Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the oxidative treatment of an amorphous zirconium or zirconium alloy substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the oxidative treatment of an amorphous zirconium or zirconium alloy substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: A prosthesis having an oxidized zirconium surface and a porous textured surface is described. A major advantage of the prosthesis is increased service life. Additionally, a process of manufacturing the prosthesis is described.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition is a composite material, comprising a porous, reticulated, open cell network having at least part of its surface coated with blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.

Abstract: A porous medical implant and a method of making same is described. The medical implant comprises a porous surface formed by application of pulsed electrical energy ins such a way as to cause a localized heating in the surface of the material comprising portions of the implant. The method comprises a pulsed current sintering technique.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition is a composite material, comprising a porous, reticulated, open cell network having at least part of its surface coated with blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition is a composite material, comprising a porous, reticulated, open cell network having at least part of its surface coated with blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.

Abstract: A characteristic is measured on multiple portions of an integrated circuit, and the supply voltage adjusted based on the measurements. In an embodiment, the characteristic corresponds to propagation delay which indicates whether the integrated circuit is implemented with a strong, weak or nominal process corner. In general, the supply voltage can be increased in the case of a weak process corner and decreased in the case of a strong process corner.