Wire, Fiber, Or Cable Patents (Class 505/704)
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Patent number: 6604273Abstract: A manufacturing method for a superconducting wire which is a fine line made of an oxide superconductor, including the steps of forming the fine line by drawing a metal pipe filled with materials for the oxide superconductor, causing the materials to react to produce the oxide superconductor, heating the metal pipe at a temperature which is higher than the melting point of the metal material constituting the metal pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Norio Kaneko
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Patent number: 6603379Abstract: A process for manufacturing superconducting magnetic coils from strain-tolerant, superconducting multi-filament composite conductors is described. The method involves winding the precursor to a multi-filament composite conductor and an insulating material or its precursor around a mandrel in order to form a coil, and then exposing the coil to high temperatures and an oxidizing environment. The insulating material or its precursor is chosen to permit exposure of the superconductor precursor filaments to the oxidizing environment, and to encase the matrix-forming material enclosing the filaments, which is reversibly weakened during processing.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: Michael D. Manlief, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., John Voccio, Anthony J. Rodenbush
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Patent number: 6590471Abstract: An electrical interconnect provides a path between cryogenic or cryocooled circuitry and ambient temperatures. As a system, a cryocable 10 is combined with a trough-line contact or transition 20. In the preferred embodiment, the cryocable 10 comprises a conductor 11 disposed adjacent an insulator 12 which is in turn disposed adjacent another conductor 13. The components are sized so as to balance heat load through the cryocable 10 with the insertion loss. In the most preferred embodiment, a coaxial cryocable 10 has a center conductor 11 surrounded by a dielectric 12 (e.g. Teflon™) surrounded by an outer conductor 13 which has a thickness between about 6 and 20 microns. The heat load is preferably less than one Watt, and most preferably less than one tenth of a Watt, with an insertion loss less than one decibel.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Scharen, Wallace Kunimoto, Angela May Ho
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Patent number: 6566609Abstract: Provided are an oxide superconducting wire which maintains a high critical current density and has a small current drift with small ac loss when the same carries an alternating current and a method of preparing the same, and a cable conductor which is formed by assembling such oxide superconducting wires. The oxide superconducting wire is a flat-molded stranded wire which is formed by twisting a plurality of metal-coated strands consisting of an oxide superconductor, and is characterized in that the flat-molded stranded wire has a rectangular sectional shape, and a section of each strand forming the flat-molded stranded wire has an aspect ratio (W1/T1) of at least 2. The method of preparing this oxide superconducting wire comprises the steps of preparing a stranded wire by twisting a plurality of strands, each of which is formed by metal-coating an oxide superconductor or raw material powder therefor, flat-molding the prepared stranded wire, and repeating rolling and a heat treatment of at least 800° C.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Jun Fujikami, Nobuhiro Saga, Kazuya Ohmatsu, Kenichi Sato
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Patent number: 6531426Abstract: A new process for making a neodymium gallate (NGO) surface layer on the inside surface of a protective outer sheath of nickel surrounding a core of yttrium-based copper oxide (YBCO) superconductor material permits manufacture of very high performance superconducting wire and tape. The NGO surface layer acts as a diffusion barrier to prevent diffusion of nickel into the YBCO during high temperature melt-processing. The NGO is applied, preferably by slurry casting, to a flat strip of solid nickel and then sintered at temperatures above about 1000° C. The sintering binds the NGO to the nickel strip and fixes it so that it will not react chemically with the YBCO during later melt-processing. The nickel strip and NGO diffusion barrier layer are next rolled into a trough and YBCO ceramic powder inserted inside the trough. The trough is then further rolled into a tube leaving an open seam for oxygen to penetrate during the oxygen anneal procedure of melt-processing.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Gregory Kozlowski, Charles E. Oberly
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Publication number: 20020142918Abstract: A multifilamentary superconductor composite having a high fill factor is formed from a plurality of stacked monofilament precursor elements, each of which includes a low density superconductor precursor monofilament. The precursor elements all have substantially the same dimensions and characteristics, and are stacked in a rectilinear configuration and consolidated to provide a multifilamentary precursor composite. The composite is thereafter thermomechanically processed to provide a superconductor composite in which each monofilament is less than about 50 microns thick.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: Gilbert N. Riley, Qi Li, Peter R. Roberts, Peter D. Antaya, Jeffrey M. Seuntjens, Steven Hancock, Kenneth L. DeMoranville, Craig J. Christopherson, Jennifer H. Garrant, Christopher A. Craven
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Patent number: 6436317Abstract: Oxide bronze compositions and articles manufactured in accordance therewith are provided. The oxide bronze compositions have the general formula AxBOy, in which A comprises an alkali, alkaline earth or rare earth metal and in which A has a valence, m, equal to 1, 2 or 3, B comprises a transition metal having a valence, n, less than or equal to 6,0<x<1 on an atomic ratio basis and y=[(x)(m)+n]/2. High temperature superconducting devices incorporating such compositions are also provided. The superconducting devices include a substrate having a polycrystalline superconducting layer or filament deposited on top of or embedded in the substrate. The superconducting layer or filament is formed of the oxide bronze composition. In some embodiments, the oxide bronze layer is textured with a full-width-half-maximum of a pole figure of less than or equal to 20 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: Alexis P. Malozemoff, Alexander Otto, Cornelis Leo Hans Thieme, Martin W. Rupich
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Patent number: 6389685Abstract: A current lead including a high-temperature superconductor and a normal conductive component is coupled to a superconducting device. Electric current is delivered through the current lead at a level above the critical current carrying capacity of the high-temperature superconductor, creating a current-sharing mode of conductance through at least part of both the superconducting component and the normal conductive component.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Yukikazu Iwasa
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Publication number: 20020049143Abstract: An improvement in a process of preparing a composite high temperature oxide superconductive wire is provided and involves conducting at least one cross-sectional reduction step in the processing preparation of the wire at sub-ambient temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: Peter R. Roberts, William Michels, John F. Bingert
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Patent number: 6370405Abstract: A multifilamentary superconductor composite having a high fill factor is formed from a plurality of stacked monofilament precursor elements, each of which includes a low density superconductor precursor monofilament. The precursor elements all have substantially the same dimensions and characteristics, and are stacked in a rectilinear configuration and consolidated to provide a multifilamentary precursor composite. The composite is thereafter thermomechanically processed to provide a superconductor composite in which each monofilament is less than about 50 microns thick.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1997Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Qi Li, Peter R. Roberts, Peter D. Antaya, Jeffrey M. Seuntjens, Steven Hancock, Kenneth L. DeMoranville, Craig J. Christopherson, Jennifer H. Garrant, Christopher A. Craven
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Patent number: 6344287Abstract: There is described a method of applying insulative coating on high temperature superconductors and low temperature superconductors from sol-gel solutions prepared from Zr or Zr with one of, Mg, Y, Ce, In and Sn based precursor materials. The solution is prepared with isopropanol as a solvent and acetyl acetone as a catalyst. The conductors are dipped into the solution and thereafter dried at a temperature effective to evaporate the solvent. Thereafter, heat treatment in the presence of oxygen is applied at a temperature sufficient to oxidize the precursors to result in a ceramic insulative coating on the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Florida State UniversityInventors: Erdal Celik, Yusuf Hascicek, Ibrahim Mutlu
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Patent number: 6339194Abstract: A supported superconductor device which is useful as a superconducting current lead or as a high voltage current regulator. The device is formed of a tubular support, with a layer of ceramic, glassy or glass ceramic material adhered to the inner wall of the tubular support, the layer of material embedding a superconducting layer centrally arranged within the material of the first layer, the material of the first layer having a minimum expansion coefficient and being reinforced with pore filling material.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventors: Jørgen Gutzon Larsen, Jens Christiansen
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Patent number: 6337149Abstract: A lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3) substrate on which thin films of layered perovskite copper oxide superconductors are formed. Lanthanum aluminate, with a pseudo-cubic perovskite crystal structure, has a crystal structure and lattice constant that closely match the crystal structures and lattice constants of the layered perovskite superconductors. Therefore, it promotes epitaxial film growth of the superconductors, with the crystals being oriented in the proper direction for good superconductive electrical properties, such as a high critical current density. In addition, LaAlO3 has good high frequency properties, such as a low loss tangent and low dielectric constant at superconductive temperatures. Finally, lanthanum aluminate does not significantly interact with the superconductors. Lanthanum aluminate can also be used to form thin insulating films between the superconductor layers, which allows for the fabrication of a wide variety of superconductor circuit elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1994Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Randy Wayne Simon, Christine Elizabeth Platt, Alfred Euinam Lee, Gregory Steven Lee
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Patent number: 6310297Abstract: A strongly-linked polycrystalline oxide superconductor article includes an oxide superconductor selected from the group consisting 124-type and 247-type oxide superconductors having fine, highly aligned oxide superconductor grains less than &mgr;m long a longest dimension. The oxide superconductor article has at least a 25% retention of critical current density in a 0.1 Tesla field.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: American Superconductor Corp.Inventors: Lawrence J. Masur, Eric R. Podtburg
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Patent number: 6300285Abstract: An improvement in a process of preparing a composite high temperature oxide superconductive wire is provided and involves conducting at least one cross-sectional reduction step in the processing preparation of the wire at sub-ambient temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Peter R. Roberts, William Michels, John F. Bingert
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Patent number: 6289576Abstract: Superconducting, oxidic ceramic materials are worked to filamentary conductors, in that they are filled into silver tubes (2), drawn with the latter to filamentary conductors and then sintered under flowing oxygen. So that such filamentary conductors can be produced industrially with an adequate quality, drawing speed and yield, the silver tube (2) as a sintered sleeve is brought into contact with the ceramic material (1) in a drawing sleeve (3), of soft annealed steel (35) and the resulting sleeve combination undergoes the drawing stages. After drawing the steel drawing sleeve is removed by etching. In a large number of drawing stages, it is necessary to remove the drawing sleeve which has become hard due to the cold working and to replace it by a new, soft annealed sleeve. Simultaneously the sintering sleeve can undergo soft annealing.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: VOCO Draht AGInventors: Peter Wachter, Oscar Vogt, Rolf A. Gramm
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Publication number: 20010011066Abstract: The fabrication of superconducting wires and rods having desired and consistent electrical and mechanical properties, in particular those based on Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) and Bismuth Strontium Calcium Copper Oxide (BSCCO), is disclosed. The first fabrication step is to form an extrudable paste by mixing YBCO or BSCCO superconducting powder with a set of organic additives, which include binder, plasticizers lubricant, dispersant, and a solvent. The following additional steps are performed on both YBCO and BSCCO based wires or rods: (i) using a piston extruder to extrude the superconducting wire or rod; (ii) drying the wire or rod to remove the solvent; and (iii) subjecting the wire or rod to a binder burn-out treatment to remove the remaining organic additives. In addition, YBCO wires and rods also require a sintering step, while BSCCO wires and rods also require cold isostatic pressing and heat treatment steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONInventors: Krishnaswamy Ravi-Chandar, Devamanohar Ponnusamy, Kamel Salama
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Patent number: 6262375Abstract: A high temperature superconducting cable comprises a cryogenic core, with a superconducting material either inside the cryogenic core or wrapped around the core. A space maintained at a vacuum and functioning as a cryostat surrounds the core; within this space are a separator and superinsulation. A conventional dielectric at room temperature surrounds the superinsulation, and a conventional ground shield surrounds the conventional dielectric. This cable does not require a cryogenic dielectric and is of suitable size and nature to be used in retrofitting conventional cable pipes.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1992Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: John S. Engelhardt, Steven A. Boggs
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Patent number: 6255596Abstract: A tube made of oxygen free copper is filled with a plurality of copper matrix Nb—Ti superconducting lead wires to obtain a composite billet. The resulting billet is subjected to hydrostatic pressure extrusion. Further, ageing heat treatment and wire drawing process are repeated for the composite material three times to prepare a Cu/Nb—Ti superconducting single wire. Then, the resulting Cu/Nb—Ti superconducting single wires are stranded each other to produce a superconducting strand. The superconducting strand is coated with an aluminum alloy to which either a content of 20 to 100 ppm of Cu and Mg or Mg, or a content of 10 to 120 ppm of Si and Cu is added by means of hot extrusion, the strand thus extruded is reduced by 0 to 20% in accordance with cold working to produce an aluminum stabilized superconductor.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignees: Hitachi Cable Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventors: Fumikazu Hosono, Noriyuki Tatsumi, Kenichi Kikuchi, Genzo Iwaki, Hidezumi Moriai, Hitoshi Yasuda, Akihiko Takahashi
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Patent number: 6226858Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superconductor wire which comprises: rolling a polycrystalline metallic substrate; heating the rolled polycrystalline metallic substrate at a temperature of 900° C. or more in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, whereby obtaining a rolled textured structure which is oriented such that the [100] plane thereof is parallel with a rolled plane and the <001> axis thereof is parallel with a rolled direction; heating the polycrystalline metallic substrate of the rolled textured structure at a temperature of 1,000° C. or more in an oxidizing atmosphere, whereby forming an oxide crystal layer consisting essentially of an oxide of the polycrystalline metal; and forming an oxide superconductor layer on the oxide crystal layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignees: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., International Superconductivity Technology CenterInventors: Kaname Matsumoto, Naoki Koshizuka, Yasuzo Tanaka
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Patent number: 6230033Abstract: A superconducting ceramic includes a laminate and a superconducting ceramic tape joined to the laminate. The laminate and superconductor tape are joined such that the tape is under a compressive stress. The compressive stress is of a greater amount than compressive stress which results from differences in thermal expansion of the tape and the laminate. The greater compressive stress can be achieved by putting the laminate under a greater tension than the superconducting ceramic tape during joining of the superconducting ceramic tape to the laminate.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: John D. Scudiere, David M. Buczek, Gregory L. Snitchler, Paul J. Di Pietro
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Patent number: 6205345Abstract: In order to obtain a superconducting wire containing an oxide superconductor, whose critical current density is not much reduced upon application of bending, a plurality of strands 3, comprising oxide superconductors 1 covered with first metal sheaths 2, are filled into a second metal sheath 4, and deformation processing is performed to sectionally apply a compressive load to the second metal sheath, so that the thickness of the oxide superconductor 1 contained in each strand 3 is not more than 5% of the overall thickness of the superconducting wire 6.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Sato, Hidehito Mukai, Nobuhiro Shibuta
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Patent number: 6192573Abstract: An oxide superconducting wire having a circular or substantially circular sectional shape and exhibiting a high critical current density comparable to that of a tape-shaped wire is provided. The oxide superconducting wire consists of a plurality of filaments extending along the longitudinal direction of the wire in the form of ribbons, and a stabilizer matrix covering the filaments. The aspect ratio of the width to the thickness of each filament is 4 to 40, and the thickness of each filament is 5 to 50 &mgr;m. A section of the wire is in a circular or substantially circular shape. The wire exhibits a critical current density of at least 2000 A/cm2 at a temperature of 77 K with no application of a magnetic field. It is preferable that the plurality of filaments are substantially rotation-symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the wire.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Hahakura, Nobuhiro Saga, Kazuya Ohmatsu, Kenichi Sato
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Patent number: 6188921Abstract: A superconducting article having a high bulk sheath resistivity, and methods of manufacture of such an article. High-temperature superconductor filaments are disposed in a ductile matrix comprising a high silver content. The matrix is then coated with a solute and heated to a temperature high enough to allow the solute to diffuse into the matrix, but not high enough to allow substantive degradation or poisoning of the superconductor. After diffusion and cooling, the matrix comprises a silver alloy having a higher bulk resistivity than the pure silver.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: Alexander Otto, Ralph P. Mason, Craig J. Christopherson, Peter R. Roberts
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Patent number: 6187718Abstract: Superconducting composites comprising a high thermal conductivity carbon substrate and a layer of ceramic-type superconductor. Particularly attractive for use as a superconducting flexible conductor are composites comprising a high thermal conductivity, low resistivity carbon fiber disposed within a non-adherent sleeve layer formed of the superconducting ceramic material.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: BP Amoco CorporationInventor: David A. Schulz
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Patent number: 6170147Abstract: A starting material which is converted to a continuous body of an oxide superconductor by a heat treatment is filled in a tubular Ag sheath member. The diameter of the filled member is reduced by extrusion to form a wire. The wire is subjected to a heat treatment so that the starting material inside the sheath member is converted to a continuous body of an oxide superconductor. A superconducting wire constituted by the sheath member and the oxide superconductor filled inside the sheath member is obtained. A superconducting coil can be obtained by winding the superconducting wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yutaka Yamada, Satoru Murase, Hisashi Yoshino, Noburu Fukushima, Hiromi Niu, Shigeo Nakayama, Misao Koizumi
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Patent number: 6154103Abstract: An electrical interconnect provides a path between cryogenic or cryocooled circuitry and ambient temperatures. As a system, a cryocable 10 is combined with a trough-line contact or transition 20. In the preferred embodiment, the cryocable 10 comprises a conductor 11 disposed adjacent an insulator 12 which is in turn disposed adjacent another conductor 13. The components are sized so as to balance heat load through the cryocable 10 with the insertion loss. In the most preferred embodiment, a coaxial cryocable 10 has a center conductor 11 surrounded by a dielectric 12 (e.g. Teflon.TM.) surrounded by an outer conductor 13 which has a thickness between about 6 and 20 microns. The heat load is preferably less than one Watt, and most preferably less than one tenth of a Watt, with an insertion loss less than one decibel. In another aspect of the invention, a trough-line contact or transition 20 is provided in which the center conductor 11 is partially enveloped by dielectric 12 to form a relatively flat portion 28.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Scharen, Wallace Kunimoto, Angela May Ho
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Patent number: 6122534Abstract: A process for increasing the resistivity of a HTS oxide composite sheath including heating a superconductive HTS oxide composite, the composite including a sheath including silver, in the presence of mercury at temperatures sufficient to form a silver--mercury alloy is provided together with a HTS oxide composite which includes a high temperature superconductor oxide core surrounded by a metallic sheath, the metallic sheath including silver and mercury.Also provided is a process for preparing a HTS oxide composite having an enhanced transport critical current density including placing the HTS oxide composite within a sealed, evacuated container, and, heating the HTS oxide composite for time and at temperatures sufficient for enhancement of transport critical current density in comparison to the transport critical current density of the HTS oxide composite prior to the heating.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: The Regents of the Univeristy of CaliforniaInventors: Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., James D. Cotton, Terry G. Holesinger
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Patent number: 6117824Abstract: A lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO.sub.3) substrate on which thin films of layered perovskite copper oxide superconductors are formed. Lanthanum aluminate, with a pseudo-cubic perovskite crystal structure, has a crystal structure and lattice constant that closely match the crystal structures and lattice constants of the layered perovskite superconductors. Therefore, it promotes epitaxial film growth of the superconductors, with the crystals being oriented in the proper direction for good superconductive electrical properties, such as a high critical current density. In addition, LaAlO.sub.3 has good high frequency properties, such as a low loss tangent and low dielectric constant at superconductive temperatures. Finally, lanthanum aluminate does not significantly interact with the superconductors. Lanthanum aluminate can also used to form thin insulating films between the superconductor layers, which allows for the fabrication of a wide variety of superconductor circuit elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1995Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Randy Wayne Simon, Christine Elizabeth Platt, Alfred Euinam Lee, Gregory Steven Lee
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Current leads adapted for use with superconducting coil and formed of functionally gradient material
Patent number: 6069395Abstract: Current leads are used for connecting a power supply placed in a room-temature environment and a superconducting coil placed in an ultralow-temperature environment. The current leads includes a first current lead and a second current lead. The first current lead is made up of a room-temperature N-type thermoelectric semiconductor, a low-temperature N-type thermoelectric semiconductor, and a high-temperature superconductor. The second current lead is made up of a room-temperature P-type thermoelectric semiconductor, a low-temperature P-type thermoelectric semiconductor, and a high-temperature superconductor. At least one of the first and second current leads is formed of a functionally gradient material.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: The Director-General of the National Institute of Fusion ScienceInventors: Sataro Yamaguchi, Kotaro Kuroda -
Patent number: 6038461Abstract: There are disclosed a high temperature superconductive material which can be plastically deformed, processed optionally into predetermined configurations and industrially mass produced and a method of manufacturing a formed body of the high temperature superconductive material. Mixed is a powder raw material which is mainly composed of: 10 to 50 mol % of at least one amide or nitride of alkali metal of Li, Na or K; 10 to 60 mol % of cyanide containing at least one metal selected from aluminum, copper, silver or gold; 5 to 50 mol % of at least one pure metal selected from aluminum, copper, silver or gold; and 10 mol % or less of at least one alkaline earth metal selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba. The powder raw material is pressed, and heated and sintered at the temperature of 673 K to 1553 K. In this manner, obtained is the plastically deformable high temperature superconductive material which can be optionally processed through forging, rolling and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventors: Yoshifumi Sakai, Itsuko Sakai
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Patent number: 6038462Abstract: A multifilamentary superconducting composite article comprising multiple substantially electrically decoupled domains, each including one or more fine, preferably twisted filaments of a desired superconducting oxide material. In a preferred embodiment, the article comprises a matrix, which substantially comprises a noble metal, a conductive jacketing layer surrounding the matrix, a plurality of discrete filament decoupling layers, each comprising an insulating material, disposed within the matrix to separate the matrix into a plurality of substantially electrically decoupled domains; a plurality of filaments, each comprising a desired superconducting oxide, which are disposed within and essentially encapsulated by the matrix and chemically isolated thereby from the decoupling layers, each of the electrically decoupled domains containing at least one filament.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: Gregory L. Snitchler, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Alexis P. Malozemoff, Craig J. Christopherson
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Patent number: 6034588Abstract: A superconducting current lead is provided, in which a plurality of unit conductors serving as current paths and each formed from a tape-like oxide superconducting wire are disposed on a cylindrical support member 4 so that a tape surface of the superconducting wire material is made parallel with a circumferential direction in a cylindrical coordinate system, and magnetic members 3 are disposed between the plurality of unit conductors.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignees: Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshinari Ando, Hiroshi Tsuji, Takaaki Isono, Kazuya Hamada, Yukio Yasukawa, Masanobu Nozawa
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Patent number: 6028036Abstract: A superconductive composite member comprises a core of oxide ceramic superconducting material that is disposed in a metal envelope comprising a silver alloy which is hardenable by an oxide dispersion. Preferably, the silver alloy is an alloy of Ag--Mg--Ni, Ag--Mn--Ni or Ag--Al alloy which may also include one or more precious metal elements selected from a group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pd and Au. The composite member is formed by introducing the superconductive material into the silver alloy envelope, cross section-reducing the assembly of the envelope and core and, subsequently, thermal treatment for the recovery and setting of the oxygen concentration.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Vacuumschmelze GmbHInventors: Johannes Tenbrink, Klaus Heine, Paul Puniska, Christine Schmitt
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Patent number: 6021338Abstract: A radiation curable coating composition for superconducting wires including at least one (meth)acrylate terminated urethane oligomer, at least one adhesion promoter, at least one (meth)acrylate functionalized diluent and at least one free radical photoinitiator. The coating composition is able to withstand repeated thermal cycling from the ambient temperature to the critical temperature of the superconducting wire and, because the composition is radiation cured, the superconducting wire is not heated, thus avoiding degrading the superconducting wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1996Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: DSM Desotech Inc.Inventors: Edward P. Zahora, Steven C. Lapin, David M. Szum, Steven R. Schmid
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Patent number: 5999833Abstract: A method for the production of a superconducting oxide tape having a Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.10 (Bi-2223) structure interposed between silver sheets, which method consists essentially of preparing a sandwich structure having interposed between silver sheets a molded layer of a superconducting oxide precursor powder consisting essentially of Bi, Pb, Sr, Ca, Cu, and O obtained from a raw material substance composed of, in atomic composition ratio, 1.00 of Bi, 0-0.2 of Pb, 0.9-1.1 of Sr, 0.9-1.1 of Ca and 1.3-1.7 of Cu, and O, heating the sandwich structure in an atmosphere consisting of oxygen and an inert gas, having an oxygen partial pressure in the range of 0-5%, and kept at a temperature in the range of 830-850.degree. C., thereby melting the molded layer, then causing the atmosphere to retain the heating temperature and meanwhile increasing the oxygen partial pressure, thereby inducing precipitation of crystal grains possessing a Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 CaCu.sub.2 O.sub.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & IndustryInventors: Ryoji Funahashi, Ichiro Matsubara, Kazuo Ueno, Hiroshi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 5998050Abstract: A composite material is disclosed which includes a substrate, an oriented film provided on a surface of the substrate and formed of a crystal of a Y123 metal oxide of the formula LnBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y wherein Ln stands for Y or an element belonging to the lanthanoid and y is a number of 6-7, and a layer of a Y123 metal oxide of the formula LnBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y wherein Ln stands for Y or an element belonging to the lanthanoid and y is a number of 6-7 formed on the oriented film.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1996Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignees: International Superconductivity Technology Center, Hitachi Cable Ltd., Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc., Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc., The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.,, Fujikura, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuji Yamada, Masaru Nakamura, Noriyuki Tatsumi, Jiro Tsujino, Kanshi Ohtsu, Yasuo Kanamori, Minoru Tagami, Atsushi Kume, Yuh Shiohara, Shoji Tanaka
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Patent number: 5998337Abstract: Excellent films of a high Tc superconductor are easily produced on metal coated substrates at a temperature below 700.degree. C. These metal buffer films are made of Pt, Au, Ag, Pd, Ni or Ti. The film superconductivity is significantly improved by the metal buffer layer. Since it is easy to form this metal coating on a substrate, the invention can increase the potential number of usable substrates such as fibers, amorphous solids or semiconductors.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichiro Hatta, Hidetaka Higashino, Kumiko Hirochi, Hideaki Adachi
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Patent number: 5987342Abstract: A superconducting ceramic includes a laminate and a superconducting ceramic tape joined to the laminate. The laminate and superconductor tape are joined such that the tape is under a compressive stress. The compressive stress is of a greater amount than the compressive stress which results from differences in thermal expansion of the tape and the laminate. The greater compressive stress can be achieved by putting the laminate under a greater tension than the superconducting ceramic tape during joining of the superconducting ceramic tape to the laminate.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1996Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: John D. Scudiere, David M. Buczek, Gregory L. Snitchler, Paul J. Di Pietro
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Patent number: 5974336Abstract: An oxide superconductor comprises a base material consisting of a single crystalline oxide, an oxide superconductor film consisting of a Y123 compound and formed on the single crystalline oxide base material, and a coating film consisting essentially of a Ba--Cu--O oxide and covering the surface of the oxide superconductor film, the coating film having a thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the oxide superconductor film.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, International Superconductivity Technology CenterInventors: Yasuji Yamada, Tamaki Masegi, Junichi Kawashima, Yusuke Niiori, Izumi Hirabayashi
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Patent number: 5949131Abstract: According to one aspect, provided is a junction between tape-type superconductors, which are formed of metal-coated oxide superconductors. The superconductors of the superconducting wires, which are oppositely joined to each other, are overlapped with each other. According to another aspect, provided is a method of joining tape-type superconducting wires formed of metal-coated oxide superconductors, which comprises a step of preparing tape-type superconducting wires having portions to be joined, a step of separating metal coatings from first sides of the superconductors in the portions to be joined for exposing the superconductors, a step of overlapping the exposed superconductors with each other, and a step of joining the overlapped superconductors to each other. In the junction obtained according to these aspects, it is possible to stably carry a uniform superconducting current.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Sato, Takeshi Kato, Nobuhiro Shibuta, Hidehito Mukai
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Patent number: 5935911Abstract: A starting material which is converted to a continuous body of an oxide superconductor by a heat treatment is filled in a tubular Ag sheath member. The diameter of the filled member is reduced by extrusion to form a wire. The wire is subjected to a heat treatment so that the starting material inside the sheath member is converted to a continuous body of an oxide superconductor. A superconducting wire constituted by the sheath member and the oxide superconductor filled inside the sheath member is obtained. A superconducting coil can be obtained by winding the superconducting wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yutaka Yamada, Satoru Murase, Hisashi Yoshino, Noburu Fukushima, Hiromi Niu, Shigeo Nakayama, Misao Koizumi
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Patent number: 5929000Abstract: An oxide superconducting wire having a circular or substantially circular sectional shape and exhibiting a high critical current density comparable to that of a tape-shaped wire is provided. The oxide superconducting wire consists of a plurality of filaments extending along the longitudinal direction of the wire in the form of ribbons, and a stabilizer matrix covering the filaments. The aspect ratio of the width to the thickness of each filament is 4 to 40, and the thickness of each filament is 5 to 50 .mu.m. A section of the wire is in a circular or substantially circular shape. The wire exhibits a critical current density of at least 2000 A/cm.sup.2 at a temperature of 77 K with no application of a magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Hahakura, Nobuhiro Saga, Kazuya Ohmatsu, Kenichi Sato
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Patent number: 5917393Abstract: A superconducting coil mounted on, and in heat transfer relationship with, a heat conducting support cylinder. The superconducting coil is electrically insulated from the support cylinder by means of a refractory ceramic coating, such as aluminum oxide, on the surface of the cylinder or on an intermediate layer which itself is on the surface of the cylinder. To resist Lorentz forces, the superconducting coil may be positioned within a helical groove machined into the inside or outside surface of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Thomas Kupiszewski, Timothy K. Deis
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Patent number: 5914297Abstract: An oxide superconductor composite having improved texture and durability. The oxide superconductor composite includes an oxide superconductor phase substantially surrounded with/by a noble metal matrix, the noble metal matrix comprising a metal oxide in an amount effective to form metal oxide domains that increase hardness of the composite. The composite is characterized by a degree of texture at least 10% greater than a comparable oxide superconductor composite lacking metal oxide domains. An oxide superconducting composite may be prepared by oxidizing the precursor composite under conditions effective to form solute metal oxide domains within the silver matrix and to form a precursor oxide in the precursor alloy phase; subjecting the oxidized composite to a softening anneal under conditions effective to relieve stress within the noble metal phase; and converting the oxide precursor into an oxide superconductor.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: American Superconductor CorpInventor: Eric R. Podtburg
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Patent number: 5912211Abstract: A superconducting ceramic film is deposited on a substrate sputtering. In virtue of the low thermal conductivity of ceramic, a laser beam is radiated to the ceramic film in order to remove the irradiated portion by sublimation and produce a pattern on the ceramic film.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1990Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki
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Patent number: 5908812Abstract: A superconducting oxide composite structure including a superconducting oxide member, a metal layer surrounding the superconducting oxide member, and an insulating layer of a complex oxide formed in situ adjacent to the superconducting oxide member and the metal layer is provided together with a method of forming such a superconducting oxide composite structure including encapsulating a superconducting oxide member or precursor within a metal matrix layer from the group of: (i) a reactive metal sheath adjacent to the superconducting oxide member or precursor, the reactive metal sheath surrounded by a second metal layer or (ii) an alloy containing a reactive metal; to form an intermediate product, and, heating the intermediate product at temperatures and for time sufficient to form an insulating layer of a complex oxide in situ, the insulating layer to the superconducting oxide member or precursor and the metal matrix layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: James D. Cotton, Gilbert Neal Riley, Jr.
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Patent number: 5898021Abstract: A superconductive composite member, which has a core composed of an oxide ceramic material which is surrounded by an envelope, has an increased core density in order to achieve a higher critical current density. The increased core density is obtained during a hot-shaping step of the core material in the envelope, wherein the composite is heated to a temperature wherein the superconductor material is present in either a molten or a partially molten state.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1993Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Vacuumschmelze GmbHInventors: Johannes Tenbrink, Paul Puniska, Volker Gluecklich, Klaus Heine
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Patent number: 5884485Abstract: A power lead for electrically connecting a superconducting coil with a power supply, comprising thermoelectric cooling means, said means including at least an N-type thermoelectric member and a P-type thermoelectric member, being electrically connected to a positive side and a negative side of said power supply, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Inventors: Sataro Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi Takita, Ikuo Itoh, Hisaaki Hiue, Shinichi Nose
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Patent number: RE36814Abstract: Excellent films of a high Tc superconductor are easily produced on metal coated substrates at a temperature below 700.degree. C. These metal buffer films are made of Pt, Au, Ag, Pd, Ni or Ti. The film superconductivity is significantly improved by the metal buffer layer. Since it is easy to form this metal coating on a substrate, the invention can increase the potential number of usable substrates such as fibers, amorphous solids or semiconductors.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichiro Hatta, Hidetaka Higashino, Kumiko Hirochi, Hideaki Adachi