Patents by Inventor Josh E. Loukus
Josh E. Loukus 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: 11306872Abstract: A structural component having an internal support structure extending between outer wall portions of the component with one or more compartments included within the support structure. The support structure has support members including internal walls positioned between and/or defined by the compartments. At least one support member connects between the outer wall portions of the component to enhance the structural integrity of the component. The structural component, including the internal support, are cast from a molten material, and in some cases the support members of the internal support structure are formed with a rectilinear configuration. In some cases the cast structural component is a container and the one or more compartments are configured to store a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. One or more preforms can be used to form a container and may be retained or eliminated from the container after casting.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: LOUKUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Roy H. Loukus, Travis Pennala, Luke Luskin, Steven J. Benda
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Publication number: 20200018442Abstract: A structural component having an internal support structure extending between outer wall portions of the component with one or more compartments included within the support structure. The support structure has support members including internal walls positioned between and/or defined by the compartments. At least one support member connects between the outer wall portions of the component to enhance the structural integrity of the component. The structural component, including the internal support, are cast from a molten material, and in some cases the support members of the internal support structure are formed with a rectilinear configuration. In some cases the cast structural component is a container and the one or more compartments are configured to store a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. One or more preforms can be used to form a container and may be retained or eliminated from the container after casting.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: Loukus Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Roy H. Loukus, Travis Pennala, Luke Luskin, Steven J. Benda
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Patent number: 10514075Abstract: A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: LOUKUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus
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Patent number: 10434568Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems for depositing a thermal insulator coating onto a desired surface of a mold cavity or insert or preform. Embodiments also provide casting methods using a thermal insulator coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: LOUKUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Josh E. Loukus, Adam R. Loukus, Travis Pennala, Luke Luskin
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Patent number: 10295309Abstract: A structural component with at least two side members has a support structure that includes a partition with multiple curved portions forming cells. The partition connects to the side members and extends between the side members at least partially along straight lines. The partition may extend along one or more straight lines from one side member to the other. One structural component is a container with a wall about the internal support structure. The container cells may be formed with a core structure. The core can include a permeable storage material and may be retained after formation, or may be removed. In some cases the container wall has generally planar surfaces, which may include surface undulations. Core structures are also provided for forming structural components. Formation can include casting a material about a core structure within a mold to form a partition extending between two or more sides.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: LOUKUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus
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Patent number: 10179364Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and systems for casting articles. One example of a method includes providing and positioning a thermal blanket within a mold cavity and then introducing a molten material into the mold cavity and into contact with the thermal blanket. The method allows the molten material to remain in a molten state during a dwell time that extends from the introduction of the molten material at least until the mold cavity is filled. In another example, a method of using a thermal blanket includes keeping a molten material in a molten state during a dwell time extending from first introduction of the molten material until pressurization. Systems including a variety of mold types, one or more thermal blankets, and in some cases preforms and/or inserts are also provided. Also described is a novel thermal blanket and method of manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: REL, INC.Inventors: Josh E. Loukus, Adam R. Loukus
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Patent number: 9956608Abstract: A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: REL, INC.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Steven C. Dupay
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Publication number: 20170184165Abstract: A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus
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Patent number: 9550341Abstract: A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: REL, INC.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus
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Publication number: 20160221076Abstract: A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Steven C. Dupay
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Publication number: 20160059305Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and systems for casting articles. One example of a method includes providing and positioning a thermal blanket within a mold cavity and then introducing a molten material into the mold cavity and into contact with the thermal blanket. The method allows the molten material to remain in a molten state during a dwell time that extends from the introduction of the molten material at least until the mold cavity is filled. In another example, a method of using a thermal blanket includes keeping a molten material in a molten state during a dwell time extending from first introduction of the molten material until pressurization. Systems including a variety of mold types, one or more thermal blankets, and in some cases preforms and/or inserts are also provided. Also described is a novel thermal blanket and method of manufacturing the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Josh E. Loukus, Adam R. Loukus
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Patent number: 9238390Abstract: A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: REL, Inc.Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Steven C. Dupay
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Patent number: 9180511Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and systems for casting articles. One example of a method includes providing and positioning a thermal blanket within a mold cavity and then introducing a molten material into the mold cavity and into contact with the thermal blanket. The method allows the molten material to remain in a molten state during a dwell time that extends from the introduction of the molten material at least until the mold cavity is filled. In another example, a method of using a thermal blanket includes keeping a molten material in a molten state during a dwell time extending from first introduction of the molten material until pressurization. Systems including a variety of mold types, one or more thermal blankets, and in some cases preforms and/or inserts are also provided. Also described is a novel thermal blanket and method of manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: REL, Inc.Inventors: Josh E. Loukus, Adam R. Loukus
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Publication number: 20150014323Abstract: A structural component with at least two side members has a support structure that includes a partition with multiple curved portions forming cells. The partition connects to the side members and extends between the side members at least partially along straight lines. The partition may extend along one or more straight lines from one side member to the other. One structural component is a container with a wall about the internal support structure. The container cells may be formed with a core structure. The core can include a permeable storage material and may be retained after formation, or may be removed. In some cases the container wall has generally planar surfaces, which may include surface undulations. Core structures are also provided for forming structural components. Formation can include casting a material about a core structure within a mold to form a partition extending between two or more sides.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus
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Publication number: 20140272451Abstract: A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus
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Publication number: 20140224809Abstract: A structural component having an internal support structure extending between outer wall portions of the component with one or more compartments included within the support structure. The support structure has support members including internal walls positioned between and/or defined by the compartments. At least one support member connects between the outer wall portions of the component to enhance the structural integrity of the component. The structural component, including the internal support, are cast from a molten material, and in some cases the support members of the internal support structure are formed with a rectilinear configuration. In some cases the cast structural component is a container and the one or more compartments are configured to store a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. One or more preforms can be used to form a container and may be retained or eliminated from the container after casting.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, Roy H. Loukus, Travis Pennala, Luke Luskin, Steven J. Benda
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Publication number: 20140008893Abstract: A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus
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Publication number: 20130269498Abstract: In some cases a composite cutting blade includes one or more cutting segments along a periphery of a hub segment. According to an example, the hub segment and the one or more cutting segments can comprise the same or different porous material. A metallurgical bond between the one or more cutting segments and the hub segment is created by a metal which infiltrates the porous material of both segments. The one or more cutting segments also include a cutting material which at least partially defines a cutting edge and/or a cutting surface of each cutting segment extending along the periphery of the composite blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Adam R. Loukus, Josh E. Loukus, David M. Somero, Niel S. Somero, Nathan K. Somero, David W. Somero
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Publication number: 20130269902Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and systems for casting articles. One example of a method includes providing and positioning a thermal blanket within a mold cavity and then introducing a molten material into the mold cavity and into contact with the thermal blanket. The method allows the molten material to remain in a molten state during a dwell time that extends from the introduction of the molten material at least until the mold cavity is filled. In another example, a method of using a thermal blanket includes keeping a molten material in a molten state during a dwell time extending from first introduction of the molten material until pressurization. Systems including a variety of mold types, one or more thermal blankets, and in some cases preforms and/or inserts are also provided. Also described is a novel thermal blanket and method of manufacturing the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Josh E. Loukus, Adam R. Loukus
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Publication number: 20130269901Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems for depositing a thermal insulator coating onto a desired surface of a mold cavity or insert or preform. Embodiments also provide casting methods using a thermal insulator coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Josh E. Loukus, Adam R. Loukus, Travis Pennala, Luke Luskin