Patents Represented by Attorney William J. O'Rourke
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Patent number: 5725046Abstract: The caster includes a pair of movable opposed belts, each of the belts having a casting surface and a pair of movable opposed dam blocks including a plurality of dam blocks having one end mounted to an orbiting support and a casting surface opposite the mounted end. The casting surfaces of the belts and the casting surfaces of the dam blocks define a bar casting zone for solidifying the molten metal into metallic bar. The caster also includes cooling bars for cooling the belts while the belts pass through the bar casting zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1994Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Adam J. Sartschev, Joshua C. Liu
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Patent number: 5669436Abstract: A composite metallurgical product includes a roll cast aluminum alloy core and a filler material bonded on the core. Assemblies joined by filler material are formed from this product by heating to flow the filler material into joints and subsequent solidification of the filler material in the joints. The composite product is made in several ways, including lamination at roll caster rolls, and lamination or thermal spraying at the exit side of a roll caster. The invention additionally provides for an angulation rolling method for varying percent of cladding on the composite, and a high-manganese aluminum alloy useful as core material in brazing sheet clad with aluminum-silicon brazing alloy.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Kevin S. Papich, Ronald Bachowski, Stephen F. Baumann, Robert A. Cargnel, Gerald E. Carkin, Donald J. Clements, Ronald W. Gunkel, William H. Hoffman, Larry G. McKinney, A. Victor Pajerski, John J. Palko, Edward P. Patrick, Jr., Stephen J. Rennekamp, Philip C. Scheble, William R. Sharkins, Frank P. Swigon, William G. Truckner
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Patent number: 5532447Abstract: A method of cleaning an aluminum surface includes treating the surface by cold plasma process employing a mixture of about 30 to 70 percent oxygen by volume and about 30 to 70 percent freon by volume and preferably about 40 to 60 percent by volume of each constituent gas. Performance is enhanced by employing particular wattage and flow rates. The process also produces a water wettable surface and a hydration resistant surface. The process will effect such conversions without substantial etching of the aluminum surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1993Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: John H. Powers
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Patent number: 5477912Abstract: A roll for use in a belt caster. The roll has a plurality of axial segments, at least one of which can be adjusted to compensate for transverse distortions in the belt. Generally uniform tension is maintained transversely in the belt so that the belt remains generally planar in the portion that contacts the molten metal that is cast in the belt caster.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1993Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Lawrence W. Cisko, Albert C. Wang, S. John Pien, Adam J. Sartschev
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Patent number: 5476725Abstract: A composite metallurgical product includes a roll cast aluminum alloy core and a filler material bonded on the core. Assemblies joined by filler material are formed from this product by heating to flow the filler material into joints and subsequent solidification of the filler material in the joints. The composite product is made in several ways, including lamination at roll caster rolls, and lamination or thermal spraying at the exit side of a roll caster. The invention additionally provides for an angulation rolling method for varying percent of cladding on the composite, and a high-manganese aluminum alloy useful as core material in brazing sheet clad with aluminum-silicon brazing alloy.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1992Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Kevin S. Papich, Ronald Bachowski, Stephen F. Baumann, Robert A. Cargnel, Gerald E. Carkin, Donald J. Clements, Ronald W. Gunkel, William W. Hoffman, Larry G. McKinney, A. Victor Pajerski, John P. Palko, Edward P. Patrick, Jr., Stephen J. Rennekamp, Philip C. Scheble, William R. Sharkins, Frank P. Swigon, William G. Truckner
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Patent number: 5351852Abstract: A drawn container is disclosed having a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from an integral base portion to form an open neck which is double seamed with a top end closure. The base portion has a downwardly extending, generally U-shaped, circumferential nose portion, the outside surface of which defines the plane of the base of the container on which the container normally sets. The nose portion is defined by a radius between a substantially vertical inner wall and an outside wall. The outside wall extends from a lower portion of the sidewall through a convex lower body radius to a concave profile radius disposed above the nose portion. A frustoconical portion is provided between the convex lower body radius and the concave profile radius. The frustoconical portion forms a lower body angle of at least 30.degree. with respect to the plane of the base of the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1991Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Andrew B. Trageser, Gary L. Myers, Hans H. Diekhoff
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Apparatus for nondestructively determining coating thickness on a metal object and associated method
Patent number: 5281819Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method for nondestructively determining the thickness of a coating on a metal surface, such as the interior of a can. An object securing device holds the object being inspected. The inspection device includes a probe. Positioning apparatus is employed to permit insertion of the probe into inspecting relationship which in the case of a can would involve partial insertion of the probe into the can. A first section is inspected and sequentially through relative rotational and/or translational movement of the object being inspected additional portions of the object such as can ends may be inspected. A light beam is caused to impinge upon the section of the object being inspected and returned fluorescent light received by a detector positioned within the probe cooperates with processing means to determine the coating thickness. The system permits accurate determinations of coating thickness even when the metal surface has irregularities.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1991Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Richard G. Keffert, M. Jonell Kerkhoff, James E. Smous, Richard G. Keffert -
Patent number: 5262198Abstract: A method of producing a carbon coated ceramic membrane including passing a selected hydrocarbon vapor through a ceramic membrane and controlling ceramic membrane exposure temperature and ceramic membrane exposure time. The method produces a carbon coated ceramic membrane of reduced pore size and modified surface properties having increased chemical, thermal and hydrothermal stability over an uncoated ceramic membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1991Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Paul K. T. Liu, George R. Gallaher, Jeffrey C. S. Wu
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Patent number: 5242073Abstract: This invention provides a closure cap and cap assembly for substantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container closure having an opening therein circumscribed by a substantially smooth sealing surface thereon. The closure cap includes a sealing portion releasably engageable in surrounding gas-tight sealing relation with the sealing surface on the container closure. The sealing portion comprises elastic portions circumferentially spaced by a plurality of radially extending less elastic portions. The cap assembly of this invention may be anchored to the end wall of a container closure.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1991Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: W. Coy Willis, Scott C. Biondich
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Patent number: 5124191Abstract: A panel consisting of a first metallic sheet and a second plastic rigidifying sheet, such as a synthetic resin. The plastic sheet is adhered to the metallic sheet and is integrally molded into a plurality of irregular inverted cup-shaped elements. The cup-shaped elements are arranged to provide the sheet with the desired strength and stiffness and to accommodate components over which it is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Dinesh Seksaria
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Patent number: 5121851Abstract: An improved easy open can end construction for resealable easy open beverage cans having a hinged and inwardly depressible opening panel defined by an involuted spiro-circular score line having an initial portion that at least partially encircles a pressure application zone, an intermediate portion that continually recedes therefrom and an end portion of circular configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1990Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Jay W. Lyon, Scott C. Biondich, James M. Holthaus, Frank E. Maier
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Patent number: 5059056Abstract: An extruded node is disclosed comprising a longitudinally extending substantially hollow core and at least one longitudinally extending, hollow flange, extending outwardly of and integral with a longitudinally extending side portion of the core. This invention also provides a joined structure wherein at least one longitudinally extending lineal member has a hollow peripheral portion defined by walls having inside surfaces adapted to mate with outside surfaces of a mating hollow flange of the extruded node. In this joined structure the peripheral portion of the lineal member is inserted over the hollow flange of the node to an extent that the outer peripheral surface of the lineal member surrounds the integral wall of the node and the outside surfaces of the sidewalls of the hollow flange and the inside surfaces of the lineal member mate along substantially the entire length and around substantially the entire perimeter of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Vinod K. Banthia, Russell S. Long, James D. Klingensmith
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Patent number: 5058408Abstract: This invention provides a method of bulging at least a portion of a sidewall of a drawn or drawn and ironed aluminum container body. The method involves an initial thermal treatment step prior to bulging. The thermal treatment is provided to that portion of the sidewall of the container that is to be bulged and is sufficient to reduce the yield strength of that portion of the sidewall about 20% without substantially adversely affecting the yield strength of the bottom wall of the container. After thermal treatment, at least a portion of the thermally treated sidewall is bulged at a circumferential strain greater than about 5% to provide container shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1991Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Charles J. Leftault, Jr., Ronald W. Gunkel, Robert A. Cargnel, E. Scott Douds
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Patent number: 5039462Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing biaxially oriented polymer sheet. This process includes the steps of introducing a polymer slab into a deformation zone defined between working surfaces of a set of working tools including a first working tool and an opposed second working tool. The polymer slab is worked in the deformation zone to reduce slab gauge, during which the polymer material being worked flows bi-directionally while the material is not restricted in the lateral direction to produce biaxially oriented polymer sheet. At least the portion of the slab being worked is at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and below the melting temperature of the polymer material. The working surface of at least one working tool in the deformation zone is ultrasonically excited during working of the polymer slab.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1990Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Robert J. Chilko, Paul T. Wang
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Patent number: 4991735Abstract: An end shell for a container, as well as a method and an apparatus for making the same, is provided, comprising a central wall and an annular groove around and below the general plane of the central wall. The annular groove is defined inwardly by a panel wall integrally connected to the central wall and outwardly by a chuckwall which extends upwardly beyond the general plane of the central wall and outwardly therefrom to form an outwardly projecting peripheral flange. The panel wall is disposed at an angle of less than ninety degrees from the general plane of the central wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Scott C. Biondich
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Patent number: 4991732Abstract: This invention relates to an improved can end construction for carbonated beverage cans having a score line defined opening panel incorporated in a selectively contoured pouring spout configuration for accommodation of an automatic pressure releasing resealing cap assembly engageable therewith.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Robert L. La Barge, Thomas P. Grzybek
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Patent number: 4988399Abstract: A method of producing a pair of container bodies. A cylindrical, hollow preform of a thermoplastic polymer material having a cylindrical body having a sidewall and an opened neck finish on each longitudinal end of the preform is provided. The preform is heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer and below the melting temperature of the polymer, and is stretched. The preform is stretched longitudinally by applying force to at least one of the ends, and is stretched transversely by introducing fluid pressure into the preform sufficient to form a stretch blown component having a first neck at one end and a second neck at the other end, and a body portion between the necks. The stretch blown component is separated transversely through the body to provide two container bodies, each having a neck finish corresponding dimensionally with the respective neck finish on the preform from which the container bodies are stretch-blown.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1989Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Martin J. Watson, Thomas L. Levendusky
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Patent number: 4988230Abstract: An extruded node is disclosed comprising a longitudinally extending substantially hollow core and at least one longitudinally extending, hollow flange, extending outwardly of and integral with a longitudinally extending side portion of the core. This invention also provides a joined structure wherein at least one longitudinally extending lineal member has a hollow peripheral portion defined by walls having inside surfaces adapted to mate with outside surfaces of a mating hollow flange of the extruded node. In this joined structure the peripheral portion of the lineal member is inserted over the hollow flange of the node to an extent that the outer peripheral surface of the lineal member surrounds the integral wall of the node and the outside surfaces of the sidewalls of the hollow flange and the inside surfaces of the lineal member mate along substantially the entire length and around substantially the entire perimeter of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1989Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Vinod K. Banthia, Russell S. Long, James D. Klingensmith
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Patent number: 4970886Abstract: A method for stretch shaping an elongated metallic extrusion is disclosed comprising the steps of applying axial tension to an elongated metallic extrusion in an amount sufficient to equal or exceed the yield strength of the extrusion. An external shaping die is applied against a perimetric portion of the outside surface of the extrusion. The die has working faces conforming substantially to a finished cross-sectional shape for the extrusion. While maintaining such tension the die is advanced along a length of the extrusion. An apparatus for stretch shaping an elongated metallic extrusion is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1989Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Joseph R. Sikora, Richard B. Jacobus, Thomas J. Rodjom, William R. Arthur
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Patent number: 4969348Abstract: This invention provides a feed system comprising a base on which a portion of the article being fed rests. The base extends along a feed path for the article. The feed system also includes at least one rotatable feed screw lying in an axis parallel to the feed path. The feed screw includes an entry end, a discharge end and a continuous, helical groove having a profile for receiving a portion of the article being fed. The feed system includes a linkage device for transferring reciprocating motion of a reciprocating press into which the articles are fed into rotary motion of the feed screw, and a feeding device for feeding articles into the groove at the entry end. The feed system also comprises a cooperating second screw or a resilient guide bar, for maintaining the article within and along the feed path as the feed screw is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1989Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Ernest J. Clowes, John J. Kester