Patent ID: 7331499
Filing Date: 2008-02-19
Classification: B23K,C04B

Abstract:
1. A method of hermetically sealing a ceramic and metal component assembly for implantation in living tissue, comprising the steps of: selecting a ceramic part; selecting a metal part; selecting an interlayer material consisting of nickel and that is compatible with said ceramic part, said interlayer material being one which forms a eutectic alloy with said metal part, said eutectic alloy consisting of metals of said metal part and said interlayer material and having a eutectic melting point temperature that is lower than the respective melting points of said metal or of said pure interlayer material; positioning said interlayer material between said ceramic part and said metal part; applying a force to said ceramic part and said metal part to place said interlayer material in compression, thereby creating intimate contact between said ceramic part, said metal part and said interlayer material; 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 material; holding the assembly at said bonding temperature for a predetermined time to form a bond between said ceramic part and said metal part; and cooling the assembly.