Patents by Inventor Benjamin W.C. Garcia

Benjamin W.C. Garcia has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11773029
    Abstract: A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and, optionally, at least one filler. The preceramic resin formulation is formulated to exhibit a viscosity of from about 1,000 cP at about 25° C. to about 5,000 cP at a temperature of about 25° C. The at least one filler comprises first particles having an average mean diameter of less than about 1.0 ?m and second particles having an average mean diameter of from about 1.5 ?m to about 5 ?m. Impregnated fibers comprising the preceramic resin formulation are also disclosed, as is a composite material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and the at least one filler. Methods of forming a ceramic matrix composite are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, David R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11753544
    Abstract: An insulation material includes a matrix comprising a reaction product formed from a silicon carbide precursor resin and a silicon dioxide precursor resin. At least one filler, such as hollow glass microspheres and/or carbon fiber is dispersed within the matrix. A rocket motor includes a case, the insulation material within and bonded to the case, and a solid propellant within the case. An insulation precursor includes a silicon carbide precursor resin, a silicon dioxide precursor resin, and the at least one filler. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, Robert S. Larson
  • Patent number: 11719193
    Abstract: A hybrid metal composite (HMC) structure comprises a first tier comprising a first fiber composite material structure, a second tier longitudinally adjacent the first tier and comprising a first metallic structure and a second fiber composite material structure laterally adjacent the first metallic structure, a third tier longitudinally adjacent the second tier and comprising a third fiber composite material structure, and a fourth tier longitudinally adjacent the third tier and comprising a second metallic structure and a fourth fiber composite material structure laterally adjacent the second metallic structure. At least one lateral end of the second metallic structure is laterally offset from at least one lateral end of the first metallic structure most proximate thereto. Methods of forming an HMC structure, and related rocket motors and multi-stage rocket motor assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, Brian Christensen, David R. Nelson, Braden Day
  • Patent number: 11634583
    Abstract: A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer and an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer. A ceramic material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer and organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer is also described. Articles comprising the ceramic material are also described, as are methods of forming the preceramic resin formulation and the ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin W. C. Garcia
  • Patent number: 11491766
    Abstract: A hybrid metal composite (HMC) structure comprises tiers comprising fiber composite material structures, and additional tiers longitudinally adjacent one or more of the tiers and comprising perforated metallic structures and additional fiber composite material structures laterally adjacent the perforated metallic structures. Methods of forming an HMC structure, and related rocket motors and multi-stage rocket motor assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, Braden Day, Brian Christensen, David R. Nelson, Thomas Loveless, Elizabeth Bonderson
  • Patent number: 11472750
    Abstract: A barrier coating resin formulation comprising at least one polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, at least one organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, at least one filler, and at least one solvent. A barrier coating comprising a reaction product of the at least one polycarbosilane preceramic polymer and the at least one organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer and the at least one filler is also disclosed, as are articles comprising the barrier coating, rocket motors comprising the barrier coating, and methods of forming the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin W. C. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20210340933
    Abstract: A hybrid metal composite (HMC) structure comprises a first tier comprising a first fiber composite material structure, a second tier longitudinally adjacent the first tier and comprising a first metallic structure and a second fiber composite material structure laterally adjacent the first metallic structure, a third tier longitudinally adjacent the second tier and comprising a third fiber composite material structure, and a fourth tier longitudinally adjacent the third tier and comprising a second metallic structure and a fourth fiber composite material structure laterally adjacent the second metallic structure. At least one lateral end of the second metallic structure is laterally offset from at least one lateral end of the first metallic structure most proximate thereto. Methods of forming an HMC structure, and related rocket motors and multi-stage rocket motor assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin W.C. Garcia, Brian Christensen, David R. Nelson, Braden Day
  • Publication number: 20210285404
    Abstract: A multi-component structure includes a first hybrid metal composite structure, a second hybrid metal composite structure, and a joint structure. The first and second hybrid metal composite structures include layers, each layer comprising a fiber composite material structure including a fiber material dispersed within a matrix material and at least one metal ply located between layers of the layers. The joint structure extends between and connects the first hybrid metal composite structure and the second hybrid metal composite structure. Additionally, the joint structure exerts a clamping force on the first and second hybrid metal composite structures and to reduce gaps between the layers, between the layers and the at least one metal ply, and between the joint structure and the first and second hybrid metal composite structures to less than half a thickness of the at least one metal ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin W.C. Garcia, Brian Christensen, David R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210253482
    Abstract: A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and, optionally, at least one filler. The preceramic resin formulation is formulated to exhibit a viscosity of from about 1,000 cP at about 25° C. to about 5,000 cP at a temperature of about 25° C. The at least one filler comprises first particles having an average mean diameter of less than about 1.0 ?m and second particles having an average mean diameter of from about 1.5 ?m to about 5 ?m. Impregnated fibers comprising the preceramic resin formulation are also disclosed, as is a composite material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and the at least one filler. Methods of forming a ceramic matrix composite are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin W.C. Garcia, David R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10954891
    Abstract: A multi-component structure includes a first hybrid metal composite structure, a second hybrid metal composite structure, and a joint structure. The first and second hybrid metal composite structures include layers, each layer comprising a fiber composite material structure including a fiber material dispersed within a matrix material and at least one metal ply located between layers of the layers. The joint structure extends between and connects the first hybrid metal composite structure and the second hybrid metal composite structure. Additionally, the joint structure exerts a clamping force on the first and second hybrid metal composite structures and to reduce gaps between the layers, between the layers and the at least one metal ply, and between the joint structure and the first and second hybrid metal composite structures to less than half a thickness of the at least one metal ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, Brian Christensen, David R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210061999
    Abstract: An insulation material includes a matrix comprising a reaction product formed from a silicon carbide precursor resin and a silicon dioxide precursor resin. At least one filler, such as hollow glass microspheres and/or carbon fiber is dispersed within the matrix. A rocket motor includes a case, the insulation material within and bonded to the case, and a solid propellant within the case. An insulation precursor includes a silicon carbide precursor resin, a silicon dioxide precursor resin, and the at least one filler. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin W.C. Garcia, Robert S. Larson
  • Patent number: 10875813
    Abstract: A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and, optionally, at least one filler. The preceramic resin formulation is formulated to exhibit a viscosity of from about 1,000 cP at about 25° C. to about 5,000 cP at a temperature of about 25° C. The at least one filler comprises first particles having an average mean diameter of less than about 1.0 ?m and second particles having an average mean diameter of from about 1.5 ?m to about 5 ?m. Impregnated fibers comprising the preceramic resin formulation are also disclosed, as is a composite material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and the at least one filler. Methods of forming a ceramic matrix composite are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, David R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200399436
    Abstract: A precursor composition comprising, before cure, an acrylic ethylene monomer (AEM), a foaming agent, and one or more of a strengthening additive, a thermal ablation additive, or a reflectivity additive. The precursor composition is cured to form a protective article comprising a foamed protective material. A method of forming a protective article is also disclosed, as is an aerospace structure comprising the foamed protective material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Cameron Hilton, Benjamin W.C. Garcia, Matthew Armentrout, Steven F. Stone, Christopher Deemer
  • Patent number: 10870757
    Abstract: An insulation material includes a matrix comprising a reaction product formed from a silicon carbide precursor resin and a silicon dioxide precursor resin. At least one filler, such as hollow glass microspheres and/or carbon fiber is dispersed within the matrix. A rocket motor includes a case, the insulation material within and bonded to the case, and a solid propellant within the case. An insulation precursor includes a silicon carbide precursor resin, a silicon dioxide precursor resin, and the at least one filler. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, Robert S. Larson
  • Publication number: 20200332125
    Abstract: A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer and an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer. A ceramic material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer and organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer is also described. Articles comprising the ceramic material are also described, as are methods of forming the preceramic resin formulation and the ceramic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventor: Benjamin W.C. Garcia
  • Patent number: 10731036
    Abstract: A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer and an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer. A ceramic material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer and organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer is also described. Articles comprising the ceramic material are also described, as are methods of forming the preceramic resin formulation and the ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin W. C. Garcia
  • Patent number: 10603873
    Abstract: A method of forming a hybrid metal composite structure including at least one metal ply. The method includes forming at least one metal ply, forming the at least one metal ply comprising forming at least one perforation in the at least one metal ply, abrasively blasting at least one surface of the at least one metal ply to coarsen the at least one surface of the metal ply, and exposing the at least one metal ply to at least one of an acid or a base. The method further includes disposing at least one fiber composite material structure adjacent the at least one metal ply. Related methods of forming a portion of a rocket case and related hybrid metal composite structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, Elizabeth Bonderson, Brian Christensen, David R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200062663
    Abstract: A barrier coating resin formulation comprising at least one polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, at least one organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, at least one filler, and at least one solvent. A barrier coating comprising a reaction product of the at least one polycarbosilane preceramic polymer and the at least one organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer and the at least one filler is also disclosed, as are articles comprising the barrier coating, rocket motors comprising the barrier coating, and methods of forming the articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventor: Benjamin W.C. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20200032061
    Abstract: An insulation material includes a matrix comprising a reaction product formed from a silicon carbide precursor resin and a silicon dioxide precursor resin. At least one filler, such as hollow glass microspheres and/or carbon fiber is dispersed within the matrix. A rocket motor includes a case, the insulation material within and bonded to the case, and a solid propellant within the case. An insulation precursor includes a silicon carbide precursor resin, a silicon dioxide precursor resin, and the at least one filler. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin W.C. Garcia, Robert S. Larson
  • Publication number: 20200018260
    Abstract: A multi-component structure includes a first hybrid metal composite structure, a second hybrid metal composite structure, and a joint structure. The first and second hybrid metal composite structures include layers, each layer comprising a fiber composite material structure including a fiber material dispersed within a matrix material and at least one metal ply located between layers of the layers. The joint structure extends between and connects the first hybrid metal composite structure and the second hybrid metal composite structure. Additionally, the joint structure exerts a clamping force on the first and second hybrid metal composite structures and to reduce gaps between the layers, between the layers and the at least one metal ply, and between the joint structure and the first and second hybrid metal composite structures to less than half a thickness of the at least one metal ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin W. C. Garcia, Brian Christensen, David R. Nelson