Abstract: New 5xxx-lithium aluminum alloys and related products are disclosed. The new 5xxx-lithium aluminum alloy may contain from 3.75 to 5.0 wt. % Mg, from 1.6 to 2.3 wt. % Li, and from 0.50 to 2.5 wt. % Zn, among others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealant joint backer support that can be used to prevent three-sided adhesion at a joint when an exterior weather seal is applied. In an embodiment, a bond breaker backer support of the present invention includes a resiliently flexible front face having a groove, wherein the groove is configured for adjusting the bond breaker backer support after installation; and a pair of resiliently flexible legs extending, respectively, from a first end and a second end of the flexible front face.

Abstract: A methods, apparatus and compositions for producing colored, self-cleaning substrates by roll coating are provided. The roll coated, colored, self-cleaning substrates retain the predetermined color and a predetermined gloss of the colored coating, thereby facilitating their use in architectural applications. The roil coated, colored, self-cleaning substrates may be iridescent-free.

Abstract: High strength forged aluminum alloys and methods for producing the same are disclosed. The forged aluminum alloy products may have grains having a high aspect ratio in at least two planes, generally the L-ST and the LT-ST planes. The forged aluminum alloy products may also have a high amount of texture. The forged products may realize increased strength relative to conventionally prepared forged products of comparable product form, composition and temper.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an aluminum alloy product having a first outer layer, a central layer, and a second outer layer. The central layer of the aluminum alloy product has a higher concentration of particulate matter than said first or second outer layers. The particular matter has a size of at least about 30 microns. And, the aluminum alloy product has a thickness ranging from between about 0.004 inches to about 0.25 inches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for melting aluminum uses a dense metal salt of Rubidium, Cesium, or Strontium. The salt is melted by a stinger and then superheated by AC applied to electrodes immersed in the salt. Aluminum in contact with the salt melts and floats on the salt. In continuous scrap melting, inflows and outflows of aluminum are comparable and may be shielded by inert gas. The superheated salt may be purified and may be heated in a separate reservoir and pumped to and from another reservoir containing salt and/or metal. The salt may be used to supplement the heating of an existing furnace.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stereoscopic imaging and viewing of aluminum electrolysis and related operation and/or maintenance activities are disclosed. The system may produce stereoscopic images based at least in part on images obtained from two or more imaging devices. The system may display the stereoscopic images for viewing to facilitate aluminum electrolysis cell operation and/or maintenance.

Abstract: A method of making a rolled aluminum product comprises sawing an aluminum ingot so that the ingot is separated into at least two separate aluminum slabs and rolling at least one of the slabs unclad and unbrazed. In some embodiments, the ingot is sawn horizontally, across its face, as so that, the slabs are equal in length to the ingot. In some embodiments, at least one of the slabs is rolled to form a one of a plate, sheet or foil. The rolling can be hot rolling or cold rolling. Some embodiments further comprise scalping the aluminum ingot. In some embodiments, the sawing of the ingot eliminates or reduces the need to scalp the aluminum ingot and scalping is not performed. Some embodiments further comprise sawing curved edges off the aluminum slabs.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.

Abstract: Aluminum alloy products about 4 inches thick or less that possesses the ability to achieve, when solution heat treated, quenched, and artificially aged, and in parts made from the products, an improved combination of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the alloy consisting essentially of: about 6.8 to about 8.5 wt. % Zn, about 1.5 to about 2.00 wt. % Mg, about 1.75 to about 2.3 wt. % Cu; about 0.05 to about 0.3 wt. % Zr, less than about 0.1 wt. % Mn, less than about 0.05 wt. % Cr, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities and a method for making same. The invention alloy is useful in making structural members for commercial airplanes including, but not limited to, upper wing skins and stringers, spar caps, spar webs and ribs of either built-up or integral construction. The invention alloy may be aged by 2 or 3 step practices while exceeding the SCC requirements for applications for which the invention alloy is primarily intended.

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.

Abstract: Horizontal duct scrubbing systems for removing particulate matter from a gas are disclosed. The horizontal scrubbing systems may receive a particulate-containing gas stream (e.g., containing PM10 and/or PM2.5 particulate matter), and remove at least some of such particulates by spraying liquid droplets co-current to the flow of the gas stream, where the liquid droplets have a volume median droplet diameter (DV0.5) of from 240 microns to 600 microns. The scrubbing system may be substantially free of flow deflection members between a liquid inlet manifold and a demister. The system may be remove at least 50 wt. % PM10 and/or PM2.5 particulate matter from the gas stream.

Abstract: A pre-formed insert with stable dimensions for mechanical insertion into a hollow member and that reduces the Nusselt number and convection across the hollow member. The insert may be formed of a low heat conducting material like PVC and have extensions and internal voids that impede convection in the hollow and conduction through the insert. The inserts may be used in stiles, rails, heads and sills of aluminum windows and doors. In one embodiment an insert is received in an open hollow and may cooperate with an insert in a frame hollow to decrease convection at the head end of a sliding window or door. An insert may be placed within the hollow of a window or door beside a roller assembly.

Abstract: A fastener adapted to pass through aligned holes through workpieces is disclosed. The fastener includes a pin member having a transition portion wherein the diameter of the transition portion decreases radially as it extends from the smooth cylindrical shank portion to the threaded portion. The fastener may also comprise a sleeve member and a clamping means. The clamping means includes a collar, a nut, or any other possible clamping means. In exemplary embodiments, the workpieces can be formed with a plurality of materials, the materials including composite, metallic, or composite/metallic structures, any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the fastener has interference capability of 0.0005 to 0.0100 inches in composite structures without risk of composite delamination or damage. As a result of the fastener interference, gaps between the fastener and the structure are eliminated thereby providing good electrical conductivity between components.

Abstract: A light shelf for controlling solar radiation that impinges on a building has a panel with a pair of support brackets. The brackets run along tracks secured to the building and engage the tracks to assume a variety of elevations. The brackets can be moved independently, allowing the panel to be tilted and may have pivot joints to facilitate tilting. The panel may be mounted to the brackets in a way that allows the panel to translate horizontally. The panel may have a plurality of elements that can be adjusted to change the surface area and may be automated to respond to ambient conditions.

Abstract: Wrought 2xxx aluminum lithium alloy products having a thickness of from 0.040 inch to 0.500 inch are disclosed. The wrought aluminum alloy products contain from 3.00 to 3.80 wt. % Cu, from 0.05 to 0.35 wt. % Mg, from 0.975 to 1.385 wt. % Li, wherein ?0.3*Mg?0.15Cu+1.65?Li??0.3*Mg?0.15Cu+1.85, from 0.05 to 0.50 wt. % of at least one grain structure control element, wherein the grain structure control element is selected from the group consisting of Zr, Sc, Cr, V, Hf, other rare earth elements, and combinations thereof, up to 1.0 wt. % Zn, up to 1.0 wt. % Mn, up to 0.12 wt. % Si, up to 0.15 wt. % Fe, up to 0.15 wt. % Ti, up to 0.10 wt. % of any other element, with the total of these other elements not exceeding 0.35 wt. %, the balance being aluminum.

Abstract: A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a crossbar that is fastened removably to the cup by a plurality of fasteners. The cup includes a recess forming an interior surface, and a plurality of seats extending from the interior surface. The crossbar includes a central portion and a plurality of elongated members extending therefrom. Each of the members includes a head that engages a corresponding one of the seats of the cup and is secured to the seat by one of the fasteners. The central portion of the crossbar may include a central aperture that receives one of the fasteners for an additional attachment point to the cup. The crossbar is adapted to receive tie down hooks, connectors, and the like. When the crossbar requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure.

Abstract: A blind fastener including a pull-type core bolt having a shank with a head, and a sleeve having an elongated body with a head, and a tapered notch formed within an exterior surface thereof and defined by a tapered portion having a slope and a frictional enhanced surface. The core bolt is installed within the sleeve. During installation of the fastener within the plurality of work pieces, an axial force is applied to the core bolt the head of the core bolt engages the sleeve, and a bulb is formed on the elongated body of the sleeve, the bulb defining a portion of a bulbed portion. When a selected axial force is reached, the bulbed portion separates from the elongated body and engages axially the tapered portion of the sleeve, increasing the diameter of the bulb which engages a blind side of one of the work pieces.

Abstract: A retainer ring including an outer ring having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a plurality of spring beam elements extending inwardly from the interior surface, and a central aperture. Each of the spring beam elements includes an elongated arm having a first end attached to the interior surface of the outer ring and a second, free end opposite the first end. Each of free ends of the arms includes a tab portion and a pressure pad that extends from the tab portion. The retainer ring captivates pin members, such as bolts, onto work pieces, such that the pressure pads engage and align with an annular groove of the bolt. When the bolt engages the retainer ring, each of the spring beam elements is displaced and expands radially from a free position to an expanded position in order to enable the bolt to travel through the aperture. The retainer ring captivates the bolt onto the work piece, while providing a positive hold out of the bolt.

Abstract: A latch includes a base, a drive shaft and cam, and a handle attached pivotally to the drive shaft. The handle is moveable between a closed position, a pop-up position, and an open position. A slide plate is attached slidably to the base and engaged with the cam. A swivel arm is attached pivotally to the base and the slide plate. A bolt assembly is attached to the swivel arm, and a plunger is mounted within the base. In its closed position, the handle engages the plunger to engage a switch and the bolt assembly engages a structure. In the handle's pop-up position, the plunger moves to a retracted position and disengages the switch. When the handle is moved to the open position, the drive shaft and cam are rotated so that the slide plate slides and the swivel arm pivots to swing the bolt assembly away from the structure.