Patents by Inventor Steven Charles Woods
Steven Charles Woods 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: 11565477Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a test article for additive manufacture and related methods. A test article formed may include a body having a forward face and a rearward face horizontally opposite the forward face. A first surface extending between the forward face and the rearward face of the body may include a plurality of protrusions for removable coupling of the body to a build plate. A second surface on the body may extend between the forward face and the rearward face of the body, and may include a plurality of angled flat surface portions. Each of the plurality of angled flat surface portions may have a distinct angle with respect to a horizontal plane of the body. An angular difference between each adjacent angled flat surface portion in the plurality of angled flat surface portions is substantially uniform.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Clay Thomas Griffis, Steven Charles Woods, Tiffany Muller Craft, Evan John Dozier, Eric Eicher McConnell
-
Publication number: 20220080667Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a test article for additive manufacture and related methods. A test article formed may include a body having a forward face and a rearward face horizontally opposite the forward face. A first surface extending between the forward face and the rearward face of the body may include a plurality of protrusions for removable coupling of the body to a build plate. A second surface on the body may extend between the forward face and the rearward face of the body, and may include a plurality of angled flat surface portions. Each of the plurality of angled flat surface portions may have a distinct angle with respect to a horizontal plane of the body. An angular difference between each adjacent angled flat surface portion in the plurality of angled flat surface portions is substantially uniform.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2020Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Clay Thomas Griffis, Steven Charles Woods, Tiffany Muller Craft, Evan John Dozier, Eric Eicher McConnell
-
Patent number: 11155034Abstract: According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided comprising generating a nominal computer-aided design (CAD) image of a component; producing a physical representation of the component from the nominal CAD image using an additive manufacturing (AM) process; measuring the physical component to obtain measurement data; determining a deviation between geometry associated with the nominal CAD image and the obtained measurement data; determining a compensation field for the deviation, if the deviation is outside of a tolerance threshold; modifying the nominal CAD image by the compensation field; and producing a physical representation of the component from the modified nominal CAD image. Numerous other aspects are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Pinghai Yang, James William Sears, Steven Charles Woods, Michael Evans Graham
-
Patent number: 11092341Abstract: A process includes manufacturing a gas turbine fuel injector body having a stub flange extending radially outward about a circumference of the gas turbine fuel injector body. The stub flange is sized to engage a stepped ledge along a central opening of a mounting flange. The central opening is sized to receive the gas turbine fuel injector body. A gas turbine fuel injector includes a gas turbine fuel injector body and a mounting flange. A method of mounting a gas turbine fuel injector includes placing a stub flange of a gas turbine fuel injector body between a surface of an injector boss and a stepped ledge of a mounting flange. The method also includes securing the gas turbine fuel injector to the injector boss with a plurality of bolts, each bolt extending through a mounting hole in the mounting flange and into a threaded hole in the injector boss.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Benjamin Lamar Daniel, Kassy Moy Hart, David William Cihlar, Steven Charles Woods, Jonathan Glenn Reed
-
Patent number: 10814439Abstract: A system includes a mounting plate having a plurality of reference members, an inspection system having a profiler device, and an additive manufacturing machine operatively coupled with the inspection system. A computer device scans the mounting plate with the profiler device to obtain position and orientation of the reference members and position and top surface profile data of any parts located on the mounting plate. A transmitting step transmits reference member position and orientation and part position and top surface profile data to the additive manufacturing machine. A detecting step detects mounting plate orientation and position inside the additive manufacturing machine. A combining step combines mounting plate orientation/position inside of the additive manufacturing machine and part position and top surface profile data to calculate a build path program for the additive manufacturing machine. A performing step performs a build process using the build path program to repair the parts.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yusuf Eren Ozturk, Steven Charles Woods, Onur Onder, Mustafa Yuvalaklioglu, Birol Turan
-
Patent number: 10814391Abstract: Various aspects include systems and methods for analyzing materials in additive manufacturing processes. In some cases, a system includes: an additive manufacturing (AM) printer for printing an AM object, the AM printer including a raw material chamber and a build chamber; a control system coupled with the AM printer configured to control the printing of the AM object; and a material analysis system coupled with the control system and the AM printer, the material analysis system configured to analyze a raw material obtained directly from at least one of the raw material chamber or the build chamber for a defect prior to, or contemporaneously with, additively manufacturing the AM component.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Donnell Eugene Crear, Ray Joshua Bohon, Steven Charles Woods
-
Publication number: 20190366491Abstract: A system includes a mounting plate having a plurality of reference members, an inspection system having a profiler device, and an additive manufacturing machine operatively coupled with the inspection system. A computer device scans the mounting plate with the profiler device to obtain position and orientation of the reference members and position and top surface profile data of any parts located on the mounting plate. A transmitting step transmits reference member position and orientation and part position and top surface profile data to the additive manufacturing machine. A detecting step detects mounting plate orientation and position inside the additive manufacturing machine. A combining step combines mounting plate orientation/position inside of the additive manufacturing machine and part position and top surface profile data to calculate a build path program for the additive manufacturing machine. A performing step performs a build process using the build path program to repair the parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2018Publication date: December 5, 2019Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yusuf Eren Ozturk, Steven Charles Woods, Onur Onder, Mustafa Yuvalaklioglu, Birol Turan
-
Patent number: 10399187Abstract: A method to repair an opening in a metallic device including: mount the device on a positioner; while the device is mounted on the positioner, sense and record positions of a surface of an opening in the device using a probe operated by a manipulator; based on the recorded positions determine a centerline and diameter of the opening; orient a digital model of the opening with respect to the opening of the device based on the centerline and diameter of the opening, and apply an weld or cladding to the opening by a welding torch maneuvered automatically by the manipulator while the device is mounted to the positioner and based on the oriented digital model of the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mustafa Yuvalaklioglu, Lawrence James Whims, Daniel James Dorriety, Steven Charles Woods, Mark Carmine Bellino, James Carroll Baummer, Brian Leslie Henderson, Efe Bulut, Paul A. Cook
-
Patent number: 10072847Abstract: A method for repairing a bundled tube fuel injector includes removing a portion of a pre-mix tube, aligning a tube tip with the remaining portion pre-mix tube and fixedly connecting the tube tip to the pre-mix tube. The method may further include removing an aft plate and an outer shroud from the bundled tube fuel injector so as to expose the pre-mix tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory Scott Means, Steven Charles Woods, Mark Carmine Bellino, James Christopher Monaghan, Jonathan Dwight Berry, Patrick S. Riley
-
Publication number: 20180221999Abstract: A method to repair an opening in a metallic device including: mount the device on a positioner; while the device is mounted on the positioner, sense and record positions of a surface of an opening in the device using a probe operated by a manipulator; based on the recorded positions determine a centerline and diameter of the opening; orient a digital model of the opening with respect to the opening of the device based on the centerline and diameter of the opening, and apply an weld or cladding to the opening by a welding torch maneuvered automatically by the manipulator while the device is mounted to the positioner and based on the oriented digital model of the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2017Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Mustafa YUVALAKLIOGLU, Lawrence James Whims, Daniel James Dorriety, Steven Charles Woods, Mark Carmine Bellino, James Carroll Baummer, Brian Leslie Henderson, Efe Bulut, Paul A. Cook
-
Publication number: 20180202663Abstract: A process includes manufacturing a gas turbine fuel injector body having a stub flange extending radially outward about a circumference of the gas turbine fuel injector body. The stub flange is sized to engage a stepped ledge along a central opening of a mounting flange. The central opening is sized to receive the gas turbine fuel injector body. A gas turbine fuel injector includes a gas turbine fuel injector body and a mounting flange. A method of mounting a gas turbine fuel injector includes placing a stub flange of a gas turbine fuel injector body between a surface of an injector boss and a stepped ledge of a mounting flange. The method also includes securing the gas turbine fuel injector to the injector boss with a plurality of bolts, each bolt extending through a mounting hole in the mounting flange and into a threaded hole in the injector boss.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2017Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Benjamin Lamar DANIEL, Kassy Moy HART, David William CIHLAR, Steven Charles WOODS, Jonathan Glenn REED
-
Patent number: 10011469Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for rotatably engaging an additive manufacturing build plate are disclosed. An apparatus may include: a height adjustable platform; a rotatable member coupled to the height adjustable platform; an alignment member coupled to a first end of the rotatable member; and first and second coupling members each extending from the first radial end of the alignment member wherein the first and second coupling members are oriented substantially parallel to the rotatable member.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Tiffany Muller Craft, Steven John Barnell, Archie Lee Swanner, Jr., Steven Charles Woods
-
Publication number: 20180071821Abstract: Various aspects include systems and methods for analyzing materials in additive manufacturing processes. In some cases, a system includes: an additive manufacturing (AM) printer for printing an AM object, the AM printer including a raw material chamber and a build chamber; a control system coupled with the AM printer configured to control the printing of the AM object; and a material analysis system coupled with the control system and the AM printer, the material analysis system configured to analyze a raw material obtained directly from at least one of the raw material chamber or the build chamber for a defect prior to, or contemporaneously with, additively manufacturing the AM component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2016Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Donnell Eugene Crear, Ray Joshua Bohon, Steven Charles Woods
-
Publication number: 20170368753Abstract: According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided comprising generating a nominal computer-aided design (CAD) image of a component; producing a physical representation of the component from the nominal CAD image using an additive manufacturing (AM) process; measuring the physical component to obtain measurement data; determining a deviation between geometry associated with the nominal CAD image and the obtained measurement data; determining a compensation field for the deviation, if the deviation is outside of a tolerance threshold; modifying the nominal CAD image by the compensation field; and producing a physical representation of the component from the modified nominal CAD image. Numerous other aspects are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Pinghai YANG, James William SEARS, Steven Charles WOODS, Michael Evans GRAHAM
-
Patent number: 9849533Abstract: A hybrid diffusion-brazing process and hybrid diffusion-brazed article are disclosed. The hybrid diffusion-brazing process includes providing a component having a temperature-tolerant region and a temperature-sensitive region, brazing a braze material to the temperature-tolerant region during a localized brazing cycle, then heating the component in a furnace during a diffusion cycle. The brazing and the heating diffusion-braze the braze material to the component, and the localized brazing cycle is performed independent of the diffusion cycle in the hybrid diffusion-brazing process. The hybrid diffusion-brazed article includes a component, and a braze material diffusion-brazed to the component with a filler material. The filler material has a melting temperature that is above a tolerance temperature of the component.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Liangde Xie, Ronald Lee Souther, Mark Lawrence Hunt, Steven Charles Woods
-
Patent number: 9835568Abstract: A method for correction of thermal defects using tomographic scanning for additive manufacturing is provided. The method may include forming a portion of an object using an additive manufacturing system based on an intended three-dimensional (3D) model of the object that is in an additive manufacturing system format. The portion of the object is scanned using a tomographic scanner to obtain a model of the portion of the object in a tomographic scanner format. The model is converted from the tomographic scanner format into the additive manufacturing system format to obtain a converted tomographic model; and the converted tomographic model is compared to the intended 3D model to identify a defect in the portion of the object. A modified 3D model may be generated of the object correcting the intended 3D model to address the defect of the portion of the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Charles Woods, Tiffany Muller Craft, Kassy Moy Hart
-
Publication number: 20170292922Abstract: A method for correction of thermal defects using tomographic scanning for additive manufacturing is provided. The method may include forming a portion of an object using an additive manufacturing system based on an intended three-dimensional (3D) model of the object that is in an additive manufacturing system format. The portion of the object is scanned using a tomographic scanner to obtain a model of the portion of the object in a tomographic scanner format. The model is converted from the tomographic scanner format into the additive manufacturing system format to obtain a converted tomographic model; and the converted tomographic model is compared to the intended 3D model to identify a defect in the portion of the object. A modified 3D model may be generated of the object correcting the intended 3D model to address the defect of the portion of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2016Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Steven Charles Woods, Tiffany Muller Craft, Kassy Moy Hart
-
Publication number: 20170291804Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include apparatuses and systems for rotatably engaging an additive manufacturing build plate. An apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include: a height adjustable platform; a rotatable member coupled to the height adjustable platform; an alignment member coupled to a first end of the rotatable member; and first and second coupling members each extending from the first radial end of the alignment member wherein the first and second coupling members are oriented substantially parallel to the rotatable member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2016Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Tiffany Muller Craft, Steven John Barnell, Archie Lee Swanner, JR., Steven Charles Woods
-
Patent number: 9664392Abstract: A bundled tube fuel injector includes an outer band that circumferentially surrounds a fuel plenum defined within the bundled tube fuel injector. The outer band includes a forward end portion that is axially separated from an aft end portion. A plurality of pre-mix tubes extends through the fuel plenum substantially parallel to one another. A first segment of the plurality of pre-mix tubes is circumferentially surrounded by the outer band. An outer shroud extends circumferentially around a second segment of the pre-mix tubes. The outer shroud includes a forward portion and an aft portion. The aft end portion of the outer band is coupled to the forward portion of the outer shroud via a plurality of fasteners for enhanced assembly and reparability.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Mark Carmine Bellino, James Christopher Monaghan, Johnie F. McConnaughhay, Steven Charles Woods
-
Patent number: 9528764Abstract: A plurality of substantially identical, thermally and/or atmospherically isolated modules can be employed to effect a treatment process. Each module can include a thermal system and/or atmospheric control system to effect a step of a treatment process, such as a heat treatment process for metal articles, particularly heat treatment and/or welding of parts made from so-called “super allows.” The module control systems can communicate and/or cooperate to carry out a process.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Charles Woods, Ronald Lee Souther