Patents by Inventor David E. Merker

David E. Merker 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: 5038994
    Abstract: A sleeve containing an explosive charge which is explosively welded along a tapered end to the inner surface of a tube for repairing a damaged section of the tube. No mechanical support is needed along the outer surface of the tube despite the explosive expansion and welding of the sleeve. The explosive charge is tapered at the end of the sleeve. A charge assembly for carrying the explosive charge includes a flange for centering the sleeve in the tube and for establishing a stand-off distance between the sleeve and the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Joel G. Feldstein, David E. Merker
  • Patent number: 5022148
    Abstract: A sleeve containing an explosive charge which is explosively welded along a tapered end to the inner surface of a tube for repairing a damaged section of the tube. No mechanical support is needed along the outer surface of the tube despite the explosive expansion and welding of the sleeve. The explosive charge is tapered at the end of the sleeve. A charge assembly for carrying the explosive charge includes a flange for centering the sleeve in the tube and for establishing a stand-off distance between the sleeve and the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Joel G. Feldstein, David E. Merker
  • Patent number: 4782206
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating microfissure defects in shape melted austenitic material components by closely controlling the deposited weld bead shape to a geometry where the underbead shape has no sharp discontinuties. Oscillation of the welding torch head during the process is used to smooth out the weldbead shape and is especially adapted for use with gas metal-arc welding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Paul S. Ayres, David P. Edmonds, Dennis D. Hartwig, David E. Merker, Charles M. Weber
  • Patent number: 4672832
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for radially expanding a tubular member and comprising first and second spaced apart end caps rigidly connected to each other by a post. An expandable bladder fixed to each end cap and extending around the post to define an annular space. A propellant disposed in the annular space and ignition apparatus associated with the propellant. The propellant being of the type which burns rapidly to generate large amounts of gas for expanding the bladder. The tubular member being disposed around the bladder for radial expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: David E. Merker
  • Patent number: 4583672
    Abstract: An explosive welding device is disclosed for securing sleeves within a tubular fluid conveying conduit. The device comprises a shatterable cup member, explosive material secured within the cup, a means for detonating the explosive material and a means for releasably securing the device in position within the sleeve by remote tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Henry Q. Bibb, David E. Merker, Louis E. Stark