Porous (e.g., Foamed, Spongy, Cracked, Etc.) Patents (Class 428/613)
  • Publication number: 20100021757
    Abstract: Surface coating having a bright appearance on motor vehicle wheels made of light metal alloy castings or steel, which can comprise a plurality of layers, wherein it has at least one first layer composed of aluminum or aluminum alloy which is applied directly to the wheel surface, which has metallic brightness, and a method for producing a resistant bright coating on aluminum alloy or steel surfaces, which comprises the steps gas-phase deposition of aluminum or Al alloy to form a first dense and bright coating electrochemical oxidation of the surface of the first layer and formation of a nanoporous to microporous second layer of aluminum oxide having a thickness in the range from 50 to 1000 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kraenzler, Karsten Loehr
  • Publication number: 20100015564
    Abstract: A fired heater tube that is resistant to corrosion and fouling is disclosed. The fired heater tube comprises an advantageous high performance coated material composition resistant to corrosion and fouling comprises: (PQR), wherein P is an oxide layer at the surface of (PQR), Q is a coating metal layer interposed between P and R, and R is a base metal layer, wherein P is substantially comprised of alumina, chromia, silica, mullite, spinels, and mixtures thereof, Q comprises Cr, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Al, Si, Mn, Fe, Co, B, C, N, P, Ga, Ge, As, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, Sc, La, Y, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Re, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au and mixtures thereof, and R is selected from the group consisting of low chromium steels, ferritic stainless steels, austenetic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, Inconel alloys, Incoloy alloys, Fe—Ni based alloys, Ni-based alloys and Co-based alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: ChangMin Chun, Narasimha-Rao Venkata Bangaru, Mark A. Greaney, Ian A. Cody, F Pierce Hubbard, David Samuel Deutsch
  • Patent number: 7648589
    Abstract: A method for making a ductile and porous shape memory alloy (SMA) using spark plasma sintering, and an energy absorbing structure including a ductile and porous SMA are disclosed. In an exemplary structure, an SMA spring encompasses a generally cylindrical energy absorbing material. The function of the SMA spring is to resist the bulging of the cylinder under large compressive loading, thereby increasing a buckling load that the cylindrical energy absorbing material can accommodate. The SMA spring also contributes to the resistance of the energy absorbing structure to an initial compressive loading. Preferably, the cylinder is formed of ductile, porous and super elastic SMA. A working prototype includes a NiTi spring, and a porous NiTi cylinder or rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Minoru Taya, Ying Zhao
  • Patent number: 7648773
    Abstract: To provide a thermal spray membrane contact material, contact member and contact part and an apparatus to which they are applied, showing excellent seizure resistance and wear resistance even under high surface pressure/low speed sliding, high speed/high temperature sliding, or high surface pressure/high speed sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takemori Takayama, Tetsuo Ohnishi, Kazuo Okamura
  • Patent number: 7641984
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite metal foams comprising hollow metallic spheres and a solid metal matrix. The composite metal foams show high strength, particularly in comparison to previous metal foams, while maintaining a favorable strength to density ratio. The composite metal foams can be prepared by various techniques, such as powder metallurgy and casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventor: Afsaneh Rabiei
  • Publication number: 20090324989
    Abstract: Components (1) have a thermal barrier coating (2-6) on the surface thereof, wherein the thermal barrier coating includes at least one layer (3) having chemically stabilized zirconia, and wherein at least indirectly adjacent to the layer (3) with chemically stabilized zirconia and on its surface facing side, there is provided a protective layer (4) and/or a infiltration zone (5) which does not react with environmental contaminant compositions that contain oxides of calcium and which does not react with the material of the layer (3) having chemically stabilized zirconia. Methods for making such components as well as to uses of specific systems for coating thermal barrier coatings, can prevent CMAS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Gregoire Etienne Witz, Hans-Peter Bossmann, Valery Shklover, Sharath Bachegowda
  • Patent number: 7632565
    Abstract: Metal foams are impregnated with resins. The metal foam/polymer composite formed upon curing has excellent acoustic dampening and structural properties. Foams of various metals, such as aluminum, titanium, nickel, copper, iron, zinc, lead, silver, gold, platinum, tantalum, and alloys based on these metals, may be used. The polymer component may be any polymeric resin, for example, epoxy, natural rubber, acrylic, or phenolic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: M. Ashraf Imam, Bhakta B. Rath, Teddy M. Keller
  • Publication number: 20090290284
    Abstract: An electric component has a base body. A surface of the base body is provided with at least one first electrically conductive material layer and the first material layer is coated with a further electrically conductive material layer on the surface facing away from the base body. The material layers form at least part of an external contact that has a closed, porous, outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Andreas Gabler, Volker Wischnat
  • Publication number: 20090286102
    Abstract: A method of repairing a metal component includes affixing a metallic foam matrix to a portion of the component to be repaired, applying a braze alloy over the metallic foam matrix, and heating the component in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. Affixing the metallic foam matrix facilitates inducing a capillary action of the braze alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: TUBINE OVERHAUL SERVICES PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Mohammad Dzulkifli B Mohyi Hapipi, Kin Keong Jek, Sor Tin Ng
  • Publication number: 20090286101
    Abstract: A shape-changing structure has a superelastic metal foam structural member that changes shape (morphs) to change configuration of the structure. The superelastic metal foam structural member changes shape while maintaining a continuous outer surface, with the continuous metal foam material inside the outer surface expanding, contracting, or otherwise changing shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be heated above a transition temperature to allow it to change shape, and then cooled to cause it to increase in strength, more easily maintaining its new shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be a suitable alloy, for example a nickel titanium alloy, that exhibits superelastic (pseudoelastic) behavior. The superelastic metal foam material may be a shape memory alloy material that returns to a set shape upon moderate heating. The superelastic metal elastic foam structural member may be heated either by an internal heat source or by external heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Sar, Terry M. Sanderson, Thomas P. McCreery
  • Publication number: 20090280351
    Abstract: An aluminum-silicon carbide composite suitable for a base plate for power module is provided. A base plate for power module, comprising an aluminum-silicon carbide composite that is a flat plate-shaped silicon carbide porous body impregnated with a metal containing aluminum as the main component, and an aluminum layer made of a metal containing aluminum as the main component formed only on one of the principal planes of the composite, wherein a rear surface being the other one of principal planes of the aluminum-silicon carbide composite is exposed to the outside, and the shape of the exposed aluminum-silicon carbide composite is a rectangle or a rectangle from which portions encompassing holes in the peripheral portion are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Hirotsuru, Goh Iwamoto, Hideo Tsukamoto, Akira Miyai, Yoshio Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7604870
    Abstract: This invention relates to a porous nickelide of titanium (TiNi) material also comprising oxygen, that is biomechanically and biochemically compatible and is intended primarily for use in the biomedical fields for implantation and interfacing with living tissues. The material has a porous structure defined by morphological, mechanical and surface properties to conform well to adjacent bone to which the TiNi material is designed to bind. The material is further distinguished by a complete lack of nickel enriched secondary phases. These phases may leach nickel into the body which could result in complications associated with nickel toxicity. The mechanical properties and surface characteristics achieved confirm the biofunctionality of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Nitinol Devices and Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandr Chernyshov, Sylvain Allard
  • Publication number: 20090252985
    Abstract: A CMAS resistant coating system and method for a gas turbine engine component includes a thermally insulating coating having a dense vertically microcracked ceramic inner layer and a columnar-grained ceramic top layer. The inner layer may be applied by an air plasma spray technique. The top layer may be deposited by a physical vapor deposition technique. In an exemplary coating, a ratio of the thickness of the top layer to the thickness of the inner layer is greater than about 2 to 1. The layered coating may be particularly useful for the relatively thick coatings in gas turbine engine shroud applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Bangalore Nagaraj, Rachel T. Farr
  • Publication number: 20090249603
    Abstract: A method of repairing a component having interconnected porosity applies a material to the area of the porosity through a cold deposition process. Components repaired by this method are also claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Chris Vargas
  • Patent number: 7597840
    Abstract: The formation of amorphous porous bodies and in particular to a method of manufacturing such bodies from amorphous particulate materials. The method allows for the control of the volume fraction as well as the spatial and size distribution of gas-formed pores by control of the size distribution of the powder particulates. The method allows for the production of precursors of unlimited size, and because the softened state of the amorphous metals used in the method possesses visco-plastic properties, higher plastic deformations can be attained during consolidation as well as during expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marios Demetriou, William L. Johnson, Christopher Thomas Veazey, Jan Schroers
  • Patent number: 7582361
    Abstract: A class of lightweight structural members, characterized by lighter weight and greater resistance to buckling under axial compressive loading, as compared to conventional structural members, is described. The lightweight structural members typically comprise a thin tubular member filled with a metallic foam material. The foam material preferably comprises particulate matter comprised of agglomerated fly ash material, and, preferably, gaseous material in pores within the foam material. In an alternate configuration, the lightweight structural member comprises two tubular members, one nested inside the other, wherein the annular volume between the tubular members is filled with metallic foam material. A method for manufacturing the structural members is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: Robert M. Purgert, Jerzy Sobczak, Lawrence C. Boyd, Jr., Nipendra P. Singh, Bruce P. Bardes
  • Publication number: 20090208774
    Abstract: The dielectric device includes a substrate, a lower electrode, a dielectric layer, and an upper electrode. The lower electrode is bonded onto the substrate. The dielectric layer is bonded onto the lower electrode. The dielectric layer is obtained through thermal treatment of a film layer formed by spraying of a powdery dielectric material and a fine-particulate metal. In the thus-formed film layer, the metal is dispersed in the matrix of the dielectric material. Thermal treatment of the film layer causes migration of the metal in the film layer. This metal migration causes a lower-electrode-adjacent portion and upper-surface-adjacent portion of the dielectric layer to have different metal contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Nanataki, Nobuyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090202855
    Abstract: A bearing material including a Cu—Sn—Bi alloy layer and method of construction thereof is provided. The alloy layer has a porosity ranging from about 2% to about 10%. A majority of the porosity has pores separate and out of direct communication with one another such that the pores are not interconnected with one another. The alloy layer can be sintered to a metal backing layer, and can be shaped as desired for an intended bearing application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: David M. Saxton, Eric Konieczny, Robert Sturk
  • Patent number: 7560171
    Abstract: A composite material member is made of a light metal, and strength and durability in a joined part between constituent materials of the composite material member are improved, and production cost is decreased. The composite material member of the present invention contains a main material composed of a light metal or a light metal alloy which can be molded by casting; and a secondary material composed of a metallic material different from the main material or an inorganic material, the secondary material being joined to the main material by integrally casting with the main material, wherein a porous material is arranged on a part of a boundary area or entire boundary area between the main material and the secondary material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Shiraishi, Akihiro Katsuya
  • Patent number: 7560170
    Abstract: A method of preparing the surface of a porous metal substrate to receive a membrane. The method does not substantially decrease the average bulk porosity of the metal substrate. A hydrogen separation membrane supported on the porous metal substrate. A cold spray is used to reduce surface variance. Exposure to an ion beam may also be used after application on the cold spray to prepare the surface of the substrate for membrane deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Anand Chellappa
  • Publication number: 20090176121
    Abstract: An electroconductive diffuse reflective film is made of an electroconductive metal, wherein the electroconductive diffuse reflective film has a porous structure in which crystal grains having an average grain diameter of 50 nm or more and 1,000 nm or less are separately arranged at intervals of 10 nm or more and 800 nm or less on average.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Masao Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7556864
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sintered gear composed of a sintered alloy having a metal matrix and pores. The tooth surface (2, 3, 4) of the tooth and the bottom land (5) have a densified layer (11) in which the porosity is reduced to 10% or less from the sintered alloy. The densified layer at the tooth surface is formed with a thickness of 300 to 1,000 microns, and the densified layer at the bottom land is formed with a thickness of 10 to 300 microns. The boundary surface of the densified layer is continuous from the tooth surface side to the bottom land side so as not to have a substantial level difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Hitachi Powdered Metals Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Yamanishi, Ryoji Sato, Kei Ishii, Tomoaki Arakawa, Jyun-ichi Yamada, Tadayuki Tsutsui, Akira Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20090164027
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a metal body, which leads in a simple and reliable way to formation of a defined surface topography, if desired also combined, in the range from 10 nm to 500 ?m on a metal base body or blank which is to have, in particular, nanoscale pores. For this purpose, a pulsating current is applied to a metal base body in an electrolysis bath, with the electrolysis bath comprising salt former ions matched to the material of the metal base body. Furthermore, the invention provides a dental implant having particularly advantageous surface properties, in which a nanostructure is superimposed on a surface microstructure and nitrogen atoms and/or nitrogen compounds are attached and/or included in the region of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Holger Zipprich
  • Publication number: 20090130477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal palladium composite membrane or an alloy palladium composite membrane in which essentially the metal palladium membrane or alloy palladium membrane exists substantially on the outer surface of the porous substrate support, with little or no presence in the pore channels of the support, and to process for its preparation. The process comprises the steps of treating the porous substrate with a pore filler before plating it with a palladium solution to form the composite membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicants: BP P.L.C., DALIAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
    Inventors: Shoufu Hou, Kui Jiang, Wenzhao Li, Hengyong Xu, Lixiang Yuan
  • Patent number: 7516529
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a complex composite metal structure having a metallic foam substrate. A sheet metal structure is provided having a metallic foam precursor formed of metallic particles and foaming agents. The sheet metal structure is formed using quick plastic or superplastic formation processes. After or during the formation of the metal, the temperature of the metallic precursor is raised to a point that the foaming agent produces a metallic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Arianna T Morales, Paul E Krajewski
  • Patent number: 7514369
    Abstract: The present invention is for a porous silicon powder comprising silicon particles wherein the outermost layers of said particles are porous. The present invention is also directed to a method of making this porous silicon powder using a stain etch method. The present invention is also directed to a method of making silicon nanoparticles from the porous silicon powders using a process of ultrasonic agitation. The present invention also includes methods of processing these silicon nanoparticles for use in a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Yunjun Li, Igor Pavlovsky
  • Publication number: 20090061250
    Abstract: The invention pertains to high-molecular compound-based composite materials using carbon and can be used for anodes of electrolytic capacitors made on the elastic dielectric film base with current-carrying coating. Polyester-base film material chiefly of polyethylene terephthalate has nanodimensional metal coating. New is that a diamond-like layer 5-50 nm thick is placed between the modified surface of the polyester base and metal coating and a sponge metal layer 0.5-20 ?m thick is made on the metal coating surface, said sponge metal layer has a surface development factor within the range of 80-400 and the diamond-like nanolayer is sp3-hybridization of amorphous carbon atoms gas-phase deposited in vacuum by means of a ion-plasmous source. The proposed film material with a wide range of electrophysical properties is intended to be used in microelectronics and radio engineering as versatile constructional material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Vostok LTD.
    Inventors: Igor Shcherbakov, Vladimir Sleptsov
  • Publication number: 20090053069
    Abstract: There are described components of a steam turbine, comprising a thermally insulating layer and a metallic anti-erosion layer on said thermally insulating layer. The anti-erosion layer is provided with the same material as the metallic connecting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Jochen Barnikel, Friedhelm Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7491448
    Abstract: A nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure, which includes particles having a size of 10-200 nanometers. The particles are joined together to form a reticulated foam-like structure. The reticulated foam-like structure is similar to the structure of carbon nano-foam. The nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure may comprise a metal, such as a hydrogen storage ahoy, either a gas-phase thermal or an electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy. The nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure may alternatively comprise a hydroxide such as nickel hydroxide or manganese hydroxide or an oxide, such as a silver oxide or a copper oxide. When the nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure is a hydrogen storage alloy, the material exhibits substantial immunity to hydrogen cycling decrepitation and an increase in the reversible hydrogen storage capacity by reduction of trapped hydrogen by at least 10% as compared to the same alloy in bulk form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Marshall D. Muller, Lin R. Higley
  • Publication number: 20090042053
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a dielectric layer structure includes providing a substrate, forming at least a low-k dielectric layer on the substrate, forming a single tensile layer on the low-k dielectric layer, and performing a moisture preventing treatment on the single tensile film. The single tensile layer possesses a stress comparative to a stress of the low-k dielectric layer and a hydrophobic characteristic that prevents itself from absorbing moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Publication number: 20090011272
    Abstract: Monolithic metal bodies (e.g., hard aluminum alloys) comprising a continuous microcavity contained within the body are disclosed. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the metal body to the cross-sectional area of the microcavity may be not greater than 10. The produced metal bodies may be used in structural applications (e.g., aerospace vehicles) to monitor or test the integrity of the metal body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Hasso Weiland, Markus Heinimann, Robert C. Pahl, Achim Hofmann, John Liu
  • Publication number: 20090004502
    Abstract: Getter multilayer structures are disclosed, embodiments of which include at least a layer of a non-evaporable getter alloy having a low activation temperature over a layer of a different non-evaporable getter material having high specific surface area, both preferably obtained by cathodic deposition. The multilayer NEG structures exhibit better gas sorbing characteristics and lower activation temperature lower than those of deposits made up of a single material. A process for manufacturing such structures includes depositing a first, high surface area NEG film on a support, and then depositing a thin over layer of low activation NEG film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Andrea Conte, Marco Moraja
  • Publication number: 20080311418
    Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a metal injection-molding system, (ii) a metal injection-molding system including a combining chamber, (iii) a metal injection-molding system including a first injection mechanism and a second injection mechanism, (iv) a metal injection-molding system including a first injection mechanism being co-operable with a second injection mechanism, (v) a mold of a metal injection-molding system, and (vi) a method of a metal injection-molding system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventor: Frank Czerwinski
  • Patent number: 7465500
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a shield to protect a surface from the impact of hyper-velocity projectiles. The apparatus comprises a foam material that is configured to cover the surface to be protected and is attached directly to that surface. A coating material is typically disposed on the outer surface of the foam material and may penetrate the foam material to a predetermined depth. The foam material and the coating material are selected to form a composite having predetermined values of sonic velocity, toughness, and thermal conductivity. The composite of foam material and coating material can be significantly lighter in weight than a metal shield having equivalent protective characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sherwin Yang, Nathan J. Hoffman, Adon Delgado, Jr., Alan V. Von Arx, Michael P. Moriarty, Kathleen M. Sevener, Gerard D. Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20080292900
    Abstract: A method for producing a metal-resin composite includes a coating step, an assembling step, and a heating step. The coating step coats at least part of the outer periphery of a solid metal first member with a foaming resin and a non-foaming resin. The assembling step disposes the first member within a hollow metal second member. The heating step heats an assembly of the second member within which the first member coated with the foaming resin and the non-foaming resin with the axes of the first member and the second member extending in the horizontal direction, and thus foams the foaming resin between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Hironobu Nakanishi, Akio Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7445853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a layered filter structure, said filter element comprises—a first layer, said first layer comprising a porous metal layer;—a second layer, said second layer comprising a self-supporting layer of sintered short metal fibers. The first and the second layer are sintered together. The layered filter structure is in particular suitable as surface filtration medium, for example for the filtration of liquids or gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventors: Ronny Losfeld, Johan Versieck
  • Patent number: 7445646
    Abstract: A micro-denier fiber of less than approximately 2.0 microns is coated in a valve metal to a metal thickness of approximately 0.2 to 2.0 microns. In one embodiment, a long filament of coated fiber is wound on a spool in such a way that the maximum arrangement of fiber density is achieved For example, the spool may have a cross section exhibiting a hexagonal close-packed arrangement of the fibers. In another embodiment, a plurality of fibers may be grown or formed into a particular arrangement prior to coating. Once coated and arranged, the fiber mass is compressed and constrained so that shapes can be cut out in various thicknesses, such as, for example, approximately 50 microns to 5000 microns. Each sheet is sintered to bind the metal and remove the fiber, leaving a porous anode that can be oxidized and formed in the usual manner for a capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Strange, R. Jason Hemphill, Xiaofei Jiang
  • Patent number: 7438979
    Abstract: To provide a thermal spray membrane contact material, contact member and contact part and an apparatus to which they are applied, showing excellent seizure resistance and wear resistance even under high surface pressure/low speed sliding, high speed/high temperature sliding, or high surface pressure/high speed sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takemori Takayama, Tetsuo Ohnishi, Kazuo Okamura
  • Publication number: 20080254312
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coated porous medium comprising metal particles. The metal particles define a free area surface S. The free area surface S is substantially completely coated with a coating layer. The coating layer is substantially conformal, substantially uniform in composition and has substantially the same thickness over the whole free area surface. The invention further relates to the use of a coated medium as filter medium and to a method of manufacturing a coated medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Roland Groenen, Kris Van Hege
  • Publication number: 20080254311
    Abstract: A palladium-containing electroplating solution and method for providing a palladium or palladium alloy membrane on a porous metal support are provided. The subject invention uses electroplating to manufacture a palladium or palladium alloy membrane on a porous metal with a decreased preparation time and simplified preparation procedure. Moreover, the palladium or palladium alloy membrane prepared by the subject invention exhibits excellent compactness and good resistance to the hydrogen embrittlement, as well as a high applicability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Green Hydrotec Inc.
    Inventors: Shih Chung CHEN, Yu Ling Kao, Min Hon Rei, Len Tang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080241573
    Abstract: Self-cleaning aluminum alloy substrates and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided, the substrate including an aluminum alloy body, an anodic oxide zone having micropores within a surface of the aluminum alloy body, the anodic oxide zone being substantially impermeable to contaminants, and a photocatalytic film located on at least a portion of the anodic oxide zone, wherein the photocatalytic film comprises photocatalytically active semiconductor. In one embodiment, a method is provided, the method including the steps of forming an anodic oxide zone in at least a portion of an aluminum alloy base, forming a photocatalytic film, the photocatalytic film being located on the anodic oxide zone, and sealing the anodic oxide zone with a sealant, wherein, as sealed, the anodic oxide zone is substantially impermeable to contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Albert L. Askin, Verne Bergstrom, Robert E. Bombalski, Paula L. Kolek, Nickolas C. Kotow, Marlene A. Thompson, Jean Ann Skiles, Luis F. Vega, James M. Marinelli, Daniel Serafin
  • Publication number: 20080236120
    Abstract: Prefilter improves efficiency of cleaning process by preventing clogging of filter with dirt or other particles. The polished surface allows easy removal of dirt with one shake. Prefilter extends life of filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Janet Li, Shaoli Sun
  • Patent number: 7422797
    Abstract: In forming a plating layer for a sliding portion, which comprises Cr that is electrolytically-deposited in a plating bath containing Cr, the plating bath contains organic sulfonic acid. Accordingly, micro-cracks are formed at the plating layer. The plating layer for a sliding portion has the superior low friction and lubricating property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Tanita, Shinji Kadoshima, Satoshi Nanba
  • Publication number: 20080213618
    Abstract: An anodic oxide film is formed on an aluminium or aluminium alloy work piece by forming an anodic oxide film on the work piece by AC electrolysis followed by subjecting the work piece to DC electrolysis. The AC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for 30 seconds to 10 minutes and the DC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for a period of 1 to 20 minutes. The anodic oxide coating is suitable for adhesive bonding of aluminium alloy work pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Short Brothers PLC
    Inventors: Gary Critchlow, Ian Ashcroft, Timothy Cartwright, David Bahrani
  • Publication number: 20080199720
    Abstract: Porous metal foam structures and methods of making the same are described. Preferred methods include the steps of combining a liquid-extractable, pore-forming agent with a metal powder in the presence of a liquid in which the pore-forming agent is soluble, thereby forming a mixture, compacting the mixture to form a green body, and dissolving the pore-forming agent from the green body to produce a metal skeleton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Hengda Liu
  • Patent number: 7413814
    Abstract: Getter multilayer structures are disclosed, embodiments of which include at least a layer of a non-evaporable getter alloy having a low activation temperature over a layer of a different non-evaporable getter material having high specific surface area, both preferably obtained by cathodic deposition. The multilayer NEG structures exhibit better gas sorbing characteristics and lower activation temperature lower than those of deposits made up of a single material. A process for manufacturing such structures includes depositing a first, high surface area NEG film on a support, and then depositing a thin over layer of low activation NEG film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: SAES Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Conte, Marco Moraja
  • Patent number: 7410701
    Abstract: A coating layer is provided on a surface of the moving blades of a rotary machine. The coating layer includes a spray layer on the base material of the moving blades and a fluorocarbon resin layer on the spray layer. The spray layer is porous. The fluorocarbon resin layer is made of fluorocarbon resin. The fluorocarbon resin layer also contains an inorganic substance that is exposed on the surface of the fluorocarbon resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyoaki Yasui, Yoshikazu Yamada, Katsuyasu Hananaka, Satoshi Hata, Yuzo Tsurusaki, Osamu Isumi
  • Publication number: 20080160336
    Abstract: A porous metal is produced by sequentially carrying out the steps of obtaining a mixture by mixing metal powder and hole forming medium powder, obtaining a molding by stretching this mixture, and removing the hole forming medium powder from the molding by dissolving in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Tada
  • Publication number: 20080152943
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the creation of a photonic lattice on the surface of an emissive substrate comprising first depositing a thin film metal layer on at least one surface of the substrate, the thin film metal comprising a metal having a melting point lower than the melting point of the substrate, then annealing the thin film metal layer and the substrate to create nano-particles on the substrate surface, and anodizing or plasma etching the annealed thin film metal and substrate to create pores in the nano-particles and the substrate such that upon exposure to high temperature the emissivity of the substrate is refocused to generate emissions in the visible and lower infrared region and to substantially eliminate higher infrared emission, and to the substrate thus created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Deeder M. Aurongzeb
  • Publication number: 20080152941
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a microstructure, wherein an aluminum substrate is subjected to, in order, (1) a step of subjecting a surface of the aluminum substrate to a first anodizing treatment to form an anodized film having micropores on the surface of the aluminum substrate; (2) a step of partially dissolving the anodized film using an acid or alkali; (3) a step of performing a second anodizing treatment to grow the micropores in their depth direction; and (4) a step of removing a part of the anodized film above inflection points in cross section of the micropores, whereby the microstructure having the micropores formed at a surface of the anodized film is obtained and a microstructure manufactured by the method. The method is capable of obtaining in a short period of time a microstructure having an ordered array of pits without using highly toxic chromic (VI) acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Hatanaka, Yoshinori Hotta