Patents by Inventor Renee C. Graef

Renee C. Graef 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).

  • Methods for increasing absorption of microwave energy by compounds with a low dielectric constant
    Publication number: 20020006858
    Abstract: Low dielectric compounds, preferably silicon nitride precursors such as polycarbosilazanes, are mixed with a sufficient quantity of a silicon carbide additive to enhance absorption of electromagnetic energy by the mixture, thereby permitting efficient and effective curing of low dielectric compounds using electromagnetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Scott F. Timmons, Renee C. Graef, Stuart T. Schwab, Montgomery D. Grimes
  • Method for preparing silicon nitride and silicon nitride composites
    Patent number: 5980699
    Abstract: A method of producing silicon nitride ceramics and silicon nitride ceramic composites. A mixture comprising a polysilazane and an additive effective to increase coupling between the mixture and electromagnetic energy is converted to a preceramic intermediate. The preceramic intermediate is treated with electromagnetic energy and thereby converted to a silicon nitride ceramic and/or a silicon nitride ceramic composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Scott F. Timmons, Renee C. Graef, Stuart T. Schwab, Montgomery D. Grimes
  • Method for repair of coatings on carbon - carbon composites
    Patent number: 5582861
    Abstract: A method of repairing damage to an oxidation-resistant layer on a carbon-carbon composite wherein a composition consisting essentially of a polymeric thermosetting polysilazane and a ceramic powder is applied to the damaged area, cured, and fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Stuart T. Schwab, Renee C. Graef
  • Method for making fiber-reinforced silicon nitride composites
    Patent number: 5494867
    Abstract: A method of making fiber-reinforced preceramic and ceramic composites by infiltrating a preform of heat-resistant fibers with a solvent-free thermosetting preceramic polysilazane poller. The invention also comprises the resultant preceramic and ceramic composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Stuart T. Schwab, Renee C. Graef, David L. Davidson
  • Adhesive composition, carbon-carbon composite structures prepared therewith, and method of forming same
    Patent number: 5474849
    Abstract: An adhesive composition for joining carbon-carbon composites comprising a polymeric thermosetting polysilazane, a ceramic powder, silicon powder, and carbon powder. The invention also comprises the method of making carbon-carbon composite structures utilizing such adhesive composition and to the resultant products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Renee C. Graef, David G. Paquette, Stuart T. Schwab
  • Polysilazane adhesive composition
    Patent number: 5457151
    Abstract: An adhesive composition for joining carbon--carbon composites comprising a polymeric thermosetting polysilazane, a ceramic powder, silicon powder, and carbon powder. The invention also comprises the method of making carbon--carbon composite structures utilizing such adhesive composition and to the resultant products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Renee C. Graef, David G. Paquette, Stuart T. Schwab