Patents by Inventor Robert L. Sledge

Robert L. Sledge 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).

  • Method and apparatus for electromagnetic powder deposition
    Publication number: 20020146508
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depositing powder particles on a substrate. The method comprises forming a planar plasma armature, accelerating the plasma armature, accelerating a column of gas with the plasma armature; and accelerating the powder particles with the column of gas. The present invention provides for a railgun, comprising first and second conducting rails, and first and second insulating rails. The insulating and conducting rails form a bore of the railgun. The first and second conducting rails are separated by the insulating rails. At least one of the rails has a port in the wall thereof, the port is adapted to introducing powder particles into the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Board of Regents, University of Texas System
    Inventors: James L. Bacon, Darwin G. Davis, Robert L. Sledge, Robert J. Polizzi, John R. Uglum, William F. Weldon, Raymond C. Zowarka
  • Method and apparatus for electromagnetic powder deposition
    Patent number: 6329025
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depositing powder particles on a substrate. The method comprises forming a planar plasma armature, accelerating the plasma armature, accelerating a column of gas with the plasma armature; and accelerating the powder particles with the column of gas. The present invention provides for a railgun, comprising first and second conducting rails, and first and second insulating rails. The insulating and conducting rails form a bore of the railgun. The first and second conducting rails are separated by the insulating rails. At least one of the rails has a port in the wall thereof, the port is adapted to introducing powder particles into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: University of Texas System Board of Regents
    Inventors: James L. Bacon, Darwin G. Davis, Robert L. Sledge, Robert J. Polizzi, John R. Uglum, Jr., William F. Weldon, Raymond C. Zowarka
  • Explosively actuated thermal opening switch
    Patent number: 5360999
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the switching characteristics of an explosively actuated switch. The switch comprises a conductor that is only partially severed by explosive forces. A bridge region, the conductive portion of the conductor remaining after the explosion, is then severed by thermal breakdown. Variations in the bridge region enable a user to vary the switching characteristics of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Jim L. Upshaw, Jonathan J. Hahne, Richard J. Hayes, Raymond C. Zowarka, Jr., John P. Kajs, Robert L. Sledge, II
  • Method and apparatus for switching an electrical circuit
    Patent number: 5070787
    Abstract: The invention provides an explosively actuated switch and a method of using the same. The switch will include primary conductive elements which will remain generally stationary, and one or more movable conductive elements which will be clamped between the stationary elements. Various types of mechanisms may be utilized to exert a clamping force on one or more of the stationary members. An explosive material is provided to move the movable members from engagement with the stationary members upon detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: William F. Weldon, Ben M. Rech, Robert L. Sledge