US4120758A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Production of powder metallurgy alloys
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-07-14
•
Granted: 1978-10-17
•
Expires: 1997-07-14
Abstract
Abstract Methods for producing alloy metal powders by electrodeposition are disclosed. Compositions comprising a core surrounded by at least one discrete, substantially laminar layer of a metal different from the core are formed by electro-depositing the different metal onto a core metal powder cathode. The electro-deposition may be repeated to provide successive laminar layers of different metals. By the methods disclosed herein alloy powders of controlled composition may be readily generated. Among the advantages of these processes are increased rate of subsequent sintering and decreased loss of the core metal through oxidation or evaporation.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph E. Rippere
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:18
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25C; C25C5/00; C25C5/02; C25D; C25D5/00; C25D5/18; C25D5/60; C25D5/615; C25D5/617; C25D5/627; C25D7/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of producing a multimetal alloy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from an electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said particles until a desired multi-metal composition is obtained wherein the deposited metal forms a discrete, annular layer superimposed upon the cathodic powder base, the exterior layer being of a metal which is less chemically active than the metal of the cathode powder; and (d) sintering the multi-metal composition below the melting point of the composition to form an alloy.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of producing a multimetal alloy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from an electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said particles until a desired multi-metal composition is obtained wherein the deposited metal forms a discrete, annular layer superimposed upon the cathodic powder base, the exterior layer being of a metal which is less chemically active than the metal of the cathode powder; and (d) sintering the multi-metal composition below the melting point of the composition to form an alloy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the cathode metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc, lead, gold, silver, platinum, irridium, rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, indium, manganese, antimony, cadmium, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the cathode metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc and mixtures thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the cathode powder is copper.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the cathode powder is zinc.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the cathode powder is iron.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrolytic composition contains metal ions selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc, lead, gold, silver, platinum, irridium, rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, indium, manganese, antimony, cadmium, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrolylic composition contains metal ions selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc and mixtures thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrolytic composition contains copper ions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrolytic composition contains nickel ions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrolytic composition contains tin ions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the cathode powder is iron and the exterior layer is nickel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the cathode powder is zinc and the exterior layer is copper.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the direct current is interrupted by periods during which reverse direct current is imposed on the electrolytic composition.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the direct current is interrupted by periods during which alternating current is imposed on the electrolytic composition.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of producing a multi-metal alloy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from a first electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said second metal particles until a discrete, annular layer of said second metal particles is superimposed upon the cathode powder, thereby forming a first laminate base; (d) forming at least one further discrete, annular layer by electro-depositing particles from at least one additional electrolytic composition containing ions of at least one metal different from said second metal upon said first laminate base by imposing direct electrical current on the additional electrolytic composition, the exterior layer being of a metal which is less chemically active than at least one interior metal; and (e) sintering the composition of multi-metal particles obtained from step (d) below the melting point of the composition to form an alloy.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of producing a multi-metal alloy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from a first electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said second metal particles until a discrete, annular layer of said second metal particles is superimposed upon the cathode powder, thereby forming a first laminate base; (d) forming at least one further discrete, annular layer by electro-depositing particles from at least one additional electrolytic composition containing ions of at least one metal different from said second metal upon said first laminate base by imposing direct electrical current on the additional electrolytic composition, the exterior layer being of a metal which is less chemically active than at least one interior metal; and (e) sintering the composition of multi-metal particles obtained from step (d) below the melting point of the composition to form an alloy.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the cathode metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc, lead, gold, silver, platinum, irridium, rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, indium, manganese, antimony, cadmium, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the cathode metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the cathode powder is copper.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the cathode powder is zinc.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the cathode powder is iron.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the first electrolytic composition contains metal ions selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc, lead, gold, silver, platinum, irridium, rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, indium, manganese, antimony, cadmium, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the electrolytic composition contains metal ions selected from the group consisting of iron nickel, copper, tin, zinc and mixtures thereof.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the second electrolytic composition contains metal ions selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc, lead, gold, silver, platinum, irridium, rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, indium, manganese, antimony, cadmium, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the second electrolytic composition contains metal ions selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the second electrolytic composition contains metal ions of the same metal as the cathode powder.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the direct current is interrupted by periods during which reverse direct current is imposed on the electrolytic composition.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the direct current is interrupted by periods during which alternating current is imposed on the electrolytic composition.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
119 words
A method of producing a multi-metal alloy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from an electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said particles until a desired multi-metal composition is obtained wherein the deposited metal forms a discrete, annular layer superimposed upon the cathodic powder base, the exterior layer being of a metal which is less volatile than the metal of the cathode powder; and (d) sintering the multi-metal composition below the melting point of the composition to form an alloy.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
119 words
A method of producing a multi-metal alloy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from an electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said particles until a desired multi-metal composition is obtained wherein the deposited metal forms a discrete, annular layer superimposed upon the cathodic powder base, the exterior layer being of a metal which is less volatile than the metal of the cathode powder; and (d) sintering the multi-metal composition below the melting point of the composition to form an alloy.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 29 wherein the cathode powder is zinc.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 29 wherein the cathode powder is zinc and the exterior layer is copper.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 29 wherein the cathode powder is brass and the exterior layer is copper.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
173 words
A method of producing a multi-metal alloy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from a first electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said second metal particles until a discrete, annular layer of said second metal particles is superimposed upon the cathode powder, thereby forming a first laminate base; (d) forming at least one further discrete, annular layer by electro-depositing particles from at least one additional electrolytic composition containing ions of at least one metal different from said second metal upon said first laminate base by imposing direct electrical current on the second electrolytic composition, the exterior layer being of a metal which is less volatile than at least one interior metal; and (e) sintering the composition of multi-metal particles obtained from step (d) below the melting point of the composition to form an alloy.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
173 words
A method of producing a multi-metal alloy comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from a first electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said second metal particles until a discrete, annular layer of said second metal particles is superimposed upon the cathode powder, thereby forming a first laminate base; (d) forming at least one further discrete, annular layer by electro-depositing particles from at least one additional electrolytic composition containing ions of at least one metal different from said second metal upon said first laminate base by imposing direct electrical current on the second electrolytic composition, the exterior layer being of a metal which is less volatile than at least one interior metal; and (e) sintering the composition of multi-metal particles obtained from step (d) below the melting point of the composition to form an alloy.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein the cathode powder is zinc.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein the cathode powder is zinc and the exterior layer is copper.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of producing a unitary composition of multi-metal particles comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from a first electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said second metal particles until a discrete, annular layer of said second metal particles is superimposed upon the cathode powder, thereby forming a first laminate base; (d) electro-depositing particles from a second electrolytic composition containing ions of at least said first metal upon said first laminate base by imposing direct electrical current on the second electrolytic composition; (e) continuing the electro-deposition of said different metal particles until a further discrete, annular layer of said different metal particles is superimposed upon said laminate base to form a composition of multi-metal particles.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of producing a unitary composition of multi-metal particles comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from a first electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said second metal particles until a discrete, annular layer of said second metal particles is superimposed upon the cathode powder, thereby forming a first laminate base; (d) electro-depositing particles from a second electrolytic composition containing ions of at least said first metal upon said first laminate base by imposing direct electrical current on the second electrolytic composition; (e) continuing the electro-deposition of said different metal particles until a further discrete, annular layer of said different metal particles is superimposed upon said laminate base to form a composition of multi-metal particles.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 36 further comprising the step of sintering the composition of multi-metal particles obtained from step (e) below the melting point of the composition.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein the metal of the exterior layer is less chemically active than the metal of said first laminate base.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein the metal of the exterior layer is less volatile than the metal of said first laminate base.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of producing a unitary composition of multi-metal particles comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from a first electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said second metal particles until a discrete, annular layer of said second metal particles is superimposed upon the cathode powder, thereby forming a first laminate base; (d) electro-depositing particles from a second electrolytic composition containing ions of at least one metal different from said second metal upon said first laminate base by imposing direct electrical current on the second electrolytic composition; (e) continuing the electro-deposition of said different metal particles until a further discrete, annular layer of said different metal particles is superimposed upon said laminate base; (f) forming at least one further discrete, annular layer by electro-depositing particles from at least one additional electrolytic composition containing ions of at least one metal which is the same as an interior metal to form a composition of multi-metal particles.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of producing a unitary composition of multi-metal particles comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cathode comprising a powder of at least a first metal; (b) electro-depositing particles of at least a second metal onto said cathode from a first electrolytic composition containing ions of said second metal by imposing direct electrical current on the electrolytic composition; (c) continuing the electro-deposition of said second metal particles until a discrete, annular layer of said second metal particles is superimposed upon the cathode powder, thereby forming a first laminate base; (d) electro-depositing particles from a second electrolytic composition containing ions of at least one metal different from said second metal upon said first laminate base by imposing direct electrical current on the second electrolytic composition; (e) continuing the electro-deposition of said different metal particles until a further discrete, annular layer of said different metal particles is superimposed upon said laminate base; (f) forming at least one further discrete, annular layer by electro-depositing particles from at least one additional electrolytic composition containing ions of at least one metal which is the same as an interior metal to form a composition of multi-metal particles.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 40 further comprising the step of sintering the composition of multi-metal particles obtained from step (f) below the melting point of the composition.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 40 wherein the metal of the exterior layer is less chemically active than at least one interior metal.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 40 wherein the metal of the exterior layer is less volatile than at least one interior metal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-10-16 | 1982-04-17 | 1982-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-16 | 1986-04-17 | 1986-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-16 | 1990-04-17 | 1990-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |