Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly comprised of the metal part, the ceramic part, and a very thin essentially pure interlayer material of a compatible interlayer material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed between the metal part and the metal interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of either the interlayer material, the ceramic part or the metal part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the ceramic part and the metal part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts, to assure a biocompatible component assembly for implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: The invention is a component and method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly comprised of the metal part, the ceramic part, and a thin compact interlayer material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed within the compact interlayer material or between the metal part and the compact interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of the ceramic part or of the metal part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a strong bond between the ceramic part and the metal part. The compact interlayer material may be further comprised of two or more sets of metal alloy particles each having distinct compositions.

Abstract: A hermetic seal that is compatible with lithium-ion electrolyte in lithium batteries is formed in feedthroughs by compression, chemical bonding, and mechanical bonding between the metal pin and a sealing glass, such as Cabal-12. The pin is alternately coated with a metal or a metal oxide to enhance compatibility with the lithium battery environment. The pin surface is deformed to enhance bonding with the glass seal. Mechanical bonds are also achieved by placing the pin/glass seal interface in compression by a compression bushing.

Abstract: A method of bonding a stainless steel part to a titanium part by heating a component assembly comprised of the titanium part, the stainless steel part, and a compact titanium-nickel filler material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is less than the melting point of either the stainless steel part or the titanium part. The compact filler material is made of particles, preferably spheres, of discrete layers of nickel and titanium metal that react with each other and with the stainless and titanium parts to form a strong assembly when thermally processed. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the stainless steel part and the titanium part.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part (6) to a metal part (4) by heating a component assembly (2) comprised of the metal part (4), the ceramic part (6), and a thin laminated interlayer material (8) placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed within the laminated interlayer material (8) or between the metal part (4) and the laminated interlayer material (8), but that is less than the melting point of the ceramic part (6) or of the metal part (4). The component assembly (2) is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a strong bond between the ceramic part (6) and the metal part (4). The compact interlayer material (8?) may be further comprised of two or more sets of metal alloy spheres (16, 16?) each having distinct compositions.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part (6) to a metal part (4) by heating a component assembly (2) comprised of the metal part (4), the ceramic part (6), and a thin laminated interlayer material (8) placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed within the laminated interlayer material (8) or between the metal part (4) and the laminated interlayer material (8), but that is less than the melting point of the ceramic part (6) or of the metal part (4). The component assembly (2) is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a strong bond between the ceramic part (6) and the metal part (4). The compact interlayer material (8?) may be further comprised of two or more sets of metal alloy spheres (16, 16?) each having distinct compositions.

Abstract: An electronics filter circuit includes an electromechanical resonator that is mounted directly to the surface of a silicon integrated circuit, rather than being a surface mounted or leaded filter can on a circuit board. This filter circuit allows the integrated circuit electronic package to be significantly smaller than a conventional electromechanical resonator package. The electromechanical resonator may be protected during processing and during use with a protective cover that is made of a material such as titanium. The protective cover is attached to the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly comprised of the metal part, the ceramic part, and a very thin essentially pure interlayer material of a compatible interlayer material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed between the metal part and the metal interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of either the interlayer material, the ceramic part or the metal part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the ceramic part and the metal part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts, to assure a biocompatible component assembly for implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly comprised of the metal part, the ceramic part, and a compatible interlayer material such as titanium-nickel alloy placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the eutectic temperature of the interlayer material, where alloys, intermetallics or solid solution formed between the metal part and the metal interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of either the ceramic part or the metal part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the ceramic part and the metal part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove unwanted materials, to assure a biocompatible component assembly for implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: A connector (1) and method of making electrical connection between an electrical conductor (7, 11) and a removable electrical device (2). The connector (7, 11) is an elastic material, such as silicone, that is both compatible with the environment and is an electrical insulator. It forces contact between the electrical device (2) and integral contacts (10, 13) in the connector (1) by virtue of its elasticity. The electrodes (4, 6) and the electrical connections are protected from the environment to avoid electrical leakage or corrosion of the electrodes (4, 6).

Abstract: The invention is a method of qualifying an implantable ceramic component made of high-purity dense yttria tetragonal zirconium oxide polycrystal (Y-TZP) by application of non-destructive tests. Specifically, a qualified Y-TZP ceramic component or witness sample is examined by X-ray diffraction to determine the initial monoclinic phase content. The component or witness sample is exposed to steam at 127° C. for a predetermined period of time, preferably six hours. The monoclinic phase content is determined for the post-exposure sample. The absolute difference between the initial monoclinic phase content and the post-exposure monoclinic phase content is calculated by difference. If the difference is less than 2.1% the sample is accepted. In an alternate embodiment, the components that pass the screening test are examined by ultrasonic testing to evaluate soundness of the ceramic component. Any component that presents a flaw of greater than three microns is rejected.