Patents by Inventor Brad Kirkwood

Brad Kirkwood 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).

  • Forming apparatus and method
    Publication number: 20050242087
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a composite workpiece are provided. An electromagnetic field generator induces a current in a susceptor, thereby heating the workpiece in a die cavity. An elastomeric bladder in the cavity is inflated and urges the workpiece against a contour surface corresponding to a desired configuration of the workpiece. Coolant fluid can also be circulated through the die cavity to cool the workpiece. Thus, the workpiece can be heated, formed, and cooled quickly and without substantial heating of other components, thereby reducing the time and energy relative to conventional forming methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Inventors: Donald Anderson, Ronald Brown, Brad Kirkwood, Marc Matsen, Douglas McCarville, Stephen Moore
  • Forming apparatus and method
    Publication number: 20050035115
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a composite workpiece are provided. An electromagnetic field generator induces a current in a susceptor, thereby heating the workpiece in a die cavity. An elastomeric bladder in the cavity is inflated and urges the workpiece against a contour surface corresponding to a desired configuration of the workpiece. Coolant fluid can also be circulated through the die cavity to cool the workpiece. Thus, the workpiece can be heated, formed, and cooled quickly and without substantial heating of other components, thereby reducing the time and energy relative to conventional forming methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Donald Anderson, Ronald Brown, Brad Kirkwood, Marc Matsen, Douglas McCarville, Stephen Moore