Buzz on Apple's US application on METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A GOLD METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE

Apple's published US application 20140361670  is getting some attention.

The first claim states

1. A gold metal matrix composite, comprising: a porous preform comprising a plurality of ceramic particles, the porous preform including spaces positioned between the ceramic particles; and a gold matrix comprising a network of gold formed within the spaces of the porous preform, wherein the gold metal matrix composite is characterized as 18 k gold. 

Claim 28 of the corresponding PCT examined by KIPO states

28. A gold metal matrix composite, comprising:
a porous preform comprising a plurality of ceramic particles, the porous preform including spaces positioned between the ceramic particles; and
a gold matrix comprising a network of gold formed within the spaces of the porous preform, wherein the gold metal matrix composite is characterized as 18 k gold,
wherein a density of the gold metal matrix composite is less than about 10 g/cm³,
wherein the ceramic particles are comprised of one or more of garnet, boron carbide, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, diamond, boron nitride, aluminum oxide, sapphire, yttrium oxide, titanium oxide and zirconia.
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Note that the limitation on density is LESS than 10 g/cc.


Of relevance, US 4,955,135.

Information on Apple's related PCT:

Pub. No.:    WO/2014/200770    International Application No.:    PCT/US2014/040827 Publication Date: 18.12.2014 International Filing Date: 04.06.2014

Apple's related PCT was examined by KIPO and yes the PPH is involved and yes there was a petition to make special.