Patents by Inventor Kevin Lukhard

Kevin Lukhard 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: 11971216
    Abstract: In some examples, a multilevel retort assembly. The assembly includes a base defining a base perimeter; and a plurality of shells. Each shell has a diffuser plate support and a perimeter with a substantially similar shape as the base perimeter. The plurality of shells are stacked on each other, mechanically supported by the base, and surround an inner retort volume. The at least one shell of the plurality of shells defines a removable window. The assembly also includes a plurality of diffuser plates, each diffuser plate supported by a corresponding diffuser plate support of the plurality of diffuser plate supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lukhard, Timothy Western, Thomas Tran
  • Patent number: 11519279
    Abstract: A turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials includes a vane support core, an airfoil, and an end wall that at least partially defines a gas path. The turbine vane is formed from a plurality of ceramic plies or preforms that are infiltrated with ceramic matrix material to form a one-piece ceramic matrix composite turbine vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc., Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Shinavski, Thomas Tran, Kevin Lukhard, Ted J. Freeman, Steffan Brown
  • Publication number: 20220034233
    Abstract: A turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials includes a vane support core, an airfoil, and an end wall that at least partially defines a gas path. The turbine vane is formed from a plurality of ceramic plies or preforms that are infiltrated with ceramic matrix material to form a one-piece ceramic matrix composite turbine vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Robert J. Shinavski, Thomas Tran, Kevin Lukhard, Ted J. Freeman, Steffan Brown
  • Patent number: 11162377
    Abstract: A turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials. The turbine vane includes an vane support core, an airfoil, and a pair of end walls that are spaced apart from one another to define a gas path. The turbine vane is formed from a plurality of ceramic plies or preforms that are infiltrated with ceramic matrix material to form a one-piece ceramic matrix composite turbine vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc., Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Shinavski, Thomas Tran, Kevin Lukhard, Ted J. Freeman, Steffan Brown
  • Publication number: 20200378267
    Abstract: A turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials. The turbine vane includes an vane support core, an airfoil, and a pair of end walls that are spaced apart from one another to define a gas path. The turbine vane is formed from a plurality of ceramic plies or preforms that are infiltrated with ceramic matrix material to form a one-piece ceramic matrix composite turbine vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Robert J. Shinavski, Thomas Tran, Kevin Lukhard, Ted J. Freeman, Steffan Brown