Patents by Inventor William R. Spencer
William R. Spencer 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: 6984358Abstract: A method for producing diffusion bonds between components formed of tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) uses aid material to accelerate diffusion across the joint surfaces. The aid material consists of an alloy of palladium (Pd) with one or more of the secondary elements of nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), or cobalt (Co). The secondary elements are selected to correspond to the secondary elements present in the components. The diffusion bonding is carried out by placing diffusion aid material between the joint surfaces of adjacent components, applying a pressure across the joint surfaces, and processing the assembly through a thermal profile. Structures of WHA with complex shapes, interior volumes and/or large sizes can be formed. The joint properties are equal to or superior to those of the parent material of the components.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 6845719Abstract: A projectile and corresponding method of manufacture comprising a body comprising a structural material and a nose cap comprising a primary nose cap material attached to and having a different composition from the body structural material and a secondary nose cap material attached to the primary nose cap material and comprising the tip of the nose cap and having a different composition from both the body structural material and the primary nose cap material.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: William R. Spencer
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Publication number: 20040247479Abstract: Liquid phase sintering method for a two-phase alloy includes forming a green body billet of a two-phase alloy, solid state sintering the green body billet, surrounding the solid state sintered billet with a refractory barrier medium within a refractory container to form a charge, optionally flowing wet hydrogen through at least a portion of the charge, equilibrating a charge temperature below a solidus temperature of the two-phase alloy, changing the charge temperature to a liquid phase sintering temperature of the two-phase alloy, maintaining the liquid phase sintering temperature for a period of time of ≦four hours, reducing the charge temperature to less than the solidus temperature of the two-phase alloy, and optionally holding the charge stationary as the charge temperature passes through the solidus temperature. Optionally, the charge can be rotated about an axis of symmetry during liquid phase sintering and a portion of the charge can be zone heated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventor: William R. Spencer
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Publication number: 20040050912Abstract: A method for producing diffusion bonds between components formed of tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) uses aid material to accelerate diffusion across the joint surfaces. The aid material consists of an alloy of palladium (Pd) with one or more of the secondary elements of nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), or cobalt (Co). The secondary elements are selected to correspond to the secondary elements present in the components. The diffusion bonding is carried out by placing diffusion aid material between the joint surfaces of adjacent components, applying a pressure across the joint surfaces, and processing the assembly through a thermal profile. Structures of WHA with complex shapes, interior volumes and/or large sizes can be formed. The joint properties are equal to or superior to those of the parent material of the components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 6413294Abstract: A method of imparting high strength, high ductility, and high fracture toughness to a refractory metal alloy workpiece includes: (i) subjecting the workpiece to at least one pass that reduces the initial cross-sectional area of said workpiece, (ii) annealing the workpiece subsequent to the at least one pass, and (iii) subjecting the workpiece to a final working step comprising at least one pass conducted at a temperature between ambient and 300° C., the final working step further reducing the cross-sectional area of the workpiece such that the total reduction in the initial cross-sectional area of the workpiece is approximately 40%-75% and the final cold working is 0.30 to 0.75 of the total reduction in cross-sectional area. The resulting article has a tensile yield strength of approximately 170-200 Ksi, a tensile elongation of approximately 12%-17%, and a Charpy 10 mm Smooth Bar impact toughness of approximately 100 ft.-lb. to 240 ft.-lb.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 6402863Abstract: A method of heat treating 9Ni-4Co-0.30C class steel alloy uses shortened treatment time for normalizing, austenitizing, and tempering, as well as a lower tempering temperature, when compared to conventional heat treatment for this class of alloy material. The improved process is especially beneficial for large section parts, resulting in increases in yield and ultimate strength, combined with substantial increases in impact toughness.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 6156093Abstract: A method of imparting high strength, high ductility, and high fracture toughness to a refractory metal alloy workpiece includes: (i) subjecting the workpiece to at least one pass that reduces the initial cross-sectional area of said workpiece, (ii) annealing the workpiece subsequent to the at least one pass, and (iii) subjecting the workpiece to a final working step comprising at least one pass conducted at a temperature between ambient and 300.degree. C., the final working step further reducing the cross-sectional area of the workpiece such that the total reduction in the initial cross-sectional area of the workpiece is approximately 40%-75% and the final cold working is 0.30 to 0.75 of the total reduction in cross-sectional area. The resulting article has a tensile yield strength of approximately 170-200 Ksi, a tensile elongation of approximately 12%-17%, and a Charpy 10 mm Smooth Bar impact toughness of approximately 100 ft.-lb. to 240 ft.-lb.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 6136105Abstract: A method of imparting high strength, high ductility, and high fracture toughness to a refractory metal alloy workpiece includes: (i) subjecting the workpiece to at least one pass that reduces the initial cross-sectional area of said workpiece, (ii) annealing the workpiece subsequent to the at least one pass, and (iii) subjecting the workpiece to a final working step comprising at least one pass conducted at a temperature between ambient and 300.degree. C., the final working step further reducing the cross-sectional area of the workpiece such that the total reduction in the initial cross-sectional area of the workpiece is approximately 40%-75% and the final cold working is 0.30 to 0.75 of the total reduction in cross-sectional area. The resulting article has a tensile yield strength of approximately 170-200 Ksi, a tensile elongation of approximately 12%-17%, and a Charpy 10 mm Smooth Bar impact toughness of approximately 100 ft.-lb. to 240 ft.-lb.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 5875582Abstract: A self-propelled fishing lure which includes a head to which a watertight housing is secured. A propulsion mechanism is located within the housing and is driven by a battery source. Secured over the housing is a resilient body, a portion of which defines a passageway that permits the introduction of water to and the expulsion of water from the propulsion mechanism. At least a portion of the body is provided in a first orientation relative to the head and that portion is movable from the first orientation into a second orientation upon actuation of the propulsion mechanism and the expulsion of water out through the passageway. As a result of the expulsion of water and the movement of the body portion into the second orientation, the lure is propelled through the water under its own power.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Megabyte Leisure International Inc.Inventors: George Ratzlaff, Rodney L. Bridges, William R. Spencer, Jr., Wayne G. Anderson
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Patent number: 5848525Abstract: A fuel manifold staging valve is provided for use with aircraft engines. A first set of fuel nozzles is associated with a primary manifold, and a second set of fuel nozzles is associated with a secondary manifold. The valve opens on the basis of a constant ratio of fuel flow divided by compressor discharge pressure. The valve detects fuel flow by sensing the pressure drop across the fuel nozzles. This pressure drop is biased by a spring and compared to the compressor discharge pressure. When the ratio is correct for the geometry of the valve, the valve begins to open, allowing fuel to flow to the secondary manifold and associated fuel nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1996Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 5413066Abstract: A light weight and portable pond boat. The boat includes a frame designed to be flexible and readily disassembled. The frame is supported on a pair of inflatable pontoons and can be positioned along their length, without requiring deflation, to adjust the trim of the boat. A propulsion mechanism is removably mounted to the frame and includes a set of pedals which drive a propeller. The angle at which the propulsion mechanism is carried by the frame is also adjustable to vary the boat's draw requirements. The propulsion mechanism includes a mechanism that enables it to "kick-up" when a submerged object is contacted, lessening damage to the propeller. A steering mechanism and an adjustable seat are also removably mounted to the frame. With all of its components being detachable, capable of being disassembled or deflated, the boat can be packed within a motor vehicle enhancing transportation and storage.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1994Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Wotter Cycle, Inc.Inventors: William R. Spencer, Jr., Rodney L. Bridges
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Patent number: 5326077Abstract: A butterfly valve comprises a butterfly vane including a radial notch. A seal groove is situated in the vane and a seal including tabs is disposed within the seal groove wherein the tabs are adapted to fit within the notch. The tabs are designed to bear against the sides of the notch. The notch is located on the high pressure side of the butterfly vane and in a position such that the butterfly housing limits the radial motion of the tabs when the valve is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1993Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William R. Spencer, Edwin K. Miller
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Patent number: 5261451Abstract: A pneumatic multiplexer including a stator portion adapted to receive multiple inputs. The stator including a plurality of channels therethrough adapted to channel compressible fluid from the inputs to a stator face. The stator portion including arc grooves therein at each of the stator output holes and pressure relief grooves between the arc grooves.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1992Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 5078173Abstract: A droop compensated bypass valve for use with a metering system having a high pressure fluid supply line, a metering valve connected to the high pressure supply line, and a low pressure supply line connected to the metering valve. The bypass valve includes a body defining a valve chamber, a piston slidably mounted in the valve chamber and including a head dividing the chamber into high and low pressure volumes, the high pressure volume being connected to the high pressure fluid supply line and the low pressure volume being connected to the low pressure supply line. The valve body includes a bypass line connecting the high pressure volume to a low pressure fluid source. A spring urges the piston toward the high pressure volume against high pressure fluid pressure from the high pressure line to cover and progressively shut off the bypass line.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1991Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William R. Spencer, Elias L. Levine
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Patent number: 5074521Abstract: A high force gain valve including a fluid inlet, a diverter to absorb pressure and flow forces, a fluid outlet, a moveable gate surrounding the diverter and interposed between inlet and outlet to effect fluid metering, and actuation rods extending out of the pressure region for positioning of the gate. The gate has a beveled sealing edge exposed to the fluid pressure within the housing which permits the gate to be force biased in the open direction. The high force gain valve is designed to reduce tensile and shear stresses so that the valve can be constructed of moderate or low tensile and shear strength materials, such as refractory materials.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1990Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Martin Marietta CorporationInventors: Richard C. Alexius, William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 4710095Abstract: A temperature sensor, for measuring the temperature of air flowing in a substantially annular path into a compressor stage of a gas turbine engine, is positioned in proximity to the inner diameter of the annular flow path forward of the compressor stage where the measured temperature of the compressor inlet air is reliable during periods of water ingestion as well as during dry operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1984Date of Patent: December 1, 1987Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dana D. Freberg, William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 4438778Abstract: A maximum pressure selector device in which a valve ball is pressure actuatable in a chamber intermediate two cooperating valve seats of opposing input chambers. Positioned between the seats is a pair of orifices which connect the intermediate chamber to an output port. The orifices are of a predetermined size for allowing a predetermined maximum fluid flow rate therethrough for reducing surge flow. The valve ball is positioned in an encircling sealing arrangement centrally located in the intermediate chamber and is restricted to limited movement therein. The input chambers communicate with the intermediate chamber and thus with the output port, depending on the seating position of the valving element.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1981Date of Patent: March 27, 1984Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: William R. Spencer
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Patent number: 4424989Abstract: An improved drain hole is provided for a pneumatic line of a gas turbine engine. The improvement is essentially comprised of an enlargement that prevents liquid surface tension at the drain hole outer opening from inducing buildup of liquid inside the pneumatic line.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1980Date of Patent: January 10, 1984Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William R. Spencer, George F. Whitley, Jr.
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Patent number: 4341483Abstract: The apparatus includes a first connecting link having a pair of axially opposing ends with one of the ends being coupled through a uniball to a drive portion of an actuator. A second connecting link includes a pair of axially opposing ends. One of the ends of the second connecting link is coupled to a driven portion, e.g., a butterfly valve. Coupling means, including a mating plug and socket, is provided for adjustably coupling the remaining opposing ends of the first and second links. The mating plug includes four sides and one hole disposed eccentrically therethrough and parallel to the sides. The remaining end of the second link includes a socket for mating with the plug. The plug can be mated in eight different rotational positions with respect to the socket. At each of the eight different rotational positions, the eccentric hole is disposed in a position which determines one of a predetermined number of available couplings between the first and second links.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1980Date of Patent: July 27, 1982Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William R. Spencer, Dana D. Freberg
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Patent number: 4216672Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and indicating the occurrence of a gas turbine engine stall operates by sensing sudden changes in a selected engine pressure. When a sudden large decrease in the selected engine pressure indicative of a stall is sensed, a visual indication is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1979Date of Patent: August 12, 1980Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: George R. Henry, William R. Spencer