Processes Patents (Class 420/590)
  • Patent number: 5531806
    Abstract: A process for preparing a high strength magnesium alloy comprising heating a melt comprised of a base metal of magnesium, greater than 0.5% of lithium, and at least one alkali metal impurity selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium, the total alkali metal present in an amount greater than 5 ppm, to a temperature of about 50.degree. to 200.degree. C. above the melting point of alloy being refined in a vacuum for a sufficient time to reduce the aggregate concentration of alkali metal impurities in the melt to less than about 5 ppm as measured by GDMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminium Limited
    Inventor: Donald Webster
  • 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: 5486225
    Abstract: A process for producing finely divided 20 to 500 angstrom metal particles, metals with oxide coatings or metal oxides using an alkalide or electride in a non-reactive solvent is described. The process produces various forms of the metal depending upon the oxidizability of the metal initially produced by the process. The process is useful for producing catalysts, alloys, colloidal solutions, semi-conductors and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: James L. Dye, Ahmed S. Ellaboudy, Kuo-Lih Tsai
  • Patent number: 5480472
    Abstract: A method for forming an electrical contact material comprises the steps of melting a mixture of Cu and Cr into a molten alloy, atomizing the molten alloy into fine particles to obtain alloyed particles. Cr particles in the alloyed powder disintegrate to less than 5 .mu.m in mean particle diameter. The alloyed powder is sintered thereafter and a mean particle diameter of chromium in the sintered article is fined in a range of 2 to 20 .mu.m. An electrical contact material is composed of a copper matrix and chromium particles having a mean particle diameter of 2 to 20 .mu.m. The chromium particles are homogeneously dispersed in the copper matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Meidensha
    Inventors: Yasushi Noda, Nobuyuki Yoshioka, Nobutaka Suzuki, Toshimasa Fukai, Tetsuo Yoshihara, Koichi Koshiro
  • Patent number: 5476529
    Abstract: A process for recovery of magnesium from magnesium alloy waste by charging an electric furnace with a flux including at least one salt, the flux being inert with respect to magnesium and having a melting point <1000.degree. C. The flux is raised by the Joule effect at a reduced pressure to a temperature of 900.degree. to 1100.degree. C. to produce a bath having a density higher than that of magnesium, a vapor pressure <0.1 torr and an electrical resistivity of between 1 and 10 milliohm.m. The magnesium alloy waste is introduced in the bath, and magnesium and any other elements in the waste which are more volatile than magnesium are recovered from a vapor phase above the bath. Any elements in the waste which are less volatile than magnesium are recovered from a molten phase in a bottom portion of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Pechiney Electrometallurgie
    Inventor: Pierre Faure
  • Patent number: 5466363
    Abstract: Use of a carbon-based catalyst composition, particularly activated-carbon, optionally containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Mo, W, Fe, or mixtures thereof, for heavy oil hydroprocessing. Recovery and partial gasification of the catalyst to produce a synthesis gas and a partially gasified catalyst residue. Use of the synthesis gas in a process to produce synthetic hydrocarbons and use of the catalyst residue in steel or alloy production. Catalysts used for heavy oil hydrocarbon hydroprocessing frequently become contaminated with metals which increase the cost of disposal of the spent catalysts, e.g. landfills. This invention uses a specific catalyst for hydroprocessing which can then be partially gasified to produce a catalyst residue which can be further used in steel or alloy production, thereby reducing the need for expensive disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Costandi A. Audeh, Lillian A. Rankel
  • Patent number: 5458701
    Abstract: An article comprises a Cr-bearing, predominantly gamma titanium aluminide matrix including second phase dispersoids, such as TiB.sub.2, in an amount effective to increase both the strength and the ductility of the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignees: Howmet Corporation, Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Kampe, Leontios Christodoulou, Donald E. Larsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5449491
    Abstract: A method of producing diamond crystals from a metallofullerite matrix independent of external application of pressure is disclosed. The method comprises hyperquenching a portion of a metallic sold comprising a metal carbon matrix of an allotropic metal and metallofullerites of that allotropic metal after the portion has been heated to or near the critical temperature for its percentage composition of the allotropic metal, carbon, and other effective ingredients. The quenching is conducted rapidly enough to collapse fullerene structures present in the matrix into diamond crystals. The resulting metal-carbon matrix of an allotropic metal, metallofullerites of the allotropic metal, and diamond crystals are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: MicroMet Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Job
  • 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: 5433799
    Abstract: An article comprises a Cr-bearing, predominantly gamma titanium aluminide matrix including second phase dispersoids, such as TiB.sub.2, in an amount effective to increase both the strength and the ductility of the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignees: Howmet Corporation, Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Kampe, Leontios Christodoulou, Donald E. Larsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5429796
    Abstract: A TiAl alloy base melt including at least one of Cr, C, Ga, Mo, Mn, Nb, Ni Si, Ta, V and W and at least about 0.5 volume % boride dispersoids is investment cast to form a crack-free, net or near-net shape article having a gamma TiAl intermetallic-containing matrix with a grain size of about 10 to about 250 microns as a result of the presence of the boride dispersoids in the melt. As hot isostatically pressed and heat treated to provide an equiaxed grain structure, the article exhibits improved strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Howmet Corporation
    Inventor: Donald E. Larsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5429689
    Abstract: A non-toxic alloy for soldering electronic components comprising 80% Sn, 5-14.5% In, 4.5-14.5% Bi and 0.5% Ag. The disclosed alloy has a fine microstructure. Particles of intermetallic compounds are finely dispersed throughout the matrix, thereby inhibiting grain growth. Accordingly, the alloy does not significantly coarsen after thermal aging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Dongkai Shangguan, Achyuta Achari
  • Patent number: 5424031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for grain refining of aluminium and aluminium alloys wherein a siliconboron alloy containing between 0.01 to 4.0% by weight of boron is added to molten aluminium or aluminium alloy in such an amount that the resulting melt of aluminium or aluminium alloy contains at least 50 ppm boron. The invention further relates to a grain refining alloy for aluminium and aluminium alloys which grain refining alloy is a siliconboron alloy containing between 0.01 and 4.0% by weight of boron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Elkem Aluminium ANS
    Inventors: Lars Arnberg, Gunnar Halvorsen, Per Arne Tondel
  • Patent number: 5405578
    Abstract: This invention relates to master alloy hardeners for use in preparing aluminum base alloys. The respective concentrations of the alloying elements in the master alloy hardener are a multiple equal to or greater than 2 of the concentrations of such elements in the base alloy, and the ratios of the alloying elements in the master alloy hardener to each other are the same as the ratios of the alloying elements in the base alloy. After the aluminum base alloy and the concentration of each alloying element therein are identified, a desired multiple of such concentrations is determined. An aluminum master alloy is prepared that contains the alloying elements at concentrations equivalent to such multiple of the corresponding concentrations of the elements in the base alloy. The master alloy hardeners are added to commercially pure aluminum to provide the desired base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Setzer, Richard J. Malliris, Gary W. Boone, Frank P. Koch, David K. Young
  • Patent number: 5401464
    Abstract: Manganese or silicon carbide is formed in a solid state reaction by mixing manganese or silicon oxide particles with carbonaceous material (e.g., coke) particles. The materials may be formed into agglomerates including excess carbonaceous material and heated in a suitable reactor vessel. An iron source, such as pig iron and/or iron scrap, can also be added. In that case, the manganese or silicon carbide dissolves in molten iron to produce ferrosilicon or ferromanganese alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Norman P. Lillybeck
  • Patent number: 5401338
    Abstract: A process for making metal-matrix composite includes adding ultrafine reinforcing material having a particle size as fine as 0.05 .mu.m into the metal alloy matrix in a refining furnace to be homogeneously dispersed in the matrix for producing metal-matrix composite by a refining process, which is degassed to remove gases to eliminate porosity in the composite, thereby producing metal-matrix composite having improved mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Ching-Bin Lin
  • Patent number: 5397533
    Abstract: A TiAl intermetallic compound source and a boride which is less stable than TiB.sub.2 are mixed and melted, followed by solidification to form a TiB.sub.2 -dispersed TiAl-based composite material in which the TiB.sub.2 is contained in an amount of 0.3 to 10% by volume. In this process, the dispersed TiB.sub.2 particles become very fine, so that the hardness as well as the elongation and bending strength of the TiAl material are improved by the finely dispersed TiB.sub.2 particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Morikawa, Hiroyuki Shamoto, Tetsuya Suganuma
  • Patent number: 5391348
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for making steel alloys directly in a tundish. Base steel enters the tundish from a ladle. An alloying chamber having a plurality of inlets is positioned above a tundish drain. An alloying material (for example, a wire including one or more alloying ingredients) is fed into the alloying chamber through a feed pipe originating above the liquid level in the tundish. Molten base steel enters the alloying chamber through the inlets and is mixed with the alloying material to make a steel alloy, which exits through the drain. The method and apparatus are especially suitable for making small order quantities of alloy steel of less than one ladle volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Magneco/Metrel, Inc.
    Inventor: Madjid Soofi
  • Patent number: 5376330
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys was successfully prepared by the spontaneous reaction synthesis process. The steps of the spontaneous synthesis process comprises: (a) premixing high H adsorption powder(A), low H adsorption powder(B), catalyst powder(C) with fuel element(D) in an amount corresponding to the atomic ratio of said hydrogen storage alloys, (b) pressing and forming the premixing powders to a predermined density; (c) placing the mixture of step (b) to a spontaneous sysnthesis reactor under protecting environment; (d) preheating the mixture at a temperature of about from 300.degree. to 600.degree. C.; and (e) partially igniting the mixture at a temperature higher than the melting point of the powders used in step (a) to propagate the spontaneous synthesis reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventors: Hsu Shu-en, Yeah Ming-Tarng, Kao Hwa-Perng, Wang Jian-Yih
  • 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: 5358687
    Abstract: In manufacturing an intermetallic compound or an alloy based thereon having a fine-grained microstructure by stirring a charge of components, the high strain energy built up in the charge is released to prevent the occurrence of cracks in the course of cooling to room temperature. The charge is melted by high-frequency heating in an inert atmosphere. The molten charge is transferred into an isothermal furnace filled with the same atmosphere. The solidifying charge is stirred to break the formed crystals and thus forming a homogeneous fine-grained microstructure. After continuing stirring for a given time, the charge with refind microstructure is returned into the high-frequency furnace for reheating to release the high strain energy built up in it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignees: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ichikawa, Yoshiji Kinoshita, Satoshi Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 5348703
    Abstract: Apparatus for the physical vapor deposition of an alloy whose constituent ements have widely differing vapor pressures comprises an inner evaporation crucible (1) surrounded by a second evaporation crucible (2) having an array of nozzles (9) angled towards collector (5). In use of the apparatus, a charge (3) of relatively low volatility is evaporated from inner crucible (1) using an electron beam (7) focussed by magnet (8). Charge (4) in second crucible (2) is of much higher volatility and is evaporated by radiant heating. The nozzles (9) direct the vapor from charge (4) along pathways which intersect the vapor rising from charge (3) such that the combined vapor stream reaching collector (5) is an intimate mixture of constituents. The nozzles (9) may also serve to control the flow rate of vapor from the second crucible (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: The Secretary of the State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: Alan W. Bishop, David J. Bray, Robert W. Gardiner, Brian W. Viney
  • Patent number: 5344507
    Abstract: An aluminum-alloy, which is wear-resistant and does not wear greatly the opposed cast iron or steel, and which can be warm worked. The alloyings the following composition and structure. Composition: Al.sub.a Si.sub.b M.sub.c X.sub.d T.sub.e (where 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, Ce, La and Mm (misch metal); Y is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Mo, Zr, W, Ta and Hf; a=50-85 atomic %, b=10-49 atomic %, c=0.5-10 atomic %, d=0.5-10 atomic %, e=0-10 atomic %, and a+b+c+d+e=100 atomic %. Structure: super-saturated face-centered cubic crystals and fine Si precipitates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Yoshida Kogyo KK, Teikoku Piston Ring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kazuhiko Kita, Hitoshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5316719
    Abstract: A method of producing a substance utilizing an agravic effect, and an apparatus for carrying out the same. A container (3, 55, 65) containing materials for producing a substance is revolved about a horizontal axis, at least while a process of producing the substance is in progress, so as to meet an inequality: ##EQU1## where .omega. (radian/sec) is the angular velocity of the container, g (mm/s.sup.2) is gravitational acceleration, r (mm) is the distance between a unit mass and an axis of rotation of the container rotating about its own axis to generate a residual centrifugal force acting on the unit mass, and x is the upper limit of the ratio between centrifugal force acting on the unit mass at each cycle and the terrestrial gravity (gravitational acceleration g).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Masao Kubota
  • Patent number: 5314525
    Abstract: An improved impeller head is provided for treating molten metals and other liquid systems with a gas. A multiple-vaned impeller head is adapted for mounting on a hollow impeller shaft for rotation within the liquid The edges of the impeller vanes are extended by an axial groove which intercepts the hub and the vanes of the impeller head. Extension of the trailing edge of the vanes creates greater turbulence in the liquid as the impeller is rotated in the liquid and increases the impeller's efficiency. The impeller vanes may also have canted leading surfaces which create an upward axial flow of liquid to discourage formation of a surface vortex. Multiple impellers may also be mounted on a shaft in the vessel and the gas may be introduced remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventors: Charles E. Eckert, Nicholas G. Walker
  • Patent number: 5306358
    Abstract: An inert gas nitrogen mixture is used as a shielding gas to prevent weld hot cracking in superalloys containing zirconium and/or boron. The gas mixture preferably contains argon and about 2 to 8% by volume nitrogen. Test data show excellent results are obtained when gas tungsten arc welding HAYNES 214 alloy which normally contains boron and zirconium and a minimal content of titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Haynes International, Inc.
    Inventors: George Y. Lai, Robert B. H. Herchenroeder, Christopher R. Patriarca
  • Patent number: 5294268
    Abstract: A method for making a non-magnetic alloy structure. Alloy samples are for by taking three volumes V1 of host matrix material having a first susceptibility X1 and adding to each of them one of three volumes V2, V3 and V4 of a magnetically compensating material having a second opposite susceptibility X2. The volume V3 is chosen so that (V1)(X1) =(V3)(X2). The volumes V2 and V4 are chosen so that V3/V1-V2/V1 is equal to 0.299 percent and V4/V1-V3/V1 is equal to 0.531 percent. The magnetizations of the alloy samples are determined and ploted as a function of their volume percentages. A volume percentage V5/V1 is determined from the plot, such that the volume percentage, V5/V1, has zero magnetization. This volume percentage V5/V1 is used to make nonmagnetic alloy structures having this volume percentage V5/V1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Joseph L. Abita
  • Patent number: 5284620
    Abstract: A TiAl alloy base melt including at least one of Cr, C, Ga, Mo, Mn, Nb, Ni Si, Ta, V and W and at least about 0.5 volume % boride dispersoids is investment cast to form a crack-free, net or near-net shape article having a gamma TiAl intermetallic-containing matrix with a grain size of about 10 to about 250 microns as a result of the presence of the boride dispersoids in the melt. As hot isostatically pressed and heat treated to provide an equiaxed grain structure, the article exhibits improved strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Howmet Corporation
    Inventor: Donald E. Larsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5279349
    Abstract: A process for casting an amorphous alloy member comprising the steps of preparing a molten metal from an amorphous alloy composition having a relationship of Tg<Tx between the crystallization temperature Tx and the glass transition temperature Tg, pouring the molten metal into a casting mold, and maintaining the molten metal under a pressed condition until the temperature of the molten metal is brought from a temperature in a molten state to a temperature between the crystallization temperature Tx and approximately the glass transition temperature Tg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Horimura
  • Patent number: 5248477
    Abstract: A method for producing a high purity magnesium alloy is disclosed in which the alloying components are introduced in the molten state into molten magnesium. In accordance with the process of the invention, a predetermined amount of primary magnesium is heated and melted in a crucible. Predetermined amounts of desired alloying metals are selected and heated to their melting temperature in a separate crucible. The molten alloying metals are then introduced into the molten magnesium to substantially instantaneously alloy with the molten magnesium in a reaction raising the temperature of the melt. Elemental manganese when first alloyed with other alloying metals prior to its addition to the molten magnesium is found to consistently be more effective in reducing the iron impurity level of the melt to a level below 50 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: William G. Green, Harvey L. King, Vladimir Petrovich, James E. Hillis, William E. Mercer, II
  • Patent number: 5246508
    Abstract: A uniform composite of hypermonotectic composition and a method for producing the same wherein the composition has a plurality of aligned and constrained fibers therein. These fibers serve to uniformly distribute L.sub.11 from the reaction L.sub.I .fwdarw.S.sub.I +L.sub.II.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventor: Richard N. Grugal
  • Patent number: 5238646
    Abstract: A method for making a light metal-rare earth metal alloy comprises adding a pellet to a substantially flux-free bath of molten light metal, said pellet including a mixture of rare earth metal-containing compound and one or more light metal powders. On a preferred basis, such mixtures comprise scandium oxide, up to about 10 wt. % aluminum powder and a substantial majority of magnesium powder, all of which are substantially similar in median particle size. This mixture is preferably compacted under a pressure of about 7 kpsi or more, then added to a bath of molten magnesium or molten aluminum to make magnesium-scandium, magnesium-aluminum-scandium, or aluminum-magnesium-scandium alloys therefrom. There is further disclosed a method for making an alloy containing about 7-12 wt. % lithium, about 2-7 wt. % aluminum, about 0.4-2 wt. % scandium, up to about 2 wt. % zinc and up to about 1 wt. % manganese, the balance magnesium and impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Gary P. Tarcy, Thomas M. Gavasto, Rebecca K. Wyss, T. David Burleigh
  • Patent number: 5226946
    Abstract: In the melting of one or successive alloy charges including one or more volatile alloying elements, each alloy charge is melted in a melting vessel under an inert gas partial pressure effective to reduce volatilization, migration and condensation of the volatile alloying elements and build-up of condensate deposits of the volatile elements on cool regions of the melting vessel and melting chamber where the deposits constitute inclusion precursors that can eventually enter successive charges melted in the vessel. Wetting of the crucible by the melt is also reduced by the gas partial pressure. The incidence of inclusions found in castings produced from the successive melts is thereby reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Howmet Corporation
    Inventors: Randall S. Diehm, Robert N. Weerstra, Blake K. Zuidema
  • Patent number: 5219522
    Abstract: A method of producing a substance utilizing an agravic effect, and an apparatus for carrying out the same. A container (3, 55, 65) containing materials for producing a substance is revolved about a horizontal axis, at least while a process of producing the substance is in progress, so as to meet an inequality: ##EQU1## where (radian/sec) is the angular velocity of the container, g (mm/s.sup.2) is gravitational acceleration, r (mm) is the distance between a unit mass and an axis of rotation of the container rotating about its own axis to generate a residual centrifugal force acting on the unit mass, and x is the upper limit of the ratio between centrifugal force acting on the unit mass at each cycle and the terrestrial gravity (gravitational acceleration g).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Masao Kubota
  • Patent number: 5217816
    Abstract: A method is taught for the in-situ precipitation of ceramic materials in a metal matrix. By means of the solvent assisted reaction, metal-ceramic composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. The invention involves the reaction of the ceramic forming constituents in a metal solvent medium to provide very finely-dispersed ceramic particles in the metal matrix. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Brupbacher, Leontios Christodoulou, Dennis C. Nagle
  • Patent number: 5213148
    Abstract: A solidified amorphous alloy material is produced from a melt of its desired metal material. A melt feeding route is provided with a first-stage quenching zone. The melt is quenched to a predetermined temperature in the first-stage quenching zone. The thus-quenched melt is then introduced into a second-stage quenching and solidification zone, whereby the melt is cooled further and solidified into a solidified material having an amorphous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Teikoku Piston Ring Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyo Aluminum K.K., Yoshida Kogyo, K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Hitoshi Yamaguchi, Noriaki Matsumoto, Yutaka Sato, Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5205986
    Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of an aluminum-strontium master alloy suitable for use as structure refiner during the solidification of molten aluminum-silicon alloys, comprising atomizing a stream of molten alloy containing aluminum and 5 to 35% by weight of strontium and collecting atomized particles as solid material on a collecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Research Limited
    Inventors: Jan Noordegraaf, Piet Krahmer, Martin Donnelly
  • Patent number: 5205981
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for producing a solid-liquid metal mixture in which non-dendritic primary solid particles are dispersed into the remaining liquid matrix through electromagnetic induction system, a core member is arranged inside a cooling agitation tank provided with an electromagnetic induction coil therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Rheo-Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Fujikawa, Yuji Yoshikawa, Katsuhiro Takebayashi
  • Patent number: 5188678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making metal ceramic composites and the metal ceramic compositions and articles made therefrom, especially net-shaped articles having a wide variety of applications.The present invention involves preparing a combustion synthesis mixture comprising at least one substance containing a combustible mixture of powders and at least one low-melting metal, forming this mixture into a desired final shape in a die, and carrying out a combustion synthesis therewith. Ceramic or metallic reinforcements may be incorporated in the combustion synthesis.The present invention allows the control of porosity in the resultant composite compositions and can result in composites having high toughness characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: University of Cincinnati
    Inventors: Jainagesh A. Sekhar, Sarit B. Bhaduri, Hung P. Li, Necip S. Canarslan
  • Patent number: 5183515
    Abstract: A fibrous anisotropic permanent magnet is disclosed comprising fibers composed of an alloy comprising at least one of a rare earth metal selected from Nd, Pr, Dy, Ho, Tb, La, and Ce; Fe or Fe and Co; and B, said fibers having a mean diameter of from 50 to 1,000 .mu.m and exhibiting magnetic anisotropy. The fibrous anisotropy permanent magnet is prepared by extruding a molten alloy comprising at least one of Nd, Pr, Dy, Ho, Tb, La, and Ce; Fe or Fe and Co; and B in an oil to quench-solidify the molten alloy into a fibrous form.Since the fibrous magnet exhibits excellent anisotropic magnetic characteristics in the lengthwise direction of the fiber axis in the quench-solidified state, the magnet is particularly useful as a magnetic powder material for an anisotropic bond magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignees: Unitika Ltd., Mitsubishi Kasei Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Ueno, Michiaki Hagiwara, Ryoji Mishima, Kiyoshi Isoishi
  • Patent number: 5173256
    Abstract: A liquid metal matrix thermal paste comprises a dispersion of non-reacting thermally conductive particles in a low melting temperature liquid metal matrix. The particles preferably are silicon, molybdenum, tungsten or other materials which do not react with gallium at temperatures below approximately 100.degree. C. The preferred liquid metals are gallium and indium eutectic, gallium and tin eutectic and gallium, indium and tin ternary eutectic. The particles may be coated with a noble metal to minimize surface oxidation and enhance wettability of the particles. The liquid metal matrix thermal paste is used as a high thermally conducting paste in cooling high power dissipation components in conjunction with a conventional fluid cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Booth, Gary W. Grube, Peter A. Gruber, Igor Y. Khandros, Arthur R. Zingher
  • Patent number: 5167918
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for the production of aluminum-lithium alloys at low cost is disclosed which includes enclosing lithium with aluminum by means of a cold extrusion of pure lithium and melting the aluminum-sealed lithium ingots in an ambient atmospheric condition. The extrusion process can be simply performed in air as well as in an inert atmosphere at room temperature. The atmospheric melting of aluminum-lithium alloys is performed by immersing and agitating aluminum-sealed lithium ingots beneath the surface of molten aluminum with a graphite plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Agency For Defence Development
    Inventors: Myung Chul Shin, Keun Yong Sohn
  • Patent number: 5143564
    Abstract: Cast magnesium alloy parts being substantially free of microporosity and having a fine grain size are produced by addition of strontium in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1%, by weight, to the melt of the magnesium alloy, prior to casting; the addition of strontium effects a reduction in the grain size and concentrates the shrinkage microporosity, whereby the microporosity can be shifted by conventional techniques to an appendix of the casting which is subsequently removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: McGill University
    Inventors: John E. Gruzleski, Abdulcelil Aliravci
  • Patent number: 5135564
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for producing a solid-liquid metal mixture in which non-dendritic primary solid particles are dispersed into the remaining liquid matrix through electromagnetic induction system, a core member is arranged inside a cooling agitation tank provided with an electromagnetic induction coil therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Rheo-Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Fujikawa, Yuji Yoshikawa, Katsuhiro Takebayashi
  • Patent number: 5132082
    Abstract: A method for lowering the oxygen potential of an inert processing atmosphere containing a reducing gas such as hydrogen, by introducing a metal catalyst to induce reaction between the reducing gas and oxygen, which may originate from leaks into the system or from other sources. The catalyst, such as a precious metal, increases the rate of reaction between gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen to form water vapor, thereby decreasing the amount of molecular oxygen available to react with oxidizable materials exposed to the inert processing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Pennsylvania Research Corporation
    Inventors: George Simkovich, Ming-Chuan Lee
  • Patent number: 5124122
    Abstract: High strength titanium alloys containing about 45-55% by weight of titanium, about 25-45% by weight of vanadium and 10-20% by weight chromium alloys are disclosed.These latter two components are first alloyed into a master alloy before addition to the titanium resulting in reduced inclusions of vanadium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chester C. Wojcik
  • Patent number: 5120372
    Abstract: An aluminum casting alloy consisting of, by weight, of 7.0-13.0% copper, 0.4-1.2% manganese, 0.21-40% vanadium, 0.31-0.70% zirconium; impurities limited to: less than to 0.6% Si, less than 0.8% Fe, less than 0.2% zinc, less than 0.1% Mn, less than 0.2% Ni, and the remainder being essentially aluminum. There is an absence of titanium, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, chromium, boron, tantalum, and niobium. The alloy has, at room temperature, a UTS of about 61 ksi, a YS of about 49 ksi, a tensile elongation of about 6%, and tensile modulus elasticity of about 11.5 MSI, a compressive yield strength of about 53 ksi, a compressive modulus of elasticity of about 18 MSi; high temperature physical properties at 500.degree. F., after 1000 hours exposure to 500.degree. F., comprise a tensile strength of 33 ksi or greater, a tensile yield strength of 23 ksi or greater, a tensile elongation of about 9%, and tensile modulus of elasticity of 10 msi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Chia M. Yen, Walter J. Evans
  • Patent number: 5115770
    Abstract: An aluminum casting alloy consisting of, by weight, of 7.0-13.0% copper, 0.4-1.2% manganese, 0.21-0.40% vanadium, 0.31-0.70% zirconium; impurities limited to: less than to 0.6% Si, less than 0.8% Fe, less than 0.2% zinc, less than 0.1% Mn, less than 0.2% Ni, and the remainder being essentially aluminum. There is an absence of titanium, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, chromium, boron, tantalum, and niobium. The alloy has, at room temperature, a UTS of about 61 ksi, a YS of about 49 ksi, a tensile elongation of about 6%, and tensile modulus elasticity of about 11.5 MSi, a compressive yield strength of about 53 ksi, a compressive modulus of elasticity of about 18 MSi; high temperature physical properties at 500.degree. F., after 1000 hours exposure to 500.degree. F., comprise a tensile strength of 33 ksi or greater, a tensile yield strength of 23 ksi or greater, a tensile elongation of about 9%, and tensile modulus of elasticity of 10 msi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Chia M. Yen, Walter J. Evans
  • Patent number: H1184
    Abstract: A method for making uranium-tungsten alloy of high strength comprising raly chilling a molten solution of tungsten in uranium to form a ribbon. Subsequent to pulverizing and consolidation, heating effects a precipitation of tungsten in the uranium to effect significant strengthening. A strengthened uranium with 1/2-5%, by weight of tungsten is particularly useful for KE penetrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ravi Batra, Sheldon Cytron, Jerry C. LaSalle