Chris E Kirkpatrick

US Patent:

20050178327, Aug 18, 2005

Filed:

Feb 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/780265

Inventors:

James Rudolph - Colorado Springs CO, US
Paul Perea - Pueblo West CO, US
John Linck - Pueblo CO, US
Chris Kirkpatrick - Pueblo West CO, US
Richard Jones - Tipp City OH, US

International Classification:

C23C016/00

US Classification:

118715000

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for densifying porous structures inside a furnace using pressure gradient CVI/CVD. The apparatus includes a stack of porous structures where each porous structure has an aperture therethrough. The apparatus also includes at least one ring-like spacer disposed within the stack of porous structures between neighboring porous structures. The ring-like spacer encircles the apertures of the neighboring porous structures. The stack of porous structures and the at least one ring-like spacer define an enclosed cavity including each porous structure aperture. A channel provides fluid communication between the enclosed cavity and an outer volume defined by the interior surface of the furnace.