James O Kiggans

US Patent:

59978023, Dec 7, 1999

Filed:

Nov 25, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/199313

Inventors:

Cressie E. Holcombe - Farragut TN
James O. Kiggans - Oak Ridge TN
S. Marvin Morrow - Kingston TN
Donald Rexford - Pattersonville NY

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B22D 4100

US Classification:

266275

Abstract:

A sintered metal ceramic crucible suitable for high temperature induction melting of reactive metals without appreciable carbon or silicon contamination of the melt. The crucible comprises a cast matrix of a thermally conductive ceramic material; a perforated metal sleeve, which serves as a susceptor for induction heating of the crucible, embedded within the ceramic cast matrix; and a thermal-shock-absorber barrier interposed between the metal sleeve and the ceramic cast matrix to allow for differential thermal expansions between the matrix and the metal sleeve and to act as a thermal-shock-absorber which moderates the effects of rapid changes of sleeve temperature on the matrix.

US Patent:

61972436, Mar 6, 2001

Filed:

Mar 23, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/764902

Inventors:

Terry N. Tiegs - Lenoir City TN
James O. Kiggans - Oak Ridge TN

Assignee:

UT Battelle, LLC - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

C04B 3332
C04B 3565

US Classification:

264432

Abstract:

A multi-layered heat distributor system is provided for use in a microwave process. The multi-layered heat distributors includes a first inner layer of a high thermal conductivity heat distributor material, a middle insulating layer and an optional third insulating outer layer. The multi-layered heat distributor system is placed around the ceramic composition or article to be processed and located in a microwave heating system. Sufficient microwave energy is applied to provide a high density, unflawed ceramic product.

US Patent:

58854932, Mar 23, 1999

Filed:

Nov 4, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/963970

Inventors:

Mark A. Janney - Knoxville TN
James O. Kiggans - Oak Ridge TN

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation - OakRidge TN

International Classification:

B28B 1100
B29B 1700

US Classification:

264 3718

Abstract:

A method of drying a green particulate article includes the steps of: a. Providing a green article which includes a particulate material and a pore phase material, the pore phase material including a solvent; and b. contacting the green article with a liquid desiccant for a period of time sufficient to remove at least a portion of the solvent from the green article, the pore phase material acting as a semipermeable barrier to allow the solvent to be sorbed into the liquid desiccant, the pore phase material substantially preventing the liquid desiccant from entering the pores.

US Patent:

20010015509, Aug 23, 2001

Filed:

Apr 18, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/837891

Inventors:

Terry Tiegs - Lenoir City TN, US
James Kiggans - Oak Ridge TN, US

Assignee:

LOCKHEED MARTIN ENERGY RESEARCH CORPORATION

International Classification:

C04B035/00

US Classification:

264/104000

Abstract:

Systems and methods are described for loss dielectrics. A loss dielectric includes at least one high dielectric loss layer and at least one high thermal conductivity-electrically insulating layer adjacent the at least one high dielectric loss layer. A method of manufacturing a loss dielectric includes providing at least one high dielectric loss layer and providing at least one high thermal conductivity-electrically insulating layer adjacent the at least one high dielectric loss layer. The systems and methods provide advantages because the loss dielectrics are less costly and more environmentally friendly than the available alternatives.