BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING, LLC

Techniques for building three-dimensional metal objects layer-by-layer using metal powders, including powder bed fusion, binder jetting, and directed energy deposition. This theme encompasses process mechanics, equipment design, and operational control for AM systems.

Integration of additive manufacturing with subtractive manufacturing (e.g., machining, cutting) or other traditional processes within a single system or workflow to create parts with improved features, surface finish, or material properties, or to enable new manufacturing paradigms.

Systems and methods for real-time sensing, modeling, and closed-loop control of additive manufacturing parameters to ensure part quality, consistency, and process efficiency. This includes thermal management, atmospheric regulation, and precise material deposition.

Design and features of welding and soldering tools, fixtures, and accessories that enhance user safety, ergonomics, operational efficiency, and precise workpiece manipulation, including protective equipment and clamping mechanisms.

Couplings and fittings designed for specific fluid properties (e.g., cryogenic, chemical, medical, high-pressure) or requiring aseptic conditions, low-spill characteristics, or antimicrobial features to ensure safety and integrity.

Mechanisms allowing rapid, secure, and often sealed attachment and detachment of pipes, tubes, or hoses, frequently featuring locking, sealing, and release components for efficient assembly and maintenance.

Development of novel motor architectures beyond traditional radial flux designs, including linear, axial, or multi-armature configurations, often to optimize for specific performance characteristics like torque density or form factor.

Methods and processes for fabricating ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), including preform creation, infiltration techniques, and densification to form complex shapes with enhanced properties.

Development of novel chemical compositions for fluxes, solders, and filler metals to improve material properties, enhance joint reliability, reduce defects, or meet specific application requirements like high-temperature reflow or specialized material joining.

Utilization of electrochemical processes to synthesize a variety of chemical products, materials, or to treat waste streams, by selectively promoting redox reactions of specific feedstocks beyond hydrogen or CO2 reduction.

Techniques and systems utilizing laser beams for precise material modification, including cutting, cladding, ablation, and surface treatment, often for joining, shaping, or removing material.

Methods and systems for detecting fluid or gas leaks, or assessing the quality and continuity of seals in containers, systems, or structures. This often involves pressure changes, electrical properties, or acoustic analysis.

Development and processing of metal powders with specific magnetic properties, including soft magnetic alloys, permanent magnet materials, and insulated powders for electronic components, often involving precise control of particle size, morphology, and composition.

Development of catalytic materials and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) specifically designed for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon monoxide (COx) into valuable chemicals or fuels.

Design and engineering of non-catalytic parts within an electrolysis cell or stack, such as separators, gaskets, flow fields, porous transport layers, and manifold devices, to improve efficiency, sealing, or gas management.

Methods for layer-by-layer deposition or 3D printing of concrete and cement-based materials, often employing rapidly hydrating binders or specialized compositions for rapid setting.

Development of concrete and cement compositions utilizing waste products, alternative binders, or eco-friendly additives to reduce environmental impact and resource consumption.

Production of materials where properties vary continuously or discontinuously through the volume, often achieved by combining different powders or applying specialized coatings like thermal sprays to enhance surface hardness, wear resistance, or thermal properties.

Methods and systems for enhancing the operational lifespan, stability, and performance management of electrolyzers, including strategies for preventing degradation, restoring activity, and regulating operating conditions.