Treating Elemental Metal Or Alloy Thereof Patents (Class 216/32)
  • Patent number: 8945406
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a symbol on an exterior of an electronic device is provided. The method includes preparing a support layer, preparing a nanograting layer on the support layer, the nanograting layer including a first nanograting area corresponding to a preset symbol and a second nanograting area corresponding to an area other than the preset symbol, wherein each of the first nanograting area and the second nanograting area includes three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures and a pitch between the 3D nanostructures arranged in the first nanograting area is different from a pitch between the 3D nanostructures arranged in the second nanograting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-eun Chung, Il-yong Jung
  • Patent number: 8911876
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Quan Zhou, Xin-Wu Guan, Po-Feng Ho
  • Publication number: 20140349035
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decoration element is provided. The method includes: forming a base layer; forming a metal layer having a preset thickness on an upper surface of the base layer; forming a mask layer including punched patterns having preset shapes on an upper surface of the metal layer; and etching the metal layer on which the mask layer is formed, to form etched patterns on the metal layer having the same shapes as the punched patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Manho Cho, Jaeyoel Lee, Dongmin Kim
  • Patent number: 8852448
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a 3D (three-dimensional) structure is disclosed to provide hydrophobicity to a surface of a 3D structure by using a dipping method in which a predetermined-shaped structure is immersed in a molten metal solution. The method includes: immersing a predetermined-shaped structure in a molten metal solution to coat a molten metal material on the surface of the predetermined-shaped structure; anodizing a metal base coated with the molten metal material; coating a polymer material on an outer surface of the metal-coated base to form a negative replica structure; covering an outer surface of the negative replica structure with an outer formation material; and removing the metal-coated base from the negative replica structure and the outer formation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Postech Academy-Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Dong-Seob Kim, Kun-Hong Lee, Woon-Bong Hwang, Geun-Bae Lim, Hyun-Chul Park, Byeong-Joo Lee, Sang-Min Lee, Joon-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 8828251
    Abstract: A method for finishing an exterior surface of an injection-molded product is provided, in which a metal layer is formed on the exterior surface of the injection-molded product, a photoresist layer is formed on the metal layer, a photomask is placed on the photoresist layer, light is projected onto the photomask, and remaining parts of the metal layer and the photoresist layer except for parts corresponding to a pattern formed on the photomask are removed by etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Bae Park, Pil-Woo Lee, Jong-Hwa Kim, Hak-Ju Kim, Jung-Won Cho
  • Patent number: 8728563
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft includes the steps of providing an endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, and a wall thickness and forming a pattern design into the endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft. At least one groove is created in the inner surface of the intravascular stent by applying a laser machining method to the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Palmaz Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio C. Palmaz, Armando Garza
  • Patent number: 8607438
    Abstract: A read sensor for a transducer is fabricated. The transducer has a field region and a sensor region corresponding to the sensor. A sensor stack is deposited. A hybrid mask including hard and field masks is provided. The hard mask includes a sensor portion covering the sensor region and a field portion covering the field region. The field mask covers the field portion of the hard mask. The field mask exposes the sensor portion of the hard mask and part of the sensor stack between the sensor and field regions. The sensor is defined from the sensor stack in a track width direction. Hard bias layer(s) are deposited. Part of the hard bias layer(s) resides on the field mask. Part of the hard bias layer(s) adjoining the sensor region is sealed. The field mask is lifted off. The transducer is planarized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Wei Gao, Guanxiong Li, Ming Mao, Chih-Ching Hu, Guanghong Luo, Miao Wang, Zhihong Zhang, Anup G. Roy
  • Publication number: 20130101765
    Abstract: A device housing includes a substrate and a decorative article formed in the substrate. The substrate defines a cutout therein and the decorative article is received in the cutout and bonded with the substrate. The decorative article is a glass article which is formed in the cutout by molding softened glass material into the cutout. A method for making the device housing is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIN-WU GUAN, CHAO-SHENG HUANG, REN-BO WANG
  • Patent number: 8252379
    Abstract: A false inlay decoration is characterized in that a linear notch is formed in a surface of a base by laser processing; a first decoration face and a second decoration face are sectioned and formed by the linear notch; and a coating layer is formed on the inner surface of the linear notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Nagashimakougei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoichi Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20120168403
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing a three-dimensional relief on a metal surface includes steps of preparing a water transfer label, transferring, roasting, electro-plating and removing. An anti-corrosion pattern ink layer of the water transfer label is first transferred onto a metal surface and then roasted and dried with high temperature for covering a part of the metal, which will not be etched by electro-plating, but the other part of the metal not covered by the pattern ink layer will be etched and colored. Thus, after the pattern ink layer is removed, the part of the metal covered by the pattern ink layer will present a bulgy state and possess original color that is different from the color of the other part of the metal not covered by the pattern ink layer, attaining a three-dimensional visual esthetic sense.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: KUO-TASI WANG
  • Publication number: 20120164483
    Abstract: Are disclosed a method for producing a decorative metallic article and the decorative metallic article, used in jewelry goods, ornaments, clothing accessories or the like, the decorative metallic article being produced by joining a silver alloy composition for firing which comprises silver or a silver alloy to another composition for firing which comprises copper or a copper alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Aida Chemical Industries Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Masashi Hirama, Rina Ebihara, Tomoaki Kasukawa, Akiyoshi Yatsugi
  • Patent number: 8177989
    Abstract: A copper conducting wire structure is for use in the thin-film-transistor liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The copper conducting wire structure includes at least a buffer layer and a copper layer. A fabricating method of the copper conducting wire structure includes the following steps. At first, a glass substrate is provided. Next, the buffer layer is formed on the glass substrate. The buffer layer is comprised of a copper nitride. At last, the copper layer is formed on the buffer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: AU Optronics Inc.
    Inventors: Feng-Yuan Gan, Han-Tu Lin, Kuo-Yuan Tu
  • Patent number: 8153015
    Abstract: The invention concerns article having a surface oxide layer up to 20 nm thick, the surface oxide layer comprising chromium and cobalt oxides where the atomic ratio of Cr/Co is more than 3. The invention also concerns methods for treating a chromium containing material, said method comprising contacting said material with a gas plasma under conditions effective to oxidize at least a portion of the material; and contacting said material with an acid. The treated surface is corrosion resistant and can be used in orthopedic implants, especially the wear surface of the orthopedic implant to reduce wear, and other corrosive environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Salvati, Sophie Xiaofan Yang
  • Patent number: 8136227
    Abstract: A magnetic head having non-GMR shunt for perpendicular recording and method for making magnetic head having non-GMR shunt for perpendicular recording is disclosed. A shunt is provided for shunting charge from a read sensor. The shunt is formed co-planar with the read sensor and is fabricated using non-GMR materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Feldbaum, Quang Le, Edward H. Lee, Neil L. Robertson, Charles G. Seegel, III
  • Patent number: 8083957
    Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative material in which a metal layer (e.g., a radio-wave-transmitting metal layer) on a non-metallic-lustrous part can be removed readily and sufficiently even when the metal layer is formed partially by a process involving an etching treatment, and can decorate a molded article with a desired pattern readily and satisfactorily. Also disclosed is a method for producing the decorative material. Further disclosed is a molded article produced by using the decorative material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Nissha Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Innan
  • Publication number: 20110174771
    Abstract: A method of producing images on a metalized substrate is described. The metalized substrate comprises a substrate having a top side and a bottom side and a metalized coating adhered to the top side of the substrate. The method comprises the steps of printing an image onto the metalized coating by selectively applying a protective coating of the image, curing the protective coating, applying a demetalizing solution onto the metalized substrate, rinsing the metalized substrate, drying the metalized substrate, applying an adhesive coating onto the metalized substrate, and removing the adhesive coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald F. DeSanto, Norma D. Kammerer, Anton Zagajowski, III
  • Publication number: 20110168668
    Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative material in which a metal layer (e.g., a radio-wave-transmitting metal layer) on a non-metallic-lustrous part can be removed readily and sufficiently even when the metal layer is formed partially by a process involving an etching treatment, and can decorate a molded article with a desired pattern readily and satisfactorily. Also disclosed is a method for producing the decorative material. Further disclosed is a molded article produced by using the decorative material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: NISSHA PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Susumu Innan
  • Patent number: 7959817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Karine Luetgert, Mark E. Richter, William R. Immell, Stephen G. Huhn
  • Patent number: 7914690
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic keypad panel having a ripple luster. First, a metallic thin plate is prepared. The metallic thin plate is subjected to an etching process, thereby forming a plurality of hollowed portions on the metallic thin plate. The hollowed portions are used to define a pressing region for the keypad and icons for the surface of the pressing region. The metallic thin plate is cut to form a metallic keypad panel having a predetermined shape. An electroplated layer is coated on the surface of the metallic keypad panel. Then, a layer of protective film is adhered on one side surface of the metallic keypad panel. The metallic keypad panel is disposed into a transparent mold. After an ultraviolet curable resin is injected into the mold, a light source illuminates the transparent mold to cure the ultraviolet curable resin in the mold to form a pattern layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ichia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Che-Tung Wu, Chih-Ho Hsu, Kai-Jie Taso
  • Patent number: 7387740
    Abstract: An exemplary method of manufacturing a metal cover (1) with blind holes (3) therein includes: step (60), preparing a metal substrate; step (62), covering the metal substrate with a protective film formed by electrophoretic deposition; step (64), forming holes in the protective film according to an intended pattern of the blind holes in the metal cover, thus exposing the metal surface through the holes; step (66), etching the metal substrate in the exposed areas to form the blind holes; and step (68), removing a remainder of the protective film from the metal substrate, thereby obtaining the finished metal cover. The method involving etching is relatively low-cost. Additionally, because electrophoretic deposition is used to cover the metal substrate with the protective film, the protective film can be formed on all surfaces of the metal substrate. Thus the method is especially advantageous for manufacturing a metal cover having a three-dimensional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventor: Wen-Te Lai
  • Patent number: 7309447
    Abstract: A method for making a reusable mold for forming a microelectronic element package. The method including the steps of removing material from portions of a base to form recesses in the base and then depositing a mask material on at least some portions of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: David Light, Masud Beroz
  • Patent number: 7264740
    Abstract: A method is described for the surface treatment of metals to improve the strength, flexibility and fatigue life of the metal, which in a preferred embodiment includes the steps of thoroughly cleaning and drying the metal surface, etching the surface of the metal to remove sharp apexes and ends of cracks in the metal surface, water rinsing and drying the metal surface, and coating the surface with a low water miscible, water displacing, low surface tension corrosion preventive compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: David Hughes Horne
  • Publication number: 20070175857
    Abstract: A decorative surface treatment of hardenable metals to achieve a three dimensional textured surface with the appearance of mokume gane or Damascus steel. The annealed surface of the metal is selectively hardened by a laser in zones next to unhardened areas. The unhardened areas are selectively eaten away by abrasives in a way that allows deep texture relief.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce T. Boone
  • Patent number: 7201850
    Abstract: According to the present invention, since the concavo-convex pattern of the embossing form is formed by electrical discharge machining, the peaks on the surface of the resultant embossing form are all of the same level or height, which enables the enhancement of the service life of the embossing form. Further, since the concavo-convex pattern of the embossing form is formed by electrical discharge machining, even a complicated and minute concavo-convex pattern can be formed. Accordingly, when applying the method of the present invention to, for example, the production of a substrate for a lithographic plate, an aluminum substrate for a lithographic plate which excels in plate wear, sensitivity and resistance to stains can be produced. And when applying the same to the production of an aluminum decorative laminate, an aluminum decorative laminate which excel in glossiness and paint adhesion can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Kawanishi, Tadashi Hayashi, Hirokazu Sawada, Akio Uesugi
  • Patent number: 7147990
    Abstract: Photographic engraving procedure with high definition on metal, covering the stages of: obtaining a photographic positive or negative of the image to be reproduced in the engraving, cleaning, de-greasing, polishing and shining of the metal surface where the engraving is to be made, impregnation of the surface with photosensitive emulsion, making contact between the photographic positive or negative with the surface to be engraved, using a press, exposure to actinic light, developing of the emulsion, attack of the metal with salts or acids on the areas unprotected by emulsion during the development action, stripping of the protective emulsion and cleaning of the remains of salts or acids, and application of a protective layer of transparent enamel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Fernando Marin Paricio
  • Patent number: 7138069
    Abstract: A new surface finishing process for stainless steel where beautiful, bright and milky white coloured surface is obtainable even for such grades as high carbon containing 13 chromium steel and high sulfur containing free cutting stainless steel is disclosed. After removing the surface scale, (1) immerse the stainless steel into the 1st treating solution containing nitric acid: 5–40 g/l, hydrofluoric acid: 2–10 g/l and Fe(III) ion: 15–40 g/l for 5–180 sec., then rinse in water, (2) and successesively immerse into the 2nd treating solution containing nitric acid: 120–250 g/l, Fe(III) ion: 15–40 g/l for 30–300 sec., then rinse in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Parker Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Sato, Youichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6908562
    Abstract: A method of forming an electrode for a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device comprises the steps of forming an alloy film (32) made of aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg) on a substrate (31) and selectively etching the alloy film (32) by using a gaseous mixture composed of BCl3, Cl2, and N2 to form the electrode such that the electrode has at least one sidewall polymer film (33). The method controls the production of hillocks and voids to provide high withstand voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Hakamada
  • Publication number: 20040256355
    Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods for producing raised and sculpted ornamentation or designs on metal, including metal pieces such as jewelry. Also disclosed are pieces of metal, including jewelry, produced by using the disclosed methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Zoltan David
  • Patent number: 6800326
    Abstract: A method for treating surfaces of titanium or titanium alloys which includes the steps of applying a treatment for removing surface adhesion substances from the surface and then forming a transparent protective layer on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20040007558
    Abstract: This invention relates to a manufacturing method for a high-density copper plate memorial which comprises the following steps of: digitalizing the desired image for its storage in a computer file (S100); adjusting the image level by converting the stored image into halftone image (S102); printing the halftone image into a transparent film (S104); coating the surface of the foreign materials-free copper plate with a glue containing a hardening agent and photosensitizer, followed by its drying (S106); compressing the printed image film to the copper plate for its photosensitization (S108); heating the glue for appropriate etching (S110); etching the surface of copper plate using an impregnating agent to form about 1000˜1600 dots per cm2 (S112); coating the etched copper plate with a painting material to obtain the same image as the image printed on a film (S114); sanding the copper plate to obtain the desired surface roughness (S116); and, coating the copper plate with a protective film so as to protectiv
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Woo Youl Sim
  • Patent number: 6666983
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article with a patterned appearance provided by a visually observable contrast between one or more genereally transparent thin film coatings deposited over a substrate. At least one of the deposited coatings exhibits a reflected color and/or contrast and visible differing transmitted color and/or contrast or a plurality of coatings together exhibit different reflected colors and/or contrasts. The coatings are selected from the group of: metals depositable by magnetron sputtering vacuum deposition, chemical vapor deposition, pyrolytic coating, or sol-gel techniques, metal oxide coatings, metal nitride coatings, semi-conductor containing coatings, metal oxynitrides and mixtures thereof. The present invention is also directed to a method of making the articles having a visually observable patterned appearance involving masking and applying the coating or applying the coating and removing a portion of the coating to form the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Marietti, Mehran Arbab, James J. Finley
  • Patent number: 6506315
    Abstract: A method of producing indicia on a metallized and/or a holographic film comprising the steps of (a) printing, on an etchable surface of the film, a co-polymeric primer in a predetermined pattern, (b) depositing an activated etching substance on top of at least the unprinted metallized and/or holographic material under conditions sufficient to etch away portions of the film not covered by the primer and thereby forming a crystallized material as the debris of etching, (c) removing the crystallized material formed during etching and also removing any excess etching substance, and (e) drying the etched, printed film. Optionally, a reinforcing film layer may be disposed over the etched surface. The reinforcing layer may be colored in a predetermined pattern, especially a pattern that corresponds to the pattern of printing of the non-etchable copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Ferro
  • Patent number: 6440319
    Abstract: A measurement of polyurethane pad characteristics is used to predict performance characteristics of polyurethane pads used for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of semiconductor wafers, and to adjust process parameters for manufacturing polyurethane pads. In-situ fluorescence measurements of a pad that has been exposed to a high pH and high temperature environment are performed. The fluorescence characteristics of the pad are used to predict the rate of planarization of a wafer. A portion of one pad from a manufacturing lot is soaked in an organic solvent which causes the portion to swell. The relative increase in size is indicative of the performance characteristics of pads within the manufacturing lot Statistical Process Control methods are used to optimize the CMP pad manufacturing process. Predicted pad characteristics are available for each pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott G. Meikle, Guy F. Hudson
  • Patent number: 6413437
    Abstract: The invention is a method of forming the art work for chemically etching that produces uniform through-etch and lateral-etch. The artwork that defines the pattern to be etched utilizes lines equal to the narrowest feature that is to be etched. Rather than etch away large areas, section are removed by etching by cutting them out of the material that is being etched. The artwork or pattern is designed with the same compensation factors throughout the entire pattern and the etch rate will be completely uniform for the entire pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert M. Fritzsche
  • Patent number: 6397467
    Abstract: The ink jet print head is formed with many parallel ducts, which are etched isotropically through openings in a first layer located above the ducts. After the etching operation, the openings of the first layer are closed by the deposition onto the first layer of a second layer, which covers the openings. The openings have a diameter of 1 &mgr;m, for instance. The openings, formed in the first layer by photolithography and ensuing dry etching, are disposed such that in an etching operation, the desired ducts underneath the first layer are laid bare. It is thus not necessary to adjust the relative positioning of two or more etched plates, closed ducts are formed without bonding or adhesive techniques, and the trigger circuit and the print head can be integrated on a single substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Werner, Thomas Zettler
  • Patent number: 6376104
    Abstract: A process of producing a gold decorative item, including, sequentially producing an alloy of gold, silver, copper and zinc, forming the gold alloy into a specific shape according to the design of the decorative item and polishing the surface of the decorative item so formed, submerging the decorative item in an acid solution and etching its surface to form a scale pattern, submerging the decorative item in an alkaline solution removing unwanted substances formed on the surface during etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventors: Kin Keung Li, Chi Shing Yuen
  • Patent number: 5843250
    Abstract: A method for engraving an image pattern onto an impression die plate utilizes laser engraving and acid attacking techniques. In one embodiment, a brass plate is provided having a nickel coating thereon. A laser removes selected portions of the nickel coating according to a preselected image pattern so as to expose the underlying portions of the brass plate. Upon immersion of the plate into an acid bath, the acid attacks the exposed plate portions so as to present depressions in the plate. Upon removal of the plate from the bath a series of depressions and remaining coating portions on the plate present undulations thereon corresponding to the desired pattern image. This image is then impressed onto a medium, e.g. as a foil or the like. Various materials may be used for the plate, coating and acid bath. An electrically charged chrome coating may also be used with a non-electrically charged chrome being the acid bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: High Tech Polishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve A. Bone, Randy A. Anderson, Mark S. C. Williams
  • Patent number: 5759420
    Abstract: A process for producing a partially transparent, visually discernible surface pattern with surface elements which diffusely scatter, reflect or diffract light incident on the surface pattern commences with a base foil which may include a carrier foil and a lacquer layer, and also an intermediate layer between these two layers to provide for good adhesion. Before or after application of the microscopically fine relief structures in the lacquer layer, the free surface thereof is covered over its entire area with a reflection layer. A printed image is then printed with an etching agent for the reflective material on the reflection layer in such a way that, at surface portions corresponding to the printed image, the reflection layer is removed and the surface of the lacquer layer is exposed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Landis & Gyr Technology Innovation AG
    Inventors: Ohannes Minnetian, Beat Nauer
  • Patent number: 5580604
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hot-stamped decal includes step A: preparing a metalized polyester film including a metalized layer disposed on a top surface thereof, a clear polyester sheet disposed to an under side of the metalized layer, an adhesive layer disposed to an under side of the clear polyester sheet and a release sheet disposed to an under side of the adhesive layer, step B: applying a printing process on the metalized layer to form a mark thereon composed of a printed ink layer, step C: preparing an alkaline corrosive solution, step D: flushing the top surface of the metalized layer with the alkaline solution composed of water and NaOH to the top surface of the metalized layer to corrode the metalized layer not covered by the printing ink layer, step E: flushing the top surface of the metalized layer with water and step F: drying the hot-stamped decal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Chih C. Chang