Patents by Inventor Henry M. Hodgens

Henry M. Hodgens 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: 8236190
    Abstract: A method of removing recast from a substrate is disclosed. The method includes chemically removing the recast using an etchant, which provides a visual indication of the presence of the recast when the part has been removed from the etchant. One example chemical etchant is comprised of a sulfuric acid solution that includes sodium chloride, sodium fluoride and ammonium persulfate. After chemical removal of the recast from the substrate, the recast is physically removed from the substrate, for example, by media blasting. The chemical and physical recast removal process can be repeated as desired. To ensure that all the recast has been removed, the substrate is wiped, for example, using a cloth. If all the recast has been removed, the cloth will not change in appearance or color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Gehron, Henry M. Hodgens
  • Publication number: 20090308761
    Abstract: A method of removing recast from a substrate is disclosed. The method includes chemically removing the recast using an etchant, which provides a visual indication of the presence of the recast when the part has been removed from the etchant. One example chemical etchant is comprised of a sulfuric acid solution that includes sodium chloride, sodium fluoride and ammonium persulfate. After chemical removal of the recast from the substrate, the recast is physically removed from the substrate, for example, by media blasting. The chemical and physical recast removal process can be repeated as desired. To ensure that all the recast has been removed, the substrate is wiped, for example, using a cloth. If all the recast has been removed, the cloth will not change in appearance or color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Gehron, Henry M. Hodgens
  • Patent number: 6869690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a zinc-diffused nickel alloy coating for corrosion and heat protection and to a method for forming such a coating. The coating method broadly comprises the steps of forming a plain nickel or nickel alloy coating layer on a substrate, applying a layer of zinc over the nickel or nickel alloy coating layer, and thermally diffusing the zinc into the nickel alloy coating layer. The coating method may further comprise immersing the coated substrate in a phosphated trivalent chromium conversion solution either before or after the diffusing step. The substrate may be a component used in a gas turbine engine, which component is formed from a steel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry M. Hodgens, Thomas R. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 6793838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical milling solution and a chemical milling process for removing a desired depth of material from metal parts. The milling solution contains nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, a wetting agent, such as a surfactant, dissolved titanium, and the balance water. The solution is maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 110° F. to about 130° F. The metal part to be milled is immersed in the milling solution for a time sufficient to remove a desired depth of material from at least one surface of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James O. Hansen, Kenneth C. Long, Michael A. Jackson, Henry M. Hodgens
  • Patent number: 6756134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a zinc-diffused nickel alloy coating for corrosion and heat protection and to a method for forming such a coating. The coating method broadly comprises the steps of forming a plain nickel or nickel alloy coating layer on a substrate, applying a layer of zinc over the nickel or nickel alloy coating layer, and thermally diffusing the zinc into the nickel alloy coating layer. The coating method may further comprise immersing the coated substrate in a phosphated trivalent chromium conversion solution either before or after the diffusing step. The substrate may be a component used in a gas turbine engine, which component is formed from a steel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry M. Hodgens, Thomas R. Hanlon, Promila Bhatia
  • Publication number: 20040058189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a zinc-diffused nickel alloy coating for corrosion and heat protection and to a method for forming such a coating. The coating method broadly comprises the steps of forming a plain nickel or nickel alloy coating layer on a substrate, applying a layer of zinc over the nickel or nickel alloy coating layer, and thermally diffusing the zinc into the nickel alloy coating layer. The coating method may further comprise immersing the coated substrate in a phosphated trivalent chromium conversion solution either before or after the diffusing step. The substrate may be a component used in a gas turbine engine, which component is formed from a steel material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Henry M. Hodgens, Thomas R. Hanlon
  • Publication number: 20030066818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical milling solution and a chemical milling process for removing a desired depth of material from metal parts. The milling solution contains nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, a wetting agent, such as a surfactant, dissolved titanium, and the balance water. The solution is maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 110° F. to about 130° F. The metal part to be milled is immersed in the milling solution for a time sufficient to remove a desired depth of material from at least one surface of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: James O. Hansen, Kenneth C. Long, Michael A. Jackson, Henry M. Hodgens
  • Patent number: 5451299
    Abstract: The invention provides method and apparatus for chemical milling of a metal part in a milling solution that reduces hydrogen absorption by the part wherein, the metal part to be milled, which serves as the anode, and a cathode of more noble metal than the anode, are mounted in such solution. Unlike the prior art, the cathode and anode are separated in such solution but electrically connected by a conductor therebetween, which conductor is insulated from the milling solution. Thus anode and cathode are mounted, spaced apart in the milling solution, so that metal dissolves from the anode surface, milling such part while electrons flow from anode to cathode by said conductor so that hydrogen forms at the cathode, removed from the anode part, to reduce hydrogen absorption by such part.The anode part can be of, eg. titanium and the cathode of a more noble metal, eg. platinum, which serves to draw the hydrogen to the cathode and away from the anode part, preventing or reducing absorption of hydrogen into, eg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Hugh M. Privett, III, Henry M. Hodgens, II
  • Patent number: 5217569
    Abstract: A solution is described for the chemical processing of beta phase-containing titanium alloys. The solution contains HNO.sub.3 and HF, along with a small but effective amount of copper, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum or gold to reduce hydrogen absorption, ammonium formate and citric acid to increase the milling rate, and a surfactant to ensure a satisfactory milled surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry M. Hodgens, II, Kenneth C. Long, Robert E. Fishter
  • Patent number: 5201997
    Abstract: A solution is described for the chemical milling of niobium and niobium-base alloys. The solution contains about 25% HNO.sub.3, about 19% HF, balance H.sub.2 O, with additions of citric acid and ammonium formate to control the reaction rate and provide a smooth surface finish without intergranular attack, and a small amount of a noble metal to control hydrogen absorption. A process for using the solution to mill niobium alloys is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Fishter, Kenneth C. Long, Henry M. Hodgens, II
  • Patent number: 5017410
    Abstract: Electroless plating compositions are described which produce a boron containing nickel coating. The compositions comprise a water soluble nickel salt, a chelating agent, an alkali metal hydroxide, a boron containing reducing agent, and thiocarbanilide. The composition is particularly useful for providing such coatings on gas turbine engine parts and results in improved wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Henry M. Hodgens, II
  • Patent number: 4983428
    Abstract: Electroless plating compositions are described which produce a boron containing nickel coating. The compositions comprise a water soluble nickel salt, a chelating agent, an alkali metal hydroxide, a boron containing reducing agent, and ethylenethiourea. The composition is particularly useful for providing such coatings on gas turbine engine parts and results in improved wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Henry M. Hodgens, II
  • Patent number: 4834912
    Abstract: A composition and method for removing deposits (10) from the internal components (24) of a gas turbine engine (18) utilizing a cleaning composition (15) which comprises an aqueous solution of hydroxylamine sulfate, a chelating agent, a compound selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulfamate, ammonium sulfamide, and hydroxylamine-o-sulfonic acid, and, an alkaline pH modifying substance added in an amount sufficient to achieve a pH value of between 6.5 and 14. The method involves contacting the deposits with the cleaning composition, such as in an apply and soak type pattern, chemically dislodging the deposits from the component surfaces. The engine is rinsed to remove the dislodged deposits and residual cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry M. Hodgens, II, William A. Cellich
  • Patent number: 4713120
    Abstract: A composition and method for removing deposits (10) from the internal components (24) of a gas turbine engine (18) utilizing a cleaning composition (15) which comprises an aqueous solution of hydroxylamine sulfate, a chelating agent, a compound selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulfamate, ammonium sulfamide, and hydroxylamine-o-sulfonic acid, and, an alkaline pH modifying substance added in an amount sufficient to achieve a pH value of between 6.5 and 14. The method involves contacting the deposits with the cleaning composition, such as in an apply and soak type pattern, chemically dislodging the deposits from the component surfaces. The engine is rinsed to remove the dislodged deposits and residual cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry M. Hodgens, II, William A. Cellich