Patents by Inventor William D. Henline

William D. Henline 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).

  • Low-density resin impregnated ceramic article and method for making the same
    Patent number: 5672389
    Abstract: A low-density resin impregnated ceramic article advantageously employed as a structural ceramic ablator comprising a matrix of ceramic fibers. The fibers of the ceramic matrix are coated with an organic resin film. The organic resin can be a thermoplastic resin or a cured thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, the resin is uniformly distributed within the ceramic article. In a second embodiment, the resin is distributed so as to provide a density gradient along at least one direction of the ceramic article. The resin impregnated ceramic article is prepared by providing a matrix of ceramic fibers; immersing the matrix of ceramic fibers in a solution of a solvent and an organic resin infiltrant; and removing the solvent to form a resin film on the ceramic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Huy K. Tran, William D. Henline, Ming-ta S. Hsu, Daniel J. Rasky, Salvatore R. Riccitiello
  • Low-density resin impregnated ceramic article having an average density of 0.15 to 0.40 g/cc
    Patent number: 5536562
    Abstract: A low-density resin impregnated ceramic article advantageously employed as a structural ceramic ablator comprising a fired preform of ceramic fibers. The fibers of the ceramic preform are coated with an organic resin film. The organic resin can be a thermoplastic resin or a cured thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, the resin is uniformly distributed within the ceramic article. In a second embodiment, the resin is distributed so as to provide a density gradient along at least one direction of the ceramic article. The resin impregnated ceramic article is prepared by providing a fired preform of ceramic fibers; immersing the preform of ceramic fibers in a solution of a solvent and an organic resin infiltrant; and removing the solvent to form a resin film on the ceramic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Huy K. Tran, William D. Henline, Ming-ta S. Hsu, Daniel J. Rasky, Salvatore R. Riccitiello