Patents by Inventor Sean Timothy O'keeffe
Sean Timothy 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).
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Patent number: 9996053Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to forming nano- and/or micro-replication directly embossed in a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy comprising a metal alloy by superplastic forming of the bulk solidifying amorphous alloy at a temperature greater than a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the metal alloy.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLCInventors: Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Tran Quoc Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk
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Patent number: 9975171Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for mechanically reducing an amount of the skull material in a finished, molded part formed from amorphous alloy using an injection molding system. Skull material of molten amorphous alloy can be captured in a trap before molding such material. A cavity can be provided in the injection molding system to trap the skull material. For example, the cavity can be provided in the mold, the tip of the plunger rod, or in the transfer sleeve. Alternatively, mixing of molten amorphous alloy can be induced so that skull material is reduced before molding. A plunger and/or its tip can be used to induce mixing (e.g., systematic movement of plunger rod, or a shape of its tip). By minimizing the amount of skull material in the finished, molded part, the quality of the part is increased.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Quoc Tran Pham, Joseph Stevick, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Christopher D. Prest, Joseph C. Poole
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Patent number: 9955533Abstract: An induction shield is configured to substantially reduce emissions emitted from an induction heat source (e.g., coil) during use. The shield is positioned adjacent to a vessel (e.g., in an injection system) having a melting portion configured to receive meltable material to be melted therein and an induction heat source positioned adjacent the vessel configured to melt the meltable material received in the melting portion of the vessel. The shield may include a tube configuration configured to flow liquid therein to absorb heat emitted from the heat source. The tube configuration can comprise a single tube or multiple tubes. The shield can be positioned adjacent the induction source in a helical manner, for example, or at ends of the vessel. The shield can be used during melting of amorphous alloy and for forming a part.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: CRUCIBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LLC.Inventors: Quoc Tran Pham, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Joseph Stevick, Theodore A. Waniuk
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Patent number: 9873151Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a vessel configured to contain a secondary magnetic induction field therein for melting materials, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus having an induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel. The vessel can have a tubular body configured to substantially surround and receive a plunger tip. Longitudinal slots or gaps extend through the thickness of the body to allow and/or direct eddy currents into the vessel during application of an RF induction field from the coil. The body also includes temperature regulating lines configured to flow a liquid within. The temperature regulating lines can be provided to run longitudinally within the wall(s) of the body between its inner bore and outer surface(s). A flange may be provided at one end of the body to secure the body within an injection molding apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLCInventors: Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Adam A. Verreault, Glenton Jelbert, Michael Deming
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Patent number: 9733017Abstract: Described herein is a crucible with a rod fused thereon to optimize pouring of molten material, and method of using the same. The crucible has a body configured for receipt of an amorphous alloy material in a vertical direction, and the rod extends in a horizontal direction from the body. The body of the crucible and the rod are formed from silica or quartz. The rod may be fused to the body of the crucible and provided off a center axis so that pouring molten material is improved when the crucible is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: CRUCIBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LLC.Inventors: Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Adam A. Verreault, Michael Deming, Glenton Jelbert, Stephanie O'Keeffe, Adrian Lopez
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Patent number: 9604279Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting meltable material having a body with a melting portion configured to receive meltable material to be melted therein and an injection path for injecting the meltable material in molten form after melting (e.g., into a mold). The body has a recess configured to contain the meltable material within the vessel during melting of the material. The vessel is configured for movement between in a first position to restrict entry of molten material into an injection path of the vessel and to contain the material in the recess during melting, and a second position to allow movement of the material in a molten form through the injection path and into the mold (e.g., using a plunger). The vessel can be used in an injection molding system for molding bulk amorphous alloys.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Quoc Tran Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk, Michael Blaine Deming
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Patent number: 9544949Abstract: Vessels used for melting material to be injection molded to form a part are described. One vessel has a body formed from a plurality of elongate segments configured to be electrically isolated from each other and with a melting portion for melting meltable material therein. Material can be provided between adjacent segments. An induction coil can be used to melt the material in the body. Other vessels have a body with an embedded induction coil therein. The embedded coil can be configured to surround the melting portion, or can be positioned below and/or adjacent the melting portion, so that meltable material is melted. The vessels can be used to melt amorphous alloys, for example.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Quoc Tran Pham, Michael Deming, Theodore A. Waniuk, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Joseph Stevick
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Publication number: 20160091250Abstract: Described herein is a crucible with a rod fused thereon to optimize pouring of molten material, and method of using the same. The crucible has a body configured for receipt of an amorphous alloy material in a vertical direction, and the rod extends in a horizontal direction from the body. The body of the crucible and the rod are formed from silica or quartz. The rod may be fused to the body of the crucible and provided off a center axis so that pouring molten material is improved when the crucible is rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Adam A. Verreault, Michael Deming, Glenton Jelbert, Stephanie O'Keeffe, Adrian Lopez
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Publication number: 20160089715Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a vessel configured to contain a secondary magnetic induction field therein for melting materials, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus having an induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel. The vessel can have a tubular body configured to substantially surround and receive a plunger tip. Longitudinal slots or gaps extend through the thickness of the body to allow and/or direct eddy currents into the vessel during application of an RF induction field from the coil. The body also includes temperature regulating lines configured to flow a liquid within. The temperature regulating lines can be provided to run longitudinally within the wall(s) of the body between its inner bore and outer surface(s). A flange may be provided at one end of the body to secure the body within an injection molding apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Adam A. Verreault, Glenton Jelbert, Michael Deming
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Publication number: 20160067766Abstract: Described herein is a method of forming a 3D investment mold using a layer-by-layer construction (3D printing). The mold is configured for receipt of a molten alloy having a composition configured to form a bulk metallic glass (BMG) on cooling. The mold has a hollow interior between inner and outer walls. The hollow interior receives the molten alloy for molding it between the inner and outer walls of the mold. A method of casting using the 3D investment mold is also disclosed, which may include filling the mold with molten alloy, removing bubbles, quenching the molten alloy in the mold, and then removing the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Adam A. Verreault, Michael Deming, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Glenton R. Jelbert, Stephanie O'Keeffe, Jeffrey L. Mattlin, Theodore A. Waniuk
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Publication number: 20150375296Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for mechanically reducing an amount of the skull material in a finished, molded part formed from amorphous alloy using an injection molding system. Skull material of molten amorphous alloy can be captured in a trap before molding such material. A cavity can be provided in the injection molding system to trap the skull material. For example, the cavity can be provided in the mold, the tip of the plunger rod, or in the transfer sleeve. Alternatively, mixing of molten amorphous alloy can be induced so that skull material is reduced before molding. A plunger and/or its tip can be used to induce mixing (e.g., systematic movement of plunger rod, or a shape of its tip). By minimizing the amount of skull material in the finished, molded part, the quality of the part is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Quoc Tran Pham, Joseph Stevick, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Christopher D. Prest, Joseph C. Poole
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Publication number: 20150158080Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting meltable material having a body with a melting portion configured to receive meltable material to be melted therein and an injection path for injecting the meltable material in molten form after melting (e.g., into a mold). The body has a recess configured to contain the meltable material within the vessel during melting of the material. The vessel is configured for movement between in a first position to restrict entry of molten material into an injection path of the vessel and to contain the material in the recess during melting, and a second position to allow movement of the material in a molten form through the injection path and into the mold (e.g., using a plunger). The vessel can be used in an injection molding system for molding bulk amorphous alloys.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Quoc Tran Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk, Michael Blaine Deming
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Publication number: 20150131694Abstract: Disclosed is an induction shield configured to substantially reduce emissions emitted from an induction heat source (e.g., coil) during use. The shield is positioned adjacent to a vessel (e.g., in an injection system) having a melting portion configured to receive meltable material to be melted therein and an induction heat source positioned adjacent the vessel configured to melt the meltable material received in the melting portion of the vessel. The shield may include a tube configuration configured to flow liquid therein to absorb heat emitted from the heat source. The tube configuration can comprise a single tube or multiple tubes. The shield can be positioned adjacent the induction source in a helical manner, for example, or at ends of the vessel. The shield can be used during melting of amorphous alloy and for forming a part.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLCInventors: QuocTran Pham, Sean Timothy O'keeffe, Joseph Stevick, Theodore A. Waniuk
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Publication number: 20150107730Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a process for semi-continuous or continuous production of a solid object from a molten metal, with the potential of being a cleaner and less expensive alternative to complicated split mold processes currently used. The embodiments can be used to perform multiple melt/pour cycles without breaking vacuum, with the system only opened to remove the solid object via an air lock, e.g., a separate chamber or load lock, which will be periodically opened to remove feedstock without breaking the vacuum of the process chamber. Embodiments also relate to an apparatus for semi-continuous or continuous production of a solid object from a molten metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Quoc Tran Pham, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Theodore A. Waniuk
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Patent number: 9004151Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
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Publication number: 20140369375Abstract: Disclosed are vessels used for melting material to be injection molded to form a part. One vessel has a body formed from a plurality of elongate segments configured to be electrically isolated from each other and with a melting portion for melting meltable material therein. Material can be provided between adjacent segments. An induction coil can be used to melt the material in the body. Other vessels have a body with an embedded induction coil therein. The embedded coil can be configured to surround the melting portion, or can be positioned below and/or adjacent the melting portion, so that meltable material is melted. The vessels can be used to melt amorphous alloys, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Quoc Tran Pham, Michael Deming, Theodore A. Waniuk, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Joseph Stevick
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MOLDING AND SEPARATING OF BULK-SOLIDIFYING AMORPHOUS ALLOYS AND COMPOSITE CONTAINING AMORPHOUS ALLOY
Publication number: 20140345754Abstract: A method to form and to separate bulk solidifying amorphous alloy or composite containing amorphous alloy where the forming and separating takes place at a temperature around the glass transition temperature or within the super cooled liquid region are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Tran Quoc Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk, Michael Blaine Deming, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe -
Patent number: 8858868Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature regulated vessel, and method for using the same, having a body configured to melt meltable material received therein, and one or more temperature regulating lines within the body configured to flow a liquid therein for regulating a temperature of the meltable material received in the melting portion. The vessel has a poor or low thermally conductive material on one or more of its parts, such as on the melting portion, on exterior surfaces of the body, and/or surrounding the temperature regulating lines to increase melt temperature of the material. The melting portion can also have indentations in its surface, and low thermally conductive material can be provided in the indentations. The vessel can be used to melt amorphous alloys, for example.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLCInventors: John Kang, Quoc Tran Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Joseph W. Stevick
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Publication number: 20140293384Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to forming nano- and/or micro-replication directly embossed in a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy comprising a metal alloy by superplastic forming of the bulk solidifying amorphous alloy at a temperature greater than a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the metal alloy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLCInventors: Sean Timothy O'keeffe, Tran Quoc Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk
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Publication number: 20140284019Abstract: Disclosed is an injection molding system including a plunger rod and a melt zone that are provided in-line and on a horizontal axis. The plunger rod is moved in a horizontal direction through the melt zone to move molten material into a mold. The melt zone can have a vessel that is configured to receive the plunger therethrough. A transfer sleeve provided between the vessel and the mold and/or an inlet into a mold can also be horizontally in line with the plunger. The injection molding system can perform the melting and molding processes under a vacuum.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: John Kang, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Tran Quoc Pham, Michael Blaine Deming, Theodore Andrew Waniuk