US4193848A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for the production of composite material
Assignee: Rio Tinto Switzerland AG
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Filing: 1978-07-20
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Granted: 1980-03-18
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Expires: 1998-07-20
Abstract
Abstract A composite material for graphical applications, in particular for nameplate production and having foil of aluminium or one of its alloys stuck on to a support foil. This aluminium foil bears on its side facing away from the supporting layer an aluminum oxide layer, which is thick by comparison with the thickness of the aluminium foil, on top of which there is a further layer of a light sensitive plastic.
Inventors
- 👤 Harald Severus-Laubenteid
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 01:42
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25D; C25D7/00; C25D7/06; C25D7/0614; C25D11/00; C25D11/005; G; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A process for the production of composite material which comprises: (a) providing a layer of flexible plastic material; (b) providing a layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy foil material adhesively bonded to said flexible plastic, with an aluminum oxide layer produced by anodizing having a thickness of at least 3 microns on the exposed surface of said foil; (c) coloring and sealing the oxide layer; (d) coating the oxide layer with a layer of light sensitive plastic material which is a photoresist layer having the property of being hardened by ultra-violet light, placing a film negative on said photoresist layer wherein ultra-violet light hardens the illuminated portion of the photoresist layer; and (e) exposing said composite to ultra-violet light through said negative, removing the unhardened portions of the photoresist layer, etching away the aluminum oxide and aluminum layers under those portions of the photoresist layer which are not hardened and removing the adhesive layer thereunder to expose said flexible plastic material, and removing the photoresist layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A process for the production of composite material which comprises: (a) providing a layer of flexible plastic material; (b) providing a layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy foil material adhesively bonded to said flexible plastic, with an aluminum oxide layer produced by anodizing having a thickness of at least 3 microns on the exposed surface of said foil; (c) coloring and sealing the oxide layer; (d) coating the oxide layer with a layer of light sensitive plastic material which is a photoresist layer having the property of being hardened by ultra-violet light, placing a film negative on said photoresist layer wherein ultra-violet light hardens the illuminated portion of the photoresist layer; and (e) exposing said composite to ultra-violet light through said negative, removing the unhardened portions of the photoresist layer, etching away the aluminum oxide and aluminum layers under those portions of the photoresist layer which are not hardened and removing the adhesive layer thereunder to expose said flexible plastic material, and removing the photoresist layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said flexible plastic material exhibits the property of ultra-violet absorption.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said foil has a thickness of from 5 to 100 microns.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process according to claim 3 wherein said plastic material has a thickness of from 100 to 200 microns.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the resultant composite is divided up into sheets and stuck onto supporting material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said foil is adhesively bonded to said flexible plastic with an adhesive capable of being removed by an organic solvent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said aluminum oxide layer is produced by anodic oxidation of the foil-flexible plastic laminate in an electrolyte.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process according to claim 7 wherein said foil material is anodized by transporting the foil continuously through said electrolyte as an elongated strip.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
A process according to claim 8 wherein said foil is passed over an anode roll prior to entry into said electrolyte and is transported through said electrolyte past at least one cathode, wherein said foil is cooled between said anode roll and the point of entry into the electrolyte.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 9 wherein the foil is cooled with an air stream.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
A process according to claim 9 wherein a plurality of cathodes are employed and wherein the effect of said cathodes on said foil is increased with increasing distance of the foil in the electrolyte from said point of entry.
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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) | 1983-03-18 | 1983-09-17 | 1984-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-03-18 | 1987-09-17 | 1988-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-03-18 | 1991-09-17 | 1992-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |