Patents Assigned to Alumax Extrusions, Inc.
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Patent number: 5911844Abstract: A method for drawing a portion of metallic material having a known hardness. The method includes the step of applying a localized heat treatment to predetermined portions of the metallic material. Additionally, the method comprises forming the localized heat treated regions into a desired drawn or stamped configuration, wherein the configuration is substantially devoid of cracks.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Alumax Extrusions Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Benedyk
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Patent number: 5853553Abstract: A sacrificial anode and method of making a sacrificial anode are provided. The anode includes an extruded galvanically active metal rod and integrally formed end cap which has a cylindrically shaped portion with a threaded exterior surface. The anode is formed by extruding the rod, forging the end cap from the anchoring end portion of the rod, and machining the outer surface of the end cap to provide threads.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.Inventor: Richard Twigg
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Patent number: 5775463Abstract: A toeboard system for a deckplate is comprised of a toeboard member that includes an upper section extending above the deckplate, a central section having a deck opening configured to receive a side edge of the deckplate and a lower section. The toeboard system further includes a spacer member having a lower deck contact surface, the spacer member being fastened to the toeboard member below the deck opening of the central section by a mating opening on one member and a mating projection on the other member. The upper section of the toeboard member has an upper deck contact surface that is substantially flat and extends substantially perpendicular to a sidewall of a central section of the toeboard, an inboard surface which is substantially perpendicular to and intersecting with the upper deck contact surface and an outboard surface which is arcuate and convergent with the inboard surface at an edge remote from the upper deck contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Alberts
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Patent number: 5728275Abstract: A sacrificial anode and method of making a sacrificial anode are provided. The anode includes an extruded galvanically active metal rod and integrally formed end cap which has a cylindrically shaped portion with a threaded exterior surface. The anode is formed by extruding the rod, forging the end cap from the anchoring end portion of the rod, and machining the outer surface of the end cap to provide threads.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.Inventor: Richard Twigg
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Patent number: 5720511Abstract: A frame apparatus, and process for constructing same, for use in the construction of various vehicles. The apparatus comprises one or more frame members, each fabricated from a single longitudinal extrusion, and one or more cross-members. The frame members include a predetermined number of regions softened through a localized heating process. The softened regions are bent to varying radii in predetermined directions relative to the profile of a specific frame configuration and then allowed to harden back toward their pre-softened hardness.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1995Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Benedyk
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Patent number: 5458393Abstract: A space frame apparatus, and process for constructing same, for use in the construction of various vehicles. The apparatus comprises one or more continuous outer frame members, each fabricated from a single longitudinal extrusion, and one or more cross-members. The extrusions include a predetermined number of slots for operable acceptance of the ends of the corresponding cross-members, as well as a predetermined number of regions softened through a localized heat induction process. The softened regions are bent to varying radii in predetermined directions relative to the profile of a specific vehicle configuration and then allowed to harden back toward their pre-softened hardness. The ends of the cross-members are also softened through a localized heat induction process, and then deformed so as to create a collar and flange portion operably positioned on opposite sides of each respective slot for securely maintaining the cross-members to the one or more continuous outer frame members.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1993Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Benedyk
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Patent number: 5363628Abstract: A thermal barrier apparatus and process for fabricating same, wherein the apparatus provides insulation between two or more juxtaposed frame members which may be simultaneously exposed to different temperatures and environmental conditions. A stretchable attachment strip, which is stretched to a reduced insertion shape, is at least partially inserted within corresponding strip acceptance channels of the two or more juxtaposed frame members. After the attachment strip has been properly inserted, there is a recovery step during which the stretched attachment strip recovers back towards a recovered restraining shape which not only binds the juxtaposed frame members together, but which also results in a contiguous but thermally broken profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1992Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.Inventors: Ronald J. Basar, Joseph C. Benedyk
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Patent number: 5046546Abstract: A screen enclosure apparatus, for use in screened windows, porches, doors and other screened-in builiding structures, capable of controllably breaking away upon excessive impact of resultant wind pressures on the frame of the apparatus. A frame structure having a channel running along the frame's length, serves to releasably or frangibly receive spline material which displaces or fractures at a predetermined resultant pressure. The spline serves to releasably secure a screen sheet, within the channel of the frame itself, so as to preclude damage which would otherwise occur not only to the screen sheet, but also to the supporting frame structures, when such high wind pressures are exerted thereon--to reduce the structural rigidity requirements for such frames.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1990Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Benedyk, Ronald J. Basar
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Patent number: 4766664Abstract: An improved process by which heavy duty aluminum ladder rungs are easily manufactured with the central stepping portion of the rung itself possessing qualities of exceptionally high yield strength, while the ends of the ladder rung are easily formable such that they are readily crimped and secured to the end rail or stile during the ladder assembly process--without cracking or fracturing. In order to maintain high strength at the central portion of the ladder rung while providing for adequate deformability at the ladder rung ends, the invention uses a selective localized heat treating process whereby high frequency induction heating is applied selectivley to the ladder rung ends prior to collar and upset formation.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1987Date of Patent: August 30, 1988Assignee: Alumax Extrusions, Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Benedyk