Abstract: Aluminum alloy atomized or other powder is compacted and shaped into a useful article including heating the compact rapidly by induction heating techniques. Such rapid induction heating results in improved strength or toughness properties without substantial penalty in elongation, thereby rendering the product so produced more useful in high strength applications. The product so produced may be subsequently shaped by forging, extruding or rolling processes.

Abstract: Aluminum base 7000 series alloys can have improved tensile properties when, after heat treatment and subsequent quenching, they are subjected to a three-step aging process comprising a first aging step at 190.degree.-230.degree. F., a second aging step at over 230.degree. F. and a third aging step at 315.degree.-380.degree. F. The improved process is particularly effective in improving the tensile properties of slowly quenched materials such as large extrusions or forgings.

Abstract: The magnesium content in used aluminum scrap is reduced by preheating the scrap to a temperature sufficiently high to promote migration of the magnesium to the surface of the scrap. Thereafter, the magnesium is removed by oxidation.

Abstract: A method for measuring fluoride concentrations in a gas wherein a sample of the gas is mixed with an internal reference solution in a gas scrubber to form a fluoride-containing solution. The fluoride-containing solution is collected, and the concentration of fluoride ion is determined in a potentiometric apparatus. The apparatus includes a first electrode having a fluoride-sensitive element and a second electrode having an element sensitive to a halide ion other than fluoride ion. The improved method of the invention compensates for errors caused by evaporation of water from the gas scrubber.

Abstract: A siding panel system is provided including a clip device located between overlapping and interlocking siding panels to restrain movement of a horizontal siding panel which may become disengaged from an adjacent lower course of siding due to wood floor joist shrinkage in the vertical direction. The siding panels generally have a fastening portion along the upper edge and a longitudinal groove opening away from the upper edge on the panel face below the fastening portion. A hooked flange portion along the lower panel edge projects at an angle toward the panel back for engagement with the groove on the face of an adjacent panel. The clip device includes an upper fastening leg having a generally vertically elongated opening therethrough and an integral medial leg projecting downwardly from the terminal end of the fastening leg and outwardly from the building structure.

Abstract: A low porosity coating comprised of at least two layers of material or composites capable of protecting a metal substrate from the corrosive effects of a chlorine-metal chloride environment at temperature values ranging up to 650.degree. C. The first of the two layers has a coefficient of thermal expansion that lies between the metal of the substrate and that of a metal oxide(s) layer disposed upon the first layer. A layer of metal oxide is disposed on the first layer, the metal oxide having a coefficient of expansion somewhat less than the first layer and a minimum solubility in the chlorine-chloride environment. The material or composite of the first layer and the metal oxide of the oxide layer are applied by a technique which sprays particles of the material or composite and metal oxide(s) against a surface at relatively high velocities and temperatures.

Abstract: A Bayer process solution is filtered through a bed of particles of a granular substance containing Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 to remove copper and zinc species from the solution. The particles preferably have an Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 content of about 40 to 100% by weight. For more effective removal of zinc, the particles are coated with a metal sulfide, preferably zinc sulfide.

Abstract: Metal is produced in a cell containing a plurality of electrodes which are horizontally disposed and arranged in at least one vertical stack. Each stack includes a cathode, at least one intermediate bipolar electrode and an anode. The electrodes in each stack are arranged in a superimposed, spaced relationship defining inter-electrode spaces between each pair of adjacent electrodes. The upper face of each cathode and of each of the bipolar electrodes has at least one reservoir, bounded by a perimetric wall, for collecting metal produced in the cell. Each perimetric wall has level maintaining means associated therewith so that a pool of the metal in the reservoir will be maintained at a predetermined level beneath the top of the perimetric wall. Metal produced during operation of the cell in excess of that required to fill the reservoir to the predetermined level will drain from the reservoir via the level maintaining means.

Abstract: A process for production of ZrB.sub.2 powder in a molten salt bath by reaction of ZrCl.sub.4 or ZrCl.sub.2 with a boron halide and Al or Mg. In a preferred embodiment the salt bath comprises ZrCl.sub.4, KCl and NaCl maintained at a temperature of about 540.degree. to 660.degree. C. and solid Al powder is reacted with ZrCl.sub.4 and BCl.sub.3. The ZrB.sub.2 powder produced in a particularly preferred embodiment has a median particle size of about 1.1 microns, is equiaxed, and has only a single phase.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum tube product suitable for use in heat exchangers is disclosed. The product is characterized by a substantially uniform distribution of relatively fine, generally equiaxed constituents comprised mainly of elemental silicon. The method comprises the steps of providing in billet form a body of aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 2 to 13 wt. % Si, 0 to 4 wt. % Zn, at least 0.005 wt. % Sr, up to 1 wt. % Fe and up to 1 wt. % Cu, the balance essentially aluminum and incidental impurities and extruding said billet to a final product or after extruding the billet to a thick wall tube, drawing to a final product for use as tubes in a heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: A wrought aluminum alloy product is disclosed. The alloy consists essentially of 0.5 to 10 wt. % Mg, 0.1 to 1.6 wt. % Mn, 0 to 0.35 wt. % Cr, at least 0.005 wt. % Sr, less than 1 wt. % Fe, 1 wt. % max. Si, 3.5 wt. % max. Zn, 1 wt. % max. Cu, the remainder aluminum and incidental impurities. The product is characterized by the presence of at least one intermetallic phase of the type containing Al-Fe-Si, Al-Fe-Mn and Al-Fe-Mn-Si, wherein at least one of such phases is refined.

Abstract: A method for purifying aluminum that contains impurities, the method including the step of introducing such aluminum containing impurities to a charging and melting chamber located in an electrolytic cell of the type having a porous diaphragm permeable by the electrolyte of the cell and impermeable to molten aluminum. The method includes further the steps of supplying impure aluminum from the chamber to the anode area of the cell and electrolytically transferring aluminum from the anode area to the cathode through the diaphragm while leaving impurities in the anode area, thereby purifying the aluminum introduced into the chamber. The method includes the further steps of collecting the purified aluminum at the cathode, and lowering the level of impurities concentrated in the anode area by subjecting molten aluminum and impurities in said chamber to a fractional crystallization treatment wherein eutectic-type impurities crystallize and precipitate out of the aluminum.

Abstract: A method for making spherical binderless pellets using a rotating drum mixer whereby at least a portion of the particles comprising the pellets is comprised of coking coal particles.

Abstract: An electrolysis method involving electrolyzing, between anodic and cathodic surface areas, a compound dissolved in a solvent. A liquid cathodic body is located in a region such that it is possible for waves in the body to touch anodic surface area. The improvement includes placing a bed of objects into the mentioned region. Interstices remain between the objects for accommodating liquid from the mentioned body.

Abstract: A wrought aluminum alloy sheet product suitable for forming into heat exchanger fins is disclosed. The sheet product contains essentially 2 to 13 wt. % Si, 4 max, wt. % Zn, 0.005 to 0.5 wt. % Sr, up to 1 wt. % each of Fe and Cu, the balance essentially aluminum and incidental impurities. The sheet product is characterized by a substantially uniform distribution of relatively fine generally equiaxed constituents comprised mainly of elemental silicon.

Abstract: A wrought aluminum alloy product is disclosed. The alloy consists essentially of 0.5 to 10 wt. % Mg, 0.3 wt. % max. Mn, 0 to 0.35 wt. % Cr, at least 0.005 wt. % Sr, less than 1 wt. % Fe, 0.3 wt. % max. free Si, 3.5 wt. % max. Zn, 1 wt. % max. Cu, 0.3 wt. % max. Ti, the remainder aluminum and incidental impurities. The product is characterized by the presence of an intermetallic phase of the type containing Al-Fe in a refined condition.

Abstract: A device for placing spring metal clips in locking engagement with the ends of spacing members. One embodiment of the device comprises a center member and two right angle members disposed adjacent the respective ends of the center member and in a manner that places one leg or extension of the right angle members in a generally perpendicular relationship to the longitudinal axis of the center member. Mechanical linking means connect the two right angle members to the center member in a manner that permits relative longitudinal and parallel movement between them. The linking means includes two pivotal handles spaced apart along the length of the center member for effecting relative longitudinal movement of the center and right angle members. A third member is disposed at the end of the leg or extension of each right angle member that is perpendicular to the center member, and configured to engage the base of a clip.

Abstract: An improved cell is disclosed for producing metal by electrolytic reduction of a metal halide in a molten bath comprising the metal halide dissolved in at least one molten halide of higher electrodecomposition potential than the metal halide. The cell includes an inner refractory lining and a plurality of electrodes which are located adjacent to and in abutment with the lining. The electrodes are disposed generally horizontally and arranged in at least one vertical stack. The electrodes in each stack are located beneath the upper level of the bath, and are arranged in a superimposed, spaced relationship defining inter-electrode spaces between each pair of adjacent electrodes. The cell also includes a vertical gas-lift passage associated with each stack of electrodes, which is in fluid communication with each inter-electrode space in the stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrocoating the interior and exterior of a metal container using a dual flow system. The interior and exterior surfaces of the metal container may be coated with the same or different coating weights. An electrically conductive probe, including a nozzle, is inserted into a metal container and an electrically conductive housing is enclosed around the container to seal the container therein. Two separate passageways are provided such that one passageway supplies coating material about the container between the container exterior and the outer housing and a second passageway is formed by the hollow probe and the interior of the container. Electrocoating material is caused to flow into each of the passageways.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition suitable for fabricating into an inert electrode for use in the electrolytic production of metal from a metal compound dissolved in a molten salt. The electrode comprises at least two metal oxides combined to provide a combination metal oxide consisting essentially of a composition defined by the formula M(M'.sub.y M.sub.1-y).sub.z O.sub.K where y is a number less than one and greater than 0 and M is a metal having a valence selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4 and 5 and M' is a metal having a valence selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4 and 5, z is a number selected from the group consisting of 2, 3 and 4 and K is a number in the range of 2 to 4.4, the electrode being highly conductive and being substantially inert with respect to the molten salt.