Patent ID: 7178710
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of hermetically sealing a stainless steel and titanium component assembly for implantation in living tissue, comprising the steps of: selecting a stainless steel part; selecting a titanium part; selecting a substantially pure nickel filler that is compatible with said stainless steel part, said substantially pure nickel filler being one which forms a eutectic alloy with said titanium part, said eutectic alloy consisting of metals of said titanium part and said substantially pure nickel filler and having a eutectic melting point that is lower than the respective melting point of said titanium or of said substantially pure nickel filler; positioning said substantially pure nickel filler between said stainless steel part and said titanium part; applying a force to said stainless steel part and said titanium part to place said substantially pure nickel filler in compression, thereby creating intimate contact between said stainless steel part, said titanium part and said substantially pure nickel filler; placing the assembly in a non-reactive atmosphere; heating the assembly to a bonding temperature between said eutectic melting point and said melting point of said titanium part; holding the assembly at said bonding temperature for a predetermined time to form a bond between said stainless steel part and said titanium part; and cooling the assembly.