Anodizing Patents (Class 205/324)
  • Patent number: 5720866
    Abstract: A method for forming relatively thick composite coatings on a region of the surface of a metallic member includes exposing the surface region to an electrolyte fluid, either by immersion or by spraying the electrolyte against the surface region. A preferred electrolyte fluid is an aqueous solution including an electrolytic agent, a passivating agent and a modifying agent in the form of a solute or a powder suspended in the solution. A voltage signal is applied to induce a current flow of constant magnitude between the metallic member and the electrolyte fluid so that the metallic member interacts with the passivating agent to form a passive oxide layer on the surface region. The voltage signal increases in magnitude until local voltage reaches a breakthrough level across separate highly localized discharge channels along the surface region of the metallic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: ARA Coating, Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksey Erokhine, Andrey Aleksejevich Voevodin, Robert David Schmertzler
  • Patent number: 5716511
    Abstract: An anodizing electrolyte containing a polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether and an electrochemical process for anodizing valve metals which permits the formulation of an anodic layer having a substantially uniform thickness and reduced flaw density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kemet Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Brian John Melody, John Tony Kinard, David Alexander Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5693210
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a porous alumina tube with numerous pores having a uniform shape and a uniform diameter of 5 to 200 nm and extending linearly in the vertical direction to the outer peripheral surface thereof, which comprises the steps of forming an anodized layer by anodizing the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum tube, and removing the aluminum tube after the anodized layer is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: President of Tohoku University
    Inventors: Akira Tomita, Takashi Kyotani, Yoshio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5693208
    Abstract: A process for producing an oxide layer with a pore structure on the surface of a strip or wire of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is such that the strip or wire is passed continuously through an electrolyte and simultaneously anodized under conditions that create pores and at an anodizing voltage creating the desired thickness of oxide layer. In a first stage of the process, in order to form a fine pore structure, the anodizing voltage is set at an initial level (U.sub.1) and subsequently, in a second stage to form a coarser pore structure, raised to a final level (U.sub.2) required to reach the desired thickness of oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventor: Jean-Fran.cedilla.ois Paulet
  • Patent number: 5679233
    Abstract: A resilient dielectric wiper blade is mounted between electrodes and a workpiece, particularly in an anodizing operation, to wipe bubbles of oxygen from the anodic work surface, to remove a surface layer of excessively heated electrolytic solution and replace with fresh cooler solution, and in the case of flexible strip processing, to stabilize the strip between cathodes. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated electrodes to facilitate removal of overheated electrolytic solution and replace with freshly circulated solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Electroplating Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Erik S. Van Anglen, James L. Forand, Harold M. Keeney
  • Patent number: 5643436
    Abstract: 0564344368A metal-oxide layer exhibiting a photocatalytic activity function is formed on the surface of an inorganic architectural material, such as external wall material, roofing material, internal wall material, flooring material, and ceiling material, including glass, tile, concrete, stone, metal, and the like, so as to provide the property of deodorizing a space coming in contact with the architectural material, and antimold, antisoiling properties, and ultraviolet-ray absorbency of the surface of the architectural material, as well as the long-term maintenance of these properties. Preferably, the metal-oxide layer is formed by fixing a metal-oxide thin film on the surface of the architectural material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Takenaka Corporation
    Inventors: Takatoshi Ogawa, Yasuhiko Yoshioka, Nobuo Tsubouchi, Toshio Saito, Tamotsu Hasegawa, Akira Fujishima, Kazuhito Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5595638
    Abstract: An anodic oxide containing impurities at a low concentration and thereby improved in film quality, and a process for fabricating the same. The process comprises increasing the current between a metallic thin film and a cathode until a voltage therebetween reaches a predetermined value, and maintaining the voltage at the predetermined value thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Konuma, Akira Sugawara, Yukiko Uehara
  • Patent number: 5547556
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte gas sensor comprising: a base plate of a solid electrolyte, on which are disposed a detecting electrode for detecting a selected gas, a reference electrode, and a conductor portion for external connection such as an outer lead.A process of producing a joined body of a ceramic member and a hard-to-sinter oxyacid salt crystal, the process comprising the steps of: impregnating a melt of a hard-to-sinter oxyacid salt such as a sulphate or a carbonate into a porous ceramic plate having micropores extending through the entire thickness thereof; then cooling the impregnated ceramic plate to form a composite plate composed of the ceramic plate with the micropores filled with a crystal of the hard-to-sinter oxyacid salt; and joining the composite plate to a ceramic base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kobayashi, Misa Saitoh
  • Patent number: 5545571
    Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing an insulated gate field effect transistor is described. The method comprises the steps of forming a semiconductor film on an insulating substrate, forming a gate insulating film on said semiconductor film, forming a gate electrode on said gate insulating film with said gate insulating film inbetween, anoding said gate electrode in order to coat an external surface of said gate electrode with an oxide film thereof and applying a negative or positive voltage to said gate electrode with respect to said semiconductor film. Lattice defects and interfacial states caused by the application of a positive voltage during the anoding are effectively eliminated by the negative voltage application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hongyong Zhang, Hideki Uochi, Hiroki Adachi, Yasuhiko Takemura
  • Patent number: 5534126
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously anodizing the heads of several aluminum pistons includes a plating tank having an array of apertures extending through one of its side walls, one aperture for each piston; and means for securing the head of each piston in its respective aperture. A seal disposed in each aperture ensures that the aperture is sealed upon the securing of the piston therein, with only the piston's head being placed in fluid communication with the interior of the plating tank. An acid electrolyte is directed into the plating tank through electrically-conductive sparging nozzles positioned therein opposite the heads of the pistons, thereby forming an electrolytic cell with the pistons as anodes and the sparging nozzles as cathodes. A power supply simultaneously applies a current to the cell, i.e., across the electrolyte via the pistons and sparger nozzles, to effect electrolytic coating of each piston's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: International Hardcoat, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Stadler, Jeffrey R. Pernick
  • Patent number: 5510015
    Abstract: A process for obtaining a range of colors of the visible spectrum includes a first phase to form an anodic film, a second phase to modify a barrier film and a third phase to deposit metallic particles on the barrier film. During the formation of the anodic film, a thickness in excess of 0.3 .mu.m is obtained. The electrolytic modification of the barrier film is carried out in a low dissolving power electrolyte, applying a predetermined low voltage and a predetermined low current density. The third phase is carried out by an electrolytic deposition of metallic particles in order to increase internal reflections under the deposit. The average voltage applied in the electrolytic modification of the barrier film is below 5 volts of a complex alternating current, and the average density of the current applied is less than 200 mA/dm.sup.2 of the complex alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Novamax Technologies Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dionisio R. Martinez, Mores A. Basaly, Davide Perina
  • Patent number: 5487825
    Abstract: A method of producing composite oxide ceramic fluorine polymer layers on articles of aluminum, magnesium, titanium or their alloys, particularly of light metal components, includes introducing particles of fluorine polymers into the capillary system of an oxide ceramic layer. The particles have a particle size which at least in one dimension is smaller than the diameter of the capillaries. The article is then subjected to alternating pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Electro Chemical Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kurze, Hans-Jurgen Kletke
  • Patent number: 5482614
    Abstract: An EL lamp having a higher luminescence efficiency and a process for manufacturing the same are provided. The EL element includes an aluminum foil having at least one specularly polished surface, an anodized oxide film formed on the specularly polished surface of the aluminum foil, a light emitting EL layer formed directly on the film, and a transparent electrode formed on the light emitting EL layer. The process for manufacturing an EL lamp includes the steps of polishing specularly at least one of the surfaces of an aluminum foil, forming an anodized oxide film on the specularly polished surface of the aluminum foil, and forming directly on the aluminum oxide film a light emitting EL layer and a transparent electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignees: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd., Japan Metals & Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kondo, Takahiro Saida, Shuichi Taya, Toyoshi Iida, Takeshi Sotomura, Yuko Fujii, Keiji Sato, Mamoru Takahashi, Sadayasu Yamakawa, Shunichi Osawa
  • Patent number: 5482609
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte gas sensor comprising: a base plate of a solid electrolyte, on which are disposed a detecting electrode for detecting a selected gas, a reference electrode, and a conductor portion for external connection such as an outer lead.A process of producing a joined body of a ceramic member and a hard-to-sinter oxyacid salt crystal, the process comprising the steps of: impregnating a melt of a hard-to-sinter oxyacid salt such as a sulphate or a carbonate into a porous ceramic plate having micropores extending through the entire thickness thereof; then cooling the impregnated ceramic plate to form a composite plate composed of the ceramic plate with the micropores filled with a crystal of the hard-to-sinter oxyacid salt; and joining the composite plate to a ceramic base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kobayashi, Misa Saitoh
  • Patent number: 5409592
    Abstract: The invention describes a novel electrolyte additive for a sulfuric acid tin(II) containing colorant bath for the alternating current coloring of anodized aluminum surfaces, consisting of a synergistic mixture of at least one antioxidant of one of the general formulas (I to IV) and at least one throwing power improver of general formula (V), and to a process for the alternating current coloration of anodized aluminum surfaces using the electrolyte additive of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Loert D. Meyer, Volker Sander, Juergen Lindener
  • Patent number: 5385662
    Abstract: A method of producing oxide ceramic layers on Al, Mg, Ti, Ta, Zr, Nb, Hf, Sb, W, Mo, V, Bi or their alloys by a plasma-chemical anodical oxidation in a chloride-free electrolytic bath having a pH value of 2 to 8 and a constant bath temperature of -30.degree. to +15.degree. C. A current density of at least 1 A/dm.sup.2 is maintained constant in the electrolytic bath until the voltage reaches a predetermined end value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Electro Chemical Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kurze, Dora Banerjee, Hans-Jurgen Kletke
  • Patent number: 5300209
    Abstract: An anodizing method, wherein an aluminum based-system alloy film formed on an insulation substrate is soaked in an electrolytic solution of an ammonium borate water solution, and a voltage is applied between a to-be-anodized film of the aluminum system alloy film functioning as an anode and a cathode soaked in the same electrolytic solution, thereby forming a metal oxide film from the surface of the to-be-anodized film. A resistivity of the electrolytic solution is measured, and ammonia water is added to the electrolytic solution so that the measured resistivity does not exceed 120 .OMEGA.cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Mori
  • Patent number: 5282307
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic ornamental plate is provided comprising the steps of press-forming a light metal plate to provide a first planar region having a first surface, and a second planar region having a second surface elevated from the first surface; and machine-finishing the elevated second surface of the second planar region to define a distinct ornamental pattern against the first surface wherein the machine-finishing step removes material from the elevated second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Toyoda, Katsumi Makino
  • Patent number: 5275717
    Abstract: Process for the manufacture of dental or maxillo-facial prostheses, particularly endo-osseous prostheses or pivots, in which a layer of pure aluminum is deposited on a conductive substrate, preferably a metal, which forms the core of the prosthesis. The aluminum layer is obtained by electrochemical deposition of pure aluminum with non-aqueous electrolyte base of the type which has an aluminumorganic complex bath. The layer is then oxidized by anodization such that an alumina layer which is sealed and electrically insulated, is obtained, separating the core and the biological tissues surrounding the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventors: Pascal Prunier, Jean Blanc, Laurent Isnard, Catherine Gerard, Maurice Cagniart, Regis Ruiz
  • Patent number: 5275713
    Abstract: Method for coating a rectifier metal (aluminum) with alkali metal molybdenate/alkali metal silicate or alkali metal tungstenate/alkali metal silicate comprises immersing a rectifier metal (anode) and a cathodic metal in an electrolytic solution and imposing voltage potential between the two electrodes. The voltage is first raised to about 240 to about 260 volts during an oxidation stage, and thereafter to about 380-420 volts to form the desired coating.Unique electrolytic solutions are provided for the electrodeposition method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Rudolf Hradcovsky
  • Patent number: 5262040
    Abstract: A metal surface is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings. The substrate metal of the article, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be initiated by selection of a metal of desirable metallurgy and heat history, including prior heat treatment to provide surface grain boundaries which may be most readily etched. In subsequent etching operation, the surface is made to exhibit well defined, three dimensional grains with deep grain boundaries. Subsequently applied coatings, by penetrating into the etched intergranular valleys, are desirably locked onto the metal substrate surface and provide enhanced lifetime even in rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: ELTECH Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5217601
    Abstract: Durable and clear blue color of freely controlled density can be expeditiously and efficiently impated to an anodic oxide film of aluminum by a method which comprises forming the anodic oxide film on the aluminum or aluminum alloy, then subjecting the aluminum or aluminum alloy to AC electrolysis in a bath containing an inorganic ferrous salt as a main component thereof thereby inducing deposition of iron in the pores of the oxide film, and subsequently placing the aluminum or aluminum alloy as an anode in a bath containing hexacyano iron (II) acid salt as a main component thereof and subjecting the same to DC electrolysis therein. In the alternative method, the pore-widening treatment is added next to said step of anodic oxidation. The pore-widening treatment is effected by immersing the aluminum or aluminum alloy in sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid or electrolyzing the same in phosphoric acid or a mixed solution of phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Norio Nakada, Hideo Fukui, Hatsuo Hirono, Seishiro Ito
  • Patent number: 5089092
    Abstract: A porous aluminum oxide film has a plurality of pores passing through the film. Each pore has a pair of larger diameter pores and a smaller diameter pore. The smaller diameter pore is disposed in a central portion with respect to the thickness of the film, and the larger diameter pores are disposed upon both ends of the smaller diameter pore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Kyoto University
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Wada, Nobuyoshi Baba, Sachiko Ono, Takako Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5082537
    Abstract: A mechanically roughened substrate is conveyed through an electrolytic bath and is given a superposed electrochemical roughening, which is carried out by means of electrodes which are arranged in the electrolytic bath at a specific spacing from the substrate. The electrodes are connected to corresponding windings on the secondary side of a three-phase transformer. The corresponding windings on the primary side of the three-phase transformer are connected to a three-phase frequency converter, to which three-phase current is applied via leads. The three-phase frequency converter transforms the line frequency of the three-phase current supplied into a frequency range of about 50 to 300 Hz at a voltage of between about 1 and 380 V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Stroszynski, Heinz Boergerding, Peter Lehmann