Abstract: A method of hardening a clothing wire for processing textile fibers and to an apparatus system therefor. The clothing wire has a succession of teeth arranged in its longitudinal direction, and the clothing wire is guided through a heating region in a pass-through direction for contact with at least one open flame. The heating region is followed by a quenching bath having a quenching liquid and by a subsequent tempering apparatus. The clothing wire moving in the pass-through direction is flushed around with a protective medium in a transition region between the region of contact with the open flame and the entry into the quenching liquid.

Abstract: A method of coating spherical components with a coating process in which the spherical components have a surface area includes positioning the spherical components within a containment boundary on a moving member and positioning the moving member within a chamber. The method includes reducing the pressure within the chamber to less than one atmosphere. The method also includes revolving the moving member about a longitudinal axis. The method further includes oscillating the moving member in a direction of the longitudinal axis and commencing the coating process. The oscillating and revolving produce motion of the spherical components within the containment boundary such that an entirety of the surface area of each component is exposed to the coating process.

Abstract: A method for the antimicrobial provision of implant surfaces with silver, in which the method comprises an anodizing of the implant surface with an electrolyte, in which the electrolyte has a silver-yielding substance. Alternatively, the method comprises a silver implantation or a silver PVD deposition.

Abstract: A method for producing an implant, particularly an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having a body, wherein the body comprises magnesium or a magnesium alloy. In order to control the degradation in a desired time window, such as between four weeks and six months, the following production method is carried out: a) preparing the implant body, b) applying a metallic coating onto at least a portion of the body surface, the primary constituent of the coating being at least one element of the group containing titanium and aluminum, c) plasmachemical treatment of the portion of the body surface provided with the coating in an aqueous solution in order to produce a layer created by plasmachemical treatment by applying a mixed voltage generating the plasma to the body of the implant, wherein the mixed voltage has sufficient energy to temporarily ionize both the metallic coating and a subjacent region of the implant body. The invention further relates to an implant that can be obtained by such a method.

Abstract: A method of preparing metal-modified silica particles is disclosed. Specifically, a treatment chamber is provided in which a first and a second formulation are ultrasonically mixed to prepare metal-modified silica particles. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the first and second formulations flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulations within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.

Abstract: A blade shaped tool belonging to that type of tools which comprises doctor blades and coater blades, which have a strip-shaped body of steel which is cold-rolled, hardened and tempered to a hardness between 500 and 700 HV. At least the two wide sides of the body are covered by a hard surface layer (6a,6b) provided through Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation of hard reaction products of type carbides, nitrides and/or oxides. The tool has in comparison with conventional tools of corresponding steel grades an improved bending resistance and in the working edge portion of the tool also a significantly higher resistance to wear.

Abstract: A biocorrodible implant includes a base formed from magnesium or a biocorrodible magnesium alloy, whose surface has a corrosion-inhibiting coating. A diffusion layer, which covers the base, differs in composition from the implant material. The diffusion layer contains at least one metallic element of the implant material and at least one corrosion-inhibiting element selected from the group of Al, Zn, Ca, Si, In, Mn, Sc and RE, where RE stands for rare earth metals. The implant optionally includes a metal layer of at least one of the corrosion-inhibiting elements selected from the group of Al, Zn, Ca, Si, In, Mn, Sc and RE covering the diffusion layer, and a passivating layer of metal oxides, metal nitrides or metal fluorides of at least one of the corrosion-inhibiting elements selected from the group of Al, Zn, Ca, Si, In, Mn, Sc and RE covering the diffusion layer or the metal layer.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy component has a surface region alloyed with an anodic metal to increase corrosion resistance in aqueous environments with high salinity or sulfur content.

Abstract: A housing includes a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, an ion implantation layer formed on the substrate, and a vacuum coated layer formed on the ion implantation layer. The ion implantation layer is implanted with one or more ion species selected from the group consisting of nitrogen ion, oxygen ion, and boron ion and is substantially comprised of one or more selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, and aluminum boride. The implanted ions can improve the compactness of the ion implantation layer. Thus, the corrosion resistance of the housing can be improved.

Abstract: The present disclosure uses different kinds of surface treatment processes on titanium-made dental implants. The growth and attachment conditions of bone cells (MC3T3-E), fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and epidermal cells (XB-2) on the metal surface of titanium slices with different surface treatments are observed. Tetra-calcium phosphate is used to perform secondary sand-blasting process to clean up the metal surface and provide calcium ions for osteoblastoma physiology. Thus, by adjusting the cells adhesive and proliferative abilities, the success rate of the clinical applications in dental implant is improved.

Abstract: A housing includes a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, an ion implantation layer formed on the substrate, and a vacuum coated layer formed on the ion implantation layer. The ion implantation layer is implanted with one or more ion species selected from the group consisting of nitrogen ion, oxygen ion, and boron ion and is substantially comprised of one or more selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, and aluminum boride. The implanted ions can improve the compactness of the ion implantation layer. Thus, the corrosion resistance of the housing can be improved.

Abstract: A low friction top coat over a multilayer metal/ceramic bondcoat provides a conductive substrate, such as a rotary tool, with wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The top coat further provides low friction and anti-stickiness as well as high compressive stress. The high compressive stress provided by the top coat protects against degradation of the tool due to abrasion and torsional and cyclic fatigue. Substrate temperature is strictly controlled during the coating process to preserve the bulk properties of the substrate and the coating. The described coating process is particularly useful when applied to shape memory alloys.

Abstract: A method for producing an implant, particularly an intralumimal endoprosthesis, having a body, wherein the body comprises magnesium or a magnesium alloy. In order to control the degradation in a desired time window, such as between four weeks and six months, the following production method is carried out: a) preparing the implant body, b) applying a metallic coating onto at least a portion of the body surface, the primary constituent of the coating being at least one element of the group containing titanium and aluminum, c) plasmachemical treatment of the portion of the body surface provided with the coating in an aqueous solution in order to produce a layer created by plasmachemical treatment by applying a mixed voltage generating the plasma to the body of the implant, wherein the mixed voltage has sufficient energy to temporarily ionize both the metallic coating and a subjacent region of the implant body. The invention further relates to an implant that can be obtained by such a method.

Abstract: A method for ordering a disordered alloy includes: simultaneously ion bombarding and annealing a disordered alloy to transform the disordered alloy from a disordered crystalline state to an ordered crystalline state. A method for making a perpendicular magnetic recording medium which includes an ordered alloy layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making surface treated shape memory materials such as from NiTi alloy using plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition and related ion-beam and plasma-based techniques to alter the surface properties of those materials primarily for biomedical applications. The surfaces are treated with nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon, but become bio-inactive after implanted with other elements such as silicon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting element (10), such as used in an electric shaver. The cutting element is made from stainless steel with a hardened surface layer (14) over at least part of its surface, and is characterized, in that the cutting end face (11) of the element comprises a, surface layer of hardened steel at least over its cutting edge (12), the rest of the end face comprising the stainless steel. The cutting element has self-sharpening and wear adjustable characteristics. The invention also relates to a method for producing the cutting element, and to an electric shaver comprising at least one cutting element according to the invention.

Abstract: In a surface layer of an ultra-low carbon stainless steel comprising a seal function layer in the surface layer, an ion such as a nitrogen ion is implanted to form the seal function layer. Since the ultra-low carbon stainless steel comprising the seal function layer is excellent in elasticity, sealing properties, peelability and abrasion resistance, it can make a seal material which has been used unnecessary, and can realize all stainless-made products such as seal and joint system parts.

Abstract: Components, such as gears and other power transmission components, are formed by near-net-forging a high strength, high toughness ferrous metal alloy, surface processing metal alloy to form a hardened surface region (28), and coating the surface region with a lubricious coating (84) as shown in FIG. 9.

Abstract: Magnetic medium recording performance can be enhanced by irradiating a magnetic medium with ions having an acceleration voltage of between 10 keV and 100 keV to induce exchange coupling between grains of the magnetic medium. The magnetic medium is exposed to a cumulative ion dosage of between 1013 ions/cm2 and 1017 ions/cm2 using a non-patterned exposure of the magnetic medium. The ions can be selected from the group consisting of H+, He+, Ne+, Ar+, Kr+, and Xe+. Alternatively, the ions can be selected from the group consisting of Ga+, Hg+, and In+.

Abstract: A manganese-implanted silicon substrate exhibits ferromagnetism and a Curie temperature above room temperature when magnetized. The implant is done at a temperature of between about 250 C and about 800 C, while the manganese concentration is between about 0.01 atomic percent and 10 atomic percent. The silicon substrate can be p- or n-type with a doping concentration between 1015 and 1021 cm?3. Annealing may be done to increase the saturation magnetization.

Abstract: A medical device can include a metal member including a porous first portion with pores extending from a surface of the metal member into the first portion and non-porous second portion. The first portion can have a porosity that varies with distance from the surface of the metal member.

Abstract: A simple and direct method of forming a SiGe-on-insulator that relies on the oxidation of a porous silicon layer (or region) that is created beneath a Ge-containing layer is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a structure comprising a Si-containing substrate having a hole-rich region formed therein and a Ge-containing layer atop the Si-containing substrate; converting the hole-rich region into a porous region; and annealing the structure including the porous region to provide a substantially relaxed SiGe-on-insulator material.

Abstract: A silicon-germanium alloy of high crystal quality and containing uniform concentrations of dopant and germanium is formed by applying laser energy to a doped amorphous/polysilicon germanium layer overlying epitaxial silicon. Energy transferred from the laser beam causes melting of the germanium and the underlying silicon, resulting in diffusion of germanium and dopant into the melted silicon. Subsequent cooling and crystallization of the silicon/germanium/dopant melt produces a high quality crystal lattice uniformly incorporating germanium and dopant within its structure. Efficient energy transfer from the laser beam to the underlying germanium and silicon may be promoted by patterning an anti-reflective coating over the amorphous/polysilicon doped germanium prior to exposure to laser radiation. The process is particularly suited for forming the silicon-germanium base of a heterojunction bipolar transistor device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating the surface of a metal body through phase transformation, ion implantation, and/or diffusion and to form new phases of metallic materials. The method and apparatus have been shown to be particularly useful to improve the hardness and corrosion resistance of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Generally, the method comprises irradiating a portion of the metal body (18) with a laser (12), and directing a stream of gas (22) onto the same portion of the metal body simultaneously with and preferably for a duration after the laser is turned off. Preferably, the laser (12) is a carbon dioxide laser operated in a pulsed mode to control heating of the metal (18). The gas (22) is preferably carbon dioxide to quickly cool the metal when the laser is off, and to provide carbon atoms for deposition onto the body.

Abstract: A method of ion implantation using oxygen backfill and a modified surface layer formed therefrom are provided. The method of ion implantation includes the steps of placing a substrate metal in an ion implantation vacuum chamber, introducing oxygen into the ion implantation vacuum chamber and directing a beam of ions at the substrate metal. The modified surface includes a substrate metal and implanted atoms at a surface of the substrate metal. The implanted atoms are integrated with the substrate metal. The substrate metal has an implanted atom concentration of at least 5 atomic % to a depth of over 250 Å.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for improving the tribology between an air bearing surface of a magnetic recording head and a magnetic recording medium. In addition, techniques are described for reducing resistance to wear and corrosion of the air bearing surface of the recording head as well as resistance to corrosion of the recording medium. Various ion beam techniques can be used to enhance the properties of the recording head and recording medium, and include ion implant techniques, ion mixing techniques and ion burnishing techniques.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a 1-inch diameter glass substrate for a magnetic disc in which a plate glass is press molded using a mold formed of a super-hard material and having a surface of a prescribed roughness. Ion implantation using nitrogen ions is performed on the surface of the mold, after which ion implantation using palladium ions, platinum ions, and carbon ions is performed in the order given. Finally, the surface of the mold is coated with a graphite or amorphous diamond-like carbon coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a 2-5 inch diameter glass substrate for a magnetic disc in which a plate glass is press molded using a mold formed of a super-hard material and having a surface of a prescribed roughness. Ion implantation using nitrogen ions is performed on the surface of the mold, after which ion implantation using palladium ions, platinum ions, and carbon ions is performed in the order given. Finally, the surface of the mold is coated with a graphite or amorphous diamond-like carbon coating.

Abstract: This invention provides a covered member which possesses a high bond strength of a base material and a covering film, and has a smooth surface. The covered member comprises a base material and a covering film and the surface of the base material to be covered with the covering film is characterized by an uneven surface having projections with an average height in the range from 10 to 100 nm and an average width of not more than 300 nm. The uneven surface can be formed by ion impacting. A surface of a covering film formed on that is smooth since the unevenness of the surface is extremely fine.

Abstract: A process for modifying a metal surface by irradiating energized ion particles onto a metal surface while blowing a reactive gas directly on the metal surface under a vacuum condition. The process can achieve the effect of decreasing the wetting angle of the polymer or metal surface and enhancing the strength and the surface energy of the metal.

Abstract: A surface reforming method of a metal product, wherein a platinum film is formed on the surface of a metal product by injecting onto that surface a nitrogen ion, a carbon ion and a platinum ion in that order, and then injected onto said platinum film a second platinum ion with the aim of improving the exfoliation resistance of the platinum film being formed on the metal surface, and the abrasion resistance of the surface.

Abstract: A surface of a substrate is vacuum coated with a material by sequentially implanting and depositing ions from a single ion source. First ions of the coating material are initially implanted into the surface of the substrate to form an implanted substrate layer. Next, second ions of the material are deposited on the implanted substrate layer to form a seed layer. Third ions of the material are then implanted into the seed layer to form an intermixed layer. Fourth ions of the material are deposited over the intermixed layer to form the coating over the substrate.

Abstract: An improved magnetic-recording disk and a process for manufacturing magnetic-recording disks are disclosed. A precision cold-rolled authentic stainless steel is the substrate for a magnetic-recording disk. The surface of the substrate may be hardened by plasma nitriding, plasma carburizing, or plasma carbonitriding. A hard coating may be applied to the substrate by evaporative reactive ion plating or reactive sputtering of aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, or nitrides, carbides, or borides of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, or tungsten.

Abstract: A method for protecting a titanium aluminide substrate against environmental degradation at higher temperatures, which comprises applying a layer of a ductile titanium alloy to at least one exterior surface of the substrate and applying an oxidation resistant coating to the exterior surface of the ductile layer. The titanium aluminide substrate may be monolithic or a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The oxidation resistant coating is an ion-plated coating of (a) a noble metal, such as gold or platinum, or (b) a coating of tungsten followed by an ion-plated coating of a noble metal.

Abstract: A plasma heating apparatus for heating a workpiece includes a chamber of sufficient size to receive a workpiece therein and a source of a reduced gas pressure within the chamber of from about 0.01 to about 100 millitorr. The plasma heating apparatus further includes a plasma source of an enveloping plasma. Optionally, a workpiece voltage may be applied between the workpiece and the wall of the chamber, and a source of a reactive gas can be provided to backfill the chamber, and radiant heaters can be provided to independently heat portions of the workpiece. In operation, the plasma source produces a plasma that surrounds and heats the workpiece. The plasma and the heating of the workpiece are tailored to achieve controllably uniform or nonuniform heat treatment and/or surface treatment of the workpiece.

Abstract: A process for implanting radioisotope ions into a substrate to create a radioisotope source, utilizing the chemical binding of selected ions to the surface of the substrate. Extraneous material not chemically bound to the substrate is removed and the chemically bound ions are diffused below the surface of the substrate in a non-oxidizing environment.

Abstract: A part of a light-water reactor, for example, a cladding for a light-water reactor has at least a portion made of an intermetallic compound, such as Ni.sub.3 Al, Ni.sub.2 Al.sub.3, TiAl, Ti.sub.3 Al, Pt.sub.2 Si, PtSi, FeAl.sub.2, CoAl, and MoSi.sub.2, thereby having limited irradiation degradation by fast neutrons, improved ductility and usability at high temperatures the intermetallic compound is produced by a process comprising a step of irradiating the intermetallic compound with at least one selected from the group consisting of a neutron, a light ion, and an electron. The intermetallic compound may contain a twin and a third additional element segregatedly present or forms a second phase at or near to a grain boundary.

Abstract: Loom components such as reed dents or weft brake lamellae that, during operation, are exposed to frictional abrasion by a moving weft thread, are made of cold rolled strip steel or of refined nitrided steels. The components are then exposed to a heat treatment at a temperature larger than 480.degree. C. for a duration of more than two hours, preferably up to 8 hours. A thermo-chemical treatment is performed simultaneously with the heat treatment to harden at least those surface areas of the components that in operation will be exposed to the frictional abrasion.

Abstract: A process for producing coherent twin, incoherent twin, low angle tilt, high angle tilt or CSL grain boundaries in materials is described. A planar material or a planar substrate coated with the polycrystalline material is heated in selected areas so as to provide a temperature gradient in the substrate. The temperature gradient is sufficiently large and maintained for a sufficient time so that preferential nucleation occurs and recrystallization in the plane of the polycrystalline material takes place such that coherent twin, incoherent twin, low angle tilt, high angle tilt or CSL boundaries between chains of grains growing along lines of equal temperature are produced.

Abstract: A process for increasing the corrosion resistance of honeycomb core panel construction by using an ion beam enhanced deposition. In one aspect of the invention, molybdenum ions are embedded a predetermined depth into the front and back surfaces of a honeycomb-shaped core. The ions interact with the core metal to form an aluminum-molybdenum alloy which is impervious to corrosion. A thin film coating of metal simultaneously is produced on the surface of the metal-ion embedded core metal. The process also may be used to embed ions into the outer skin layers to achieve enhanced corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Deposition of a hard film of Ti-Si-N composite material on a substrate is carried out by using a source of evaporation possessing a composition of Ti.sub.a Si.sub.b (wherein "a" and "b" stand for atomic percentages respectively falling in the ranges of 75 at % .ltoreq.a.ltoreq.85 at % and 15 at %.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.25 at %, providing a+b=100 at %). Deposition is effected by a sputtering process or ion plating process in an atmosphere of an inert gas containing a nitrogen-containing reaction gas while controlling the feed rate of the reaction gas into a chamber in such a manner that the partial pressure of nitrogen is kept constant or varied continuously or stepwise. By this method there can be obtained a film having fine TiN crystalline particles uniformly dispersed in the matrix phase of Ti-Si amorphous metal or a film of functionally gradient structure in which the ratio of fine TiN crystalline particles dispersed in the matrix phase increases continuously or stepwise in the direction of thickness of the film.

Abstract: An alloy has less stable oxides, e.g. nickel oxide, chromium oxide, and iron oxide on a surface (FIG. 1 ). The material has specific reaction elements such as titanium and aluminum in a relatively low concentration throughout the alloy. At an elevated temperature, the surface of the alloy is subject to a fluid which reduces the nickel, chromium, and iron oxides and the aluminum or titanium adjacent the surface reduces components of the fluid (FIG. 2 ). The alloy is maintained at the elevated temperature in the presence of the fluid until a barrier film of the specific reactive elements is formed. In one embodiment, the working fluid is a gaseous fluid of hydrogen or an inert gas with water vapor. The hydrogen of the water vapor reduces the less stable oxides and the oxygen oxidizes the specific reaction elements. In another embodiment, the working fluid is a liquid metal other than lithium which carries oxygen.

Abstract: Deposition of a hard film of Ti--Si--N composite material on a substrate is carried out by using a source of evaporation possessing a composition of Ti.sub.a Si.sub.b (wherein "a" and "b" stand for atomic percentages respectively falling in the ranges of 75 at %.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.85 at % and 15 at %.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.25 at %, providing a+b=100 at %). Deposition is effected by a sputtering process or ion plating process in an atmosphere of an inert gas containing a nitrogen-containing reaction gas while controlling the feed rate of the reaction gas into a chamber in such a manner that the partial pressure of nitrogen is kept constant or varied continuously or stepwise.

Abstract: A method for ion implantation of relatively high concentrations of alloying elements into a metal target without sputtering the target, in which the target is precoated with a layer of preselected thickness of a light, low sputtering yield element such as carbon, which is ablated during the ion implantation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvement of corrosion wear resistance of iron-manganese (FeMn) film by ion implantation and subsequent annealing without substantially affecting the magnetic properties of the magnetic material. A highly corrosive and wear resistant FeMn film is disclosed comprised of a layer of FeMn and at least one protective layer selected from the group consisting of nitrides, carbides and oxides, with said protective layer being formed at the surface of the FeMn layer.