Oxide Patents (Class 428/629)
  • Patent number: 6287704
    Abstract: A chromium(VI)-free, chromium(III)-containing and substantially coherent conversion layer on zinc or zinc alloys presenting, even in the absence of further components such as silicate, cerium, aluminum and borate, a corrosion protection of approx. 100 to 1000 h in the salt spray test according to DIN 50021 SS or ASTM B 117-73 until first attack according to DIN 50961 Chapter 10; being clear, transparent and substantially colorless and presenting multi-colored iridescence; having a layer thickness of approx. 100 nm to 1000 nm; and being hard, adhering well and being resistant to wiping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Surtec Produkte und System fur die Oberflachenbehandlung GmbH
    Inventors: Patricia Preikschat, Rolf Jansen, Peter Hulser
  • Patent number: 6284388
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming an electrically insulating layer on a steel article such as a stack of electrical steel laminations or an individual, unstacked electrical steel lamination, comprising exposing the article to an oxidation atmosphere, and to a temperature (such as at least about 800° F.) for a time sufficient to form on the article an electrically insulating layer comprising hematite. The hematite layer is effective to provide the article with a surface resistivity characterized by an F-amp value of not greater than about 0.85 at a test pressure of 50 psi and a transfer surface roughness of about 10 microinches (Ra). Also featured is a steel article having the electrically insulating layer formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: LTV Steel Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Blotzer, Jeffrey P. Anderson, Barry A. Lauer
  • Patent number: 6284390
    Abstract: A thermal barrier coating system for a superalloy substrate is disclosed. The superalloy is preferably of the type that is capable of forming an adherent alumina layer. A bond coat is applied to a local area of the substrate, so that a portion of the substrate remains exposed. The localized area is defined to be the area(s) at which a TBC typically fails first, e.g., the leading and trailing edges of an airfoil, or other area. An alumina layer is formed on the remaining portion of the substrate, and also on the bond coat. A ceramic layer is then applied on the alumina layer. Even if the ceramic material is removed, the localized bond coat remains, and reduces the rate at which the underlying substrate oxidizes. A coated article is also disclosed, as is a system that utilizes a conventional superalloy and aluminide coating with the localized bond coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sudhangshu Bose, Dinesh K. Gupta, Jeanine D. Marcin, Nicholas E. Ulion
  • Patent number: 6270913
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallic fiber in which from a convergent extended wire, which is formed by a metallic fiber and a matrix member which is formed of a metallic material and whose dissolvability is higher than the dissolvability of the metallic fiber, the matrix member is continuously dissolved and removed by an electrolytic processing in a plurality of electrolytic tanks which are arranged in the conveying direction of the convergent extended wire, wherein: the convergent extended wire is passed through electrolytes in the plurality of electrolytic tanks, which are arranged in the shape of a gentle convex arch at the vertical direction upper side which includes the conveying passage of the convergent extended wire, the convergent extended wire is passed above a plurality of feeding devices which are provided at the outer sides of the electrolytes and which are disposed in the same arch-shape so as to correspond to the electrolytic tanks, in each of the plurality of electrolytic tanks, the metallic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Metalpha Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Takahashi, Yukio Aoike, Tatsuo Hirayama
  • Patent number: 6268067
    Abstract: There is provided a surface alloyed component which comprises a base alloy with a diffusion barrier layer enriched in silicon and chromium being provided adjacent thereto. An enrichment pool layer is created adjacent said diffusion barrier and contains silicon and chromium and optionally titanium or aluminum. A reactive gas treatment may be used to generate a replenishable protective scale on the outermost surface of said component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Surface Engineered Products Corporation
    Inventors: Sabino Steven Anthony Petrone, Radhakrishna Chakravarthy Mandyam, Andrew George Wysiekierski
  • Patent number: 6268069
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a joined article between a ceramic member and another member, which process includes the steps of brazing the ceramic member with another member by using a brazing material composed of 50 to 99 wt % of copper, 0.5 to 20 wt % of aluminum, 0.5 to 5 wt % of at least one kind of active metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium and niobium, thereby obtaining a joined body including the ceramic member, another member and a layer of the brazing material, and heating the brazing material layer in an oxidative atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneaki Ohashi, Tomoyuki Fujii
  • Publication number: 20010008708
    Abstract: A ceramic heat barrier coating is deposited on a substrate so that the coating has a columnar growth pattern which is interrupted and repeated a number of times throughout its thickness by successive regermination of the ceramic deposit. The regermination is obtained by a vapour phase deposition process wherein a polluting gas is introduced intermittently during the deposition of the ceramic. The resulting ceramic coating has a lower thermal conductivity than conventional columnar ceramic coatings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: SOCIETE NATIONAL D'ETUDE ET DE CONSTRUCTION DE MOTEURS D'AVIATION "SNECMA"
    Inventors: Yann Philippe Jaslier, Andre Hubert Louis Malie, Jean-Pierre Julien Charles Huchin, Serge Alexandre Alperine, Romain Portal
  • Publication number: 20010007719
    Abstract: A new family of ceramic materials is identified having particular utility as thermal insulating or thermal barrier coatings on metallic substrates. The ceramic materials have a pyrochlore structure and are typified by the composition A2B2O7 where A and B are various ions and O is oxygen. A may have a positive charge of 3+or 2+and B may have a positive charge of 4+or 5+. These materials are characterized by having chemical stability, thermal stability and thermal insulating properties superior to those of currently used thermal barrier ceramics. An example pyrochlore material is lanthanum zirconate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Maloney
  • Patent number: 6242111
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making an anodized aluminum susceptor capable of withstanding an elevated temperature of 590° C., or a temperature as high as 475° C. in the presence of an NF3 plasma, without peeling or cracking, which preferably comprises selecting a high purity or low magnesium aluminum alloy, roughening the surface of the alloy, and then anodizing the surface roughened alloy in an electrolyte comprising an organic acid to form the desired anodized aluminum oxide coating thereon. Further, the invention comprises a high purity or low magnesium aluminum alloy susceptor and an organic acid anodic coating thereon highly resistant to spalling or cracking at elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan G. Telford, Craig Bercaw
  • Patent number: 6238808
    Abstract: Provided are a substrate with a zinc oxide layer, in which at least a zinc oxide layer is provided on a support substrate, wherein the zinc oxide layer comprises a zinc oxide layer having the c axis perpendicular to the support substrate and a zinc oxide layer having the c axis slantindicular to the support substrate in the order from the side of the support substrate; and a photovoltaic device in which a semiconductor layer is formed on the substrate with the zinc oxide layer. Thus provided is the inexpensive photovoltaic device with excellent reflective performance and optical confinement effect and with high photoelectric conversion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kozo Arao, Hideo Tamura, Noboru Toyama, Yuichi Sonoda, Yusuke Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6235406
    Abstract: A structure for enhancing electromigration resistance within a copper film includes impurities laminated within the film and other additives incorporated in the film to form intermetallic compounds. Metal grain boundary growth and metal surface mobility is suppressed within the composite copper film. The present invention provides an alloy seed layer and laminated impurities and provides indium, tin, titanium, their compounds with oxygen, and their complexes with oxygen, carbon, and sulfur, incorporated into other films. Intermetallics are disposed at grain boundaries and reduce copper atom mobility. A further aspect of the present invention is a barrier layer formed by combining additives included in an alloy seed layer with materials otherwise unsuitable for barrier material functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Cyprian E. Uzoh
  • Patent number: 6231998
    Abstract: A thermal barrier coating for hot gas path components of a combustion turbine based on a zirconia-scandia system. A layer of zirconium scandate having the hexagonal Zr3Sc4O12 structure is formed directly on a superalloy substrate or on a bond coat formed on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Charles Bowker, Stephen M. Sabol, John G. Goedjen
  • Patent number: 6221501
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming an electrically insulating layer on a steel article such as a stack of electrical steel laminations or an individual, unstacked electrical steel lamination, comprising exposing the article to an oxidation atmosphere, and to a temperature (such as at least about 800° F.) for a time sufficient to form on the article an electrically insulating layer comprising hematite. The hematite layer is effective to provide the article with a surface resistivity characterized by an F-amp value of not greater than about 0.85 at a test pressure of 50 psi and a transfer surface roughness of about 10 micro inches (Ra). Also featured is a steel article having the electrically insulating layer formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: LTV Steel Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Blotzer, Jeffrey P. Anderson, Barry A. Lauer
  • Patent number: 6221513
    Abstract: Methods for hermetically sealing an interface surface of ceramic materials, such as zirconia, to an interface surface of metallic materials, such as titanium alloys, using a titanium-nickel alloy filler material are disclosed. Preferred ceramic materials include stabilized zirconia materials; preferred metallic materials include titanium-niobium alloys; and a preferred titanium-nickel filler material is a 50-50 titanium-nickel alloy. At least one of the interfaces is contacted by the titanium-nickel alloy filler material and sealing is accomplished under vacuum conditions at temperatures of from 900 to 1200° C. during application of pressure to the joint. The methods are especially suitable for use in hermetically sealing ceramic and metallic components for applications such as implantable medical devices, electrical connectors, electronic packages, sporting goods, structural components, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Lasater
  • Patent number: 6221512
    Abstract: A metallic article (30) comprises a bond coating (34) on the metallic article (30) and a ceramic thermal barrier coating (38) on the bond coating (34). The ceramic thermal barrier coating (38) comprises a plurality of columnar grains (40) extending substantially perpendicular to the surface of the metallic article (30). The ceramic thermal barrier coating (38) has an inner portion (44), a transition portion (46) and an outer portion (48). Each columnar grain (40) has a substantially constant cross-sectional area throughout its length in the outer portion (48), has smooth surfaces and there are distinct uniform gaps (42) between columnar grains to minimize the stress/strain in the columnar grains (40) and/or to minimize the stress/strain between adjacent columnar grains (40) and thereby increases the resistance to spallation of the ceramic thermal barrier coating. The columnar grains (40) are produced by controlling the evaporation rate of the ceramic, the temperature and speed of rotation of the article (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce PLC, Chromalloy United Kingdom Limited
    Inventor: David S Rickerby
  • Patent number: 6218027
    Abstract: A steel suitable for a fabric with or without painting and has good corrosion resistance with reproducibility, even if the steel is composed mainly of ordinary carbon steel or low alloy steel, wherein the surface of the steel is coated with rust comprising one or more selected from Ti, Nb, Ta, Zr, V and Hf in the total amount of 0.01 wt % or more. In the steel, the fraction of &agr;-FeOOH and an amorphous rust is 35 wt % or more, and the fraction of &bgr;-FeOOH is 20 wt % or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd)
    Inventors: Fumio Yuse, Takenori Nakayama, Toshiaki Kan
  • Patent number: 6200692
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for holding high purity isopropyl alcohol (IPA) used in the electronic industry, which extremely dislike the inclusion of metal impurities. The container made of metal for holding high purity IPA, wherein at least the inside surface layer of the container is composed of nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Tokuyama Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Tamura, Hiroyuki Mishima
  • Patent number: 6197436
    Abstract: A method for diffusion coating workpieces of ferrous base metals such as carbon steel and cast iron includes the step of weighing and mixing the following components, in powdered form: Chromium 40-50 wt % Ferrochromium 25-37 wt % Tantalum Carbide 0.40-0.65 wt % Vanadium 0.35-0.70 wt % Ammonium Halide 4-5 wt % Aluminum Oxide Remainder The workpieces are preferably degreased and then placed in a container with the mixed components. The container is sealed and heated to a temperature of 1000°-1050° C. The workpieces and the composition are kept at that temperature for a predetermined period, on the order of forty-five minutes or longer, to permit a surface layer of desired thickness to form. The container is then cooled in a conventional cooling chamber and the workpieces are removed. The method produces coatings having good wear and corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Jamar Venture Corporation
    Inventors: Inna I. Zayets, Lidia O. Chunayeva, Grigory A. Tkach
  • Patent number: 6193835
    Abstract: A process for producing a rubber-based composite material including steps of laminating a rubber compound onto a substrate, with a bonding layer of metal or metal compound interposed therebetween, and subsequently vulcanizing the rubber compound, characterized in that a prime-coating film is interposed between the substrate and the bonding film of metal or metal compound. The rubber-based composite material retains good bond strength even when used in such a way that its bond interface is in contact with water. In addition, it has good adhesion to the substrate treated by conversion treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Yoshikawa, Nobuko Kato
  • Patent number: 6187116
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an Sn-containing and/or Bi-containing zinc alloy for hot galvanizing steel, more particularly for component galvanizing. The alloy is composed of 1 to 5% by weight of Sn+Bi, 0 to saturation of Pb, 0.025 to 0.200% by weight of at least one of Ni, Cr or Mn, 0 to 0.030% by weight of at least one of Al, Ca and Mg, the remainder being zinc and unavoidable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: N.V. Union Minere S.A.
    Inventor: Michael Gilles
  • Patent number: 6183884
    Abstract: A metallic article includes a bond coating and a ceramic thermal barrier coating on the bond coating. The ceramic thermal barrier coating includes a plurality of columnar grains, which extend perpendicularly to the surface of the metallic article. Each columnar grain includes a plurality of layers. Some of the layers include sub-grains extending at an acute angle to the surface of the metallic article to form voids between adjacent sub-grains. The voids are arranged at an acute angle to the surface of the metallic article and reduce the thermal conductivity of the ceramic thermal barrier coating. Some of the layers include sub-grains extending perpendicularly to the surface of the metallic article to provide erosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce PLC, Chromalloy United Kingdom Limited
    Inventor: David S Rickerby
  • Patent number: 6165630
    Abstract: A method for applying a zinc layer onto an aluminum or aluminum alloy sheet, comprising pretreating the surface and applying the layer by electrolytic galvanizing, the pretreating comprises electrochemical graining of the surface, for example in a solution having a pH less than 3 with an alternating current applied between the sheet and an electrode. In an alternative method, the pretreating includes applying a preliminary zinc layer by immersing the surface in a zinc-containing alkaline solution, applying a potential to the sheet and reversing the polarity of said potential at least once. The sheets are useful for building cladding sheets and automotive panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Corus Bausysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Gehlhaar, Martinus Godefridus Johannes Spanjers, Joop Nicolaas Mooij, Wilhelmus Jacobus Van Der Meer
  • Patent number: 6159618
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-layer material that comprises a substrate made of aluminum, magnesium or their alloys, having possibly been subjected to a surface treatment, this substrate being provided with a coating comprising a tungsten based deposit and an under-layer--inserted between said substrate and said deposit--of a material having mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties intermediate to those of said substrate and said deposit. This under-layer is made up of at least one layer of a material chosen from among chromium, molybdenum, niobium, titanium, zirconium, their nitrides and carbides, solid solutions of carbon and of nitrogen in said metals, and steels and greatly improves the adherence of said coating to said substrate.The invention also relates to the anti-erosion, anti-abrasion, anti-wear coating comprising said tungsten based deposit and said under-layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Joel Danroc, Pierre Juliet, Andre Rouzaud
  • Patent number: 6153320
    Abstract: A magnetic device uses laminated ferromagnetic layers containing antiferromagnetically coupled ferromagnetic films coupled together with improved antiferromagnetically coupling (AFC) films. The AFC films are formed of the binary and ternary alloys comprising combinations of Ru, Os and Re. The ferromagnetic film thicknesses, the AFC film thicknesses and the compositions of the films in the laminated layer can be varied to engineer the magnetic properties of the device. The magnetic devices whose properties are improved with the improved laminated layers include spin valve magnetoresistive read heads and magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices for use as magnetic memory cells and magnetoresistive read heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Stuart Stephen Papworth Parkin
  • Patent number: 6150040
    Abstract: A pure steam-related apparatus, which is one of apparatus in the group of pure steam generators generating pure steam from purified water, pipelines for pure steam and sterilizers using pure steam, is protected from discoloration, so-called "fouling", to red or black caused by contact with the pure steam. The apparatus is manufactured by using an austenitic stainless steel sheet as the material, by taking the blanks from the material which received no mechanical surface polishing, by deforming and welding, without electrolytic polishing customarily done, and by passivating the surface to contact pure water to increase Cr-content in the passivation film to such extent as 45 atomic % or higher, preferably 55 atomic % or higher. Better results will be obtained by ensuring Cr/Fe ratio in the passivation film at the level of 1.45 or higher, preferably, 1.70 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: JGC Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Suzuki, Mikio Inoue, Toshio Sagara, Kenichi Osakabe, Masao Kawai
  • Patent number: 6150046
    Abstract: A thin film magnetic head includes an upper core layer and a lower core layer which are made of an Fe--M--O alloy, an Fe--M--T--O alloy or an NI--Fe--X alloy so that the upper core layer has a high saturation magnetic flux density, low coercive force and high resistivity, and the lower core layer has a lower saturation magnetic flux density than the upper core layer, low coercive force, high resistivity, and a low magnetostriction constant. Also the lower core layer is formed so that the thickness gradually decreases toward both side ends, and a gap layer can be formed on the lower core layer to have a uniform thickness. Since the lower core layer is formed by sputtering, a material having excellent soft magnetic material can be used, thereby enabling recording at high frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Watanabe, Akira Takahashi, Fumihito Koike, Nobuhiro Hayashi, Yoshihiro Kanada, Kiyoshi Sato, Eiji Umetsu, Takashi Hatanai, Akihiro Makino
  • Patent number: 6134972
    Abstract: A method for applying a chromium surface treatment to nickel-based air data sensors to improve the corrosion resistance properties of the components while retaining thermal conductivity in order to efficiently transfer internally generated heat to the exterior of the component during anti-icing or deicing procedures is provided. The method for applying a chromium surface treatment to nickel-based air data sensors includes the steps of: (a) ion plating a nickel-based substrate with chromium atoms using a physical vapor deposition process; (b) interdiffusing the chromium and the nickel atoms at the surface region by means of a first thermal treatment carried out in an inert environment; and (c) oxidizing the chromium atoms at the surface region to create a chromium oxide layer during a second thermal treatment performed in an oxygen-containing environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Holger H. Streckert, Paul W. Trester
  • Patent number: 6136454
    Abstract: An aluminum or aluminum alloy surface which during use is exposed to sliding friction is coated to provide a chemical conversion coating of tin comprising 0.2-10.0 wt. % cobalt. For example, a swash plate type compressor has a cylinder block with cylinder bores disposed parallel to the axis of the cylinder block. A rotary shaft rotatably mounted within the cylinder block carries an aluminum swash plate. The swash plate has a coating preferably between 0.8 to 2.5 microns. The coating on the swash plate permits the use of low silicon alloy aluminum without the need of metal plating or high finish polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Carl Edward Cordy
  • Patent number: 6129996
    Abstract: An aluminum or aluminum alloy surface which during use is exposed to sliding friction has a chemical conversion coating of mostly tin with 0.2-10.0 wt. % cobalt and 0.1 to 12 wt. % bismuth. For example, a swashplate of a swashplate type compressor may be conversion coated on at least part thereof, that is the part that during use contact the shoes. Preferably, the coating is between 0.8 to 2.5 microns thick. The coating on the swash plate permits the use of low silicon alloy aluminum without the need of metal plating or high finish polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Carl Edward Cordy
  • Patent number: 6129995
    Abstract: A zinciferous coated steel sheet comprises a steel sheet, a zinciferous coating layer formed on the steel sheet, a Fe--Ni--Zn--O film formed on the zinciferous coating layer, and an oxide layer formed on a surface portion of the Fe--Ni--Zn--O film. The method comprises providing an electrolyte of an acidic sulfate aqueous solution, carrying out an electrolysis treatment in the electrolyte under a current density ranging from 1 to 150 A/dm.sup.2, and carrying out an oxidation treatment to a surface of the zinciferous coated steel sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Hashimoto, Toru Imokawa, Michitaka Sakurai, Takayuki Urakawa, Junichi Inagaki, Masaru Sagiyama
  • Patent number: 6117560
    Abstract: A new family of ceramic materials is identified having particular utility as thermal insulating or thermal barrier coatings on metallic substrates. The ceramic materials have a pyrochlore structure and are typified by the composition A.sub.2 B.sub.2 O.sub.7 where A and B are various ions and O is oxygen. A may have a positive charge of 3.sup.+ or 2.sup.+ and B may have a positive charge of 4.sup.+ or 5.sup.30. These materials are characterized by having chemical stability, thermal stability and thermal insulating properties superior to those of currently used thermal barrier ceramics. An example pyrochlore material is lanthanum zirconate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Maloney
  • Patent number: 6110562
    Abstract: An anode in a channel of a PALC display panel is composed of an electrically conductive core and a protective coating made of a material that is electrically conductive and is non-reactive with hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hinchliffe, Kevin J. Ilcisin, Thomas S. Buzak, Mark W. Roberson, Paul C. Martin
  • Patent number: 6110606
    Abstract: A high performance superconducting ceramic article for use in a liquid cryogen bath is provided. It includes a superconducting ceramic tape having at least one surface vulnerable to cryogenic infiltration is sealed on each vulnerable surface to a non-porous metallic laminate, which also provides the desired support structure, in substantially impervious relation by a non-porous metallic bonding agent. This results in greater protection of the superconducting ceramic tape from cryogen infiltration, and permits greater thermal cycling of the superconductor during use without causing degradation of the tape's critical current carrying capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: American Superconductor Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Scudiere, David M. Buczek
  • Patent number: 6099976
    Abstract: This invention discloses new and improved multi-layer coatings for gas turbine engine parts that are exposed to elevated temperatures, such as blades and vanes in the high pressure compressor and turbine of multi-stage aircraft engines, by applying a diamond film over columnar thermal barrier coatings such as yttria-stabilized zirconia, improving the erosion resistance of the thermal barrier coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Jerome H. Lemelson, James G. Conley
  • Patent number: 6090490
    Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a polymeric layer deposited on the surface of the article, a zirconium compound, titanium compound or zirconium/titanium alloy compound layer deposited on the polymeric layer, and a silicone resin layer deposited on the zirconium compound or titanium compound layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: MascoTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Subrata Mokerji
  • Patent number: 6087027
    Abstract: A magnetic head of storage/read separation type in which both a reproducing head of magnetoresistive type and a write head of magnetic induction type are formed through a magnetic shield. The magnetic head includes a ferromagnetic material and an antiferromagnetic material in intimate contact with said ferromagnetic material. At least a part of the antiferromagnetic material acts to bring about unidirectional anisotropy in the ferromagnetic material, and is made of Cr--Mn-based alloy, and at least a part of the ferromagnetic material in intimate contact with the antiferromagnetic material is made of Co or Co-based alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hoshiya, Yoshihiro Hamakawa, Susumu Soeya, Shigeru Tadokoro
  • Patent number: 6083632
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive effect film is formed by laminating a plurality of magnetic thin films onto a substrate with an intervening non-magnetic thin film, an antiferromagnetic thin film being provided so as to neighbor to one of the ferromagnetic thin film via this intervening non-magnetic thin film. With the bias magnetic field applied to the antiferromagnetic thin film being Hr and the coercivity of the other ferromagnetic thin film being Hc.sub.2, the condition Hc.sub.2 <Hr is satisfied. The antiferromagnetic thin film is made of either a cobalt oxide, a nickel oxide, or an a-phase ion oxide, or of an alloy of two or more of these materials, this being formed as a two-layer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Fujikata, Masafumi Nakada
  • Patent number: 6060178
    Abstract: A heat-resistant transparent glass article is formed with a film stack deposited on a glass substrate, the film stack comprising one or more infrared reflective films each bearing on its surface facing away from the substrate a barrier film of niobium metal having a thickness of up to 25 .ANG. and preferably in the range of about 7 .ANG. to 20 .ANG.. A barrier film of niobium metal or, preferably, a metal oxide may be formed on the other surface (facing the substrate) of each infrared reflective film. Metal nitride films such as silicon nitride may be employed between neighboring infrared reflective films, and as an outer protective film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventor: Annette J. Krisko
  • Patent number: 6045931
    Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a cobalt-samarium magnetic alloy layer is formed having a high aerial recording density and exhibiting high coercivity, utilizing an underlayer with a thin nucleation layer thereon. Embodiments include sputter depositing a Cr or Cr alloy underlayer on a non-magnetic substrate, including alternative substrates, and sputter depositing a thin nucleation layer comprising Cr or a Cr alloy on the underlayer. A CoSm alloy layer is sputter deposited on the nucleation layer under substantially the same inert gas pressure as the nucleation layer, whereby Cr diffuses from the nucleation layer into and alloys with the CoSm magnetic alloy layer, thereby increasing media coercivity and corrosion resistance, and reducing media noise. A Cr overcoat on a CoSm alloy layer greatly reduces the oxidation of CoSm, thereby improving its corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Xing Song, Ga-Lane Chen, Charles Chengyea Leu
  • Patent number: 6004684
    Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a nickel layer deposited on the surface of the article, a nickel-tungsten-boron layer deposited on the nickel layer, a refractory metal, preferably zirconium layer deposited on the nickel-tungsten-boron layer, a sandwich layer comprised of alternating layers of a refractory metal and of a refractory metal compound deposited on the refractory metal layer, a refractory metal compound layer, preferably zirconium nitride, deposited on the sandwich layer, and a layer comprised of a refractory metal oxide or the reaction products of a refractory metal, oxygen and nitrogen deposited on the refractory metal compound layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Rolin W. Sugg, Richard P. Welty, Stephen R. Moysan, III
  • Patent number: 5989730
    Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a nickel layer, a tin-nickel alloy layer, a non-precious refractory metal layer, a sandwich layer comprised of a plurality of alternating layers of non-precious refractory metal compound and of a non-precious refractory metal, a non-precious refractory metal compound layer, and a layer comprised of a non-precious refractory metal oxide or the reaction products of a non-precious refractory metal, oxygen and nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Rolin W. Sugg, Richard P. Welty, Stephen R. Moysan, III
  • Patent number: 5976708
    Abstract: The heat resistant stainless steel wire/strip comprises a stainless steel thin wire/strip containing, in addition to chrome, at least one of nickel, aluminum and yttrium. The stainless steel thin wire/strip is covered with a covering layer formed of nickel group alloy particles containing aluminum covered with ceramic particles or chrome alloy particles containing aluminum covered with ceramic particles. The stainless steel thin wire/strip with the covering layer is applied with heat treatment in vacuum at a temperature of 1100 to 1300.degree. C., the alloy particles are deposited on the stainless steel thin wire/strip, and the alloy particles and the ceramic particles of the covering layer are bonded to each other. The ceramic particles of the covering layer is 1 micron or less of an average particle diameter and contain at least one of aluminum, silicone, magnesium, zirconium, barium and titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Isuzu Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Oosumi
  • Patent number: 5942337
    Abstract: A multi-layer thermal barrier coating (42) for a superalloy article (40) comprises a platinum enriched superalloy layer (44), an MCrAlY bond coating (46) on the platinum enriched superalloy layer (44), a platinum enriched MCrAlY layer (48) on the MCrAlY bond coating (46), a platinum aluminide coating (50) on the platinum enriched MCrAlY layer (48), an oxide layer (54) on the platinum aluminide coating (50) and a ceramic thermal barrier coating (56) on the oxide layer (54). The platinum aluminide coating (50) and the platinum enriched MCrAlY layer (48) reduce movement of transition metals from the superalloy substrate (40) and the MCrAlY bond coating (46) to the oxide layer (54) so that the oxide layer is very pure alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce, PLC, Chromalloy United Kingdom Limited
    Inventors: David S Rickerby, Rodney G Wing
  • Patent number: 5939186
    Abstract: A magnetic head having a laminated magnetic film in which crystal orientation of precipitated small crystal particles can be controlled and the soft magnetic characteristic in the thickness of the laminated magnetic film can easily be controlled. The magnetic head has the laminated magnetic film formed by laminating thin magnetic layers, each having a composition as Fe.sub.x M.sub.y N.sub.z, and metal layers. The laminated magnetic film is subjected to heat treatment so that metal atoms forming the metal layers are diffused into the thin magnetic films. Thus, the laminated magnetic film contains small crystal particles of .alpha.Fe, the direction of crystal of which is controlled by the diffused metal atoms. Therefore, the laminated magnetic film has an excellent soft magnetic characteristic also in the direction of the thickness thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Fusashige Tokutake, Junichi Honda, Yoshihiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 5922478
    Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a nickel layer, a chrome layer, a refractory metal layer, preferably zirconium layer, a sandwich layer comprised of a plurality of alternating layers of a refractory metal compound and a refractory metal compound layer, preferably zirconium nitride layer, and a refractory metal oxide layer or a layer comprised of the reaction products of refractory metal, oxygen and nitrogen. The coating provides the color of polished brass to the article and also provides abrasion protection, corrosion protection, and improved acid resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Welty, John H. Petersen, Patrick Jonte, Carl W. Trendelman
  • Patent number: 5902686
    Abstract: Method for forming a solder bump on a substrate include the steps of forming an under bump metallurgy layer on a substrate, forming a solder bump on the under bump metallurgy layer, and forming an intermetallic portion of the under bump metallurgy layer adjacent the solder bump. In particular, the solder bump has a predetermined shape and this predetermined shape is retained while forming the intermetallic portion of the under bump metallurgy layer. This predetermined shape preferably has a flat surface opposite the substrate thus providing a uniform thickness of solder during the formation of the intermetallic portion. Related structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: MCNC
    Inventor: Joseph Daniel Mis
  • Patent number: 5879817
    Abstract: A metal coating of typically a valve metal, especially a titanium metal coating, is applied by thermal spraying to the surface of concrete, most particularly steel-reinforced concrete. The metal such as titanium may be sprayed by any one of several thermal spraying techniques including flame spray, electric-arc spray, plasma spray, high-velocity oxyfuel spray, or detonation gun spray. The metal coating should be tightly adhered to the concrete and desirably will have a porosity to facilitate extensive coating of the metal itself, as well as facilitate any activation that may be needed for the metal. Such activation can be in the form of an electrochemically active material which allows the coating to function in electrochemically active form. One coating option is to apply a solution onto the spray-applied metal, then polarize the metal anodically to effect deposition of active material on the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Carl W. Brown, Jr., John E. Bennett, John J. Bartholomew, Barry L. Martin, Thomas J. Schue
  • Patent number: 5876860
    Abstract: A multilayered ceramic topcoat of a thermal barrier coating system is useful for high temperature corrosive applications such as hot section components in gas turbine engines. The ceramic topcoat includes at least two layers, each having generally columnar grain microstructures with different grain orientation directions. A preferred method of producing the multilayered ceramic topcoat includes positioning a superalloy substrate at a first angled orientation relative to a ceramic vapor cloud in an electron beam physical vapor deposition apparatus for a time sufficient to grow a first ceramic layer. The substrate is then reoriented to a second, different angled orientation for a time sufficient to grow a second ceramic layer. The ceramic layers exhibit columnar microstructures having respective grain orientation directions which are related to the first and second substrate orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: N.V. Interturbine
    Inventors: Gillion Herman Marijnissen, Astrid Helennia Francoise van Lieshout, Gerardus Johannes Ticheler, Hendrikus Jacobus Maria Bons, Michiel Leendert Ridder
  • Patent number: 5867762
    Abstract: A masking tape for preventing the formation of coatings such as nickel aluminide on localized areas of a surface is formed from a tape comprising a first separating layer containing powdered metal oxide and a polytetrafluoroethylene binder; a second brazing alloy layer comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of brazing alloy, nickel, cobalt, iron, mixtures thereof, and alloys thereof in a fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene binder; and an optional third layer comprising a powdered metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and iron in a fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventors: Kevin Rafferty, Bruce Rowe
  • Patent number: 5856027
    Abstract: A thermal barrier protected nickel based or cobalt based superalloy component for use in a gas turbine engine includes a thermal barrier coating system having a multi-layered structure. The first bondcoat layer of the thermal barrier coating system comprises a chemical vapor deposited, platinum modified diffusion aluminide layer on the superalloy component (substrate). The diffusion aluminide layer includes an inner diffusion zone proximate the substrate and an outer layer region comprising a platinum modified (platinum-bearing) intermediate phase of aluminum and at least one of nickel and cobalt depending on the superalloy composition. The intermediate phase is a non-ordered solid solution having a range of compositions and is free of other phase constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Murphy