Kenneth Dale Adcock

US Patent:

6649255, Nov 18, 2003

Filed:

Mar 4, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/253986

Inventors:

Bruce B. Marshall - Kingston TN 37763
Kenneth D. Adcock - Harriman TN 37748
Michael R. Phillips - Harriman TN 37748
George E. Roettger - Knoxville TN 37922

International Classification:

B32B 300

US Classification:

4283122, 4283126, 4283128, 4283155, 4283166, 55523, 55524, 21050025, 21050026, 2105101

Abstract:

An article and method for producing extremely small pore inorganic membranes. The method enables reduction of the pore size of a porous inorganic membrane, such as metal oxides, metal carbides, metal nitrides and cermets. Mean pore diameters of below about 10. Can readily and efficiently be achieved. After the conventional formation of an inorganic membrane, the pore size of the membrane is progressively reduced in a controlled manner to deposit one or more layers of an inorganic compound on the pore walls. This is done by exposing the membrane to the vapor of an inorganic precursor compound. The compound reacts with hydroxyl groups and or absorbed water molecules on the surface of the membrane and is thus bonded to the surface. Water vapor, oxygen, or vapors containing one or more oxygen ligands such as an alcohol are used to hydrolyze the deposited material to the inorganic membrane.

US Patent:

7829012, Nov 9, 2010

Filed:

Dec 19, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/305974

Inventors:

Brian L. Bischoff - Knoxville TN, US
Theodore G. Sutton - Kingston TN, US
Roddie R. Judkins - Knoxville TN, US
Timothy R. Armstrong - Clinton TN, US
Kenneth D. Adcock - Harriman TN, US

Assignee:

Worldwide Energy, Inc. of Delaware - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

B22F 7/00
B22F 1/00

US Classification:

419 7, 75211

Abstract:

A method for treating a porous item constructed of metal powder, such as a powder made of Series 400 stainless steel, involves a step of preheating the porous item to a temperature of between about 700 and 900 C. degrees in an oxidizing atmosphere and then sintering the body in an inert or reducing atmosphere at a temperature which is slightly below the melting temperature of the metal which comprises the porous item. The thermal stability of the resulting item is enhanced by this method so that the item retains its porosity and metallic characteristics, such as ductility, at higher (e. g. near-melting) temperatures.

US Patent:

20040064968, Apr 8, 2004

Filed:

Jun 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/611743

Inventors:

Douglas Fain - Harriman TN, US
Bruce Marshall - Kingston TN, US
Kenneth Adcock - Harriman TN, US
Michael Phillips - Harriman TN, US
George Roettger - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

F26B003/00

US Classification:

034/467000, 034/389000

Abstract:

An article and method for producing extremely small pore inorganic membranes. The method enables reduction of the pore size of a porous inorganic membrane, such as metal oxides, metal carbides, metal nitrides and cermets. Mean pore diameters of below about 10 . Can readily and efficiently be achieved. After the conventional formation of an inorganic membrane, the pore size of the membrane is progressively reduced in a controlled manner to deposit one or more layers of an inorganic compound on the pore walls. This is done by exposing the membrane to the vapor of an inorganic precursor compound. The compound reacts with hydroxyl groups and or absorbed water molecules on the surface of the membrane and is thus bonded to the surface. Water vapor, oxygen, or vapors containing one or more oxygen ligands such as an alcohol are used to hydrolyze the deposited material to the inorganic membrane.