming a support surface above the build platform upon which additive powder may be deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jinjie Shi, Scott Mitchel Lowe, Matthew Scott Langford, Jolene Ranae Grethel
  • Patent number: 11401588
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an additive manufacturing method of lead-free environmentally-friendly high-strength brass alloys, which mainly comprises five steps of gas atomization milling, model building, forming chamber preparation, pre-spreading powder and selective laser forming. Wherein the lead-free environmentally-friendly high-strength brass alloy comprises the following elements: Zn 5.5-40 wt. %, Si 0.5-4 wt. %, trace elements Al and Ti totally 0-0.5 wt. %, and Cu for the balance. Its microstructure includes micron-sized cell crystals and dendrites. By the above method, it is possible to obtain a nearly fully compact high-strength brass alloy and nearly net-formed complex parts thereof. The formed high-strength brass alloy has beautiful color and excellent physical properties such as excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and machinability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: South China University of Technology
    Inventors: Chao Yang, Yanjie Zhao, Yuanyuan Li
  • Patent number: 11400519
    Abstract: Described is an additive manufacturing apparatus for additive manufacturing of three dimensional objects, said apparatus comprises a powder distribution unit movable across a build area for applying a layer of powder material thereon and a solidification device for selectively solidifying the applied powder layer at positions corresponding to a cross section of the object to be manufactured. Said powder distribution unit comprises at least a first and a second powder distributors essentially in parallel with each other and extending in a first direction, said first and second powder distributors are arranged to be adjustably spaced apart in a second direction transversely to said first direction which second direction is essentially in parallel with the direction of movement of said powder distribution unit over said build area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Arcam AB
    Inventor: Kristofer Karlsson
  • Patent number: 11383282
    Abstract: A metal fused, deposition printer, that uses the thixotropic (or other) properties of a metal (or alloy) to control the viscosity of the material being deposited. In the invention presented in this patent, the viscosity of the metal is controlled by shearing it before, during, or after the deposition process. Since thixotropic (or other) properties allow for the control of the viscosity separately from the temperature, the taught invention allows for precise control of the temperature differential between the layer being deposited, and the substrate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: ROBOTIC RESEARCH OPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 11383301
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making metal-connected particle articles. A metal containing fluid is selectively applied to a layer of particles. The metal in the fluid is used to form metal connections between particles. The metal connections are formed at temperatures below the sintering temperature of the particles in the layer of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kristopher J. Erickson, Krzysztof Nauka, Thomas Anthony, Lihua Zhao, Howard S. Tom