Patents by Inventor Guangqiang Jiang

Guangqiang Jiang 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).

  • Patent number: 7901761
    Abstract: The invention is a hermetic via in a ceramic substrate that is comprised of noble metal powder in a glass-free paste that contains an admixture of a particulate phase of niobium pentoxide. The electrically conductive platinum provides excellent electrical conductivity while the niobium pentoxide phase prevents shrinkage of the paste during thermal processing and binds to both the ceramic and the noble metal particulates in the via, thus maintaining a hermetic seal around the via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Attila Antalfy, Gary D. Schnittgrund
  • Patent number: 7519419
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a material and a method of substantially eliminating destructive low-temperature, humidity-enhanced phase transformation of yttria-stabilized zirconia in general, as well as eliminating low-temperature degradation of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y-TZP). The martensitic-type phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic is accompanied by severe strength degradation in a moist environment at low-temperature, specifically at room temperature as well as at body temperature. This class of materials has been chosen as the packaging material for small implantable neural-muscular sensors and stimulators because of the high fracture toughness and high mechanical strength. This destructive phase transformation has been substantially eliminated, thus ensuring the safety of long-term implants, by subjecting the sintered components to post-machining hot isostatic pressing, such that the average grain size is less than about 0.5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Kate E. Purnell, Gary D. Schnittgrund
  • Patent number: 7435443
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing the material that is unaffected by the low-temperature degradation, humidity-enhanced phase transformation typical of yttria-stabilized zirconia, as well as of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y-TZP). Because of the high fracture toughness and high mechanical strength, this class of materials is widely used, including as implants, such as for the packaging material for small implantable neural-muscular sensors and stimulators. The destructive phase transformation rate is dramatically reduced by coating the surface of the Y-TZP component with dense alumina by a physical vapor deposition process, preferably ion beam assisted deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventor: Guangqiang Jiang
  • Patent number: 7331499
    Abstract: A method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly including the metal part, the ceramic part, and a thin essentially pure interlayer material placed between the two parts heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed between the metal part and the interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of the interlayer material, the ceramic part or the metal part is disclosed. 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 assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts to assure a biocompatible assembly for implantation in living tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Kate E. Purnell, Gary D. Schnittgrund
  • Patent number: 7297420
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a material that is unaffected by the low-temperature degradation, humidity-enhanced phase transformation typical of yttria-stabilized zirconia, as well as of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polyorystalline ceramic (Y-TZP). Because of the high fracture toughness and high mechanical strength, this class of materials is widely used, including as implants, such as for the packaging material for small implantable neural-muscular sensors and stimulators. The destructive phase transformation rate is dramatically reduced by coating the surface of the Y-TZP component with dense alumina by a physical vapor deposition process, preferably ion beam assisted deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventor: Guangqiang Jiang
  • Publication number: 20070067007
    Abstract: The electrode array is a device for making electrical contacts with cellular tissue or organs. The electrode array includes an assembly of electrically conductive electrodes arising from a substrate where the electrodes are hermetically bonded to the substrate. The electrodes also include an insulating layer which leaves at least one zone or at least one hole exposed for making focused electrical contact with the tissue. A hole passing completely or partially through the electrode may further provide an anchor to the living tissue, thereby stabilizing the array with respect to the tissue being examined. Also, a method of manufacture of an electrode array and associated circuitry is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Applicant: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Joseph Schulman, Guangqiang Jiang, Charles Byers
  • Patent number: 7178710
    Abstract: A method of braze 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 very thin substantially pure nickel foil filler material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed between the titanium part and the substantially pure nickel filler material, but that is less than the melting point of either the filler material, the stainless steel part, or the titanium 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 stainless steel part and the titanium 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Atilla Antalfy
  • Patent number: 7157150
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Attila Antalfy, Gary D. Schnittgrund
  • Publication number: 20060138202
    Abstract: A method of braze 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 very thin substantially pure nickel foil filler material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed between the titanium part and the substantially pure nickel filler material, but that is less than the melting point of either the filler material, the stainless steel part, or the titanium 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 stainless steel part and the titanium 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Attila Antalfy
  • Publication number: 20060121206
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing the material that is unaffected by the low-temperature degradation, humidity-enhanced phase transformation typical of yttria-stabilized zirconia, as well as of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y-TZP). Because of the high fracture toughness and high mechanical strength, this class of materials is widely used, including as implants, such as for the packaging material for small implantable neural-muscular sensors and stimulators. The destructive phase transformation rate is dramatically reduced by coating the surface of the Y-TZP component with dense alumina by a physical vapor deposition process, preferably ion beam assisted deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventor: Guangqiang Jiang
  • Publication number: 20060113357
    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 laminated 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 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. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts, to assure a biocompatible component assembly, if implanted in living tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Applicant: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Atilla Antalfy
  • Publication number: 20060108227
    Abstract: The invention is an electroformed coating of nickel formed on yttria-stabilized tetragonal polycrystalline ceramic where a hydrofluoric acid etch is utilized with the component during processing to result in an adherent, dense nickel-rich coating. Control of the sensitizing, catalyzing, and reaction enhancement processes to about 90° C. provides improved nickel deposition properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Kessarin Tiankanon, Guangqiang Jiang
  • Publication number: 20060046070
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a material and a method of producing the material that is unaffected by the low-temperature degradation, humidity-enhanced phase transformation typical of yttria-stabilized zirconia, as well as of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y-TZP). Because of the high fracture toughness and high mechanical strength, this class of materials is widely used, including as implants, such as for the packaging material for small implantable neural-muscular sensors and stimulators. The destructive phase transformation rate is dramatically reduced by coating the surface of the Y-TZP component with dense alumina by a physical vapor deposition process, preferably ion beam assisted deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventor: Guangqiang Jiang
  • Patent number: 6997071
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Kate E. Purnell, Gary D. Schnittgrund, Joseph H. Schulman
  • Patent number: 6989200
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, Guangqiang Jiang, Gary D. Schnittgrund
  • Patent number: 6986453
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Kate E. Purnell, Gary D. Schnittgrund
  • Publication number: 20060000874
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Kate Purnell, Gary Schnittgrund
  • Publication number: 20050227105
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Attila Antalfy, Gary Schnittgrund
  • Publication number: 20050224558
    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 laminated 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 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. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts, to assure a biocompatible component assembly, if implanted in living tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Attila Antalfy
  • Publication number: 20050228467
    Abstract: An implantable miniature bonded device comprising a bimetallic electrode hermetically bonded to a ceramic tube that contains electrical components for processing electrical signals that are communicated to or from living tissue via an electrically conductive wire. The ceramic tube is an electrical insulator that is biocompatible and that is bonded to a titanium electrode part, which in turn is bonded to a stainless steel electrode part by brazing. Degradation of the electrical conductivity between the wire and the device is avoided by attaching an electrically conductive wire directly to the stainless steel part, rather than to the titanium part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Inventor: Guangqiang Jiang