Abstract: A lower melting point metal substrate such as zinc is covered with a higher melting point metal layer such as nickel. In order to render the nickel layer suitable for coining without cracking, it is quickly annealed with a burst of induction heat. The induction heat is limited so that only the metal layer is heated without allowing substantial heat transfer to the metal substrate. This protects the metal substrate from any substantial melting, deformation or warping and maintains the metal substrate substantially intact and without a change in properties and shape.

Abstract: A lower melting point metal substrate such as zinc is covered with a higher melting point metal layer such as nickel. In order to render the nickel layer suitable for coining without cracking, it is quickly annealed with a burst of induction heat. The induction heat is limited so that only the metal layer is heated without allowing substantial heat transfer to the metal substrate. This protects the metal substrate from any substantial melting, deformation or warping and maintains the metal substrate substantially in tact and without a change in properties and shape.

Abstract: An alloy, comprising up to 2% by weight of manganese and the balance zinc broadens the use of low cost zinc in coinage and token applications as well as in electrical and electronic applications. Additions of small amounts of manganese can have a significant effect on lowering the conductivity of zinc and its alloys.

Abstract: Alloys of copper and manganese and copper, manganese and zinc can be used for the production of coins, such as the U.S. five cent piece or “nickel.” With appropriate platings, these alloys can match the electromagnetic signatures or electrical conductivity of currently circulated coins. This is important as modern vending machines include sensors which measure the conductivity of coins to ensure they are genuine.

Abstract: Metals having a silvery-white appearance and methods of producing the same. In one embodiment, the composite material of the present invention comprises a metallic core, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer encases the external surfaces of the metallic core and is produced by electroplating copper or copper alloy from a first bath containing copper ions. The second layer encases the first layer and is produced by electroplating white bronze from a second bath containing copper and tin ions. According to one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the first layer is electroplated on the metallic core and the second layer is electroplated on the first layer. In another embodiment of the composite material and method of the present invention, the material comprises only the metallic core and a first layer of white bronze. The resulting composite has a silvery-white appearance and does not include exposed nickel so that persons allergic to nickel metals are not affected by the composite.

Abstract: Substrates having an alloy finish and methods of producing the same. The finished product according to one embodiment of the present invention is a substrate having an alloy finish comprising two or more metals, and is made by the method of the present invention. Generally, the method of the present invention comprises provision of a substrate, electroplating two or more metals onto the substrate, and then baking the plated substrate to result an alloy of the plated metals through diffusion. Substrates made according to the present invention can be covered with a variety of types of alloy finishes, and a variety of characteristics of such finishes can be achieved. The method of the present invention uses steps of electroplating and heating that are well-known in the art, and does not require the use of toxic, cyanide-based plating baths.

Abstract: Metals having a silvery-white appearance and methods of producing the same. In one embodiment, the composite material of the present invention comprises a metallic core, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer encases the external surfaces of the metallic core and is produced by electroplating copper or copper alloy from a first bath containing copper ions. The second layer encases the first layer and is produced by electroplating white bronze from a second bath containing copper and tin ions. According to one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the first layer is electroplated on the metallic core and the second layer is electroplated on the first layer. In another embodiment of the composite material and method of the present invention, the material comprises only the metallic core and a first layer of white bronze. The resulting composite has a silvery-white appearance and does not include exposed nickel so that persons allergic to nickel metals are not affected by the composite.

Abstract: Metals having a silvery-white appearance and methods of producing the same. In one embodiment, the composite material of the present invention comprises a metallic core, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer encases the external surfaces of the metallic core and is produced by electroplating copper or copper alloy from a first bath containing copper ions. The second layer encases the first layer and is produced by electroplating white bronze from a second bath containing copper and tin ions. According to one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the first layer is electroplated on the metallic core and the second layer is electroplated on the first layer. In another embodiment of the composite material and method of the present invention, the material comprises only the metallic core and a first layer of white bronze. The resulting composite has a silvery-white appearance and does not include exposed nickel so that persons allergic to nickel metals are not affected by the composite.

Abstract: An anode comprises one or more sheets of expanded zinc mesh. The thickness and mesh size of the expanded zinc mesh may vary. A single sheet of zinc mesh may be coiled, forming continuous electrical contact with itself. Alternatively, a single sheet of zinc mesh may be folded into layers, each layer in electrical contact with its adjacent layers. A third alternative is the use of two or more sheets of zinc mesh, layered on top of each other so that each layer is in electrical contact with adjacent layers. These zinc mesh anodes are combined with a casing, a cathode, an electrolyte solution, and a separator between the cathode and anode to manufacture electrochemical cells.

Abstract: An anode comprises one or more sheets of expanded zinc mesh. The thickness and mesh size of the expanded zinc mesh may vary. A single sheet of zinc mesh may be coiled, forming continuous electrical contact with itself. Alternatively, a single sheet of zinc mesh may be folded into layers, each layer in electrical contact with its adjacent layers. A third alternative is the use of two or more sheets of zinc mesh, layered on top of each other so that each layer is in electrical contact with adjacent layers. These zinc mesh anodes are combined with a casing, a cathode, an electrolyte solution, and a separator between the cathode and anode to manufacture electrochemical cells.