Patents by Inventor Lance M. Sworts
Lance M. Sworts 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: 11753345Abstract: Systems and methods for making ceramic powders are provided. The method for forming a ceramic powder includes: preparing a precursor mixture, wherein the preparing comprises adding at least one additive to a plurality of reagents, wherein the at least one additive includes at least one of: an oxide, a salt, a pure metal, or an alloy of elements ranging from atomic numbers 21 through 30, 39 through 51, and 57 through 77 and combinations thereof; and carbothermically reacting the precursor mixture to form a ceramic powder, wherein, due to the preparing step, the precursor mixture comprises a sufficient amount of the at least one additive to form the ceramic powder, wherein the ceramic powder comprises: (a) a morphology selected from the group consisting of irregular, equiaxed, plate-like, and combinations thereof; and (b) a particle size distribution selected from the group consisting of fine, intermediate, coarse, and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: ALCOA USA CORP.Inventors: James C. McMillen, Lance M. Sworts, Benjamin D. Mosser
-
Publication number: 20220112617Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed subject matter relates to an electrolytic cell that has: a cell reservoir; a cathode support retained on a bottom of the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support contacts at least one of: a metal pad and a molten electrolyte bath within the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support includes: a body having a support bottom, which is configured to be in communication with the bottom of the electrolysis cell; and a support top, opposite the support bottom, having a cathode attachment area configured to retain a at least one cathode plate therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Benjamin D. Mosser, Lance M. Sworts
-
Patent number: 11203814Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed subject matter relates to an electrolytic cell that has: a cell reservoir; a cathode support retained on a bottom of the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support contacts at least one of: a metal pad and a molten electrolyte bath within the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support includes: a body having a support bottom, which is configured to be in communication with the bottom of the electrolysis cell; and a support top, opposite the support bottom, having a cathode attachment area configured to retain a at least one cathode plate therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: ALCOA USA CORP.Inventors: Benjamin D. Mosser, Lance M. Sworts
-
Publication number: 20210355037Abstract: Systems and methods for making ceramic powders configured with consistent, tailored characteristics and/or properties are provided herein. In some embodiments a system for making ceramic powders, includes: a reactor body having a reaction chamber and configured with a heat source to provide a hot zone along the reaction chamber; a sweep gas inlet configured to direct a sweep gas into the reaction chamber and a sweep gas outlet configured to direct an exhaust gas from the reaction chamber; a plurality of containers, within the reactor body, configured to retain at least one preform, wherein each container is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow therethrough, wherein the preform is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow there through, such that the precursor mixture is reacted in the hot zone to form a ceramic powder product having uniform properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: James C. McMillen, Lance M. Sworts, Benjamin D. Mosser, Charles Robert Shanta, III
-
Patent number: 11078124Abstract: Systems and methods for making ceramic powders configured with consistent, tailored characteristics and/or properties are provided herein. In some embodiments a system for making ceramic powders, includes: a reactor body having a reaction chamber and configured with a heat source to provide a hot zone along the reaction chamber; a sweep gas inlet configured to direct a sweep gas into the reaction chamber and a sweep gas outlet configured to direct an exhaust gas from the reaction chamber; a plurality of containers, within the reactor body, configured to retain at least one preform, wherein each container is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow therethrough, wherein the preform is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow there through, such that the precursor mixture is reacted in the hot zone to form a ceramic powder product having uniform properties.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: ALCOA USA CORP.Inventors: James C. McMillen, Lance M. Sworts, Benjamin D. Mosser, Charles Robert Shanta, III
-
Patent number: 11041250Abstract: Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: ALCOA USA CORP.Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, Lance M. Sworts, Brian J. Tielsch, Robert A. DiMilia
-
Publication number: 20190135703Abstract: Systems and methods for making ceramic powders configured with consistent, tailored characteristics and/or properties are provided herein. In some embodiments a system for making ceramic powders, includes: a reactor body having a reaction chamber and configured with a heat source to provide a hot zone along the reaction chamber; a sweep gas inlet configured to direct a sweep gas into the reaction chamber and a sweep gas outlet configured to direct an exhaust gas from the reaction chamber; a plurality of containers, within the reactor body, configured to retain at least one preform, wherein each container is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow therethrough, wherein the preform is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow there through, such that the precursor mixture is reacted in the hot zone to form a ceramic powder product having uniform properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2019Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: James C. McMillen, Lance M. Sworts, Benjamin D. Mosser, Charles Robert Shanta, III
-
Publication number: 20190127282Abstract: Systems and methods for making ceramic powders are provided. The method for forming a ceramic powder includes: preparing a precursor mixture, wherein the preparing comprises adding at least one additive to a plurality of reagents, wherein the at least one additive includes at least one of: an oxide, a salt, a pure metal, or an alloy of elements ranging from atomic numbers 21 through 30, 39 through 51, and 57 through 77 and combinations thereof; and carbothermically reacting the precursor mixture to form a ceramic powder, wherein, due to the preparing step, the precursor mixture comprises a sufficient amount of the at least one additive to form the ceramic powder, wherein the ceramic powder comprises: (a) a morphology selected from the group consisting of irregular, equiaxed, plate-like, and combinations thereof; and (b) a particle size distribution selected from the group consisting of fine, intermediate, coarse, and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: James C. McMillen, Lance M. Sworts, Benjamin D. Mosser
-
Publication number: 20190055660Abstract: Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2018Publication date: February 21, 2019Applicant: Alcoa USA Corp.Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, Lance M. Sworts, Brian J. Tielsch, Robert A. DiMilia
-
Publication number: 20180009717Abstract: In some embodiments, a ceramic armor product includes: a ceramic powder; an at least one metal-based additive; and a density of 4.3-4.7 g/cc, wherein the ceramic armor product is substantially lacking grain orientation. In some embodiments, a ceramic armor product, includes: a ceramic powder, wherein the ceramic powder is titanium diboride (TiB2); an at least one metal-based additive, wherein the at least one metal based additive comprises elements ranging from atomic numbers 21 through 30, 39 through 51, and 57 through 77; and a density of 4.3-4.7 g/cc, wherein the ceramic armor product is substantially lacking grain orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Benjamin D. Mosser, James C. McMillen, William Wolf, Lance M. Sworts, Artemas Steere
-
Publication number: 20170283968Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed subject matter relates to an electrolytic cell that has: a cell reservoir; a cathode support retained on a bottom of the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support contacts at least one of: a metal pad and a molten electrolyte bath within the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support includes: a body having a support bottom, which is configured to be in communication with the bottom of the electrolysis cell; and a support top, opposite the support bottom, having a cathode attachment area configured to retain a at least one cathode plate therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Benjamin D. Mosser, Lance M. Sworts
-
Publication number: 20150075975Abstract: Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives, The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity, The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, JR., Lance M. Sworts, Brian J. Tielsch, Robert A. DiMilia
-
Publication number: 20120222964Abstract: Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: ALCOA INC.Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, JR., Lance M. Sworts, Brian J. Tielsch, Robert A. DiMilia
-
Patent number: 8211278Abstract: Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, Jr., Lance M. Sworts, Brian J. Tielsch, Robert A. DiMilia
-
Publication number: 20110024304Abstract: Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, JR., Lance M. Sworts, Brian J. Tielsch, Robert A. DiMilia
-
Patent number: 7799187Abstract: A composite anode assembly is provided, the assembly including a permeation resistant portion and a porous conductive portion circumscribing at least the bottom of the permeation resistant portion. The composite anode assembly reduces corrosion and restricts thermal expansion stresses.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Robert DiMilia, Frankie Phelps, Lance M. Sworts
-
Publication number: 20080128273Abstract: A composite anode assembly is provided, the assembly including a permeation resistant portion and a porous conductive portion circumscribing at least the bottom of the permeation resistant portion. The composite anode assembly reduces corrosion and restricts thermal expansion stresses.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Robert DiMilia, Frankie Phelps, Lance M. Sworts