Patents Assigned to Nichols Aluminum
  • Continuous casting process for producing aluminum alloys having low earing
    Patent number: 6579387
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for continuously casting aluminum alloys and improved aluminum alloy compositions. The process includes the steps of continuously annealing the cold rolled strip in an intermediate anneal using an induction heater and/or continuously annealing the hot rolled strip in an induction heater. The alloy composition has mechanical properties that can be varied selectively by varying the time and temperature of a stabilizing anneal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Nichols Aluminum - Golden, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Selepack, Theodore E. Blakely, Harry L. Lawrence, Jackie S. Ivy, Charles Pridmore
  • Method and apparatus for improving the quality of continuously cast metal
    Patent number: 6446703
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for enhancing the quality of cast metal being cast in a continuous casting process. In particular, the method and apparatus of the present invention combines temperature and quality control sensing to achieve closed-loop control of the cooling of molten metal in a continuous caster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Nichols Aluminum-Golden, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi
  • Method and drive apparatus for continuously casting metal in a continuous block caster
    Publication number: 20020053499
    Abstract: A method and novel drive system for use in a continuous block caster for continuously casting metal is disclosed. In particular, a novel worm gear drive system which reduces imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Nichols Aluminum-Golden, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernst Zurcher
  • Method for making an improved aluminum alloy sheet product
    Publication number: 20020043311
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy sheet and a method for producing an aluminum alloy sheet. The aluminum alloy sheet is useful for forming into drawn and ironed container bodies. The sheet preferably has an after-bake yield strength of at least about 37 ksi and an elongation of at least about 2 percent. Preferably, the sheet also has earing of less than about 2 percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Nichols Aluminum-Golden, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Selepack, William Newton, Jackie S. Ivy
  • Apparatus for cooling and coating a mold in a continuous caster
    Patent number: 6354364
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling and coating a mold in a continuous caster. The cooling of the mold is controlled in at least one of the x- or y-directions. The coating of the mold is accomplished subsequent to the cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nichols Aluminum-Golden, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zürcher
  • Method and drive apparatus for continuously casting metal in a continuous block caster
    Patent number: 6325204
    Abstract: A method and novel drive system for use in a continuous block caster for continuously casting metal is disclosed. In particular, a novel worm gear drive system which reduces imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Nichols Aluminum-Golden, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernst Zürcher
  • Method for making body stock
    Patent number: 6325872
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy sheet and a method for producing an aluminum alloy sheet. The aluminum alloy sheet is useful for forming into drawn and ironed container bodies. The sheet preferably has an after-bake yield strength of at least about 37 ksi and an elongation of at least about 2 percent. Preferably the sheet also has earing of less than about 2 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Nichols Aluminum-Golden, Inc.
    Inventors: William Newton, Jackie S. Ivy, Mark S. Selepack
  • Method and apparatus for improving the quality of continuously cast metal
    Patent number: 6089308
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a chilling block and temperature measuring devices disposed in different positions. The output from the temperature measuring devices can be employed to provide ongoing control of cooling of the chilling block in x-, y- and/or z-directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Nichols Aluminum
    Inventors: Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi
  • Apparatus for continuously casting metal
    Patent number: 6076657
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Nichols Aluminum
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Michel Meyer, Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher