Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing a biocompatible metal by vapour deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The invention extends to other metal coating and powders similarly formed so as to provide enhanced solubility.

Abstract: An actively antimicrobial surface for a substrate and for use in a biologically dynamic environment, such as for treating and preventing microbial infections, including a film consisting of at least an antimicrobial element and another electrochemically nobler element and which forms multitudinous galvanic cells with electrolyte-containing biological fluids, such as body fluids from wounds, etc., for releasing the antimicrobial element at the surface.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are preferably formed by depositing an anti-microbial, biocompatible metal by vapor deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by vapor deposition or altered by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. Novel anti-microbial silver materials are defined, characterized by having a positive rest potential, a T.sub.rec /T.sub.m less than 0.33, and a grain size less than 200 nm.

Abstract: Production of an anti-microbial effect in an alcohol or water based electrolyte is achieved by preparing silver materials that form complex ions other than Ag.sup.+, Ag.sup.2+, or Ag.sup.3+, and which produce an anti-microbial effect that is greater than that produced by an equivalent amount of silver as Ag.sup.+. Exemplary complex silver ions produced include Ag(CN).sub.2.sup.-, AgCN(.sub.aq)(ion pair), Ag(NH.sub.3).sub.2.sup.+, AgCl.sub.2.sup.-, Ag(OH).sub.2.sup.-, Ag.sub.2 (OH).sub.3.sup.-, Ag.sub.3 (OH).sub.4.sup.-, and Ag(S.sub.2 O.sub.3).sub.2.sup.3-. The silver materials may be prepared as powders or as solutions or suspensions containing the complex silver ions. The silver materials might also be prepared as coatings, foils, powders, or fine grain or nanocrystalline powders, which are formed with atomic disorder to provide sustained release of the complex silver ions.

Abstract: Thermally sprayable powders for the formation of abradable seals and abradable seals formed by thermally spraying the powders include an alloyed metal phase material and a solid lubricant ceramic phase material. The alloyed metal phase material includes a major amount of a matrix metal which can be one or more of Ag or Cu, at least one melting point depressing metal which can be one or more of Si, B, Mn, or Al, and at least one oxidation resistant metal which can be one or more of Al, Cr, or Si. The solid lubricant ceramic phase is preferably hexagonal boron nitride, molybdenum sulphide, graphite, talc, bentonite or mica. Abradable seals formed by thermally spraying the powders are suitable for use with Ti alloy blades at temperatures up to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are preferably formed by depositing an anti-microbial, biocompatible metal by vapour deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by vapour deposition or altered by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. Novel anti-microbial silver materials are defined, characterized by having a positive rest potential, a T.sub.rec /T.sub.m less than 0.33, and a grain size less than 200 nm.

Abstract: A single calcination stage process for the synthesis of homogeneous crystalline lithium nickel cobalt dioxide from either a mechanical mixture of nickel and cobalt oxides, hydroxide or oxyhydroxide or a chemical precipitation of a homogeneous nickel cobalt hydroxide or cobalt nickel cobalt oxyhydroxide is provided. The reactants are calcined in the presence of lithium hydroxide and an alkali metal hydroxide under predetermined oxygen partial pressure and temperature conditions. The products of the process are characterized in having a lithium to transition metal ratio closely approximating to the desired theoretical value.

Abstract: Novel processes are provided for the production of porous ceramic preforms, metal activated porous ceramic preforms and intermetallic/ceramic/metal composites. These products are all manufactured using processes which are based on tape casting techniques.

Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of porous metal components. The process involves preparing a colloidal suspension comprising a metal-containing powder in admixture with a binder system, and a plasticizer in an organic solvent. Optionally, a particulate pore forming agent may be added to the suspension. The suspension is cast into a thin sheet and air dried to thereby form a tape. The tapes are layered and formed by compacting at predetermined pressures to laminate the tapes, thus forming a green body. Optionally, a second pore-forming agent may be introduced between, or associated with, the tape layers. The green body is heated at a controlled rate to form a brown body, and finally sintered under controlled conditions to produce the finished component.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are preferably formed by depositing an anti-microbial, biocompatible metal by vapor deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by vapor deposition or altered by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. Novel anti-microbial silver materials are defined, characterized by having a positive rest potential, a T.sub.rec /T.sub.m less than 0.33, and a grain size less than 200 nm.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of an oriented high modulus profile is provided together with the novel profiles produced thereby. A dry polymer feedstock is melted and extruded through a die to form a profile precursor having a constant cross-section and specific dimensions. Sequential passage of the profile precursor through roller dies reduces its thickness whilst imparting molecular orientation thereto. The profile is cooled under tension to freeze in the molecular orientation thereof.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices. The coatings are formed by depositing a biocompatible metal by physical vapor deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux.

Abstract: An improved dielectric layer of an electroluminescent laminate, and method of preparation are provided. The dielectric layer is formed as a thick layer from a ceramic material to provide:a dielectric strength greater than about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 V/m;a dielectric constant such that the ratio of the dielectric constant of the dielectric material to that of the phosphor layer is greater than about 50:1;a thickness such that the ratio of the thickness of the dielectric layer to that of the phosphor layer is in the range of about 20:1 to 500:1; anda surface adjacent the phosphor layer which is compatible with the phosphor layer and sufficiently smooth that the phosphor layer illuminates generally uniformly at a given excitation voltage.The invention also provides for electrical connection of an electroluminescent laminate to voltage driving circuity with through hole technology. The invention also extends to laser scribing the transparent conductor lines of an electroluminescent laminate.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing a biocompatible metal by vapor deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The invention extends to other metal coatings and powders similarly formed so as to provide enhanced solubility.

Abstract: An improved dielectric layer of an electroluminescent laminate, and method of preparation are provided. The dielectric layer is formed as a thick layer from a ceramic material to provide:a dielectric strength greater than about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 V/m;a dielectric constant such that the ratio of the dielectric constant of the dielectric material to that of the phosphor layer is greater than about 50:1;a thickness such that the ratio of the thickness of the dielectric layer to that of the phosphor layer is in the range of about 20:1 to 500:1; anda surface adjacent the phosphor layer which is compatible with the phosphor layer and sufficiently smooth that the phosphor layer illuminates generally uniformly at a given excitation voltage.The invention also provides for electrical connection of an electroluminescent laminate to voltage driving circuity with through hole technology. The invention also extends to laser scribing the transparent conductor lines of an electroluminescent laminate.

Abstract: An actively antimicrobial surface for a substrate and for use in a biologically dynamic environment, such as for treating and preventing microbial infections, comprises a film consisting of at least an antimicrobial element and another electrochemically nobler element and which forms multitudinous galvanic cells with electrolyte containing biological fluids, such as body fluids from wounds, etc., for releasing the antimicrobial element at the surface.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing a biocompatible metal by vapor deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The invention extends to other metal coatings and powders similarly formed so as to provide enhanced solubility.

Abstract: An improved dielectric layer of an electroluminescent laminate, and method of preparation are provided. The dielectric layer is formed as a thick layer from a ceramic material to provide:a dielectric strength greater than about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 V/m;a dielectric constant such that the ratio of the dielectric constant of the dielectric material to that of the phosphor layer is greater than about 50:1;a thickness such that the ratio of the thickness of the dielectric layer to that of the phosphor layer is in the range of about 20:1 to 500:1; anda surface adjacent the phosphor layer which is compatible with the phosphor layer and sufficiently smooth that the phosphor layer illuminates generally uniformly at a given excitation voltage.The invention also provides for electrical connection of an electroluminescent laminate to voltage driving circuity with through hole technology. The invention also extends to laser scribing the transparent conductor lines of an electroluminescent laminate.

Abstract: An improved dielectric layer of an electroluminescent laminate, and method of preparation are provided. The dielectric layer is formed as a thick layer from a ceramic material to provide:a dielectric strength greater than about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 V/m;a dielectric constant such that the ratio of the dielectric constant of the dielectric material to that of the phosphor layer is greater than about 50:1;a thickness such that the ratio of the thickness of the dielectric layer to that of the phosphor layer is in the range of about 20:1 to 500:1; anda surface adjacent the phosphor layer which is compatible with the phosphor layer and sufficiently smooth that the phosphor layer illuminates generally uniformly at a given excitation voltage.The invention also provides for electrical connection of an electroluminescent laminate to voltage driving circuity with through-hole technology. The invention also extends to laser scribing the transparent conductor lines of an electroluminescent laminate.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and powders and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing an anti-microbial biocompatible metal by vapour deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The anti-microbial effect of the coatings or powders may be further activated or enhanced by irradiating with a low linear energy transfer form of radiation such as gamma radiation.