Nitride slide
OwnerJeffrey A. Robertsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A guitar slide has a core that consists essentially of a metal composition which is susceptible to the formation of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition upon proper exposure to carbon and nitrogen. A diffusion layer circumscribes the core and consists essentially of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition. A compound layer circumscribes the diffusion layer and consists essentially of the metal composition, nitrogen, and oxygen. In one physical embodiment, the guitar slide includes a generally tubular body having a conical outer surface tapering downward from a first open finger receiving end to a second smaller end. The outer surface and the inner surface are both preferably conical. In another physical embodiment, the guitar slide is provided with a domed end. Other physical embodiments are also disclosed.
Claims7
A slide operatively contacting strings of a stringed musical instrument played by a musician, comprising:
- a core consisting essentially of a metal composition that is susceptible to the formation of nitrides and carbides of said metal composition upon proper exposure to carbon and nitrogen;
- a diffusion layer circumscribing said core and consisting essentially of nitrides and carbides of said metal composition;
- and
- a compound layer circumscribing said diffusion layer and consisting essentially of said metal composition, nitrogen, and oxygen.
A method of manufacturing a guitar slide, comprising the steps of:
- machining a core consisting essentially of a metal composition that is susceptible to the formation of nitrides and carbides of said metal composition upon proper exposure to carbon and nitrogen into a final geometry of said guitar slide;
- immersing said machined core in a heated salt bath to operatively diffuse atoms of carbon and nitrogen interstitially into said machined core;
- removing said machined core from said heated salt bath;
- and
- quenching said machined core to room temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.