Removing Material Patents (Class 29/402.06)
  • Patent number: 8205334
    Abstract: A method for repairing a component having first and second major surfaces, a thickness between the major surfaces, and an edge, is characterized by utilizing a template to determine if the component is suitable for repair, and forming a slot cut entirely through the thickness of the component. The slot extends inward from the edge of the component, has an open end at the edge of the component, a closed end within the component, a width, a radius at the closed end, and chamfered edges at the open end. Forming the slot includes forming an initial cut with a first cutting surface from the edge of the component at least to the defect, finishing the initial cut to the width and the radius with a second cutting surface, resulting in a finished cut, and chamfering the edge of the finished cut with a third cutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter E. Leibfried, John P. Arrigoni, Dale A. Simard, Philip J. Dunne, William G. Sorvillo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8099848
    Abstract: A process for removing in a single step the thimbles attached to the stubs of an anode leg, including the following steps: a) said anode stem leg is placed between a stop device and an attacking device, said stop device surrounding, at least partially, each stub of said anode stem leg and having a stop surface that stops the corresponding thimble from moving forward; b) movement of the attacking device in the direction of the stop device until said anode leg enters into contact with said stop device; c) continuation of the movement of said attack device so that each thimble, blocked by the associated stop surface, is detached from the corresponding stub; f) stop and withdraw of the attacking device; In this process, a stop device is used comprising at least two stop surfaces, separated from one another by an axial distance such that the thimbles blocked by a first stop surface are detached from the stubs before the other thimbles are blocked by the other stop surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: E.C.L
    Inventor: Didier Lescarcelle
  • Patent number: 8096030
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for mobile repair of a stationary rotor seals of a turbo machine is provided. The method includes the following steps, 3D-scanning of the stationary seal, generation of 3D-model of the stationary seal, removing of the damaged spots of the seal using laser cutting, and generating a new seal at the repair spot by use of a second process head, which generates the seal by laser powder cladding. The apparatus includes a 3D-scanner, a cutting tool, and a first process head and a second process head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Graichen
  • Patent number: 8089028
    Abstract: Methods for repairing a gas turbine engine knife edge seals are provided. A representative method includes: providing a knife edge of a gas turbine component, the component comprising IN-100, the knife edge being degraded; directing a laser beam toward the knife edge; and dispensing IN-100 powder such that the IN-100 powder is melted by the laser beam and is deposited on the knife edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: William M. Rose
  • Patent number: 8074333
    Abstract: A method to avoid discarding a worn non-adjusting clutch cover by converting the worn non-adjusting clutch cover to an adjusting clutch cover for re-use. First, the convex portion of the non-adjusting cover is adapted to receive an adjusting ring having the embodiments of the adjusting rings known in the art. The convex portion is cleaned by taking about 0.20-0.030 of one inch depth from an inner surface of the convex portion. A threaded wall is defined in the inner surface such that the adjusting ring having an externally threaded surface can be threadably coupled to the internally threaded surface of the inner surface of the convex portion. An adjuster aperture is drilled through the cover to receive a ring adjuster that engages the adjusting ring for positional adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Scott A. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8046917
    Abstract: A method to refurbish a valve seat in a fuel injector module housing where the valve seat is of a larger diameter than an associate valve guide bore user using an indexable insert insertable into the bore and oriented in a manner to engage the valve seat to facilitate refurbishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Roman F. Kosiorek
  • Patent number: 8042246
    Abstract: A tool and method of repair for removing a bulge in a stained glass window by providing at least one aperture in the metal earning of the stained glass window; positioning at least one threaded rod member through at least one of such aperture(s); further positioning two tool members one on each side of the stained glass window, each tool member having at least one aperture defined therein and a flat surface with the flat surface of one tool member being positioned against the bulge in the stained glass window and the other positioned behind the bulge, each of such tool members receiving such rod member(s), respectively, in such tool member aperture(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Peter B. Ureneck
  • Publication number: 20110203093
    Abstract: A method of reconditioning barrels previously used in the storage of alcoholic beverages is disclosed. In particular, the barrels are exposed to heat at a controlled temperature well below the ignition point of wood in order to toast them in a manner favored by vintners and distillers. Apparatus for this controlled toasting process is disclosed. In addition, apparatus for the removal of a layer of wood from the inside of the barrels prior to toasting is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: RE WINE BARRELS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Dollinger
  • Patent number: 7984550
    Abstract: A remanufacturing and salvaging strategy for fuel injector tips such as high flow fuel injector tips includes blocking a first set of spray orifices in the fuel injector tip, including at least partially filling the first set of spray orifices with a material, for example by laser welding. New spray orifices are formed in virgin material of the fuel injector tip, offset from the former spray orifices, also for example via a laser. A remanufactured fuel injector tip includes blocked former spray orifices as well as new spray orifices configured to permit spraying of fuel from the fuel injector tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Howard D. Jenkel, James S. Millar
  • Patent number: 7979969
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a high efficiency solar cell. In one embodiment, in a solar cell having a grid pattern that channels current, a defect causes an undesired current flow is removed by mechanically removing a portion of the grid pattern, thereby passivating the defect by removing a segment of the solar cell adjacent the defect. The segment also includes the front and back portions of the solar cell at the location of the defect without including the defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: SoloPower, Inc.
    Inventor: Bulent M. Basol
  • Publication number: 20110165281
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an in-mold cutting unit for a thermoforming machine having at least one mold element (4), at least one counter-mold element (5) intended to cooperate, in use, with a respective mold element (4), and actuation means intended to command the relative movement of the mold (4) and countermold (5) elements; the cutting unit comprising at least one annular knife element (60) having a sharp edge (61), and at least one counter-cutting element (7) for each knife element (60), defining a sharp counter-edge portion (71), and the in-mold cutting unit comprising at least one witness-forming insert (8) removably housable in a respective reception seat (S) at the at least one annular knife element (60) or the at least one counter-cutting element (7), and delimiting at least one recess or incision (89) thereon, during use very close to the sharp edge (61) of the annular knife element (60) or to the sharp counter-edge portion (71) for the formation of a respective witness (T) between a thermof
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Giancarlo Bissoli
  • Patent number: 7954240
    Abstract: A multi-step method to repair damaged wooden pallets includes in a first step, the connector members of the pallet element to be replaced are cut through by means of a band saw and then removed. In a subsequent step, both the partially disassembled pallet as well the new pallet elements are transferred into an assembly station, where the new pallet elements are attached to the pallet from the top side. Preferably, damaged bottom parts of the pallet are removed as a module Before the replacement module is attached, preferably the position of the connector elements still present in a top deck board member is electronically scanned, such that the new connector members can be applied in a position offset to the existing connector members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Holliger Paletten Logistik AG
    Inventor: Robert Holliger
  • Patent number: 7950141
    Abstract: A specialized tool is provided for the removal of components in a microwave module in which a fixed tool having a channeled tip is positioned adjacent the component to be removed, with a hot stream of gas, forced through the channel to the top of the component which serves to heat the component, the component being removed through shearing when the component is forced against the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Rochford, Robert F. Madej
  • Publication number: 20110069804
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a boiling water reactor slip joint of a jet pump to reduce vibrations is provided. The method includes removing a mixing chamber from an existing slip joint defined by a diffuser and the mixing chamber, the existing slip joint defining an existing annular gap, and providing a new slip joint defining a new annular gap, the new annular gap being reshaped to permit reduced vibration. A jet pump and a method of operating a jet pump are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: AREVA NP Inc.
    Inventor: John Joseph Lynch
  • Patent number: 7905017
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for repairing guide rails (27) of an assembly (10) radially maintaining a core supporting plate (5), which consists in measuring the spacing between the spans of the lateral branches of the guide rail (27) to be repaired, cutting and removing at least one lateral branch of said guide rail (27) to be repaired, measuring the dimensions of said lateral branch and machining with identical dimensions at least one substitution lateral branch, mounting and fixing said substitution lateral branch and measuring the spacing between the spans of the lateral branches of the repaired guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Areva NP
    Inventors: Stephane Guironnet, Daniel Grypczynski, Mirco Fabris
  • Patent number: 7866020
    Abstract: A method for repairing a crack in an electromechanical rotor (10), including forming a plurality of slots (12) on a periphery of a core portion (11) of an electromechanical rotor (10) along an axial direction thereof; inserting coils into the slots (12), respectively; forming a plurality of wedges for maintaining the coils in the slots (12), respectively; and forming a cut hole (20) at the core portion (11) from an outer surface of the core portion (11) so as to remove at least a deeper area of a crack created at the core portion (11) at a contacting surface between the corresponding wedge and the corresponding slot (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koji Matsuyama, Hideki Chiba, Hiromichi Ito, Yomei Yoshioka, Kazuhiro Saito, Yasuo Kabata, Ryoji Nagano, Hiroaki Koinuma, Kaname Hirai, Toshio Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7861738
    Abstract: A process for remanufacturing valve bodies, such as fuel injector valve bodies, includes regrinding a valve seat of a salvaged valve body with a grinding apparatus, and linking a center axis of the valve seat with a center axis of a guide bore for a valve which contacts the valve seat. Linking the center axis of the valve seat with the center axis of the bore includes contacting a locating element of the grinding apparatus with a locating surface on an outer diameter of the valve body during regrinding the valve seat. Locating on the outer diameter enables run-out between the axes to be inhibited during regrinding the valve seat based on concentric congruity between the locating surface and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Francis E. Erbes
  • Publication number: 20100325859
    Abstract: A method for providing weld inlays and onlays to primary nozzles of a nuclear reactor comprising: providing a first welding device in a first primary nozzle of the nuclear reactor; providing a second welding device in a second primary nozzle of the nuclear reactor; providing a third welding device in a third primary nozzle of the nuclear reactor; and operating the first, second and third welding devices at the same time. Other methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: AREVA NP INC.
    Inventors: Gary R. Poling, Brian W. Ring, Ben T. Barnett, Bradley H. Graham, Thomas N. Busic
  • Patent number: 7854064
    Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine engine component comprises the steps of providing a turbine engine component formed from a nickel-based superalloy, removing any defects from the turbine engine component, the removing step comprising subjecting the turbine engine component to a solutioning heat treatment using a heating rate in the range of from 29 degrees Fahrenheit/minute to approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit/minute as the component passes through a temperature in the range of from 1100 degrees Fahrenheit to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, and welding the turbine engine component to effect the repair. A deliberately slow post-solution treatment cooling rate is used to substantially prevent weld cracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Malley
  • Patent number: 7836594
    Abstract: A blade is repaired by utilizing a super abrasive machining quill and/or wheel to form the contour and restore the height of the blade. By utilizing super abrasive machining, the contour and height can be quickly returned to desired dimensions by removing unwanted added material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William M. Rose
  • Patent number: 7836587
    Abstract: An electrical element can be attached and electrically connected to a substrate by a conductive adhesive material. The conductive adhesive material can electrically connect the electrical element to a terminal or other electrical conductor on the substrate. The conductive adhesive material can be cured by directing a flow of heated gas onto the material or by heating the material through a support structure on which the substrate is located. A non-conductive adhesive material can attach the electrical element to the substrate with a greater adhesive strength than the conductive adhesive. The non-conductive adhesive material can also be cured by directing a flow of heated gas onto the material or by heating the material through the support structure on which the substrate is located. The non-conductive adhesive material can cover the conductive adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Ma Kim
  • Patent number: 7832073
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing steering knuckle (kingpin) bearings includes a table having multiple, adjustable slides for receiving and securing the steering knuckle to the table, a boring bar and cutter, two adjustable bearing supports for receiving and positioning the boring bar along an axis coincident with the axis of the kingpin bearings, a first drive assembly for advancing the boring bar and a second drive assembly for rotating the boring bar. A method of repairing a steering knuckle comprises securing the knuckle to the slides and the slides to the table, utilizing cylindrical centering rings to align the boring bar with the axis of the kingpin bearings, supporting and securing the boring bar on the previously established axis in a pair of bearing supports and rotating and feeding the boring bar and cutter to create new surfaces in the steering knuckle adapted to receive bearing sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Machining Corp.
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20100275425
    Abstract: A pocket restitution assembly is disclosed comprising a pocket formed in a surface comprising a central axis, an anchor seated in the pocket and aligned with the central axis, a tool attachment comprising an end for connection to the anchor and a hollow bit slidably and rotatably sitting on the tool attachment, wherein the hollow bit may fit within the pocket. Weld material may be deposited within the pocket to form an interior of the pocket. The weld material may be shaped by the hollow bit to accept a cutting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Francis Leany
  • Patent number: 7793398
    Abstract: A method of removing aircraft mastic includes contacting a cutting head with a body of aircraft mastic within a fuel tank of an aircraft, and vibrating the cutting head with a pneumatic vibrator to cut away the mastic without scratching the metal components to which the mastic is adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Aerowing
    Inventors: Laurent Dumortier, Jacques Samenayre, Olivier Mantaux, David Lavigne
  • Patent number: 7785048
    Abstract: A milling head for a milling device, particularly a rotary milling device, wherein the milling head is capable of imparting a desired finish on a tube, preferably of a heat exchanger tube. The milling head includes one or more milling elements capable of cutting and/or removing heat dissipating elements connected to an outer surface of the tube. The heat dissipating elements are removed from the tube in a longitudinal direction along the tube length. In one embodiment, the milling head also includes a bevel milling element. Methods for milling a tube having heat dissipating elements are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: H&S Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Randall Hall
  • Patent number: 7780407
    Abstract: A rotary machine and a method of assembling a rotary machine having a casing extending at least partially around a rotor are provided. The method includes providing a diaphragm patch ring. The method also includes assembling a diaphragm assembly by configuring a diaphragm bore portion to receive the diaphragm patch ring and forming a diaphragm patch member sub-assembly by coupling the diaphragm patch ring to the configured diaphragm bore portion, such that the diaphragm bore portion defines at least one dowel passage and at least one bolt passage. The method further includes inserting at least one dowel generally radially into the at least one dowel passage, inserting at least one fastening bolt generally radially into the at least one bolt passage to secure the diaphragm patch ring to the diaphragm bore portion, and positioning the diaphragm assembly in a gap formed by the casing and the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James P. Anderson, Robert J. Piechota
  • Patent number: 7739794
    Abstract: A method includes shrink fitting a ring member about a railroad wheel body and metallurically bonding the ring member to the railroad wheel body. A wheel assembly includes an inner portion obtained from a worn railroad wheel, a ring member disposed about the inner portion, and suitable electroplating material disposed on at least one of the faying surfaces. The wheel assembly may be heated under suitable conditions to provide diffusion bonding across interfacing faying surfaces to produce an integral wheel structure. Appropriate quenching, tempering, and finishing processes may be utilized to obtain desired properties. An article formed thereby includes an inner body portion obtained from a worn railroad wheel and a metallurically bonded outer circumferential portion. The outer portion may comprise a composition selected for desired wear characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Mantkowski
  • Publication number: 20100122614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for shaving the inside of barrels. In particular, the present invention relates to reconditioning used wine barrels by shaving the inside surface to a predetermined depth, ready for re-crozering, toasting, and re-use. Conventional shaving methods typically involve routing the internal surface by hand, but this technique is problematic in that it is a very slow process, the quality of the wood is often adversely affected, and there is no way of ensuring that the surface will be shaved to the same depth across the entire surface. Therefore, the resultant internal dimensions of the barrel are not reflective, relatively, of the original barrel surface. The apparatus of the present invention includes a scanning means adapted to scan the internal dimensions of the barrel, and a cutting means adapted to shave the internal surface to a predetermined depth relative to the scanned internal dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: BRECK WATERMAN
  • Publication number: 20100071185
    Abstract: A dual arbor chopper that is configured such that the knife blades of the chopper do not require shims after being sharpened. The arbors utilize a blade attachment recess that is oriented in an opposite direction as existing arbors used in choppers, in combination with a clamping block to provide support against the cutting force against the blade. An attachment fastener is provided to attach the clamping block and the knife blade to the arbor through an aperture provided in the clamping block and the knife blade. The cutting edge is positioned in the same location in the new and sharpened condition, thus eliminating the need for shims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Buta
  • Publication number: 20100058570
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reconditioning a used grinding roller of a material bed roller mill having profile-members which are embedded, with a portion of the length thereof, in holes of the roller body and, with the remainder of the length thereof, project above the surface of the roller body. For the reconditioning operation, after the worn profile-members are removed, the worn surface of the roller body is turned, and a material layer is applied in a welding operation and is provided with holes for receiving new profile-members. Such a method allows particularly cost-effective reconditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Polyslus AG
    Inventors: Norbert Patzelt, Johann Knecht, Herbert Pingel
  • Patent number: 7669321
    Abstract: A test site is incorporated on a circuit board having a set of test connections passing through a test via on respective test connection layer, the test connection layers including (1) a first layer adjacent to a target layer, and (2) a second layer spaced apart from the target layer with the first layer therebetween. The test via is back-drilled from the direction of the second layer to remove undesired via metallization, breaking the test connections of all the layers through which it passes, and the continuity of the test connections is measured to determine a pattern of broken and non-broken test connections resulting from the back-drilling. The pattern of broken and non-broken test connections is examined to ascertain the actual depth of the back-drilling in relation to the target layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Benjamin Levy, John Martin, Farhad Pakravan
  • Publication number: 20100006329
    Abstract: A sealing material is provided, upon mounting semiconductor devices and/or electronic components which are relatively weak on a circuit board, which shows sealing characteristics that enables itself to seal the semiconductor devices and/or electronic components and connections therebetween with low stress and high reliability; and suitable repairability that enables merely semiconductor devices and/or electronic components which were determined to be off-specification after being sealed to be repaired with ease. The sealing material contains at least (a) a heat-curable resin component and (b) a hardener component therefor, and is characterized in that, once the sealing material is cured by being heated, the cured material has a glass transition temperature (Tg) in a temperature range of from ?80° C. to 50° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Kousou Matsuno, Atsushi Yamaguchi, Hidenori Miyakawa
  • Publication number: 20090265907
    Abstract: Grinding a machine component such as a valve component during remanufacturing, includes seating one end of the valve component in a chuck of the grinding apparatus, then contacting a steady rest with a reference surface on an outer diameter of the valve component while rotating the valve component, and then reseating the one end of the valve component in the chuck. A first valve surface on an outer diameter of the valve component is ground while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface, then a second, different valve surface on the outer diameter of the valve component is ground also while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface. The valve component is then reassembled with a hydraulically actuated device for service therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Francis E. Erbes, Michael Grier, Gary Harris, Randall H. Bishop
  • Publication number: 20090223577
    Abstract: A process for remanufacturing valve bodies, such as fuel injector valve bodies, includes regrinding a valve seat of a salvaged valve body with a grinding apparatus, and linking a center axis of the valve seat with a center axis of a guide bore for a valve which contacts the valve seat. Linking the center axis of the valve seat with the center axis of the bore includes contacting a locating element of the grinding apparatus with a locating surface on an outer diameter of the valve body during regrinding the valve seat. Locating on the outer diameter enables run-out between the axes to be inhibited during regrinding the valve seat based on concentric congruity between the locating surface and the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Francis E. Erbes
  • Patent number: 7572402
    Abstract: A method is provided for the punching of a bridge break and thereafter sealing the bridge break during the injection molding process of the lead frame. The bridge breaking tool is placed over the bridge that is to be broken. The collar presses down on the circuit and the punch presses down on the bridge with enough force to form the bridge break. Once the bridge break is formed the punch is retracted from the cavity of the template and molten polymer is injected to flow around the ends of the bridge break. The bridge breaking tool's hold down collars and retracted punch form a molding area for molten polymer to flow over the bridge break and the exposed circuit area. The bridge breaking tool is retracted after the bridge break is encased in the cured molten polymer and the cured molten polymer forms a lead frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Roskowski, Kenneth W. Morgan, Gregg W. Petrosky, Gregory S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7513028
    Abstract: A method to repair a rotor system having a coupling, a coupling keyway, a shaft, a shaft keyway, and a key. The method may include the steps of machining a shaft relief on the shaft adjacent to the coupling, providing fillet radii to the coupling keyway and the shaft keyway, adding a fretting resistant button to the key, machining a keyway relief on the shaft keyway, and machining a coupling relief on the coupling adjacent to the shaft. The method further may include the step of machining the key, the step of positioning dowels between the coupling and the shaft, and the step of shot-peening the coupling keyway and the shaft keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander G. Beckford, Ronald J. Zawoysky
  • Patent number: 7513023
    Abstract: Broken conduit is repaired by enlarging the inner diameter at the broken end portion to provide a socket for receiving a coupling that has a male end portion with a reduced radial wall thickness and is configured so that the external diameter of the male end portion is closely received in the socket while the inner diameter thereof corresponds to the original inner diameter of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Michael C. Keiper
  • Patent number: 7509736
    Abstract: A process for repairing a metallic shroud of a gas turbine blade includes a step of removing a portion of an anti-wear layer to a removal depth that is greater than a depth of wear of the anti-wear layer. Further, the process includes a step of leaving a trace of the anti-wear layer to subsist, wherein the trace of the anti-wear layer extends at least in a re-entrant zone of the Z profile of the blade. The process also includes a step of depositing a new layer of anti-wear material on the trace of the anti-wear layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Christian Boudereau, Michel Boulnois, Hassan Boussaboun, Charles Caruana, Jean-Marc Caux, Francis Chareyre, Gerard Defrocourt, Patrick Herault, Clement Sampaio, Jean-Jacques Varin
  • Patent number: 7500843
    Abstract: A mold kit and mold which provides for renewal of damaged or worn molds. The mold kit employs spacers to make up for subtractive reconditioning of the mold. A method for renewing the mold is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Christopher T. Moore
  • Publication number: 20080284555
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for removing conductors and electrical insulation parts from electrical device components so that these devices can be refurbished with new insulation and conductors. This invention also relates to an electrical device component having an electrical winding support, a laminate electrical insulation part, an electrical conductor, and an encapsulating resin, that has a special laminate electrical insulation part that allows more efficient and environmentally friendly refurbishing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Mikhail R. Levit, Roger Curtis Wicks
  • Publication number: 20080278009
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of repairing at least one side of a dovetail portion of a generator slot wall. The dovetail portion of the slot wall is receptive of at least two adjacent slot wedges, and the dovetail portion includes a radial entry surface, an inwardly tapered surface, and an intermediate radial surface. The method includes forming at least one repair groove at least partly along the inwardly tapered surface and in a radial direction along the radial entry surface. The forming removes material from the slot wall. At least two adjacent slot wedges are replaced with at least two repair wedges. The at least two repair wedges have a butt joint between the adjacent repair wedges and the butt joint is located between adjacent repair grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Reville
  • Patent number: 7437813
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a probe on a probe card is provided. A plurality of beams is formed on a beam panel. The plurality of beams includes a replacement beam. After identifying a damaged beam on the probe card, the damaged beam is removed from the probe card. The beam panel is aligned with the probe card. After the beam panel is aligned, the aligned beam panel is temporarily affixed to the probe card. After the beam panel is temporarily affixed to the probe card, the replacement beam is affixed at a location previously occupied by the damaged beam. After the replacement beam is affixed at the location, the beam panel is removed from the probe card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: SV Probe Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Bahadir Tunaboylu, John McGlory, Horst Clauberg, Bruce Griffing, Robert E. Werner, Edward T. Laurent, Edward L. Malantonio, Alan Slopey, Paul Bereznycky
  • Publication number: 20080169318
    Abstract: A stopper device for controlling a flow of molten metal at an outlet opening of a metallurgical vessel, said device comprising: a) a rod like body (12) with a longitudinal axis (A) and made of a refractory ceramic material, b) an elongated bore hole (14) extending from an upper surface of said body (12) towards its opposite lower end, wherein c) said bore hole (14) being equipped, at least at its portion adjacent the lower end of the body (12), with at least one fixing means (16) adapted to receive corresponding fixing means (18) of a refractory ceramic part (20, 22, 38) to be fixed at the lower end of the body (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: REFRACTORY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Winkelmann, Erika Winkelmann, Markus Fauhl, Jurgen Pernot, Helmut Muller, Stephen Lee
  • Publication number: 20080104836
    Abstract: Bearing bores for engine mount components must be periodically repaired. A component is disassembled and a bearing is removed from the bearing bore. An inner surface of the bearing bore is machined to remove any damage. A sizing sleeve is selected to have a press fit with the machined inner surface of the bearing bore and with the outer surface of a new bearing. The bearing is press fit into the sizing sleeve and the sizing sleeve is press fit into the bearing bore. The outer surfaces of the sizing sleeve and the bearing are swaged to assist in retaining and preventing relative movement between the bearing, sizing sleeve and engine mount component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew R. Gratton
  • Publication number: 20070283560
    Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine engine component comprises the steps of providing a turbine engine component formed from a nickel-based superalloy, removing any defects from the turbine engine component, the removing step comprising subjecting the turbine engine component to a solutioning heat treatment using a heating rate in the range of from 29 degrees Fahrenheit/minute to approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit/minute as the component passes through a temperature in the range of from 1100 degrees Fahrenheit to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, and welding the turbine engine component to effect the repair. A deliberately slow post-solution treatment cooling rate is used to substantially prevent weld cracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: David R. Malley
  • Patent number: 7241405
    Abstract: A mold kit and mold which provides for renewal of damaged or worn molds. The mold kit employs spacers to make up for subtractive reconditioning of the mold. A method for renewing the mold is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Christopher T. Moore
  • Patent number: 7222422
    Abstract: A process for refurbishing a worn surface of a shroud support component of a turbomachine, as well as a shroud support component refurbished with the process. The process generally entails removing a surface region of the worn surface so as to define a repair surface on the component. A braze tape formed from a slurry to comprise a braze material and a wear-resistant alloy is then applied to the repair surface, followed by a heat treatment to cause the braze tape to diffusion bond to the repair surface so as to define a built-up surface. The built-up surface is then machined to define a wear-resistant coating on the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bhupendra Kumar Gupta, Edward John Emilianowicz, Thomas J. Kelly, Glenn H. Nichols, Marek M. Steplewski
  • Patent number: 7204019
    Abstract: A method for repairing defects in a gas turbine component that comprises a substrate and an existing coating on the substrate. The article includes cooling holes having a predetermined air flow requirement and an outer shaped portion and an inner metering portion. The method comprises removing the existing coating and recoating the surface of the article with a nonoriginal coating. After the nonoriginal coating is applied onto the component, the cooling holes that meet a predetermined inspection criteria are reworked to remove the excess nonoriginal coating deposited in the outer shaped portion of the cooling holes. The reworking is done by receiving an electrode, having only a shaped portion with a preselected shape, in the outer shaped portion of the cooling holes thus restoring the cooling holes to the predetermined air flow requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Howard S. Ducotey, Jr., Robert J. Zuber, Peter J. Draghi
  • Patent number: 7143492
    Abstract: A printed circuit board defective area transplant repair method in which printed circuit boards that are determined to be defective undergo a series of reworking procedures comprised of plotting the printed circuit board area block plan, selecting the printed circuit boards, cutting out the area blocks, cutting the selected area blocks, applying the adhesive and fitting area blocks, adjusting the area block alignment, roller tamping the plastic band, curing the adhesive, and tearing off the plastic band. Following the reworking operations, defective printed circuit boards are restored into a good products capable of continuous use such that printed circuit board fabrication and production is even more economical and environmentally protective and, furthermore, printed circuit board manufacturing reaches maximum utilization rates, thereby effectively increasing practical production value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Shiou Shenq Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 7140106
    Abstract: A process to restore and refurbish an engine part or accessory. The process includes the steps of visually inspecting the pair or accessory for cracks, erosion or broken areas. Selected areas of the part or accessory are then machined or drilled off. The selected areas of the part or accessory are then built up in excess of finished dimensions by welding. Finally, the selected areas of the part or accessory are machined to their finished dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Russell B. Reynolds