Patents by Inventor Dominic J. Varacalle

Dominic J. Varacalle 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).

  • Lightweight armor system and process for producing the same
    Patent number: 6679157
    Abstract: A lightweight armor system may comprise a substrate having a graded metal matrix composite layer formed thereon by thermal spray deposition. The graded metal matrix composite layer comprises an increasing volume fraction of ceramic particles imbedded in a decreasing volume fraction of a metal matrix as a function of a thickness of the graded metal matrix composite layer. A ceramic impact layer is affixed to the graded metal matrix composite layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho LLC
    Inventors: Henry S. Chu, H. Alan Bruck, Gary C. Strempek, Dominic J. Varacalle, Jr.
  • Lightweight armor system and process for producing the same
    Publication number: 20020088340
    Abstract: A lightweight armor system may comprise a substrate having a graded metal matrix composite layer formed thereon by thermal spray deposition. The graded metal matrix composite layer comprises an increasing volume fraction of ceramic particles imbedded in a decreasing volume fraction of a metal matrix as a function of a thickness of the graded metal matrix composite layer. A ceramic impact layer is affixed to the graded metal matrix composite layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Henry S. Chu, H. Alan Bruck, Gary C. Strempek, Dominic J. Varacalle
  • Method of fabricating silicon carbide coatings on graphite surfaces
    Patent number: 5332601
    Abstract: The vacuum plasma spray process produces well-bonded, dense, stress-free coatings for a variety of materials on a wide range of substrates. The process is used in many industries to provide for the excellent wear, corrosion resistance, and high temperature behavior of the fabricated coatings. In this application, silicon metal is deposited on graphite. This invention discloses the optimum processing parameters for as-sprayed coating qualities. The method also discloses the effect of thermal cycling on silicon samples in an inert helium atmosphere at about 1600.degree.C. which transforms the coating to silicon carbide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: The United States as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Dominic J. Varacalle, Jr., Herbert Herman, Timothy D. Burchell