Patents by Inventor Stephen R. Norko

Stephen R. Norko 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: 5433418
    Abstract: A selectively-flexible, selectively-rigid, reusable, one-piece mold is used to fabricate a composite part having a complex shape on an outer surface of the mold. Disposed within the interior of the shell is a grid-type support truss structure having a plurality of individual support members attached at one end to headers that are attached by clips to the inside surface of the shell at predetermined locations. The support members are locked in place relative to each other by the use of pins placed in holes formed at various locations in the support members. When locked in place in this manner, the shell is stiffened, thereby facilitating the fabrication of the composite part on the mold. When the pins are removed, the shell is allowed to flex, thereby facilitating the removal of the cured composite part from the outer surface of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Nowak, Stephen R. Norko