Patent · US Expired

Method of forming closed cell metal composites

US5890268A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
6References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 6, 1996
Grant dateApr 6, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 6, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/24157
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A plurality of closed structural metal cells are joined into an aggregate arrangement to form a composite material. Each cell encapsulates a fluid or fluid-like filler therein to provide controllable strength and shock-absorbing characteristics to the material. The resulting closed cell metal composite finds many advantageous uses including use as a prosthetic device, a casting, or an automotive component. The component material is elastically compliant or stiff, depending on the design, as well as lightweight and crush resistant. The material provides desirable physical properties such as thermal and electrical conductivity and shock-absorbing characteristics.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.