Aluminum Base Patents (Class 148/437)
  • Patent number: 5578146
    Abstract: Articles of manufacture are made of aluminum-beryllium alloys having substantially randomly distributed aluminum-rich and beryllium rich phases to provide substantially isotropic mechanical properties, such as high stiffness and low coefficients of thermal expansion, whereby the articles of manufacture provide more rapid and accurate responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Brush Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Grant, James M. Marder, Wayne L. Wright
  • Patent number: 5578144
    Abstract: To provide a high-strength, high-ductility cast aluminum alloy, which enables a near-net shape product to be produced by improving the casting structure of an aluminum alloy, particularly by using specific constituents and controlling the cooling rate, and a process for producing the same. The high-strength, high-ductility cast aluminum alloy of the present invention is characterized in that it has a structure comprising fine grains of .alpha.-Al, having an average grain diameter of not more than 10 .mu.m, surrounded by a network of a compound of Al-lanthanide-base metal, the .alpha.-Al grains forming a domain, that the domain comprises an aggregate of .alpha.-Al grains which have been refined, cleaved, and ordered in a single direction and that it has a composition represented by the general formula Al.sub.a Ln.sub.b M.sub.c wherein a, b, and c are, in terms of by weight, respectively 75%.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95%, 0.5%.ltoreq.b<15%, and 0.5%.ltoreq.c<15%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Satou, Yukio Okochi
  • Patent number: 5573607
    Abstract: A metal matrix composite of aluminum, magnesium or titanium, and their alloys, containing particles of a silicon boride composition. A preferred form of the boride is silicon hexaboride. A small amount of carbon can be present in the silicon boride composition as Si--B--C. The particles can be pre-blended with particles of the metal prior to melting, or can be added after the melting of the metal. Because of the similar specific gravity of silicon boron compounds and aluminum, very little stirring is required to achieve a homogeneous mixture in the melt. This substantially reduces formation of oxide and hydrogen inclusions. Improved machinability is achieved through utilization of rounded particles. The composite has improved strength, stiffness and reduced thermal coefficient of expansion, thus making the composite composition more useful in industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Millennium Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel C. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5571344
    Abstract: An element for thermally protecting a substrate is deposited on the substrate and comprises a quasicrystalline aluminum alloy having a thermal diffusivity lower than 2.5.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s at room temperature and a thermal diffusivity, within the temperature range 650.degree.-750.degree. C., which does not exceed its thermal diffusivity at room temperature by a factor greater than 3. The element may be used to provide heat barriers or bonding layers for substrates. The heat protection element, used in the form of a heat barrier or in the form of a bond coat for neat barriers, exhibits good thermal insulation properties, good mechanical properties, a low specific mass, good resistance to corrosion, and great ease of processing. Further, the invention is useful in limiting heat transfer towards or from parts and components of fittings in many household and industrial devices, for example, heating or cooking devices, smoothing irons, automobile components, and in aeronautic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dubois, Pierre Archambault, Bernard Colleret
  • Patent number: 5554234
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high strength aluminum alloy suitable for use in the manufacture of a fin, said aluminum alloy containing at most 0.1% by weight of Si, 0.10 to 1.0% by weight of Fe, 0.1 to 0.50% by weight of Mn, 0.01 to 0.15% by weight of Ti, and the balance of Al and unavoidable impurities, intermetallic compounds having a diameter not larger than 0.1 .mu.m being distributed within the metal texture of the alloy in a number density of at least 10/.mu.m.sup.3. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a high strength aluminum alloy suitable for use in the manufacture of a fin, comprising the steps of heating to 430.degree. to 580.degree. C. an aluminum alloy ingot of the composition noted above, applying a hot rolling treatment to said aluminum alloy ingot to obtain a plate material before the temperature of the aluminum alloy ingot is lowered by at most 50.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Furukawa Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kano
  • Patent number: 5551997
    Abstract: Disclosed is a practical aluminum based alloy containing 1 to 99 weight percent beryllium, and improved methods of semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys containing beryllium. The present methods avoid molten beryllium, agitation of molten aluminum-beryllium alloys and the need for introducing shear forces by utilizing atomized or ground particles of beryllium mixed with solid, particulate or liquidus aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Brush Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Marder, Warren J. Haws
  • Patent number: 5547633
    Abstract: The specification describes a ternary alloy of aluminium. The alloy described comprises from 80 to 96% by weight of aluminium and from 4 to 20% by weight of titanium and a third element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, chromium, copper, magnesium, nickel and iron. The weight ratio of titanium to ternary alloying element lies in the range from 1:1 to 6:1. The alloy can be aged at a temperature in the range from 300.degree. to 450.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Monash University
    Inventors: Barry C. Muddle, Jianfeng Nie
  • Patent number: 5547522
    Abstract: A support for a planographic printing plate support in which variations in the quality of the material of the aluminum support are reduced to thereby improve the yield in an electrolytic graining treatment and which is excellent in susceptibility to graining, has no stripe irregularities, and excellent appearance, and a method for producing such a planographic printing plate. An aluminum plate material is formed through a twin-roller continuous casting apparatus and subjected to cold rolling. Successively, the plate is subjected to heat treatment so as to form a surface portion of a depth of at least 15 .mu.m in the thickness direction having no recrystallization in the surface layer. If necessary, the plate may be subjected to cold rolling again as final rolling. Thereafter, the plate is subjected to correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Matsuki, Hirokazu Sawada, Akio Uesugi
  • Patent number: 5547524
    Abstract: A planar sheet of structurally hardened aluminum alloy, having, after quenching and aging, mechanical strength which varies continuously in a particularly defined direction of the planar sheet. The planar sheet is produced in a process comprising quenching and final aging, where the final aging comprises heating for a defined period of time a first portion of the plate or sheet including a first edge to a first temperature T and a second portion of the plate or sheet including an opposite edge to a second temperature t<T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventors: Pierre Sainfort, Herve Vichery, Benoit Commet
  • Patent number: 5541007
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy wiring layer comprising 0.01 to 1.0 wt. % of scandium, or 0.01 to 1.0 wt. % of scandium and 0.01 to 3.0 wt. % of at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, titanium, copper, boron, hafnium and rare-earth elements other than scandium, and the balance aluminum having a purity of not less than 99.99%. A process for producing the same and an aluminum alloy sputtering target used therefor are also disclosed. The aluminum alloy wiring layer of the present invention is suitable as an advanced large-scale integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Tadao Ueda, Kazunari Takemura
  • Patent number: 5531840
    Abstract: A method of producing a support for a planographic printing plate, which comprises after continuous casting an aluminum plate having a thickness of not more than 3 mm from molten aluminum by a twin roller continuous casting method, heat-treating the aluminum plate and then reducing the thickness of the plate to 0.5 mm or less by cold rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Akio Uesugi, Tsutomu Kakei
  • Patent number: 5529645
    Abstract: Thin wall lightweight panels which are subjected to high temperature solutioning and rapid quenching to impart high strength properties without distortion, warping or oil-canning. The panels are produced by casting in a mold cavity having an interconnected recess network which surrounds thin wall-forming areas and distributes molten metal uniformly thereto. The recess network forms a waffle pattern reinforcing rib network surrounding the thin-wall areas, lending strength and dimensional stability thereto during the heat treatment and quenching steps, to prevent distortion, warping and oil-canning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Kermit J. Oswalt
  • Patent number: 5523050
    Abstract: A method is described for preparing a refined or reinforced eutectic or hyper-eutectic metal alloy, comprising: melting the eutectic or hyper-eutectic metal alloy, adding particles of non-metallic refractory material to the molten metal matrix, mixing together the molten metal alloy and the particles of refractory material, and casting the resulting mixture under conditions causing precipitation of at least one intermetallic phase from the molten metal matrix during solidification thereof such that the intermetallics formed during solidification wet and engulf said refractory particles. The added particles may be very small and serve only to refine the precipitating intermetallics in the alloy or they may be larger and serve as reinforcing particles in a composite with the alloy. The products obtained are also novel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: David J. Lloyd, Iljoon Jin
  • Patent number: 5520754
    Abstract: A composition and method for producing a low density, high stiffness aluminum alloy which is capable of being processed into structural components having a desired combination of tensile strength, fracture toughness and ductility. The method includes the steps of forming, by spray deposition, a solid Al-Li alloy workpiece consisting essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.a Zr.sub.b wherein "a" ranges from greater than about 2.5 to 7 wt %, and "b" ranges from greater than about 0.13 to 0.6 wt %, the balance being aluminum, said alloy having been solidified at a cooling rate of about 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.4 K/sec. The method further includes several variations of selected thermomechanical process steps for: (1) eliminating any residual porosity which may be present in the workpiece as a result of the spray deposition step; and (2) producing components for a wide range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Yaney, Richard E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5512241
    Abstract: Weld filler alloys comprising aluminum, copper, lithium and, optionally, silver are disclosed which possess significantly improved fabricability and weldability. The weld filler alloys are free of magnesium and can be easily drawn into weld wire that is useful for welding aluminum-base alloys. Weldments made with the filler alloys exhibit highly improved mechanical, physical and corrosion resistance properties. The weld filler alloys may be used to weld cryogenic containers for space launch vehicles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence S. Kramer, Joseph R. Pickens, Carl E. Cross
  • Patent number: 5509978
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high strength and anti-corrosive aluminum-based alloy essentially consisting of an amorphous structure or a multiphase amorphous/fine crystalline structure, which is represented by the general formula Al.sub.x M.sub.y R.sub.z. In this formula, M represents at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zr, Nb, Mo and Ni, and R represents at least one element or mixture selected from the group consisting of Y, Ce, La, Nd and Mm (misch metal). Additionally, in the formula, x, y and z represent the composition ratio, and are atomic percentages satisfying the relationships of x+y+z=100, 64.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.95, 5.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.35, and 0<z.ltoreq.0.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Yuma Horio
  • Patent number: 5507888
    Abstract: Methods for making an aluminum alloy bicycle frame and for making tubes for such frames including use of an aluminum alloy containing about 0.5 to 1.3% magnesium, about 0.4 to 1.2% silicon, and about 0.6 to 1.2% copper and preferred practices for making extruded and drawn tubing of the alloy and making bicycle frames from the tubing. The preferred practices include extrusion temperature control and other aspects of extrusion and drawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: John A. Dickson, Jr., Thomas J. Klemp, Arvid H. Sorensen, Robert L. Clottu
  • Patent number: 5503692
    Abstract: A novel method is disclosed for removing or eliminating anisotropic material properties typically found in conventionally rolled or otherwise processed aluminum-lithium alloy products obtained from conventional aluminum fabrication mills. The method comprises imparting a predetermined amount of strain to the conventionally rolled alloy sheet whereby the alloy experiences dynamic recrystallization. Through this process, the mill-imposed crystallographic texturing, which initially sets up the undesired anisotropic characteristics, is eliminated. A preferred technique for imparting strain to the sheet stock is superplastic forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corp.
    Inventors: Gardner R. Martin, Claire E. Anton
  • Patent number: 5503689
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy composition for sheet product consists essentially of 0.3 to 1.1 wt. % silicon, 0.4 to 1.0 wt. % iron, 0.009 to 0.25 wt. % copper and optionally, minor amounts of manganese, magnesium, chromium, zinc, titanium and other incidental impurities with the balance aluminum. In making aluminum sheet from this composition, the aluminum alloy is continuously cast into an intermediate gauge sheet product and directly cold rolled without an intermediate thermal treatment to final gauge. Optionally, the final gauge sheet product can be subjected to a known temper practice. Using the iron, silicon and copper-containing aluminum alloy composition, a sheet product is produced which has acceptable mechanical properties for use as general purpose aluminum sheet, semi-rigid aluminum container stock, consumer wrap container cutter bars and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Bennie R. Ward, Stanley M. Boyd, James P. Martin
  • Patent number: 5490885
    Abstract: A method of treating a blank of an aluminium base alloy comprising a combination of heat treatments and cold forming operations to produce a highly recovered semi-fabricated wrought product that is not statically recrystallized and that is inherently non-superplastic and is capable of superplastic deformation only after an initial non-superplastic deformation to achieve dynamic recrystallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: William S. Miller, Roger Grimes
  • Patent number: 5489418
    Abstract: An Al-based alloy represented by the general formula Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b and Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b Q.sub.c wherein M represents at least one element selected from among V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q represents at least one element selected from Mg and Si; and a, b and c are, in percentages by weight, 7.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.20, 0.2.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.20 and 0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5. A compacted and consolidated material are produced by melting a material having the above alloy composition, rapidly solidifying the melt into powder or flakes; compacting the resultant powder or flakes; and subjecting the compacted powder or flakes to press forming and consolidating by a conventional plastic working. The aluminum-based alloy and the compacted and consolidated material thereof have a high strength and a good ductility and an excellent strength at high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5489347
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy fin material for heat-exchanger with excellent thermal conductance and strength after brazing comprising 0.005 to 0.8 wt. % of Si, 0.5 to 1.5 wt. % of Fe, 0.1 to 2.0 wt. % of Ni, and a balance of Al and inevitable impurities is disclosed. The aluminum alloy fin material can additionally contain 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % of Zr and/or at least one element of the group consisting of not more than 2.0 wt. % of Zn, not more than 0.3 wt. % of In, and not more than 0.3 wt. % of Sn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignees: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fujio Himuro, Takeyoshi Doko
  • Patent number: 5484493
    Abstract: Aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of from 0.1 to 3.0% boron, from 1 to 10% titanium and the balance essentially aluminum wherein the aluminum matrix contains TiB.sub.2 particles dispersed throughout said matrix having an average particle size of less than 1 micron, and wherein the matrix contains clusters of said TiB.sub.2 particles greater than 10 microns in size with an average of less than 4 of said clusters per 2 cm.sup.2. The alloy is prepared by adding a boron containing material selected from the group consisting of borax, boron oxide, boric acid and mixtures thereof, and K.sub.2 TiF.sub.6 to a bath of molten aluminum and stirring the molten mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Young, William C. Setzer, Francis P. Koch, Robert A. Rapp, Michael J. Pryor, Noel Jarrett
  • Patent number: 5484492
    Abstract: A cast hypereutectic Al-Si alloy having 12% to 15% Si, and a method of producing such alloy. The alloy and a melt used in the method has at least one element of a first group of elements and at least one element of a second group of elements and further comprises Cu 1.5 to 5.5%; Ni 1.0 to 3.0%; Mg 0.1 to 1.0%; Fe 0.1 to 1.0%; Mn 0.1 to 0.8%; Zr 0.01 to 0.1; Zn 0 to 3.0%; Sn 0 to 0.2%; Pb 0 to 0.2%; Cr 0 to 0.1; Si modifier (Na, Sr) 0.001 to 0.1%; B (elemental) 0.05% maximum; Ca 0.03% maximum; P 0.05% maximum; and others 0.05% maximum each, the balance, apart from incidental impurities being Al. The element of the first group provides stable nucleant particles in the melt. The element of the second groups forms an intermetallic phase such that crystals of the phase form in advance of and nucleate primary Si to provide complex particles which promote nucleation of Al-Si eutectic on cooling of the melt below the eutectic solidification temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminum Limited
    Inventors: Kevin P. Rogers, Christian Simensen
  • Patent number: 5480496
    Abstract: A method of making twin roll cast clad material includes producing a composite material using a liner stock produced by drag casting techniques. The drag cast liner stock can be directly used in a twin roll continuous casting process without additional process steps such as heat treatment, surface cleaning and/or rolling. The drag cast liner stock can be applied to one or both of the surfaces of the twin roll cast material to produce a composite material that is useful in a cast form or can be adapted for reduction by rolling processes or the like. The twin roll cast cladding process can utilize aluminum alloy core and cladding materials to form a brazing sheet from the as-cast composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Bennie R. Ward
  • Patent number: 5480498
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum alloy sheet product includes casting a slab, homogenizing the cast slab, and hot rolling the homogenized slab to provide an intermediate gauge product. The temperature and other operating parameters of the hot rolling process are controlled so that the temperature of the intermediate gauge product exiting the hot rolling step is between about 500.degree. F. and 650.degree. F. Preferably, the temperature does not exceed 575.degree. F. The intermediate gauge product is then subjected to a cold reduction of 45% to 70%, annealed, and cold rolled to final gauge. The combination of controlling the hot rolling to provide a desired exit temperature of the intermediate gauge product and annealing prior to cold rolling to final gauge minimizes or eliminates the appearance of ridging or roping line defects in the aluminum sheet product when subjected to further straining in a forming or stamping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Armand J. Beaudoin, J. Daniel Bryant, Alan J. Janousek, Rajeev G. Kamat, H. Edwin Oliver, Robert M. Ramage
  • Patent number: 5472920
    Abstract: The invention relates to the thermal barriers, to a process and material for their production, and to their application. Thermal barriers consist of a material comprising at least one refractory oxide with low thermal diffusivity and at least one quasicrystalline aluminum alloy, the proportion of which represents from 2-30% by volume. They can be produced by deposition of a mixture of refractory oxide and of quasicrystalline alloy in vapor phase, or from a mixture of refractory oxide and quasicrystalline aluminum alloy in the molten state, or else by deposition onto the support to be protected with the aid of an oxygen-gas torch fed with material using a flexible cord which contains the refractory oxide and the quasicrystalline alloy. The applications include the protection of components of aircraft or motor vehicle engines, of aeronautical or aerospace components, of chemical reactors or of electrical households appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nouvelle de Metallisation Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dubois, Philippe Cathonnet
  • Patent number: 5462614
    Abstract: A method of producing a support for a planographic printing plate, which reduces the scattering in the material of the aluminum support, improves the yield of the electrolytic surface graining treatment, and is able to produce lithographic printing plates having superior surface graining aptitude. Aluminum material with a width of 1000 mm and a thickness of 6 mm is formed in the continuous casting twin-roller thin plate device. It is then cold rolled to a plate thickness of 3 mm, and after conducting annealing at 400.degree. C., cold rolling (including correction) is further conducted to bring it to 0.3 mm and form the samples. The temperature distribution of the molten metal at the outlet of the molten metal supply nozzle is kept within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Sawada, Akio Uesugi, Masaya Matsuki
  • Patent number: 5462612
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy casting comprising 4.0 to 13.0% of Si, 4.5% or below of Cu, 1.5% or below of Mg, and the rest of Al in weight ratio is produced by a production method which adds a metallic hydride to a molten aluminum alloy for casting at a temperature of liquidus line or above. This method makes the shape of pores generated in the casting circular and fine, and an average crystal grain diameter to be 1/3 or below of a thickness of the casting, thereby, an aluminum alloy casting having excellent airtightness can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigetaka Morita, Yoshio Igarashi, Masanao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5458700
    Abstract: A high-strength aluminum alloy consisting of an amorphous phase containing quasicrystals constituted of aluminum as the principal element, a first additive element consisting of at least one rare earth element and a second additive element consisting of at least one element other than aluminum and rare earth elements, and a crystalline phase consisting of the principal element and the first additive element and the second additive element contained in a supersaturated solid solution form, the amorphous phase containing quasicrystals being contained in a volume percentage of 60 to 90%. The contents of the additive elements preferably fall within a hatched range in the figure, still preferably within a range covered with dot-dash lines in the figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Mitsuru Watanabe, Junichi Nagahora, Toshisuke Shitata
  • Patent number: 5456772
    Abstract: A support for a planographic printing plate support in which variations in the quality of the material of the aluminum support are reduced to thereby improve the yield in an electrolytic graining treatment and which is excellent in susceptibility to graining, has no stripe irregularities, and excellent appearance, and a method for producing such a planographic printing plate. An aluminum plate material is formed through a twin-roller continuous casting apparatus and subjected to cold rolling. Successively, the plate is subjected to heat treatment so as to form a surface portion of a depth of at least 15 .mu.m in the thickness direction having no recrystallization in the surface layer. If necessary, the plate may be subjected to cold rolling again as final rolling. Thereafter, the plate is subjected to correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Matsuki, Hirokazu Sawada, Akio Uesugi
  • Patent number: 5449421
    Abstract: In an aluminum alloy composite material including an aluminum alloy matrix and a reinforcing material such as fibers, whisker or particles, intermetallic compounds made of Al and at least one selected from a group of Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, V, W, Ta, Nb, Ti and Zr are finely dispersed in the matrix existing among reinforcing material elements so as to maintain rigidity of the matrix alloy necessary to support the reinforcing material elements at high temperature. Optimum shapes and volumetric density of such intermetallic compounds are experimentally obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaneo Hamajima, Atsuo Tanaka, Tadashi Dohnomoto, Yoshio Fuwa, Hirohumi Michioka
  • Patent number: 5441697
    Abstract: Very fine TiC whiskers having a mean diameter smaller than 1 micron are generated by pellets including Ti powder and graphite powder being added to a molten mass of pure Al or an Al alloy, or by a graphite powder being added to a molten mass of an Al alloy containing Ti, with argon gas being blown into the molten mass so as thereby to generate TiC whiskers in void spaces formed in the molten mass by bubbles of the gas. When the molten mass with the TiC whiskers thus formed therein is compressed, the interstices of the TiC whiskers generated in the void spaces are filled with the molten metal so as thereby to form colonial composite material portions dispersed in the molten mass, thus providing a metallic composite material reinforced by very fine TiC whiskers. The density of the colonial composite material portions can be increased by applying a filtering process to the molten mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nukami, Tetsuya Suganuma
  • Patent number: 5439536
    Abstract: Strength anisotropy of aluminum-lithium alloy wrought products is reduced by subjecting these types of alloys to improved T8 temper practice. The wrought product, after solution heat treating and quenching, is subjected to a combination of cold rolling and stretching steps prior to aging. The cold rolling can range between 1 and 20% reduction with the stretching step ranging between 0.5-10%. The cold rolling step may be performed in one or a multiple of passes. When multiple passes are used, the cold rolling may be done in different directions to further enhance reductions in strength anisotropy for these types of alloys. An aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product subjected to the improved T8 temper practice has an increased minimum tensile yield stress throughout its thickness and in various directions to facilitate commercial application of the product in high strength applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Alex Cho
  • Patent number: 5431751
    Abstract: A high strength aluminum alloy is expressed by a general formula, Al.sub.a X.sub.b Mm.sub.c, in which "X" stands for at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zr, "Mm" stands for a misch metal, a content "a" of aluminum falls in a range of from 95.2 to 97.5 atomic %, and a content "b" of "X" and a content "c" of the "Mm" fall in a hatched area enclosed by points "A," "B," "C" and "D" of accompanying FIG. 1 on atomic % basis, and whose metallic phase includes microcrystalline phases or mixed phases containing amorphous phases in a volume content of less than 50% and the balance of microcrystalline phases. As a result, the amorphous phases or the microcrystalline phases are dispersed uniformly in its base microcrystalline phases appropriately, and at the same time the thus generating base microcrystalline phases are reinforced by forming solid solutions including the "Mm" and the transition metal element "X" as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Okochi, Kazuaki Sato, Tetsuya Suganuma, Akira Kato, Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue
  • Patent number: 5422066
    Abstract: Aluminum-base alloys in a peak-aged condition and magnesium-base alloys in the form of cast products and wrought products capable of having improved combinations of yield strength and fracture toughness are disclosed. The aluminum-base alloy products are comprised of 0.5 to 4.5 wt %. lithium, about 0.01 to 1 ppm Na, about 0.01 to 1 ppm K, less than 0.1 ppm Rb, less than 0.1 ppm Cs, and the remainder comprising aluminum. Aluminum-base alloy products in a peak-aged condition have: (i) a grain boundary region substantially free of liquid phase eutectics comprised of Na and K that form embrittlement phases at room temperature; and (ii) an increase in fracture toughness compared to an aluminum-lithium alloy having greater than 5 ppm aggregate alkali metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminium Limited
    Inventor: Donald Webster
  • Patent number: 5419789
    Abstract: An aluminum-based alloy which consists Al and 0.1 to 25 atomic % of at least two transition metal elements and has a structure in which at least quasicrystals are homogeneously dispersed in a matrix composed of Al or a supersaturated Al solid solution. The quasicrystals are preferably composed of an I-phase alone or a mixed phase of an I-phase and a D-phase and preferably has a volume nfraction of 20% or less. Specifically, the aluminum-based alloy has the composition represented by the general formula Al.sub.bal Ni.sub.a X.sub.b or Al.sub.bal Ni.sub.a X.sub.b M.sub.c wherein X is one or two elements selected between Fe and Co; M is at least one element selected from among Cr, Mn, Nb, Mo, Ta and W; 5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.10; 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.10; and 0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5. The alloy is excellent in hardness and strength both at room temperature and high temperature and in heat resistance and has a high specific strength. It can retain the excellent characteristics even when affected by the heat of working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5415708
    Abstract: Aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of from 0.1 to 3.0% boron, from 1 to 10% titanium and the balance essentially aluminum wherein the aluminum matrix contains TiB.sub.2 particles dispersed throughout said matrix having an average particle size of less than 1 micron, and wherein the matrix contains clusters of said TiB.sub.2 particles greater than 10 microns in size with an average of less than 4 of said clusters per 2 cm.sup.2. The alloy is prepared by adding a boron containing material selected from the group consisting of borax, boron oxide, boric acid and mixtures thereof, and K.sub.2 TiF.sub.6 to a bath of molten aluminum and stirring the molten mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: KBAlloys, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Young, William C. Setzer, Francis P. Koch, Robert A. Rapp, Michael J. Pryor, Noel Jarrett
  • Patent number: 5415709
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high-strength, abrasion resistant aluminum alloy having a composition represented by the general formula Al.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.c Z.sub.d Si.sub.e, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni; X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce and Mm (mischmetal); Z is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Mo, Zr, W, Ta and Hf; and a, b, c, d and e are all expressed by atom percent and range from 50 to 89 %, 0.5 to 10 %, 0.5 to 10 %, 0 to 10 % and 10 to 49 %, respectively, with the proviso that a+b+c+d+e =100 %, the alloy containing fine Si precipitates and fine particles of intermetallic compounds dispersed in an aluminum matrix. The aluminum alloy may further contain not greater than 5 % of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mg, Zn and Li. The alloy can be warm-worked at 300.degree.-500.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5413650
    Abstract: The mechanical properties of aluminium alloy extrusion in a specified transverse direction are improved by upsetting the extrusion billet in at least one direction chosen with reference to the specified transverse direction. For example, the extrusion billet may be of generally circular cross-section with one or two opposite segments arising. The extrusion may be subjected to thermomechanical treatment and/or vibration treatment. A preferred final thermomechanical treatment is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Martin R. Jarrett, William Dixon
  • Patent number: 5407636
    Abstract: An Al-based alloy represented by the general formula Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b and Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b Q.sub.c wherein M represents at least one element selected from among V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q represents at least one element selected from Mg and Si; and a, b and c are, in percentages by weight, 7.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.20, 0.2.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.20 and 0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5. A compacted and consolidated material is produced by melting a material having the above alloy composition, rapidly solidifying the melt into powder or flakes; compacting the resultant powder or flakes; and subjecting the compacted powder or flakes to press forming and consolidating by a conventional plastic working. The aluminum-based alloy and the compacted and consolidated material thereof have a high strength, a good ductility and an excellent strength at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5405462
    Abstract: A superplastic aluminum-based alloy material consisting of a matrix formed of aluminum or a supersaturated aluminum solid solution, whose average crystal grain size is 0.005 to 1 .mu.m, and particles made of a stable or metastable phase of various intermetallic compounds formed of the main alloying element (i.e., the matrix element) and the other alloying elements and/or of various intermetallic compounds formed of the other alloying elements and distributed evenly in the matrix, the particles having a mean particle size of 0.001 to 0.1 .mu.m. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material is produced from a rapidly solidified material consisting of an amorphous phase, a microcrystalline phase or a mixed phase thereof by optionally heat treating at a prescribed temperature for a prescribed period of time and then subjecting to a single or combined thermo-mechanical treatment. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material of the present invention is suited for to superplastic working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kenji Higashi, Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kenji Higashi, Katsumasa Ohtera, Makoto Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 5393357
    Abstract: Strength anisotropy of aluminum-lithium alloy wrought products is reduced by subjecting these types of alloys to improved T8 temper practice. The wrought product, after solution heat treating and quenching, is subjected to a combination of cold rolling and stretching steps prior to aging. The cold rolling can range between 1 and 20% reduction with the stretching step ranging between 0.5-10%. The cold rolling step may be performed in one or a multiple of passes. When multiple passes are used, the cold rolling may be done in different directions to further enhance reductions in strength anisotropy for these types of alloys. An aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product subjected to the improved T8 temper practice has an increased minimum tensile yield stress throughout its thickness and in various directions to facilitate commercial application of the product in high strength applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Alex Cho
  • Patent number: 5383986
    Abstract: Strength and ductility for a aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product in the transverse direction is improved by subjecting these types of alloys to improved T8 temper practice. The wrought product, after solution heat treating and quenching is subjected to a multiple step stretching sequence prior to aging, the total percent reduction for the multiple step stretching sequence ranging between 1 and 20 percent reduction. In the multiple step stretching sequence, each of the stretching steps may have the same or different amounts of percent reduction to achieve the desired total percent reduction. An aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product subjected to the improved T8 temper practice has increased tensile yield stress and percent elongation in its transverse direction to facilitate commercial application of the product in high strength applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Alex Cho
  • Patent number: 5374295
    Abstract: Disclosed are heat resistant aluminum alloy powders and alloys including Ni, Si, either at least one of Fe and Zr or at least one of Zr and Ti. For instance, the alloy powders or alloys consist essentially of Ni in an amount of from 5.7 to 20% by weight, Si in an amount of from 0.2 to 25% by weight, at least one of Fe in an amount of from 0.6 to 8.0% by weight and Cu in an amount of from 0.6 to 5.0% by weight, and the balance of Al. The alloy powders or alloys are optimum for a matrix of heat and wear resistant aluminum alloy-based composite materials including at least one of nitride particles and boride particles in an amount of 0. 5 to 10% by weight with respect to the whole composite material taken as 100% by weight. The alloy powders, alloys and composite materials are satisfactory applicable to the component parts of the recent automobile engines which should produce a high output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyo Aluminum Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirohisa Miura, Kunihiko Imahashi, Yasuhiro Yamada, Hirohumi Michioka, Jun Kusui, Akiei Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5372780
    Abstract: Aluminium alloys are described which after suitable processing can be used to produce lithographic printing plates of improved stoving resistance. The alloys consist es",Vially of at least 99.00% by weight of aluminium, from 0.02 to 0.15% by weight in total of zirconium and/or hafnium and from 0.05 to 0.25% by weight of manganese, with the remainder being incidental impurities. Improved stoving resistance is particularly shown with 0.02 to 0.08% zirconium and from 0.05 to 0.15% manganese, especially when stoving takes place at 240.degree. C. or above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Peter K. F. Limbach, Graeme J. Marshall, Ricky A. Ricks
  • Patent number: 5368658
    Abstract: The present invention provides high strength, heat resistant aluminum-based alloys having a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.cwherein:M is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, W, Ca, Li, Mg and Si;X is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Hf, Nb, and Ta; anda, b and c are atomic percentages falling within the following ranges:50.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.35 and 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.25, the aluminum-based alloy being in an amorphous state, microcrystalline state or a composite state thereof. The aluminum-based alloys possess an advantageous combination of properties of high strength, heat resistance, superior ductility and good processability which make then suitable for various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignees: Yoshida Kogyo K.K., Tsuyoshi Masumoto
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Katsumasa Odera, Masahiro Oguchi
  • Patent number: 5362341
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum can sheet having high strength and low earing characteristics comprises providing an aluminum alloy ingot and then hot rolling the ingot in a single-stand hot reversing mill to produce a first intermediate gauge sheet. The first intermediate gauge sheet is then cold rolled to produce a second intermediate gauge sheet. This second intermediate gauge sheet is passed through a heat source as a single web so that the second intermediate gauge sheet is continuously annealed. After heating, the second intermediate gauge sheet is quenched and coiled again. Finally, the coiled second intermediate gauge sheet is cold rolled again to produce the final gauge aluminum can sheet having high strength and low earing characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Scott L. Palmer, Robert E. Sanders, W. Bryan Steverson, Lyndon Morgan
  • Patent number: 5362340
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum can sheet having low earing characteristics. An aluminum alloy ingot is provided and is heated to a temperature between about 527.degree. to 571.degree. C. (980.degree. to 1060.degree. F.). After this, the ingot is hot rolled in a single-stand reversible hot mill to produce an intermediate gauge sheet. The intermediate gauge sheet is then cold rolled to produce a final gauge aluminum can sheet having low eating characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Marilyn Daly, Scott L. Palmer, Robert E. Sanders, Jr., W. Bryan Steverson, Lyndon Morgan
  • Patent number: 5350468
    Abstract: A process for producing amorphous alloy materials having high toughness and high strength from various alloy powders, thin ribbons or bulk materials consisting of an amorphous phase by heating them to a temperature at which intermetallic compounds or other compounds are not produced. During this heating, fine crystal grains consisting of a supersaturated solid solution made of a main alloying element and additive elements and having a mean grain diameter of 5 nm to 500 nm are precipitated and uniformly dispersed in a volume percentage of 5 to 50% throughout an amorphous matrix. In the process, when deformation, pressing or other working is simultaneously conducted with the heating, consolidation or combining of the resultant alloy materials can also be effected in the same production procedure. The amorphous alloy used in the production process preferably comprises Al, Mg or Ti as a main element and, as additive elements, rare earth elements and/or other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue