Passing Through An Amorphous State Or Treating Or Producing An Amorphous Metal Or Alloy Patents (Class 148/561)
  • Publication number: 20130333814
    Abstract: A Ti-based bulk amorphous matrix composite including a composition represented by Formula 1, in at %: TiaZrbBecCudNieMfIg??Formula 1 where M is at least one of Nb and Ta, I is an impurity, and a, b, c, d, e, and f vary within the ranges 38?a?50, 11?b?18, 12?c?20, 6?d?10, 6?e?9, 1?f?20 and 0.01?g?0.5, with a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Eric FLEURY, Jin-Yoo SUH, Yu-Chan KIM, Mukta Rani DEBNATH, Min-Hyun KIM, Tristan GEILLER
  • Publication number: 20130333810
    Abstract: An amorphous, ductile brazing foil is produced with a composition of FeaNibCrcSidBeMofPg with 25?a?50 atomic %; 30?b?45 atomic %; 5<c?15 atomic %; 4?d?15 atomic %; 4?e?15 atomic %; 0?f?5 atomic %; 0?g?6 atomic %; and any impurities, wherein 10?d+e+g?28 atomic % with a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100. Excellent brazing joints can be produced with these brazing foils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: VACUUMSCHMELZE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas HARTMANN, Dieter Nuetzel
  • Patent number: 8603267
    Abstract: A method of extruding a glassy aluminum-based alloy billet, by soaking the billet for sufficient time to heat the billet to an extrusion starting temperature of from about 300° F. to about 600° F. and extruding the billet in a streamline die having an extrusion ratio to keep the adiabatic temperature below the starting temperature while maintaining the streamline die at a temperature of about 400° F. to about 600° F. at a ram speed less than that which would raise the streamline die temperature within this range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Watson
  • Patent number: 8603266
    Abstract: Alloys and methods of preparing the same are provided. The alloys are represented by the general formula of (ZraMbNc)100-xQx, in which M is at least one transition metal except Zr; N is Be or Al; Q is selected from the group consisting of CaO, MgO, Y2O3, Nd2O3, and combinations thereof; a, b, and c are atomic percents of corresponding elements; and 45?a?75, 20?b?40, 1?c?25, a+b+c=100, and 1?x?15. A method of recycling a Zr-based amorphous alloy waste is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Qing Gong, Yunchun Li, Yongxi Jian, Faliang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130248057
    Abstract: A method for forming pattern on substrate comprises steps of: providing a metal substrate; amorphousizing the metal substrate to from an amorphous pattern layer in the metal substrate; etching the metal substrate and forming an etching portion in the surface of the metal substrate which is not covered with the amorphous pattern layer. The article manufactured by the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: QUAN ZHOU, XIN-WU GUAN, PO-FENG HO
  • Patent number: 8529712
    Abstract: A family of iron-based, phosphor-containing bulk metallic glasses having excellent processibility and toughness, methods for forming such alloys, and processes for manufacturing articles therefrom are provided. The inventive iron-based alloy is based on the observation that by very tightly controlling the composition of the metalloid moiety of the Fe-based, P-containing bulk metallic glass alloys it is possible to obtain highly processable alloys with surprisingly low shear modulus and high toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marios D. Demetriou, William L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130224676
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for use in orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic appliance is selected from the group consisting of an orthodontic bracket, an orthodontic archwire, an orthodontic tool, and a discrete component thereof. The orthodontic appliance is made of a metallic glass. The orthodontic appliance may be an orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth. The orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket body including an archwire slot, the bracket body being made of a metallic glass. The orthodontic bracket further comprises a movable member made of a metallic glass and operatively coupled to the bracket body and movable between an opened position in which the archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the movable member retains the archwire in the archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket further comprises a pin coupling the movable member to the bracket body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ORMCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: ORMCO CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8518193
    Abstract: Low density Be-bearing bulk amorphous structural alloys with more than double the specific strength of conventional titanium alloys and methods of forming bulk articles from such alloys having thicknesses greater than 0.5 mm are provided. The bulk solidifying amorphous alloys described exclude late transition metal components while still exhibiting good glass forming ability, exceptional thermal stability, and high strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Gang Duan, Aaron Wiest, William L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8499598
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool in combination with an electromagnetic force generated by the interaction of the applied current with a transverse magnetic field. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous metal and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less, at which point the interaction between the electric field and the magnetic field generates a force capable of shaping the heated sample into a high quality amorphous bulk article via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, and blow molding in a time scale of less than one second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: William L. Johnson, Georg Kaltenboeck, Marios D. Demetriou, Scott Roberts, Konrad Samwer
  • Patent number: 8501087
    Abstract: Compositions for forming Au-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided. The Au-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys of the current invention are based on ternary Au—Cu—Si alloys, and the extension of this ternary system to higher order alloys by the addition of one or more alloying elements. Additional substitute elements are also provided, which allow for the tailoring of the physical properties of the Au-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys of the current invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Schroers, Atakan Peker
  • Publication number: 20130163391
    Abstract: A special hand for abrupt acceleration. The hand is mounted to pivot around a staff so as to be able to indicate an item of information. The hand is made from an at least partially amorphous metal alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Helfer, Yves Winkler
  • Patent number: 8470103
    Abstract: The present invention provides Cu-base amorphous alloys containing an amorphous phase of 90% or more by volume fraction. The amorphous phase has a composition represented by the formula: Cu100-a-b(Zr+Hf)aTib or Cu100-a-b-c-d(Zr+Hf?)aTibMcTd, wherein M is one or more elements selected from Fe, Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, Nb, Mo, W, Sn, Al, Ta and rare earth elements, T is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ag, Pd, Pt and Au, and a, b, c and d are atomic percentages falling within the following ranges: 5?a?55, 0?b?45, 30?a+b?60, 0.5?c?5, 0?d?10. The Cu-base amorphous alloy has a high glass-forming ability as well as excellent mechanical properties and formability, and can be formed as a rod or plate material with a diameter or thickness of 1 mm or more and an amorphous phase of 90% or more by volume fraction, through a metal mold casting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Akihisa Inoue, Wei Zhang, Tao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8469774
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface treating method for making an amorphous alloy component. The surface treatment method includes the following steps: an amorphous alloy sheet is provided; the amorphous alloy sheet is fixed into a dry blast machine; and the surface of the amorphous alloy sheet is treated by sandblasting. In the sandblasting step, air pressure is controlled to be in a range from about 1.5 gf/cm2 to 6.0 kgf/cm2 and blasting time is in a range from about 1 second to 60 seconds; the sand used in sandblasting is preferably selected from a group consisting of aluminium oxide, zirconium dioxide and silicon dioxide, and a grain size of the sand is in a range from about 100 ?m to 250 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang-Yong Li, Yi-Min Jiang
  • Publication number: 20130146184
    Abstract: An amorphous, ductile brazing foil is produced with a composition of FeaNibCrcSidBeMofPg with 25?a?50 atomic %; 30?b?45 atomic %; 5<c?15 atomic %; 4?d?15 atomic %; 4?e?15 atomic %; 0?f?5 atomic %; 0?g?6 atomic %; and any impurities, wherein 10?d+e+g?28 atomic % with a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100. Excellent brazing joints can be produced with these brazing foils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: VACUUMSCHMELZE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas HARTMANN, Dieter Nuetzel
  • Publication number: 20130139929
    Abstract: A method and a system for continuously in-line annealing a forwarding ferromagnetic amorphous alloy ribbon in a curved shape to improve its magnetic properties without causing the ribbon to become brittle and which operates at significant high ribbon feeding rates. The amorphous alloy ribbon is fed forward, tensioned and guided along a path at a preset feeding rate and is heated at a point along the path at a rate greater than 103° C./sec to a temperature to initiate a thermal treatment. Then the ribbon is initially cooled at a rate greater than 103° C./sec until the thermal treatment ends. During the thermal treatment, a series of mechanical constraints is applied on the ribbon until the amorphous alloy ribbon adopts a specific shape at rest after the thermal treatment is ended. After the initial cooling, the amorphous alloy ribbon is subsequently cooled at a sufficient rate to a temperature that will preserve the specific shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HYDRO-QUEBEC
    Inventors: Bruno Francoeur, Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 8444745
    Abstract: Amorphous metal foams and methods of making the same are provided. The amorphous metal foams have properties matching those of natural bone, enabling their use as bone replacement scaffolds. In one embodiment, for example, an amorphous metal foam has a density-dependent stiffness (or Young's modulus, denoted E) ranging from about 640?3.75 ?o ??ou? 2900?0.78, and a density dependent strength (?y) greater than about 8.1?2.57, wherein ? (the density) is less than about 1.7 g/cc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marios D. Demetriou, John S. Harmon, William L. Johnson, Chris Veazey
  • Patent number: 8418746
    Abstract: This invention discloses an L,R,C method and equipment for casting amorphous, ultracrystallite and crystallite metal slabs or other shaped metals. A workroom (8) with a constant temperature of tb=?190° C. and a constant pressure of pb=1 bar, and liquid nitrogen of ?190° C. and 1.877 bar is used as a cold source for cooling the casting blank. A liquid nitrogen ejector (5) ejects said liquid nitrogen to the surface of ferrous or non-ferrous metallic slabs or other shaped metals (7) with various ejection quantity v and various jet velocity k. Ejected liquid nitrogen comes into contact with the casting blank at cross section c shown in FIG. 2. This method adopts ultra thin film ejection technology, with a constant thickness of said film at 2 mm and ejection speed Kmax of said liquid nitrogen at 30 m/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Zhuwen Ming
  • Patent number: 8419869
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed and formulations and methods to provide non-stainless steel alloys having relative high strength and ductility. The alloys may be provided in sheet or pressed form and characterized by their particular alloy chemistries and identifiable crystalline grain size morphology. The alloys are such that they include boride pinning phases. In what is termed a Class 1 Steel the alloys indicate tensile strengths of 630 MPa to 1100 MPa and elongations of 10-40%. Class 2 Steel indicates tensile strengths of 875 MPa to 1590 MPa and elongations of 5-30%. Class 3 Steel indicates tensile strengths of 1000 MPa to 1750 MPa and elongations of 0.5-15%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The NanoSteel Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel James Branagan, Brian E. Meacham, Jason K. Walleser, Andrew T. Ball, Grant G. Justice, Brendan L. Nation, Sheng Cheng, Alla V. Sergueeva
  • Patent number: 8398790
    Abstract: A femoral stem hip implant for insertion into a surgically created aperture in a femur includes a monolithic femoral stem made of shape memory material. The stem is configured to be inserted into the aperture, has a proximal portion and a longitudinal axis. The shape memory material within the proximal portion has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the shape memory material within the proximal portion is in a compressed state by application of a plurality of compressive forces at a temperature below an austenitic finish temperature of the shape memory material so that the cross-section expands through shape memory effect via the formation of austenite in response to a temperature increase after insertion into the aperture thereby causing a locking-force to be exerted against an inner surface of the aperture, the locking force being sufficient to stabilize the implant in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: MX Orthopedics, Corp.
    Inventor: Matthew V. Fonte
  • Publication number: 20130037832
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a structure, comprising: a display; at least one structural component disposed over a portion of the display, wherein the at least on structural component comprises at least one amorphous alloy; and wherein a portion of the display is foldable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: James W. KANG
  • Publication number: 20130025746
    Abstract: Sheet casting of metallic glasses and twin roll sheet casting of bulk metallic glasses and composite in an inert environment. Samples may be heated by RF to a temperature in the semi-solid region. After semi-solid processing, the partial liquid then may be poured or injected to achieve the desired shape. Plates of metallic glasses and/or metallic glass matrix composites may be formed (for example, through diecasting) and serve as a pre-form for rolling. In this configuration, the plates may be lowered through a radio frequency coil into compressing wheels, directly next to or below the coil. As the plates pass through the coil they may heat to above the glass transition temperature. Next, they may be fed into the rolling wheel to thermoplasically form the plates into thinner sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hofmann, Scott N. Roberts, William L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8333850
    Abstract: A Zr-based amorphous alloy and a method of preparing the same are provided. The Zr-based amorphous alloy is represented by the general formula of (ZraM1-a)100-xOx, in which a is an atomic fraction of Zr, and x is an atomic percent of 0, in which: 0.3?a?0.9, and 0.02?x?0.6; and M represents at least three elements selected from the group consisting of transition metals other than Zr, Group IIA metals, and Group IIIA metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Qing Gong, Faliang Zhang, Yunchun Li, Jiangtao Qu, Xiaolei Hu
  • Patent number: 8333922
    Abstract: A method of producing three-dimensional bodies which wholly or for selected parts consists of a composite of crystalline or nanocrystalline metal particles in a matrix of amorphous metal. A metal powder layer (4) is applied onto a heat-conducting base (1, 13) and limited areas of the layer is melted successively by means of a radiation gun and cooled so that they can be made to solidify into amorphous metal. In connection with the melting of one or several of the limited areas, the radiation gun is regulated so that the melted area is cooled in accordance with a stipulated time-temperature curve in order to form a composite of crystalline or nanocrystalline metal particles in a matrix of amorphous metal. The method is repeated until a continuous layer, which contains composite metal to a desired extent, is formed. A new powder layer (4) is applied and the method is repeated, the new layer being fused to the underlying layer for successive construction of the three-dimensional body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Exmet AB
    Inventors: Peter Skoglund, Abraham Langlet
  • Patent number: 8317949
    Abstract: This application deals with glass forming iron based alloys which when produced as a metallic glass or mixed structure comprising metallic glass and nanocrystalline phases, results in extraordinary combinations of strength and ductility. Specifically, high strain up to 97% and high strength up to 5.9 GPa has been measured. Additionally, consistent with the amorphous structure high elasticity up to 2.6% has been observed. Thus, the new alloys developed result in structures and properties which yield high elasticity corresponding to a metallic glass, high plasticity corresponding to a ductile crystalline metal, and high strength as may be observed in nanoscale materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The NanoSteel Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel James Branagan, Brian E. Meacham, Alla V. Sergueeva
  • Patent number: 8308877
    Abstract: An amorphous alloy having the general formula of: (ZrxAlyCuzNi1-x-y-z)100-a-bScaYb, wherein x, y, and z are atomic percents, and a and b are atom molar ratios, in which: about 0.45?x?about 0.60; about 0.08?y?about 0.12; about 0.25?z?about 0.35; 0<a?about 5; and 0?b<about 0.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Byd Company Limited
    Inventors: Qing Gong, Yongxi Jian, Faliang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8293036
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a glass forming alloy. The glass forming alloy may include 43.0 atomic percent to 68.0 atomic percent iron, 10.0 atomic percent to 19.0 atomic percent boron, 13.0 atomic percent to 17.0 atomic percent nickel, 2.5 atomic percent to 21.0 atomic percent cobalt, optionally 0.1 atomic percent to 6.0 atomic percent carbon, and optionally 0.3 atomic percent to 3.5 atomic percent silicon. Furthermore, the glass forming alloy includes between 5% to 95% by volume one or more spinodal glass matrix microconstituents which include one or more semi-crystalline or crystalline phases at a length scale less than 50 nm in a glass matrix. In addition, the glass forming alloy is capable of blunting shear bands through localized deformation induced changes under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The NanoSteel Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel James Branagan, Brian E. Meacham, Jikou Zhou, Alla V. Sergueeva
  • Publication number: 20120222785
    Abstract: A heat treatment process for an amorphous alloy die cast comprises: the amorphous alloy die cast is subjected to an aging treatment at a temperature of about 0.5-0.6 Tg, for a time of about 10 minutes to about 24 hours. The amorphous alloy die cast comprises Zr, and is represented by a formula of (Zr1?xTix)a(Cu1?yNiy)bAlcMd, in which M is selected from the group consisting of: Be, Y, Sc, La, and combinations thereof, 38?a?65, 0?x?0.45, 0?y?0.75, 20?b?40, 0?c?15, 0?d?30, and the sum of a, b, c, and d in atomic percentages equals to 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Yunchun LI, Faliang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120186733
    Abstract: Amorphous alloy armor made of at least one thin layer of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and methods of forming such armor are provided. Forming the armor in accordance with the current invention provides ruggedness, a lightweight structure, excellent resistance to chemical and environmental effects, and low-cost manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald A. Croopnick
  • Patent number: 8206520
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an iron based alloy composition that may include iron present in the range of 45 to 70 atomic percent, nickel present in the range of 10 to 30 atomic percent, cobalt present in the range of 0 to 15 atomic percent, boron present in the range of 7 to 25 atomic percent, carbon present in the range of 0 to 6 atomic percent, and silicon present in the range of 0 to 2 atomic percent, wherein the alloy composition exhibits an elastic strain of greater than 0.5% and a tensile strength of greater than 1 GPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: The Nano Steel Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel James Branagan, Brian E. Meacham, Alla V. Sergueeva
  • Publication number: 20120152412
    Abstract: The current invention is directed to a medical implant made of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and methods of making such medical implants, wherein the medical implants are biologically, mechanically, and morphologically compatible with the surrounding implanted region of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Crucible Intellectual Property LLC.
    Inventors: David OPIE, Tranquoc Thebao NGUYEN, Atakan PEKER
  • Patent number: 8177926
    Abstract: Amorphous Fe100-a-bPaMb foil, preferably in the form of a free-standing foil, process for its production by electrodeposition or electroforming of an aqueous plating solution, and its uses as a constitutive element of a transformer, generator, motor, pulse applications and magnetic shieldings. “a” is a real number ranging from 13 to 24, b is a real number ranging from 0 to 4, and M is at least one transition element other than Fe. The amorphous Fe100-a-bPaMb foil has the properties of being amorphous as established by the X-ray diffraction method, an average thickness greater than 20 micrometers, a tensile strength in the range of 200-1100 MPa, an electrical resistivity of over 120 ??cm, and at least one of a high saturation induction (Bs) greater than 1.4 T, a coercive field (Hc) of less than 40 A/m, a loss (W60), at power frequencies (60 Hz), and for a peak induction of at least 1.35 T, of less than 0.65 W/kg, and a relative magnetic permeability (B/?0H) greater than 10000, for low values of ?0H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Robert Lacasse, Estelle Potvin, Michel Trudeau, Julian Cave, Francois Allaire, Georges Houlachi
  • Publication number: 20120103477
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at metal alloys that are capable of forming spinodal glass matrix microconstituent structure. The alloys are iron based and include nickel, boron, silicon and optionally chromium. The alloys exhibit ductility and relatively high tensile strengths and may be in the form of sheet, ribbon, wire, and/or fiber. Applications for such alloys are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: THE NANOSTEEL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel James BRANAGAN, Brian E. MEACHAM, Jason K. WALLESER, Alla V. SERGUEEVA, Andrew T. BALL, Grant G. JUSTICE
  • Publication number: 20120103478
    Abstract: Bulk metallic articles having a high-aspect ratio that are formed of bulk metallic glass, that are net-shaped and that are produced under process conditions that maximize the quality and integrity of the parts as well as the life of the mold tool, thus minimizing production costs, and manufacturing methods for producing such articles are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: William L. Johnson, Marios D. Demetriou, Joseph P. Schramm, Georg Kaltenboeck
  • Publication number: 20120067468
    Abstract: An amorphous magnetic alloy is presented. The alloy has the general formula: (Fe1-xCox)nMoaPbBcCdSie, wherein n is the atomic percent of iron and cobalt; x is the fraction of n; a, b, c, d and e are the atomic percent of molybdenum, phosphorous, boron, carbon and silicon respectively and n, x, a, b, c, d and e are defined by following relationship: 76?n?85; 0.05<x?0.50; 0?a?4; b?10; 0?c<d; and 0.1?e?2. Articles comprising the alloy and methods employing the alloy for making articles are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Luana Emiliana Iorio, Francis Johnson, Pazhayannur Ramanathan Subramanian, Gary Shiflet, Joseph Poon, Sriparna Bhattacharya
  • Patent number: 8133333
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an iron alloy sheet comprising ?-Fe, and/or ?-Fe phases wherein the alloy has a melting point in the range of 800 to 1500° C., a critical cooling rate of less than 105 K/s and structural units in the range of about 150 nm to 1000 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: The NanoSteel Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel James Branagan, Joseph Buffa, Michael Breitsameter, David Paratore
  • Patent number: 8097095
    Abstract: A method of producing a hard metallic material by forming a mixture containing at least 55% iron and at least one of boron, carbon, silicon and phosphorus. The mixture is formed into an alloy and cooled to form a metallic material having a hardness of greater than about 9.2 GPa. The invention includes a method of forming a wire by combining a metal strip and a powder. The metal strip and the powder are rolled to form a wire containing at least 55% iron and from two to seven additional elements including at least one of C, Si and B. The invention also includes a method of forming a hardened surface on a substrate by processing a solid mass to form a powder, applying the powder to a surface to form a layer containing metallic glass, and converting the glass to a crystalline material having a nanocrystalline grain size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Branagan
  • Patent number: 8052923
    Abstract: A method of producing three-dimensional bodies which wholly or for selected parts consist of amorphous metal. A metal powder layer (4) is applied to a heat-conducting base (1, 13), and a limited area of the layer is melted by a radiation gun (5) and the area is cooled so that the melted area solidifies into amorphous metal. The melting process is successively repeated on new limited areas of the powder layer until a continuous layer of amorphous metal is formed. A new powder layer is applied and the method is repeated, the new layer being fused to underlying amorphous metal for successive construction of the three-dimensional body. The heat-conducting base can be a worktable or a body of amorphous metal or crystalline metal to which amorphous metal is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Abraham Langlet
  • Publication number: 20110247731
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to shape memory alloys which have been subjected to a thermal and mechanical treatment to increase the austenite start temperature As?As? such that the shape memory alloy is martensitic at body temperature and when subsequently subjected to a controlled deformation, the shape memory alloy preferentially reverts to the parent phase. One application for this disclosure is a stent for use in a lumen in a human or animal body having a generally tubular body formed from a shape memory alloy which has been subjected to a thermal and mechanical treatment so it deforms as martensite until a critical expansion diameter is reached at which point the tubular body rapidly reverts to the parent phase with much higher mechanical properties. The shape memory alloy comprises Ni—Ti and a ternary element ranging from about 3 at. % to about 20 at. %. The ternary element is effectively insoluble in a Ni—Ti matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Richard F. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7947134
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for a novel metal-to-metal or material-to-material joining technique using bulk metallic glasses are provided. The method of the current invention relies on the superior mechanical properties of bulk metallic glasses and/or softening behavior of metallic glasses in the undercooled liquid region of temperature-time process space, enabling joining of a variety of materials at a much lower temperature than typical ranges used for soldering, brazing or welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Boonrat Lohwongwatana, Robert D. Conner, Jin-Yoo Suh, William L. Johnson, Daewoong Suh
  • Publication number: 20110048587
    Abstract: Design and fabrication processes and compositions for bulk metallic glass materials. Examples of bulk metallic glasses based on the described compositions may contain a high atomic percent of titanium or iron, which is alloyed with metalloid elements and refractory metals. The compositions can be designed using theoretical calculations of the liquidus temperature to have substantial amounts of refractory metals, while still maintaining a depressed liquidus temperature. The alloying elements are molybdenum, tungsten, chromium, boron, and carbon may be used. Some of the resulting alloys are ferromagnetic at room temperature, while others are non-ferromagnetic. These amorphous alloys have increased specific strengths and corrosion resistance compared to conventional high strength steels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Vecchio, Justin Cheney, Hesham Khalifa
  • Patent number: 7883592
    Abstract: A method of forming bulk metallic glass engineering materials, and more particularly a method for forming coarsening microstructures within said engineering materials is provided. Specifically, the method forms ‘designed composites’ by introducing ‘soft’ elastic/plastic inhomogeneities in a metallic glass matrix to initiate local shear banding around the inhomogeneity, and matching of microstructural length scales (for example, L and S) to the characteristic length scale RP (for plastic shielding of an opening crack tip) to limit shear band extension, suppress shear band opening, and avoid crack development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hofmann, William C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7806997
    Abstract: Amorphous Fe-based metal foams and methods of preparing the same are provided. The Fe-based foams are prepared from Fe-based metal alloys of low hydrogen solubility having an atomic fraction of Fe greater than or equal to the atomic fraction of each other alloying element. A method for producing the Fe-based foams includes the in situ decomposition of a hydride in a molten Fe-based alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marios D. Demetriou, Gang Duan, William L. Johnson, Chris Veazey
  • Patent number: 7785428
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of producing a hard metallic material by forming a mixture containing at least 55% iron and at least one of B, C, Si and P. The mixture is formed into an alloy and cooled to form a metallic material having a hardness of greater than about 9.2 GPa. The invention includes a method of forming a wire by combining a metal strip and a powder. The metal strip and the powder are rolled to form a wire containing at least 55% iron and from two to seven additional elements including at least one of C, Si and B. The invention also includes a method of forming a hardened surface on a substrate by processing a solid mass to form a powder, applying the powder to a surface to form a layer containing metallic glass, and converting the glass to a crystalline material having a nanocrystalline grain size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Branagan
  • Patent number: 7758925
    Abstract: A method for preparing a protective layer (38) on a surface of the substrate (36) that requires a bonding temperature (BT) above a detrimental phase transformation temperature range (28) of the substrate, and then cooling the layer and substrate without cracking the layer or detrimentally transforming the substrate. The protective layer (38) and the substrate (36) are cooled from the bonding temperature (BT) to a temperature (46) above the detrimental phase transformation range (28) at a first cooling rate (30) slow enough to avoid cracking the protective layer. Next, the protective layer and the substrate are cooled to a temperature below the detrimental phase transformation range of the substrate at a second cooling rate (27) fast enough to pass the detrimental phase transformation range before a substantial transformation of the substrate into the detrimental phase can occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Brij B. Seth
  • Publication number: 20100065163
    Abstract: This application deals with glass forming iron based alloys which when produced as a metallic glass or mixed structure comprising metallic glass and nanocrystalline phases, results in extraordinary combinations of strength and ductility. Specifically, high strain up to 97% and high strength up to 5.9 GPa has been measured. Additionally, consistent with the amorphous structure high elasticity up to 2.6% has been observed. Thus, the new alloys developed result in structures and properties which yield high elasticity corresponding to a metallic glass, high plasticity corresponding to a ductile crystalline metal, and high strength as may be observed in nanoscale materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: THE NANOSTEEL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel James BRANAGAN, Brian E. MEACHAM, Alla V. SERGUEEVA
  • Patent number: 7645350
    Abstract: A class of high-density bulk metallic glass hafnium alloys, having copper, nickel, aluminum and titanium or niobium as alloying elements is disclosed. This class includes alloys having higher densities and a higher reduced glass-transition temperature than other known metallic glass alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Laszlo J. Kecskes, Brian T. Edwards, Robert H. Woodman
  • Patent number: 7628871
    Abstract: High strength, reliable bulk metallic glass (BMG) solder materials formed from alloys possessing deep eutectics with asymmetric liquidous slopes. BMG solder materials are stronger and have a higher elastic modulus than, and therefore are less likely than crystalline solder materials to damage fragile low k interlayer dielectric (ILD) materials due to thermal stress in materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE). BMG solder materials may physically, electrically, or thermally couple a feature to another feature, or any combination thereof. For example, in an embodiment of the invention, a BMG solder material may physically and electrically couple an electronic component to a printed circuit board. In another embodiment of the invention, a BMG solder material may physically and thermally couple an integrated heat sink to a semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Daewoong Suh
  • Publication number: 20090288741
    Abstract: In one aspect, an amorphous alloy comprises Cu, Zr, Be and M. M is at least one element selected from a group consisting of Al, Sn, Si, group IB, group IIB, group IIIB, group IVB, group VB, group VIB, group VIIB and group VIIIB of the element periodic table, provided that the element is not Cu or Zr. In another aspect, an amorphous alloy comprises Cu, Zr, RE and M. RE is at least one element selected from the rare earth elements, M is at least one element selected from a group consisting of Al, Sn, Si, group IB, group IIB, group IIIB, group IVB, group VB, group VIB, group VIIB and group VIIIB of the element periodic table, provided that the element is not Cu, Zr or RE. In yet another aspect, a method for preparing an amorphous alloy comprises melting a raw material comprising Cu, Zr, Be, and M to form an alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Faliang Zhang, Kuan Gao, Kun Lu, Bitao Pan, Qing Gong, Hailin Chen
  • Patent number: 7604876
    Abstract: An impact resistant clad composite armor which includes a ceramic core, and a layer of bulk amorphous alloy surrounding the ceramic core and preferably bonded chemically to the ceramic core and a method of manufacturing such armor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Collier, Atakan Peker
  • Patent number: RE44385
    Abstract: A method of forming in-situ composites of metallic alloys comprising an amorphous phase are provided. The method generally comprising the steps of transforming a molten liquid metal at least partially into a crystalline solid solution by cooling the molten liquid metal down to temperatures below a “remelting” temperature, then allowing the solid crystalline metal to remain at temperatures above the glass transition temperature and below the remelting temperature such that at least a portion of the metal remelts to form a partially amorphous phase in an undercooled liquid, and finally subsequently cooling the composite alloy to temperatures below the glass transition temperature. A method of forming in-situ composites of alloys is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: William L. Johnson