Patents by Inventor Michael Thomas Kenworthy

Michael Thomas Kenworthy 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).

  • Publication number: 20240139821
    Abstract: The present aspects include a system for de-powdering a three-dimensionally (3D) printed structure. The structure comprising a first component holder configured to removably hold the 3D printed structure at an initial orientation with respect to at least one opening to a hollow portion within the 3D printed structure; a fluid system configured control a fluid to at least apply the fluid to the hollow portion or remove the fluid from the hollow portion to remove a powder from the hollow portion; and a movement system configured to move at least the 3D printed structure or the fluid system according to a movement procedure based on a configuration of the hollow portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Thomas KENWORTHY, Bahram ISSARI, Taylor Caitlin DOTY, Konstantin WIPLINGER
  • Publication number: 20240131586
    Abstract: Alloyed metals, and techniques for creating parts from alloyed metals, are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises an alloy. An additive manufacturing alloy in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise magnesium (Mg) that is between 2.0 and 5.3% by weight, manganese (Mn) that is between 0.01 and 4.0% by weight, silicon (Si) that is between 0.1 and 1.5% by weight, zirconium (Zr) that is between 0.01 and 2.0% by weight, and aluminum (Al). In some cases, the alloy such as described in the previous sentence might not include Mg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Mu LI, Keith Mathew MERTAN, Chan Cheong PUN, Michael Thomas KENWORTHY
  • Publication number: 20240132161
    Abstract: A vehicle component and method of forming a vehicle component. The vehicle component includes an additively-manufactured (AM) structure with a first end and a second end opposing the first end. The AM structure includes a pathway from the first end to the second end and a non-AM structure that passes along the pathway from the first end to the second end. The non-AM structure and the AM structure are fixedly connected to one another at a connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventor: Michael Thomas KENWORTHY
  • Publication number: 20240131589
    Abstract: Aspects are provided for additively manufacturing a build piece using tile-based printing with dynamic beam shaping. An apparatus may include a powder bed depositor that deposits a layer of powder material in a powder bed, a laser beam source configured to produce a laser beam, a beam shaping component configured to adjust an energy profile of the laser beam to obtain a beam energy profile, and a controller. The controller can be configured to obtain information of the layer of powder material and control the beam shaping component to adjust a beam energy profile of the laser beam to correspond to tile energy profiles associated with a plurality of tiles in the layer. Further, the controller can be configured to apply a pulse of the laser beam to the plurality of tiles to fuse portions of the build piece corresponding to respective tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Thomas KENWORTHY, Seyedalireza Torbatisarraf
  • Publication number: 20240123503
    Abstract: Systems and methods of forming and removing support structures formed in a powder bed fusion (PBF) system are provided. The support structures are formed with designated failure zones that are designed to fail in a controlled fashion when resonated by one or more resonation devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Gordon TAJIRI, Michael Thomas KENWORTHY
  • Patent number: 11892245
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided that can include furcating unit cells coupled with each other. Each of the unit cells can be elongated along an axis and include a sidewall that defines annular ring openings on opposite ends of the unit cell along the axis. The sidewall also can define undulating annular rings between the annular ring openings and axially separated from each other along the axis. The sidewall can further define angled openings into the unit cell both above and below each of the undulating annular rings. At least a first opening of the annular ring openings and the angled openings can be configured to be an inlet to receive a first fluid into the unit cell and at least a second opening of the annular ring openings and the angled openings configured to be an outlet through which the first fluid exits the unit cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Dwight Gerstler, Daniel Jason Erno, Michael Thomas Kenworthy, Jeffrey Douglas Rambo, Nicolas Kristopher Sabo
  • Patent number: 11845130
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rotational additive manufacturing are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a build floor, a depositor system configured to deposit a layer of powder onto the build floor, a motor system causing a rotational motion between the depositor system and the build floor, wherein the depositor system deposits the layer of powder during the rotational motion, a receptacle wall configured to contain the powder on the build floor, an energy beam source configured to apply an energy beam in an active area of the layer of powder to selectively fuse a portion of the powder in the active area to form a portion of a build piece and a gas flow system configured to provide a gas flow across the active area while the energy beam selectively fuses the portion of the layer of powder in the active area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: DIVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Kenworthy, Samuel Noah Miller, Krzysztof Artysiewicz, Chor Yen Yap, Gregory S. Weaver
  • Patent number: 11826953
    Abstract: 3-D build jobs having surrogate supports, 3-D printers using surrogate supports, and techniques to support vulnerable regions of build pieces using surrogate supports are disclosed. The surrogate supports are generated in a first material configuration and are offset via a gap from the vulnerable regions. The gap comprises a second material configuration, such as loose or partially fused powder on which the build piece can be supported during 3-D printing. In alternative embodiments, the gap instead includes thin manual ties or a solid body using material that is stronger but more amenable to breaking off without damaging the build piece. Post-processing steps are dramatically reduced as the surrogate supports and gaps facilitate virtually error-free separation from the build piece. In an embodiment, the surrogate supports include a support structure extending to a fixed base underneath, the fixed base being a build plate or a global surrogate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: DIVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Noah Miller, Michael Thomas Kenworthy, Eric Paul Monteith, Thomas Samuel Bowden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11754210
    Abstract: A duct assembly may include a first duct, a second duct, and a flexible joint assembly coupling the first duct to the second duct. The flexible joint assembly may include a bellows having a first end and a second end and a plurality of convolutions located therebetween, and a gimbaled joint assembly. The gimbaled joint assembly may include a first support surrounding the first end of the bellows and a first portion of the plurality of convolutions, a second support surrounding the second end of the bellows and a second portion of the plurality of convolutions, and a gimbal ring assembly operably coupled to the first support and the second support. The gimbal ring assembly may include a ring body and a plurality of flexure hinges interconnected with the ring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gordon Tajiri, Michael Thomas Kenworthy, Dattu G V Jonnalagadda, Jason L. Burdette
  • Publication number: 20230241685
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing and/or destroying support structures associated with objects fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques are presented herein. Structural supports may be used during an additive manufacturing process to prevent deformation of a build piece (e.g., three dimensional (3D) printed structure). In some examples, a build piece may be manufactured such that the structural supports are internal to the completed build piece. However, removing the structural supports may reduce the weight of the build piece and reduce the amount of debris trapped within the build piece. Thus, certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a hose including a bendable and elongated tube member as well as a fracturing member configured to fracture an internal support structure within an additively manufactured part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Bahram ISSARI, Michael Thomas KENWORTHY, Taylor Caitlin DOTY
  • Publication number: 20230235472
    Abstract: The instant disclosure describes example techniques for bonding multiple metal structures prior or subsequent to application of a protective coating (e.g., an electrocoating or e-coating) to the structures. In certain aspects, the structures may include one or more attachment points for attaching a single structure or multiple structures bonded together to a clamp or other suitable means for applying an electrical current to the structure(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Finley Hugh MARBURY, Michael Thomas Kenworthy, Alex James Hamade
  • Publication number: 20230235429
    Abstract: Alloyed metals, and techniques for creating parts from alloyed metals, are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises an alloy. Such an alloy comprises aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), and titanium (Ti), wherein a structure of the alloy has an elastic modulus of at least 68 gigapascals (GPa).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Prabir Kanti CHAUDHURY, Michael Thomas KENWORTHY
  • Publication number: 20230015620
    Abstract: Methods for repurposing waste materials, such as aluminum powder, are disclosed. A method in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure may comprise collecting a material in a container, the material comprising oxidized aluminum powder, processing the material, which includes heating the material to melt at least a portion of the oxidized aluminum powder, and forming the processed material into at least one component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Chan Cheong PUN, Michael Thomas KENWORTHY
  • Publication number: 20230011781
    Abstract: Alloy materials and three-dimensional (3-D) printed alloys are disclosed. An alloy in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises aluminum, magnesium, and silicon wherein a composition of the alloy comprises from at least 5 percent (%) by weight to 20% by weight of silicon and from at least 7% by weight to 10% by weight of magnesium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Chan Cheong PUN, Michael Thomas KENWORTHY
  • Publication number: 20230008319
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for replaceable beam entry windows in additive manufacturing systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Thomas KENWORTHY, Krzysztof ARTYSIEWICZ
  • Publication number: 20220339707
    Abstract: Methods for removing support structures in additively manufactured parts are disclosed. A method in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises inserting a demolition object in a first state into a hollow portion of a 3-D printed part, breaking a support structure within the hollow portion by contact with the demolition object, changing the demolition object into a second state while the demolition object is within the hollow portion of the 3-D printed part, and removing the demolition object from the hollow portion of the 3-D printed part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Kenworthy, Taylor Caitlin Doty, Bahram Issari, Narender Shankar Lakshman, Krzysztof Artysiewicz
  • Publication number: 20220297233
    Abstract: Apparatuses for additive manufacturing producing an annular beam are disclosed herein. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises an energy beam source configured to generate an energy beam and a beam shaping applicator configured to shape the energy beam into a geometry and apply the shaped energy beam to an additive manufacturing material, wherein the geometry includes a two-dimensional shape with a perimeter and a hole in the two-dimensional shape within the perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Chor Yen YAP, Michael Thomas Kenworthy
  • Publication number: 20220288689
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rotational additive manufacturing are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a build floor, a depositor system configured to deposit a layer of powder onto the build floor, a motor system causing a rotational motion between the depositor system and the build floor, wherein the depositor system deposits the layer of powder during the rotational motion, a receptacle wall configured to contain the powder on the build floor, an energy beam source configured to apply an energy beam in an active area of the layer of powder to selectively fuse a portion of the powder in the active area to form a portion of a build piece and a gas flow system configured to provide a gas flow across the active area while the energy beam selectively fuses the portion of the layer of powder in the active area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Kenworthy, Samuel Noah Miller, Krzysztof Artysiewicz, Chor Yen Yap, Gregory S. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20220288850
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rotational additive manufacturing are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a build floor, a depositor system configured to deposit a layer of powder onto the build floor, a motor system causing a rotational motion between the depositor system and the build floor, wherein the depositor system deposits the layer of powder during the rotational motion, a receptacle wall configured to contain the powder on the build floor, an energy beam source configured to apply an energy beam in an active area of the layer of powder to selectively fuse a portion of the powder in the active area to form a portion of a build piece and a gas flow system configured to provide a gas flow across the active area while the energy beam selectively fuses the portion of the layer of powder in the active area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Thomas KENWORTHY, Samuel Noah Miller, Krzysztof Artysiewicz, Chor Yen YAP, Gregory S. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20220288693
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rotational additive manufacturing are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a build floor, a depositor system configured to deposit a layer of powder onto the build floor, a motor system causing a rotational motion between the depositor system and the build floor, wherein the depositor system deposits the layer of powder during the rotational motion, a receptacle wall configured to contain the powder on the build floor, an energy beam source configured to apply an energy beam in an active area of the layer of powder to selectively fuse a portion of the powder in the active area to form a portion of a build piece and a gas flow system configured to provide a gas flow across the active area while the energy beam selectively fuses the portion of the layer of powder in the active area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Thomas KENWORTHY, Samuel Noah Miller, Krzysztof Artysiewicz, Chor Yen Yap, Gregory S. Weaver