Patents by Inventor Robert J. Speer

Robert J. Speer 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: 10385432
    Abstract: Various methods are disclosed for additively manufacturing a feedstock material to create an AM preform, wherein the AM preform is configured with a body having an internal passage defined therein, wherein the internal passage further includes at least one of a void and a channel; inserting a filler material into the internal passage of the AM preform; closing the AM preform with an enclosure component such that the filler material is retained within the internal passage of the AM preform; and deforming the AM preform to a sufficient amount to create a product having an internal passage therein, wherein the product is configured with wrought properties for that material via the deforming step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: ARCONIC INC.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Kilmer, Vivek M. Sample, Erin J. Fulton, James T. Burg, Eric G. Bogan, Jason C. Brem, Robert J. Speer, William B. Leith, Michael Cardinale, Philip Gacka
  • Patent number: 10353376
    Abstract: Methods for creating three-dimensional volume quality models of additively manufactured metal bodies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises additively manufacturing each metal layer of a metal body. One or more images of the first metal layer are obtained. The image(s) are processed to detect and map potential manufacturing defects in the first metal layer. A two-dimensional contour of the first metal layer is generated from the three-dimensional CAD model. The mapped defects are integrated into the two-dimensional contour. A first layer of a three-dimensional volume quality model of the metal body is created based on the integrated two-dimensional contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ARCONIC INC.
    Inventors: Wei Huang, Michael A. Globig, John Siemon, Robert J. Speer
  • Patent number: 9766169
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating welded multi-layered samples has a slotted engine-driven spindle that twists and pulls a layer from the sample, breaking the welds as the layer winds around the spindle. The sample is held between two clamps and a tensioning cylinder pulls a movable first clamp against the second stationery clamp. Sensors may sense the force required to break the welds and the data may be stored and analyzed in a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Arconic Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Spinella, Justin K. Williams, Robert J. Speer, Sean Kelly, Richard S. Dulski
  • Publication number: 20160298218
    Abstract: Various methods are disclosed for additively manufacturing a feedstock material to create an AM preform, wherein the AM preform is configured with a body having an internal passage defined therein, wherein the internal passage further includes at least one of a void and a channel; inserting a filler material into the internal passage of the AM preform; closing the AM preform with an enclosure component such that the filler material is retained within the internal passage of the AM preform; and deforming the AM preform to a sufficient amount to create a product having an internal passage therein, wherein the product is configured with wrought properties for that material via the deforming step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Raymond J. Kilmer, Vivek M. Sample, Erin J. Fulton, James T. Burg, Eric G. Bogan, Jason C. Brem, Robert J. Speer, William B. Leith, Michael Cardinale, Philip Gacka
  • Publication number: 20160224017
    Abstract: Methods for creating three-dimensional volume quality models of additively manufactured metal bodies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises additively manufacturing each metal layer of a metal body. One or more images of the first metal layer are obtained. The image(s) are processed to detect and map potential manufacturing defects in the first metal layer. A two-dimensional contour of the first metal layer is generated from the three-dimensional CAD model. The mapped defects are integrated into the two-dimensional contour. A first layer of a three-dimensional volume quality model of the metal body is created based on the integrated two-dimensional contour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Wei Huang, Michael A. Globig, John Siemon, Robert J. Speer
  • Publication number: 20150330884
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating welded multi-layered samples has a slotted engine-driven spindle that twists and pulls a layer from the sample, breaking the welds as the layer winds around the spindle. The sample is held between two clamps and a tensioning cylinder pulls a movable first clamp against the second stationery clamp. Sensors may sense the force required to break the welds and the data may be stored and analyzed in a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Donald J. Spinella, Justin K. Williams, Robert J. Speer, Sean Kelly, Richard S. Dulski
  • Patent number: 8814125
    Abstract: A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a crossbar that is fastened removably to the cup by a plurality of fasteners. The cup includes a recess forming an interior surface, and a plurality of seats extending from the interior surface. The crossbar includes a central portion and a plurality of elongated members extending therefrom. Each of the members includes a head that engages a corresponding one of the seats of the cup and is secured to the seat by one of the fasteners. The central portion of the crossbar may include a central aperture that receives one of the fasteners for an additional attachment point to the cup. The crossbar is adapted to receive tie down hooks, connectors, and the like. When the crossbar requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin David Silvio, James T. Burg, Robert J. Speer, Brett P. Conner, Jean Ann Skiles
  • Publication number: 20140042290
    Abstract: A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a crossbar that is fastened removably to the cup by a plurality of fasteners. The cup includes a recess forming an interior surface, and a plurality of seats extending from the interior surface. The crossbar includes a central portion and a plurality of elongated members extending therefrom. Each of the members includes a head that engages a corresponding one of the seats of the cup and is secured to the seat by one of the fasteners. The central portion of the crossbar may include a central aperture that receives one of the fasteners for an additional attachment point to the cup. The crossbar is adapted to receive tie down hooks, connectors, and the like. When the crossbar requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Franklin David Silvio, James T. Burg, Robert J. Speer, Brett P. Conner, Jean Ann Skiles
  • Publication number: 20130243678
    Abstract: Apparatus suited for removing carbon dioxide from gases are disclosed. The apparatus may employ bodies having a photocatalytic film. Associated methods and compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Jean Ann Skiles, Paula L. Kolek, Carroll D. Davis, Albert L. Askin, Robert J. Speer, Weizong Xu, Lori A. Barrage, Luis H. Espinoza, Verne Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 8505868
    Abstract: A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a crossbar that is fastened removably to the cup by a plurality of fasteners. The cup includes a recess forming an interior surface, and a plurality of seats extending from the interior surface. The crossbar includes a central portion and a plurality of elongated members extending therefrom. Each of the members includes a head that engages a corresponding one of the seats of the cup and is secured to the seat by one of the fasteners. The central portion of the crossbar may include a central aperture that receives one of the fasteners for an additional attachment point to the cup. The crossbar is adapted to receive tie down hooks, connectors, and the like. When the crossbar requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin David Silvio, James T. Burg, Robert J. Speer, Brett P. Conner, Jean Ann Skiles
  • Patent number: 8435446
    Abstract: Apparatus suited for removing carbon dioxide from gases are disclosed. The apparatus may employ bodies having a photocatalytic film. Associated methods and compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Ann Skiles, Paula L. Kolek, Carroll D. Davis, Albert L. Askin, Robert J. Speer, Weizong Xu, Lori A. Barrage, Luis H. Espinoza, Verne Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 8360385
    Abstract: A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a plate fastened removably to the cup by fasteners. The cup includes a first sidewall, an interior portion, and a plurality of seats that extends within the interior portion. The plate an aperture to receive tie down connectors. The plate includes a plurality of tabs. The plate is positioned within the interior portion of the cup and rests on the seats. When the plate requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure. Each of the tabs of the plate is positioned within a space between adjacent pairs of the seats of the cup and is adapted to engage the seats of the cup so as to inhibit rotation of the plate relative to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: James Burg, David Silvio, Eric G. Bogan, Robert J. Speer, Brett P. Conner
  • Patent number: 8197166
    Abstract: A tie down assembly including a cup, a cross-shaped crossbar that is fastened removably to and positioned within a recess of the cup, and a disc-shaped plate that is fastened removably to the cup and/or the crossbar. The crossbar is fastened to the cup by a plurality of fasteners, while the plate is fastened to the cup and/or the crossbar by at least one fastener. The cup is installed within a hole formed within a first surface of a structure, and the plate is positioned against an opposite surface of the structure. When the plate is attached, a compressive load is introduced and squeezes the first and second surfaces of the structure together, such that most of the load is borne down the center of the fastener attaching the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Stull, James T. Burg, Franklin David Silvio, Robert J. Speer
  • Publication number: 20110284716
    Abstract: A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a crossbar that is fastened removably to the cup by a plurality of fasteners. The cup includes a recess forming an interior surface, and a plurality of seats extending from the interior surface. The crossbar includes a central portion and a plurality of elongated members extending therefrom. Each of the members includes a head that engages a corresponding one of the seats of the cup and is secured to the seat by one of the fasteners. The central portion of the crossbar may include a central aperture that receives one of the fasteners for an additional attachment point to the cup. The crossbar is adapted to receive tie down hooks, connectors, and the like. When the crossbar requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Franklin David Silvio, James T. Burg, Robert J. Speer, Brett P. Conner, Jean Ann Skiles
  • Publication number: 20110210227
    Abstract: A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a plate fastened removably to the cup by fasteners. The cup includes a first sidewall, an interior portion, and a plurality of seats that extends within the interior portion. The plate an aperture to receive tie down connectors. The plate includes a plurality of tabs. The plate is positioned within the interior portion of the cup and rests on the seats. When the plate requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure. Each of the tabs of the plate is positioned within a space between adjacent pairs of the seats of the cup and is adapted to engage the seats of the cup so as to inhibit rotation of the plate relative to the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: James Burg, David Silvio, Eric G. Bogan, Robert J. Speer, Brett P. Conner
  • Publication number: 20110176982
    Abstract: Apparatus suited for removing carbon dioxide from gases are disclosed. The apparatus may employ bodies having a photocatalytic film. Associated methods and compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Ann Skiles, Paula L. Kolek, Carroll D. Davis, Albert L. Askin, Robert J. Speer, Weizong Xu, Lori A. Barrage, Luis H. Espinoza-Nava, Verne Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 7910220
    Abstract: Apparatus suited for removing carbon dioxide from gases are disclosed. The apparatus may employ bodies having a photocatalytic film. Associated methods and compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Ann Skiles, Paula L. Kolek, Carroll D. Davis, Albert L. Askin, Robert J. Speer, Weizong Xu, Lori A. Barrage, Luis H. Espinoza-Nava, Verne Bergstrom
  • Publication number: 20110017792
    Abstract: A tie down assembly including a cup, a cross-shaped crossbar that is fastened removably to and positioned within a recess of the cup, and a disc-shaped plate that is fastened removably to the cup and/or the crossbar. The crossbar is fastened to the cup by a plurality of fasteners, while the plate is fastened to the cup and/or the crossbar by at least one fastener. The cup is installed within a hole formed within a first surface of a structure, and the plate is positioned against an opposite surface of the structure. When the plate is attached, a compressive load is introduced and squeezes the first and second surfaces of the structure together, such that most of the load is borne down the center of the fastener attaching the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Eric M. Stull, James T. Burg, Franklin David Silvio, Robert J. Speer
  • Publication number: 20100304078
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fire-resistant systems, methods, and apparatus. In one embodiment, a fire-resistant system includes a fire-resistant panel and a protected material coupled to the fire-resistant panel. The fire-resistant panel includes a passive layer and a back layer. The passive layer comprises a phyllosilicate material. The back layer comprises an inorganic material and may be coupled to the passive layer. Optionally, the fire-resistant panel may include a secondary layer comprising a functional material, where the functional material comprises one of a phase change material or an endothermic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Israel Stol, Robert J. Speer, Jean Ann Skiles, Paula L. Kolek, Roger W. Kaufold, James T. Burg, Lori A. Barrage, Brett Page Conner
  • Publication number: 20090026063
    Abstract: Apparatus suited for removing carbon dioxide from gases are disclosed. The apparatus may employ bodies having a photocatalytic film. Associated methods and compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Ann Skiles, Paula L. Kolek, Carroll D. Davis, Albert L. Askin, Robert J. Speer, Weizong Xu, Lori A. Barrage, Luis H. Espinoza-Nava, Verne Bergstrom