Metal Or Metal Alloy Coating Patents (Class 427/455)
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Patent number: 6064031Abstract: The structural assemblies are selectively reinforced with metal matrix composite in the regions susceptible to mechanical failure. More specifically, a channel is machined in a structural member in an area of relatively high stress. A reinforcing member is inserted into the channel. A metal powder is deposited on and around the reinforcing member. The metal powder is irradiated by a high energy source to thereby encase the reinforcing member in a metal matrix and to consolidate the metal matrix to the interior surface of the channel. The resultant assembly is lightweight and has improved strength and stiffness at room and elevated temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: McDonnell Douglas CorporationInventor: Rajesh Talwar
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Patent number: 6059939Abstract: An integrated circuit package derives increased mechanical robustness and electrical reliability consistent with increased heat dissipation capacity by edge bonding of integrated circuit chips onto a substrate such as a chip, board, module or another integrated circuit by forming a solder or conductive adhesive bond between a bonding/contact pad on the substrate and a metallization feature extending at least on limited opposing areas of major surfaces of the chip and, preferably, across the edge of the chip. Thermally conducting material contained in a cap may provide additional, distributed support for the chip by a combination of viscosity and density providing buoyancy of the chips. Alternatively, a cap may be provided which further stabilizes the edge-mounting of chips while increasing velocity of cooling fluid against the chips.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark Vincent Pierson, Thurston Bryce Youngs, Jr.
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Patent number: 6057011Abstract: A high temperature and highly corrosive resistant structure and method of fabricating the structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, vacuum plasma spray or other materials deposition techniques are used to fabricate the structure on a removable support member in the form of a gradient or composite structure that sequentially consists of a 100% ceramic interior layer, a first transition layer of ceramic/refractory metal, a layer of 100% refractory metal, a second transition layer of ceramic/refractory metal, and an outer layer of 100% ceramic material. In a second embodiment, the ceramic/refractory metal/ceramic cartridge is formed without transition layers between the ceramic and metal layers. In another embodiment of the invention the structure is fabricated on a removable support member by depositing an outer layer of ceramic material on a refractory metal. No transition layers of ceramic material/refractory metals are used.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Inventors: Timothy N. McKechnie, Richard R. Holmes, Frank R. Zimmerman, Chris A. Power
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Patent number: 6048586Abstract: A method for applying a functionally gradient coating on a component, having a surface and subjected to one or more of rolling, sliding, abrasion and bending contacts, including the step of thermally spraying a functionally gradient material (FGM) on said surface that forms an FGM coating, said FGM coating having a thickness, a plurality of material compositions and a plurality of elastic modulus profiles. Each elastic modulus profile consists of a plurality of elastic modulii at a plurality of corresponding points within that thickness. The elastic modulii are in the range from about 28 Mpsi to about 60 Mpsi. Optionally, there is also a plurality of carbon content profiles.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Burris, M. Brad Beardsley, Leonid Chuzhoy
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Patent number: 6027583Abstract: A material in powder or wire form on a nickel basis for the production of a coating with a high level of resistance to corrosion and wear by means of a thermal coating process is of the following composition (in percent by weight):______________________________________ C 0.005-1.0; Cr 10.0-26.0; Mo 8.0-20.0; Fe 0.1-10.0; Si 3.0-7.0; B 1.0-4.0; Cu 0.1-5.0; Ni Balance. ______________________________________The material in powder form can be alloyed and sprayed out of the melt or agglomerated out of different alloyed and non-alloyed metal powders. The coating material can also be used in the form of a filling wire or an alloyed and cast bar material.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Castolin S.A.Inventors: Ingo Kretschmer, Peter Heimgartner, Gary Robert Heath
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Patent number: 6025034Abstract: This invention relates to methods whereby reprocessed nanoparticle powder feeds, nanoparticle liquid suspensions, and metalorganic liquids are used in conventional thermal spray deposition for the fabrication of high-quality nanostructured coatings. In one embodiment of this invention, the nanostructured feeds consist of spherical agglomerates produced by reprocessing as-synthesized nanostructured powders. The method is applicable to as-synthesized nanostructured powders made by a variety of liquid chemical processing methods. In another embodiment of this invention, a fine dispersion of nanoparticles is directly injected into a combustion flame or plasma thermal spray device to form high-quality nanostructured coatings.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignees: University of Connecticut and Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyInventors: Peter R. Strutt, Bernard H. Kear, Ross F. Boland
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Patent number: 6017591Abstract: A method of defining valve seats on valve seat supports of an internal combustion engine head. The method includes steps of; (a) roughening the exposed surface of the valve seat support to a finish of 10-50 .mu.m RA; (b) thermally spraying a stream of composite particles onto the roughened support surface, using gaseous propellants with sufficient heat and force to produce a dense adherent composite coating of metal and metal oxide particles and to a thickness no greater than 1-1.5 mm; and (c) finish machining if necessary, the sprayed coating to define the valve seat surface. The composite coated product consists of a metal/metal oxide mixture that possesses one or more of the following characteristics: a surface porosity of 2-5%, a density of 6.5-8 grams/cc, a Vickers hardness of about 280 kg/mm.sup.2 at 450.degree. C., high wear resistance and high corrosion resistance.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Oludele Olusegun Popoola, Robert Corbly McCune, Larry Van Reatherford, Eddie Lee Cartwright
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Patent number: 6013318Abstract: A method for applying coatings to substrates using combustion chemical vapor deposition by mixing together a reagent and a carrier solution to form a reagent mixture, igniting the reagent mixture to create a flame, or flowing the reagent mixture through a plasma torch, in which the reagent is at least partially vaporized into a vapor phase, and contacting the vapor phase of the reagent to a substrate resulting in the deposition, at least in part from the vapor phase, of a coating of the reagent which can be controlled so as to have a preferred orientation on the substrate, and an apparatus to accomplish this method.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Andrew T. Hunt, Joe K. Cochran, William Brent Carter
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Patent number: 5997957Abstract: A process for the deposition of thick coatings with a thickness >1 mm on products made of copper or alloys thereof, wherein said products are subjected to the following operations: surface activation of the product made of copper or alloys thereof; optional heat stabilization to a temperature below the ones causing deterioration of the chemical and physical properties of the copper or alloys thereof; deposition of a first layer, for example of Ni or alloys thereof; optional interdiffusion heat treatment; optional activation of the surface of the first layer; thermal stabilization of said product at a temperature of between 20.degree. and 400.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Centro Sviluppo Materiali S.p.A.Inventors: Luca Bertamini, Edoardo Severini, Mario Tului
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Patent number: 5993915Abstract: A method of fusing a thermal spray coating to a base material employs infrared heating. The thermal spray coating is applied to the base material in a conventional manner. The infrared heater applies unidirectional heat in a first time-temperature relation to the coating during a fusing phase to melt individual coating platelets into a dense layer and to metallurgically bond the coating to the base material. In a base material that is heat treatable, the base material can be heat treated subsequent to the fusing phase. Initial heat treating of the base material occurs during the fusing phase. Continued heat treating of the base material is achieved after the thermal spray coating fusing phase by a second application of time-temperature from the infrared heater. A cold wall process can be used to aid in the quenching phase of the heat treating process.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Adaptive Coating Technologies, LLCInventor: John D. Krebsbach
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Patent number: 5968604Abstract: A friction element has a base element on which a coating is applied by thermal spraying of a copper alloy. The copper alloy contains 27 to 35 wt % zinc, 4 to 6 wt % aluminum, 2 to 4 wt % nickel, 0.5 to 2 wt % titanium, and copper as the remainder, with random contaminants. The copper alloy is applied onto a base element by thermal spraying, and requires only a finish treatment by stamping to achieve good tribological properties and wear resistance that are comparable to molybdenum coatings. Alternative copper-zinc alloys can have, in particular, manganese, iron, and lead constituents.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignees: Euroflamm, GmbH, Diehl Stiftung & Co.Inventors: Werner Bischoff-Bogon, Friedrich Gebhard
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Patent number: 5968603Abstract: A process for manufacturing wear and corrosion-protected surfaces on plasticized screws for injection molding machines forms the wear-resistent layers over the entire screw surface in two steps. A laser technique is used to melt additives into the surfaces of the screw rib, flank and top as well as the screw base by high-speed flame spring with hard metallic and/or ceramic substances.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Engel Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.Inventors: Otto Urbanek, Peter Baldinger
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Patent number: 5960835Abstract: A cast iron pipe surface-modified for preventing corrosion and a method of modifying the pipe surface for corrosion prevention. A corrosion preventive coating is formed on the surface of the iron material of the pipe. The corrosion preventive coating is made up of an aluminum alloy containing not less than 5 wt % but not more than 25 wt % of Mn, the remainder being Al, the aluminum alloy being such that the manganese is present as a supersaturated solid solution in an aluminum phase. The corrosion preventive coating is formed by thermally spraying a quenched aluminum alloy of the above noted composition onto the surface of the iron material of the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Izaki, Masanori Yoshino, Manabu Kurotobi, Mutsuo Uchida, Hiroaki Shimizu
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Patent number: 5958521Abstract: A method of thermally spraying a coating onto the interior of a cylindrical surface which coating is graded between enhanced optimal machinability and enhanced wear resistance.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Zaluzec, Armando M. Joaquin, Oludele O. Popoola
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Patent number: 5958522Abstract: A thermal spray coating method comprising producing a high speed flame from a combustion gas and spraying a thermal spray coating material powder onto the surface of a base material by using the high speed flame to form a coating on the surface of the base material. The thermal spray coating material powder is a mixed powder comprising (A) 98-70% in volume of Cu based lead bronze alloy powder and (b) 2-30% in volume of Al powder or Al based alloy powder.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Sulzer Metco Japan Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Nakagawa, Mitsumasa Sasaki, Hidetada Mima, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Toshio Hotta, Tomoko Miyazaki
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Patent number: 5952055Abstract: A method of protecting reinforced concrete structures comprising of applying a protective cathodic coating containing a non-corroding metal and an electrochemically active material on concrete wherein the protective coating is formed by thermally spraying a mixture of said non-corroding metal such as a valve metal and said electrochemically active material. The coating may also be formed by applying a precursor of the electrochemically active material and a metal-containing layer to concrete, then anodically polarizing said metal layer to convert the precursor into an electrochemically active material.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventors: Carl W. Brown, Jr., John E. Bennett, John J. Bartholomew, Barry L. Martin, Thomas J. Schue
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Patent number: 5952056Abstract: Atomized metal is deposited metal onto a substrate so as to cause at least partial solidification of the deposited metal; further atomized metal is deposited onto the partially solidified deposited metal on the substrate; and the metal deposited onto the partially solidified deposited metal is allowed to fully solidify on the substrate; the cooling of the further deposited metal, and the composition of the metal and/or of a gas used in the atomization of the further atomized metal being tailored such that volumetric contraction on solidification and cooling of the further deposited metal is compensated for, when the deposited metal has been cooled to ambient temperature, by volumetric expansion in a reaction or phase change in the further deposited metal.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Sprayform Holdings LimitedInventors: Richard Michael Jordan, Allen Dennis Roche
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Patent number: 5952054Abstract: A spray deposit is formed by applying a spray deposit on a target object, and applying a sealer onto the spray deposit on the target object immediately after the spray deposit is applied on the target object. Thus, a thin layer of sealer components contained in the sealer is formed immediately on the spray deposit while a liquid component of the sealer volatilizes.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Nippon Steel Hardfacing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Sato, Atsushi Migita, Kiyohiro Tarumi
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Patent number: 5945171Abstract: This invention consists of a coating that is zebra mussel resistant and biofouling resistant without dependence on copper leaching. The coating is a solid solution of copper and nickel containing at least 65 percent copper. Application of the coating to stationary screens, traveling water screens, trash racks, louvers, and other components of water withdrawal and hydroelectric systems, netting and other porous materials used in barrier nets, fish nets, aquaculture, and fish hatcheries, the bottoms of water craft including recreational craft, boats, and ships and on bouys, piers and pilings and other materials that might benefit from resistance to the attachment of zebra mussels and other aquatic or marine organisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignees: Ryan A. Cook, Shannyn M. CookInventor: Leon Edmond Cook
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Patent number: 5939215Abstract: A metallic backing layer such as steel covered by a functional layer of AlSn, AlPb, CuPb, CuSn or CuZn, applied by spraying in air, and a softer covering layer applied to the functional layer by chemical or electrolytic deposition exhibits improved corrosion resistance, running-in behavior and conformability.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Federal-Mogul Wiesbaden GmbhInventor: Gerd Andler
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Patent number: 5935691Abstract: The subject invention relates to a type of metal dual-color extruded plastic key; said key comprising an electroplatable plastic material and a non-electroplatable plastic material; said two parts being subjected to plastic dual-color extrusion forming process; said non-electroplatable plastic material serving to produce a letter or figure; the area surrounding said non-electroplatable plastic material being the electroplatable plastic material; the surface of said electroplatable material being a layer of light-proof electroplated coating, to form the required metal surface; whereby the non-electroplatable plastic material being used to form the area where the letter or figure is to appear, so the lighting could permeate from the letter or figure; the above structure is so designed to provide a high added value to the key product with an exterior of excellent light permeability and comfortable touch.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Silitek CorporationInventor: Jason Tsai
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Patent number: 5910290Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor for combusting material at an elevated temperature and generating heat. The reactor includes an upright reactor chamber delimited by at least one supporting wall having an internally refractory lined lower portion, the reactor chamber defining a space containing an abrading flow of fluidized bed material, a refractory lining provided on the internal side of the lower portion of the supporting wall, a recess provided on the internal side of the supporting wall above the refractory lining, the recess being defined by at least an upper endwall and a bottom, and a coating provided on the internal side of the supporting wall above the refractory lining. The coating extends from the upper endwall of the recess to the refractory lining, for recessing at least an upper border region of the coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energia OYInventor: Timo Hyppanen
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Patent number: 5897922Abstract: A composite part consisting of a metallic matrix and reinforcing fibers is fabricated by the simultaneous winding of the fiber and plasma spraying of the matrix onto a rotating mandrel, wherein an axi-symmetric part is produced with multiple layers of the fibers aligned in the circumferential direction. Single or multiple fiber strands are wound onto a mandrel and simultaneously sprayed with the heated powder matrix material using a thermal spray process. Rotation and translation of the mandrel produces an axi-symmetric composite part. The content of the fiber material in the plasma sprayed matrix is typically up to 40% by volume. The light-weight composite part is produced in a single processing step. The part may be used either directly, or as an insert in other components with or without further densification.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Pawan Saxena, Jonathan C. Beddoes, Ashok K. Koul
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Patent number: 5894053Abstract: In a process for applying a metallic adhesion layer for thermally sprayed ceramic thermal barrier coatings to metallic components, the surface which is to be coated being cleaned in a first process step, so that the metallic surface is free of grease and oxide, a binder is applied to the metallic surface of the base material in a second process step. Metallic adhesive powder is applied uniformly to the binder in a third process step and solder powder, which has a smaller particle size than the adhesive powder, is applied uniformly to the binder in a fourth process step. After drying the binder, a heat treatment is carried out for the purpose of soldering. The adhesion layers produced in this way are rough and provide a considerable positive lock for the ceramic thermal barrier coatings which are to be sprayed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1996Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventor: Reinhard Fried
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Patent number: 5891528Abstract: A printed circuit board is formed by selectively conditioning at least one surface of a substrate with a pattern including selected areas conditioned to receiving metal, and non-selected areas to which metal will not adhere; the surface is then plasma sprayed with metal to coat the selectively prepared areas.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: M/WaveInventors: Joe Turek, Dan Gosselin, Nanu Vahora
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Patent number: 5891527Abstract: A printed circuit board is formed by preparing at least one surface of a substrate with a pattern including selected areas for receiving metal, and non-selected areas to which metal will not adhere; the surface is then plasma sprayed with metal to coat the selected areas.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: M/WaveInventors: Joe Turek, Dan Gosselin, Nanu Vahora
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Patent number: 5885663Abstract: A high temperature thermal sprayable material, such as a metal or metal oxide, is adhered to the surface of a thermal sprayable plastic particle to form a cladding layer thereon. The high temperature material cladding layer provides a thermal barrier that allows use of the plastic in a high temperature thermal spray process to create a duplex coating containing plastic.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Spray-Tech, Inc.Inventor: Frank N. Longo
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Patent number: 5882801Abstract: A carbon coated metal powder depositable by thermal spray techniques to form a metal coating is disclosed. The carbon coated metal powder has a composition comprising a metal powder and carbon adhered to the metal powder. The metal powder is coated with carbon to form a carbon coated metal powder. The carbon coated metal powder, after being thermally sprayed on to a substrate and after being formed into a metal coating on the substrate, has an oxygen content at least 20% by weight less than the oxygen content in the carbon coated metal powder prior to being thermally sprayed.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: M. Brad Beardsley, Gary L. Biltgen
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Patent number: 5866271Abstract: A method is provided for bonding a ceramic thermal barrier coating to a nickel or cobalt based superalloy substrate for use in high temperature applications such as gas turbine engines. The method comprises roughening the superalloy substrate itself to produce a surface roughness, preferably from 100 to 350 microinches Roughness Average (RA). The roughened surface of the substrate is treated with a diffusion coating, preferably aluminide or platinum-aluminide to provide oxidation and hot corrosion resistance, while substantially preserving the micro-topography of the roughened surface. A ceramic thermal barrier coating is applied directly to the diffusion treated surface, preferably using an air plasma spray. The surface roughness, which is left substantially undisturbed by the diffusion coating treatment, is altered by the air plasma sprayed ceramic to form a series of interlocking microstructures that firmly attach the ceramic thermal barrier coating to the diffusion treated superalloy substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventors: Richard J. Stueber, Frank Boorboor, Natarajan S. Palanisamy
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Patent number: 5863604Abstract: A method for applying coatings to substrates using combustion chemical vapor deposition by mixing together a reagent and a carrier solution to form a reagent mixture, igniting the reagent mixture to create a flame, or flowing the reagent mixture through a plasma torch, in which majority of the reagent is vaporized into a vapor phase, and contacting the vapor phase of the reagent to a substrate resulting in the deposition, at least in part from the vapor phase, of a coating of the reagent which can be controlled so as to have a preferred orientation on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corp.Inventors: Andrew T. Hunt, Joe K. Cochran, William Brent Carter
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Patent number: 5863617Abstract: A method for applying a rough slip resistant non-skid surface to a substrate in the field at the cite of use, comprising applying at least one base coat of metal to a surface of the substrate; wetting the surface of the substrate with a surfactant; spreading grit onto the wetted surface of the substrate; applying at least one bond coat of metal over the grit and the substrate, locking the grit in place; and, applying at least one finish coat of metal over the grit and the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Harsco Technologies CorporationInventor: Eugene A. Piontek
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Patent number: 5864745Abstract: In order to enhance the seizure resistance of a swash plate, which is the sliding part of a swash-plate type compressor, copper alloy is flame-sprayed on the swash plate. Depending upon the necessity, the following control of structure/composition: (a) a mixed structure is provided such that atomized bronze powder, which is melted during flame spraying, and an unmelted atomized structure are mixed; (b) Pb is not contained or contained slightly in the melted structure: (c) Sn, P, Al, Ag, Si, Mn, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb and/or Bi is added to the copper; (d) hard matters are added to copper alloy; and, (e) an intermediate layer of Ni or the like is formed between the flame-sprayed layer and the substrate, is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1995Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignees: Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kimio Kawagoe, Soo-Myung Hon, Kenji Takenaka, Manabu Sugiura, Eiji Tokunaga
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Patent number: 5858470Abstract: A method of coating a surface using a plasma arc torch comprises directing a plasma plume externally from a discharge end of the plasma torch toward the surface, positioning a powder injector proximate the plasma plume to introduce ceramic oxide powder particles at a size less than 20 microns diameter into an outer mantle of the plasma plume so that the powder particles are confined in the outer mantle, directing first and second gas jets at the plasma plume downstream of the powder injector position and on opposite sides of the plasma plume to enhance entrainment of the injected powder particles in the outer mantle, circulating the powder particles in the outer mantle of the plasma plume for a residence time to heat the powder particles to melt them without substantial vaporization, and depositing the melted powder on the surface as a dense coating having closed porosity.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Thomas F. Bernecki, Daniel R. Marron
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Patent number: 5855963Abstract: A process for producing a coating on the surface of a plastifier screw for injection molding machines includes applying to a hard-metallic or ceramic substrate with low distortion, a steel screw base element, by high-speed flame spraying. During the coating process, a spray jet treats the different surface regions of the screw base element including the flanks and top of a rib as well as the base of the screw, independently.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Engel Machinenbau Gesellschaft M.B.H.Inventors: Otto Urbanek, Peter Baldinger
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Patent number: 5853834Abstract: A system for protecting sections of pipe or tubing from corrosion includes depositing a continuous, low-porosity, non-corrosive, metallized layer within the end portions of a section of pipe or tubing and on its end walls.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: ICO, Inc.Inventor: Al Siegmund
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Patent number: 5853815Abstract: A plasma system forms a dense, uniform coating of metallic oxide or other material on a relatively large substrate of metal foil or other composition located a substantial distance from the plasma gun so that the plasma stream covers the entire width of the substrate. A large pressure differential between the pressure inside the plasma gun and the ambient pressure outside of the plasma gun creates a shock pattern within the exiting plasma stream so as to disperse the plasma stream and maintain a high energy level therein, as well as thoroughly mixing a coating material introduced into the plasma stream within the gun. Mixing of the coating material within the plasma stream is further enhanced by introducing the coating material into the plasma stream either in liquid form or in the form of very small particles. In one arrangement, the plasma stream is delivered in a long, narrow configuration across the width of the substrate by a nozzle with a slit-like opening at the lower end of the plasma gun.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Sulzer Metco AGInventor: Erich Muehlberger
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Patent number: 5837327Abstract: A TiB.sub.2 -M coating which consists of greater than 50 vol % TiB.sub.2 hard phase particles in a metal or metal alloy (M) matrix that is produced by a thermal spray process using sintered TiB.sub.2 -M powders. The TiB.sub.2 -M powders were fabricated by sintering TiB.sub.2 powders and elemental metals or metal alloys which were selected to form a desired matrix for the TiB.sub.2 particles.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Praxair S.T. Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jiinjen Albert Sue, Robert Clark Tucker, Jr., Antony John Stavros
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Patent number: 5837326Abstract: Abrasion-wear resistant thermal sprayed stainless steel based coatings are disclosed, particularly arc sprayed stainless steel coatings containing titanium diboride crystals which impart hardness to the soft stainless steel matrix and enhance their resistance to hard abrasive media. There is also disclosed a process for making core wires composed of stainless steel sheaths and cores composed of a mixture of titanium diboride, stainless steel and certain additives. During the thermal spraying operation, the stainless steel sheath and the core material melt to form a composite coating containing fine hard titanium boride crystals dispersed within stainless steel. The arc sprayed stainless steel based coatings are more resistant to abrasion wear than solid pieces of type 304 stainless steel and other arc-sprayed stainless steel-based coatings available on the market.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Serge Dallaire, Henri L. Levert
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Patent number: 5825565Abstract: In order to produce lightweight mirror structures or other reflecting components, preformed silicon elements of sufficient wall thickness are applied to a CFC or CMC substrate structure with the dimensions of the component to be produced, at a temperature in the range 1300.degree. C. and 1600.degree. C. either in vacuum or in a protective atmosphere. In this way a mirror structure or reflector is formed directly. It is possible to work at temperatures in the range of 300.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. when the silicon is applied in the form of a preform such as a wafer, which is joined to the substrate by way of a zone of a melt eutectic incorporating a nonferrous metal, which is preferably gold. The surfaces are subsequently coated.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignees: Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft GmbH, Daimler-Benz Aerospace AGInventors: Ulrich Papenburg, Ernst Blenninger, Peter Goedtke, Michael Deyerler
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Patent number: 5820940Abstract: The method of preparing an adhesive layer on a substrate includes introducing a thermally reactive powder comprising aluminum and a second metal into a plasma torch, wherein the thermally reactive powder is substantially free of binder, additive and contaminant and does not contain a significant amount of intermetallic compound into a plasma torch. An exothermic reaction is initiated within the thermally reactive powders in the plasma torch and the exotherming powders impinge onto a substrate, such that the heat generated by the exothermic reaction is generated predominantly on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1993Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Technalum Research, Inc.Inventors: Igor Vasilievich Gorynin, Boris Vladimirovich Farmakovsky, Alexander Pavlovich Khinsky, Karina Vasilievna Kalogina, Alfredo Riviere V., Julian Szekely, Navtej Singh Saluja
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Patent number: 5817372Abstract: A method of depositing a bond coat (16) of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) system (14) for components designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components (10) of a gas turbine engine. The method yields a bond coat (16) having an adequate surface roughness for adhering a plasma-sprayed ceramic layer (18) while also producing a bond coat (16) that is dense with low porosity, thereby yielding a thermal barrier coating system (14) that is highly resistant to spallation. The method generally entails forming the bond coat (16) by depositing two metal powders on the substrate (12) using either a vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) or high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technique. The particle size distributions of the two powders are chosen to yield a bimodal (dual-peak) particle size distribution that will produce a VPS and HVOF bond coat (16) characterized by a macro-surface roughness of at least about 350 microinches Ra attributable to particles of the coarser powder.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventor: Xiaoci Maggie Zheng
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Patent number: 5817371Abstract: A thermal barrier coating system and a method for forming the coating system on an article designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as superalloy turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method is particularly directed to a coating system comprising an APS bond coat on which a thermal-insulating APS ceramic layer is deposited, wherein the oxidation resistance of the bond coat and the spallation resistance of the ceramic layer are increased by diffusing platinum, palladium, hafnium, rhenium and/or rhodium into the bond coat. The diffusion process is performed so as not to alter the surface roughness of the bond coat, which is maintained in a range of about 200 to about 500 .mu.inch Ra.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bhupendra K. Gupta, Thomas E. Mantkowski
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Patent number: 5783259Abstract: Described are molds, dies and forming tools comprising: a) a heat exchanging body support member; and b) within the support member, a molding cavity portion formed by thermal spraying metallic particles to a desired configuration in the support member. Also described are methods of making a mold, die or forming tool comprising the steps of: a) providing a body support member having a controlled and designed porosity which permits the enhancement of the heat transfer ability of said mold, die or forming tool; b) configuring a surface of the support member to a desired cavity; and c) spraying particles to the configured cavity in the support member, thereby producing a mold, die or forming tool. Preferably, the materials of construction are metallic and are applied by thermal plasma spraying. The particles may also be ceramics, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, thermoplastic resins, thermoset resins, and composites based thereupon.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1997Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Metallamics, Inc.Inventor: Robert R. McDonald
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Patent number: 5780116Abstract: A gas turbine abradable seal is prepared by plasma spraying an oxidation resistant metallic material and boron nitride. The resultant structure comprises a metallic matrix encompassing a lubricating amount of boron nitride, with porosity of less than about 15 percent and a fabricated surface roughness of less than about 600 microinches. The reduced surface roughness and substantially reduced permeability of this seal provide substantially enhanced engine efficiency, and improved durability.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gerard A. Sileo, John W. Appleby, Stephen T. Narsavage, Francis X. Alent, Charles G. Davis
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Patent number: 5770273Abstract: A durable coating process which provides improved adhesive bond strength between the coating and its substrate. This process utilizes spray parameters which generate a unique plasma coating that can be applied through a liquid environment between the spray gun nozzle and the substrate to provide combined ion cleaning, etching and activation of the surface to be coated. The improved surface conditioning allows the creation of an exceptionally strong metallurgical bond at the interface between the splattered droplets of the coating material and the substrate. The improved plasma coating process utilizes a relatively short nozzle-to-work surface distance and is therefore suitable for use directly in a liquid such as water in order to keep the substrate from overheating, which may be more likely to occur if the coating were applied in a gas or vacuum environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Peter Offer, Yuk-Chiu Lau, Young Jin Kim, Alfred Stanley Nelson, III
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Patent number: 5766690Abstract: A composite material comprising a matrix including chromium carbide particles, and a solid lubricant mixed with the matrix and including barium fluoride and calcium fluoride. The composite material is spray deposited onto a substrate using a high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray technique to provide an HVOF spray coating.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: EG&G Sealol, Inc.Inventors: James U. Derby, Amitava Datta
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Patent number: 5766693Abstract: Method of depositing a metal base coating containing a self-lubricating oxide phase and one or more wear resistant phases, by: preparing at least one light metal substrate surface to be essentially oxide-free and in a condition to adherently receive the coating, plasma spraying a supply of metal (M) powder particles onto the substrate surface to produce a composite coating of such metal (M) and an oxide (MO.sub.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: V. Durga Nageswar Rao
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Patent number: 5765845Abstract: A method of eliminating scrubbing noise between metal to metal (or metal to ceramic) contact members that experience articulating swiveling interengagement at high force levels in excess of 5,000 psi. The method comprises: (a) preparing the interface to present at least one fresh mechanically adherable stiff surface; (b) thermally spraying a top coating thereonto consisting of at least one of (i) a self-lubricating metal, ceramic material or metal alloy, and (ii) a compliant metal; and (c) placing the coating interface into service to subject it to repeating articulating swiveling contact that functions to microweld the coating to the surface under normal operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Timothy James Dawda, Daniel Quinn Houston, Armando Matthew Joaquin, Carl Frederick Johnson, Matthew John Zaluzec
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Patent number: 5759613Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating an artifact to combat unauthorized tampering with the identity thereof. The method comprises forming a coating on at least part of a surface of the artifact, to provide the artifact with an identification mark which comprises said coating. Forming the coating is by means of thermal spray-coating. The method can be used to coat a pre-formed identification mark on the surface, or to apply an identification mark to the surface, the mark being an engine number, chassis number, or the like. The method acts to render vehicle or aircraft theft, and forgery of parts thereof, more difficult.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1997Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: CSIRInventors: Hugo Jean Howse, Heidi Lynette De Villiers-Filmer, Neville Raymond Comins
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Patent number: 5741556Abstract: A thermal spray process for producing a MCrAlY-based coating wherein M is selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and mixtures thereof and wherein the oxygen in the fuel-oxidant mixture of the thermal spray process converts a substantial portion of the yttrium component to Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, a minor portion of the aluminum component to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and the Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 are present in an amount of less than 15 volume percent of the coating.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Praxair S.T. Technology, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Alan Taylor, James Kent Knapp