Patents by Inventor Sean O'Keeffe

Sean O'Keeffe 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).

  • Publication number: 20230113866
    Abstract: Methods of treating subjects having clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) with lymphocyte antigen 75 (LY75), Cluster of Differentiation 164 (CD164), or Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors, and methods of identifying subjects having an increased risk of developing CHIP are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Jorgenson, Michael Kessler, Amy Damask, Sean O'Keeffe, Ryan White, David Glass
  • Publication number: 20210214543
    Abstract: The invention pertains to certain fluoroelastomer compositions including given amounts of certain aromatic polyamide-imide polymers, having ability to adhere upon curing to various substrates, to a process for their manufacture, to a method for fabricating shaped articles comprising curing the said compositions, to cured articles therefrom, and to assemblies including a substrate and said cured articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Sean O'KEEFFE, Terry Michael KITCHENS, Bryan BENSON, Philip SCHILD, Matteo FANTONI
  • Patent number: 10197335
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignees: Apple Inc., Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 9810482
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: Apple Inc., Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 9725796
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for forming a coating layer at least partially on surface of a BMG article formed of bulk solidifying amorphous alloys. In embodiments, the coating layer may be formed in situ during formation of a BMG article and/or post formation of a BMG article. The coating layer may provide the BMG article with surface hardness, wear resistance, surface activity, corrosion resistance, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignees: Apple Inc., Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 9649685
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for forming bulk metallic glass (BMG) articles using a mold having a stationary mold part and a movable mold part paired to form a mold cavity. A molten material can be injected to fill the mold cavity. The molten material can then be cooled into a BMG article at a desired cooling rate. While injecting and/or cooling the molten material, the movement of the movable mold part can be controlled, such that a thermal contact between the molten material and the mold can be maintained. BMG articles can be formed without forming an underfilled part. Additional structural features can be imparted in the BMG article during formation. At least a portion of the formed BMG article can have an aspect ratio (first dimension/second dimension) of at least 10 or less than 0.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 9630246
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus comprising at least one gate and a vessel, the gate being configured to move between a first position to restrict entry into an ejection path of the vessel and contain a material in a meltable form within the vessel during melting of the material, and a second position to allow movement of the material in a molten form through the ejection path. The gate can move linearly or rotate between its first and second positions, for example. The apparatus is configured to melt the material and the at least one gate is configured to allow the apparatus to be maintained under vacuum during the melting of the material. Melting can be performed using an induction source. The apparatus may also include a mold configured to receive molten material and for molding a molded part, such as a bulk amorphous alloy part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Quoc Tran Pham, Michael Deming, Theodore A. Waniuk, Sean O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 9302320
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: Apple Inc., Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 9259782
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 9254521
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: Apple Inc., Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 9238266
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein related to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20150343526
    Abstract: Described herein is an injection molding or die casting machine having an ultrasonic vibration generator associated therewith that is configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations during melting and/or injection of the molten material (e.g., molten alloy). The ultrasonic vibrations may be applied to molten material via the plunger tip of the plunger in the machine, and/or the mold and/or the vessel, for example. The ultrasonic vibration may be applied during plunger tip movement so that the molten material vibrates ultrasonically during melting and injection. A connector may be connected to the ultrasonic vibration generator and the plunger. Channels may be provided in the plunger tip and/or vessel to accommodate a cooling fluid during melting and injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Glenton R. JELBERT, Theodore A. WANIUK, Stephanie O'KEEFFE, Sean O'KEEFFE, Adam A. VERREAULT
  • Patent number: 9101977
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20150217368
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20150144292
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus comprising at least one gate and a vessel, the gate being configured to move between a first position to restrict entry into an ejection path of the vessel and contain a material in a meltable form within the vessel during melting of the material, and a second position to allow movement of the material in a molten form through the ejection path. The gate can move linearly or rotate between its first and second positions, for example. The apparatus is configured to melt the material and the at least one gate is configured to allow the apparatus to be maintained under vacuum during the melting of the material. Melting can be performed using an induction source. The apparatus may also include a mold configured to receive molten material and for molding a molded part, such as a bulk amorphous alloy part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Quoc Tran Pham, Michael Deming, Theodore A. Waniuk, Sean O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 9004149
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot Stratton, Joseph Poole, Matthew Scott, Christopher Prest
  • Publication number: 20150090421
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein related to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 8991474
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20150000858
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for forming bulk metallic glass (BMG) articles using a mold having a stationary mold part and a movable mold part paired to form a mold cavity. A molten material can be injected to fill the mold cavity. The molten material can then be cooled into a BMG article at a desired cooling rate. While injecting and/or cooling the molten material, the movement of the movable mold part can be controlled, such that a thermal contact between the molten material and the mold can be maintained. BMG articles can be formed without forming an underfilled part. Additional structural features can be imparted in the BMG article during formation. At least a portion of the formed BMG article can have an aspect ratio (first dimension/second dimension) of at least 10 or less than 0.1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20140360695
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest