Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Glenn E. Klepac
  • Insulating material containing delaminated vermiculite
    Patent number: 4897294
    Abstract: An asbestos-free insulating material suitable for use as a header in molten metal casting. The material is made from a dry mixture comprising lime, siliceous component, delaminated vermiculite or spodumene or lithium aluminate or mixtures thereof, and optionally, wollastonite and organic fiber. The dry mixture is mixed with water to form a slurry, shaped, heated in the presence of steam, and dried to remove free water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Stephen C. Libby, G. Edward Graddy, Jr.
  • Economical process for alpha alumina production
    Patent number: 4847064
    Abstract: A process for making alpha alumina particles wherein a Bayer process caustic aluminate solution is treated with both alumina hydrate seed material and alpha alumina promoter particles to precipitate alumina hydrate particles. The precipitated particles are separated from the solution and then dried and calcined to produced alpha alumina particles. Addition of promoter particles in the precipitation step lowers the calcination temperture necessary to produce alpha alumina and results in smaller sized crystallites in the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Alan Pearson
  • Metalworking lubricant composition containing propoxylated fatty alcohol
    Patent number: 4830768
    Abstract: A metalworking lubricant composition comprising a propoxylated fatty alcohol; a carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid ester, or mixture of said acid and said ester; and water. The composition demonstrates a reduced tendency to form soap and sludge and to increase in viscosity compared with prior art lubricant compositions containing mineral oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Ronald A. Reich, Ronald P. Festa
  • Producing alpha alumina particles with pressurized acidic steam
    Patent number: 4822592
    Abstract: Alumina particles having average particle size of about 1-20 microns are converted to alpha alumina in a steam-fluidized bed maintained at about 380.degree.-600.degree. C. and a pressure greater than about 1000 psig. Acidifying the steam reduces average crystallite size of the product and lowers content of some impurities. A preferred product is alpha alumina having an average crystallite size of less than about 0.2 micron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Chanakya Misra
  • Process for preparing stabilized high cristobalite
    Patent number: 4818729
    Abstract: A process for preparing a stabilized high cristobalite from a gel comprising ultramicroscopic particles of SiO.sub.2, Na.sub.2 O, and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 where the ratio of moles of Na.sub.2 O to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is from about 0.95 to about 1.1, and the molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is between about 10 and about 40. After the gel is formed, it is heated at 800-1400.degree. C. for a time sufficient to form stabilized high cristobalite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Anthony J. Perrotta, Donald K. Grubbs, Edward S. Martin
  • Container body having improved gas barrier properties
    Patent number: 4809876
    Abstract: A container body for foods and beverages having reduced gas and vapor permeability. The container body is preferably formed from a plastic resin and coated with a thin film of diamond-like carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Tomaswick, Alfred F. LaCamera
  • Method for removing acids from organophosphate functional fluids
    Patent number: 4808742
    Abstract: A method for reducing the acidity and moisture content of used organophosphate functional fluids. The used functional fluid is contacted with a solid composite adsorbent and then separated from the adsorbent. The composite adsorbent is preferably a powder having an average particle size of about 20-500 microns and total pore volume of at least about 0.40 cm.sup.3 /g and it comprises about 40-90 wt % alumina and about 10-60 wt % Y zeolite wherein the molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is about 4.5-6.0. The adsorbent is produced by agglomerating particles of activated alumina and Y zeolite into a composite agglomerate, aging the agglomerate, activating at an elevated temperature, and then comminuting to form a powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Hubert L. Fleming
  • Forming clear gel and transparent film by reacting alumina hydrate with vinyl alcohol-vinyl acetate copolymer
    Patent number: 4785049
    Abstract: A stable gel is formed by reacting alumina hydrate sol and a vinyl alcohol-vinyl acetate copolymer in an aqueous solution having pH less than about 7 to form a polymeric sol and then transforming the sol to a gel. The copolymer preferably comprises polyvinyl acetate that is about 85-99% hydrolyzed. The gel is drawn into a thin layer and water is removed to form a thin, substantially crack-free film. The film makes a stable, generally transparent insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Willy M. Balaba, Gary J. DiFranco
  • Surface treating mineral particles to reduce halide adsorption
    Patent number: 4781982
    Abstract: Mineral particles are surface treated with an alkali metal silicate, hydrogen peroxide, an acid, or an organophosphorus compound. A preferred surface treating method utilizes sodium silicate in aqueous solution at pH greater than 9, followed by neutralization with acid to precipitate a silica coating onto surface portions of the particles. The mineral particles are preferably alumina particles. The surface-treated alumina particles may be incorporated into fluoride dentifrices or compounded with halogenated hydrocarbons and polymeric resins to form flame-retardant polymer compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Musselman, Larry F. Wieserman
  • Metalworking lubricant comprising an oil-in-water microemulsion
    Patent number: 4781848
    Abstract: A metalworking lubricant comprising an oil-in-water microemulsion and containing about 1-30 wt % natural or synthetic oil; about 0.5-30 wt % of a water-soluble surfactant, preferably a nonionic surfactant; about 1-20 wt % of an organic consurfactant, preferably 1,2-octanediol; and about 45-97.5 wt % water containing less than about 1 wt % dissolved inorganic salts. The lubricant is suitable for various metalworking methods, including hot rolling and cold rolling of aluminum and aluminum alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Girma Biresaw, Ronald A. Reich, John Bohaychick, Ronald P. Festa
  • Lyotropic liquid crystal metalworking lubricant composition
    Patent number: 4781849
    Abstract: A metalworking lubricant comprising about 1-20 wt % natural or synthetic oil; about 0.5-30 wt % of a water-soluble surfactant, preferably a nonionic surfactant; about 1-20 wt % of an organic cosurfactant, preferably 1,2-octanediol; and about 50-97.5 wt % water containing less than about 1 wt % dissolved inorganic salts. The lubricant is preferably a lyotropic liquid crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Girma Biresaw, Ronald P. Festa
  • Parting composition comprising glycerol trioleate and vegetable oil
    Patent number: 4775418
    Abstract: A parting composition useful for continuously casting aluminum and aluminum alloys and comprising glycerol trioleate and a vegetable oil. Mixtures of glycerol trioleate with castor oil have superior properties compared with parting compositions previously used for continuous ingot casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Joseph T. Laemmle, John Bohaychick, Willie Lansdale
  • Casting aluminum alloys with a mold header comprising delaminated vermiculite
    Patent number: 4773470
    Abstract: A process for continuous direct chill casting of aluminum alloys, particularly aluminum-lithium alloys. The molten alloy is cast in a mold containing a header comprising delaminated vermiculite or spodumene or lithium aluminate. The header preferably comprises delaminated vermiculite blended with wollastonite, lime, silica, and wood fiber. The mixture is slurried with water, molded into shape, compressed to expel water, steam cured, and dried. The header forms ingots of good quality and has excellent resistance to attack by molten aluminum-lithium alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Stephen C. Libby, G. Edward Graddy, Jr.
  • Adsorbent for HCl comprising alumina and acid-treated Y zeolite
    Patent number: 4762537
    Abstract: A composite HCl adsorbent comprising about 50-95 wt % alumina and about 5-50 wt % Y zeolite wherein the molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is about 4.5-6.0. The adsorbent is produced by admixing particles of alumina and acid-treated Y zeolite, agglomerating, aging and activating. The activated composite adsorbent has improved dynamic adsorption behavior for HCl compared with both the alumina and Y zeolite starting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Hubert L. Fleming, Kenneth P. Goodboy, Emmanuel K. Saforo
  • Composite adsorbent for removing acids from organophosphate functional fluids
    Patent number: 4751211
    Abstract: A composite adsorbent useful for reducing the acidity and moisture content of used organophosphate functional fluids. The adsorbent is a powder having an average particle size of about 20-500 microns and total pore volume of at least about 0.40 cm.sup.3 /g and it comprises about 40-90 wt % alumina and about 10-60 wt % Y zeolite wherein the molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is about 4.5-6.0. The adsorbent is preferably produced by agglomerating particles of activated alumina and Y zeolite into a composite agglomerate, aging the agglomerate and then comminuting to form a powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Hubert L. Fleming
  • Process for removal of trihalocarbons from water
    Patent number: 4725361
    Abstract: Water contaminated with a trihalocarbon is passed through a first or second bed containing particles of an activated composite adsorbent comprising alumina and zeolite. The trihalocarbon is adsorbed onto the particles, thereby reducing trihalocarbon concentration in the water. The adsorbed trihalocarbon is reacted with air or steam at an elevated temperature in order to regenerate the adsorbent particles for reuse. Gaseous HCl produced in the reaction with air or steam may be adsorbed in a third bed containing adsorbent agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Hubert L. Fleming
  • Reacting alumina hydrate sol and an organic material to form a stable monolithic gel
    Patent number: 4714567
    Abstract: A stable monolithic gel produced by reacting an alumina hydrate sol with an organic reactant selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylic acids having esterified acid groups, anhydrides of polycarboxylic acids, and water-soluble cationic or neutral polyacrylamides. A particularly preferred gel is made by reacting an alumina monohydrate sol with dimethyl oxalate. The preferred monolithic gel remains transparent or slightly cloudy upon storage with little syneresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Max E. Roha
  • Combination of surface modifiers for powdered inorganic fillers
    Patent number: 4711673
    Abstract: A filler composition containing at least two surface modifiers and comprising a powdered inorganic filler, a carboxylic acid or mixture of carboxylic acids and an organosilane. A preferred filler composition comprises alumina trihydrate, isostearic acid and vinyl-tris (2-methoxyethoxy) silane. When filler compositions containing both the carboxylic acid and organosilane surface modifiers are blended with thermoplastic resins to form thermoplastic compounds, the resulting filled compounds display improved physical properties compared with controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Musselman, Thomas L. Levendusky
  • Control system for positioning and operating a pneumatic percussion tool
    Patent number: 4702324
    Abstract: A control system controlling the movements of a pneumatic percussion tool for breaking crust away from anode butts in an electrolysis cell. The system comprises a control arm extending through first and second plates connected to respective first and second valve stems. In a preferred embodiment, the first valve stem operates a hydraulic scissors jack for extending and retracting the tool, and the second valve stem operates a hydraulic rotator motor for radially rotating a mast supporting the tool. A preferred system also comprises a pneumatic control valve connected to the control arm for positioning and energizing the percussion tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Dale R. Peinecke, Casimir B. Robak, Jr., Robert A. Dubs
  • Process for welding aluminum articles
    Patent number: 4674672
    Abstract: Metal articles are press-fitted together, using a lubricant dispersion comprising about 1-15 wt % colloidal graphite in isopropanol. The isopropanol is removed and the articles are then welded together at a joint to form a unitary weldment. The process is especially suitable for use on articles made from aluminum and aluminum alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: AlcoTec Wire Co.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Anderson