Patents by Inventor Earl K. Hudson

Earl K. Hudson 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: 4984732
    Abstract: A method is provided for achieving predetermined thickness requirements throughout a superplastically formed structure having extreme contours. A laminate assembly of sheets of a metal capable of exhibiting superplasticity, such as titanium alloy, is formed by a combination of superplastic forming and diffusion bonding. The shapes and positioning of the sheets is selected to provide extra metal where the greatest degree of stretching is necessary, such as around the lobes of an exhaust mixer for a turbofan aircraft engine. The gauge can thus be controlled throughout the structure while avoiding weak points and undue weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Rohr Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl K. Hudson, Romulo M. Martinez, James R. Woodward