Metallic sheet with deposited structured images and method of manufacture

US10781520B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Laurie Johansen · Grants Pass, US
• Adam Trexler · Portland, US
• Paul Diffendaffer · La Cañada Flintridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2017
• Grant date: Sep 22, 2020
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C23C14/588
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A metallic sheet with deposited structured images and method for manufacture (MSDIMM) that includes a substrate, at least one structural feature, and a metal layer. The structural feature is at least one cavity on the substrate's upper surface, or at least one material object that extends outward from the substrate's upper surface. The metal layer is deposited, either by sputtering or atomic deposition, onto the substrate's upper surface, and, as the metal layer is deposited, the metal layer interfaces with and follows the dimensions of the structural feature(s), thereby creating a visible image at the location(s) of the structural feature(s). The visible image can be any image, and is preferably either an artistic image, a textual image, or an authentication image. The MDSIMM can be used for a variety of purposes, and is especially effective as a form of exonumia or currency.