Metal plated object with biocidal properties

Abstract

A plated object wherein the plating material has biocidal properties. The plated object can be used in a food preparation or medical care facility. The plating material includes approximately 55% copper (plus or minus 10%), 35% tin (plus or minus 10%) and 10% zinc (plus or minus 5%) by weight. In another embodiment, the plating material includes approximately 45% copper, 45% tin and 10% zinc. A method of depositing the plating material is also disclosed.

1 . A device for inhibiting the transmission of microorganisms, said device comprising:
 a metal object having a medical application adapted for use in an environment where the transmission of microorganisms is undesirable; and   a metal plating disposed on the metal object and forming at least a portion of the exterior surface of the object, the metal plating comprising (by weight):
 copper within a range of about 45% to about 50%; 
 tin within a range of about 40% to about 45%; and 
 zinc within a range of about 5% to about 10%. 
   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a hydrophobic surface treatment layer disposed on the metal plating. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the device comprises at least a portion of a stent. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the device comprises at least a portion of a catheter. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the device comprises at least a portion of a shunt. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the device comprises at least a portion of a baclofen pump. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is external orthopedic hardware. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a hydrophilic surface treatment layer disposed on the metal plating. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is a part of a piece of medical equipment. 
     
     
         14 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the metal plating comprises approximately 45% copper, approximately 45% tin and approximately 10% zinc. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the portion of the exterior surface of the object formed by the plating layer has a mechanically unprocessed surface whereby the mechanically unprocessed surface defines small scale irregularities. 
     
     
         22 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is a medical instrument. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the portion of the exterior surface of the object formed by the plating layer has a mechanically unprocessed surface whereby the mechanically unprocessed surface defines small scale irregularities.