Patents by Inventor Gerald E. Stephens

Gerald E. Stephens 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: 4671841
    Abstract: A method of producing an open, triaxial woven, acoustic face sheet useful in acoustic energy absorbing panels for aircraft engines or the like. The composite face sheet is formed from carbon fibers in an epoxy resin matrix and has about 25 to 33% open area. This face sheet has lower weight and superior and more uniform strength and stiffness than biaxial composite face sheets. The face sheet is made by first weaving carbon fiber tows at warp angles of +30.degree. and -30.degree. and a fill angle of 90.degree.. The woven sheet is impregnated with epoxy as other resins in a manner which produces no rich or starved areas and no blocked openings. The resulting prepreg material may be stored for extended periods at reduced temperatures. The prepreg material is shaped on a suitable mold surface and the resin is fully cured, preferably in a vacuum bag assembly in an autoclave. The resulting sheet has very light weight, an excellent percentage of openings and high strength and stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Rohr Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Stephens