US4481030A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tantalum-copper alloy and method for making
Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation Inc
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Filing: 1983-06-01
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Granted: 1984-11-06
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Expires: 2003-06-01
Abstract
Abstract A tantalum-copper alloy can be made by preparing a consumable electrode consisting of an elongated copper billet containing at least two spaced apart tantalum rods extending longitudinally the length of the billet. The electrode is placed in a dc arc furnace and melted under conditions which co-melt the copper and tantalum to form the alloy.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick A. Schmidt
- 👤 John D. Verhoeven
- 👤 Edwin D. Gibson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 04:58
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22C; C22C9/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A method of making a tantalum-copper alloy comprising: preparing a consumable electrode consisting of an elongated copper billet containing at least two spaced apart tantalum rods extending longitudinally the length of the billet, the weight percentage of tantalum in the electrode being equal to the weight percentage of tantalum in the alloy; striking and maintaining a dc arc between one end of the electrode and a container to receive the molten electrode, to initiate melting of the electrode into the container to form the alloy; controlling the distance between the end of the electrode and the molten alloy in order to melt the tantalum at about the same rate as the copper is melted, so that as the electrode is melted a molten homogeneous mixture of tantalum and copper is formed in the receiver; and, cooling the molten homogeneous mixture of copper and tantalum thereby forming a tantalum-copper alloy.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
149 words
A method of making a tantalum-copper alloy comprising: preparing a consumable electrode consisting of an elongated copper billet containing at least two spaced apart tantalum rods extending longitudinally the length of the billet, the weight percentage of tantalum in the electrode being equal to the weight percentage of tantalum in the alloy; striking and maintaining a dc arc between one end of the electrode and a container to receive the molten electrode, to initiate melting of the electrode into the container to form the alloy; controlling the distance between the end of the electrode and the molten alloy in order to melt the tantalum at about the same rate as the copper is melted, so that as the electrode is melted a molten homogeneous mixture of tantalum and copper is formed in the receiver; and, cooling the molten homogeneous mixture of copper and tantalum thereby forming a tantalum-copper alloy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the electrode contains at least 4 spaced apart tantalum rods extending longitudinally the length of the billet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the electrode contains up to 50 weight percent tantalum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 3 wherein cooling of the mixture is retarded slightly in order to ensure homogenity of the alloy.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the electrode is prepared by providing at least four longitudinal slots, evenly spaced about the periphery, and extending the length of the copper billet, providing each slot with tantalum, the tantalum being about uniform in cross-section and extending the length of the billet, and enclosing the tantalum in the slot with copper to hold the tantalum firmly in place.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the receiver for the molten alloy is a water-cooled copper mold.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the copper mold is lined with graphite to retard the rate of cooling.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the electrode contains 6 evenly spaced longitudinally extending slots containing tantalum.
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) | 1987-11-06 | 1988-05-07 | 1988-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-11-06 | 1992-05-07 | 1992-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-11-06 | 1996-05-07 | 1996-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |