Patents by Inventor Thomas K. Smith

Thomas K. Smith 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).

  • Method of making ceramic microspheres
    Patent number: 5240654
    Abstract: A calcined microsphere of ultrafine bauxite particles having a mean particle size in the range 0.01 to 0.3 micrometers, said microsphere having a particle size less than 30 micrometers and being characterized by a substantially solid form having a pycnometric density substantially falling in the range 3.2-3.0 g/cm.sup.3, a BET surface area substantially falling in the range 0.05 to 0.5 m.sup.2 /g and a crystal grain size less than 4 micrometers, the surface chemistry of the microsphere being modified to enhance the wettability of the microsphere and to improve its ability to bond strongly with matrix materials in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminium Limited
    Inventors: Thomas K. Smith, Raymond W. Shaw, Christopher J. Heathcock, Leslie C. Edwards, Malcolm J. Couper, Kenong Xia
  • Ceramic Microspheres
    Patent number: 5175133
    Abstract: A calcined microsphere of ultrafine bauxite particles having a mean particle size in the range 0.01 to 0.3 micrometers, said microsphere having a particle size less than 30 micrometers and being characterized by a substantially solid form having a pycnometric density substantially falling in the range 3.2-3.9 g/cm.sup.3, a BET surface area substantially falling in the range 0.05 to 0.5 m.sup.2 /g and a crystal grain size less than 4 micrometers, the surface chemistry of the microsphere being modified to enhance the wettability of the microsphere and to improve its ability to bond strongly with matrix materials in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminium Limited
    Inventors: Thomas K. Smith, Raymond W. Shaw, Christopher J. Heathcock, Leslie C. Edwards, Malcolm J. Couper, Kenong Xia