Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for forming a hydrophobic and highly oleophilic coating on an aluminum surface which comprises treating the aluminum surface under aqueous alkaline conditions with a long chain aliphatic carboxylic acid (or an equivalent carboxylate compound), such as isostearic acid, which has one or more short secondary alkyl groups on or near the nonpolar end of the carboxylate compound. The coating can be formed by treating the surface with an aqueous alkaline solution which contains the carboxylic acid or the coating can be formed by mechanically deforming or upsetting the aluminum surface to expose a fresh aluminum surface to a carboxylic acid (or its equivalent) and a compound which generates alkaline conditions on the aluminum surface. In the latter instance, the carboxylic acid and alkaline compound is preferably incorporated into a metal-working lubricant used to facilitate deformation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the formation of a hydrophobic and usually oleophilic coating on an aluminum surface by mechanically deforming or upsetting the aluminum surface to disrupt the natural oxide coating in the presence of alkaline agents and a long chain aliphatic carboxylic acid or other equivalent long chain aliphatic carboxylate compounds. Preferably, the carboxylic acid and alkaline agent are incorporated into a metal-working lubricant which is maintained on the aluminum surface during fabrication, such as rolling, so that the hydrophobic coating is formed simultaneously with fabrication and thereby avoid the necessity of a separate coating operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of pretreating an aluminum surface for the resistance welding thereof wherein an oxide coating is formed on the aluminum surface having a controlled electrical resistance and then the oxidized surface is stabilized by treatment with a hot aqueous alkaline solution containing long chain carboxylic acids.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding refractory hard metal materials such as TiB.sub.2 wherein aluminum carbide is formed in situ at the interface between the refractory hard metal and a substrate. The bond formation is greatly accelerated by passing an electrical current across the interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an efficient, salt-free method of recovering metallic aluminum from furnace skim wherein the skim is tumbled for a short period in a rotary furnace at a temperature between 1200.degree. and 1500.degree. F (649.degree.-816.degree. C) to separate the molten aluminum from the oxide portion of the skim. Preferably, after molten aluminum is drained from the rotary furnace, the spent skim is rapidly cooled by adding a relatively cool pebbly or granular material to facilitate the discharge and disposal thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of pretreating an aluminum surface for the application of paint, adhesives and the like comprising subjecting the surface to the high temperature action of an alkaline solution containing a nonionic or anionic surface active wetting agent which retards the etching of the aluminum surface by the caustic solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and system for controlling the temperature of an electrocoating bath wherein the bath is passed through a heat exchanger wherein the heat exchange surfaces in contact with the bath do not exceed 180.degree. F.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an Al-Mg alloy product containing about 0.75-5% aluminide forming transition elements, such as iron, cobalt and nickel. After cold working, the alloy product readily recrystallizes at elevated temperatures to an average grain size less than 15 microns, usually 11 microns or less to provide high mechanical properties and a degree of superplasticity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the feeding of finely divided particulate matter in a fluidized state from a source to a plurality of discharge points wherein discrete quantities of particulate matter are discharged by suitable feeding devices. In more detail, the invention comprises a primary air activated gravity conveyor and a plurality of secondary air activated gravity conveyors leading away from the primary conveyor to direct particulate matter to the feeding units associated with each secondary conveyor. The primary and secondary conveyors are maintained full of fluidized particulate matter at all times.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the electrocoating of metal products and in particular is directed to the treatment of continuous aluminum sheet or strip to form a chromium phosphate type conversion coating thereon, subsequently electrocoating the sheet or strip, applying a top coat and then curing both the electrocoated film and the top coat. The electrocoated sheet or strip exhibits superior coating adhesion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic casting apparatus having an annular coolant jacket wherein a ring-type electromagnetic inductor is employed as the innermost wall of the coolant jacket and the inductor is preferably provided with conduits to direct coolant from within the coolant jacket onto the metal being cast.

Abstract: This invention relates to the formation of a hydrophobic and usually oleophilic coating on an aluminum surface by treating the aluminum surface with an aqueous alkaline solution containing long chain aliphatic carboxylic acids, alkali metal salts or ammonium salts of such acids or other long chain aliphatic compounds which generate a long chain carboxylate anion in an alkaline solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for accurately feeding discrete quantities of pulverulent material in a repetitive manner. The invention is advantageously employed in feeding particulate matter to a gas-solids contacting apparatus which is under positive pressure and particularly such apparatus which treat the fluoride containing off-gases from an aluminum reduction cell with particulate alumina to remove fluorides from such off-gases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating tar and fluoride laden gases for the removal of tar and fluorides therefrom, particularly the cell off-gases from a Soderberg reduction cell, an anode baking furnace and the like wherein reduction-grade alumina is entrained in the tar and fluoride laden gases and then this mixture is passed through a foraminous plate above which is maintained a turbulent mass of alumina.

Abstract: An electromagnetic casting apparatus wherein a ring-type inductor generates an electromagnetic field having a flux density which diminishes in intensity toward the top of the inductor to more efficiently control the shape of the molten metal within the inductor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of melting metal, particularly reactive metals, such as aluminum, wherein heated molten metal is withdrawn from a first chamber and a portion of the withdrawn molten metal is transferred to a second chamber containing solid metal so as to melt same and a portion of the withdrawn metal is recirculated to the first chamber so as to maintain melt homogenuity therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved self-centering bottom block assembly for D.C. casting. The assembly comprises a bottom block which is slidably mounted on a supporting surface and which is provided with at least two guide extensions. Positioned below the D.C. mold are at least two recessed guide surfaces, the lower portion of which converges in the direction of the discharge end of the mold. The horizontal and rotational movement of the bottom block is restricted so as to ensure the insertion of the guide extensions into the recess defined by the guide surfaces and thereby guide the bottom block into the mold bore without contacting the mold body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of degassing prealloyed aluminum powder or compacts formed therefrom wherein the metal products are degassed by being subjected to a temperature between 450.degree. and 850.degree.F at a pressure less than 10.sup.-.sup.3 torr. The products of this process are characterized by high strength and fracture toughness and excellent corrosion resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved bottom block design for the D.C. casting of large aluminum rolling ingots wherein vertical extending, pyramid shaped projections are provided at the corners of the generally rectangularly shaped bottom block. Significant reductions in dish-shaped butt cracks and corner cold folds are found with the present design.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a horizontal casting apparatus having an improved mold mounting means which facilitates alignment of the mold with an ingot or billet support surface adjacent the discharge end of the mold.