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US 6,720,089 B2Granted
Decorative architectural titanium panels and method of fabrication thereof
AssigneeArchitectural Titanium LLC
InventorGary Nemchock
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AssigneeArchitectural Titanium LLC
InventorGary Nemchock
Estimating the term…
Titanium architectural panels (20) are provided which have recrystallized surface portions on at least the outer surface (22) thereof to give a decorative appearance to the panels (20). Surface recrystallization is obtained by subjecting the panels (20) to multiple oven heating steps (H1, H2) with intermediate cooling steps (C1, C2), wherein during each heating step (H1, H2) maximum temperature ranges (TH1, TH2) are established and maintained for predetermined periods. The intermediate cooling steps (C1, C2) involve injection of an inert cooling gas (e.g., argon) into the oven to rapidly lower the temperature to minimum temperature ranges (TL1, TL2). Preferably, the individual panels (20) are framed using molybdenum frame assembly (42), and are then suspended on a graphite and molybdenum hanger assembly (72).
A titanium panel unit adapted for heat treatment in order to form a decorative, recrystallized area on the titanium panel, said unit comprising:
A multiple-panel assembly adapted for placement within an oven for heat treatment of the panels, said multiple-panel assembly comprising:
A decorative architectural panel comprising a generally quadrate panel formed of substantially pure titanium and having a minimum length or width dimension of at least about 3 inches and a circumscribing margin, at least one face of said panel being heat-recrystallized with an oxidation coating over said at least one face, said margin presenting four substantially rectilinear edges, each such edge defined by a reverse bend flange.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.