Patents by Inventor Robert J. Comstock
Robert J. Comstock 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).
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Publication number: 20220184706Abstract: A process is described that includes forming a metal alloy component having a pre-specified three dimensional geometry for use in a nuclear reactor by an additive manufacturing process followed by annealing the formed component at a first annealing temperature within the alpha temperature range of the phase diagram for the metal alloy. A second annealing step at a second annealing temperature lower than the first annealing temperature may be added. Alternatively, annealing may be at an annealing temperature in the alpha+beta temperature range of a phase diagram for the metal alloy, followed by a second anneal in the alpha temperature range of the phase diagram for the metal alloy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2020Publication date: June 16, 2022Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Jonna Partezana MUNDORFF, William T. CLEARY, Magnus LIMBACK, Andrew J. MUELLER, Robert J. COMSTOCK
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Patent number: 10808293Abstract: To improve the formability of dual phase steels, the martensite phase is tempered. It may form a ferrite-carbide structure. The tempering step occurs after martensite has been formed in the dual phase steel. The tempering step can occur in a box annealing step or it can be performed in a continuous fashion, such as on a continuous annealing, continuous tempering heat treating, or continuous coating line. The tempering step can further comprise a temper rolling on a temper mill after the heating step.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: AK Steel Properties, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Comstock, George A. Paraskos
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Patent number: 10221475Abstract: The invention relates to zirconium-based alloys and articles produced therefrom, such as tubing or strips, which have at least one of excellent corrosion resistance to water or steam and creep resistance at elevated temperatures in a nuclear reactor. The alloys include from about 0.2 to 1.5 weight percent niobium, from about 0.01 to 0.6 weight percent iron, from about 0.0 to 0.8 weight percent tin, from about 0.0 to 0.5 weight percent chromium, from about 0.0 to 0.3 weight percent copper, from about 0.0 to 0.3 weight percent vanadium, and from about 0.0 to 0.1 weight percent nickel with the balance at least 97 weight percent zirconium, including impurities. Further, the articles are formed by processes that include final heat treatment of (i) SRA or PRXA (0-33% RXA), or (ii) RXA or PRXA (80-100% RXA).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: John P. Foster, Robert J. Comstock, Andrew Atwood, Guirong Pan, Anand Garde, Mats Dahlback, Jonna Partezana Mundorff, Andrew J. Mueller
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Patent number: 9725791Abstract: Articles, such as tubing or strips, which have excellent corrosion resistance to water or steam at elevated temperatures, are produced from alloys having 0.2 to 1.5 weight percent niobium, 0.01 to 0.6 weight percent iron, and optionally additional alloy elements selected from the group consisting of tin, chromium, copper, vanadium, and nickel with the balance at least 97 weight percent zirconium, including impurities, where a necessary final heat treatment includes one of i) a SRA or PRXA (15-20% RXA) final heat treatment, or ii) a PRXA (80-95% RXA) or RXA final heat treatment.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: John P. Foster, Robert J. Comstock, Andrew Atwood, Guirong Pan, Anand Garde, Mats Dahlback, Jonna Partezana Mundorff, Andrew J. Mueller
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Publication number: 20170016087Abstract: To improve the formability of dual phase steels, the martensite phase is tempered. It may form a ferrite-carbide structure. The tempering step occurs after martensite has been formed in the dual phase steel. The tempering step can occur in a box annealing step or it can be performed in a continuous fashion, such as on a continuous annealing, continuous tempering heat treating, or continuous coating line. The tempering step can further comprise a temper rolling on a temper mill after the heating step.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Robert J. Comstock, George A. Paraskos
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Publication number: 20150337425Abstract: Articles, such as tubing or strips, which have excellent corrosion resistance to water or steam at elevated temperatures, are produced from alloys having 0.2 to 1.5 weight percent niobium, 0.01 to 0.6 weight percent iron, and optionally additional alloy elements selected from the group consisting of tin, chromium, copper, vanadium, and nickel with the balance at least 97 weight percent zirconium, including impurities, where a necessary final heat treatment includes one of i) a SRA or PRXA (15-20% RXA) final heat treatment, or ii) a PRXA (80-95% RXA) or RXA final heat treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: November 26, 2015Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY, LLC.Inventors: JOHN P. FOSTER, ROBERT J. COMSTOCK, ANDREW R. ATWOOD, GUIRONG PAN, ANAND GARDE, MATS DAHLBACK, JONNA PARTEZANA MUNDORFF, ANDREW J. MUELLER
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Publication number: 20150307976Abstract: The invention relates to zirconium-based alloys and articles produced therefrom, such as tubing or strips, which have at least one of excellent corrosion resistance to water or steam and creep resistance at elevated temperatures in a nuclear reactor. The alloys include from about 0.2 to 1.5 weight percent niobium, from about 0.01 to 0.6 weight percent iron, from about 0.0 to 0.8 weight percent tin, from about 0.0 to 0.5 weight percent chromium, from about 0.0 to 0.3 weight percent copper, from about 0,0 to 0.3 weight percent vanadium, and from about 0.0 to 0.1 weight percent nickel with the balance at least 97 weight percent zirconium, including impurities. Further, the articles are formed by processes that include final heat treatment of (i) SRA or PRXA (0-33% RXA), or (ii) RXA or PRXA (80-100% RXA).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2015Publication date: October 29, 2015Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY, LLC.Inventors: JOHN P. FOSTER, ROBERT J. COMSTOCK, ANDREW ATWOOD, GUIRONG PAN, ANAND GARDE, MATS DAHLBACK, JONNA PARTEZANA MUNDORFF, ANDREW J. MUELLER
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Patent number: 8359732Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optimized sheet metal (1) of a zirconium based alloy is described, which optimized sheet metal (1) defines a sheet plane (BA). The method comprises the steps of providing a sheet metal (2) of a zirconium based. alloy, subjecting the sheet metal (2) to at least a preparing cold rolling and a final cold rolling, wherein the preparing cold rolling and the final cold rolling are both performed in a common rolling direction, and heat treating the sheet metal (1) between the preparing cold rolling and the final cold rolling so that the zirconium based alloy is partially re-crystallized. A method of manufacturing a spacer grid using an optimized sheet metal (1) according to the invention is also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Sweden ABInventors: Lars Hallstadius, Mats Dahlbäck, John Bates, James Dougherty, Steven J. King, Robert J. Comstock
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Publication number: 20110232439Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optimized sheet metal (1) of a zirconium based alloy is described, which optimized sheet metal (1) defines a sheet plane (BA). The method comprises the steps of providing a sheet metal (2) of a zirconium based. alloy, subjecting the sheet metal (2) to at least a preparing cold rolling and a final cold rolling, wherein the preparing cold rolling and the final cold rolling are both performed in a common rolling direction, and heat treating the sheet metal (1) between the preparing cold rolling and the final cold rolling so that the zirconium based alloy is partially re-crystallized. A method of manufacturing a spacer grid using an optimized sheet metal (1) according to the invention is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Lars Hallstadius, Mats Dahlback, John Bates, James Dougherty, Steven J. King, Robert J. Comstock
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Patent number: 7887645Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a high permeability grain oriented electrical steel having excellent mechanical and magnetic properties. A hot band having a thickness of about 1.5 to about 4.0 mm has a chemistry comprising about 2.5 to about 4.5% silicon, about 0.1 to about 1.2% chromium, about 0.02 to about 0.08% carbon, about 0.01 to about 0.05% aluminum, up to about 0.1% sulfur, up to about 0.14% selenium, about 0.03 to about 0.15% manganese, up to about 0.2% tin, up to about 1% copper, and balance being essentially iron and residual elements, all percentages by weight. The band has a volume resistivity of at least about 45 ??-cm, an austenite volume fraction (?1150° C.) of at least 20% and the strip has an isomorphic layer thickness of at least about 2% of the total thickness on at least one surface of the hot processed band. The band is rapidly cooled after the anneal prior to cold rolling at a rate of at least 30° C./second from 875-950° C. to a temperature below 400° C.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: AK Steel Properties, Inc.Inventors: Jerry W. Schoen, Norris A. Dahlstrom, Robert J. Comstock, Jr.
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Patent number: 7377986Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a non-oriented electrical steel with improved magnetic properties and improved resistance to ridging, brittleness, nozzle clogging and magnetic aging. The chromium bearing steel is produced from a steel melt which is cast as a thin slab or conventional slab, cooled, hot rolled and/or cold rolled into a finished strip. The finished strip is further subjected to at least one annealing treatment wherein the magnetic properties are developed, making the steel sheet of the present invention suitable for use in electrical machinery such as motors or transformers.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: AK Steel Properties, Inc.Inventors: Jerry W. Schoen, Robert J. Comstock, Jr.
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Patent number: 7140417Abstract: Non-oriented electrical steels are widely used as the magnetic core material in a variety of electrical machinery and devices, particularly in motors where low core loss and high magnetic permeability in all directions of the strip are desired. A method for producing a non-oriented electrical steel with low core loss and high magnetic permeability provides a steel that is produced from a steel melt which is cast as a thin strip or sheet, cooled, hot rolled and/or cold rolled into a finished strip. The finished strip is further subjected to at least one annealing treatment wherein the magnetic properties are developed, making the steel strip suitable for use in electrical machinery such as motors or transformers.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: AK Steel Properties, Inc.Inventors: Jerry W. Schoen, Robert J. Comstock, Jr.
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Patent number: 7011139Abstract: Non-oriented electrical steels are widely used as the magnetic core material in a variety of electrical machinery and devices, particularly in motors where low core loss and high magnetic permeability in all directions of the strip are desired. A method for producing a non-oriented electrical steel with low core loss and high magnetic permeability provides a steel that is produced from a steel melt which is cast as a thin strip or sheet, cooled, hot rolled and/or cold rolled into a finished strip. The finished strip is further subjected to at least one annealing treatment wherein the magnetic properties are developed, making the steel strip suitable for use in electrical machinery such as motors or transformers.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventors: Jerry W. Schoen, Robert J. Comstock, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040016530Abstract: Non-oriented electrical steels are widely used as the magnetic core material in a variety of electrical machinery and devices, particularly in motors where low core loss and high magnetic permeability in all directions of the strip are desired. The present invention relates to a method for producing a non-oriented electrical steel with low core loss and high magnetic permeability whereby the steel is produced from a steel melt which is cast as a thin strip or sheet, cooled, hot rolled and/or cold rolled into a finished strip. The finished strip is further subjected to at least one annealing treatment wherein the magnetic properties are developed, making the steel strip of the present invention suitable for use in electrical machinery such as motors or transformers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Jerry W. Schoen, Robert J. Comstock
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Patent number: 5230758Abstract: This is an alloy comprising, by weight percent, 0.5-2.0 niobium, 0.7-1.5 tin, 0.07-0.14 iron, and 0.03-0.14 of at least one of nickel and chromium, and at least 0.12 total of iron, nickel and chromium, and up to 220 ppm C, and the balance essentially zirconium. Preferably, the alloy contains 0.03-0.08 chromium, and 0.03-0.08 nickel. The alloy is also preferably subjected intermediate recrystallization anneals at a temperature of about 1200.degree.-1300.degree. F., and to a beta quench two steps prior to final size.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1992Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: John P. Foster, Robert J. Comstock, Samuel A. Worcester, George P. Sabol
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Patent number: 5125985Abstract: This invention is for the processing of a somewhat broader range of compositions, including ZIRLO material. It controls creep rate in an alloy having, by weight percent, 0.5-2.0 niobium, 0.7-1.5 tin, 0.07-0.28 of at least one of iron, nickel and chromium and up to 220 ppm carbon, and the balance essentially zirconium. The method is of a type which utilizes subjecting the material to a post extrusion anneal, a series of intermediate area reductions and intermediate recrystallization anneals, with one of the intermediate recrystallization anneals possibly being a late stage beta-quench, a final pass area reduction, and a final stress relief anneal.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: John P. Foster, Samuel A. Worcester, Robert J. Comstock
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Patent number: 5112573Abstract: This is an alloy comprising, by weight percent, 0.5-2.0 niobium, 0.7-1.5 tin, 0.07-0.14 iron, and 0.03-0.14 of at least one of nickel and chromium, and at least 0.12 total of iron, nickel and chromium, and up to 220 ppm C, and the balance essentially zirconium. Preferably, the alloy contains 0.03-0.08 chromium, and 0.03-0.08 nickel. The alloy is also preferably subjected intermediate recrystallization anneals at a temperature of about 1200.degree.-1300.degree. F., and to a beta quench two steps prior to final size.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1989Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: John P. Foster, Robert J. Comstock, Samuel A. Worcester, George P. Sabol
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Patent number: 4717428Abstract: Processes for the rapid alpha annealing of zirconium based articles are described. These processes utilize induction heating to rapidly heat a worked zirconium based article to an elevated temperature after which it is then cooled. Time at the selected elevated temperature is less than about 1 second, and preferably essentially zero. Stress relieving of cold pilgered Zircaloy may be performed by induction heating to a temperature between about 540.degree. and about 650.degree. C. Partial recrystallization annealing of cold pilgered Zircaloy may be performed by induction heating to a temperature between about 650.degree. and about 760.degree. C. Full alpha recrystallization annealing of cold pilgered Zircaloy may be performed by induction heating to a temperature between about 760.degree. and about 900.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1985Date of Patent: January 5, 1988Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Robert J. Comstock, William A. Jacobsen, Francis Cellier, George P. Sabol
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Patent number: 4715053Abstract: The crystallographic texture of metallic tubular articles is characterized by an X-ray diffraction technique where X-rays are directed onto the surface of the tubular article and diffracted X-rays detected by use of a position-sensitive detector. By effecting relative movement of the tubular article and the X-ray source in both a rotational direction about the axis of the tube and in an axial direction, and measuring intensities from multiple Bragg peaks of the diffracted X-rays from a plurality of locations on the tube, the crystallographic texture of the tube is characterized.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1985Date of Patent: December 22, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Robert J. Comstock, George P. Sabol