Patents by Inventor Thomas A Carter

Thomas A Carter 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: 20180193955
    Abstract: A component is fabricated in a powder bed by moving a laser array across the powder bed. The laser array includes a plurality of laser devices. The power output of each laser device of the plurality of laser devices is independently controlled. The laser array emits a plurality of energy beams from a plurality of selected laser devices of the plurality of laser devices to generate a melt pool in the powder bed. A non-uniform energy intensity profile is generated by the plurality of selected laser devices. The non-uniform energy intensity profile facilitates generating a melt pool that has a predetermined characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Harris Karp, Justin John Gambone, JR., Michael Evans Graham, David Charles Bogdan, JR., Victor Petrovich Ostroverkhov, William Thomas Carter, Harry Kirk Mathews, JR., Kevin George Harding, Jinjie Shi, Marshall Gordon Jones, James William Sears
  • Publication number: 20180193956
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a laser device, a build plate, a first scanning device, and an alignment system. The laser device is configured to generate a laser beam. The build plate has a position relative to the laser device. The first scanning device is configured to selectively direct the laser beam across the build plate. The laser beam generates a melt pool on the build plate. The alignment system includes a fiducial marks projector configured to project a plurality of fiducial marks across the build plate. Each fiducial mark has a location on the build plate. The alignment system also includes an optical detector configured to detect the location of each of the fiducial marks on the build plate. The alignment system is configured to detect the position of the build plate relative to the laser device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Victor Petrovich Ostroverkhov, Harry Kirk Mathews, JR., Justin John Gambone, JR., Jason Harris Karp, Kevin George Harding, Scott Michael Miller, William Thomas Carter
  • Publication number: 20180141160
    Abstract: A method of controlling the cooling rate of a melt pool of a powder bed includes directing a first laser beam on the powder bed to form a melt pool; coaxially aligning a second laser beam with the first laser beam; and laterally offsetting a focus spot of the second laser beam with respect to the melt pool, wherein the second laser beam heats but does not melt powder within the focus spot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Harris KARP, William Thomas Carter
  • Patent number: 9758002
    Abstract: A standardization system for the manufacture of tires is provided. The same size tire components can be used in the summit of tires having different sizes i.e., tires having different section widths, sidewall heights, and/or aspect ratios. A matrix of tire sizes can be associated with one or more tire summit parameters. The matrix can be used for the manufacture of tires having one or more standardized components by holding substantially constant the value of one or more tire summit parameters across a diagonal of the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: James Thomas Carter, M'Hamed Louzri
  • Patent number: 9751262
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a component includes an additive manufacturing device and a computing device. The additive manufacturing device is configured to fabricate a first component by sequentially forming a plurality of superposed layers based upon a nominal digital representation of a second component, which includes a plurality of nominal digital two-dimensional cross-sections, each corresponding to a layer of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Evans Graham, William Thomas Carter, Mark Allen Cheverton, Pinghai Yang
  • Publication number: 20170157849
    Abstract: Methods for printing a three-dimensional part are provided. The method can include charging an outer surface of a rotating photoreceptor drum with an electrostatic charge; neutralizing the electrostatic charge on a portion of the outer surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum surface to form a layer definition corresponding to the neutralized portion; transferring a plurality of charged metal powder particles onto the outer surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum corresponding to the neutralized portion; and transferring the charged metal powder particles from the outer surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum onto a workpart to form a metal print layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Joshua Tyler Mook, William Thomas Carter
  • Publication number: 20170120359
    Abstract: A system is configured for machining a workpiece of a lattice structure, the system includes an electrode of a lattice structure, an electrolyte supply, and a power supply. The workpiece and the electrode are intertwined with each other and electrically isolated from each other. The electrolyte supply is configured for circulating an electrolyte around and between the workpiece and the electrode. The power supply is configured for applying a voltage between the workpiece and the electrode to facilitate smoothing surfaces of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: William Thomas Carter, Daniel J Erno, Andrew Lee` Trimmer
  • Publication number: 20170056975
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a metallic component, and corresponding methods. The apparatus may include a build plate with a build surface and an aperture. The apparatus may also include an actuator operable to translate a metallic component such that an end portion of the metallic component is positioned within the aperture of the build plate and below the build surface. The apparatus may further include a seal coupled within the aperture of the build plate and configured to engage the end portion of the metallic component. The aperture of the build plate, the seal, and the end portion of the metallic component may cooperate to form a powder bed to hold metallic powder therein. The apparatus may also include an external heat control mechanism operable to form a predetermined temperature profile of the end portion of the component to prevent cracking of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: William Thomas CARTER, Mark Kevin MEYER, Andrew David DEAL, Mark Allen CHEVERTON, Samar Jyoti KALITA, Michael Francis Xavier GIGLIOTTI
  • Publication number: 20170051386
    Abstract: Methods for direct writing of single crystal super alloys and metals are provided. The method can include: heating a substrate positioned on a base plate to a predetermined temperature using a first heater; using a laser to form a melt pool on a surface of the substrate; introducing a superalloy powder to the melt pool; measuring the temperature of the melt pool; receiving the temperature measured at a controller; and using an auxiliary heat source in communication with the controller to adjust the temperature of the melt pool. The predetermined temperature is below the substrate's melting point. The laser and the base plate are movable relative to each other, with the laser being used for direct metal deposition. An apparatus is also generally provided for direct writing of single crystal super alloys and metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: William Thomas Carter, Todd Jay Rockstroh, Douglas Gerard Konitzer
  • Publication number: 20170051389
    Abstract: A surface of an article is modified by first disposing a nickel-enriched region at the surface of a substrate, then enriching the nickel-enriched region with aluminum to form an aluminized region, and finally removing at least a portion of the aluminized region to form a processed surface of the substrate. Upon removal of this material, the roughness of the surface is reduced from a comparatively high initial roughness value to a comparatively low processed roughness value. In some embodiments, the processed roughness is less than about 95% of the initial roughness. Moreover, the sequence of steps described herein may be iterated one or more times to achieve further reduction in substrate surface roughness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Laura Cerully Dial, William Thomas Carter, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, JR.
  • Patent number: 9566647
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for printing a three-dimensional part is provided. The additive manufacturing system can include a mobile housing defining a front housing section and rear housing section; a photoreceptor drum defining a drum outer surface; a charging electrode positioned to apply electrostatic charge to the photoreceptor drum outer surface; a laterally stationary platform disposed outside the mobile housing adjacent the workpart and having at least one charged transfer electrode; a controller circuit for traversing the mobile housing about the workpart while selectively applying at least one laser diode emission onto the photoreceptor drum to expose a layer definition on the photoreceptor drum outer surface; front and rear microwave emitters disposed inside the mobile housing for fusing the respective metal print layers; and front and rear induction coils disposed inside the mobile housing for heating the workpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Tyler Mook, William Thomas Carter
  • Patent number: 9556369
    Abstract: An adhesive containing polyisocyanate and a polyol containing at least one dimer fatty acid and/or dimer fatty diol. The adhesive is particularly suitable for use on wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: CRODA INTERNATIONAL PLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Carter, Renee van Schijndel
  • Publication number: 20160332251
    Abstract: A method of forming structure on a component includes: providing a component having a first surface; adhering powder to the first surface; and directing a beam from a directed energy source to fuse the powder in a pattern corresponding to a layer of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald Scott BUNKER, William Thomas CARTER, Wayne Charles HASZ
  • Publication number: 20160288266
    Abstract: A method of making a component includes depositing a metallic powder on a workplane; directing a beam from a directed energy source to fuse the powder in a pattern corresponding to a cross-sectional layer of the component; repeating in a cycle the steps of depositing and fusing to build up the component in a layer-by layer fashion; and during the cycle of depositing and melting, using an external heat control apparatus separate from the directed energy source to maintain a predetermined temperature profile of the component, such that the resulting component has a directionally-solidified or single-crystal microstructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Jay Rockstroh, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, William Thomas Carter, David Henry Abbott, Rajendra Machukar KELKAR
  • Publication number: 20160281510
    Abstract: A turbine component includes: a metallic wall having opposed interior and exterior surfaces, the wall configured for directing a combustion gas stream in a gas turbine engine; and a metallic negative CTE structure rigidly attached to one of the surfaces
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Jay ROCKSTROH, Michael Francis Xavier GIGLIOTTI, JR., William Thomas CARTER, David Henry ABBOTT
  • Publication number: 20160258045
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for direct writing of single crystal super alloys and metals are provided. In one method, a substrate is heated to a pretermined temperature below its melting point, and a laser is used to form a melt pool on a surface of a substrate. The substrate is positioned on a base plate, and the laser and the base plate are movable relative to each other, with the laser being used for direct metal deposition and the substrate is heated to a temperature below its melting point. A superalloy powder is introduced to the melt pool, and the temperature of the melt pool is controlled to maintain a predetermined thermal gradient on a solid and liquid interface of the melt pool so as to form a single crystal deposit on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: William Thomas Carter, JR., Todd Jay Rockstroh, Douglas Gerard Konitzer, Jyotirmoy Mazumder, Jeongyong Choi
  • Publication number: 20160158889
    Abstract: A method of method of forming or repairing a superalloy article having a columnar or equiaxed or directionally solidified or amorphous or single crystal microstructure includes emitting a plurality of laser beams from selected fibers of a diode laser fiber array corresponding to a pattern of a layer of the article onto a powder bed of the superalloy to form a melt pool; and controlling a temperature gradient and a solidification velocity of the melt pool to form the columnar or single crystal microstructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Thomas CARTER, Marshall Gordon JONES, Lang YUAN, Ning ZHOU, Steven Jude DUCLOS
  • Patent number: 9334806
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fuel contacting component that facilitates reducing coke formation on at least one surface of the fuel contacting component is disclosed herein. The method includes applying a slurry composition including a powder including aluminum to the component surface, wherein the fuel contacting component is formed by an additive manufacturing process. The slurry composition is heat treated to diffuse the aluminum into the component surface. The heat treatment comprises forming a diffusion aluminide coating on the component surface, wherein the diffusion coating comprises a diffusion sublayer formed on the component surface and an additive sublayer formed on the diffusion sublayer. The method further comprises removing the additive sublayer of the diffusion aluminide coating with at least one aqueous solution such that the diffusion sublayer and the component surface are substantially unaffected, wherein the diffusion layer facilitates preventing coke formation on component surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Thomas Carter, James Anthony Ruud, Jr., Lawrence Bernard Kool, Justin John Gambone, Jr., Christine Mary Furstoss
  • Publication number: 20160045967
    Abstract: A system of manufacturing a component comprises forming a component on a conductive build plate. The component defines at least one access port and includes an inner surface that defines at least one internal passage. The system further includes forming at least one electrode within the at least one internal passage, wherein the at least one electrode is electrically isolated from the component. An electromotive force is applied to the at least one electrode to facilitate smoothing the inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: William Thomas Carter, John Broddus Deaton, JR., Andrew Lee Trimmer, Michael John Fornasiero
  • Publication number: 20160032766
    Abstract: A method of manufacture is provided. The manufacturing method includes using a laser deposition process to apply a laser deposited material on an outer surface of a substrate to form one or more grooves on the outer surface of a substrate. Each groove has a base and an opening and extends at least partially along the outer surface of the substrate, where the substrate has an inner surface that defines at least one hollow, interior space. The manufacturing method further includes disposing an additional material over the laser deposited material, to define one or more channels for cooling the component. The additional material may include additional laser deposited material layers or a coating. Other manufacturing methods and a component are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Bunker, William Thomas Carter