US 12,138,818 B2
Internal gradient materials, implements and methods
Corey W. Radtke, Katy, TX (US)
Assigned to VERD STEEL, INC., Katy, TX (US)
Appl. No. 17/423,417
Filed by VERD STEEL, INC., Katy, TX (US)
PCT Filed Jan. 23, 2020, PCT No. PCT/US2020/014719
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Jul. 15, 2021,
PCT Pub. No. WO2020/154464, PCT Pub. Date Jul. 30, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/795,893, filed on Jan. 23, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2022/0088807 A1, Mar. 24, 2022
Int. Cl. B26B 9/00 (2006.01); B23K 20/02 (2006.01); B32B 15/01 (2006.01); B23K 103/04 (2006.01); C22C 38/00 (2006.01)
CPC B26B 9/00 (2013.01) [B23K 20/02 (2013.01); B32B 15/011 (2013.01); B23K 2103/04 (2018.08); C22C 38/00 (2013.01); Y10T 428/12458 (2015.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An implement comprising a first plate and a second plate, each plate having a contact surface which abuts a contact surface of the other plate to establish an interface plane, and a gradient of at least one additive that is more concentrated at the interface plane and less concentrated in decreasing amounts progressing away from the interface plane and the contact surface for each plate, wherein the at least one additive alters at least one property of each plate, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed of a metallic material, wherein the interface plane has an outer boundary and the implement includes at least one working edge along at least a portion of the outer boundary of the interface plane, wherein the at least one additive increases hardness of the first and second plates, and the working edge is self-sharpening during use of the implement.