Patents Assigned to Alcoa Inc.
  • Patent number: 9441657
    Abstract: A clip for assembling corners of hollow members such as the rails and stiles of an extruded aluminum door. The clip has a double L shape. A portion of the clip inserts into the hollow of a first member and is attached thereto. Another U-shaped portion defining the bottom of the double L extends into the other hollow member for attachment thereto to form a sturdy joint without welding. The first member may have a slot that receives the clip and the clip may be shaped to conform to the internal surfaces of one or both members. Clips may be used at each corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hooper, Ion-Horatiu Barbulescu, William Ling
  • Patent number: 9435749
    Abstract: A system and method that includes, in an embodiment, a prism, a camera, a light source, and a plate. The system, in an embodiment, is configured for scanning a roll and generating an image of the roll surface. The prism, in an embodiment, is positioned below the camera and above the plate. In an embodiment, the plate is positioned below the prism and above the roll surface. In an embodiment, the light source is positioned above the prism. In an embodiment, the light source and the prism are positioned to provide light to the roll surface at an angle of at least 75 degrees measured from a line normal to the roll surface. In an embodiment, the prism is configured to refract light from the light source, the camera is a line scan camera that includes a row of pixel sensors, and the light source includes light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Wade A. Winchip, David Anderson, Kelly Pepper, Neville Whittle
  • Patent number: 9415440
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides methods for making reinforced composites and reinforced composite products. In one embodiment, a method includes adding (a) a carrier including a salt and (b) a plurality of substantially inert sub-micron sized particles into a molten metal to form a mixture; and forming a reinforced composite from the mixture, the reinforced composite including a non-particulate metal portion having the substantially inert sub-micron sized particles therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Hasso Weiland, Men Glenn Chu
  • Patent number: 9416458
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed towards methods of determining green electrode quality via electrical resistivity measurements on green electrode forms (e.g. prior to baking) The instant disclosure is directed towards methods of making electrodes, utilizing the electrical resistivity measurement(s) from green anodes to monitor and if necessary, adjust electrode processing parameters (e.g. composition, mixing parameters, forming parameters, or baking parameters).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Ziegler, John Secasan
  • Publication number: 20160215804
    Abstract: A fastener includes a sleeve, a core bolt, and an insert. The sleeve includes a first portion having a first inner diameter, a second portion having a second inner diameter, and a step intermediate the first and second portions. The core bolt includes a cylindrical portion having a first diameter, a threaded portion having a major diameter, and a thread run-out intermediate the cylindrical and threaded portions. The insert is disposed within the sleeve and is sized and shaped to be retained between the step of the sleeve and the thread run-out of the core bolt when the fastener is in a pre-installation position. The fastener compresses the insert between the step of the sleeve and the thread run-out of the core bolt by an installation motion of the core bolt. The insert deforms away from the core bolt to initiate formation of a bulb in response to the compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhart Hufnagl, Douglas DeSalvo, Randy Torrence
  • Patent number: 9377040
    Abstract: A clip for assembling corners of hollow members such as the rails and stiles of an extruded aluminum door. The clip has an L shape and may feature a double L shape. A portion inserts into the hollow of a first member and is attached thereto. Another portion extends into the other hollow member for attachment thereto to form a sturdy joint without welding. Pairs of clips may be used at each corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hooper, Ion-Horatiu Barbulescu, William Ling
  • Patent number: 9371593
    Abstract: The instant disclosure provides an electrolysis cell, which includes: an anode; a cathode block; and a current collector bar configured to be at least partially disposed adjacent to and in electrical communication with the cathode block, wherein the bar comprises: at least one sidewall; an inner void enclosed by the sidewall; and an expandable material retained in the inner void via the at least one sidewall, wherein the expandable material is configured to exert pressure on the wall of the inner void while the bar is at operating temperature, such that the bar is conformed to the cathode block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Beeler, Leroy E. D'Astolfo
  • Patent number: 9359660
    Abstract: New 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies may be produced by preparing the aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, cold working by at least 25%, and then thermally treating. The new 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev G. Kamat, John M. Newman, Ralph R. Sawtell, Jen C. Lin
  • Patent number: 9340887
    Abstract: Broadly, the present disclosure relates to sidewall features (e.g. inner sidewall or hot face) of an electrolysis cell, which protect the sidewall from the electrolytic bath while the cell is in operation (e.g. producing metal in the electrolytic cell).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinghua Liu, Robert A. DiMilia, Joseph M. Dynys, Jeffrey S. Martello
  • Patent number: 9327237
    Abstract: Methods for removing sulfur dioxide front a gas stream are disclosed. A method may include passing a gas stream comprising SO2 through a gas scrubbing apparatus. A scrubbing liquor comprising hydroxide ions and at least one oxidation catalyst may be flowed into the gas scrubbing apparatus, thereby contacting the gas stream with the scrubbing liquor. In response to the contacting, at least 90 wt. % of the sulfur dioxide may be removed from the gas stream. Concomitant to the contacting, at least some of the sulfur dioxide may react with at least some of the hydroxide ions, thereby forming sulfite ions in the scrubbing liquor. Some of the sulfite ions may be oxidized, via the oxidation catalyst, thereby forming sulfate ions in the scrubbing liquor. A used scrubbing liquor may be discharged from the scrubbing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Rajat S. Ghosh, John R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9327338
    Abstract: A knockout has a support surface and the support surface has: (i) a first knockout outer diameter capable of supporting the first inner diameter of a container side wall when the knockout is inserted into an opening of the metal container and when the metal container is being necked with a necking die; and (ii) a second knockout outer diameter capable of supporting the second inner diameter of the container side wall when the knockout is inserted into the opening of the metal container and when the metal container is being necked with the necking die, and wherein the first knockout outer diameter is larger than the second knockout outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Darl G. Boysel, Robert E. Dick, Gary L. Myers, David J. McNeish
  • Patent number: 9315406
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed towards methods of treating wastewater and related systems, where the system includes: a first zone comprising at least one anaerobic tank, and a second zone comprising at least one engineered wetland. In some embodiments, the system includes a third zone comprising at least one bauxite residue cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah K. Strano, Shannon L. Isovitsch Parks, Jaw K. Fu, John R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9315885
    Abstract: New heat treatable aluminum alloys having magnesium and zinc are disclosed. The new aluminum alloys generally contain 3.0-6.0 wt. % Mg, 2.5-5.0 wt. % Zn, where (wt. % Mg)/(wt. % Zn) is from 0.60 to 2.40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: ALCOA INC.
    Inventor: Jen Lin
  • Patent number: 9296036
    Abstract: Methods for producing forged products and other worked products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises using additive manufacturing to produce a metal shaped-preform and, after the using step, forging the metal shaped-preform into a final forged product. The final forged product may optionally be annealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin M. Bush, Eric V. Roegner, Edward L. Colvin, Larry N. Mueller, Roberto J. Rioja, Brandon Hendrickson Bodily
  • Patent number: 9297394
    Abstract: Metal sheets and plates having friction-reducing textured surfaces and methods of manufacturing these metal sheets and plates are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, there is provided a transportation vessel that includes at least one metal product having at least one surface that is substantially grooved, wherein the substantially grooved surface forms a riblet topography, the riblet topography including a multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets running along at least a part of the surface, and wherein the riblet topography is coated with at least one coating sufficiently designed and applied to preserve the riblet topography. In an embodiment, the multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets results in a friction-reducing textured surface. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of an aircraft. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of a rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Li, James M. Marinelli, Jiantao Liu, Paul E. Magnusen, Simon Sheu, Markus B. Heinimann, John Liu, Luis Fanor Vega
  • Publication number: 20160076581
    Abstract: A fastener including a pin member with an elongated shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylindrical shank portion having an outer surface, a head located at the first end of the elongated shank, the head including a bearing surface located on the underside of the head, and a threaded portion located at the second end of the elongated shank. The fastener includes a washer installed on the pin member against the bearing surface of the head of the pin member. The washer includes an outer surface and at least one dielectric gasket layer located on the outer surface of the washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Liebscher, Luke Haylock, Gregory Rizza, Hasim Mulazimoglu, Wudhidham Prachumsri, Rodrigo Pinheiro, Manish Kamal
  • Publication number: 20160076575
    Abstract: A pin member for a fastener includes an elongated shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylindrical shank portion having an outer surface, a head located at the first end of the elongated shank, the head including a bearing surface located on the bearing surface of the head, and a threaded portion located at the second end of the elongated shank. Either or both of the bearing surface of the head or the outer surface of the cylindrical shank portion is coated with a coating and/or is textured. The coating may be tungsten, molybdenum, copper, or a refractory ceramic. The textured surfaces may include a surface roughness greater than 0.5 micron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Manish Kamal, Luke Haylock, Hasim Mulazimoglu, Andreas Liebscher, Gregory Rizza, Rodrigo Pinheiro
  • Publication number: 20160069380
    Abstract: A locking member includes a base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a bore extending from the first end to the second, the bore including a threaded portion having a plurality of internal threads, and an insert having a first end, a second end opposite the first end of the insert, a bore extending from the first end of the insert to the second end of the insert, the bore of the insert including a threaded portion having a plurality of internal threads. The insert is positioned within the bore of the nut. The insert is made from an electrically dispersive and electrically absorbent material, such as polymers, elastomers, flame retardant fabrics, metal foam, carbon foam, polymer foam or aerogel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Rodrigo Pinheiro, Gregory Rizza, Luke Haylock, Hasim Mulazimoglu, Michael March, Andreas Liebscher, Manish Kamal
  • Publication number: 20160068275
    Abstract: A locking member includes a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a bore extending through the body from the first end to the second end, a bearing surface at the first end, fastening means for securing the locking member to a pin member, and a channel formed within the bearing surface and surrounding the bore. The locking member also includes a first insert located within the channel. The first insert is adapted such that, when the locking member is secured against a surface of a workpiece, the first insert prevents passage of a sparking material from within the bore of the locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Rizza, Luke Haylock, Andreas Liebscher, Hasim Mulazimoglu, Wudhidham Prachumsri, Rodrigo Pinheiro, Manish Kamal
  • Publication number: 20160053786
    Abstract: A fastener adapted to be installed in a hole of a composite structure includes a sleeve, a pin member, and a locking member. The sleeve has an outer surface having an outer diameter. The outer surface of the sleeve is textured. The outer diameter of the tubular portion is less than an inner diameter of the hole of the structure. The pin member has a shank portion. The sleeve is adapted to expand radially over the shank portion of the pin member to form an interference fit between the outer surface of the sleeve and the hole of the structure so as to provide an installed position of the fastener. When the fastener is in the installed position, the texture of the outer surface of the tubular portion deforms to engage with voids of the composite material present on the inner surface of the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Luke Haylock, Hasim Mulazimoglu