Patents by Inventor Carl D. Sorensen
Carl D. Sorensen 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).
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Publication number: 20170326679Abstract: A system and method for making adjustments to output effort from a spindle driver using a multi-stage nested control loop of an active controller to provide constant power to a friction stir zone during a friction stir operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Kenneth Alec Ross, Carl D Sorensen
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Patent number: 9751153Abstract: A system and method for making adjustments to output effort from a spindle driver using a multi-stage nested control loop of an active controller to provide constant power to a friction stir zone during a friction stir operation. Providing constant power facilitates temperature control within the friction stir zone and thereby improves the result of the operation such as a weld.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Brigham Young UniversityInventors: Kenneth Alec Ross, Carl D. Sorensen
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Patent number: 8302834Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignees: MegaStar Technologies LLC, Bringham Young UniversityInventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott M. Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Publication number: 20110297733Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Patent number: 7993575Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Megastir Technologies, LLCInventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Publication number: 20100146866Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Publication number: 20100064831Abstract: Disclosed are systems, assemblies, and components that relate to power transfer. In particular, the disclosed systems includes a transmission that offers variable speeds and changes between different gear ratios while maintaining constant engagement. Constant engagement may be maintained by tooth-to-tooth contact to be scalable for a variety of applications. An example system includes a phase shifting mechanism. The phase shifting mechanism may include an eccentric gear that provides an oscillating output. The oscillating output creates an overall gear ratio change that slides between gear ratios, thereby allowing changes to occur in small, and possibly infinitely small increments. According to one example, an eccentric gear has a changing base radius and includes a tooth with a hybrid profile that has a base the width of an initial profile, and a width at a top of the tooth that is that of a final profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Gary D. Lee, William M. Decker, Brandon Levi Haupt, Isaac Reo Jones, Robert H. Todd, Carl D. Sorensen, Kenneth W. Chase
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Patent number: 7661572Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignees: Brigham Young University, SII MegaDiamond, Inc., Advanced Metal Products, Inc.Inventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Patent number: 7608296Abstract: A friction stir welding anvil and method of producing a friction stir welding anvil that precludes diffusion or mechanical bonding of the anvil to the work pieces are provided. The alternatives for producing such an anvil comprise coating the anvil with diffusion barriers such as oxides, nitrides, intermetallics, and/or refractory metals; manufacturing an anvil either completely or partially from the same; or placing a coating of such materials in the form of a thin sheet or a powder between the anvil and the work pieces. The anvil disclosed herein exhibits high strength and hardness even at elevated temperatures, such as those greater than 800° C., so as to prevent the anvil from mechanically or diffusion bonding to the work pieces and so as to minimize, or eliminate altogether, anvil deformation.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignees: Brigham Young University, SII MegaDiamond, Inc., Advanced Metal ProductsInventors: Scott M. Packer, Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen
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Patent number: 7270257Abstract: A system and method for performing friction stir welding of non-planar materials having high melting temperatures, wherein a process is provided for performing longitudinal and radial welds on objects such as pipes, flanges, tanks, and shrouds, and wherein an active or passive mandrel provides support for the friction stir welding process.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignees: SII Megadiamond, Inc., Advanced Metal Products, Inc., Brigham Young UniversityInventors: Russell Steel, Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer
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Patent number: 7210610Abstract: A method and device enabling friction stir welding along non-linear joint lines or seams on either planar or non-planar surfaces are provided. The device features four roller clamps located on upper and lower pieces. It also contains a non-consumable tool with a profiled probed end that engages work pieces and follows along a non-linear or linear joint lines in order to achieve high-integrity friction stir welds. No special anvil is required and the device can be manually or automatically operated and controlled. Operating similarly to a conventional sewing machine, this device and process enable an operator or user to manually guide work pieces to be welded through a friction stir welding tool and allows for flexibility in the path of the weld and the types of material being welded.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Brigham Young UniversityInventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Perry W. Carter, Thomas L. Kirkham, Jr., David V. Kirkham
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Patent number: 7152776Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignees: SII MegaDiamond, Inc., Advanced Metal Products, Inc., Bringham Young UniversityInventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Patent number: 7124929Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignees: SII MegaDiamond, Inc., Advanced Metal Products, Inc., Brigham Young UniversityInventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Patent number: 6850798Abstract: A method for measuring a body composition measure of an animal includes steps of measuring a first electrical impedance between a front foot pad of the animal and a rear foot pad of the animal; measuring a second electrical impedance between two front foot pads of the animal in parallel with one another and two rear foot pads of the animal in parallel with one another; and utilizing the first electrical impedance, the second electrical impedance, and a regression relationship to determine the body composition measure of the animal.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Nestec, Ltd.Inventors: Blair P. Morgan, Nathan Trone, Benjamin T. Richardson, Carl D. Sorensen, Jason T. Smith, James A. LeFevre, Jeremy B. Clark, Tyson J. Baker, Samuel B. Sheppard
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Patent number: 6779704Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Inventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Publication number: 20040155093Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Publication number: 20040134972Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter
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Patent number: 6732901Abstract: A friction stir welding anvil and method of producing a friction stir welding anvil that precludes diffusion or mechanical bonding of the anvil to the work pieces are provided. The alternatives for producing such an anvil comprise coating the anvil with diffusion barriers such as oxides, nitrides, intermetallics, and/or refractory metals; manufacturing an anvil either completely or partially from the same; or placing a coating of such materials in the form of a thin sheet or a powder between the anvil and the work pieces. The anvil disclosed herein exhibits high strength and hardness even at elevated temperatures, such as those greater than 800° C., so as to prevent the anvil from mechanically or diffusion bonding to the work pieces and so as to minimize, or eliminate altogether, anvil deformation.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Brigham Young University Technology Transfer OfficeInventors: Tracy W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott M. Packer
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Publication number: 20040068379Abstract: A method for measuring a body composition measure of an animal includes steps of measuring a first electrical impedance between a front foot pad of the animal and a rear foot pad of the animal; measuring a second electrical impedance between two front foot pads of the animal in parallel with one another and two rear foot pads of the animal in parallel with one another; and utilizing the first electrical impedance, the second electrical impedance, and a regression relationship to determine the body composition measure of the animal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Blair P. Morgan, Nathan Trone, Benjamin T. Richardson, Carl D. Sorensen, Jason T. Smith, James A. LeFevre, Jeremy B. Clark, Tyson J. Baker, Samuel D. Sheppard
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Patent number: 6648206Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventors: Tracey W. Nelson, Carl D. Sorensen, Scott Packer, Paul Allen Felter