Process of manufacturing a cobalt-chromium orthopaedic implant without covering defects in the surface of the implant
US6025536A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00029
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An orthopaedic implant is forged from a metallic body consisting of a cobalt-chromium alloy. The forged implant is descaled by blasting the implant with a particulate blasting agent at a momentum which is sufficient to remove scale formed on the implant during the forging step but insufficient to otherwise cause major structural surface deformation to the implant. The descaled implant is electro-chemical polished by submersing the implant in an acid bath having a temperature of between approximately 80.degree. F. and 90.degree. F. The acid bath includes approximately 45% sulfuric acid and 50% phosphoric acid. Direct current electrical power ranging between approximately 10 volts D.C. and 13 volts D.C. is applied to the implant. The polished implant is ultrasonically cleaned. The implant is inspected with a fluorescent penetrant to determine whether surface defects exist in the implant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.