Patents by Inventor John R. De Valle

John R. De Valle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method for plating metal matrix composite materials with nickel and gold
    Patent number: 5730853
    Abstract: A method for plating a graphite aluminum metal matrix composite material with nickel and gold utilizes the steps of: cleaning a surface of the metal matrix composite material so as to substantially remove grease and particulates therefrom; forming a layer of copper upon the surface of the metal matrix composite material; heating the copper layer to drive out entrapped fluids; applying acid to the copper layer to remove oxidation therefrom; forming a layer of nickel upon at least a portion of the layer of copper; heating the nickel layer to relieve stress therein; and electrolytically forming a layer of gold upon at least a portion of the layer of nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Carl R. Smith, Marvin J. Back, Breton Johnson, John R. De Valle, Lawrence J. Maher