Patent ID: 8007606
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: C21D,Y02P,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for recycling a spring element adapted for multiple load and recovery cycles during extended use, the spring element being characterized by a force constant at a first level when produced and having been subjected to a first number of load and recovery cycles in a first work environment such that the force constant has been reduced to a second level at a first average rate of degradation per cycle and thereafter recovered from said first work environment, the method comprising the steps of: (a) annealing said spring element at a level of about 500 to about 800 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 12 hours such that said force constant is elevated from said second level to a third level between said first level and said second level; (b) placing said spring element in a second work environment; and (c) subjecting said spring element to a second number of load and recovery cycles such that said force constant is reduced at a second average rate of degradation per cycle, the second average rate of degradation per cycle being lower than the first average rate of degradation per cycle.