| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20130083500 | INTERFEROMETRIC COLOR MARKING - Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface so as to be visible from the outside of the housing. The markings are able to be interferometric colors and/or black. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130319090 | TESTING OF SURFACE CRYSTALLINE CONTENT IN BULK AMORPHOUS ALLOY - Provided in one embodiment is a method, comprising: forming a part comprising a bulk amorphous alloy, wherein the part comprises a sampling portion; determining a parameter related to the part by detecting by imaging on a surface of the sampling portion presence of crystals of the alloy; and evaluating the part based on the parameter. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130333165 | FASTENER MADE OF BULK AMORPHOUS ALLOY - Embodiments relates to a fastener having a head portion and an interlock portion comprising a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy comprising a metal alloy. The fastener could further have a screw portion. Other embodiments relate to methods of making and using the fasteners. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140007713 | MECHANICAL TESTING OF TEST PLAQUE FORMED ON AN ALLOY PART AND MECHANICAL PROOF TESTING - Disclosed are quality control methods used in fabrication processes to make bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy parts. The quality control methods include forming a test plaque together with bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy part where the test plaque is formed on the alloy part at a location having a predetermined likelihood of failure, and testing the plaque to determine the quality of the product. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140007984 | CAST CORE INSERT OUT OF ETCHABLE MATERIAL - Provided in an embodiment is a method for molding, including: providing a molten alloy in a space between a mold cavity and an etchable block shaped to form an undercut on a part formed in the space, cooling the molten alloy to form the part with the undercut, and etching the etchable block. An undercut is a beveled edge caused by an etchant attacking an etchable block laterally and optionally vertically. The formed part can be made of a bulk amorphous alloy. In some cases, the etchable block can also be used to form at least one threaded portion in the part. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140007985 | INDIRECT PROCESS CONDITION MONITORING - Disclosed is a method of controlling the production of a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy by providing a set point control system, run in conjunction with a continuous smart feedback process control system that continuously monitors the processing conditions during manufacture, and continuously updates the smart feedback control system thereby enabling the control system to learn as the process is running. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140008327 | MOVABLE JOINT THROUGH INSERT - Provided in one embodiment is a method of forming a movable joint or connection between parts that move with respect to one another, wherein at least one part is at least partially enclosed by at least one second part. The method includes positioning an etchable material over an at least one first part, molding or forming an at least one second part over at least the etchable material, and removing the etchable material. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140008999 | BULK AMORPHOUS ALLOY PRESSURE SENSOR - Pressure sensing systems comprising bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and pressure-sensitive switches containing bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys. The bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are capable of repeated deformation upon application of pressure, and change their electrical resistivity upon deformation, thereby enabling measurement of the change in resistivity and consequently, measuring the deformation and amount of pressure applied. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140009215 | TOUCH INTERFACE USING PATTERNED BULK AMORPHOUS ALLOY - Touch sensing systems comprising bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and methods of making touch sensing arrays and electronic devices containing touch sensitive screens that include arrays containing bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys. The bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy substrates have select areas of crystalline and amorphous alloy providing for discrete areas of conductivity and resistivity. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140011050 | BMG PARTS HAVING GREATER THAN CRITICAL CASTING THICKNESS AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - The embodiments described herein relate to BMG articles with high bulk having all dimensions greater than the critical dimension. Exemplary BMG article can include at least one bulk component and/or one or more fixation elements configured on surface of the bulk component or inserted into the bulk component. Other embodiments relate to methods of making the BMG articles by thermo-plastic-formation of BMG alloy materials. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012534 | NON-DESTRUCTIVE METHOD TO DETERMINE CRYSTALLINITY IN AMORPHOUS ALLOY USING SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY - One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for determining an unknown degree of crystallinity of a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy specimen based on the heat capacity of the specimen. The method and apparatus make use of the different heat capacities of alloys having differing degrees of crystallinity. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140083638 | TEMPERATURE REGULATED MELT CRUCIBLE FOR COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING - Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140083641 | METHODS OF MELTING AND INTRODUCING AMORPHOUS ALLOY FEEDSTOCK FOR CASTING OR PROCESSING - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140083645 | COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING WITH MELT CRUCIBLE UNDER VACUUM ENVIRONMENT - Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140083646 | COUNTER-GRAVITY CASTING OF HOLLOW SHAPES - The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087321 | ACTIVE COOLING REGULATION OF INDUCTION MELT PROCESS - Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for active cooling regulation of a melting process. In one embodiment, a meltable material can be melted in a vessel that includes cooling channel(s) configured therein. A contact temperature T | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140090752 | COATING OF BULK METALLIC GLASS (BMG) ARTICLES - Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for forming a coating layer at least partially on surface of a BMG article formed of bulk solidifying amorphous alloys. In embodiments, the coating layer may be formed in situ during formation of a BMG article and/or post formation of a BMG article. The coating layer may provide the BMG article with surface hardness, wear resistance, surface activity, corrosion resistance, etc. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140090793 | COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS USING COLD CRUCIBLE INDUCTION MELTING TECHNIQUES - Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140090796 | CONTINUOUS AMORPHOUS FEEDSTOCK SKULL MELTING - Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: feeding the BMG feedstock into a crucible; melting a first portion of the BMG feedstock to form molten BMG, while maintaining a second portion of the BMG feedstock solid; wherein the second portion and the crucible hold the molten BMG. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140090797 | VERTICAL SKULL MELT INJECTION CASTING - Described herein is a device comprising a crucible, a movable base and a heater; wherein the heater is configured to melt BMG to form molten BMG feedstock in the crucible; wherein the movable base configured to slide along a length of the crucible; wherein the movable base and the crucible are configured to hold the molten BMG feedstock. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140090798 | OPTIMIZED MULTI-STAGE INDUCTIVE MELTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS - Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140090799 | MELT-CONTAINMENT PLUNGER TIP FOR HORIZONTAL METAL DIE CASTING - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140102661 | INLINE MELT CONTROL VIA RF POWER - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140251568 | METHODS OF MELTING AND INTRODUCING AMORPHOUS ALLOY FEEDSTOCK FOR CASTING OR PROCESSING - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140261898 | BULK METALLIC GLASSES WITH LOW CONCENTRATION OF BERYLLIUM - Disclosed herein is a bulk metallic glasses (BMG) comprising 0.0001 wt % to 0.7 wt % of Be, 0.0001 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Be, or 0.06 wt % to 0.08 wt % of Be. Be may have the effect of reducing a liquidus temperature of the BMG relative to melting temperatures of individual alloying elements of the BMG. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140305932 | OPTIMIZED MULTI-STAGE INDUCTIVE MELTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS - Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140318730 | COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING OF AMORPHOUS ALLOYS USING COLD CRUCIBLE INDUCTION MELTING TECHNIQUES - Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140332176 | INLINE MELT CONTROL VIA RF POWER - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140348571 | JOINING BULK METALLIC GLASS SHEETS USING PRESSURIZED FLUID FORMING - Provided in one embodiment is a method of joining one or more articles together using pressurized fluid to deform a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy material and form a mechanical interlock between the respective surfaces joined together. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140360695 | MELT-CONTAINMENT PLUNGER TIP FOR HORIZONTAL METAL DIE CASTING - Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20150090421 | COLD CHAMBER DIE CASTING WITH MELT CRUCIBLE UNDER VACUUM ENVIRONMENT - Exemplary embodiments described herein related to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150121677 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FORMING A GLASS INSERT IN AN AMORPHOUS METAL ALLOY BEZEL - Methods and apparatus for creating an integral assembly formed from a transparent member and a housing formed at least in part of a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. The methods and systems create integral transparent member and amorphous metal alloy-containing parts using thermoplastic molding techniques in which the amorphous metal is molded to the transparent member in a thermoplastic, not liquid, state. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150124401 | CONSUMER ELECTRONICS PORT HAVING BULK AMORPHOUS ALLOY CORE AND A DUCTILE CLADDING - Disclosed herein are consumer electronics housings made from bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy materials having a ductile coating applied to all or a portion of the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. Also disclosed are methods of making consumer electronic housings from bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy materials such that at least a portion of the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy housing is coated with a ductile cladding material. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150139270 | NON-DESTRUCTIVE DETERMINATION OF VOLUMETRIC CRYSTALLINITY OF BULK AMORPHOUS ALLOY - A method comprising: constructing a master curve plot comprising a plurality of reference curves, each reference curve representing a relationship between volume and temperature for one of a plurality of reference alloy samples having a chemical composition and various predetermined degrees of crystallinity; for an alloy specimen having the chemical composition and an unknown degree of crystallinity, obtaining a curve representing a relationship between volume and temperature thereof; and determining the unknown degree of crystallinity by comparing the curve to the master curve plot. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150298206 | INJECTION MOLDING AND CASTING OF MATERIALS USING A VERTICAL INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEM - An injection molding system and methods for improving performance of the same. The system includes a plunger rod and a melt zone that are provided in-line and on a vertical axis. The plunger rod is moved in a vertical direction through the melt zone to move molten material into a mold. The injection molding system can perform the melting and molding processes under a vacuum. Skull formation in molten material is reduced by providing an RF transparent sleeve in the melt zone and/or a skull trapping portion adjacent an inlet of the mold. It can also be controlled based on the melting unit. Vacuum evacuation can be reduced during part ejection by using a plunger seal, so that evacuation time between cycles is reduced. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150300993 | ULTRASONIC INSPECTION - One embodiment provides a method comprising: providing a sample comprising a bulk amorphous alloy; scanning ultrasonically at least a portion of the sample to determine a parameter of the sample in the portion; and comparing the parameter to a predetermined standard to derive a property related to the sample. | 10-22-2015 |
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| 20090240611 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING A DATA MODIFICATION TIMELINE - Systems and methods for displaying data modification may include a user interface displaying a timeline with one or more items, which may include their own item timeline, corresponding to the same time period. A change made in item values may be reflected in the timeline. The invention may be applied to payroll or human capital management software, which may provide means for displaying payroll or human capital management information and how it is modified. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090241026 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING ROLLING SEQUENCES - Systems and methods for displaying rolling sequences, such as time periods or data status may include a user interface displaying multiple panes providing access to data relating to a given time category. If a time category were to pass, the access to data relating to a given time category may move to the position and format held by the prior time category. The invention may be applied to payroll processing or other human capital management software, which may provide means for displaying payroll information of employees for multiple time categories at once, and may enable payroll information to transition as time categories pass. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090241048 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING A DATA MODIFICATION TIMELINE - Systems and methods for displaying data modification may include a user interface displaying a timeline with one or more items, which may include their own item timeline, corresponding to the same time period. A change made in item values may be reflected in the timeline. The invention may be applied to payroll or human capital management software, which may provide means for displaying payroll or human capital management information and how it is modified. Similarly, the timeline may also function as an information center that may display events and documents. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090241053 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING ROLLING SEQUENCES - Systems and methods for displaying rolling sequences, such as time periods or data status may include a user interface displaying multiple panes providing access to data relating to a given time category. If a time category were to pass, the access to data relating to a given time category may move to the position and format held by the prior time category. The invention may be applied to payroll processing or other human capital management software, which may provide means for displaying payroll information of employees for multiple time categories at once, and may enable payroll information to transition as time categories pass. The invention may also provide measures to draw attention to relevant tasks at relevant times to decrease user-entry mistakes. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090241055 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIDE BY SIDE DISPLAY OF DATA MODIFICATION - Systems and methods for displaying data modification may include a user interface displaying a current data region and a new data region displayed side by side where the new data region may display one or more data interaction interface or data values corresponding to the current data and positioned to mirror the current data position in the current data region. The invention may be applied to payroll processing or human capital management software, which may provide means for displaying human capital management information, such as payroll information, and how it is modified. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090241056 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAY AND MODIFICATION OF INFORMATION RELATED TO MULTIPLE BUSINESSES - Systems and methods for accessing data related to managing a business for multiple businesses may include a user interface with a businesses pane and an information pane. The businesses pane can provide a list of one or more business entities and allow a user to display data related to a selected business from the list of one or more business entities. An information pane can display data related to the selected business using one or more mini-tabs. The mini-tabs can allow for one or more sets of data to be displayed, including payroll or human capital management data. The information pane can display an interface to perform actionable tasks related to the selected business. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20100211485 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF TIME PERIOD COMPARISONS - The invention provides systems and methods of time period comparison. A user interface, which may be a part of a payroll or human capital management application or software, may be provided which may display payroll items, along with values for the payroll items during a first time period and second time period, as well as the differences in the values for the payroll items between the first and second time periods. A user may select one or more time periods or bases of comparison to be compared and a user interface may display values relating to the time periods accordingly. | 08-19-2010 |
