Predominantly Titanium, Vanadium, Zirconium, Niobium, Hafnium, Or Tantalum Substrate Patents (Class 205/322)
  • Patent number: 11920253
    Abstract: A method for vacuum heat treating Nb, such as is used in superconducting radio frequency cavities, to engineer the interstitial oxygen profile with depth into the surface to conveniently optimize the low-temperature rf surface resistance of the material. An example application is heating of 1.3 GHz accelerating structures between 250-400° C. to achieve a very high quality factor of 5×1010 at 2.0 K. With data supplied by secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements, application of oxide decomposition and oxygen diffusion theory was applied to quantify previously unknown parameters crucial in achieving the oxygen alloy concentration profiles required to optimize the rf surface resistance. RF measurements of vacuum heat treated Nb superconducting radio frequency cavities confirmed the minimized surface resistance (higher Q0) previously expected only from 800° C. diffusive alloying with nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Ari D. Palczewski, Eric M. Lechner, Charles E. Reece
  • Patent number: 11032930
    Abstract: This application relates to a method for forming an enclosure for a portable electronic device. The enclosure includes a metal substrate having a first b* value. The method includes forming an anodized layer that overlays and is formed from the metal substrate, wherein the anodized layer has a second b* value that is no greater than 0.3 of the first b* value and no less than 0.3 less than the first *b value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: James A. Curran, Todd S. Mintz, Daniel T. McDonald
  • Patent number: 10589102
    Abstract: An implantable micro-miniature device is disclosed. The device comprises a thin hermetic insulating coating and at least one thin metal secondary coating over the hermetic insulating layer in order to protect the insulating layer from the erosive action of body fluids or the like. In one embodiment the insulating layer is ion beam assisted deposited (IBAD) alumina and the secondary coating is titanium. The device may be a small electronic device such as a silicon integrated circuit chip. The thickness of the insulating layer may be ten microns or less and the thickness of the secondary layer may be between about 0.1 and about 15 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian V Mech, Robert J Greenberg, Honggang Jiang
  • Patent number: 10070959
    Abstract: A method of treating an articular surface of a metal orthopedic implant includes polishing the surface, blasting the surface with a blast media after the first polishing step and polishing the blasted surface of the metal orthopedic implant after the blasting step. The blasting step roughens the surface to create a surface skew Rsk/Ssk defined by peaks and valleys. The second polishing step reduces the surface skew to a negative skew Rsk/Ssk and produces an average roughness Ra/Sa that is acceptable. Lubrication at the interface of the treated articular surface and the corresponding bearing articular surface is improved, thereby improving wear resistance. Both polishing steps may be performed by drag finishing the surface through an abrasive media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason B. Langhorn, Gary R. Fernandes
  • Publication number: 20150132602
    Abstract: A method for coating a component for use in a semiconductor chamber for plasma etching includes providing a component for use in a semiconductor manufacturing chamber, loading the component into a deposition chamber, cold spray coating a metal powder onto the component to form a coating on the component, and anodizing the coating to form an anodization layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Y. Sun, Vahid Firouzdor
  • Patent number: 9011665
    Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer is grown by anodizing at a voltage between 50 and 150 V, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. This produces a significantly harder surface than anodizing at low voltage, and generates pits containing ion-absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Martin Edward Lee Pickford, David Richard Lewis, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 9011668
    Abstract: A method for the antimicrobial provision of implant surfaces with silver, in which the method comprises an anodizing of the implant surface with an electrolyte, in which the electrolyte has a silver-yielding substance. Alternatively, the method comprises a silver implantation or a silver PVD deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Speitling
  • Patent number: 9011667
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an assembly of metal oxide comprising valve metal oxide nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Curtis A. Wong, Youssef M. Mikhail, Michael J. Lukitsch
  • Publication number: 20150068906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocatalyst and a method of manufacturing a photocatalyst. More specifically, the present invention relates to a high surface area TiO 2 photocatalyst formed by electrolytic discharge oxidation (EDO) of a substrate comprising titanium. A flexible high surface area photocatalyst architecture comprising a compliant, cohesive, well-adhered and highly porous surface layer of the anatase phase of titanium dioxide is provided. The highly porous surface layer of the anatase phase of titanium dioxide is formed in a single step by the electrolytic oxidation of a titanium surface on a permeable, flexible, and electrically conductive substrate sponge structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Keronite International Limited
    Inventors: James Curran, Kangala Chipasa, Antony Leigh
  • Publication number: 20150055924
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a layered material stack that includes a plasmonic interface between a plasmonic material and optical waveguide material is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate layer, disposing a layer of plasmonic material on the substrate layer, depositing a metal constituent of an optical waveguide material directly onto the layer of plasmonic material, and anodizing the metal constituent of the optical waveguide material to form an optically transparent oxide of the metal constituent configured to couple light into the layer of plasmonic material, with the optically transparent oxide of the metal constituent forming an optical waveguide structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Fred Keimel, John Brian Hewgley, Juan Jose Becerra
  • Patent number: 8945363
    Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodizing, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Martin Edward Lee Pickford, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 8945366
    Abstract: A method of treating metallic workpieces with an anodizing solution, compositions of the anodizing solution and the coatings prepared with this anodizing solution for anodizing metallic surfaces, especially surfaces of magnesium, magnesium alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, are disclosed. The compositions are basic aqueous solutions comprising a water-soluble inorganic hydroxide, phosphorus and oxygen containing anions, at least one surfactant and an alkaline buffer based on at least one alkaline hydrolyzed silane, on at least one alcohol showing at least one alkaline radical group or on a mixture of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Chemetall GmbH, Alonim Holding Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd.
    Inventor: Ilya Ostrovsky
  • Patent number: 8877031
    Abstract: The electrolysis solution for electrolytic ceramic coating includes water, a water-soluble zirconium compound, a complexing agent, carbonate ion, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal ion, ammonium ion and an organic alkali. Te zirconium compound is included at a concentration (X) in terms of zirconium of 0.0001 to 1 mol/L, the complexing agent is included at a concentration (Y) of 0.0001 to 0.3 mol/L, the carbonate ion is included at a concentration (Z) of 0.0002 to 4 mol/L, a ratio of the concentration (Y) of the complexing agent to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Y/X) is at least 0.01, a ratio of the concentration (Z) of the carbonate ion to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Z/X) is at least 2.5, and the electrolysis solution has an electrical conductivity of 0.2 to 20 S/m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Arata Suda, Tomoyoshi Konishi
  • Patent number: 8858775
    Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage (compared to the anodising voltage). The thus-treated metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is deposited on the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Philip James Agg, James Timothy Shawcross, Martin Edward Lee Pickford, Andrew Derek Turner, David Richard Lewis
  • Patent number: 8846130
    Abstract: An implant and method for producing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, with a body, wherein the body contains iron or an iron alloy, comprising the following steps: a) providing the implant body (1), b) applying a metallic coating comprising as main constituent at least one element of the group containing tantalum, niobium, zirconium, aluminum, magnesium, vanadium, molybdenum, hafnium, and wolfram onto at least a portion of the body surface, and c) plasmachemical treatment of the portion of the body surface provided with the coating in an aqueous solution for producing a plasmachemically generated layer (3, 5, 7) by means of applying a plasma-generating pulsating voltage to the body of the implant, wherein the pulsating voltage has sufficient energy that the metallic coating (3, 5, 7) is temporarily and sectionally ionized up to the underlying implant body (1) in such a manner that the generated layer has pores (5) which extend at least partially up to the implant body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Biotronik AG
    Inventors: Horst Fircho, Ullrich Bayer, Frank Endres
  • Patent number: 8834699
    Abstract: A method of anodizing that is performed in the capacitor case. The anode and a formation cathode are inserted into the capacitor case. The formation cathode includes one or more passageways through which formation electrolyte is transferred to contact the surface of the anode. In one particular implementation, the anode includes several slots and the formation cathodes are plates that are inserted into the slots. One or more valves coupled to formation electrolyte storage tanks storing different electrolytes may be coupled to the formation cathode. A rinsing step can be performed by supplying water through the passageways in the formation cathode. Other implementations anodize outside the capacitor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tantalum Pellet Co.
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 8828215
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a coating on the surface of a substrate by plasma-electrolytic oxidation. Improved corrosion protection for lightweight metals, in particular for magnesium or magnesium alloys, is achieved by the process. Furthermore, biocompatible protective layers can also be produced on these materials, with the option of controlling degradation of the substrate. The layers are amorphous. They are produced by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in which the substrate is dipped as electrode together with a counterelectrode into an electrolyte liquid and a sufficient electric potential for generating spark discharges at the surface of the substrate is applied, wherein the electrolyte comprises clay particles dispersed therein. Substrates can therefore be any machine components, automobile components, railroad components, aircraft components, ships' components, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material-und Küstenforschung GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Blawert, Daniel Hoche, Yuanding Huang, Jun Liang
  • Patent number: 8808523
    Abstract: A method for forming a ZrO2 oxide film by plasma electrolytic oxidation includes a first step of placing an anode, which is a substrate with a ZrN film, and a cathode into an electrolyte of which the temperature range is from 65° C. to 75° C. Said electrolyte contains barium acetate or barium hydroxide ranging from 0.3 M to 0.7 M and sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide ranging from 1.5 M to 2.5 M. The method includes a second step of applying a voltage ranging from 50 V to 1000 V to the anode and cathode to finally form a ZrO2 film on a surface of the ZrN film of the anode. A DC power supply, an AC power supply, unipolar pulse power supply or bipolar pulse power supply is applied to said anode and cathode in constant-voltage mode or constant-current mode. The oxide film can be formed more rapidly than the prior art and has excellent crystallinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: National Chung Hsing University
    Inventors: Fu-Hsing Lu, Jhu-Ling Zeng, Huan-Ping Teng
  • Patent number: 8808522
    Abstract: A method for forming an oxide film by plasma electrolytic oxidation includes a first step of placing an anode, which is a substrate with a conductive nitride film, and a cathode into an electrolyte of which the temperature range is from 20° C. to 100° C., and a second step of applying a voltage ranging from 50 V to 1000 V to the anode and cathode to finally form an oxide film on a surface of the conductive nitride film of the anode. The oxide film can be formed more rapidly than the prior art and has excellent crystallinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: National Chung Hsing University
    Inventors: Fu-Hsing Lu, Jhu-Ling Zeng, Huan-Ping Teng
  • Publication number: 20140151235
    Abstract: A method for producing an adhesion promoting layer on a surface of a titanium material involves introducing the surface into an aqueous alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide at a concentration in a range from 100 to 300 g/l, sodium tartrate at a concentration in a range from 20 to 200 g/l, methyl glycine diacetic acid trisodium at a concentration in a range from 5 g/l to 60 g/l, and pentasodium triphosphate at a concentration in a range from 2 g/l to 20 g/l. A voltage is applied between the solution and the titanium material for a predefined period of time, in order to produce the layer by anodic oxidation of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Mertens, Franz Gammel
  • Publication number: 20140124374
    Abstract: A position locator for use in dental restorative procedure is described. The position locator is inserted into a replica of a dental implant or into a replica of an abutment. The position and orientation of the implant replica is determined by scanning the model with the implant replica and the position locator. Alternatively, the position locator can be inserted into the dental implant and scanning is carried out in the mouth of the patient. The position locator is made of an optically opaque material, such as titanium, and has an outer surface detectable by an optical scanner, e.g. with a layer of porous titanium oxide applied through anodic oxidation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Nobel Biocare Services AG
    Inventors: Thomas Eriksson, Magnus Ottsjö
  • Patent number: 8673399
    Abstract: Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.2 and greater, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nanoptek Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Guerra, Lukas M. Thulin, Amol N. Chandekar
  • Publication number: 20130341195
    Abstract: Nanostructures, nanostructure arrays and a method of forming same are provided, wherein the nanostructures comprise ordered, self-organized, anodically formed single nanotubes, multipodal nanotubes or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Karthik Shankar, Arash Mohammadpour
  • Patent number: 8591680
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the use of graphene as a transparent conductive coating (TCC). In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films grown on large areas hetero-epitaxially, e.g., on a catalyst thin film, from a hydrocarbon gas (such as, for example, C2H2, CH4, or the like). The graphene thin films of certain example embodiments may be doped or undoped. In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films, once formed, may be lifted off of their carrier substrates and transferred to receiving substrates, e.g., for inclusion in an intermediate or final product. Graphene grown, lifted, and transferred in this way may exhibit low sheet resistances (e.g., less than 150 ohms/square and lower when doped) and high transmission values (e.g., at least in the visible and infrared spectra).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 8585886
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing titanium dioxide nanotubes, the method comprising anodizing titanium metal in contact with an electrolytic medium containing an ionic liquid. The invention is also directed to the resulting titanium dioxide nanotubes, as well as devices incorporating the nanotubes, such as photovoltaic devices, hydrogen generation devices, and hydrogen detection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Jun Qu, Huimin Luo, Sheng Dai
  • Patent number: 8556088
    Abstract: The present invention is aimed to fabricate nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute
    Inventor: Dae Yeong Jeong
  • Publication number: 20130256143
    Abstract: A method comprising providing an insert having a portion capable of being oxidized and electrochemically anodizing the portion capable of being oxidized to provide a layer comprising an oxidized material thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James G. Schroth, Mark W. Verbrugge
  • Publication number: 20130233717
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, devices that include a film of antimicrobial titanium oxide. This film may be anatase phase and may be of sufficient thickness to confer a visually perceptible color on the devices. The devices may be implants, supports, or even fasteners. Also provided are methods of fabricating such devices, as well as kits that feature the disclosed devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: John Disegi
  • Patent number: 8505744
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of fabricating nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute
    Inventor: Dae Yeong Jeong
  • Patent number: 8475643
    Abstract: To provide an anodic oxidation method, a titanium oxide film manufacturing method and a catalyst carrying method which is suitable, for example, for anodic oxidation of aluminum, titanium and catalyst carrying on the surface of alumite (registered trademark), capable of generating an oxide film at a low cost and rapidly by eliminating the use of a strongly acid or strongly basic electrolytic solution and using a carbonated water as an electrolytic solution, capable of controlling the sealing treatment of oxide film through a simple method, capable of effecting the oxide film dyeing and catalyst carrying rationally and easily, and capable of effecting the catalyst carrying safely and surely without eroding a base material. An object (3) to be treated is electrolyzed in an electrolytic solution received in a treatment vessel (1) serving the object (3) as an anodic electrode. It is an anodic oxidation method in which an oxide film is generated on the surface of the object (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshida, Kentaro Abe, Kiyohito Sakon
  • Publication number: 20130001086
    Abstract: Disclosed is a crystalline metal oxide having a positive charge-induced region and a negative charge-induced region, which has a surface which has protrusions and recesses or a porous surface. The metal which configures the metal oxide is preferably an elemental metal or an elemental metal-containing alloy such as titanium, zirconium, titanium alloy, zirconium alloy or cobalt chromium alloy. The metal oxide is preferably one obtained by an anodic oxidation treatment of the metal which configures the metal oxide and the metal oxide can be suitably used as a biocompatible material or a member constituting a biocompatible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Kimihiro Yamashita, Akiko Nagai, Chufan Ma
  • Patent number: 8337936
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for manufacturing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having a body such that the body has metallic material. To control the degradation in a desired time window, e.g., between four weeks and six months, the following production method is performed: a) preparing the body of the implant, and b) plasma-chemical treatment of at least a portion of the surface of the body in an aqueous solution by applying a plasma-generating electric alternating voltage to the body (5) of the implant, said voltage having a frequency of at least approximately 1 kHz, to create a first layer. The invention also relates to an implant obtainable by such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Biotronik VI Patent AG
    Inventors: Ullrich Bayer, Jan Schettler, Guenter Ewert
  • Patent number: 8313621
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for anodizing a porous valve metal pellet in a flowing liquid electrolyte is described. The apparatus comprises an insulative container comprised of a lower region, a central region including a cavity for holding the pellet, an upper region, and a continuous passageway extending through the lower, central, and upper regions. Lower and upper screens serving as lower and upper electrodes are disposed in the passageway in the lower and upper container regions, respectively. During anodizing, the electrolyte flows through the lower container region including the lower screen, the porous pellet and then the upper container region including the upper screen. The lower and upper screens are at an opposite electrical polarity as the pellet so that a dielectric oxide is formed on the exposed valve metal including interior portions of the pellet that are exposed to the flowing electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: David Goad, Neal Nesselbeck, Jason Hahl
  • Patent number: 8313585
    Abstract: A method for diffusing titanium and nitride into a sports equipment component. The method generally includes the steps of providing a sports equipment component providing a salt bath which includes sodium dioxide and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanate and potassium cyanate; dispersing metallic titanium formed by electrolysis of a titanium compound in the bath, heating the salt bath to a temperature ranging from about 430° C. to about 670° C.; and soaking the sports equipment component in the salt bath for a time of from about 10 minutes to about 24 hours. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the sports equipment component may further be treated with conventional surface treatments or coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Philos Jongho Ko, Bongsub Samuel Ko
  • Publication number: 20120261266
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a coating on the surface of a substrate by plasma-electrolytic oxidation. Improved corrosion protection for lightweight metals, in particular for magnesium or magnesium alloys, is achieved by the process. Furthermore, biocompatible protective layers can also be produced on these materials, with the option of controlling degradation of the substrate. The layers are amorphous. They are produced by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in which the substrate is dipped as electrode together with a counterelectrode into an electrolyte liquid and a sufficient electric potential for generating spark discharges at the surface of the substrate is applied, wherein the electrolyte comprises clay particles dispersed therein. Substrates can therefore be any machine components, automobile components, railroad components, aircraft components, ships' components, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum Für Material-und Küstenforschung GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Blawert, Daniel Hoche, Yuanding Huang, Jun Liang
  • Patent number: 8241470
    Abstract: A method of anodizing that is performed in the capacitor case. The anode and a formation cathode are inserted into the capacitor case. The formation cathode includes one or more passageways through which formation electrolyte is transferred to contact the surface of the anode. In one particular implementation, the anode includes several slots and the formation cathodes are plates that are inserted into the slots. One or more valves coupled to formation electrolyte storage tanks storing different electrolytes may be coupled to the formation cathode. A rinsing step can be performed by supplying water through the passageways in the formation cathode. Other implementations anodize outside the capacitor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tantalum Pellet Company
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 8236118
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the use of graphene as a transparent conductive coating (TCC). In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films grown on large areas hetero-epitaxially, e.g., on a catalyst thin film, from a hydrocarbon gas (such as, for example, C2H2, CH4, or the like). The graphene thin films of certain example embodiments may be doped or undoped. In certain example embodiments, graphene thin films, once formed, may be lifted off of their carrier substrates and transferred to receiving substrates, e.g., for inclusion in an intermediate or final product. Graphene grown, lifted, and transferred in this way may exhibit low sheet resistances (e.g., less than 150 ohms/square and lower when doped) and high transmission values (e.g., at least in the visible and infrared spectra).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Publication number: 20120175266
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing titanium dioxide nanotubes, the method comprising anodizing titanium metal in contact with an electrolytic medium containing an ionic liquid. The invention is also directed to the resulting titanium dioxide nanotubes, as well as devices incorporating the nanotubes, such as photovoltaic devices, hydrogen generation devices, and hydrogen detection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Jun Qu, Huimin Luo, Sheng Dai
  • Publication number: 20120160694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a membrane and such membrane. The method comprises the steps of: providing a container with electrolyte; placing a structure in the container; and providing at least two electrodes with a potential difference to achieve a plasma electrolytic oxidation on the structure. Preferably, the structure comprises a metallic structure, with the metallic structure chosen from the group of Titanium, Aluminium, Magnesium, Zirconium, Zinc and Niobium, and/or an alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Hans Hendrik Wolters, Harm Van Dalfsen, Sybrandus Jacob Metz
  • Publication number: 20120095555
    Abstract: A thin film of a medical implant includes a surface, a plurality of walls and a plurality of paths. The walls are disposed on the surface, and formed to shapes of arc. The paths are disposed on the surface, wherein each of the paths is located among the walls. The walls and paths have a plurality of holes. According to the thin film of the present disclosure, the walls are formed to shapes of arc, and have no acute anger, whereby the biological cells can helpfully grow and attach on the thin film quickly. Furthermore, the thin film has the holes, which provide cell tissue, such as pseudopod, tentacle, etc. of the biological cells to grow and attach therein, whereby the biological cyto-affinity of the thin film can be increased so as to increase the biological cyto-compatibility of the medical implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: METAL INDUSTRIES RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
    Inventors: Pei-Huan HSIEH, Min-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8119243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the coating of objects made of valve metals selected from aluminum, magnesium, titanium, niobium and/or zirconium and their alloys with an oxide ceramic layer formed from the metal which has a thin barrier layer as a boundary layer towards the metal whose surface has been coated with polymers, characterized in that said polymers are introduced into the capillary system of the oxide ceramic layer in the form of dimers or halogenated dimers of general formula I wherein R1 represents one or more hydrogen or halogen residues; each R2 represents hydrogen or halogen; and R3 commonly represent a corresponding xylylene residue for completing a dimeric structure; by vacuum coating, followed by polymerizing the dimers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Froitzheim, Josef Heppekausen
  • Patent number: 8101059
    Abstract: Electrochemical methods for making titanium oxide (TiO2) nanostructures are described. The morphology of the nanostructures can be manipulated by controlling reaction parameters, for example, solution composition, applied voltage, and time. The methods can be used at ambient conditions, for example, room temperature and atmospheric pressure and use moderate electric potentials. The methods are scalable with a high degree of controllability and reproducibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Shrisudersan Jayaraman
  • Publication number: 20120000783
    Abstract: The electrolysis solution for electrolytic ceramic coating includes water, a water-soluble zirconium compound, a complexing agent, carbonate ion, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal ion, ammonium ion and an organic alkali. Te zirconium compound is included at a concentration (X) in terms of zirconium of 0.0001 to 1 mol/L, the complexing agent is included at a concentration (Y) of 0.0001 to 0.3 mol/L, the carbonate ion is included at a concentration (Z) of 0.0002 to 4 mol/L, a ratio of the concentration (Y) of the complexing agent to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Y/X) is at least 0.01, a ratio of the concentration (Z) of the carbonate ion to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Z/X) is at least 2.5, and the electrolysis solution has an electrical conductivity of 0.2 to 20 S/m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Arata Suda, Tomoyoshi Konishi
  • Publication number: 20110315624
    Abstract: The present invention is aimed to fabricate nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute
    Inventor: Dae Yeong Jeong
  • Publication number: 20110301716
    Abstract: A method to enhance osteoblast functionality of a medical implant. The method may include obtaining the medical implant and treating a surface of the medical implant to modify the surface characteristics causing increase functionality of adjacent positioned osteoblasts. A method of increasing cellular activity of a medical implant is also disclosed. A medical device having enhanced cytocompatibility capabilities includes a metallic substrate with an outer surface. Attached to the outer surface is a composition of nanosized structures. A biosensor for use with a medical device, includes an electrode that is attached to an outer surface of the medical device. The biosensor measures electrochemical changes adjacent to the medical implant. Further, a method of manufacturing a medical implant with a biosensor for use in vivo and a method of integrating a biosensor with a medical implant for use in monitoring conductivity and electrochemical changes adjacent to the medical implant are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: NANOVIS, LLC.
    Inventors: Sirinrath Sirivisoot, Chang Yao, Xingcheng Xiao, Brian Sheldon, Thomas Webster
  • Patent number: 8057657
    Abstract: A method for the biomimetic treatment of an osteointegrative interface on a substrate of biocompatible metal of titanium, tantalum, or their alloys, includes performing a first anodic spark deposition (ASD) treatment of the osteointegrative interface in a calcium glycerophosphate solution, performing a second ASD anodic deposition treatment of the osteointegrative interface in a calcium hydroxide solution and performing an immersion of the osteointegrative interface in a potassium or sodium hydroxide solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Politecnico di Milano
    Inventors: Alberto Cigada, Roberto Chiesa, Enrico Sandrini, Gianni Rondelli, Matteo Santin
  • Patent number: 7906004
    Abstract: A high-quality oxide film which is free from a pinhole and surface roughing caused by anodic oxidation and which has surface smoothness on a surface of a material to be treated containing a metal as a principal component. An electrolyte solution which is used for forming an oxide film on a surface of a material to be treated containing a metal as a principal component by anodic oxidation, the electrolyte solution containing a non-aqueous solvent containing an alcoholic hydroxyl group and having 4 or more carbon atoms as a main solvent. This non-aqueous solvent preferably contains two or more alcoholic hydroxyl groups and is especially preferably one or two or more members selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. A method of forming an oxide film including a step of anodically oxidizing a material to be treated containing a metal as a principal component in this electrolyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Fumikazu Mizutani, Toshiaki Sakakihara, Yasuhiro Kawase, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7879217
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for anodizing a porous valve metal pellet in a flowing liquid electrolyte is described. The apparatus comprises an insulative container comprised of a lower region, a central region including a cavity for holding the pellet, an upper region, and a continuous passageway extending through the lower, central, and upper regions. Lower and upper screens serving as lower and upper electrodes are disposed in the passageway in the lower and upper container regions, respectively. During anodizing, the electrolyte flows through the lower container region including the lower screen, the porous pellet and then the upper container region including the upper screen. The lower and upper screens are at an opposite electrical polarity as the pellet so that a dielectric oxide is formed on the exposed valve metal including interior portions of the pellet that are exposed to the flowing electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: David Goad, Neal Nesselbeck, Jason Hahl
  • Publication number: 20100326835
    Abstract: A method for the antimicrobial provision of implant surfaces with silver, in which the method comprises an anodizing of the implant surface with an electrolyte, in which the electrolyte has a silver-yielding substance. Alternatively, the method comprises a silver implantation or a silver PVD deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: STRYKER TRAUMA GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Werner Speitling
  • Publication number: 20100311615
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing titanium dioxide nanotubes, the method comprising anodizing titanium metal in contact with an electrolytic medium containing an ionic liquid. The invention is also directed to the resulting titanium dioxide nanotubes, as well as devices incorporating the nanotubes, such as photovoltaic devices, hydrogen generation devices, and hydrogen detection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Jun Qu, Huimin Luo, Sheng Dai