Richard J Millard

Title: The Innovations of Richard J. Millard

Introduction

Richard J. Millard is a notable inventor based in Williamstown, MA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of electronics, particularly in the development of solid electrolytic capacitors. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Millard's work has had a lasting impact on the industry.

Latest Patents

One of Millard's latest patents involves the manufacture of solid electrolytic capacitors. This process includes screen printing a layer of valve metal powder ink in an array of pads, placing a valve metal pellet on end on each pad, and sintering the resulting assembly. The assembly is then electrolytically anodized to form a valve metal oxide over its surfaces. An insulating polymer may be applied to the substrate around the pellets, which are then impregnated and coated with manganese dioxide. A conductive layer and counterelectrode are applied over the manganese dioxide, and the anodic oxide is removed from the reverse side of the substrate. The array may be separated into individual capacitors.

Another significant patent focuses on reducing the oxygen content of tantalum. This is achieved by intimately contacting tantalum with an alkali metal halide and reacting them in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a maximum temperature of 1200°C. This process forms and expels tantalum halide and alkali metal oxide, followed by raising the temperature to 1400°C for no longer than 10 minutes to volatilize any excess alkali metal halide. The tantalum may be in the form of a powder or a porous sintered pellet, resulting in an improved product for electrolytic capacitors with lower leakage current.

Career Highlights

Richard J. Millard is currently associated with Sprague Electric Company, where he continues to innovate and develop new technologies. His work has been instrumental in advancing the capabilities of electronic components, particularly in the area of capacitors.

Collaborations

Millard has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Walter J. Bernard and David R. Poat. Their combined expertise has contributed to the successful development of various technologies in the field.

Conclusion

Richard J. Millard's contributions to the field of electronics, particularly through his patents on solid electrolytic capacitors and tantalum processing, highlight his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing technology. His