Patents by Inventor Steven J. Craigen
Steven J. Craigen 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: 6981906Abstract: A method for milling grooves in a work-piece includes using a manipulator to control impingement angles of abrasive fluidjets traversed across the work-piece. Another method employs multiple fluidjets simultaneously with a plurality of impingement angles. An apparatus is also provided to allow for the simultaneous use of multiple abrasive fluidjets with a plurality of impingement angles.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignees: Flow International Corporation, The C. A. Lawton Co.Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Timothy J. Ennis, Thomas E. Nettekoven, Michael W. Van Laanen
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Patent number: 6945859Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Patent number: 6875084Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Patent number: 6851627Abstract: A high-pressure fluidjet nozzle is formed from a plurality of segments joined together, for example, by a metal sleeve. Axial bores provided in the segments align to form an axial bore extending through the nozzle. The number, material, and outer and inner dimensions of the segments can be varied to provide a nozzle with desired performance characteristics. Spaces can be provided between the segments to form chambers with auxiliary ports connected to the chambers to allow monitoring and modulation of the jet.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen
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Publication number: 20040259478Abstract: A method for milling grooves in a work-piece includes using a manipulator to control impingement angles of abrasive fluidjets traversed across the work-piece. Another method employs multiple fluidjets simultaneously with a plurality of impingement angles. An apparatus is also provided to allow for the simultaneous use of multiple abrasive fluidjets with a plurality of impingement angles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicants: Flow International Corporation, The C. A. Lawton Co.Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Timothy J. Ennis, Thomas E. Nettekoven, Michael W. Van Laanen
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Publication number: 20040235395Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Publication number: 20040235389Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Patent number: 6755725Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Patent number: 6752686Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Publication number: 20040107810Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: Flow International CorporationInventors: Felix M. Sciulli, Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Bruce M. Schuman
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Publication number: 20030037654Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Felix M. Sciulli, Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Bruce M. Schuman, Chidambaram Raghavan, Andreas Meyer, Wayne Johnson
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Publication number: 20030029934Abstract: A high-pressure fluidjet nozzle is formed from a plurality of segments joined together, for example, by a metal sleeve. Axial bores provided in the segments align to form an axial bore extending through the nozzle. The number, material, and outer and inner dimensions of the segments can be varied to provide a nozzle with desired performance characteristics. Spaces can be provided between the segments to form chambers with auxiliary ports connected to the chambers to allow monitoring and modulation of the jet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Applicant: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen
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Patent number: 6464567Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Publication number: 20020034924Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Publication number: 20010046833Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Patent number: 6280302Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
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Patent number: 5704824Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for milling objects by means of high velocity abrasive waterjet. The apparatus includes means for holding and producing relative motion in three dimensions of both the workpiece and the jet. Control means are provided to allow uniform and variable depth milling of complex shapes and automatic variations in relative speed, standoff distance, angle and pressure. The method includes the use of a resistant mask for facilitating milling and production of masks by the same tool used for milling.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Inventors: Mohamad Hashish, David O. Monserud, Steven J. Craigen, Mark H. Marvin, Paul H. Tacheron, David H. Bothell, Ronald C. Lilley, Peter J. Miles
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Patent number: 4951429Abstract: An abrasivejet nozzle assembly is disclosed which is particularly suitable for drilling small diameter holes in a workpiece. Such assemblies include a mixing region wherein abrasive particles are entrained into a high velocity waterjet formed as high pressure water is forced through a jet-forming orifice. Among the unique features of the nozzle assembly are an inwardly tapered abrasive path just upstream of the mixing region, flushing conduits immediately upstream and downstream of the mixing region, and a venting passageway upstream of the mixing region which prevents the backflow of abrasive dust towards the jet-forming orifice.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1989Date of Patent: August 28, 1990Assignee: Flow Research, Inc.Inventors: Mohamed Hashish, Steven J. Craigen
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Patent number: D470566Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Felix M. Sciulli, Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Bruce M. Schuman
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Patent number: D480783Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Flow International CorporationInventors: Felix M. Sciulli, Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Bruce M. Schuman