The field of the disclosure relates generally to components having an outer wall of a preselected thickness, and more particularly to forming such components using a jacketed core.
Some components require an outer wall to be formed with a preselected thickness, for example, in order to perform an intended function. For example, but not by way of limitation, some components, such as hot gas path components of gas turbines, are subjected to high temperatures. At least some such components have internal voids defined therein, such as but not limited to a network of plenums and passages, to receive a flow of a cooling fluid adjacent the outer wall, and an efficacy of the cooling provided is related to the thickness of the outer wall.
At least some known components having a preselected outer wall thickness are formed in a mold, with a core of ceramic material positioned within the mold cavity. A molten metal alloy is introduced around the ceramic core and cooled to form the component, and the outer wall of the component is defined between the ceramic core and an interior wall of the mold cavity. However, an ability to produce a consistent preselected outer wall thickness of the cast component depends on an ability to precisely position the core relative to the mold to define the cavity space between the core and the mold. For example, the core is positioned with respect to the mold cavity by a plurality of platinum locating pins. Such precise and consistent positioning, for example using the plurality of pins, is complex and labor-intensive in at least some cases, and leads to a reduced yield rate for successfully cast components, in particular for, but not limited to, cases in which a preselected outer wall thickness of the component is relatively thin. In addition, in at least some cases, the core and mold shift, shrink, and/or twist with respect to each other during the final firing before the casting pour, thereby altering the initial cavity space dimensions between the core and the mold and, consequently, the thickness of the outer wall of the cast component. Moreover, at least some known ceramic cores are fragile, resulting in cores that are difficult and expensive to produce and handle without damage during the complex and labor-intensive process.
Alternatively or additionally, at least some known components having a preselected outer wall thickness are formed by drilling and/or otherwise machining the component to obtain the outer wall thickness, such as, but not limited to, using an electrochemical machining process. However, at least some such machining processes are relatively time-consuming and expensive. Moreover, at least some such machining processes cannot produce an outer wall having the preselected thickness, shape, and/or curvature required for certain component designs.
In one aspect, a mold assembly for use in forming a component from a component material is provided. The component includes an outer wall of a predetermined thickness. The mold assembly includes a mold that includes an interior wall that defines a mold cavity within the mold. The mold assembly also includes a jacketed core positioned with respect to the mold. The jacketed core includes a jacket that includes an outer wall. The jacketed core also includes a core positioned interiorly of the jacket outer wall. The jacket separates a perimeter of the core from the mold interior wall by the predetermined thickness, such that the outer wall is formable between the perimeter and the interior wall.
In another aspect, a method of forming a component having an outer wall of a predetermined thickness is provided. The method includes introducing a component material in a molten state into a mold assembly. The mold assembly includes a jacketed core positioned with respect to a mold. The mold includes an interior wall that defines a mold cavity within the mold. The jacketed core includes a jacket that includes an outer wall. The jacketed core also includes a core positioned interiorly of the jacket outer wall. The jacket separates the core perimeter from the mold interior wall by the predetermined thickness. The method also includes cooling the component material to form the component. The perimeter and the interior wall cooperate to define the outer wall of the component therebetween.
In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.
The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be identified. Such ranges may be combined and/or interchanged, and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.
The exemplary components and methods described herein overcome at least some of the disadvantages associated with known assemblies and methods for forming a component having an outer wall of a predetermined thickness. The embodiments described herein include forming a precursor component shaped to correspond to a shape of at least portions of the component, and forming a jacket around the precursor component. A core is added to the jacketed precursor component, and the precursor component material is removed to form a jacketed core. Alternatively, the jacketed core includes a jacket formed without the precursor component, and/or a core formed in a separate core-forming process. The jacketed core is positioned with respect to a mold, such that the jacket separates a perimeter of the core from an interior wall of the mold by the predetermined thickness. When molten component material is added to the mold, the core perimeter and mold interior wall cooperate to define the outer wall of the component therebetween.
In the exemplary embodiment, turbine section 18 is coupled to compressor section 14 via a rotor shaft 22. It should be noted that, as used herein, the term “couple” is not limited to a direct mechanical, electrical, and/or communication connection between components, but may also include an indirect mechanical, electrical, and/or communication connection between multiple components.
During operation of gas turbine 10, intake section 12 channels air towards compressor section 14. Compressor section 14 compresses the air to a higher pressure and temperature. More specifically, rotor shaft 22 imparts rotational energy to at least one circumferential row of compressor blades 40 coupled to rotor shaft 22 within compressor section 14. In the exemplary embodiment, each row of compressor blades 40 is preceded by a circumferential row of compressor stator vanes 42 extending radially inward from casing 36 that direct the air flow into compressor blades 40. The rotational energy of compressor blades 40 increases a pressure and temperature of the air. Compressor section 14 discharges the compressed air towards combustor section 16.
In combustor section 16, the compressed air is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate combustion gases that are channeled towards turbine section 18. More specifically, combustor section 16 includes at least one combustor 24, in which a fuel, for example, natural gas and/or fuel oil, is injected into the air flow, and the fuel-air mixture is ignited to generate high temperature combustion gases that are channeled towards turbine section 18.
Turbine section 18 converts the thermal energy from the combustion gas stream to mechanical rotational energy. More specifically, the combustion gases impart rotational energy to at least one circumferential row of rotor blades 70 coupled to rotor shaft 22 within turbine section 18. In the exemplary embodiment, each row of rotor blades 70 is preceded by a circumferential row of turbine stator vanes 72 extending radially inward from casing 36 that direct the combustion gases into rotor blades 70. Rotor shaft 22 may be coupled to a load (not shown) such as, but not limited to, an electrical generator and/or a mechanical drive application. The exhausted combustion gases flow downstream from turbine section 18 into exhaust section 20. Components of rotary machine 10 are designated as components 80. Components 80 proximate a path of the combustion gases are subjected to high temperatures during operation of rotary machine 10. Additionally or alternatively, components 80 include any component suitably formed with a preselected outer wall thickness.
Component 80 is formed from a component material 78. In the exemplary embodiment, component material 78 is a suitable nickel-based superalloy. In alternative embodiments, component material 78 is at least one of a cobalt-based superalloy, an iron-based alloy, and a titanium-based alloy. In other alternative embodiments, component material 78 is any suitable material that enables component 80 to be formed as described herein.
In the exemplary embodiment, component 80 is one of rotor blades 70 or stator vanes 72. In alternative embodiments, component 80 is another suitable component of rotary machine 10 that is capable of being formed with a preselected outer wall thickness as described herein. In still other embodiments, component 80 is any component for any suitable application that is suitably formed with a preselected outer wall thickness.
In the exemplary embodiment, rotor blade 70, or alternatively stator vane 72, includes a pressure side 74 and an opposite suction side 76. Each of pressure side 74 and suction side 76 extends from a leading edge 84 to an opposite trailing edge 86. In addition, rotor blade 70, or alternatively stator vane 72, extends from a root end 88 to an opposite tip end 90. A longitudinal axis 89 of component 80 is defined between root end 88 and tip end 90. In alternative embodiments, rotor blade 70, or alternatively stator vane 72, has any suitable configuration that is capable of being formed with a preselected outer wall thickness as described herein.
Outer wall 94 at least partially defines an exterior surface 92 of component 80, and a second surface 93 opposite exterior surface 92. In the exemplary embodiment, outer wall 94 extends circumferentially between leading edge 84 and trailing edge 86, and also extends longitudinally between root end 88 and tip end 90. In alternative embodiments, outer wall 94 extends to any suitable extent that enables component 80 to function for its intended purpose. Outer wall 94 is formed from component material 78.
In addition, in certain embodiments, component 80 includes an inner wall 96 having a preselected thickness 107. Inner wall 96 is positioned interiorly to outer wall 94, and the at least one internal void 100 includes at least one plenum 110 that is at least partially defined by inner wall 96 and interior thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, each plenum 110 extends from root end 88 to proximate tip end 90. In alternative embodiments, each plenum 110 extends within component 80 in any suitable fashion, and to any suitable extent, that enables component 80 to be formed as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one plenum 110 includes a plurality of plenums 110, each defined by inner wall 96 and at least one partition wall 95 that extends at least partially between pressure side 74 and suction side 76. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each partition wall 95 extends from outer wall 94 of pressure side 74 to outer wall 94 of suction side 76. In alternative embodiments, at least one partition wall 95 extends from inner wall 96 of pressure side 74 to inner wall 96 of suction side 76. Additionally or alternatively, at least one partition wall 95 extends from inner wall 96 to outer wall 94 of pressure side 74, and/or from inner wall 96 to outer wall 94 of suction side 76. In other alternative embodiments, the at least one internal void 100 includes any suitable number of plenums 110 defined in any suitable fashion. Inner wall 96 is formed from component material 78.
Moreover, in some embodiments, at least a portion of inner wall 96 extends circumferentially and longitudinally adjacent at least a portion of outer wall 94 and is separated therefrom by an offset distance 98, such that the at least one internal void 100 also includes at least one chamber 112 defined between inner wall 96 and outer wall 94. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one chamber 112 includes a plurality of chambers 112 each defined by outer wall 94, inner wall 96, and at least one partition wall 95. In alternative embodiments, the at least one chamber 112 includes any suitable number of chambers 112 defined in any suitable fashion. In the exemplary embodiment, inner wall 96 includes a plurality of apertures 102 defined therein and extending therethrough, such that each chamber 112 is in flow communication with at least one plenum 110.
In the exemplary embodiment, offset distance 98 is selected to facilitate effective impingement cooling of outer wall 94 by cooling fluid supplied through plenums 110 and emitted through apertures 102 defined in inner wall 96. For example, but not by way of limitation, offset distance 98 varies circumferentially and/or longitudinally along component 80 to facilitate local cooling requirements along respective portions of outer wall 94. In alternative embodiments, component 80 is not configured for impingement cooling, and offset distance 98 is selected in any suitable fashion.
In certain embodiments, the at least one internal void 100 further includes at least one return channel 114 at least partially defined by inner wall 96. Each return channel 114 is in flow communication with at least one chamber 112, such that each return channel 114 provides a return fluid flow path for fluid used for impingement cooling of outer wall 94. In the exemplary embodiment, each return channel 114 extends from root end 88 to proximate tip end 90. In alternative embodiments, each return channel 114 extends within component 80 in any suitable fashion, and to any suitable extent, that enables component 80 to be formed as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one return channel 114 includes a plurality of return channels 114, each defined by inner wall 96 adjacent one of chambers 112. In alternative embodiments, the at least one return channel 114 includes any suitable number of return channels 114 defined in any suitable fashion.
For example, in some embodiments, cooling fluid is supplied to plenums 110 through root end 88 of component 80. As the cooling fluid flows generally towards tip end 90, portions of the cooling fluid are forced through apertures 102 into chambers 112 and impinge upon outer wall 94. The used cooling fluid then flows into return channels 114 and flows generally toward root end 88 and out of component 80. In some such embodiments, the arrangement of the at least one plenum 110, the at least one chamber 112, and the at least one return channel 114 forms a portion of a cooling circuit of rotary machine 10, such that used cooling fluid is returned to a working fluid flow through rotary machine 10 upstream of combustor section 16 (shown in
Although the at least one internal void 100 is illustrated as including plenums 110, chambers 112, and return channels 114 for use in cooling component 80 that is one of rotor blades 70 or stator vanes 72, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, component 80 is any suitable component for any suitable application, and includes any suitable number, type, and arrangement of internal voids 100 that enable component 80 to function for its intended purpose.
With particular reference to
In some embodiments, apertures 102 each have a substantially circular cross-section. In alternative embodiments, apertures 102 each have a substantially ovoid cross-section. In other alternative embodiments, apertures 102 each have any suitable shape that enables apertures 102 to be function as described herein.
For example, in the exemplary embodiment in which component 80 is one of rotor blades 70 or stator vanes 72 (shown in
In addition, precursor component 580 includes at least one internal void 500 that has a shape corresponding to the at least one void 100 of component 80. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, precursor component 580 includes at least one plenum 510, at least one chamber 512, and at least one return channel 514 corresponding to the at least one plenum 110, the at least one chamber 112, and the at least one return channel 114 of component 80. Moreover, precursor component 580 includes an inner wall 596 corresponding to inner wall 96 of component 80, and inner wall apertures 502 defined in inner wall 596 corresponding to apertures 102 of component 80. In alternative embodiments, inner wall 596 does not include inner wall apertures 502. For example, but not by way of limitation, component 80 is initially formed without inner wall apertures 102, and inner wall apertures 102 are added to component 80 in a subsequent process such as, but not limited to, mechanical drilling, electric discharge machining, or laser drilling. In some embodiments, precursor component 580 further includes at least one partition wall 595 that extends at least partially between pressure side 574 and suction side 576, corresponding to the at least one partition wall 95 of component 80 as described above. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each partition wall 595 extends from outer wall 594 of pressure side 574 to outer wall 594 of suction side 576. In alternative embodiments, at least one partition wall 595 extends from inner wall 596 of pressure side 574 to inner wall 596 of suction side 576. Additionally or alternatively, at least one partition wall 595 extends from inner wall 596 to outer wall 594 of pressure side 574, and/or from inner wall 596 to outer wall 594 of suction side 576.
In addition, precursor component 580 includes outer wall 594 that at least partially defines an exterior surface 592 of precursor component 580. A second surface 593 of outer wall 594 is defined opposite exterior surface 592. Inner wall 596 extends circumferentially and longitudinally adjacent at least a portion of outer wall 594 and is separated therefrom by an offset distance 598, corresponding to offset distance 98 of component 80. A shape of outer wall 594 and second surface 593 correspond to the shape of outer wall 94 and second surface 93 of component 80, except that, in the exemplary embodiment, the at least one indentation 520 is defined in second surface 593, and outer wall 594 additionally includes increased thickness 505 relative to thickness 104 of component outer wall 94, as described above. In certain embodiments, the at least one outer wall indentation 520 facilitates forming at least one stand-off structure 720 (shown in
In alternative embodiments, component 80 is any suitable component for any suitable application, and precursor component 580 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of such component 80, except that in certain embodiments outer wall 594 includes at least one indentation 520 that does not correspond to a feature of outer wall 94 of component 80, and includes an increased thickness 505 relative to outer wall 94 of component 80.
In the exemplary embodiment, outer wall indentations 520 each extend from a first end 522 to a second end 524. Second end 524 is defined in second surface 593 of outer wall 594 opposite exterior surface 592. In certain embodiments, a diameter 526 of outer wall indentations 520 at second end 524 is selected to enable a jacket 700 (shown in
In the exemplary embodiment, each indentation 520 defines a depth 504 that is reduced relative to thickness 104 of outer wall 94 by twice a thickness 706 of a jacket 700 to be applied to outer wall 594, as will be described herein. In alternative embodiments, depth 504 is not reduced relative to thickness 104. In the exemplary embodiment, depth 504 is less than thickness 505 of outer wall 594, such that indentations 520 do not extend completely through outer wall 594. Depth 504 less than thickness 505 prevents an opening corresponding to indentation 520 from being formed in outer wall 94 when component 80 is formed. In alternative embodiments, depth 504 is equal to thickness 505, such that indentations 520 extend completely through outer wall 594. In some alternative embodiments in which outer wall 94 includes openings extending therethrough, as described above, outer wall indentations 520 are sized to correspond to the openings, enabling later formation of the openings extending through outer wall 94.
With reference to
In some such embodiments, precursor material 578 is selected to be a photopolymer, and the successive layers of precursor material 578 are deposited using a stereolithographic process. Alternatively, precursor material 578 is selected to be a thermoplastic, and the successive layers of precursor material 578 are deposited using at least one of a fused filament fabrication process, an inkjet/powder bed process, a selective heat sintering process, and a selective laser sintering process. Additionally or alternatively, precursor material 578 is selected to be any suitable material, and the successive layers of precursor material 578 are deposited using any suitable process that enables precursor component 580 to be formed as described herein. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, precursor component 580 is formed from a plurality of separately additively manufactured sections that are subsequently coupled together in any suitable fashion, as described generally herein with respect to
In certain embodiments, the formation of precursor component 580 by an additive manufacturing process enables precursor component 580 to be formed with a nonlinearity, structural intricacy, precision, and/or repeatability that is not achievable by other methods. Accordingly, the formation of precursor component 580 by an additive manufacturing process enables the complementary formation of core 800 (shown in
In alternative embodiments, precursor component 580 is formed in any suitable fashion that enables precursor component 580 to function as described herein. For example, but not by way of limitation, a suitable pattern material, such as wax, is injected into a suitable pattern die to form precursor component 580. Again, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, precursor component 580 is formed from a plurality of separately formed sections that are subsequently coupled together in any suitable fashion, as described generally herein with respect to
Additionally, jacket outer wall 793 is positioned adjacent outer wall indentations 520, such that each jacketed outer wall indentation 520 defines a respective stand-off structure 720 of jacket 700. More specifically, each stand-off structure 720 extends from a first end 722, adjacent first end 522 of the corresponding outer wall indentation 520, to a second end 724, adjacent second end 524 of the corresponding outer wall indentation 520. Stand-off structures 720 are configured to separate perimeter 806 of core 800 from interior wall 1002 of mold 1000 (shown in
More specifically, in certain embodiments, as discussed above, depth 504 of indentations 520 is reduced relative to thickness 104 of outer wall 94 by twice thickness 706 of jacket 700, such that a combined thickness 704 of stand-off structure 720, including thickness 706 of jacket outer wall 793 at first end 722, depth 504 of indentation 520, and thickness 706 of jacket outer wall 793 at second end 724, corresponds to thickness 104 of outer wall 94 of component 80. Alternatively, depth 504 is not reduced relative to thickness 104, and thickness 706 of jacket 700 is relatively small compared to thickness 104, such that combined thickness 704 of each stand-off structure 720 from first end 722 to second end 724, including thickness 706 of jacket outer wall 793 at first end 722, depth 504 of indentation 520, and thickness 706 of jacket outer wall 793 at second end 724, corresponds to thickness 104 of outer wall 94 of component 80. Additionally, in certain embodiments, as discussed above, thickness 507 of inner wall 596 is reduced relative to thickness 107 of inner wall 96 by twice thickness 706 of jacket 700, such that a combined thickness of a first jacket inner wall 797, a second jacket inner wall 799, and inner wall 596 corresponds to thickness 107 of inner wall 96 of component 80. Alternatively, thickness 507 is not reduced relative to thickness 107, and thickness 706 of jacket 700 is relatively small compared to thickness 507, such that combined thickness of first jacket inner wall 797, second jacket inner wall 799, and inner wall 596 approximately corresponds to thickness 107 of inner wall 96 of component 80.
In alternative embodiments, the at least one stand-off structure 720 has any suitable structure and/or is formed in any suitable fashion. For example, but not by way of limitation, precursor component 580 does not include outer wall indentations 520. In some such embodiments, jacket outer wall 793 is locally extended to combined thickness 704 using a metal stamp (not shown) that locally projects jacket outer wall 793 into outer wall 594 to form a respective stand-off structure 720.
In the exemplary embodiment, jacket material 778 also is adjacent opposing surfaces 597 and 599 of inner wall 596 to form opposing jacket inner walls 797 and 799 positioned interiorly from jacket outer wall 793. Further in the exemplary embodiment, jacket material 778 is adjacent inner wall 596 adjacent inner wall apertures 502, such that inner wall apertures 502 jacketed by jacket material 778 extend through inner wall 596. Moreover, in certain embodiments, jacketed precursor component 780 continues to define the at least one internal void 500 that has a shape corresponding to the at least one void 100 of component 80. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, jacketed precursor component 780 includes at least one plenum 510, at least one chamber 512, and at least one return channel 514 (shown in
In the exemplary embodiment, jacket 700 has a substantially uniform thickness 706. In alternative embodiments, thickness 706 varies over at least some portions of jacket 700. In certain embodiments, thickness 706 is selected to be small relative to outer wall thickness 104. In some embodiments, thickness 706 also is selected such that stand-off structures 720 and/or other portions of jacket 700 provide at least a minimum selected structural stiffness such that combined thickness 704 of stand-off structures 720 is maintained when precursor material 578 is not positioned adjacent jacket outer wall 793, as will be described herein.
In certain embodiments, jacket material 778 is selected to be at least partially absorbable by molten component material 78. For example, component material 78 is an alloy, and jacket material 778 is at least one constituent material of the alloy. Moreover, in some embodiments, jacket material 778 includes a plurality of materials disposed on precursor component 580 in successive layers, as will be described herein.
For example, in the exemplary embodiment, component material 78 is a nickel-based superalloy, and jacket material 778 is substantially nickel, such that jacket material 778 is compatible with component material 78 when component material 78 in the molten state is introduced into mold 1000 (shown in
In certain embodiments, thickness 706 is sufficiently thin such that jacket material 778 is substantially absorbed by component material 78 when component material 78 in the molten state is introduced into mold 1000. For example, in some such embodiments, jacket material 778 is substantially absorbed by component material 78 such that no discrete boundary delineates jacket material 778 from component material 78 after component material 78 is cooled. Moreover, in some such embodiments, jacket 700 is substantially absorbed such that, after component material 78 is cooled, jacket material 778 is substantially uniformly distributed within component material 78. For example, a concentration of jacket material 778 proximate core 800 (shown in
In alternative embodiments, thickness 706 is selected such that jacket material 778 is other than substantially absorbed by component material 78. For example, in some embodiments, jacket material 778 is partially absorbed by component material 78, such that after component material 78 is cooled, jacket material 778 is other than substantially uniformly distributed within component material 78. For example, a concentration of jacket material 778 proximate core 800 is detectably higher than a concentration of jacket material 778 at other locations within component 80. In some such embodiments, jacket material 778 is insubstantially absorbed, that is, at most only slightly absorbed, by component material 78 such that a discrete boundary delineates jacket material 778 from component material 78 after component material 78 is cooled. Additionally or alternatively, in some such embodiments, jacket material 778 is insubstantially absorbed, that is, at most only slightly absorbed, by component material 78 such that at least a portion of jacket 700 proximate core 800 remains intact after component material 78 is cooled.
In some embodiments, jacket 700 is formed on at least a portion of the surface of precursor component 580 by a plating process, such that jacket material 778 is deposited on precursor component 580 until the selected thickness 706 of jacket 700 is achieved. For example, jacket material 778 is a metal, and is deposited on precursor component 580 in a suitable metal plating process. In some such embodiments, jacket material 778 is deposited on precursor component 580 in an electroless plating process. Additionally or alternatively, jacket material 778 is deposited on precursor component 580 in an electroplating process. In alternative embodiments, jacket material 778 is any suitable material, and jacket 700 is formed on precursor component 580 by any suitable plating process that enables jacket 700 to function as described herein.
In certain embodiments, jacket material 778 includes a plurality of materials disposed on precursor component 580 in successive layers. For example, precursor material 578 is a thermoplastic, an initial layer of jacket material 778 is a first metal alloy selected to facilitate electroless plating deposition onto precursor material 578, and a subsequent layer of jacket material 778 is a second metal alloy selected to facilitate electroplating to the prior layer of jacket material 778. In some such embodiments, each of the first and second metal alloys are alloys of nickel. In other embodiments, precursor material 578 is any suitable material, jacket material 778 is any suitable plurality of materials, and jacket 700 is formed on precursor component 580 by any suitable process that enables jacket 700 to function as described herein.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
In certain embodiments, jacketed precursor component 780 is formed from a unitary precursor component 580. In alternative embodiments, jacketed precursor component 780 is formed from a precursor component 580 that is other than unitarily formed. For example,
More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each precursor component section 1280 includes an outer wall section 1294, and the plurality of outer wall sections 1294 are configured to couple together at a plurality of mating surfaces 1202 to form precursor component outer wall 594. In the illustrated embodiment, jacket material 778 is positioned adjacent second surface 593 of each outer wall section 1294 to form outer wall 793 of jacket 700. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, jacket material 778 is positioned adjacent exterior surface 592 of each outer wall section 1294 to form outer wall 793 of jacket 700, as described above.
In certain embodiments, jacket material 778 is not applied to mating surfaces 1202. For example, in some embodiments, jacket material 778 is applied to each precursor component section 1280 in a plating process as described above, and a masking material is first applied to each mating surface 1202, in addition to exterior surface 592, to inhibit deposition of jacket material 778 on mating surfaces 1202. In alternative embodiments, application of jacket material 778 to mating surfaces 1202 is inhibited using any suitable method. Moreover, in some embodiments, application of jacket material 778 is similarly inhibited on other selected surfaces of precursor component 580 in addition to, or alternatively from, mating surfaces 1202.
In some embodiments, but not by way of limitation, formation of precursor component 580 and jacketed precursor component 780 from a plurality of separately formed and jacketed precursor component sections 1280 facilitates precise and/or repeatable application of jacket 700 to selected areas of precursor components 580 that have a relatively increased structural complexity. As one example, in some embodiments, one of internal voids 500 (shown in
In certain embodiments, after pre-jacketed sections 1280 are coupled together, and/or unjacketed sections 1280 are coupled together and jacket 700 is applied to the coupled-together sections, to form jacketed precursor component 780, jacketed cored precursor component 880 (shown in
Returning to
In certain embodiments, the formation of jacket 700 by an additive manufacturing process enables jacket 700 to be formed with a nonlinearity, structural intricacy, precision, and/or repeatability that is not achievable by other methods. Accordingly, the formation of jacket 700 by an additive manufacturing process enables the complementary formation of core 800 (shown in
In addition, core 800 is located within the at least one internal void 500 of jacketed precursor component 780. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, core 800 includes at least one plenum core portion 810, at least one chamber core portion 812, and at least one return channel core portion 814 (shown in
Core 800 is formed from a core material 878. In the exemplary embodiment, core material 878 is a refractory ceramic material selected to withstand a high temperature environment associated with the molten state of component material 78 used to form component 80. For example, but without limitation, core material 878 includes at least one of silica, alumina, and mullite. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, core material 878 is selectively removable from component 80 to form the at least one internal void 100. For example, but not by way of limitation, core material 878 is removable from component 80 by a suitable process that does not substantially degrade component material 78, such as, but not limited to, a suitable chemical leaching process. In certain embodiments, core material 878 is selected based on a compatibility with, and/or a removability from, component material 78. Additionally or alternatively, core material 878 is selected based on a compatibility with jacket material 778. For example, in some such embodiments, core material 878 is selected to have a matched thermal expansion coefficient to that of jacket material 778, such that during core firing, core 800 and jacket 700 expand at the same rate, thereby reducing or eliminating stresses, cracking, and/or other damaging of the core due to mismatched thermal expansion. In alternative embodiments, core material 878 is any suitable material that enables component 80 to be formed as described herein.
In some embodiments, jacketed cored precursor component 880 is formed by filling the at least one internal void 500 of jacketed precursor component 780 with core material 878. For example, but not by way of limitation, core material 878 is injected as a slurry into plenums 510, chambers 512, inner wall apertures 502, and return channels 514, and core material 878 is then dried and fired within jacketed precursor component 780 to form core 800. In alternative embodiments, an alternative refractory material, such as but not limited to a segment of a quartz rod (not shown), is inserted into inner wall apertures 502 prior to injection of core material 878, and the alternative refractory material forms core portions 802. In certain embodiments, use of the alternative refractory material to form core portions 802 avoids a risk of cracking of core material 878 in a small-hole geometry of portions 802.
In certain embodiments in which jacket outer wall 793 is positioned adjacent second surface 593 of precursor component 580, as shown in
In certain embodiments in which jacket outer wall 793 is positioned adjacent exterior surface 592 of precursor component 580, as shown in
In alternative embodiments, core 800 is formed and positioned in any suitable fashion that enables core 800 to function as described herein. For example, but not by way of limitation, core material 878 is injected as a slurry into a suitable core die (not shown), dried, and fired in a separate core-forming process to form core 800. In some such embodiments, for example, sections of jacketed precursor component 580 are coupled around the separately formed core 800 to form jacketed cored precursor component 880. In other such embodiments, for example, sections of jacket 700 are decoupled from, or formed without using, precursor component 580, and the sections of jacket 700 are coupled around the separately formed core 800 to form jacketed core 980. In still other embodiments, for example, jacket 700 is decoupled from, or formed without using, precursor component 580, and core material 878 is added as a slurry to jacket 700 and fired within jacket 700 to form core 800 within jacketed core 980.
With reference to
In the exemplary embodiment, jacket outer wall 793 including the at least one stand-off structure 720 defines an outer perimeter of jacketed core 980. As discussed above, jacket 700 is configured to separate core perimeter 806 from interior wall 1002 of mold 1000 by thickness 104 of component outer wall 94 (shown in
In some embodiments, jacketed core 980 defines at least one jacketed cavity 900 therewithin. Each at least one jacketed cavity 900 is configured to receive molten component material 78 therein to form a corresponding portion of component 80. More specifically, molten component material 78 is added to the at least one jacketed cavity 900 and cooled, such that component material 78 and jacket material 778 bounded by core 800 and/or interior wall 1002 at least partially define the corresponding portion of component 80, as will be described herein.
For example, in the exemplary embodiment of
For another example, in the exemplary embodiments of
In alternative embodiments, jacketed core 980 defines the at least one jacketed cavity 900 having a shape corresponding to any suitable portion of component 80 for use in any suitable application. In other alternative embodiments, jacketed core 980 does not define the at least one jacketed cavity 900.
In certain embodiments, precursor material 578 is selected to facilitate removal of precursor component 580 from within jacketed cored precursor component 880 to form jacketed core 980. In some such embodiments, precursor material 578 is selected to have an oxidation or auto-ignition temperature that is less than a melting point of jacket material 778. For example, a temperature of jacketed precursor component 780 is raised to or above the oxidation temperature of precursor material 578, such that precursor component 580 is oxidized or burned out of jacket 700. Moreover, in some such embodiments, precursor component 580 is oxidized at least partially simultaneously with a firing of core 800 within jacketed cored precursor component 880. Alternatively, precursor material 578 is oxidized and/or otherwise removed at least partially simultaneously with, or subsequent to, firing of mold 1000 (shown in
Additionally or alternatively, precursor material 578 is selected to be a softer material than jacket material 778, and precursor component 580 is machined out of jacketed cored precursor component 880. For example, a mechanical rooter device is snaked into jacket 700 to break up and/or dislodge precursor material 578 to facilitate removal of precursor component 580. Additionally or alternatively, precursor material 578 is selected to be compatible with a chemical removal process, and precursor component 580 is removed from jacket 700 using a suitable solvent.
In alternative embodiments, precursor material 578 is any suitable material that enables precursor component 580 to be removed from within jacketed cored precursor component 880 in any suitable fashion at any suitable point in the process of forming mold assembly 1001 (shown in
In the exemplary embodiment, core 800 includes, as described above, the at least one plenum core portion 810 positioned interiorly from second jacket inner wall 799, the at least one chamber core portion 812 positioned between first jacket inner wall 797 and second jacket outer wall 793, and inner wall aperture core portions 802 extending through the at least one inner wall jacketed cavity 996. In some embodiments, core 800 also includes the at least one return channel core portion 814 (shown in
In alternative embodiments, core 800 is configured to correspond to any other suitable configuration of the at least one internal void 100 that enables component 80 to function for its intended purpose.
In certain embodiments, jacket 700 structurally reinforces core 800, thus reducing potential problems that would be associated with production, handling, and use of an unreinforced core 800 to form component 80 in some embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, core 800 is a relatively brittle ceramic material subject to a relatively high risk of fracture, cracking, and/or other damage. Thus, in some such embodiments, forming and transporting jacketed core 980 presents a much lower risk of damage to core 800, as compared to using an unjacketed core 800. Similarly, in some such embodiments, forming a suitable mold 1000 (shown in
In certain embodiments, spacer material 1078 is coupled adjacent outer wall 793 of jacketed core 980 in a suitable die cast process. For example, a pattern die (not shown) is formed having an interior wall shape complementary to the shape of exterior surface 92 of component 80, jacketed core 980 is positioned with respect to the pattern die such that first end 722 of each stand-off structure 720 is coupled against the interior wall, and spacer material 1078 is injected into the pattern die such that layer 1094 is formed adjacent jacket outer wall 793. For example, but not by way of limitation, spacer material 1078 is a wax material. Jacketed core 980 having layer 1094 coupled thereto is removed from the pattern die.
In other embodiments, layer 1094 is formed separately and subsequently coupled to jacket outer wall 793 of jacketed core 980. For example, but not by way of limitation, layer 1094 is formed using a suitable additive manufacturing process. A computer design model of layer 1094 is developed from a computer design model of outer wall 94 of component 80, modified to account for the shapes of stand-off structures 720 and jacket outer wall 793. The computer design model for layer 1094 is sliced into a series of thin, parallel planes, and a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine deposits successive layers of spacer material 1078 from the first end to the second end in accordance with the model slices to form layer 1094.
In some such embodiments, spacer material 1078 is selected to facilitate additive manufacture of layer 1094 and to be removable from mold 1000 prior to or after introduction of molten component material 78 in mold 1000. For example, spacer material 1078 is selected to be a photopolymer, and the successive layers of spacer material 1078 are deposited using a stereolithographic process. Alternatively, spacer material 1078 is selected to be a thermoplastic, and the successive layers of spacer material 1078 are deposited using at least one of a fused filament fabrication process, an inkjet/powder bed process, a selective heat sintering process, and a selective laser sintering process. Additionally or alternatively, spacer material 1078 is selected to be any suitable material, and the successive layers of spacer material 1078 are deposited using any suitable process that enables layer 1094 to be formed as described herein. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, layer 1094 is formed from a plurality of separately manufactured sections that are subsequently coupled to jacketed core 980 in any suitable fashion. In certain embodiments, spacer material 1078 is oxidized or “burned out” of, or alternatively melted and drained from, mold 1000 prior to introduction of molten component material 78 within mold 1000. In other embodiments, spacer material 1078 is removed from mold 1000 as slag after molten component material 78 is introduced into mold 1000. In alternative embodiments, spacer material 1078 is removed from mold 1000 in any suitable fashion that enables mold 1000 to function as described herein.
In other embodiments, spacer material 1078 is selected to at least partially form component outer wall 94 after molten component material 78 is introduced to mold 1000. For example, spacer material 1078 is selected to be at least one of component material 78, at least one component of an alloy that constitutes component material 78, at least partially absorbable by molten component material 78, and another material suitably compatible with component material 78, as described above with respect to jacket material 778. In some such embodiments, layer 1094 is formed as a low density metallic structure, rather than as a solid metal layer. For example, but not by way of limitation, layer 1094 is formed as a pre-sintered structure using a suitable powdered metallurgy process. Additionally or alternatively, in some such embodiments, layer 1094 is at least partially formed from a suitable additive manufacturing process using a computer design model for layer 1094 as described above. For example, the successive layers of spacer material 1078 are deposited using at least one of a direct metal laser melting (DMLM) process, a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process, and a selective laser sintering (SLS) process. Again, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, layer 1094 is formed from a plurality of separately formed sections that are subsequently coupled to jacketed core 980 in any suitable fashion. In certain embodiments, when molten component material 78 is added to mold 1000, layer 1094 is one of substantially absorbed by molten component material 78, at least partially absorbed by molten component material 78, and at most insubstantially absorbed by molten component material 78, as described above with respect to jacket material 778.
With reference to
In addition, jacket 700 separates core perimeter 806 from interior wall 1002 by thickness 104 of component outer wall 94, as discussed above, such that molten component material 78 is receivable between core perimeter 806 and mold interior wall 1002 to form component outer wall 94 having preselected thickness 104. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the at least one stand-off structure 720 maintains combined thickness 704 from first end 722 to second end 724. Thus, when stand-off structures 720 are coupled against interior wall 1002, stand-off structures 720 position perimeter 806 of the at least one chamber core portion 812 with respect to interior wall 1002 at an offset distance 1004 that corresponds to combined thickness 704, which in turn corresponds to thickness 104 of outer wall 94 of component 80.
More specifically, the region defined between core perimeter 806 and interior wall 1002 is configured to receive molten component material 78, such that core perimeter 806 cooperates with interior wall 1002 of mold 1000 to define outer wall 94 of component 80 having thickness 104. Jacket material 778 of jacket outer wall 793 and component material 78, collectively bounded by core perimeter 806 and mold interior wall 1002, at least partially form outer wall 94. In some embodiments, for example, jacket material 778 of jacket outer wall 793 is substantially absorbed by molten component material 78 to form outer wall 94, while in other embodiments, for example, jacket outer wall 793 remains at least partially intact adjacent component material 78 within outer wall 94, as described above.
The embodiment of
Furthermore, in some embodiments in which spacer material 1078 is used, as in the embodiment of
Moreover, as described above, core 800 is shaped to correspond to a shape of at least one internal void 100 of component 80, such that core 800 of jacketed core 980 positioned within mold cavity 1003 defines the at least one internal void 100 within component 80 when component 80 is formed. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the at least one inner wall jacketed cavity 996 is configured to receive molten component material 78, such that the at least one plenum core portion 810, the at least one chamber core portion 812, and/or the inner wall aperture core portions 802 adjacent the at least one inner wall jacketed cavity 996 cooperate to define inner wall 96 of component 80. Jacket material 778 adjacent the at least one inner wall jacketed cavity 996 and component material 78, collectively bounded by the at least one plenum core portion 810, the at least one chamber core portion 812, and the inner wall aperture core portions 802, form inner wall 96. In some embodiments, for example, jacket material 778 of jacket inner walls 797 and 799 is substantially absorbed by molten component material 78 to form inner wall 96, while in other embodiments, for example, jacket inner walls 797 and 799 remain at least partially intact adjacent component material 78 within inner wall 96, as described above.
The at least one plenum core portion 810 defines the at least one plenum 110 interiorly of inner wall 96, the at least one chamber core portion 812 defines the at least one chamber 112 between inner wall 96 and outer wall 94, and the inner wall aperture core portions 802 define inner wall apertures 102 extending through inner wall 96. Moreover, in some embodiments, the at least one return channel core portion 814 defines the at least one return channel 114 at least partially defined by inner wall 96.
After component material 78 is cooled to form component 80, core 800 is removed from component 80 to form the at least one internal void 100. For example, but not by way of limitation, core material 878 is removed from component 80 using a chemical leaching process.
It should be recalled that, although component 80 in the exemplary embodiment is rotor blade 70, or alternatively stator vane 72, in alternative embodiments component 80 is any component suitably formable with an outer wall as described herein and for use in any application.
Mold 1000 is formed from a mold material 1006. In the exemplary embodiment, mold material 1006 is a refractory ceramic material selected to withstand a high temperature environment associated with the molten state of component material 78 used to form component 80. In alternative embodiments, mold material 1006 is any suitable material that enables component 80 to be formed as described herein.
Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, mold 1000 is formed by a suitable investment process. For example, but not by way of limitation, jacketed core 980 is repeatedly dipped into a slurry of mold material 1006 which is allowed to harden to create a shell of mold material 1006, and the shell is fired to form mold 1000. Alternatively, jacketed cored precursor component 880 is repeatedly dipped into a slurry of mold material 1006 which is allowed to harden to create a shell of mold material 1006, and the shell is fired to form mold 1000 before, during, and/or after removal of precursor material 580. In alternative embodiments, mold 1000 is formed by any suitable method that enables mold 1000 to function as described herein.
In some embodiments in which spacer material 1078 is used on jacketed core 980, as in the embodiment of
Alternatively, in certain embodiments in which jacket outer wall 793 is spaced from core perimeter 806 at locations away from stand-off structures 720, as in the embodiment of
In alternative embodiments, mold 1000 is formed and/or interior wall 1002 is shaped in any suitable fashion that enables mold assembly 1001 to function as described herein.
In certain embodiments, after stand-off structures 720 are coupled against interior wall 1002, jacketed core 980 is secured relative to mold 1000 such that core 800 remains fixed relative to mold 1000 during a process of forming component 80. For example, jacketed core 980 is secured such that a position of core 800 does not shift during introduction of molten component material 78 into mold 1000. In some embodiments, external fixturing (not shown) is used to secure jacketed core 980 relative to mold 1000. Additionally or alternatively, jacketed core 980 is secured relative to mold 1000 in any other suitable fashion that enables the position of core 800 relative to mold 1000 to remain fixed during a process of forming component 80.
In some embodiments, the use of jacketed core 980, including the at least one stand-off structure 720 to position perimeter 806 of core 800 at offset distance 1004 from interior wall 1002, as compared to other methods such as, but not limited to, a use of platinum locating pins, enables an improved precision and/or repeatability in forming of outer wall 94 of component 80 having a selected outer wall thickness 104. In particular, but not by way of limitation, in some such embodiments the use of jacketed core 980 including the at least one stand-off structure 720 enables repeatable and precise formation of outer wall 94 thinner than is achievable by other known methods.
An exemplary method 1400 of forming a component, such as component 80, having an outer wall of a predetermined thickness, such as outer wall 94 having predetermined thickness 104, is illustrated in a flow diagram in
Method 1400 also includes cooling 1446 the component material to form the component. The perimeter and the interior wall cooperate to define the outer wall of the component therebetween.
In certain embodiments, method 1400 also includes coupling 1428 a layer of a spacer material, such as layer 1094 of spacer material 1078, adjacent the jacket outer wall. The layer is shaped to correspond to a shape of an exterior surface, such as exterior surface 92, of the component. In some such embodiments, the jacket outer wall includes at least one stand-off structure, such as stand-off structure 720, and method 1400 further includes forming the layer by positioning 1430 the jacketed core with respect to a pattern die such that a first end of each stand-off structure, such as first end 722, is coupled against an interior wall of the pattern die, and injecting 1432 the spacer material into the pattern die. The interior wall of the pattern die has a shape complementary to a shape of an exterior surface of the component. Additionally or alternatively, in some such embodiments, method 1400 further includes forming 1434 the layer using an additive manufacturing process prior to coupling 1428 the layer adjacent the jacket outer wall. Additionally or alternatively, in some such embodiments, method 1400 further includes forming 1436 the layer as a pre-sintered metallic structure.
Moreover, in some such embodiments, method 1400 further includes removing 1440 the spacer material from the mold assembly prior to introducing 1442 the component material in the molten state. In some such embodiments, removing 1440 the spacer material from the mold assembly further includes burning out 1444 the spacer material. Additionally or alternatively, in some such embodiments, cooling 1446 the component material to form the component further comprises cooling 1448 the component material such that at least the component material and the spacer material cooperate to the form the outer wall of the component.
In some embodiments, the jacket is formed from a jacket material, such as jacket material 778, and cooling 1446 the component material to form the component further comprises cooling 1450 the component material such that at least the component material and the jacket material cooperate to the form the outer wall of the component.
In certain embodiments, method 1400 also includes forming 1412 the jacket around a precursor component, such as precursor component 580, shaped to correspond to a shape of at least portions of the component. In some such embodiments, an outer wall of the precursor component, such as outer wall 594, includes an exterior surface, such as exterior surface 592, an opposite second surface, such as second surface 593, and at least one outer wall indentation defined in the second surface, such as indentation 520, and forming 1412 the jacket further includes forming 1414 at least one stand-off structure, such as stand-off structure 720, in the at least one outer wall indentation. Additionally or alternatively, the step of forming 1412 the jacket further includes depositing 1416 the jacket material on the precursor component in a plating process, as described above. Additionally or alternatively, in some such embodiments, method 1400 further includes forming 1402 the precursor component at least partially using an additive manufacturing process.
Additionally or alternatively, method 1400 further includes separately forming 1404 a plurality of precursor component sections, such as precursor component sections 1280, and coupling 1410 the plurality of sections together to form the precursor component. In some such embodiments, the step of forming 1412 the jacket includes forming 1408 the jacket on each of the sections prior to the step of coupling 1410 the sections together, and method 1400 also includes masking 1406 at least one mating surface, such as mating surface 1202, of the plurality of sections prior to the step of forming 1408 the jacket, such that deposition of the jacket material on the at least one mating surface is inhibited.
In certain embodiments, method 1400 further includes adding 1424 the core to the jacketed precursor component to form a jacketed cored precursor component, such as jacketed cored precursor component 880, and removing 1426 the precursor component from the jacketed cored precursor component to form the jacketed core.
In some embodiments, method 1400 further includes forming 1418 the jacket using an additive manufacturing process. Additionally or alternatively, method 1400 further includes separately forming 1420 a plurality of jacket sections, and coupling 1422 the plurality of jacket sections around the core to form the jacketed core.
In some embodiments, method 1400 also includes forming 1438 the mold around the jacketed core by an investment process, as described above.
The above-described embodiments of mold assemblies and methods enable making of components having an outer wall of a predetermined thickness with improved precision and repeatability as compared to at least some known mold assemblies and methods. Specifically, the mold assembly includes a jacketed core that includes a core positioned interiorly of a jacket outer wall, such that the jacket separates a perimeter of the core from an interior wall of the mold by the predetermined thickness. The core perimeter and mold interior wall cooperate to define the outer wall of the component therebetween. Also specifically, the jacket protects the core from damage and facilitates preserving the selected cavity space dimensions between the core perimeter and the mold interior wall, for example by inhibiting the core and mold from shifting, shrinking, and/or twisting with respect to each other during firing of the mold. Also specifically, the jacketed core automatically provides the preselected outer wall thickness without use of locating pins, thus reducing a time and cost of preparing the mold assembly for prototyping or production operations. In some cases, the above-described embodiments enable formation of components having relatively thin outer walls that cannot be precisely and/or repeatably formed using other known mold assemblies and methods.
An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein includes at least one of: (a) reducing or eliminating fragility problems associated with forming, handling, transport, and/or storage of a core used in forming a component having a preselected outer wall thickness; (b) improving precision and repeatability of formation of components having an outer wall of a predetermined thickness, particularly, but not limited to, components having relatively thin outer walls; and (c) enabling casting of components having an outer wall of a predetermined thickness without use of locating pins.
Exemplary embodiments of mold assemblies and methods including jacketed cores are described above in detail. The jacketed cores, and methods and systems using such jacketed cores, are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications that are currently configured to use cores within mold assemblies.
Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2687278 | Smith et al. | Aug 1954 | A |
2756475 | Hanink et al. | Jul 1956 | A |
2991520 | Dalton | Jul 1961 | A |
3222435 | Mellen, Jr. et al. | Dec 1965 | A |
3222737 | Reuter | Dec 1965 | A |
3475375 | Yates | Oct 1969 | A |
3563711 | Hammond et al. | Feb 1971 | A |
3596703 | Bishop et al. | Aug 1971 | A |
3597248 | Yates | Aug 1971 | A |
3662816 | Bishop et al. | May 1972 | A |
3678987 | Kydd | Jul 1972 | A |
3689986 | Kentaro et al. | Sep 1972 | A |
3694264 | Weinland et al. | Sep 1972 | A |
3773506 | Larker et al. | Nov 1973 | A |
3824113 | Loxley et al. | Jul 1974 | A |
3844727 | Copley et al. | Oct 1974 | A |
3863701 | Niimi et al. | Feb 1975 | A |
3866448 | Dennis et al. | Feb 1975 | A |
3921271 | Dennis et al. | Nov 1975 | A |
3996048 | Fiedler | Dec 1976 | A |
4096296 | Galmiche et al. | Jun 1978 | A |
4130157 | Miller et al. | Dec 1978 | A |
4148352 | Sensui et al. | Apr 1979 | A |
4236568 | Larson | Dec 1980 | A |
4285634 | Rossman et al. | Aug 1981 | A |
4352390 | Larson | Oct 1982 | A |
4372404 | Drake | Feb 1983 | A |
4375233 | Rossmann et al. | Mar 1983 | A |
4417381 | Higginbotham | Nov 1983 | A |
4432798 | Helferich et al. | Feb 1984 | A |
4557691 | Martin et al. | Dec 1985 | A |
4576219 | Uram | Mar 1986 | A |
4583581 | Ferguson et al. | Apr 1986 | A |
4604780 | Metcalfe | Aug 1986 | A |
4637449 | Mills et al. | Jan 1987 | A |
4738587 | Kildea | Apr 1988 | A |
4859141 | Maisch et al. | Aug 1989 | A |
4905750 | Wolf | Mar 1990 | A |
4911990 | Prewo et al. | Mar 1990 | A |
4964148 | Klostermann et al. | Oct 1990 | A |
4986333 | Gartland | Jan 1991 | A |
5052463 | Lechner et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5083371 | Leibfried et al. | Jan 1992 | A |
5243759 | Brown et al. | Sep 1993 | A |
5248869 | Debell et al. | Sep 1993 | A |
5273104 | Renaud et al. | Dec 1993 | A |
5291654 | Judd et al. | Mar 1994 | A |
5295530 | O'Connor et al. | Mar 1994 | A |
5332023 | Mills | Jul 1994 | A |
5350002 | Orton | Sep 1994 | A |
5355668 | Weil et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
5371945 | Schnoor | Dec 1994 | A |
5387280 | Kennerknecht | Feb 1995 | A |
5394932 | Carozza et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5398746 | Igarashi | Mar 1995 | A |
5413463 | Chin et al. | May 1995 | A |
5465780 | Muntner et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
5467528 | Bales et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
5468285 | Kennerknecht | Nov 1995 | A |
5482054 | Slater et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
5498132 | Carozza et al. | Mar 1996 | A |
5505250 | Jago | Apr 1996 | A |
5507336 | Tobin | Apr 1996 | A |
5509659 | Igarashi | Apr 1996 | A |
5524695 | Schwartz | Jun 1996 | A |
5569320 | Sasaki et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
5611848 | Sasaki et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
5664628 | Koehler et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5679270 | Thornton et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5738493 | Lee et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
5778963 | Parille et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5810552 | Frasier | Sep 1998 | A |
5820774 | Dietrich | Oct 1998 | A |
5909773 | Koehler et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5924483 | Frasier | Jul 1999 | A |
5927373 | Tobin | Jul 1999 | A |
5947181 | Davis | Sep 1999 | A |
5951256 | Dietrich | Sep 1999 | A |
5976457 | Amaya et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6029736 | Naik et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
6039763 | Shelokov | Mar 2000 | A |
6041679 | Slater et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
6068806 | Dietrich | May 2000 | A |
6186741 | Webb et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6221289 | Corbett et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6234753 | Lee | May 2001 | B1 |
6244327 | Frasier | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6251526 | Staub | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6327943 | Wrigley et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6359254 | Brown | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6441341 | Steibel et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6467534 | Klug et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6474348 | Beggs et al. | Nov 2002 | B1 |
6505678 | Mertins | Jan 2003 | B2 |
6557621 | Dierksmeier et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6578623 | Keller et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
6605293 | Giordano et al. | Aug 2003 | B1 |
6615470 | Corderman et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6623521 | Steinke et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6626230 | Woodrum et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6634858 | Roeloffs et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6637500 | Shah et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6644921 | Bunker et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6670026 | Steibel et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6694731 | Kamen et al. | Feb 2004 | B2 |
6773231 | Bunker et al. | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6799627 | Ray et al. | Oct 2004 | B2 |
6800234 | Ferguson et al. | Oct 2004 | B2 |
6817379 | Perla | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6837417 | Srinivasan | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6896036 | Schneiders et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
6913064 | Beals et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
6929054 | Beals et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
6955522 | Cunha et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
6986381 | Ray et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
7028747 | Widrig et al. | Apr 2006 | B2 |
7036556 | Caputo et al. | May 2006 | B2 |
7052710 | Giordano et al. | May 2006 | B2 |
7073561 | Henn | Jul 2006 | B1 |
7093645 | Grunstra et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7108045 | Wiedemer et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7109822 | Perkins et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7174945 | Beals et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7185695 | Santeler | Mar 2007 | B1 |
7207375 | Turkington et al. | Apr 2007 | B2 |
7234506 | Grunstra et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7237375 | Humcke et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7237595 | Beck et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7240718 | Schmidt et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7243700 | Beals et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7246652 | Fowler | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7270170 | Beals et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7270173 | Wiedemer et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7278460 | Grunstra et al. | Oct 2007 | B2 |
7278463 | Snyder et al. | Oct 2007 | B2 |
7306026 | Memmen | Dec 2007 | B2 |
7322795 | Luczak et al. | Jan 2008 | B2 |
7325587 | Memmen | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7334625 | Judge et al. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7343730 | Humcke et al. | Mar 2008 | B2 |
7371043 | Keller | May 2008 | B2 |
7371049 | Cunha et al. | May 2008 | B2 |
7377746 | Brassfield et al. | May 2008 | B2 |
7410342 | Matheny | Aug 2008 | B2 |
7438118 | Santeler | Oct 2008 | B2 |
7448433 | Ortiz et al. | Nov 2008 | B2 |
7448434 | Turkington et al. | Nov 2008 | B2 |
7461684 | Liu et al. | Dec 2008 | B2 |
7478994 | Cunha et al. | Jan 2009 | B2 |
7517225 | Cherian | Apr 2009 | B2 |
7575039 | Beals et al. | Aug 2009 | B2 |
7588069 | Munz et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7624787 | Lee et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7625172 | Walz et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7673669 | Snyder et al. | Mar 2010 | B2 |
7686065 | Luczak | Mar 2010 | B2 |
7713029 | Davies | May 2010 | B1 |
7717676 | Cunha et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
7722327 | Liang | May 2010 | B1 |
7802613 | Bullied et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
7727495 | Burd et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7731481 | Cunha et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7753104 | Luczak et al. | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7757745 | Luczak | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7771210 | Cherian | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7779892 | Luczak et al. | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7789626 | Liang | Sep 2010 | B1 |
7798201 | Bewlay et al. | Sep 2010 | B2 |
7806681 | Feick et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7861766 | Bochiechio et al. | Jan 2011 | B2 |
7882884 | Beals et al. | Feb 2011 | B2 |
7938168 | Lee et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
7947233 | Burd et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
7963085 | Sypeck et al. | Jun 2011 | B2 |
7993106 | Walters | Aug 2011 | B2 |
8057183 | Liang | Nov 2011 | B1 |
8066483 | Liang | Nov 2011 | B1 |
8100165 | Piggush et al. | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8113780 | Cherolis et al. | Feb 2012 | B2 |
8122583 | Luczak et al. | Feb 2012 | B2 |
8137068 | Surace et al. | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8162609 | Liang | Apr 2012 | B1 |
8167537 | Plank et al. | May 2012 | B1 |
8171978 | Propheter-Hinckley et al. | May 2012 | B2 |
8181692 | Frasier et al. | May 2012 | B2 |
8196640 | Paulus et al. | Jun 2012 | B1 |
8251123 | Farris et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8251660 | Liang | Aug 2012 | B1 |
8261810 | Liang | Sep 2012 | B1 |
8291963 | Trinks et al. | Oct 2012 | B1 |
8297455 | Smyth | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8302668 | Bullied et al. | Nov 2012 | B1 |
8303253 | Liang | Nov 2012 | B1 |
8307654 | Liang | Nov 2012 | B1 |
8317475 | Downs | Nov 2012 | B1 |
8322988 | Downs et al. | Dec 2012 | B1 |
8336606 | Piggush | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8342802 | Liang | Jan 2013 | B1 |
8366394 | Liang | Feb 2013 | B1 |
8381923 | Smyth | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8414263 | Liang | Apr 2013 | B1 |
8500401 | Liang | Aug 2013 | B1 |
8506256 | Brostmeyer et al. | Aug 2013 | B1 |
8535004 | Campbell | Sep 2013 | B2 |
8622113 | Rau, III | Jan 2014 | B1 |
8678766 | Liang | Mar 2014 | B1 |
8734108 | Liang | May 2014 | B1 |
8753083 | Lacy et al. | Jun 2014 | B2 |
8770931 | Alvanos et al. | Jul 2014 | B2 |
8777571 | Liang | Jul 2014 | B1 |
8793871 | Morrison et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
8794298 | Schlienger et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
8807943 | Liang | Aug 2014 | B1 |
8813812 | Ellgass et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
8813824 | Appleby et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
8858176 | Liang | Oct 2014 | B1 |
8864469 | Liang | Oct 2014 | B1 |
8870524 | Liang | Oct 2014 | B1 |
8876475 | Liang | Nov 2014 | B1 |
8893767 | Mueller et al. | Nov 2014 | B2 |
8899303 | Mueller et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8906170 | Gigliotti, Jr. et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8911208 | Propheter-Hinckley et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8915289 | Mueller et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8936068 | Lee et al. | Jan 2015 | B2 |
8940114 | James et al. | Jan 2015 | B2 |
8969760 | Hu et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
8978385 | Cunha | Mar 2015 | B2 |
8993923 | Hu et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
8997836 | Mueller et al. | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9038706 | Hillier | May 2015 | B2 |
9051838 | Wardle et al. | Jun 2015 | B2 |
9057277 | Appleby et al. | Jun 2015 | B2 |
9057523 | Cunha et al. | Jun 2015 | B2 |
9061350 | Bewlay et al. | Jun 2015 | B2 |
9079241 | Barber et al. | Jul 2015 | B2 |
9079803 | Xu | Jul 2015 | B2 |
9174271 | Newton et al. | Nov 2015 | B2 |
20010044651 | Steinke et al. | Nov 2001 | A1 |
20020029567 | Kamen et al. | Mar 2002 | A1 |
20020182056 | Widrig et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020187065 | Amaya et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020190039 | Steibel et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020197161 | Roeloffs et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20030047197 | Beggs et al. | Mar 2003 | A1 |
20030062088 | Perla | Apr 2003 | A1 |
20030133799 | Widrig et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030150092 | Corderman et al. | Aug 2003 | A1 |
20030199969 | Steinke et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
20030201087 | Devine et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
20040024470 | Giordano et al. | Feb 2004 | A1 |
20040055725 | Ray et al. | Mar 2004 | A1 |
20040056079 | Srinivasan | Mar 2004 | A1 |
20040144089 | Kamen et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040154252 | Sypeck et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040159985 | Altoonian et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20050006047 | Wang et al. | Jan 2005 | A1 |
20050016706 | Ray et al. | Jan 2005 | A1 |
20050087319 | Beals et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050133193 | Beals et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050247429 | Turkington et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20060032604 | Beck et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
20060048553 | Almquist | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060065383 | Ortiz et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060107668 | Cunha et al. | May 2006 | A1 |
20060118262 | Beals et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060118990 | Dierkes et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060237163 | Turkington et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060283168 | Humcke et al. | Dec 2006 | A1 |
20070044936 | Memmen | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070059171 | Simms et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070107412 | Humcke et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070114001 | Snyder et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070116972 | Persky | May 2007 | A1 |
20070169605 | Szymanski | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20070177975 | Luczak et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070253816 | Walz et al. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20080003849 | Cherian | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080080979 | Brassfield et al. | Apr 2008 | A1 |
20080131285 | Albert et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080135718 | Lee et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080138208 | Walters | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080138209 | Cunha et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080145235 | Cunha et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080169412 | Snyder et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20080190582 | Lee et al. | Aug 2008 | A1 |
20090041587 | Konter et al. | Feb 2009 | A1 |
20090095435 | Luczak et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090181560 | Cherian | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090255742 | Hansen | Oct 2009 | A1 |
20100021643 | Lane et al. | Jan 2010 | A1 |
20100150733 | Abdel-Messeh et al. | Jun 2010 | A1 |
20100200189 | Qi et al. | Aug 2010 | A1 |
20100219325 | Bullied et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20100276103 | Bullied et al. | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20100304064 | Huttner | Dec 2010 | A1 |
20110048665 | Schlienger et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110068077 | Smyth | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110132563 | Merrill et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110132564 | Merrill et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110135446 | Dube et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110146075 | Hazel et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110150666 | Hazel et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110189440 | Appleby et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
20110236221 | Campbell | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110240245 | Schlienger et al. | Oct 2011 | A1 |
20110250078 | Bruce et al. | Oct 2011 | A1 |
20110250385 | Sypeck et al. | Oct 2011 | A1 |
20110293434 | Lee et al. | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20110315337 | Piggush | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20120161498 | Hansen | Jun 2012 | A1 |
20120163995 | Wardle et al. | Jun 2012 | A1 |
20120168108 | Farris et al. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
20120186681 | Sun et al. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
20120186768 | Sun et al. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
20120193841 | Wang et al. | Aug 2012 | A1 |
20120237786 | Morrison et al. | Sep 2012 | A1 |
20120276361 | James et al. | Nov 2012 | A1 |
20120298321 | Smyth | Nov 2012 | A1 |
20130019604 | Cunha et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130025287 | Cunha | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130025288 | Cunha et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130064676 | Salisbury et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
20130139990 | Appleby et al. | Jun 2013 | A1 |
20130177448 | Spangler | Jul 2013 | A1 |
20130220571 | Mueller et al. | Aug 2013 | A1 |
20130266816 | Xu | Oct 2013 | A1 |
20130280093 | Zelesky et al. | Oct 2013 | A1 |
20130318771 | Luczak et al. | Dec 2013 | A1 |
20130323033 | Lutjen et al. | Dec 2013 | A1 |
20130327602 | Barber et al. | Dec 2013 | A1 |
20130333855 | Merrill et al. | Dec 2013 | A1 |
20130338267 | Appleby et al. | Dec 2013 | A1 |
20140023497 | Giglio et al. | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140031458 | Jansen | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140033736 | Propheter-Hinckley et al. | Feb 2014 | A1 |
20140068939 | Devine, II et al. | Mar 2014 | A1 |
20140076857 | Hu et al. | Mar 2014 | A1 |
20140076868 | Hu et al. | Mar 2014 | A1 |
20140093387 | Pointon et al. | Apr 2014 | A1 |
20140140860 | Tibbott et al. | May 2014 | A1 |
20140169981 | Bales et al. | Jun 2014 | A1 |
20140199177 | Propheter-Hinckley et al. | Jul 2014 | A1 |
20140202650 | Song et al. | Jul 2014 | A1 |
20140284016 | Vander Wal | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20140311315 | Isaac | Oct 2014 | A1 |
20140314581 | McBrien et al. | Oct 2014 | A1 |
20140342175 | Morrison et al. | Nov 2014 | A1 |
20140342176 | Appleby et al. | Nov 2014 | A1 |
20140356560 | Prete et al. | Dec 2014 | A1 |
20140363305 | Shah et al. | Dec 2014 | A1 |
20150053365 | Mueller et al. | Feb 2015 | A1 |
20150174653 | Verner et al. | Jun 2015 | A1 |
20150184857 | Cunha et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
640440 | Jan 1984 | CH |
0025481 | Mar 1981 | EP |
0025481 | Feb 1983 | EP |
0111600 | Jun 1984 | EP |
0190114 | Aug 1986 | EP |
0319244 | Jun 1989 | EP |
0324229 | Jul 1989 | EP |
0324229 | Jul 1992 | EP |
0539317 | Apr 1993 | EP |
0556946 | Aug 1993 | EP |
0559251 | Sep 1993 | EP |
0585183 | Mar 1994 | EP |
0319244 | May 1994 | EP |
0661246 | Jul 1995 | EP |
0539317 | Nov 1995 | EP |
0715913 | Jun 1996 | EP |
0725606 | Aug 1996 | EP |
0750956 | Jan 1997 | EP |
0750957 | Jan 1997 | EP |
0792409 | Sep 1997 | EP |
0691894 | Oct 1997 | EP |
0805729 | Nov 1997 | EP |
0818256 | Jan 1998 | EP |
0556946 | Apr 1998 | EP |
0559251 | Dec 1998 | EP |
0585183 | Mar 1999 | EP |
0899039 | Mar 1999 | EP |
0750956 | May 1999 | EP |
0661246 | Sep 1999 | EP |
0725606 | Dec 1999 | EP |
0968062 | Jan 2000 | EP |
0805729 | Aug 2000 | EP |
1055800 | Nov 2000 | EP |
1070829 | Jan 2001 | EP |
1124509 | Aug 2001 | EP |
1142658 | Oct 2001 | EP |
1161307 | Dec 2001 | EP |
1163970 | Dec 2001 | EP |
1178769 | Feb 2002 | EP |
0715913 | Apr 2002 | EP |
0968062 | May 2002 | EP |
0951579 | Jan 2003 | EP |
1284338 | Feb 2003 | EP |
0750957 | Mar 2003 | EP |
1341481 | Sep 2003 | EP |
1358958 | Nov 2003 | EP |
1367224 | Dec 2003 | EP |
0818256 | Feb 2004 | EP |
1124509 | Mar 2004 | EP |
1425483 | Jun 2004 | EP |
1055800 | Oct 2004 | EP |
1163970 | Mar 2005 | EP |
1358958 | Mar 2005 | EP |
1519116 | Mar 2005 | EP |
1531019 | May 2005 | EP |
0899039 | Nov 2005 | EP |
1604753 | Dec 2005 | EP |
1659264 | May 2006 | EP |
1178769 | Jul 2006 | EP |
1382403 | Sep 2006 | EP |
1759788 | Mar 2007 | EP |
1764171 | Mar 2007 | EP |
1813775 | Aug 2007 | EP |
1815923 | Aug 2007 | EP |
1849965 | Oct 2007 | EP |
1070829 | Jan 2008 | EP |
1142658 | Mar 2008 | EP |
1927414 | Jun 2008 | EP |
1930097 | Jun 2008 | EP |
1930098 | Jun 2008 | EP |
1930099 | Jun 2008 | EP |
1932604 | Jun 2008 | EP |
1936118 | Jun 2008 | EP |
1939400 | Jul 2008 | EP |
1984162 | Oct 2008 | EP |
1604753 | Nov 2008 | EP |
2000234 | Dec 2008 | EP |
2025869 | Feb 2009 | EP |
1531019 | Mar 2010 | EP |
2212040 | Aug 2010 | EP |
2246133 | Nov 2010 | EP |
2025869 | Dec 2010 | EP |
2335845 | Jun 2011 | EP |
2336493 | Jun 2011 | EP |
2336494 | Jun 2011 | EP |
1930097 | Jul 2011 | EP |
2362822 | Sep 2011 | EP |
2366476 | Sep 2011 | EP |
2392774 | Dec 2011 | EP |
1930098 | Feb 2012 | EP |
2445668 | May 2012 | EP |
2445669 | May 2012 | EP |
2461922 | Jun 2012 | EP |
1659264 | Nov 2012 | EP |
2519367 | Nov 2012 | EP |
2537606 | Dec 2012 | EP |
1927414 | Jan 2013 | EP |
2549186 | Jan 2013 | EP |
2551592 | Jan 2013 | EP |
2551593 | Jan 2013 | EP |
2559533 | Feb 2013 | EP |
2559534 | Feb 2013 | EP |
2559535 | Feb 2013 | EP |
2576099 | Apr 2013 | EP |
2000234 | Jul 2013 | EP |
2614902 | Jul 2013 | EP |
2650062 | Oct 2013 | EP |
2246133 | Jul 2014 | EP |
2366476 | Jul 2014 | EP |
2777841 | Sep 2014 | EP |
1849965 | Feb 2015 | EP |
2834031 | Feb 2015 | EP |
1341481 | Mar 2015 | EP |
2841710 | Mar 2015 | EP |
2855857 | Apr 2015 | EP |
2880276 | Jun 2015 | EP |
2937161 | Oct 2015 | EP |
731292 | Jun 1955 | GB |
800228 | Aug 1958 | GB |
2102317 | Feb 1983 | GB |
2118078 | Oct 1983 | GB |
H1052731 | Feb 1998 | JP |
9615866 | May 1996 | WO |
9618022 | Jun 1996 | WO |
2010036801 | Apr 2010 | WO |
2010040746 | Apr 2010 | WO |
2010151833 | Dec 2010 | WO |
2010151838 | Dec 2010 | WO |
2011019667 | Feb 2011 | WO |
2013163020 | Oct 2013 | WO |
2014011262 | Jan 2014 | WO |
2014022255 | Feb 2014 | WO |
2014028095 | Feb 2014 | WO |
2014093826 | Jun 2014 | WO |
2014105108 | Jul 2014 | WO |
2014109819 | Jul 2014 | WO |
2014133635 | Sep 2014 | WO |
2014179381 | Nov 2014 | WO |
2015006026 | Jan 2015 | WO |
2015006440 | Jan 2015 | WO |
2015006479 | Jan 2015 | WO |
2015009448 | Jan 2015 | WO |
2015042089 | Mar 2015 | WO |
2015050987 | Apr 2015 | WO |
2015053833 | Apr 2015 | WO |
2015073068 | May 2015 | WO |
2015073657 | May 2015 | WO |
2015080854 | Jun 2015 | WO |
2015094636 | Jun 2015 | WO |
Entry |
---|
U.S. Non Final Office Action issued in connection with Related U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,638 dated Apr. 27, 2016. |
U.S. Final Office Action issued in connection with Related U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,638 dated Jul. 20, 2016. |
U.S. Non Final Office Action issued in connection with Related U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,638 dated Nov. 23, 2016. |
U.S. Final Office Action issued in connection with Related U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,638 dated Apr. 12, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16202422.8 dated May 8, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204602.3 dated May 12, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204609.8 dated May 12, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204610.6 dated May 17, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with corresponding EP Application No. 16204613.0 dated May 22, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204605.6 dated May 26, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204607.2 dated May 26, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204608.0 dated May 26, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204617.1 dated May 26, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204614.8.0 dated Jun. 2, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with related EP Application No. 16204613.0 dated Jun. 2, 2017. |
European Search Report and Opinion issued in connection with corresponding EP Application No. 17168418.6 dated Aug. 10, 2017. |
Ziegelheim, J. et al., “Diffusion bondability of similar/dissimilar light metal sheets,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology 186.1 (May 2007): 87-93. |
Liu et al, “Effect of nickel coating on bending properties of stereolithography photo-polymer SL5195”, Materials & Design, vol. 26, Issue 6, pp. 493-496, 2005. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,413, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having Internal Passages Using a Jacketed Core. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,645, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Mold Assembly Including a Deoxygenated Core and Method of Making Same. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/973,595, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having Internal Passages Using a Lattice Structure. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,805, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having Internal Passages Using a Jacketed Core. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,390, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having an Internal Passage Defined Therein. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,440, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having an Internal Passage Defined Therein. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/973,590, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having a Catalyzed Internal Passage Defined Therein. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/973,555, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having an Internal Passage Defined Therein. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/973,250, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having Internal Passages Using a Jacketed Core. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/973,501, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having Internal Passages Using a Lattice Structure. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/972,638, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having Internal Passages Using a Jacketed Core. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/973,039, filed Dec. 17, 2015, entitled Method and Assembly for Forming Components Having Internal Passages Using a Lattice Structure. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20170312816 A1 | Nov 2017 | US |