Abstract: A closure includes a plurality of decorative display elements arranged at regular intervals around an outside surface of the closure, the decorative display elements, and gaps between the display elements, serving as engagement locations for a chuck to rotate the closure. According to one aspect of the invention, the display elements are peaked upwardly from an open bottom end of the closure, having wider base ends than distal ends, and the gap formed between the elements is tapered in a downward direction. In one embodiment, the display elements are stepped in profile having different levels of raised planes providing a three dimensional decorative display. The regularly spaced decorative elements also provide an enhanced gripping surface for the fingers of a consumer.

Abstract: An improved can end, and method for making a can end, for pressurized beverage containers with a stay on tab. The tab incorporates a raised region with a hole. The raised region is positioned to receive the vapor vented from the can upon initial lifting of the tab. The raised region and hole are sized and shaped to discharge the vapor from the region, through the hole, and into the surrounding environment, appearing as a mist or cloud. Among other configurations, the raised region can be shaped as the top half of a bubble or a crescent, and the opening can be circular or elongated.

Abstract: An inert anode for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode includes a ceramic oxide material preferably made from NiO, Fe2O3 and CoO. The inert anode composition may comprise the following mole fractions of NiO, Fe2O3 and CoO: 0.15 to 0.99 NiO; 0.0001 to 0.85 Fe2O3; and 0.0001 to 0.45 CoO. The inert anode may optionally include other oxides and/or at least one metal phase, such as Cu, Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and/or Os. The Ni—Fe—Co—O ceramic material exhibits very low solubility in Hall cell baths used to produce aluminum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a means for the surface preparation of a metal or metal alloy substrate. In the process of the present invention, a stream of a mixture of flux particles and metal particles is hurled at the substrate at velocities effective for flux adhesion to the surface. The velocities of the particle stream is adjusted so that the flux particles adhere to the surface and the metal particles bounce off the surface. At higher temperatures and velocities, the metal particles are co-deposited with the flux.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of producing an aluminum alloy sheet which, in one embodiment, includes roll casting an aluminum alloy strip having a thickness of less than about 0.5 inch and, subsequently, preferably without intervening thermal treatments or surface cleaning, cold rolling the strip to a thickness of less than about 0.15 inch, after which the cold rolled strip is subjected to thermal treatment which is preferably either continuous annealing or solution heat treatment. The aluminum alloy, in a continuous annealing embodiment, is preferably selected from the group consisting of the 3XXX and 5XXX series. In another embodiment wherein solution heat treatment is employed, the aluminum alloy is preferably selected from the group consisting of 2XXX and 6XXX. The sheet may be converted into a motor vehicle body panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the additions of alkaline earth metals, in particular strontium and optionally combinations with other metals, to aluminum and aluminum alloys to improve the appearance of, eliminate surface imperfections, and reduce the surface oxidation of the as-cast ingots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a means for the surface preparation of a metal or metal alloy substrate. In the process of the present invention, a stream of a mixture of flux particles and metal particles is hurled at the substrate at velocities effective for flux adhesion to the surface. The velocities of the particle stream is adjusted so that the flux particles adhere to the surface and the metal particles bounce off the surface. At higher temperatures and velocities, the metal particles are co-deposited with the flux.

Abstract: A rolling mill stand having a pair of side shiftable rolls defining a roll gap profile therebetween varying along the length of the rolls according to a sixth order polynomial equation. The flatness of the strip exiting the rolling mill stand is controlled by determining the temperature profile of the rolls and adjusting the side shift positions of the rolls to compensate for the expansion of the rolls due to changes in the temperature of the rolls.

Abstract: A single hull or doubled hull boat manufactured from stretch formed aluminum alloy. Alloys of the AA 6000 series alloys are particularly suited for forming of small to medium sized water vessels.

Abstract: A single-piece slider device for use with resealable closure mechanisms having a first closure profile and a second closure profile is provided. The slider device includes a rigid top wall, at least a first plow for separating the first and second closure profiles, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The first and second sidewalls each have an inner surface, an outer surface, a bottom edge, and a length. The first sidewall has a first flex point arranged and configured to allow the first sidewall to flex at the first flex point. The second sidewall has a second flex point arranged and configured to allow the second sidewall to flex at the second flex point. The flexpoints can be notches on the outer portions or inner portions of the sidewalls, between the top wall and the sidewalls, or between the sidewalls and the bottom portions. The top wall can have depending tabs to help align the slider device with the profiles.

Abstract: A coupling for an inert electrode for refining a metal is provided. The coupling includes an electrode assembly and an electrically conductive support structure assembly. The support structure assembly includes a mechanical connection and an electrical connection which are in spaced relation. The mechanical connection holds the electrical connection in compression.

Abstract: A chemical delacquering composition, process and system for delacquering substrates such as aluminum scrap in which an aqueous solution containing at least one short-chain organic acid, preferably a mixture of two short-chain organic acids, and optional components such as surfactants, are contacted onto the substrate(s) with application of heat and agitation. The invention embraces the use of one or more organic acids (carboxylic acids) having a total of 2-12 carbons, preferably 3-8 carbons. Concentration of organic acid by weight ranges from about 0.5-8% per at least one organic acid, or preferably 2-4% for each organic acid component assuming two organic acid components are present. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, about 2-4% each of citric and lactic acids are present in the delacquering composition. Processing temperatures range from 160-212° F., preferably 180-212° F., and most preferably 185-212° F.

Abstract: A method of producing commercial purity aluminum in an electrolytic reduction cell comprising inert anodes is disclosed. The method produces aluminum having acceptable levels of Fe, Cu and Ni impurities. The inert anodes used in the process preferably comprise a cermet material comprising ceramic oxide phase portions and metal phase portions.

Abstract: An inert anode for production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode comprises a base metal selected from Cu and Ag, and at least one noble metal selected from Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and Os. The inert anode may optionally be formed of sintered particles having interior portions containing more base metal than noble metal and exterior portions containing more noble metal than base metal. In a preferred embodiment, the base metal comprises Cu, and the noble metal comprises Ag, Pd or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A stretch wrapped and roped package for heavy loads such as cylindrical coils of metal, paper or the like that includes a skid supporting the load. A friction layer on the top of the skid and another friction layer on the bottom of the load which is covered by an overwrap of protective material such as plastic or paper. The skid is especially designed to reduce risk of damage to the stretch wrap roping that holds the skid onto the bottom of the load.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making lithium-containing aluminum base alloy extrusion having at least a section thereof having a low aspect ratio or which is generally axisymmetrical, the extrusions having improved properties in sections thereof having the low aspect ratio or which are axisymmetrical. The method comprises providing a body of a lithium-containing aluminum alloy, pressing a portion of the body which is to form the axisymmetrical or low aspect ratio section through a tortuous path and extruding an axisymmetrical or a low aspect ratio extrusion section. The axisymmetrical or low aspect ratio section of the extrusion has a tensile strength of at least 60 ksi and an ultimate yield strength at least 4.5 ksi greater than the tensile yield strength.

Abstract: A thin wall metal can is described having a converging neck portion and cylindrical chimney with a threaded sleeve encircling the chimney and restrained from rotation on the chimney by splines on an inner surface of the sleeve firmly engaged against an outwardly projecting shoulder on the can between the neck portion and chimney. The sleeve receives a threaded closure for closing and sealing the can.

Abstract: Thin wall metal cans are described having threaded necks attached thereto for receiving threaded closure to seal contents in the cans. Techniques for forming such threaded cans are also provided.

Abstract: A method for impressing holographic images or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans. The surfaces of metal shims and print rolls bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal objects with clarity and consistency.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal matrix composite containing electrically isolated areas and the MMC formed from the method. The method comprises: (a) providing a liquid pool of unreinforced aluminum alloy; (b) infiltrating the unreinforced aluminum alloy into a stack comprising upper and lower porous preforms and an electrical insulator material placed between the preforms; (c) solidifying the liquid-phase metal to form a metal matrix composite product that completely surrounds the stack; and (d) forming at least one groove in the solidified metal, the groove extending downward to the insulating substrate so as to electrically isolate at least one region on the surface of the metal matrix composite.