Patents by Inventor Gerard M. Ludtka

Gerard M. Ludtka 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: 11781199
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, ?-Fe and magnesium nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Michele Viola Manuel, Hunter B. Henderson, Orlando Rios, Gerard M. Ludtka
  • Publication number: 20230227944
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, ?-Fe and magnesium nitride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Michele Viola Manuel, HUNTER B. HENDERSON, ORLANDO RIOS, GERARD M. LUDTKA
  • Publication number: 20230203684
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide solid oxide cells and components thereof having a metal oxide electrolyte that exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity. Certain of those embodiments have two materials, at least one of which is a metal oxide, disposed so that at least some interfaces between the domains of the materials orient in a direction substantially parallel to the desired ionic conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicants: FCET, INC., UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Leonid V. Budaragin, Mark A. Deininger, Michael M. Pozvonkov, D. Morgan Spears, II, Paul D. Fisher, Gerard M. Ludtka, Arvid E. Pasto
  • Patent number: 11618077
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, ?-Fe and magnesium nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., UTBATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Michele Viola Manuel, Hunter B. Henderson, Orlando Rios, Gerard M. Ludtka
  • Publication number: 20230088978
    Abstract: The invention provides a component formed of an aluminum alloy for use in a vehicle, for example an automotive vehicle component requiring high strength, light-weight, and a complex three-dimensional shape, and a method of manufacturing the component. The method begins by providing a blank formed of an aluminum alloy which is already solution heat treated and tempered, and thus has a temper designation of about T4. The method further includes heating the blank to a temperature of 150° C. to 350° C., preferably 190° C. to 225° C. The method next includes quickly transferring the blank to a hot or warm forming apparatus, and stamping the blank to form the complex three-dimensional shape. Immediately after the forming step, the component has a temper designation of about T6, but preferably not greater than T6, and thus is ready for use in the vehicle without any post heat treatment or machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Edward K. STEINEBACH, Mark Justin JONES, Jeremiah John BRADY, Kenneth Ray ADAMS, Gerard M. LUDTKA
  • Patent number: 11560636
    Abstract: Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. That substrate may be in nanobar form that conforms to an orientation imparted by a magnetic field or an electric field applied before or during the converting. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignees: FCET, INC., UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Leonid V. Budaragin, Mark A. Deininger, Michael M. Pozvonkov, D. Morgan Spears, II, Paul D. Fisher, Gerard M. Ludtka, Arvid E. Pasto
  • Publication number: 20220274170
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, ?-Fe and magnesium nitride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: MICHELE VIOLA MANUEL, HUNTER B. HENDERSON, ORLANDO RIOS, GERARD M. LUDTKA
  • Patent number: 11370027
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, ?-Fe and magnesium nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Michele Viola Manuel, Hunter B. Henderson, Orlando Rios, Gerard M. Ludtka
  • Publication number: 20210180174
    Abstract: A method may include annealing a material including iron and nitrogen in the presence of an applied magnetic field to form at least one Fe16N2 phase domain. The applied magnetic field may have a strength of at least about 0.2 Tesla (T).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Michael P. BRADY, Orlando RIOS, YanFeng JIANG, Gerard M. LUDTKA, Craig A. BRIDGES, Jian-Ping WANG, Xiaowei ZHANG, Lawrence F. ALLARD, Edgar LARA-CURZIO
  • Patent number: 10961615
    Abstract: A method may include annealing a material including iron and nitrogen in the presence of an applied magnetic field to form at least one Fe16N2 phase domain. The applied magnetic field may have a strength of at least about 0.2 Tesla (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Michael P. Brady, Orlando Rios, Yanfeng Jiang, Gerard M. Ludtka, Craig A. Bridges, Jian-Ping Wang, Xiaowei Zhang, Lawrence F. Allard, Edgar Lara-Curzio
  • Publication number: 20200370155
    Abstract: The invention provides a component formed of an aluminum alloy for use in a vehicle, for example an automotive vehicle component requiring high strength, light-weight, and a complex three-dimensional shape, and a method of manufacturing the component. The method begins by providing a blank formed of an aluminum alloy which is already solution heat treated and tempered, and thus has a temper designation of about T4. The method further includes heating the blank to a temperature of 150° C. to 350° C., preferably 190° C. to 225° C. The method next includes quickly transferring the blank to a hot or warm forming apparatus, and stamping the blank to form the complex three-dimensional shape. Immediately after the forming step, the component has a temper designation of about T6, but preferably not greater than T6, and thus is ready for use in the vehicle without any post heat treatment or machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Edward K. STEINEBACH, Mark Justin JONES, Jeremiah John BRADY, Kenneth Ray ADAMS, Gerard M. LUDTKA
  • Patent number: 10782193
    Abstract: An example apparatus can comprise an emitter to emit radio frequency radiation, an absorber that changes temperature based on emissions from the emitter, and one or more sensors to measure a temperature difference between a sample and a reference coupled to the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignees: UT-Battelle, LLC, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Byvank, Benjamin S. Conner, Roger A. Kisner, Michael A. McGuire, Orlando Rios, Michael S. Kesler, Gerard M. Ludtka, Boyd Evans, Cajetan Ikenna Niebedim, Ralph William McCallum
  • Patent number: 10774408
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a component formed of an aluminum alloy for use in an automotive vehicle application, for example those requiring high strength, light-weight, and a complex three-dimensional shape. The method begins by providing a blank formed of an aluminum alloy which is already solution heat treated and tempered, and thus has a temper designation of about T4. The method further includes heating the blank to a temperature of 150° C. to 350° C., preferably 190° C. to 225° C. The method next includes quickly transferring the blank to a hot or warm forming apparatus, and stamping the blank to form the complex three-dimensional shape. Immediately after the forming step, the component has a temper designation of about T6, but preferably not greater than T6, and thus is ready for use in the automotive vehicle application without any post heat treatment or machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Edward K. Steinebach, Mark Justin Jones, Jeremiah John Brady, Kenneth Ray Adams, Gerard M. Ludtka
  • Patent number: 10654107
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, ?-Fe and magnesium nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michele Viola Manuel, Hunter B. Henderson, Orlando Rios, Gerard M. Ludtka
  • Publication number: 20200115811
    Abstract: Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. That substrate may be in nanobar form that conforms to an orientation imparted by a magnetic field or an electric field applied before or during the converting. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicants: FCET, INC., UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Leonid V. Budaragin, Mark A. Deininger, Michael M. Pozvonkov, D. Morgan Spears, II, Paul D. Fisher, Gerard M. Ludtka, Arvid E. Pasto
  • Publication number: 20200101537
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, ?-Fe and magnesium nitride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: MICHELE VIOLA MANUEL, HUNTER B. HENDERSON, ORLANDO RIOS, GERARD M. LUDTKA
  • Publication number: 20190321893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, ?-Fe and magnesium nitride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: MICHELE VIOLA MANUEL, HUNTER B. HENDERSON, ORLANDO RIOS, GERARD M. LUDTKA
  • Patent number: 10343219
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, y.-Fe and magnesium nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Michele Viola Manuel, Hunter B. Henderson, Orlando Rios, Gerard M. Ludtka
  • Patent number: 10196873
    Abstract: An advanced blowout preventer that includes an arrester section and a shear section. The arrester section includes a number or arrester rings that are shaped to extend downwardly. The shape of the arrester rings allows the force of gas flowing out of the well to assist in closing the rings. The arrester section may have a number of arrester rings that cooperate to significantly reduce fluid from flowing in the annulus between a section of drill pipe and the blowout preventer. The advanced blowout preventer may also include a shear section. The shear section is configured to engage and shear a section of pipe using induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Transocean Innovation Labs Ltd.
    Inventors: Bryce Levett, Gerard M. Ludtka, Mariana Dionisio
  • Patent number: 10053760
    Abstract: A method of thermomagnetically processing an aluminum alloy entails heat treating an aluminum alloy, and applying a high field strength magnetic field of at least about 2 Tesla to the aluminum alloy during the heat treating. The heat treating and the application of the high field strength magnetic field are carried out for a treatment time sufficient to achieve a predetermined standard strength of the aluminum alloy, and the treatment time is reduced by at least about 50% compared to heat treating the aluminum alloy without the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Gerard M. Ludtka, Orlando Rios, David Weiss