Patents by Inventor Eric T. Easterbrook
Eric T. Easterbrook 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: 11655713Abstract: Repaired rotors are provided. The rotors are repaired by using an indenter apparatus for plastically straining original portions of the rotor and adjacent repair welds. The weld nugget, adjacent heat affected zones, and the adjacent parent-metal portions or new metal portions, are indented at a weld nugget and heat affected zone, to produce threshold levels of uniform plastic strain which meet or exceed plastic strain levels that provide, when the weld nugget and heat affected zone is heat treated, a recrystallized grain structure metallurgically comparable to the grain structure of the original parent-metal of the rotor. Repaired integrally bladed rotors for gas turbine engines, such as aircraft engines, are provided. Blades for gas turbine engines, including integrally bladed rotors, may be advantageously provided, having been manufactured or repaired as described.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: STRESSWAVE, INC.Inventor: Eric T Easterbrook
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Publication number: 20220298919Abstract: Repaired rotors are provided. The rotors are repaired by using an indenter apparatus for plastically straining original portions of the rotor and adjacent repair welds. The weld nugget, adjacent heat affected zones, and the adjacent parent-metal portions or new metal portions, are indented at a weld nugget and heat affected zone, to produce threshold levels of uniform plastic strain which meet or exceed plastic strain levels that provide, when the weld nugget and heat affected zone is heat treated, a recrystallized grain structure metallurgically comparable to the grain structure of the original parent-metal of the rotor. Repaired integrally bladed rotors for gas turbine engines, such as aircraft engines, are provided. Blades for gas turbine engines, including integrally bladed rotors, may be advantageously provided, having been manufactured or repaired as described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Applicant: STRESSWAVE, INC.Inventor: Eric T. EASTERBROOK
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Patent number: 11225868Abstract: A method for design in indenter apparatus for plastically straining a workpiece including a weld nugget, adjacent heat affected zones, and the adjacent parent-metal portions or new metal portions, throughout the weld nugget volume and heat affected zone, to produce threshold levels of uniform plastic strain which meet or exceed plastic strain levels that provide, when the weld nugget and heat affected zone is heat treated, a recrystallized grain structure metallurgically comparable to the grain structure of the parent-metal. The indenter provided by the optimization methods may be used to advantageously in a method for the repair of damaged rotors, including integrally bladed rotors, in gas turbine engines, such as in aircraft engines. Blades for gas turbine engines, including integrally bladed rotors, may be advantageously provided constructed by the methods taught.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: STRESSWAVE, INC.Inventor: Eric T Easterbrook
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Patent number: 7516534Abstract: A method of installing fastening elements, and rivetless fasteners for use with the method. Rivetless nutplate fasteners are installed in metal structures by providing flush fit barrel shaped plug or bushing portions in a hole in the structure as defined by an edge wall. The barrel portion is acted upon axially, and expanded radially outward toward the edge wall of the hole, to provide an interference fit. The ends of the barrel portion are machined as desired for flushness. Also, a hole is installed as necessary. Rivetless nutplates are easily installed, and the installation enhances fatigue life of the hole surrounding the barrel of the nutplate.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Milton Sigelmann, Michael Landy, Taeksun Nam
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Patent number: 7131310Abstract: A method for cold working metal structures. A compound indenter is used to produce deformation in a workpiece, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile, to provide improved fatigue life structures with minimal manufacturing steps. A compound indenter deforms a workpiece, resulting in dimples therein. A relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at the surface and at the midplane of apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. A compound indenter tool having a first, elongate indenter with a shaped indenter surface portion, and a second shaped indenter surrounding the first indenter and forming an annular shoulder recessed from the surface portion of the first indenter, is used. Optionally, a foot having a bottom portion is used to confiningly surround an indenter during application of deforming force to the surface of a workpiece, to prevent deformation of adjacent workpiece surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Nils Juhlin
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Patent number: 7047786Abstract: Metal cold-working tooling and a method of employing such tooling. The tooling is used to produce deformation in a workpiece, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. An indenter is used to coldwork a workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. Preferably, the dimples are provided with a shape formed by application of a uniform pressure profile to the workpiece surface. As optimized, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. Also, an improved indenter tool profile shape is described, having a smoothly curved indenter surface portion. And, the use of consumable lamina wafers provides the benefit of easy application of uniform stress profile to a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventor: Eric T. Easterbrook
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Patent number: 7024747Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fatigue life enhanced product from a plurality of workpiece parts. At least one fatigue enhancing operation is performed on a first workpiece at a first work station. At least one fatigue enhancing operation is performed on a second workpiece at a second work station. The first and second workpieces are transferred to a first assembly station, where the workpieces are joined to form a fatigue life enhanced product. Aerostructures manufactured according to the method may include components fabricated at different locations to have fatigue life enhancing properties, especially in bounding material adjacent to holes designed to accommodate fasteners. By use of the method, the final assembly step can thus avoid the necessity to include the processing of holes to enhance fatigue life, since this step has been performed prior to bringing components into position to be joined in the final shape or assembly of the airframe.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Michael A. Landy
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Patent number: 6742376Abstract: A compound indenter for metal coldwork, and a method of employing such tooling. The compound indenter tool is used to produce deformation in a workpiece structure, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. Preferably, action of a compound indenter causes deformation of the workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. By optimized use of the method, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. An improved, compound indenter tool profile shape is described, having a first, elongate indenter with a shaped indenter surface portion, and a second shaped indenter surrounding the first indenter and forming an annular shoulder recessed from the surface portion of the first indenter.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Nils Juhlin
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Patent number: 6711928Abstract: Metal coldworking tooling and a method of employing such tooling. The tooling is used to produce deformation in a workpiece, preferably via use of stress waves, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. Preferably, action of an indenter causes propagation of stress waves to coldwork a workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. Preferably, the dimples are provided with a shape formed by application of a uniform pressure profile to the workpiece surface. By optimized use of the method, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. An improved indenter tool profile shape is described, having a smoothly curved indenter surface portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventor: Eric T. Easterbrook
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Publication number: 20030213280Abstract: Control systems for indenters used in cold working processes, and in particular, for StressWave cold working of metal workpieces. Load on an indenter is increased by increasing the force applied, such as by pressure in a hydraulic reservoir acting on a piston. When the load reaches a desired limit, as may be calibrated by the pressure in the fluid reservoir responsive to the piston being driven by the indenter, then a pressure relief valve allows the fluid to flow from the cylinder to a hydraulic reservoir, thus allowing the indenter shaft to move away from the workpiece. Then, on recycle of the apparatus, an automatic control system reacts to such movement and pumps fluid back to the reservoir, and thus returns the indenter shaft to a pre-determined position. In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is integrated into, or attached to, the indenter. Other embodiments are disclosed for control of various compound or simple indenters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: STRESSWAVE, INC.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Milton R. Sigelmann, Radford R. Goodloe
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Publication number: 20030167617Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fatigue life enhanced product from a plurality of workpiece parts. At least one fatigue enhancing operation is performed on a first workpiece at a first work station. At least one fatigue enhancing operation is performed on a second workpiece at a second work station. The first and second workpieces are transferred to a first assembly station, where the workpieces are joined to form a fatigue life enhanced product. Aerostructures manufactured according to the method may include components fabricated at different locations to have fatigue life enhancing properties, especially in bounding material adjacent to holes designed to accommodate fasteners. By use of the method, the final assembly step can thus avoid the necessity to include the processing of holes to enhance fatigue life, since this step has been performed prior to bringing components into position to be joined in the final shape or assembly of the airframe.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: STRESSWAVE, INC.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Michael A. Landy
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Patent number: 6615636Abstract: Metal coldworking tooling and a method of employing such tooling. The tooling is used to produce deformation in a workpiece, preferably via use of stress waves, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. Preferably, action of an indenter causes propagation of stress waves to coldwork a workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. Preferably, the dimples are provided with a shape formed by application of a pre-selected pressure profile to the workpiece surface. By optimized use of the method, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventor: Eric T. Easterbrook
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Publication number: 20030118419Abstract: A method of installing fastening elements, and rivetless fasteners for use with the method. Rivetless nutplate fasteners are installed in metal structures by providing flush fit barrel shaped plug or bushing portions in a hole in the structure as defined by an edge wall. The barrel portion is acted upon axially, and expanded radially outward toward the edge wall of the hole, to provide an interference fit. The ends of the barrel portion are machined as desired for flushness. Also, a hole is installed as necessary. Rivetless nutplates are easily installed, and the installation enhances fatigue life of the hole surrounding the barrel of the nutplate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: STRESSWAVE, INC.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Milton Sigelmann, Michael Landy, Taeksun Nam
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Publication number: 20020148270Abstract: Metal cold-working tooling and a method of employing such tooling. The tooling is used to produce deformation in a workpiece, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. An indenter is used to coldwork a workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. Preferably, the dimples are provided with a shape formed by application of a uniform pressure profile to the workpiece surface. As optimized, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. Also, an improved indenter tool profile shape is described, having a smoothly curved indenter surface portion. And, the use of consumable lamina wafers provides the benefit of easy application of uniform stress profile to a workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Applicant: STRESSWAVE, INC.Inventor: Eric T. Easterbrook
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Patent number: 6389865Abstract: Tooling and a method of employing tooling to produce beneficial stress waves in a substrate to provide high fatigue life structures. Stress waves are provided to work a substrate, causing dimples in the workpiece, along a uniform pressure profile in the workpiece. By use of the method, uniform beneficial residual stress is provided at surface and midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. An improved tool shape is described, having a smooth curve, rather than a flat punch. Also, the use of a consumable wafer provides additional uniform stress profile benefits.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventor: Eric T. Easterbrook
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Publication number: 20020038565Abstract: Tooling and a method of employing tooling to produce beneficial stress waves in a substrate to provide high fatigue life structures. Stress waves are provided to work a substrate, causing dimples in the workpiece, along a uniform pressure profile in the workpiece. By use of the method, uniform beneficial residual stress is provided at surface and midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. An improved tool shape is described, having a smooth curve, rather than a flat punch. Also, the use of a consumable wafer provides additional uniform stress profile benefits.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 1999Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventor: ERIC T. EASTERBROOK
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Publication number: 20020011091Abstract: Metal coldworking tooling and a method of employing such tooling. The tooling is used to produce deformation in a workpiece, preferably via use of stress waves, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. Preferably, action of an indenter causes propagation of stress waves to coldwork a workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. Preferably, the dimples are provided with a shape formed by application of a pre-selected pressure profile to the workpiece surface. By optimized use of the method, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Applicant: STRESSWAVE INC.Inventor: Eric T. Easterbrook
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Publication number: 20010052254Abstract: A compound indenter for metal coldwork, and a method of employing such tooling. The compound indenter tool is used to produce deformation in a workpiece structure, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. Preferably, action of a compound indenter causes deformation of the workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. By optimized use of the method, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. An improved, compound indenter tool profile shape is described, having a first, elongate indenter with a shaped indenter surface portion, and a second shaped indenter surrounding the first indenter and forming an annular shoulder recessed from the surface portion of the first indenter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: STRESSWAVE, INC.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Nils F. Juhlin
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Patent number: 6230537Abstract: Metal coldworking tooling and a method of employing such tooling. The tooling is used to produce deformation in a workpiece, preferably via use of stress waves, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. Preferably, action of an indenter causes propagation of stress waves to coldwork a workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. Preferably, the dimples are provided with a shape formed by application of a uniform pressure profile to the workpiece surface. By optimized use of the method, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life. An improved indenter tool profile shape is described, having a smoothly curved indenter surface portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Stresswave, Inc.Inventor: Eric T. Easterbrook
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Patent number: 5433100Abstract: A nosepiece apparatus for use in conjunction with a pull gun for prestressing fastener holes, or the like, in a workpiece, the nosepiece including an adapter (12) having a central passageway (19) therethrough and a rear end (20) adapted to be mounted to a pull gun. The forward end of the adapter (12) has a threaded connection for coupling the adapter (12) to an extension piece (14). The extension piece (14) is an elongated, tubular extension having threaded connections at both ends. A sleeve retainer (16) is provided having a threaded connection at its rearward end for securing the sleeve retainer (16) to the extension. The forward end of the sleeve retainer (16) is formed by a multiple of annularly-spaced, alternate splits (56) and fingers (58) extending substantially axially from the rearward end of the sleeve retainer (16). The threaded connection of the sleeve retainer (16) is adapted not only to be threadably coupled to the extension piece (14), but also to be directly coupled to the adapter ( 12).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.Inventors: Eric T. Easterbrook, Todd L. Thompson, Mark R. Weiss