Patents by Inventor Brian J. Sova

Brian J. Sova 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).

  • Method to increase the toughness of aluminum-lithium alloys at cryogenic temperatures
    Patent number: 7105067
    Abstract: A method to increase the toughness of the aluminum-lithium alloy C458 and similar alloys at cryogenic temperatures above their room temperature toughness is provided. Increasing the cryogenic toughness of the aluminum-lithium alloy C458 allows the use of alloy C458 for cryogenic tanks, for example for launch vehicles in the aerospace industry. A two-step aging treatment for alloy C458 is provided. A specific set of times and temperatures to age the aluminum-lithium alloy C458 to T8 temper is disclosed that results in a higher toughness at cryogenic temperatures compared to room temperature. The disclosed two-step aging treatment for alloy 458 can be easily practiced in the manufacturing process, does not involve impractical heating rates or durations, and does not degrade other material properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Krishnan K. Sankaran, Brian J. Sova, Henry W. Babel