Patents by Inventor Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr.

Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr. 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: 6893601
    Abstract: A carbon material is formed by heat-treating a carbonaceous material in a reaction mix of oxides of boron and boron nitride in a nitrogen atmosphere to temperatures of 1600 to 2000° C. The surface of the carbonaceous material is transformed into a carbon material that is resistant to oxidation to temperatures of 900° C., enabling machined components to be utilized for weeks at that temperature. The carbon material is also stable in inert or vacuum environments to temperatures in the range of 1500 to 2000° C., enabling its use as aluminum evaporative boats and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Equity Enterprises
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6830812
    Abstract: A carbon material is formed by heat-treating a carbonaceous material in a reaction mix of boron oxide or its precursors and ammonia-generating phases such as melamine or its like in a nitrogen atmosphere to temperatures of 1600 to 2000° C. The surface of the carbonaceous material is transformed into a carbon material that is resistant to oxidation to temperatures of 900° C., enabling machined components to be utilized for weeks at that temperature. The carbon material also is stable in inert or vacuum environments to temperatures in the range of 1500 to 2000° C., enabling its use as aluminum evaporative boats and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Equity Enterprises
    Inventors: Lloyd R. Chapman, Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6576330
    Abstract: A fully inorganic boron nitride paste, containing 80 to 94% of a boron nitride paint and 6 to 20% of ceramic fibers, is provided to allow the process of manufacturing boron nitride “shell” coatings of 0.0313 to 0.25 inch onto ceramic substrates chosen from a wide range of densities. De-clumping of the ceramic fibers such that fiber lengths are greater than 100 micrometers and clumps are less than {fraction (3/32)} inch improves boron nitride “shell” layer uniformity. Boron nitride content of greater than 36 wt. % (or about 50 vol. %) in the boron nitride “shell” provides ceramic structures with a matrix of boron nitride that provides long-term nonwetting behavior for molten nonferrous metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignees: Rex Roto Technologies, Inc., Zyp Coatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Schenck, Karl W. Dersch, Lloyd R. Chapman, Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., William B. Webb, Christopher W. Ivey
  • Patent number: 6007873
    Abstract: A high emissivity coating composition for coating the interior of a furnace to direct thermal energy toward a load in the furnace wherein the furnace operates above 1100.degree. C. thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the furnace. The high emissivity coating composition includes a high emissivity agent and a binder agent. The preferred high emissivity agent is cerium oxide which defines a high emissivity factor from approximately 1000.degree. C. to above 2000.degree. C. The binder suspension agent is formulated to define the consistency and drying characteristics of paint such that the coating can be applied in a manner similar to the manner in which paint is applied. Moreover, the binder/suspension agent withstands the final use temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Equity Enterprises
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5997802
    Abstract: A sintered metal ceramic crucible suitable for high temperature induction melting of reactive metals without appreciable carbon or silicon contamination of the melt. The crucible comprises a cast matrix of a thermally conductive ceramic material; a perforated metal sleeve, which serves as a susceptor for induction heating of the crucible, embedded within the ceramic cast matrix; and a thermal-shock-absorber barrier interposed between the metal sleeve and the ceramic cast matrix to allow for differential thermal expansions between the matrix and the metal sleeve and to act as a thermal-shock-absorber which moderates the effects of rapid changes of sleeve temperature on the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., James O. Kiggans, Jr., S. Marvin Morrow, Donald Rexford
  • Patent number: 5668072
    Abstract: A high emissivity coating for coating the interior of a furnace to direct thermal energy toward a load in the furnace wherein the furnace operates above 1100.degree. C. The high emissivity coating includes a high emissivity agent and a binder agent. The preferred high emissivity agent is cerium oxide which defines a high emissivity factor from approximately 1000.degree. C. to above 2000.degree. C. The binder suspension agent is formulated to define the consistency and drying characteristics of paint such that the coating can be applied in a manner similar to the manner in which paint is applied. Moreover, the binder/suspension agent withstands the final use temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Equity Enterprises
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5453303
    Abstract: A process for depositing a diamond coating on a substrate at temperatures less than about 550.degree. C. A powder mixture of glassy carbon and diamond particles is passed through a high velocity oxy-flame apparatus whereupon the powders are heated prior to impingement at high velocity against the substrate. The powder mixture contains between 5 and 50 powder volume percent of the diamond particles, and preferably between 5 and 15 powder volume percent. The particles have a size from about 5 to about 100 micrometers, with the diamond particles being about 5 to about 30 micrometers. The flame of the apparatus provides a velocity of about 350 to about 1000 meters per second, with the result that upon impingement upon the substrate, the glassy carbon is phase transformed to diamond as coaxed by the diamond content of the powder mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Roland D. Seals
  • Patent number: 5409622
    Abstract: A lubricant for the topical application to objects that will contact various forms of water, e.g., liquid, snow, ice, or mixtures thereof, to reduce friction and thereby increase speed, glide and maneuverability. The lubricant consists essentially of hexagonal boron nitride and a binder of single or mixed oxides or organics, the boron nitride content (after drying) being from about 36 wt. % to about 99 wt. %. Binders of particular interest are water-based colloidal aluminum oxide and colloidal silicon dioxide. This lubricant is suitable for topical applications in a thin layer to various sports objects, such as skis, snowboards, ice skates, snowmobiles, toboggans, sleds, boats, etc., where reduced friction, and thus higher speed, glide and maneuverability is desired. Although a solid stick form (by drying or pressure-less sintering) is preferred, the lubricant can be in the form of a paste or a powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Orpac, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Chapman, Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5366524
    Abstract: Abrasive grains such as boron carbide, silicon carbide, alumina, diamond, cubic boron nitride, and mullite are combined with a cement primarily comprised of zinc oxide and a reactive liquid setting agent and solidified into abrasive grinding tools. Such grinding tools are particularly suitable for grinding and polishing stone, such as marble and granite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Andrew H. Gorin, Roland D. Seals
  • Patent number: 5321223
    Abstract: A method of sintering ceramic materials following: A compacted article comprising inorganic particles coated with carbon is provided, the carbon providing improved microwave coupling. The compacted article is then heated by microwave radiation to a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to sinter the compacted article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold D. Kimrey, Jr., Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Norman L. Dykes
  • Patent number: 5320989
    Abstract: A relatively chemically inert ceramic material produced from a clay-like mixture of boron nitride powder and aluminum oxide, where the aluminum oxide is derived from colloidal aluminum oxide, peptized aluminum oxide, or a dissolved aluminum salt. The clay-like mixture can be dried in a near net shape without cracking and then pressure-less sintered, or bulk dried. Alternatively, pressure-less sintered bodies can be easily machined to a given shape. The ceramic has properties very similar to those of boron nitride in that it resists damage from molten materials, has a high electrical resistance, has high strength at ambient and elevated temperatures, etc. A typical pressure-less sintered body is formed from a clay made with finely-divided boron nitride mixed with at least one of the listed sources of aluminum oxide such that the final sintered composition contains about 85 wt. % boron nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Orpac, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd R. Chapman, Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5066330
    Abstract: Paintable compositions for the formation of coatings on, for example, iron-based metals that, when dry, inhibit deleterious reactions and emissions when the metal is heated to, or thermally cycled at, temperatures of about 600-900 degrees C. The preferred binder portion of the composition, which in itself provides reasonable protection when dry, consists essentially of an aqueous silica containing solution containing an aqueous alkali, together with oxides selected from the transition metals cobalt, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, titanium, zinc and zirconium. The preferred ranges of composition are described as well as certain additives to enhance performance under various conditions. These include the use of filler materials, such as high expansion additives. The coating is useful for other metal and ceramic substrates to prevent or reduce deleterious damage to or emission from the surface at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: ZYP Coatings
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5055137
    Abstract: A composition to produce an adherent and water insoluble deposit on substrate surfaces. A coating material for these surfaces is described which can be applied at any temperature up to at least 2000 degrees F., with the resultant deposit being highly adherent and water insoluble after short drying times. This coating has a liquid phase formed from at least water, a pre-reacted lithium silicate, and a pre-reacted potassium silicate. It can also contain a sodium silicate. This coating can be expressed as being about 69 to about 79 wt. % water and about 21 to about 31 wt. % a mixture of R.sub.2 O and SiO.sub.2. The R.sub.2 O is selected from either a mixture of Li.sub.2 O and K.sub.2 O or from a mixture of Li.sub.2 O, K.sub.2 O and Na.sub.2 O. The R.sub.2 O and SiO.sub.2 typically have a molar ratio of about 0.24 to about 0.29, and the K.sub.2 O is about 35 to 85% of the total molar amount of the R.sub.2 O. When Na.sub.2 O is present, it is up to about 10% of the total molar amount of the R.sub.2 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: ZYP Coatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4898618
    Abstract: Paintable compositions for the formation of coatings on, for example, iron-based metals that, when dry, inhibit oxidation, decarburization and other similar reactions when the metal is heated to temperatures of about 2300 degrees F. (1300 degrees C.). The preferred binder portion of the composition, which in itself provides reasonable protection when dry, consists essentially of an aqueous colloidal silica solution together with an aqueous alkali hydroxide and oxides selected from the transition metals cobalt, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, titanium, zinc and zirconium. The composition is benefitted by the addition of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3. The preferred ranges of composition are described as well as certain additives to enhance performance under various conditions. These include the use of filler materials, as well as high expansion additives when the coating is to withstand temperatures recycling of the metal, and low expansion additives to enhance spallation following a single heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: ZTP Coatings
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4810300
    Abstract: A composition to produce an adherent and water insoluble deposit on substrate surfaces. A coating material for these surfaces is described which can be applied at any temperature up to at least 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, with the resultant deposit (after drying) being highly adherent and water insoluble. This coating has a liquid phase formed from at least water, a pre-reacted lithium silicate, and unreacted lithium hydroxide monohydrate. Preferably, the liquid phase contains a dispersent in the form of a clay, for example. Typically the pre-reacted Li.sub.2 O-SiO.sub.2 has a SiO.sub.2 :Li.sub.2 O molar ratio of about 4.6:1, and the unreacted LiOH.H.sub.2 O provides from 1/3 to 2/3 the total lithium oxide content, giving a final SiO:Li.sub.2 O molar ratio of the composition of from about 1.71:1 to about 2.97:1. To this liquid phase is added a suitable pigment or other refractory material, at about 6-80 wt % based upon the liquid phase. A range of compositions is discussed as well as typical results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: ZYP Coatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4770930
    Abstract: A multilayered thermal insulating composite is formed of a first layer of zirconia-bonded zirconia fibers for utilization near the hot phase or surface of a furnace or the like. A second layer of zirconia-bonded metal oxide fibers is attached to the zirconia fiber layer by a transition layer formed of intermingled zirconia fibers and metal oxide fibers. The thermal insulation is fabricated by vacuum molding with the layers being sequentially applied from aqueous solutions containing the fibers to a configured mandrel. A portion of the solution containing the fibers forming the first layer is intermixed with the solution containing the fibers of the second layer for forming the layer of mixed fibers. The two layers of fibers joined together by the transition layer are saturated with a solution of zirconium oxynitrate which provides a zirconia matrix for the composite when the fibers are sintered together at their nexi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Wrenn, Jr., Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4769074
    Abstract: A binder/suspension liquid for use with refractory compounds and the like. Oxidation prevention coatings for up to at least 1000 degrees Centigrade are described. Both a graphite non-conductive and a conductive coating are described for use in coating graphite crucibles, graphite electrodes, and the like. Typical compositions utilize a binder/suspension liquid phase in an amount from about 40 to about 55 wt. % of the total paintable mixture. This binder/suspension liquid phase is formed by intimately mixing colloidal silica solution, mono-aluminum phosphate solution and alcohol. The non-conducting embodiment of the graphite coating is produced by mixing finely divided boric acid and silicon carbide with the binder/suspension liquid phase. The preferred conductive coating substitutes a mixed TiC-SiC for the SiC of the non-conductive embodiment. The resultant material is very stable (i.e., does not settle), is paintable upon the graphite, and is easily dried at or near room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: ZYP Coatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4743340
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a highly pure, partially stabilized, fibrous zirconia composite for use as thermal insulation in environments where temperatures up to about 2000.degree. C. are utilized. The composite of the present invention is fabricated into any suitable configuration such as a cone, cylinder, dome or the like by vacuum molding an aqueous slurry of partially stabilized zirconia fibers into a desired configuration on a suitably shaped mandrel. The molded fibers are infiltrated with zirconyl nitrate and the resulting structure is then dried to form a rigid structure which may be removed and placed in a furnace. The structure is then heated in air to a temperature of about 600.degree. C. for driving off the nitrate from the structure and for oxidizing the zirconyl ion to zirconia. Thereafter, the structure is heated to about 950.degree. to 1,250.degree. C. to fuse the zirconia fibers at their nexi in a matrix of zirconia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Wrenn, Jr., Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., John Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4741775
    Abstract: A composition to produce an adherent and water insoluble deposit on substrate surfaces. An ink or other coating material for these surfaces is described which can be applied at any temperature up to at least 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, with the resultant deposit (after drying) being highly adherent and water insoluble. As an ink, this composition is useful to produce bar codes on metals to identify the composition, heat treatment, customer, sections for other processing, etc. This ink (coating) has a liquid phase formed from at least water, a pre-reacted lithium silicate, and unreacted lithium hydroxide monohydrate. Preferably, the liquid phase contains a dispersent in the form of a clay, for example. Typically the pre-reacted Li.sub.2 O-SiO.sub.2 has a SiO.sub.2 :Li.sub.2 O molar ratio of about 4.6:1, and the unreacted LiOH.multidot.H.sub.2 O provides from 1/3 to 2/3 the total lithium oxide content, giving a final SiO:Li.sub.2 O molar ratio of the composition of from about 1.71:1 to about 2.97:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: ZYP Coatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Lloyd R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4711666
    Abstract: An oxidation prevention coating for graphite up to at least 1000 degrees Centigrade. Both a non-conductive and a conductive coating are described for use in coating graphite crucibles, graphite electrodes, and the like. All of the compositions utilize a binder/suspension liquid phase in an amount from about 40 to about 55 wt % of the total paintable mixture. This binder/suspension liquid phase is formed by intimately mixing colloidal silica solution, mono-aluminum phosphate solution and ethyl alcohol. The non-conducting embodiment of the invention is produced by mixing finely divided boric acid and silicon carbide with the binder/suspension liquid phase. The preferred conductive coating substitutes a mixed TiC-SiC for the SiC of the non-conductive embodiment. The resultant material is very stable (i.e., does not settle), is paintable upon the graphite, and is easily dried at or near room temperature. A few thin coats, with drying between applications, totaling only about 0.15 to about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: ZYP Coatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd R. Chapman, Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr.