Patents by Inventor Robert L. Terpstra

Robert L. Terpstra 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: 9833835
    Abstract: A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. The atomized alloy particles are solidified as solidified alloy particles or as a solidified deposit of alloy particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 9782827
    Abstract: A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. The atomized alloy particles are solidified as solidified alloy particles or as a solidified deposit of alloy particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Publication number: 20150040724
    Abstract: A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. The atomized alloy particles are solidified as solidified alloy particles or as a solidified deposit of alloy particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Publication number: 20150040723
    Abstract: A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. The atomized alloy particles are solidified as solidified alloy particles or as a solidified deposit of alloy particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 8864870
    Abstract: A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. Bodies made from the dispersion strengthened solidified particles exhibit enhanced fatigue and creep resistance and reduced wear as well as enhanced corrosion and/or oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 8197574
    Abstract: A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. The atomized alloy particles are solidified as solidified alloy particles or as a solidified deposit of alloy particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 7699905
    Abstract: A method of making dispersion-strengthened alloy particles involves melting an alloy having a corrosion and/or oxidation resistance-imparting alloying element, a dispersoid-forming element, and a matrix metal wherein the dispersoid-forming element exhibits a greater tendency to react with a reactive species acquired from an atomizing gas than does the alloying element. The melted alloy is atomized with the atomizing gas including the reactive species to form atomized particles so that the reactive species is (a) dissolved in solid solution to a depth below the surface of atomized particles and/or (b) reacted with the dispersoid-forming element to form dispersoids in the atomized particles to a depth below the surface of said atomized particles. The atomized alloy particles are solidified as solidified alloy particles or as a solidified deposit of alloy particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 7611565
    Abstract: A device for hydrogen separation has a porous support and hydrogen separation material on the support. The support is prepared by heat treatment of metal microparticles, preferably of iron-based or nickel-based alloys that also include aluminum and/or yttrium. The hydrogen separation material is then deposited on the support. Preferred hydrogen separation materials include metals such as palladium, alloys, platinum, refractory metals, and alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen N. Paglieri, Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 6425504
    Abstract: A one-piece, composite open-bottom casting mold with integral withdrawal section is fabricated by thermal spraying of materials compatible with and used for the continuous casting of shaped products of reactive metals and alloys such as, for example, titanium and its alloys or for the gas atomization thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Besser, Robert L. Terpstra, Daniel J. Sordelet, Iver E. Anderson, Alan D. Hartman, Edward R. Argetsinger, Jeffrey S. Hansen, Jack I. Paige, Paul C. Turner
  • Patent number: 6358466
    Abstract: A tubular thermal sprayed melt containment component for transient containment of molten metal or alloy wherein the tubular member includes a thermal sprayed inner melt-contacting layer for contacting molten metal or alloy to be processed, a thermal sprayed heat-generating layer deposited on the inner layer, and an optional thermal sprayed outer thermal insulating layer. The thermal sprayed heat-generating layer is inductively heated as a susceptor of an induction field or electrical resistively heated by passing electrical current therethrough. The tubular thermal sprayed melt containment component can comprise an elongated melt pour tube of a gas atomization apparatus where the melt pour tube supplies molten material from a crucible to an underlying melt atomization nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Besser, Robert L. Terpstra, Daniel J. Sordelet, Iver E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6231691
    Abstract: A Sn—Ag—Cu eutectic alloy is modified with one or more low level and low cost alloy additions to enhance high temperature microstructural stability and thermal-mechanical fatigue strength without decreasing solderability. Purposeful fourth or fifth element additions in the collective amount not exceeding about 1 weight % (wt. %) are added to Sn—Ag—Cu eutectic solder alloy based on the ternary eutectic Sn—4.7%Ag—1.7%Cu (wt. %) and are selected from the group consisting essentially of Ni, Fe, and like-acting elements as modifiers of the intermetallic interface between the solder and substrate to improve high temperature solder joint microstructural stability and solder joint thermal-mechanical fatigue strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 6142382
    Abstract: A high pressure close-coupled gas atomizing nozzle includes multiple discrete gas jet discharge orifices having aerodynamically designed convergent-divergent geometry with an first converging section communicated to a gas supply manifold and to a diverging section by a constricted throat section to increase atomizing gas velocity. The gas jet orifices are oriented at gas jet apex angle selected relative to the melt supply tip apex angle to establish a melt aspiration condition at the melt supply tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Ting, Iver E. Anderson, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 5811187
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making powder from a metallic melt by atomizing the melt to form droplets and reacting the droplets downstream of the atomizing location with a reactive gas. The droplets are reacted with the gas at a temperature where a solidified exterior surface is formed thereon and where a protective refractory barrier layer (reaction layer) is formed whose penetration into the droplets is limited by the presence of the solidified surface so as to avoid selective reduction of key reactive alloyants needed to achieve desired powder end use properties. The barrier layer protects the reactive powder particles from environmental constituents such as air and water in the liquid or vapor form during subsequent fabrication of the powder to end-use shapes and during use in the intended service environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Barbara K. Lograsso, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 5738705
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for making metallic powder particles wherein a metallic melt is atomized by a rotating disk or other atomizer at an atomizing location in a manner to form molten droplets moving in a direction away from said atomizing location. The atomized droplets pass through a series of thin liquid quenching sheets disposed in succession about the atomizing location with each successive quenching sheet being at an increasing distance from the atomizing location. The atomized droplets are incrementally cooled and optionally passivated as they pass through the series of liquid quenching sheets without distorting the atomized droplets from their generally spherical shape. The atomized, cooled droplets can be received in a chamber having a collection wall disposed outwardly of the series of liquid quenching sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Matthew G. Osborne, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 5589199
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making powder from a metallic melt by atomizing the melt to form droplets and reacting the droplets downstream of the atomizing location with a reactive gas. The droplets are reacted with the gas at a temperature where a solidified exterior surface is formed thereon and where a protective refractory barrier layer (reaction layer) is formed whose penetration into the droplets is limited by the presence of the solidified surface so as to avoid selective reduction of key reactive alloyants needed to achieve desired powder end use properties. The barrier layer protects the reactive powder particles from environmental constituents such as air and water in the liquid or vapor form during subsequent fabrication of the powder to end-use shapes and during use in the intended service environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Barbara K. Lograsso, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 5527628
    Abstract: A Pb-free solder includes a ternary eutectic composition consisting essentially of about 93.6 weight % Sn-about 4.7 weight % Ag-about 1.7 weight % Cu having a eutectic melting temperature of about 217.degree. C. and variants of the ternary composition wherein the relative concentrations of Sn, Ag, and Cu deviate from the ternary eutectic composition to provide a controlled melting temperature range (liquid-solid "mushy" zone) relative to the eutectic melting temperature (e.g. up to 15.degree. C. above the eutectic melting temperature).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignees: Iowa State University Research Foudation, Inc., Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Frederick G. Yost, John F. Smith, Chad M. Miller, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 5523049
    Abstract: A heat sink composed of thermally conductive particles dispersed in a monolithic structure having a continuous microstructure; and the method of forming a heat sink by molding the heat sink from a thermoplastic or epoxy material which has been filled with thermally conductive particles, debinding the molded heat sink and densifying the debound heat sink into a monolithic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Terpstra, Barbara K. Lograsso, Iver E. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Moore
  • Patent number: 5423520
    Abstract: Melt atomizing apparatus comprising a melt supply orifice for supplying the melt for atomization and gas supply orifices proximate the melt supply orifice for supplying atomizing gas to atomize the melt as an atomization spray. The apparatus includes a sensor, such as an optical and/or audio sensor, for providing atomization spray data, and a control unit responsive to the sensed atomization spray data for controlling at least one of the atomizing gas pressure and an actuator to adjust the relative position of the gas supply orifice and melt supply in a manner to achieve a desired atomization spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Richard S. Figliola, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 5372629
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making powder from a metallic melt by atomizing the melt to form droplets and reacting the droplets downstream of the atomizing location with a reactive gas. The droplets are reacted with the gas at a temperature where a solidified exterior surface is formed thereon and where a protective refractory barrier layer (reaction layer) is formed whose penetration into the droplets is limited by the presence of the solidified surface so as to avoid selective reduction of key reactive alloyants needed to achieve desired powder end use properties. The barrier layer protects the reactive powder particles from environmental constituents such as air and water in the liquid or vapor form during subsequent fabrication of the powder to end-use shapes and during use in the intended service environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Iver E. Anderson, Barbara K. Lograsso, Robert L. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 5366688
    Abstract: A heat sink composed of metal particles dispersed in a binder or a sintered structure in which the binder is removed; and the method of forming a heat sink by molding the heat sink from a thermoplastic or epoxy material which has been filled with metal particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Terpstra, Barbara K. Lograsso, Iver E. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Moore