Patents by Inventor Robert D. Lawrence

Robert D. Lawrence 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).

  • Heating apparatus for a welding operation and method therefor
    Patent number: 6583387
    Abstract: A heating apparatus and method for pre-weld heat treating, welding and post-weld heat treating a superalloy article in a single enclosure while avoiding oxidation of the article. The enclosure is preferably equipped with a one-way valve that permits the escape of gases, but otherwise seals the enclosure to prevent the ingress of air during welding and heat treatment as a result of thermal gradients induced when the article is inductively heated. To provide access to the article and a device used to weld the article, the enclosure is equipped with gloves by which the welding device and the article can be manipulated while a nonreactive atmosphere is fully maintained within the enclosure and the article is inductively heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kelly, Keith B. Alexander, Rabon Hensley, Robert D. Lawrence, John H. Snyder
  • Heating apparatus for a welding operation and method therefor
    Publication number: 20020005394
    Abstract: A heating apparatus and method for pre-weld heat treating, welding and post-weld heat treating a superalloy article in a single enclosure while avoiding oxidation of the article. The enclosure is preferably equipped with a one-way valve that permits the escape of gases, but otherwise seals the enclosure to prevent the ingress of air during welding and heat treatment as a result of thermal gradients induced when the article is inductively heated. To provide access to the article and a device used to weld the article, the enclosure is equipped with gloves by which the welding device and the article can be manipulated while a nonreactive atmosphere is fully maintained within the enclosure and the article is inductively heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kelly, Keith B. Alexander, Rabon Hensley, Robert D. Lawrence, John H. Snyder
  • Heating apparatus for a welding operation and method therefor
    Patent number: 6297474
    Abstract: A heating apparatus and method for pre-weld heat treating, welding and post-weld heat treating a superalloy article in a single enclosure while avoiding oxidation of the article. The enclosure is preferably equipped with a one-way valve that permits the escape of gases, but otherwise seals the enclosure to prevent the ingress of air during welding and heat treatment as a result of thermal gradients induced when the article is inductively heated. To provide access to the article and a device used to weld the article, the enclosure is equipped with gloves by which the welding device and the article can be manipulated while a nonreactive atmosphere is fully maintained within the enclosure and the article is inductively heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kelly, Keith B. Alexander, Rabon Hensley, Robert D. Lawrence, John H. Snyder
  • Welding method and assembly therefor
    Patent number: 6158955
    Abstract: An assembly and method for welding an article, such as an air-cooled superalloy airfoil of a gas turbine engine nozzle. The method entails inserting a fixture into a cooling passage of the airfoil. The fixture is configured to close a first opening to the passage through which the fixture is inserted into the passage. The fixture is also configured to introduce a gas into the passage through a longitudinal row of ports. A through-wall crack in the airfoil is weld repaired while the gas flow is maintained to the cavity at a rate that sufficiently pressurizes the passage to prevent the molten filler material from entering the passage through the crack, while allowing the filler material to fill the crack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James W. Caddell, Jr., Robert D. Lawrence
  • Slide viewer and sorter
    Patent number: D515612
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Robert D. Lawrence