US4304594A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hardening of metals
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-04-09
•
Granted: 1981-12-08
•
Expires: 2000-04-09
Abstract
Abstract Hardened metals are produced by subjecting molten metals to the action of an electrostatic field of at least 1000 volts during the cooling and solidification of the metal.
Inventors
- 👤 Ellsworth G. Munck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:07
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22F; C22F3/00; C22F3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
45 words
The method of producing a hardened, normally solid metal which comprises subjecting said metal in a molten state to an electrostatic field produced by a potential difference of at least 1000 volts and maintaining said metal in said field while said metal cools and solidifies.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
45 words
The method of producing a hardened, normally solid metal which comprises subjecting said metal in a molten state to an electrostatic field produced by a potential difference of at least 1000 volts and maintaining said metal in said field while said metal cools and solidifies.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said field is positive relative to the ground.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said field is negative relative to the ground.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of any one of claim 1, 2 and 3 wherein said field is imposed upon said molten metal by at least one electrode above said molten metal.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
29 words
The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein said field is imposed upon said molten metal by at least one electrode within said molten metal.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
29 words
The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein said field is imposed upon said molten metal by at least one electrode around said molten metal.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
33 words
The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein said metal is a metal of the group consisting of zinc and alloys containing more than 50 weight percent of zinc.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
18 words
The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein said metal is a ferrous metal.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
33 words
The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein said metal is a metal of the group consisting of aluminum and alloys containing more than 50 weight percent of aluminum.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
33 words
The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein said metal is a metal of the group consisting of copper and alloys containing more than 50 weight percent of copper.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
26 words
The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein said molten metal is in a mold when it is solidified in said field.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
33 words
The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein said molten metal is in the form of a thin coating on a substrate when it is solidified in said field.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said molten metal is a galvanizing coating of zinc on a substrate of steel when said molten metal is solidified in said field.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus for the hardening of a metal comprising a vessel for molten metal which vessel is electrically insulated from the ground, a generator for an electrostatic field relative to the ground, and an electrode connected to said generator, said electrode being located in or near said vessel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus for the hardening of a metal comprising a vessel for molten metal which vessel is electrically insulated from the ground, a generator for an electrostatic field relative to the ground, and an electrode connected to said generator, said electrode being located in or near said vessel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
10 words
A hardened metal produced by the method of claim 1.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
A hardened aluminum having a microstructure comprising generally hexagonal, irregular grains measuring from about 30 to about 50 microns in width and from about 50 to about 70 microns in length.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
A hardened aluminum having a microstructure comprising generally hexagonal, irregular grains measuring from about 30 to about 50 microns in width and from about 50 to about 70 microns in length.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said metal is aluminum and said potential difference is at least 7 kilovolts.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said metal is copper and said potential difference is at least 21 kilovolts.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-12-07 | 1985-06-08 | 1985-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-12-07 | 1989-06-08 | 1989-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-12-07 | 1993-06-08 | 1993-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |