公开(公告)号：US09869030B2

公开(公告)日：2018-01-16

申请号：US14474021

申请日：2014-08-29

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： James A. Curran ,  Sean R. Novak

IPC: C25D11/12 ,  C25D11/08 ,  C25D11/10 ,  H05K5/04 ,  C25D11/04 ,  C25D11/24

CPC classification number: C25D11/12 ,  C25D11/04 ,  C25D11/08 ,  C25D11/10 ,  C25D11/24 ,  C25D11/243 ,  C25D11/246

Abstract: Anodic oxide coatings and methods for forming anodic oxide coatings are disclosed. In some embodiments, the anodic oxide coatings are multilayered coatings that include at least two anodic oxide layers formed using two separate anodizing processes. The anodic oxide coating includes at least an adhesion-promoting or color-controlling anodic oxide layer adjacent the substrate. The adhesion-promoting anodic oxide layer is formed using an anodizing process that involves using an electrolyte that prevents formation of delaminating compounds at an interface between the adhesion-promoting anodic oxide layer and the substrate, thereby securing the anodic oxide coating to the substrate. In some cases, the electrolyte includes an organic acid, such as oxalic acid. The anodic oxide coating can also include a cosmetic anodic oxide layer having an exposed surface corresponding to an external surface of the anodic oxide coating. Cosmetic anodic oxide layers can be designed to have a desired appearance or tactile quality.

公开(公告)号：US20170088968A1

公开(公告)日：2017-03-30

申请号：US14971829

申请日：2015-12-16

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： James A. Curran ,  William A. Counts ,  Zechariah D. Feinberg

IPC: C25D11/24 ,  C25D9/02 ,  C25D7/00

CPC classification number: C25D11/246 ,  C25D7/00 ,  C25D9/02 ,  C25D11/20 ,  C25D11/22 ,  C25D13/12 ,  G06F1/1613 ,  G06F1/1656 ,  G06F1/203 ,  H04M1/0283 ,  H04M1/185

Abstract: A process is disclosed for minimizing the difference in thermal expansivity between a porous anodic oxide coating and its corresponding substrate metal, so as to allow heat treatments or high temperature exposure of the anodic oxide without thermally induced crazing. A second phase of higher thermal expansivity than that of the oxide material is incorporated into the pores of the oxide in sufficient quantity to raise the coating's thermal expansion coefficient. The difference in thermal expansion between the anodic oxide coating and underlying metal substrate is reduced to a level such that thermal exposure is insufficient for any cracking to result. The second phase may be an electrodeposited metal, or an electrophoretically deposited polymer. The second phase may be uniformly deposited to a certain depth, or may be deposited at varying amounts among the pores.

公开(公告)号：US20170009364A1

公开(公告)日：2017-01-12

申请号：US14795832

申请日：2015-07-09

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： James A. Curran ,  Eric W. Hamann ,  Sean R. Novak

IPC: C25D11/24

Abstract: Sealed anodic coatings that are resistant to leaching of nickel and nickel-containing products and methods for forming the same are described. Methods involve post-sealing thermal processes to remove at least some of the leachable nickel from the sealed anodic coatings. In some embodiments, the post-sealing thermal processes involve immersing the sealed anodic coating within a heated solution so as to promote diffusion of the leachable nickel out of the sealed anodic coatings and into the heated solution. The resultant sealed anodic coating is pre-leached of nickel and is therefore well suited for many consumer product applications. In some embodiments, a post-sealing thermal process is used to further hydrate and seal the sealed anodic coating, thereby repairing structural defects within the sealed anodic coating.

Abstract translation: 描述了耐镍浸渍和含镍产品的密封阳极涂层及其形成方法。 方法包括后密封热处理以从密封的阳极涂层去除至少一些可浸出的镍。 在一些实施例中，后密封热处理包括将密封的阳极涂层浸入加热的溶液中，以促进可浸出的镍从密封的阳极涂层中扩散并进入加热的溶液中。 所得密封的阳极涂层是预先浸出的镍，因此非常适合许多消费品应用。 在一些实施例中，使用后密封热处理来进一步水合和密封密封的阳极涂层，从而修复密封的阳极涂层内的结构缺陷。

公开(公告)号：US20160290917A1

公开(公告)日：2016-10-06

申请号：US14678881

申请日：2015-04-03

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Eric W. Hamann ,  William A. Counts ,  James A. Curran

IPC: G01N19/04

CPC classification number: G01N3/48 ,  G01N3/42 ,  G01N19/04 ,  G01N2203/0286

Abstract: This disclosure relates to rapid and repeatable tests that can be used to evaluate the interfacial adhesion of coatings to substrates. In particular embodiments, tests are used to assess the resistance of anodic oxides to delamination from aluminum substrates. The tests can be conducted using standard hardness test equipment such as a Vickers indenter, and yield more controlled, repeatable results than a large sample of life-cycle tests such as rock tumble tests. In particular embodiments, the tests involve forming an array of multiple indentations within the substrate such that stressed regions where the coating will likely delaminate are formed and evaluated.

Abstract translation: 本公开涉及可用于评价涂层与基材的界面粘合性的快速且可重复的测试。 在具体实施方案中，使用测试来评估阳极氧化物与铝基材分层的电阻。 测试可以使用诸如维氏压头之类的标准硬度测试设备进行，并且产生比大型生命周期测试（例如岩石翻滚测试）更大的受控重复的结果。 在具体实施方案中，测试包括在衬底内形成多个凹口的阵列，从而形成并评估涂层可能分层的应力区域。

公开(公告)号：US20150368823A1

公开(公告)日：2015-12-24

申请号：US14312502

申请日：2014-06-23

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： James A. Curran ,  Sean R. Novak

IPC: C25D11/14 ,  C25D9/00 ,  C25D11/26

CPC classification number: C25D11/26 ,  C25D11/08 ,  C25D11/10 ,  C25D11/12 ,  C25D11/16 ,  C25D11/22 ,  C25D11/246 ,  C25D11/30 ,  C25D11/34

Abstract: Porous metal oxide layers having a color due to visible light interference effects are disclosed. In particular embodiments the porous metal oxide layers are formed using an anodizing processes, which includes a porous metal oxide layer forming process and a barrier layer thickening process. The barrier layer thickening process increases a thickness of a barrier layer within the porous metal oxide layer to a thickness sufficient to and cause incident visible light waves to be reflected in the form of a new visible light waves, thereby imparting a color to the porous metal oxide layer. Methods for tuning the color of the porous metal oxide layer and for color matching surfaces of different types of metal substrates are described.

Abstract translation: 公开了由于可见光干涉效应而具有颜色的多孔金属氧化物层。 在具体实施方案中，使用阳极氧化工艺形成多孔金属氧化物层，其包括多孔金属氧化物层形成工艺和阻挡层增稠工艺。 阻挡层增厚处理使多孔金属氧化物层内的阻挡层的厚度增加到足以使入射的可见光波以新的可见光波形式反射的厚度，从而赋予多孔金属 氧化层。 描述了用于调整多孔金属氧化物层的颜色和用于不同类型的金属基板的颜色匹配表面的方法。

公开(公告)号：US20250083413A1

公开(公告)日：2025-03-13

申请号：US18588511

申请日：2024-02-27

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Todd S. Mintz ,  Kar-Wai Hon ,  James A. Curran ,  Daniel T. McDonald

IPC: B32B15/09 ,  B32B15/18 ,  B32B27/36 ,  C23F1/40 ,  C25F3/06

Abstract: A chemical treatment process has been identified as a simple and effective means of improving the bonding of injection-molded polymer to stainless steel surfaces. This process forms an oxide layer on a stainless steel surface that includes a layered double hydroxide. The layered double hydroxide both raises the bond strength and minimizes air or water leakage. The process enables the use of stainless steel alloys with injection molded polymer structural bonds in strong, lightweight, and water-resistant enclosures for consumer electronics.

公开(公告)号：US20250011914A1

公开(公告)日：2025-01-09

申请号：US18418210

申请日：2024-01-19

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Zechariah D. Feinberg ,  Wai Man Raymund Kwok ,  Lee E. Hooton ,  James A. Curran ,  Elizabeth Nicometo ,  Brian S. Tryon ,  Isabel Yang ,  Shinjita Acharya

IPC: C23C14/02 ,  C23C14/06 ,  C23C18/16 ,  C23C18/32 ,  C23C18/48 ,  C23C28/00 ,  C25D3/38 ,  C25D5/44 ,  C25D11/04

Abstract: Non-cosmetic quality aluminum substrates are given a cosmetic finish by applying a PVD coating to the substrate. An enclosure for an electronic device can include an aluminum substrate including a 6000 series aluminum or 7000 series aluminum, a PVD coating disposed on the substrate, and a protective underlayer disposed between the aluminum substrate and the PVD coating.

公开(公告)号：US20240276660A1

公开(公告)日：2024-08-15

申请号：US18423800

申请日：2024-01-26

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Isabel Yang ,  Todd S. Mintz ,  James A. Curran ,  Timothy D. Burks ,  Harshal U. Shinde

IPC: H05K5/02 ,  C23C14/12 ,  C25D13/14 ,  H05K5/04

CPC classification number: H05K5/0217 ,  C23C14/12 ,  C25D13/14 ,  H05K5/04

Abstract: To eliminate galvanic corrosion, a housing includes a clad. The clad includes an interior metal disposed within an exterior metal and a clad interface. The exterior metal includes a lower electrical conductivity potential than the interior metal. An aperture can extend through the exterior metal and the clad interface and an actuator or a plug can be disposed within the aperture. The housing further includes a corrosion resistant coating disposed on a portion of the interior metal at the clad interface. The corrosion resistant coating can include a thickness between about 2 μm and about 10 μm.

公开(公告)号：US20240229288A1

公开(公告)日：2024-07-11

申请号：US18316530

申请日：2023-05-12

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： James A. Curran ,  Kar-Wai Hon ,  Todd S. Mintz ,  Isabel Yang

IPC: C25D11/24 ,  C23C28/00 ,  C25D11/08 ,  C25D11/10 ,  H05K5/04

CPC classification number: C25D11/246 ,  C23C28/00 ,  C25D11/08 ,  C25D11/10 ,  H05K5/04

Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic device includes a titanium-aluminum clad substrate and an anodic oxide coating disposed on the titanium-aluminum clad substrate. The anodic oxide coating includes a density of between about 2.1 g/cm3 and about 2.4 g/cm3 or includes a maximum porosity between about 21% and about 31% and can be exposed to a temperature of over 150° C. without cracking or crazing.

公开(公告)号：US11549191B2

公开(公告)日：2023-01-10

申请号：US16277072

申请日：2019-02-15

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： James A. Curran ,  Zechariah D. Feinberg ,  Sonja R. Postak

IPC: C25D11/02 ,  C25D11/12 ,  C25D11/08 ,  C25D11/16 ,  C25D11/18 ,  C25D11/24

Abstract: Anodic oxide coatings that provide corrosion resistance to parts having protruding features, such as edges, corners and convex-shaped features, are described. According to some embodiments, the anodic oxide coatings include an inner porous layer and an outer porous layer. The inner layer is adjacent to an underlying metal substrate and is formed under compressive stress anodizing conditions that allow the inner porous layer to be formed generally crack-free. In this way, the inner porous layer acts as a barrier that prevents water or other corrosion-inducing agents from reaching the underlying metal substrate. The outer porous layer can be thicker and harder than the inner porous layer, thereby increasing the overall hardness of the anodic oxide coating.