Patents by Inventor Craig A. Brice
Craig A. Brice 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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Patent number: 10857597Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for creating a multiple alloy composite structure by forming a three-dimensional arrangement of a first alloy composition in which the three-dimensional arrangement has a substantially open and continuous porosity. The three-dimensional arrangement of the first alloy composition is infused with at least a second alloy composition, where the second alloy composition comprises a shape memory alloy. The three-dimensional arrangement is consolidated into a fully dense solid structure, and the original shape of the second alloy composition is set for reversible transformation. Strain is applied to the fully dense solid structure, which is treated with heat so that the shape memory alloy composition becomes memory activated to recover the original shape. An interwoven composite of the first alloy composition and the memory-activated second alloy composition is thereby formed in the multiple alloy composite structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASAInventor: Craig A. Brice
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Patent number: 10829857Abstract: Gas is introduced into molten metal during an additive metal fabrication process and/or during a metal fusion process. The gas may comprise a process gas that flows through a tubular feed wire. The amount of process gas introduced can be controlled to vary the composition and/or material properties of metal deposits formed from a molten metal. Material properties such as yield strength, hardness, and fracture toughness can be increased or decreased in specific regions to provide material property gradients that closely correspond to expected requirements of components fabricated utilizing additive and/or fusion processes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASAInventor: Craig A. Brice
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Publication number: 20180093327Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for creating a multiple alloy composite structure by forming a three-dimensional arrangement of a first alloy composition in which the three-dimensional arrangement has a substantially open and continuous porosity. The three-dimensional arrangement of the first alloy composition is infused with at least a second alloy composition, where the second alloy composition comprises a shape memory alloy. The three-dimensional arrangement is consolidated into a fully dense solid structure, and the original shape of the second alloy composition is set for reversible transformation. Strain is applied to the fully dense solid structure, which is treated with heat so that the shape memory alloy composition becomes memory activated to recover the original shape. An interwoven composite of the first alloy composition and the memory-activated second alloy composition is thereby formed in the multiple alloy composite structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventor: Craig A. Brice
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Patent number: 9764386Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for creating a multiple alloy composite structure by forming a three-dimensional arrangement of a first alloy composition in which the three-dimensional arrangement has a substantially open and continuous porosity. The three-dimensional arrangement of the first alloy composition is infused with at least a second alloy composition, where the second alloy composition comprises a shape memory alloy. The three-dimensional arrangement is consolidated into a fully dense solid structure, and the original shape of the second alloy composition is set for reversible transformation. Strain is applied to the fully dense solid structure, which is treated with heat so that the shape memory alloy composition becomes memory activated to recover the original shape. An interwoven composite of the first alloy composition and the memory-activated second alloy composition is thereby formed in the multiple alloy composite structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASAInventor: Craig A. Brice
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Publication number: 20150056464Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for creating a multiple alloy composite structure by forming a three-dimensional arrangement of a first alloy composition in which the three-dimensional arrangement has a substantially open and continuous porosity. The three-dimensional arrangement of the first alloy composition is infused with at least a second alloy composition, where the second alloy composition comprises a shape memory alloy. The three-dimensional arrangement is consolidated into a fully dense solid structure, and the original shape of the second alloy composition is set for reversible transformation. Strain is applied to the fully dense solid structure, which is treated with heat so that the shape memory alloy composition becomes memory activated to recover the original shape. An interwoven composite of the first alloy composition and the memory-activated second alloy composition is thereby formed in the multiple alloy composite structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Craig A. Brice
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Publication number: 20140263246Abstract: Gas is introduced into molten metal during an additive metal fabrication process and/or during a metal fusion process. The gas may comprise a process gas that flows through a tubular feed wire. The amount of process gas introduced can be controlled to vary the composition and/or material properties of metal deposits formed from a molten metal. Material properties such as yield strength, hardness, and fracture toughness can be increased or decreased in specific regions to provide material property gradients that closely correspond to expected requirements of components fabricated utilizing additive and/or fusion processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Craig A. Brice
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Patent number: 8685501Abstract: A direct manufacturing technique involving rapid solidification processing uses a reaction between a metallic molten pool and a reactant gas in an inert atmosphere to form alloys with improved desired properties. By utilizing rapid solidification techniques, solubility levels are increased resulting in alloys with unique mechanical and physical properties. Laser deposition of alloys in atmospheres of varying reactant content produce compositions with intermingled and significantly improved overall properties.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Craig A. Brice, Bill Capshaw
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Patent number: 8389072Abstract: A variable hardness gradient armor alloy is produced with a liquid-state reaction between a metallic molten pool and a gaseous atmosphere having a small fraction of reactive gas. The content of the reactant gas is varied as the armor is fabricated in order to vary the properties of the resultant material across its thickness and typically include, for example, a hardened outer or initial layer for impact resistance, and at least one inner layer having a lower hardness than the outer layer but greater energy absorption.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Craig A. Brice, Brian T. Rosenberger
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Patent number: 8261961Abstract: A solid state method for the preparation of composite materials incorporating metal and nano materials is provided, wherein nano materials are deposited on a substrate and incorporated into the substrate structure by friction stir welding. Also provided are composite materials that include nano materials, which are prepared by friction stir welding.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Craig A. Brice
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Patent number: 8215222Abstract: Ring-shaped shape memory alloys put disk-shaped ceramic materials in a state of compression. The rings are radially deformed to introduce plastic strain into the rings. The rings are sized to closely receive the disk-shaped ceramic strike plates. When the assembly is heated, the rings attempt to regain their original shape and thereby put the ceramic strike plates into uniform, two-dimensional compression.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Brian T. Rosenberger, Craig A. Brice, Slade H. Gardner, Nathan L. Weber
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Publication number: 20120152097Abstract: Ring-shaped shape memory alloys put disk-shaped ceramic materials in a state of compression. The rings are radially deformed to introduce plastic strain into the rings. The rings are sized to closely receive the disk-shaped ceramic strike plates. When the assembly is heated, the rings attempt to regain their original shape and thereby put the ceramic strike plates into uniform, two-dimensional compression.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2007Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Briant T. Rosenberger, Craig A. Brice, Slade H. Gardner, Nathan L. Weber
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Patent number: 7871041Abstract: Leading edge structures for high performance aircraft and the direct manufacture thereof are disclosed. Direct manufacturing technology is used to deposit leading edge structures directly from a digital model to form near-net shape products. This technique permits a wider range of materials to be utilized, such as casting alloys capable of the highest temperature usage that are not available in billet or sheet form. Refractory metals or high temperature ceramics also may be used to form the entire lead edge structure, or just a replaceable tip of the leading edge structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Craig A. Brice, Brian T. Rosenberger
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Patent number: 7837086Abstract: A ballistic armor uses shape memory alloys and novel joining techniques to form a solution from a combination of shape memory metallic alloys (SMA) and ceramic materials. The SMA allows a high amount of strain to be recovered through a low temperature heat treatment. The amount of strain recoverable is much higher than that available through conventional thermal expansion mismatch solutions. Solid state or low temperature bonding methods are used to join the dissimilar materials. This joining technique avoids introducing excessive heat that would cause the SMA to transform before the armor system is assembled.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Craig A. Brice, Brian T. Rosenberger, Slade H. Gardner, Nathan L. Weber
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Publication number: 20100269975Abstract: A ballistic armor uses shape memory alloys and novel joining techniques to form a solution from a combination of shape memory metallic alloys (SMA) and ceramic materials. The SMA allows a high amount of strain to be recovered through a low temperature heat treatment. The amount of strain recoverable is much higher than that available through conventional thermal expansion mismatch solutions. Solid state or low temperature bonding methods are used to join the dissimilar materials. This joining technique avoids introducing excessive heat that would cause the SMA to transform before the armor system is assembled.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2007Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Craig A. Brice, Brian T. Rosenberger, Slade H. Gardner, Nathan L. Weber
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Patent number: 7758776Abstract: A system for fabricating a free form structure of a composite material including carbon nanotubes. The system includes a discharge assembly and a composite formation device operatively linked with the discharge assembly. The discharge assembly dispenses a fusing agent such as for example a high energy density emission, a laser emission or a particle beam emission. The composite formation device includes a composite generator and an arranger in operative engagement with a composite generator. The composite generator engages with the fusing agent so as to create a composite nodal element. The composite nodal element includes a matrix and a multiplicity of fibers formed of carbon nanotubes dispersed throughout the matrix. The arranger positions one node relative to another to define the free form structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Craig A. Brice, Frederick J. Herman
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Publication number: 20100080935Abstract: A variable hardness gradient armor alloy is produced with a liquid-state reaction between a metallic molten pool and a gaseous atmosphere having a small fraction of reactive gas. The content of the reactant gas is varied as the armor is fabricated in order to vary the properties of the resultant material across its thickness and typically include, for example, a hardened outer or initial layer for impact resistance, and at least one inner layer having a lower hardness than the outer layer but greater energy absorption.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventor: Craig A. Brice
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Publication number: 20090258232Abstract: A solid state method for the preparation of composite materials incorporating metal and nano materials is provided, wherein nano materials are deposited on a substrate and incorporated into the substrate structure by friction stir welding. Also provided are composite materials that include nano materials, which are prepared by friction stir welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventor: Craig A. Brice
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Publication number: 20090101755Abstract: Leading edge structures for high performance aircraft and the direct manufacture thereof are disclosed. Direct manufacturing technology is used to deposit leading edge structures directly from a digital model to form near-net shape products. This technique permits a wider range of materials to be utilized, such as casting alloys capable of the highest temperature usage that are not available in billet or sheet form. Refractory metals or high temperature ceramics also may be used to form the entire lead edge structure, or just a replaceable tip of the leading edge structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventors: Craig A. Brice, Brian T. Rosenberger
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Publication number: 20080099534Abstract: Friction stir welded joints are reinforced with a strengthening material that is applied directly to the joint surfaces to counteract the loss of desirable physical properties in the workpieces being joined. The strengthening material is stirred into the weld nugget during processing and locates at the bond interfaces to form a more robust joint. The reinforcing substance is distributed throughout the nugget and counterbalances the loss of strength due to dissolution of the precipitates during processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Craig A. Brice, John E. Barnes
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Publication number: 20070290409Abstract: A system for fabricating a free form structure of a composite material including carbon nanotubes. The system includes a discharge assembly and a composite formation device operatively linked with the discharge assembly. The discharge assembly dispenses a fusing agent such as for example a high energy density emission, a laser emission or a particle beam emission. The composite formation device includes a composite generator and an arranger in operative engagement with a composite generator. The composite generator engages with the fusing agent so as to create a composite nodal element. The composite nodal element includes a matrix and a multiplicity of fibers formed of carbon nanotubes dispersed throughout the matrix. The arranger positions one node relative to another to define the free form structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2005Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Craig Brice, Frederick Herman