Patents by Inventor Rusty M. Garner

Rusty M. Garner 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: 12594632
    Abstract: The disclosure describes example techniques and assemblies for joining a first component and a second component. The techniques may include positioning the first and second component adjacent to each other to define a joint region between adjacent portions of the first component and the second component. The techniques may also include inserting a solid retainer material into the joint region through an aperture in one of the first component or the second component to form a mechanical interlock between the first component and the second component and sealing the aperture to retain the solid retainer material within the joint region. The solid retainer material includes at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, or a ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2026
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Alan Bulgrin, Matthew T. Kush, Rusty M. Garner, Carl R. Russo
  • Patent number: 12472571
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for defining an electrode of a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) tool that is performed by one or more processors. The method includes receiving workpiece measurement data representative of a machined surface of a machined workpiece. The machined workpiece has been machined by a working surface of an initial electrode. The method includes identifying a set of dimensional differences between the workpiece measurement data and workpiece model data representative of a finished surface of a master workpiece. The method includes updating, based on the set of dimensional differences, initial electrode model data representative of the working surface of the initial electrode and outputting the updated electrode model data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward, Monica Sy Munoz, Christopher Owen Nash
  • Patent number: 12459044
    Abstract: A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system includes a pECM tool comprising a tool body defining a tool axis, the tool body comprising one or more electrodes, each of the one or more electrodes comprising an electrically conductive material and defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece; an enclosure system configured to hold the workpiece, wherein the enclosure system comprises: a first clamp configured to grip a first end of the workpiece; a second clamp configured to grip a second end of the workpiece; and a backside support configured to support a span of the workpiece between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Monica Sy Munoz, Damon Ward, Anthony F. Allen
  • Patent number: 12447543
    Abstract: A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a pECM assembly. The pECM assembly includes a tool body which defines a tool axis and includes an electrode which includes an electrically conductive material and defines working surface. The pECM system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to an interelectrode gap, and the electrolyte system includes a vacuum system. The tool body defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece, and the working surface defines a plurality of apertures configured to fluidically couple to an electrolyte system. The tool body includes a manifold block defining at least one electrolyte inlet and at least one electrolyte outlet, a baffle element, and the electrode. The tool body is configured to receive electrolyte from an electrolyte system at the electrolyte inlet in the manifold block and feed electrolyte through the baffle element to the working surface of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward, Monica Sy Munoz
  • Patent number: 12370614
    Abstract: A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a tool body defining a tool axis and a proximal end and a distal end. The tool body includes one or more electrodes, each of the one or more electrodes defining a working surface at the distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. Electrolyte at least partially fills an interelectrode gap defined by the working surface at the distal end of the tool axis and a target surface of the workpiece. A first flow block coupled to the tool body and a second flow block coupled to the workpiece are configured to form at least one seal surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the interelectrode gap, and the at least one seal is configured to reduce or eliminate flow of the electrolyte out of the portion of the perimeter of the interelectrode gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward
  • Patent number: 12220757
    Abstract: In some examples, a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a first tool body including a first electrode defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece and a second tool body including a second electrode defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. The system includes a mechanical system configured to position the working surface of the first tool body relative to the workpiece and configured to position the working surface of the second tool body relative to the workpiece. The system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to a first interelectrode gap and a second interelectrode gap and a power supply configured to generate a pulsed direct current between the first tool body and the workpiece and the second tool body and the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward
  • Publication number: 20240139844
    Abstract: In some examples, pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system, including an pECM tool comprising a tool body, the tool body comprising an electrode defining a working surface configured to oppose a workpiece during a pECM process; an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to an interelectrode gap between the working surface of the electrode and a target surface of the workpiece; and a power supply configured to generate a pulsed direct current between the one or more electrodes of the pECM tool and the workpiece during the pECM process. The electrode includes an oxidation resistant layer defining at least a portion of the working surface, and a diamond-like carbon coating that defines another surface of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Monica Sy Munoz, Damon Ward, Rusty M. Garner
  • Publication number: 20240109143
    Abstract: A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a pECM assembly. The pECM assembly includes a tool body which defines a tool axis and includes an electrode which includes an electrically conductive material and defines working surface. The pECM system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to an interelectrode gap, and the electrolyte system includes a vacuum system. The tool body defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece, and the working surface defines a plurality of apertures configured to fluidically couple to an electrolyte system. The tool body includes a manifold block defining at least one electrolyte inlet and at least one electrolyte outlet, a baffle element, and the electrode. The tool body is configured to receive electrolyte from an electrolyte system at the electrolyte inlet in the manifold block and feed electrolyte through the baffle element to the working surface of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventor: Rusty M. Garner
  • Publication number: 20240109142
    Abstract: A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a pECM assembly. The pECM assembly includes a tool body which defines a tool axis and includes an electrode which includes an electrically conductive material and defines working surface. The pECM system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to an interelectrode gap, and the electrolyte system includes a vacuum system. The tool body defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece, and the working surface defines a plurality of apertures configured to fluidically couple to an electrolyte system. The tool body includes a manifold block defining at least one electrolyte inlet and at least one electrolyte outlet, a baffle element, and the electrode. The tool body is configured to receive electrolyte from an electrolyte system at the electrolyte inlet in the manifold block and feed electrolyte through the baffle element to the working surface of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward, Monica Sy Munoz
  • Publication number: 20240109141
    Abstract: A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a pECM assembly. The pECM assembly includes a tool body which defines a tool axis and includes an electrode which includes an electrically conductive material and defines working surface. The pECM system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to an interelectrode gap, and the electrolyte system includes a vacuum system. The tool body defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece, and the working surface defines a plurality of apertures configured to fluidically couple to an electrolyte system. The tool body includes a manifold block defining at least one electrolyte inlet and at least one electrolyte outlet, a baffle element, and the electrode. The tool body is configured to receive electrolyte from an electrolyte system at the electrolyte inlet in the manifold block and feed electrolyte through the baffle element to the working surface of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward, Monica Sy Munoz
  • Publication number: 20230347434
    Abstract: A method for pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) a turbine component, comprising: generating a pulsed direct current between one or more electrodes of a machining tool and the turbine component, wherein the machining tool comprises a tool body defining a tool axis, the tool body comprising the one or more electrodes, each of the one or more electrodes comprising an electrically conductive material and defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face the turbine component; delivering an electrolyte into an interelectrode gap between the working surface of the one or more electrodes and a target surface of the turbine component; and positioning the working surface of the one or more electrodes relative to the target surface of the turbine component to remove material from the target surface of the turbine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventor: Rusty M. Garner
  • Publication number: 20230347430
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for defining an electrode of a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) tool that is performed by one or more processors. The method includes receiving workpiece measurement data representative of a machined surface of a machined workpiece. The machined workpiece has been machined by a working surface of an initial electrode. The method includes identifying a set of dimensional differences between the workpiece measurement data and workpiece model data representative of a finished surface of a master workpiece. The method includes updating, based on the set of dimensional differences, initial electrode model data representative of the working surface of the initial electrode and outputting the updated electrode model data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward, Monica Sy Munoz, Christopher Owen Nash
  • Publication number: 20230347435
    Abstract: A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system includes a pECM tool comprising a tool body defining a tool axis, the tool body comprising one or more electrodes, each of the one or more electrodes comprising an electrically conductive material and defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece; an enclosure system configured to hold the workpiece, wherein the enclosure system comprises: a first clamp configured to grip a first end of the workpiece; a second clamp configured to grip a second end of the workpiece; and a backside support configured to support a span of the workpiece between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Monica Sy Munoz, Damon Ward, Anthony F. Allen
  • Publication number: 20230347433
    Abstract: A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a tool body defining a tool axis and a proximal end and a distal end. The tool body includes one or more electrodes, each of the one or more electrodes defining a working surface at the distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. Electrolyte at least partially fills an interelectrode gap defined by the working surface at the distal end of the tool axis and a target surface of the workpiece. A first flow block coupled to the tool body and a second flow block coupled to the workpiece are configured to form at least one seal surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the interelectrode gap, and the at least one seal is configured to reduce or eliminate flow of the electrolyte out of the portion of the perimeter of the interelectrode gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward
  • Publication number: 20230347432
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) tool that includes a tool body defining a tool axis and including one or more electrodes. Each of the one or more electrodes includes an electrically conductive material and defines a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. An electrical conductivity of at least one electrode varies across the working surface of the respective electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward, Monica Sy Munoz
  • Publication number: 20230347429
    Abstract: In some examples, a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a first tool body including a first electrode defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece and a second tool body including a second electrode defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. The system includes a mechanical system configured to position the working surface of the first tool body relative to the workpiece and configured to position the working surface of the second tool body relative to the workpiece. The system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to a first interelectrode gap and a second interelectrode gap and a power supply configured to generate a pulsed direct current between the first tool body and the workpiece and the second tool body and the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Rusty M. Garner, Damon Ward
  • Publication number: 20230347431
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for manufacturing a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) tool that includes forming an electrode on a surface of a support substrate. The support substrate includes an electrically non-conductive material. The electrode includes one or more layers of an electrically conductive material and defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventor: Rusty M. Garner
  • Publication number: 20230191515
    Abstract: An electrochemical machining system includes an anodic workpiece of an electrically conductive metal, and an electrically conductive metallic cathodic tool with an external surface configured to machine the anodic workpiece. At least a portion of the external surface of the cathodic tool has a coating of diamond-like carbon (DLC). The system further includes a current source configured to apply a pulsed direct current to the anodic workpiece and the cathodic tool, and an electrolyte between the anodic workpiece and the cathodic tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Monica Sy Munoz, Damon Ward, Rusty M. Garner
  • Patent number: 11565352
    Abstract: The disclosure describes example techniques and assemblies for joining a first component and a second component. The techniques may include positioning the first and second component adjacent to each other to define a joint region between adjacent portions of the first component and the second component. The techniques may also include inserting a solid retainer material into the joint region through an aperture in one of the first component or the second component to form a mechanical interlock between the first component and the second component and sealing the aperture to retain the solid retainer material within the joint region. The solid retainer material includes at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, or a ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Alan Bulgrin, Matthew T. Kush, Rusty M. Garner, Carl R. Russo
  • Publication number: 20210146485
    Abstract: The disclosure describes example techniques and assemblies for joining a first component and a second component. The techniques may include positioning the first and second component adjacent to each other to define a joint region between adjacent portions of the first component and the second component. The techniques may also include inserting a solid retainer material into the joint region through an aperture in one of the first component or the second component to form a mechanical interlock between the first component and the second component and sealing the aperture to retain the solid retainer material within the joint region. The solid retainer material includes at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, or a ceramic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Charles Alan Bulgrin, Matthew T. Kush, Rusty M. Garner, Carl R. Russo