Patents by Inventor Wayne Steffier

Wayne Steffier 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: 11117838
    Abstract: A method of making a fiber preform for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) fabrication that utilizes a fugitive binder and a machining step is described. The method includes, according to one embodiment, laying up a plurality of plies to form a stack, where each ply comprises an arrangement of fibers. The stack is infiltrated with a polymer at an elevated temperature to form an infiltrated stack that is cooled to form a rigid preform. The rigid fiber preform is machined to have a predetermined shape, such that a machined fiber preform is formed. A composite assembly including the machined fiber preform is formed and then the composite assembly is heated at a sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the polymer. Thus, a porous preform of a predetermined geometry is formed for further processing into a CMC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE HIGH TEMPERATURE COMPOSITES INC.
    Inventors: Wayne Steffier, Michael Jacquinto, Stephen Harris, Robert Shinavski, Todd Engel
  • Publication number: 20190359531
    Abstract: A method of making a fiber preform for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) fabrication that utilizes a fugitive binder and a machining step is described. The method includes, according to one embodiment, laying up a plurality of plies to form a stack, where each ply comprises an arrangement of fibers. The stack is infiltrated with a polymer at an elevated temperature to form an infiltrated stack that is cooled to form a rigid preform. The rigid fiber preform is machined to have a predetermined shape, such that a machined fiber preform is formed. A composite assembly including the machined fiber preform is formed and then the composite assembly is heated at a sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the polymer. Thus, a porous preform of a predetermined geometry is formed for further processing into a CMC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Wayne Steffier, Michael Jacquinto, Stephen Harris, Robert Shinavski, Todd Engel
  • Publication number: 20050233127
    Abstract: A fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite material exhibiting increased matrix cracking strength and fracture toughness is produced by sequentially depositing a plurality of 5-500 nanometer-thick layers of a primary ceramic matrix material phase periodically separated by 1-100 nanometer-thick intermediate layers of a secondary matrix material phase onto the reinforcing fibers upon their consolidation. The resultant nanolayered matrix enhances the resistance to the onset of matrix cracking, thus. increasing the useful design strength of the ceramic matrix composite material. The nanolayered microstructure of the matrix constituent also provides a unique resistance to matrix crack propagation. Through extensive inter-layer matrix fracture, debonding and slip, internal matrix microcracks are effectively diverted and/or blunted prior to their approach towards the reinforcing fiber, thus increasing the apparent toughness of the matrix constituent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne Steffier
  • Publication number: 20050181192
    Abstract: A fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite material exhibiting increased matrix cracking strength and fracture toughness is produced by sequentially depositing a plurality of 5-500 nanometer-thick layers of a primary ceramic matrix material phase periodically separated by 1-100 nanometer-thick intermediate layers of a secondary matrix material phase onto the reinforcing fibers upon their consolidation. The resultant nanolayered matrix enhances the resistance to the onset of matrix cracking, thus increasing the useful design strength of the ceramic matrix composite material. The nanolayered microstructure of the matrix constituent also provides a unique resistance to matrix crack propagation. Through extensive inter-layer matrix fracture, debonding and slip, internal matrix microcracks are effectively diverted and/or blunted prior to their approach towards the reinforcing fiber, thus increasing the apparent toughness of the matrix constituent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne Steffier
  • Patent number: 5639861
    Abstract: Suspension-polymerized, crosslinked copolymers of methacrylic anhydride yield beads suitable as precursors for weak-acid and other ion exchange resins, affinity chromatography materials and other materials which require spherical polymers having reactive anhydride groups for their preparation. Both gel and macroporous beads of these copolymers may be made by the process of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Larry Wayne Steffier