Patents by Inventor Wei-Di Cao

Wei-Di Cao 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: 9027374
    Abstract: A method of processing an alloy workpiece to reduce thermal cracking may comprise spraying a metallic coating material onto at least a portion of a surface of the alloy workpiece to form a surface coating metallurgically bonded to the alloy workpiece. The surface coating may be more ductile than the alloy workpiece and reduces heat loss from the alloy workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin M. Forbes Jones, Richard L. Kennedy, Wei-Di Cao
  • Publication number: 20140260478
    Abstract: A method of processing an alloy workpiece to reduce thermal cracking may comprise spraying a metallic coating material onto at least a portion of a surface of the alloy workpiece to form a surface coating metallurgically bonded to the alloy workpiece. The surface coating may be more ductile than the alloy workpiece and reduces heat loss from the alloy workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ATI PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robin M. Forbes Jones, Richard L. Kennedy, Wei-Di Cao
  • Patent number: 8394210
    Abstract: A nickel-base alloy having favorable toughness and thermal fatigue resistance comprises, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight: 9 to 12 chromium; 25 to 35 iron; 1 to 3 molybdenum; 3.0 to 5.5 niobium; 0.2 to 2.0 aluminum; 0.3 to 3.0 titanium; less than 0.10 carbon; no more than 0.01 boron; nickel; and incidental impurities. Also disclosed are die casting dies, other tooling, and other articles of manufacture made from or comprising the nickel-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard L. Kennedy, Michael M. Antony, John W. Smythe
  • Patent number: 8313592
    Abstract: A thermal mechanical treatment method includes hot working a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the thermal mechanical treatment does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel. An article includes a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel having a process history that includes hot working the stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the process history does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Erin T. McDevitt
  • Publication number: 20110206553
    Abstract: A nickel-base alloy having favorable toughness and thermal fatigue resistance comprises, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight: 9 to 12 chromium; 25 to 35 iron; 1 to 3 molybdenum; 3.0 to 5.5 niobium; 0.2 to 2.0 aluminum; 0.3 to 3.0 titanium; less than 0.10 carbon; no more than 0.01 boron; nickel; and incidental impurities. Also disclosed are die casting dies, other tooling, and other articles of manufacture made from or comprising the nickel-base alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard L. Kennedy, Michael M. Antony, John W. Smythe
  • Publication number: 20110186190
    Abstract: A thermal mechanical treatment method includes hot working a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the thermal mechanical treatment does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel. An article includes a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel having a process history that includes hot working the stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the process history does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Erin T. McDevitt
  • Patent number: 7985304
    Abstract: A nickel-base alloy having favorable toughness and thermal fatigue resistance comprises, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight: 9 to 20 chromium; 25 to 35 iron; 1 to 3 molybdenum; 3.0 to 5.5 niobium; 0.2 to 2.0 aluminum; 0.3 to 3.0 titanium; less than 0.10 carbon; no more than 0.01 boron; nickel; and incidental impurities. Also disclosed are die casting dies, other tooling, and other articles of manufacture made from or comprising the nickel-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard L. Kennedy, Michael M. Antony, John W. Smythe
  • Patent number: 7931758
    Abstract: A thermal mechanical treatment method includes hot working a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the thermal mechanical treatment does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel. An article includes a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel having a process history that includes hot working the stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the process history does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Erin T. McDevitt
  • Patent number: 7901519
    Abstract: A precipitation hardenable martensitic stainless steel that includes, in percent by weight, 11.0 to 12.5 percent chromium, 1.0 to 2.5 percent molybdenum, 0.15 to 0.5 percent titanium, 0.7 to 1.5 percent aluminum, 0.5 to 2.5 percent copper, 9.0 to 11.0 percent nickel, up to 0.02 percent carbon, up to 2.0 percent tungsten, and up to 0.001 percent boron. Articles formed from the stainless steel and methods of forming the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Di Cao
  • Publication number: 20100018615
    Abstract: A thermal mechanical treatment method includes hot working a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the thermal mechanical treatment does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel. An article includes a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel having a process history that includes hot working the stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the process history does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Erin T. McDevitt
  • Patent number: 7531054
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to nickel-base alloys and methods of direct aging nickel-base alloys. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods of direct aging 718Plus® nickel-base alloy to impart improved mechanical properties, such as, but not limited to, tensile strength, yield strength, low cycle fatigue, fatigue crack growth, and creep and rupture life to the alloys. Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to direct aged 718Plus® nickel-base alloy, and articles of manufacture made therefrom, having improved mechanical properties, such as, but not limited to, tensile strength, yield strength, low cycle fatigue, fatigue crack growth, and creep and rupture life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Kennedy, Wei-Di Cao
  • Patent number: 7527702
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, having a desired microstructure that is predominantly strengthened by ??-phase precipitates and comprises an amount of at least one grain boundary precipitate. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, to develop a desired microstructure that can impart thermally stable mechanical properties. Articles of manufacture using the nickel-base alloys and methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys according to embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7491275
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, having a desired microstructure that is predominantly strengthened by ??-phase precipitates and comprises an amount of at least one grain boundary precipitate. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, to develop a desired microstructure that can impart thermally stable mechanical properties. Articles of manufacture using the nickel-base alloys and methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys according to embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard L. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20080257457
    Abstract: A nickel-base alloy having favorable toughness and thermal fatigue resistance comprises, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight: 9 to 20 chromium; 25 to 35 iron; 1 to 3 molybdenum; 3.0 to 5.5 niobium; 0.2 to 2.0 aluminum; 0.3 to 3.0 titanium; less than 0.10 carbon; no more than 0.01 boron; nickel; and incidental impurities. Also disclosed are die casting dies, other tooling, and other articles of manufacture made from or comprising the nickel-base alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard L. Kennedy, Michael M. Antony, John W. Smythe
  • Patent number: 7387692
    Abstract: Alloy tool steels of the present invention may be suitable for metalworking tools, bearings, gears, and specialized automotive parts, such as camshafts and lifters. A steel alloy, comprising: by weight, 0.5 to 1% carbon; 0.5 to 2.0% vanadium; 1.0 to 2.0% aluminum; 0.2 to 1.0% silicon; chromium; molybdenum; manganese; and iron. Further embodiments of the alloy tool steel consisting essentially of: by weight, 0.5 to 1% carbon; 0.5 to 1.5% vanadium; 1.0 to 2.0% aluminum; 0.2 to 1.0% silicon; 3.5 to 4.5% chromium; 0.1 to 0.5% manganese; 3.5 to 4.5% molybdenum; less than 0.05% nitrogen and the balance iron. In certain embodiments, the alloy tool steel comprises a ratio of the weight percentage of aluminum to the weight percentage of silicon in the range of 1.7 to 2.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Di Cao
  • Publication number: 20070160490
    Abstract: Alloy tool steels of the present invention may be suitable for metalworking tools, bearings, gears, and specialized automotive parts, such as camshafts and lifters. A steel alloy, comprising: by weight, 0.5 to 1% carbon; 0.5 to 2.0% vanadium; 1.0 to 2.0% aluminum; 0.2 to 1.0% silicon; chromium; molybdenum; manganese; and iron. Further embodiments of the alloy tool steel consisting essentially of: by weight, 0.5 to 1% carbon; 0.5 to 1.5% vanadium; 1.0 to 2.0% aluminum; 0.2 to 1.0% silicon; 3.5 to 4.5% chromium; 0.1 to 0.5% manganese; 3.5 to 4.5% molybdenum; less than 0.05% nitrogen and the balance iron. In certain embodiments, the alloy tool steel comprises a ratio of the weight percentage of aluminum to the weight percentage of silicon in the range of 1.7 to 2.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventor: Wei-Di Cao
  • Publication number: 20070044875
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to nickel-base alloys and methods of direct aging nickel-base alloys. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods of direct aging 718Plus® nickel-base alloy to impart improved mechanical properties, such as, but not limited to, tensile strength, yield strength, low cycle fatigue, fatigue crack growth, and creep and rupture life to the alloys. Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to direct aged 718Plus® nickel-base alloy, and articles of manufacture made therefrom, having improved mechanical properties, such as, but not limited to, tensile strength, yield strength, low cycle fatigue, fatigue crack growth, and creep and rupture life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Kennedy, Wei-Di Cao
  • Publication number: 20070029014
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, having a desired microstructure that is predominantly strengthened by ??-phase precipitates and comprises an amount of at least one grain boundary precipitate. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, to develop a desired microstructure that can impart thermally stable mechanical properties. Articles of manufacture using the nickel-base alloys and methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys according to embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20070029017
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, having a desired microstructure that is predominantly strengthened by ??-phase precipitates and comprises an amount of at least one grain boundary precipitate. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, to develop a desired microstructure that can impart thermally stable mechanical properties. Articles of manufacture using the nickel-base alloys and methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys according to embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7156932
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, having a desired microstructure that is predominantly strengthened by ??-phase precipitates and comprises an amount of at least one grain boundary precipitate. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys, and in particular 718-type nickel-base alloys, to develop a desired microstructure that can impart thermally stable mechanical properties. Articles of manufacture using the nickel-base alloys and methods of heat treating nickel-base alloys according to embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Di Cao, Richard L. Kennedy