Metal Article Patents (Class 427/142)
  • Patent number: 6329015
    Abstract: A method of forming a shaped hole in a substrate, including substrates protected by coatings, as is the case where an air-cooled component has a thermal barrier coating for protection from a hostile thermal environment, such as the turbine, combustor and augmentor sections of a gas turbine engine. In particular, cooling holes are formed in an air-cooled component after a ceramic layer has been deposited on the surface of the component without damaging or spalling the ceramic layer. Processing steps generally include forming a hole through the ceramic layer and a substrate protected by the ceramic layer, thereby defining an opening at the surface of the ceramic layer. The diameter of the hole is less than the final size required for the cooling hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Arnold Fehrenbach, John Howard Starkweather, Michael Beverley
  • Patent number: 6322730
    Abstract: A method of repairing metal surfaces, in particular hydraulic cylinder interior walls and pistons, which are damaged by scoring, denting, grooving, etc. A catalytically hardened synthetic resin, preferably an epoxy, is mixed with a selected metal powder to form a mixture which, when hardened has a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to that of the metal surface. A hardener is mixed with the filled resin and the damaged areas are filled with the mixture. The resin is cured, then dressed so that the damaged areas conform to adjacent undamaged surfaces. The repair area (and other surface areas, if desired) is then electroplated with a hoard, tough, wear-resistant metal, preferably by brush plating. The plated areas are then polished and the repaired article is ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: William R. Wachtler
  • Publication number: 20010037570
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine hot section component having a ceramic thermal barrier coating is repaired by removing the ceramic thermal barrier coating, removing oxidation products and corrosion products from the metallic bond coating beneath the ceramic thermal barrier coating, applying a noble metal to the component, diffusing the noble metal into the component substrate, and aluminiding the component to provide an outermost noble metal-Al layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: JEFFREY A. CONNER, MICHAEL J. WEIMER
  • Patent number: 6305077
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine hot section component having a ceramic thermal barrier coating is repaired by removing the ceramic thermal barrier coating, removing oxidation products and corrosion products from the metallic bond coating beneath the ceramic thermal barrier coating, applying a noble metal to the component, diffusing the noble metal into the component substrate, and aluminiding the component to provide an outermost noble metal-Al layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Conner, Michael J. Weimer
  • Patent number: 6296899
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a repair coating process, the repair coating process consists of grinding the part of an intermediate coating surface to be repaired and then performing a repair coating of the ground part with a thermocurable organic solvent type repair paint (F) containing a neutralized product of a hydroxyl group-containing resin having an acid value of 5-100 mgKOH/g and a crosslinking agent in forming multilayer coating films by coating an electro-deposition paint (A) and an intermediate paint (B) and curing them by heating, then, after performing a repair coating on the intermediate coating surface, successively coating wet-on-wet a white type water base coat (C) a pearly base coat (D) and a clear coat (E), and then curing by crosslinking the films of the above-mentioned coats (C), (D) and (E) simultaneously through heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takanobu Iizuka
  • Patent number: 6274193
    Abstract: A method for restoring a protective coating including a metallic environmental resistant coating of a coating total thickness within a coating design thickness range on a metal substrate of an article includes the application of a replacement material to at least one discrete local surface area on which an undesirable amount of degradation has occurred. Such degradation can extend through the protective coating into the metal substrate. The degradation product can include at least one of oxidation, coating rumpling, and coating voiding, for example, rumpling or voiding of a bond coat under a ceramic thermal barrier coating (TBC). The degradation product first is conditioned at the discrete local area to expose an underlying portion while retaining at least a portion of the metallic environmental coating on surface areas adjacent the discrete surface area. Then a replacement metallic environmental resistant material is applied, retaining the coating total thickness within the coating design thickness range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rigney, Jeffrey A. Conner, Michael J. Weimer
  • Patent number: 6270852
    Abstract: A thermal barrier coating system for a superalloy substrate is disclosed. The superalloy is preferably of the type that is capable of forming an adherent alumina layer. A bond coat is applied to a local area of the substrate, so that a portion of the substrate remains exposed. The localized area is defined to be the area(s) at which a TBC typically fails first, e.g., the leading and trailing edges of an airfoil, or other area. An alumina layer is formed on the remaining portion of the substrate, and also on the bond coat. A ceramic layer is then applied on the alumina layer. Even if the ceramic material is removed, the localized bond coat remains, and reduces the rate at which the underlying substrate oxidizes. A coated article is also disclosed, as is a system that utilizes a conventional superalloy and aluminide coating with the localized bond coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas E. Ulion, Jeanine T. Marcin, Dinesh K. Gupta, Sudhangshu Bose
  • Patent number: 6265022
    Abstract: Process of plugging cooling holes (4) of a gas turbine component (1) with an external surface (7), having a cavity (2) and a plurality of cooling holes (4) before coating the gas turbine component (4), characterised in that mask material (6) is applied to the external surface (7) of the component (1) while a fluid is forced through the cooling holes (4), the mask material (6) is thickened while the fluid is forced through the cooling holes (4), the cooling holes (4) are plugged with plug material (6b), the mask material (6a) is removed from the external surface (7) of the component (1), the component (1) and the plugged cooling holes (4) are coated and the plug material (6b) is removed from the cooling holes (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Alstom Power (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: John Fernihough, Alexander Beeck, Andreas Bögli
  • Patent number: 6258402
    Abstract: A machine tool or die that is fabricated from thermally spray-formed steel is easily repaired by cleaning, roughing and covering the surface to be repaired by a cold-spray layer of metal and then forming a weldment by conventional electric welding processes. The repaired surface is then finished by conventional machining, grinding and polishing and then the tool is put back into service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventors: Nakhleh Hussary, Paul Earl Pergande, Robert Corbly McCune
  • Patent number: 6235352
    Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged area of a thermal barrier coating on a component which is subjected to a hostile thermal environment, which comprises cleaning the damaged area, applying a partially stabilized zirconium sol-gel to the area, and pyrolizing the sol-gel to form a TBC repair layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Leverant, Stuart T. Schwab, Partha P. Paul, Narayana S. Cheruvu
  • Patent number: 6219915
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine hot section component having a ceramic thermal barrier coating is repaired by removing the ceramic thermal barrier coating, removing oxidation products and corrosion products from the metallic bond coating beneath the ceramic thermal barrier coating, applying a noble metal to the component, diffusing the noble metal into the component substrate, and aluminiding the component to provide an outermost noble metal-Al layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Conner, Michael J. Weimer
  • Patent number: 6217934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a paint color testing kit and method. More particularly, a test kit that duplicates and eliminates the spray process utilized for both color and strength control of paint products in a quality setting. Also provided is the ability to substantially duplicate the surface in which the paint is to be applied to a testing member of the kit and the painted surface to be evaluated or repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventor: Darlene Eilenberger
  • Patent number: 6217945
    Abstract: In a process for overcoating a substrate having a cured primer coating with a curable topcoat which when cured is swellable by a stripping solvent, a non-volatile polar material is applied to the primed substrate from an aqueous liquid vehicle before coating with the topcoat. The polar material facilitates the removal of the topcoat from the primer by the stripping solvent, as is required for example when repainting aircraft. The polar material has sufficiently high affinity for the primer surface that it is not washed off the primer surface by water rinsing or by application of the topcoat paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fowler
  • Patent number: 6217935
    Abstract: A method and applicator for use in applying hazardous chemical solutions to surfaces. The invention employes a pen applicator to apply a measured amount of the hazardous chemical solution to a surface as a dispensing tip is applied to the surface. A typical pen applicator includes a tubular body in which a liquid absorbing material is disposed to hold the hazardous solution. A tip in contact with the reservoir and one end of the tip acts as a wick to draw the solution from the reservoir to the tip, and the other end of the tip is configured to apply the solution to a surface when that end of the tip is placed in contact with the surface. A tip cover is provided to seal the tip and tip-end of the tubular body prevent inadvertent application of the solution and to preserve the shelf life. A cap or sealing member is provided at the end of the body to seal the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventor: D. Sterling Hubbell
  • Patent number: 6214411
    Abstract: A method provides for small-surface and cost-saving repair of a damaged spot or a defective paint spot on a new paint coat of a motor vehicle. The damaged spot is cleaned and, without being ground out, is laid out carefully and with a slight excess with a filler mass whose shade approaches that of the respective paint coat. Thereby, the undamaged paint surface directly next to the damaged spot remains free of filler mass. After the drying of the filler mass, the excess of the laid-out damage spot is levelled off. After the cleaning of the levelled-off damage spot, a paint is applied to the spot in a small-surface and thin manner which in its color corresponds to the finish paint coat. The spraying nozzle is radially guided centrifugally away from the damage spot. After a ventilating or drying of the applied tinted paint, a solvent-containing transparent coat is applied to the repaired spot also on a small surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Elisabeth Graefenhain-Thoma, Guenter Weickum, Werner Sedelmaier, Arno Mueller
  • Patent number: 6203847
    Abstract: A method for restoring or enhancing an environmental resistant coating of a coating total thickness within a coating design thickness range on a metal substrate of an article includes the application of a restoring or enhancing metal to at least one discrete local surface area. Then at least the discrete local surface area is coated with an environmental resistant coating. For use of the method to restore a coating on an article which has experienced service operation and the discrete surface area includes an undesirable amount of oxidation/corrosion products, the oxidation/corrosion products first are removed from an outer portion of the coating while retaining a coating present at the discrete surface areas and retaining the entire coating on surface areas adjacent the discrete surface areas. Then the restoration metal is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Conner, Joseph D. Rigney, David J. Wortman, Janet E. Gaewsky
  • Patent number: 6187376
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving the adhesion of a repair coating to a coated substrate. It requires that at least one coating composition be applied to a substrate, the coating composition having (a) a film forming component with (i) a crosslinking component comprising one or more aminoplast resins, and (ii) one or more polymers having one or more functional groups which are reactive with the crosslinking component, (b) an adhesion improving additive comprising one or more compounds containing Sn(IV), (c) a catalyst for promoting a reaction between crosslinking agent (i) and one or more polymers (ii). The at least one coating composition is cured to provide a coated substrate and one or more repair coatings are applied to the coated substrate. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the one or more repair coatings applied are the same as the at least one coating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Donald H. Campbell, Michael A. Gessner
  • Patent number: 6187375
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for repairing a coating defect. The apparatus includes a utility disk holder being mounted to a frame. The rotary disk contains a plurality of toolholes with a plurality of corresponding notches. A plurality of tools can be removeably secured to the plurality of toolholes. Each tool can be rotatably used to cure the coating defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Klaus Alders, Bernhard Dill, Jörg Draeger
  • Patent number: 6183811
    Abstract: A method for preventing the aluminizing of cooling holes and internal surfaces of an airfoil during vapor phase aluminizing. The method generally entails flowing a gas through internal cavities of the airfoil and out through the cooling holes, while the surfaces of the airfoil are aluminized by vapor phase deposition. As a result of the outward gas flow, volatile activators and aluminum compounds are prevented from flowing into the cooling holes and internal cavity, thereby preventing aluminizing of the cooling hole walls and internal surfaces of the airfoil and interactions with any oxide deposits on the surfaces of the cooling holes and internal cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Conner
  • Patent number: 6180885
    Abstract: A method for sealing joints, gaps, and surfaces in an electrical busway distribution system comprises selecting a self-leveling sealant, applying the self-leveling sealant directly to joints, gaps, or surfaces of the busway system, and allowing the sealant to cure to form continuous seal between the joints, gaps, and surfaces. After applying the sealant, it subsequently flows into the joints, gaps, and across the surfaces solely under gravitational influence so that the joints, gaps and other surfaces are sufficiently filled by the sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ira Goldman, Clarence W. Walker, Walter Thomas McCabe, Jr., Joseph F. Hutcheson
  • Patent number: 6165620
    Abstract: A method is provided for applying a two-part RTV silicone tie coat directly onto damaged foul release coating area on a metallic substrate to enable restoration procedures. The direct application onto aged epoxy or silicone surface of an effective amount of an aminoalkyltrialkoxysilane, such as .gamma.-aminopropyltrimethoxy-silane, in a two-part RTV silicone tie coat, has been found to provide cohesive failure results with directly applied two-part RTV silicone top coat. A treated metallic substrate is obtained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Owen Maynard Harblin, Kenneth Michael Carroll
  • Patent number: 6159551
    Abstract: A spray wax concentrate adapted to be applied in a highly diluted state in an aqueous spray to a surface, such as a vehicle surface, in the hot sun comprising about 2 to 10 wt. % of a fine polishing powder, of about 10 to about 40 wt. % of mineral spirits, of about 0.5 to about 3 wt. % of a dimethyl silicone fluid polymer, from about 0.5 to about 1.75 wt. % of an alkanolamide surface-active agent; from about 1 to about 1.75 wt. % of a higher alkyl amino functional group substituted dimethyl silicone polymer wax, and the balance, water, to obtain a total of 100 wt. %. The spray wax concentrate is preferably applied as pressurized, turbulent aqueous spray containing about 1 part by volume of the spray wax concentrate and about 40 to about 100 parts by volume of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: John Yeiser
    Inventors: John Yeiser, Robert M. Marchese
  • Patent number: 6149969
    Abstract: A pipe treatment process that is a portable, field-applied, coating process. The process produces a two-layer composite protective coating system with a finished, seamless, chemical bond within its interlayers as well as to adjacent coating materials. The process is suitable for metallic substrates, which may or may not be cathodically protected, and maybe used to coat new or repair previously coated metallic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kemacoat International Inc
    Inventor: Mark W. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6146692
    Abstract: An aqueous caustic process can be used for replacing a thermal barrier coating on a metal surface. In the process, the metal surface is contacted with a caustic solution to remove the thermal barrier coating. The processing conditions for contacting the caustic solution are selected to avoid the formation of a peel layer during a subsequent application of a replacement thermal barrier coating and heat treatment. A replacement thermal barrier coating is then reapplied to the metal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: D. Sangeeta, Howard John Farr, Roger Dale Wustman
  • Patent number: 6146516
    Abstract: A method and a device are described for the repair and/or touch-up of small surface flaws in large press plates or endless bands of sheet metal, especially steel sheet, having a structured metal coating and a hard-chrome plating for surface-embossing plastic-coated wooden or laminated panels. Each flaw is repaired by surrounding it with a mask, pickling, and galvanically metallizing it. For a simplified and cost-favorable repair or touch-up, a galvanic solution is applied to the masked and pickled flaw for microgalvanizing damaged areas smaller than 14 mm.sup.2 by dipping the tip of an electrode into the solution. The pickled flaw can first be provided with a thin, microgalvanically applied nickel layer, and it is then copper-plated. The copper build-up is restructured by hand, if necessary, and covered with a hardened cobalt layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hueck Engraving GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz-Peter Lettmann
  • Patent number: 6139909
    Abstract: A process for producing a metallic protective layer whereby a metal-containing plating, cladding, paint or other coating is applied to at least a portion of a reactor system and then contacted with a gaseous stream containing hydrocarbons, such as impure hydrogen, thereby producing a continuous and adherent metallic protective layer. The gaseous stream preferably comprises hydrogen, which may be recycled. A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to touch-up procedures where a portion of an already protected reactor system is replaced or rewelded and the protective layer is formed as the replaced portion is brought on-stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Chevron Chemical Company
    Inventor: Daniel P. Hagewiesche
  • Patent number: 6129989
    Abstract: A process is claimed for producing a multilayer coating on a substrate surface, in which(A) an aqueous coating composition comprising as film-forming agent an aqueous polymer dispersion is applied as basecoat composition to a substrate surface coated with a customary primer surfacer,(B) a suitable transparent topcoat composition is applied to the basecoat thus obtained, and(C) the basecoat is baked together with the topcoat,wherein the basecoat composition comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising(i) an acrylate polymer based on from 30 to 60% by weight of C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, from 30 to 60% by weight of vinyl-aromatic monomers and from 0.5 to 10% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid, and(ii) a thickener, which does not have an associative action, comprising an acrylate copolymer based on (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl (meth)acrylate and (meth)acrylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Coatings AG
    Inventor: Gotz-Ekkehard Sapper
  • Patent number: 6126991
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of introducing enhanced biofouling release properties to intact biofouling release coatings by exposing the surface of the biofouling release coating to a restorative compound for a time sufficient to effect enhancement of biofouling release properties. Also disclosed are kits useful in carrying out these processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Judith Stein
  • Patent number: 6120837
    Abstract: A method for priming an uneven surface of a blank uses a novel "thermally expansible spray putty". This spray putty is prepared by mixing a priming paint for the blank with thermally expansible micro-capsules in amount of 0.5 to 10 weight % of the solid matter of the priming paint. The thermally expansible spray putty is preferably conditioned with an exclusive thinner to a high viscous state enabling it to be air-sprayed. Shell walls of the micro-capsules soften at a temperature below the setting temperature of a thermosetting paint to be used in finish painting of the blank. After the blank being treated by degreasing, drying and the like, the uneven surface of the blank is coated with the thermally expansible spray putty by spraying. After suitably setting the coated spray putty, it is dried by heating so as to expand the micro-capsules to obtain a substantially smooth surface of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Fujix, Inc.
    Inventors: Fujita Atsuyo, Serizawa Takeo
  • Patent number: 6102105
    Abstract: A system for repairing leaks, cracks and crevices in a stator assembly of the type having a fluid cooling system. The system includes an anaerobically activated, liquid polymer curable sealant supply which is circulated through the fluid cooling system of the stator assembly. Sealant connectors place the sealant supply in fluid communication with the cooling system and a pump circulates the curable sealant supply through the cooling system to repair the leaks, cracks and crevices in the stator assembly. In the preferred embodiment, a secondary curing system provides an initial curing of the curable sealant to form a protective "skin" after the removal of the excess curable sealant from the fluid cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Framatome Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Moran, Bruce William Schafer, Richard J. Fiola, Stanley Mark Gryder
  • Patent number: 6068880
    Abstract: A guide coat is formed on a surface as part of a smoothing operation, e.g., during vehicle bodywork, by distributing finely divided particulate material, e.g., a non-toxic, water-based black powder paint, over the surface so the material remains on and thus highlights any irregularities on the surface. The material may be wiped onto the surface by an applicator, e.g., synthetic foam or sponge, impregnated with the material. The material may be stored in a container in a loose, finely divided form or in a compact, substantially solid form from which finely divided particles may be removed. The majority of the material is subsequently removed from the surface as the surface is abraded to remove the highlighted irregularities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Speedarrive Projects Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin William Hills
  • Patent number: 6048921
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for flowable materials which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a chamber, a discharge opening, a wick projecting through said discharge opening, and a projecting structure for shielding the user from flowable materials and for preventing placement of the applicator in inappropriate receptacles. Further, the present invention relates to a storage and shipping rack for said applicators and to a method of dispensing flowable materials onto a surface. Preferably, the applicator is filled with metal coating and treating compositions such as aqueous acidic chromate compositions. Most preferably, the acidic compositions contain a very low concentration of a fluorinated surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Ashton White, Lester Steinbrecher
  • Patent number: 6045863
    Abstract: The invention includes a low activity localized aluminide coating for a metallic article made by positioning a coating material, preferably in the form of a tape, on a portion of the article. The coating material comprises a binder, a halide activator, an aluminum source, and an inert ceramic material. The coating material and the article are heated in an inert atmosphere between about 1800.degree. F. (982.degree. C.) and about 2050.degree. F. (1121.degree. C.) for between about four and about seven hours thereby producing a low activity localized aluminide coating having an outward diffusion aluminide coating microstructure characterized by two distinct zones, an inner diffusion zone and an outer zone including between about 20-28 percent, by weight, aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Company
    Inventors: Walter E. Olson, Norman Pietruska, Peter Jon Draghi
  • Patent number: 6042879
    Abstract: A method for preparing a protectively coated, apertured article to be recoated reduces the likelihood that the apertures will become constricted as a consequence of subsequent recoating. The invention, described in the context of a gas turbine engine blade (12) having transpiration cooling passages (34), includes the step of diffusing an auxiliary coating (52) into an existing coating (28) and into the exposed substrate material (26) at the periphery of the passages to form a diffusion zone (54). The blade is then subjected to a stripping agent so that the diffusion zone (54) any undiffused existing coating, and any undiffused auxiliary coating are removed. The method causes a compensatory enlargement of the mouth (44) of each passage so that excess coating that accumulates in the passage mouths during subsequent recoating does not restrict the flow capacity of the passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Draghi, Brian J. Shurman, Dale A. Simard, Peter Wrabel
  • Patent number: 6042880
    Abstract: A thermal barrier coating (TBC) system, comprising a metallic bond coat on an article surface and an outer ceramic TBC is repaired by renewing without removing the bond coat. The outer ceramic TBC is removed to expose a bond coat substrate. At least one discrete local surface area of the article surface subject to bond coat degradation is selected from a thermal pattern unique to the article surface from service operation. At least one renewal metal selected from Pt, Rh, and Pd is applied at least to the selected discrete local surface area and heated to diffuse the renewal metal into the bond coat substrate. An environmental resistant coating selected from aluminides and alloys including aluminum is applied at least to the discrete local surface area over the renewal metal. Thereafter, an outer ceramic TBC is applied to the article surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rigney, Jeffrey A. Conner, David J. Wortman, Bangalore A. Nagaraj
  • Patent number: 6036995
    Abstract: A method for removing surface layers of a metal coating is disclosed. The method comprises applying an aluminum containing slurry to the surface of the metal coating, melting and diffusing the aluminum to form an aluminide layer within the surface of the metal coating, and removing the aluminide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Sermatech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kircher, Bruce G. McMordie, Mark F. Mosser
  • Patent number: 6025033
    Abstract: A method of producing a multi-layer coating comprising the application of a color- and/or effect-imparting base lacquer coat of an aqueous base lacquer, the wet-into-wet-application on to the aqueous base lacquer coat of a clear lacquer coat of a two-component polyurethane clear lacquer, which is produced shortly before the application thereof by mixing a master lacquer component, which contains hydroxy-functional binder vehicles and solvents, with a polyisocyanate component, and joint stoving of the aqueous base lacquer and clear lacquer coats, wherein the two-component polyurethane clear lacquer which is used contains 0.01 to 1% by weight, with respect to the clear lacquer solids, of one or more additives with a surface tension-lowering effect, wherein at least 25% by weight of the additives with a surface tension-lowering effect is contained in the polyisocyanate hardener component before mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Herberts GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Herrmann, Herbert Kalke
  • Patent number: 6010746
    Abstract: The invention is a method for repairing a protectively coated, locally damaged turbomachinery vane without removing the vane from its parent turbomachinery module. The method includes applying a diffusible coating precursor to the damaged region of the vane and diffusing the coating precursor into the vane in the presence of a nonreactive atmosphere. The nonreactive atmosphere is confined to a chamber that contains the damaged vane, the chamber being bounded in part by the turbomachinery module itself. A conventional stress relief machine is used to heat only the damaged region of the vane to a temperature sufficient to promote diffusion of the precursor into the vane. The method uses equipment and supplies that are routinely available or easily fabricated from common, inexpensive materials. Use of the method avoids the expense and delay of removing the vane from its parent module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel S. Descoteaux, Jean-Paul I. Albert
  • Patent number: 6004620
    Abstract: A method of coating a component (6) having at least one passage (16) entirely therethrough. The method comprising the steps of applying a coating (28) to a region of the surface (22) of the component (6), adjacent to one end of the passage. Then directing a liquid jet (38) through the other end of the said passage (16) so as to remove at least a portion of any coating material (28) located within, or obstructing, the passage (16). In this method the jet is channelled by a first portion (42) of the passage (16) before it encounters the coating material (28) within, or obstructing, the passage (16). In particular the jet (38) is a water jet, which is used to remove a ceramic coating (28) from a component (6). The method has particular use in clearing cooling holes (16) within combustor components or turbine blades. The method can also be used in the repair of such components (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Graham F Camm
  • Patent number: 5976615
    Abstract: A curable coating composition is described comprising a carbamate functional material and a crosslinking agent, reactive with the carbamate group. The composition further comprises a third component that is a mixture of catalysts including a phosphorus containing acid or acid derivative and other acid catalysts. Coatings prepared with this coating composition can be cured and coated with additional coating(s), providing good intercoat adhesion to the subsequent coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory G. Menovcik, John G. Partyka, Aimee R. Barach, Sanjay Mehta
  • Patent number: 5972424
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine component coated with a thermal barrier coating that includes a metallic bond coat and a ceramic top coat is repaired by removing the ceramic top coat from an engine-run gas turbine engine component and inspecting the component. A metallic flash coat is applied to at least a portion of the component. A ceramic top coat is then applied over predetermined portions of the component, including the portion to which the metallic flash coat was applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Jon Draghi, Peter Wrabel
  • Patent number: 5972422
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for providing a low bake repair to a cured coating, especially a composite coating and low bake repair compositions for use therein. The method of the invention involves the provision of a cured coated surface and the application of a low bake repair coating to at least a portion of the cured coated surface. The low bake repair coating of the invention has (A) a film forming component comprising (a) a first component comprising a compound having appended thereto at least one carbamate or urea functional group, or a group convertible to a carbamate or urea group, and (b) a second component comprising a compound reactive with said carbamate or urea groups on component (a), and (B) a catalyst comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of Al(ClO.sub.4).sub.2, Zr(ClO.sub.4).sub.2, and Al(NO.sub.3).sub.2. The low bake repair coating is cured at a temperature of less than 200.degree. F. for a time sufficient to cure the low bake repair coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert L. Harmon
  • Patent number: 5972423
    Abstract: A primerless method for repairing a substrate surface that includes applying to the surface a curable filler composition that includes (i) an epoxy compound, (ii) a polythiol curing agent, and (iii) a catalyst and then curing the composition. The filler composition can also include a polyamine in addition to the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk J. Abbey, Mark W. Pressley, Ruth M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5965326
    Abstract: To delete undesired ink-receptive areas on a wet lithographic printing construction, an oleophobic material is applied to the hydrophilic surface of the plate that has suffered contamination and/or scratching, and allowed to cure. So long as the hydrophilic surface is capable of permanently bonding the oleophobic deletion agent, the areas to which that agent has been applied will not accept ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Presstek, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest W. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5952042
    Abstract: A method of forming a superalloy part comprises: forming a preform from tape, said tape comprising a base metal layer and a braze alloy layer, said base metal layer comprising fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene and an oxygen-sensitive superalloy base metal powder selected from the group consisting of titanium, aluminum, hafnium, and chromium, and said braze alloy layer comprising fibrilated polytetrafluoroethylene and braze alloy; heating the preform in an hydrogen or vacuum environment. Another method of forming a superalloy part comprises using a tape comprising fibrilated polytetrafluoroethylene, said oxygen-sensitive superalloy base metal powder, and powdered braze alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Coating Applications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Rafferty, Bruce Rowe
  • Patent number: 5932282
    Abstract: A process for producing a repair coating This invention relates to a process for producing a multi-layer repair coating by the application of a transparent clear lacquer coat, which is unpigmented or which contains colourless pigment, to a predried or hardened colour- and/or effect-imparting base pigment coat, or by the application of a pigmented covering lacquer coat to an optionally precoated substrate. Binder vehicles which are hardenable exclusively by radical polymerisation are used for the production of the transparent clear lacquer coat or of the pigmented covering lacquer coat, and hardening is effected by means of pulsed, high-energy UV radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Herberts Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Wolfgang Diener, Peter Klostermann, Frank-Jurgen Krumpolt, Christine Kurz, Karin Maag, Hans-Ulrich Simmrock, Werner Lenhard
  • Patent number: 5928717
    Abstract: A powder mixture for use in ceramic welding repair of a refractory material containing alumina includes refractory particles including alumina; at least 5% by weight of a metallic combustible which is at least 30% aluminum; and from 3 to 10% by weight of an additive which is at least one material selected from the group consisting of aluminum fluoride, barium sulfate, cerium oxide, and calcium fluoride. A process for repairing a refractory material which contains alumina includes providing the above powder mixture; and projecting the powder mixture against a surface of the refractory material in the presence of gaseous oxygen so that the combustible particles and the gaseous oxygen react and release the heat of reaction against the surface and form a coherent refractory mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Fosbel International Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Cherico, John Bacon
  • Patent number: 5925466
    Abstract: A process for applying a polyurethane elastomeric lining for truck beds and product produced by same, including a kit, enabling do-it yourself application by a truck owner of a protective coating of the inner surfaces which define a truck bed, which coating is effective for preserving the durational utility of the involved interior walls without the need for professional assistance or specialized equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Jorge G. Burton
  • Patent number: 5922399
    Abstract: A coating line system has a main coating line including at least a main coating booth for coating a workpiece, and a coating repairing line branched from the main coating line downstream of an inspecting section for inspecting the coated workpiece for a coating defect thereof. The coating repairing line has a coating repairing booth for repairing a coating defect of the workpiece which is caused in the main coating line, and a drying furnace disposed downstream of the coating repairing booth along the coating repairing line, for drying the workpiece which has been repaired in the coating repairing booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mikio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5915743
    Abstract: An under-dimensioned surface on metal tooling used in repetitive high temperature formation of parts is repaired by application of a metallic coating by use of a metal arc spray system. The under-dimensioned area is first roughened, and then is bordered by a raised template spaced a short distance above the surface of the tool by shims. Next the metal spray coating is applied, followed by machining of the metal coating to the proper dimensions of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jay M. Palma