Patents by Inventor Joel Ray McLean

Joel Ray McLean 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).

  • Alloy-plated sheet steel cured with a thin layer of insulating polymer material forming an electrically nonconductive breachable metal substrate
    Patent number: 6248455
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically insulating polymer coating on a conductive metal substrate, especially zinc and tin-plated sheet steel. The polymer is applied to at least one side of the sheet, the amount being adequate to create a uniform layer of 0.5 to 0.8 micrometers thickness after curing. The polymer coated sheet is heat cured at 200° C. to 210° C. for 10-15 minutes. The thickness of the polymer layer is selected to be within a specified range. The range is determined based upon subsequent manufacturing operations which require an electrically conductive path between a component and the metal substrate. The curing conditions are selected for the dual purpose of heat curing the polymer to the substrate surface as well as to stress relieve the tin or zinc-plated sheet steel. This treatment helps to prevent tin whisker growth and improves the corrosion resistance of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jacklin Ann Adams, Joel Ray McLean