Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Lewis
Thomas F. Lewis 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: 11261135Abstract: Hexavalent chromium-free slurries are provided that are capable of achieving a full cure at temperatures as low as 330-450 degrees F., thus making the coatings especially suitable for application on temperature sensitive base materials. The slurries are suitable in the production of protective coating systems formed by novel silicate-based basecoats that are sealed with novel phosphate-based topcoats. The coating systems exhibit acceptable corrosion and heat resistance and are capable of replacing traditional chromate-containing coating systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Praxair S.T. Technology, Inc.Inventors: Irina Belov, Thomas F. Lewis, III
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Publication number: 20200331815Abstract: Hexavalent chromium-free slurries are provided that are capable of achieving a full cure at temperatures as low as 330-450 degrees F., thus making the coatings especially suitable for application on temperature sensitive base materials. The slurries are suitable in the production of protective coating systems formed by novel silicate-based basecoats that are sealed with novel phosphate-based topcoats. The coating systems exhibit acceptable corrosion and heat resistance and are capable of replacing traditional chromate-containing coating systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Irina Belov, Thomas F. Lewis, III
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Patent number: 10533255Abstract: Novel slurry formulations and processes for forming improved protective coatings used in the hot section components of gas turbine engines are provided. The process includes a unique two-step deposition methodology whereby the required concentration of reactive element within an improved reactive element doped aluminide coating can be consistently produced in a reproducible manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: PRAXAIR S.T. TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Zhihong Tang, Kevin E Garing, James K Knapp, Albert Feuerstein, Thomas F Lewis, III
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Patent number: 10156007Abstract: Unique and improved chromizing processes are disclosed. The processes involve forming localized chromizing coatings onto selected regions of a substrate. The chromium diffusion coatings are locally applied to selected regions of substrates in a controlled manner, in comparison to conventional chromizing processes, and further in a manner that produces less material waste and does not require diffusion-stop-off masking. Prior to or after a localized slurry chromizing process of the present invention, a layer of a platinum-group-metal (PGM) is applied to produce a PGM-modified chromium diffusion coating onto selected regions of a substrate. A second coating can be selectively applied onto other regions of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: PRAXAIR S.T. TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Zhihong Tang, Kevin E Garing, Thomas D Findlay, Thomas F Lewis, III, James K Knapp, Jeffrey J McConnell
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Publication number: 20180274079Abstract: Unique and improved chromium coatings derived from modified chromium-containing slurry formulations are disclosed. The slurry formulation includes a combination of a selected halide activator and buffer material that synergistically interact with each other to form chromium diffusion coatings with improved microstructure in comparison to chromium diffusion coatings produced from conventional chromizing processes. The coatings may be locally applied in a controlled manner with accuracy onto various parts, including those having internal sections with complex geometries, without masking any portion thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: ZHIHONG TANG, KEVIN E. GARING, THOMAS D. FINDLAY, THOMAS F. LEWIS, III, JAMES K. KNAPP
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Patent number: 9970094Abstract: Unique and improved chromium coatings derived from modified chromium-containing slurry formulations are disclosed. The slurry formulation includes a combination of a selected halide activator and buffer material that synergistically interact with each other to form chromium diffusion coatings with improved microstructure in comparison to chromium diffusion coatings produced from conventional chromizing processes. The coatings may be locally applied in a controlled manner with accuracy onto various parts, including those having internal sections with complex geometries, without masking any portion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: PRAXAIR S.T. TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Zhihong Tang, Kevin E. Garing, Thomas D. Findlay, Thomas F. Lewis, III, James K. Knapp
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Patent number: 9957629Abstract: A modified electroplated nickel-based metallic alloy coating and method of forming the same is provided. The electroplated coatings exhibit unique microstructure and composition which improves performance over conventional metallic materials. The coatings have significantly higher strength at elevated service temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: PRAXAIR S.T. TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: John Foster, Zhihong Tang, Kevin Garing, Bradley J. Burton, Thomas F. Lewis, III
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Patent number: 9789513Abstract: A modular, rotisserie type tooling fixture assembly for use in a coating operation and method of its use are disclosed. The tooling fixture assembly includes an arbor or shaft and a retaining base with a plurality of anchor members disposed in a prescribed radial orientation from the center of the retaining base, the anchor members are uniquely configured or adapted to retain a plurality of workpieces to be coated. The tooling fixture assembly further comprises a unique workpiece masking arrangement that employs a unitary masking cap having a plurality of solid walls or surfaces adapted to cover portions of the plurality of workpieces in a masking relationship.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: PRAXAIR S.T. TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Albert Feuerstein, Andrew Thomas Westfall, Thomas F. Lewis, III, David A. McPherson, Ardy Kleyman, Don Lemen
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Publication number: 20170198382Abstract: Unique and improved chromizing processes are disclosed. The processes involve forming localized chromizing coatings onto selected regions of a substrate. The chromium diffusion coatings are locally applied to selected regions of substrates in a controlled manner, in comparison to conventional chromizing processes, and further in a manner that produces less material waste and does not require diffusion-stop-off masking. Prior to or after a localized slurry chromizing process of the present invention, a layer of a platinum-group-metal (PGM) is applied to produce a PGM-modified chromium diffusion coating onto selected regions of a substrate. A second coating can be selectively applied onto other regions of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2017Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Zhihong Tang, Kevin E. Garing, Thomas D. Findlay, Thomas F. Lewis, III, James K. Knapp, Jeffrey J. McConnell
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Patent number: 9587302Abstract: Unique and improved chromizing processes are disclosed. The processes involve forming localized chromizing coatings onto selected regions of a substrate. The chromium diffusion coatings are locally applied to selected regions of substrates in a controlled manner, in comparison to conventional chromizing processes, and further in a manner that produces less material waste and does not require masking. A second coating can be selectively applied onto other regions of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: PRAXAIR S.T. TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Zhihong Tang, Kevin E. Garing, Thomas D. Findlay, Thomas F. Lewis, III, James K. Knapp
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Publication number: 20170058405Abstract: Novel slurry formulations and processes for forming improved protective coatings used in the hot section components of gas turbine engines are provided. The process includes a unique two-step deposition methodology whereby the required concentration of reactive element within an improved reactive element doped aluminide coating can be consistently produced in a reproducible manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Zhihong Tang, Kevin E. Garing, James K. Knapp, Albert Feuerstein, Thomas F. Lewis, III
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Publication number: 20160237581Abstract: A modified electroplated nickel-based metallic alloy coating and method of forming the same is provided. The electroplated coatings exhibit unique microstructure and composition which improves performance over conventional metallic materials. The coatings have significantly higher strength at elevated service temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2015Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: JOHN FOSTER, ZHIHONG TANG, KEVIN GARIN G, BRADLEY J. BURTON, THOMAS F. LEWIS, III
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Patent number: 9396659Abstract: Collision avoidance among vehicles that each include a management module coupled to other management modules and a central database manager, includes: establishing, by management modules of a set of traveling vehicles having a location within a predefined area, a collision zone including a network of the management modules of the traveling vehicles; and sharing, within the collision zone, dynamic information describing the traveling vehicles; retrieving, from the central database manager, static information describing the traveling vehicles; detecting, by a management module of a first vehicle in the collision zone, a potential collision with a second vehicle in the collision zone in dependence upon the dynamic and static information; and controlling, by the management module of the first traveling vehicle, the first traveling vehicle to take evasive action in dependence upon the dynamic and static information describing the first and second traveling vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: John K. Langgood, Thomas F. Lewis, Kevin M. Reinberg, Kevin S. D. Vernon
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Patent number: 9381537Abstract: A modular, rotisserie type multifunctional tooling fixture assembly is disclosed. The disclosed tooling fixture assembly comprises a positioning ring having a plurality of anchor members configured or adapted to retain a plurality of workpieces to be processed, and a retaining base defining a plurality of retaining members configured to be in locking engagement with the anchor members of the positioning ring and retain a plurality of workpieces in a fixed orientation. The tooling fixture assembly has utility in various coating related processes, including coating and grit blasting operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: David A. McPherson, Albert Feuerstein, Thomas F. Lewis, III, Don Lemen, Ardy Kleyman, Andrew Thomas Westfall
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Publication number: 20150197841Abstract: Unique and improved chromizing processes are disclosed. The processes involve forming localized chromizing coatings onto selected regions of a substrate. The chromium diffusion coatings are locally applied to selected regions of substrates in a controlled manner, in comparison to conventional chromizing processes, and further in a manner that produces less material waste and does not require masking. A second coating can be selectively applied onto other regions of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2015Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: ZHIHONG TANG, KEVIN E. GARING, THOMAS D. FINDLAY, THOMAS F. LEWIS, III, JAMES K. KNAPP
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Publication number: 20150197842Abstract: Unique and improved chromium coatings derived from modified chromium-containing slurry formulations are disclosed. The slurry formulation includes a combination of a selected halide activator and buffer material that synergistically interact with each other to form chromium diffusion coatings with improved microstructure in comparison to chromium diffusion coatings produced from conventional chromizing processes. The coatings may be locally applied in a controlled manner with accuracy onto various parts, including those having internal sections with complex geometries, without masking any portion thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2015Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: ZHIHONG TANG, KEVIN E. GARING, THOMAS D. FINDLAY, THOMAS F. LEWIS, III, JAMES K. KNAPP
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Publication number: 20150170519Abstract: Collision avoidance among vehicles that each include a management module coupled to other management modules and a central database manager, includes: establishing, by management modules of a set of traveling vehicles having a location within a predefined area, a collision zone including a network of the management modules of the traveling vehicles; and sharing, within the collision zone, dynamic information describing the traveling vehicles; retrieving, from the central database manager, static information describing the traveling vehicles; detecting, by a management module of a first vehicle in the collision zone, a potential collision with a second vehicle in the collision zone in dependence upon the dynamic and static information; and controlling, by the management module of the first traveling vehicle, the first traveling vehicle to take evasive action in dependence upon the dynamic and static information describing the first and second traveling vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: JOHN K. LANGGOOD, THOMAS F. LEWIS, KEVIN M. REINBERG, KEVIN S.D. VERNON
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Publication number: 20140372634Abstract: A method for indicating and detecting correct cable connections within a computer network environment. The method includes determining a topology layout for one or more cables that are connected to one or more system units within a computer network environment. The method includes receiving profile information for the one or more cables and the one or more system units present and determining whether the profile information for the one or more cables and the one or more system units meets requirements for the topology layout. In response to making the determination, the method includes indicating a correct connection between a first cable and a first system unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: John K. Langgood, Thomas F. Lewis, Kevin M. Reinberg, Kevin S.D. Vernon, Christopher C. West
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Patent number: 8814504Abstract: A fan brake for a fan system. The fan system may include a fan assembly configured for seating into a cassette housing. The fan assembly may include a fan having a plurality of blades connected with a fan hub. The fan brake may be connected to the fan assembly, wherein the fan brake engages the fan hub when the fan housing is not fully seated within the cassette housing, and the fan brake disengages the fan hub when the fan assembly is fully seated into the cassette housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John K. Langgood, Thomas F. Lewis, Kevin M. Reinberg, Kevin S. D. Vernon
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Publication number: 20140188318Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving, from an inter-vehicular charge recipient having a recipient vehicle, a request to arrange an inter-vehicular charge and a battery charge level for the battery of the recipient vehicle. A battery charge level for a battery of the donor vehicle is received from an inter-vehicular charge donor vehicle, and an anticipated route of the donor vehicle and an anticipated route of the recipient vehicle is obtained. The battery charge level of the battery of the recipient vehicle is compared to the battery charge level of the battery of the donor vehicle to determine a suitability for inter-vehicular charging, and the anticipated route of the donor vehicle is compared to the anticipated route of the recipient vehicle to determine a location to initiate charging. The method then generates and sends a proposal for an inter-vehicular charge transaction to the donor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John K. Langgood, Thomas F. Lewis, Kevin M. Reinberg, Kevin S.D. Vernon