US6074499A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Boron-copper-magnesium-tin alloy and method for making same
Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
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Filing: 1998-01-09
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Granted: 2000-06-13
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Expires: 2018-01-09
Abstract
Abstract A high strength, highly electrically conductive copper-based alloy and method for producing the alloy are provided, with the alloy containing boron in the range of 0.0-2.9 at. %, magnesium in a range of about 2.8-7.6 at. %, tin in a range of about 2.1-4.3 at. %, and the balance copper and unavoidable impurities. The method for producing the high-strength, highly conductive alloy includes solution heat treating or annealing the material to dissolve the solute elements into a solid solution including the copper, rapidly quenching the material to freeze the solute elements in solid solution, and aging the material at a temperature in a range of about 400-475° C. to precipitation harden the alloy material.
Inventors
- 👤 Glen A. Stone
- 👤 Stanley M. Howard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:34
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22C; C22C9/00; C22C9/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
36 words
A quaternary alloy consisting of: up to about 2.9 at. % boron; about 2.8 to about 7.6 at. % magnesium; about 2.1 to about 4.3 at. % tin; and the balance being copper and unavoidable impurities.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
36 words
A quaternary alloy consisting of: up to about 2.9 at. % boron; about 2.8 to about 7.6 at. % magnesium; about 2.1 to about 4.3 at. % tin; and the balance being copper and unavoidable impurities.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A quaternary alloy as recited in claim 1, consisting of: about 0.5 at. % boron; about 4.2 to about 5.2 at. % magnesium; about 3.3 at. % tin; and the balance being copper and unavoidable impurities.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A copper-based quaternary alloy as recited in claim 2, wherein the alloy has an electrical conductivity of about 40% IACS or above.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A copper-based quaternary alloy as recited in claim 2, wherein the alloy has a Vickers hardness of about 225 HV or above.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A copper-based quaternary alloy as recited in claim 4, wherein the alloy has an electrical conductivity of about 40% IACS or above.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
A quaternary alloy as recited in claim 1, consisting of: up to about 2.9 at. % boron; about 4.4 at. % magnesium; about 3.3 at. % tin; and the balance being copper and-unavoidable impurities.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A copper-based quaternary alloy as recited in claim 6, wherein the alloy has an electrical conductivity of 40% IACS or above.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A copper-based quaternary alloy as recited in claim 6, wherein the alloy has a Vickers hardness of about 250 HV.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A copper-based quaternary alloy as recited in claim 6, wherein the alloy has an electrical conductivity of 40% IACS or above.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
A quaternary alloy as recited in claim 1, consisting of: about 0.5 at. % boron; about 4.6 at. % magnesium; about 3.3 at. % tin; and the balance being copper and unavoidable impurities.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A copper-based quaternary alloy as recited in claim 10, wherein the alloy has an electrical conductivity of about 35% IACS or above.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A copper-based quaternary alloy as recited in claim 10, wherein the alloy has a Vickers hardness of about 200 HV or higher.
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) | 2003-06-13 | 2003-12-13 | 2004-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-06-13 | 2007-12-13 | 2008-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-06-13 | 2011-12-13 | 2012-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |