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Apple-Liquidmetal Joint Patent Could Enable Futuristic-Looking Mobile Devices

Posted by samzenpus on from the here-comes-the-i-1000 dept.

MojoKid writes "Apple may be closer than previously thought to using Liquidmetal's technology to manufacture casings for its mobile devices. In a patent filing, a company called 'Crucible Intellectual Properties, LLC' (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liquidmetal dedicated to Apple work) laid claim to a manufacturing process for creating 'bulk amorphous alloy sheets', also known as bulk metallic glass (BMG). The process, called 'float glass', involves two layers of molten metal, and the result is a glass-like metal that allegedly would be strong, incredibly lightweight, corrosion-resistant--and low cost. Further, the manufacturing process would ostensibly make it far easier to create specific items, as it removes some of the barriers and issues related to forming and cutting metal, and specifically BMG."

5 of 102 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Sorry but this patent is not valid because by drkim · · Score: 4, Funny

    James Cameron got the idea years ago for Terminator 2.

    Don't worry, Apple lawyers are already filing suit against Cameron for using time travel to steal their idea.

  2. Good that its already patented by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Patents are important to protect innovative small little startup companies such as Apple against all too mighty competition.

  3. Mimetic polyalloy by dadelbunts · · Score: 4, Funny

    LIQUID METAL. Now your phone will morph metal swordhands and stab the shit out of you.

  4. Re:Sorry but this patent is not valid because by AmiMoJo · · Score: 2, Funny

    No need to worry, the i-1000 will be using Apple Maps so there's no chance it will find John Conner.

    --
    const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
    SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  5. Re:Judgement day is coming! by smooth+wombat · · Score: 4, Funny

    So death by snu snu?

    --
    We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower