Patents Assigned to Aluminum Company of America
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Patent number: 5708209Abstract: An apparatus for conducting ultrasonic waves to and from a body of a molten material. The apparatus includes a buffer rod for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the molten metal, a second buffer rod for receiving ultrasonic waves from the molten metal, piezoelectric elements associated with each buffer rod, and cooling mechanisms for protecting the piezoelectric elements by maintaining the buffer rods at a prescribed rate of thermal equilibrium with the molten metal. The cooling mechanisms are configured so as to facilitate regulation of the air flow about the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Richard C. Stiffler, Ronald C. Wojnar, Mark F. A. Warchol, Lawrence W. Cisko, John M. Urbanic
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Patent number: 5704240Abstract: A methods for forming threads in the neck portion of a can made of thin gauge, hard temper metal which minimizes stretching of the metal in the neck portion. The method employs a grooved arbor and roller having a single thread lead around less than 360.degree. of the roller's perimeter.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Charles L. Jordan
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Patent number: 5697422Abstract: A vacuum die-casting machine has a sprue cavity with sufficient depth facing the shot cylinder that the shot cylinder piston can easily crush with a pressure of less than 1000 psi the thin cylindrical shell of solidified metal which develops into the biscuit, and continue to advance after the die cavity becomes fried with molten metal to inject additional molten metal into the die cavity to make up for shrinkage porosity as the cast part cools. The runner through which the molten metal passes from the sprue cavity into the die cavity has generally spherical reservoirs adjacent circular gates to further assure the supply of the additional molten metal to make up for shrinkage in the part. In addition, the piston can be oil cooled steel to delay formation of the biscuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1994Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Jamal Righi, James R. Fields, Eric D. Arndt
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Patent number: 5688086Abstract: An elongated metal frame structure for connecting a large elongated container to a vehicle employed in transporting the container. The frame comprises a plurality of aluminum alloy tubes connected together at certain corners of the frame by corner assemblies. The assemblies comprise a "standard" cast iron or steel fitting and at least one steel member connected to one face of the fitting. The exterior surfaces of each steel member are coated with materials that are effective in electrically separating the steel member from an aluminum tube of the frame when the corner assemblies and aluminum tubes are assembled together. The size of the steel members in cross section with the materials applied to the surfaces of the steel member is such that the steel member can slip into the end of the aluminum tube located at a corner of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Craig C. Menzemer, Andrew J. Hinkle, William C. Herbein, Daniel D. Roup, Ross E. Grimm, David S. Bennett
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Patent number: 5688303Abstract: A mechanical alloying process wherein compacting of particulate feedstock is physically separate from subsequent comminuting improves control and consistency in mechanical alloying. The preferred compaction is by squeezing between rollers or other compacting means to produce a coherent mass such as a strip. The coherent mass (preferably rolled strip) is comminuted separately from the rolling or compression. This allows for a reduced temperature in comminuting or an atmosphere different from compacting or compressing. Compacting and comminuting are repeated to produce the desired extent of alloying and homogenization.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1994Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: John S. Benjamin
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Patent number: 5681658Abstract: A novel gelation-resistant alumina and process for producing such a product and aqueous slurries composed thereof are disclosed, including grinding aluminum oxide of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the presence of about 0.5 to 3.0 wt. % water. The grinding preferably is performed in a sealed ball mill. Dual phase alumina particles have an aluminum oxide inner core of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and an aluminum oxide hydroxide outer phase of .gamma.-AlOOH on the .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, including to a nominal depth, e.g., by way of example, of about 5 to 100 nanometers on the inner core of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and having up to 40% higher surface area than the initial aluminum oxide of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The novel gelation-resistant alumina can be dispersed in an aqueous slurry having a solids content of 65 wt. % and higher, and the resulting slurry has significantly extended shelf life.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Edward M. Anderson, Neal R. Dando, Carl H. Lawhon, Merle D. McRaven
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Patent number: 5681407Abstract: A method of quenching a metal object comprising: (a) providing a reservoir of liquid coolant containing gas that has been dissolved therein; and (b) immersing the metal object in the reservoir to quench the metal. The gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and carbon dioxide and is preferably carbon dioxide. The gas is preferably maintained within the range of 0.001 to 0.2 standard cubic feet of gas per gallon of coolant. The liquid coolant is preferably water. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir of liquid coolant is open to ambient pressure and temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Ho Yu, Jeffrey A. Nicol, Robert A. Ramser, Daniel E. Hunter
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Patent number: 5676540Abstract: A refractory brick and system of bricks for constructing flue walls of a ring furnace. The brick and the bricks of the system have opposed sides and upper and lower surfaces when disposed in a vertical wall structure, with one of the surfaces having at least one crosswise groove while the other surface has a corresponding crosswise tongue for seating in the groove of an adjacent brick, the tongues and grooves terminating short of the ends or sides of the brick when the bricks are disposed in a vertical wall structure. The crosswise tongues and grooves have rounded configurations sized to mate with bricks having the same tongue and groove configurations when a plurality of such bricks are stacked one upon the other in constructing a vertical wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Alfred T. Williams, Dennis J. Haines, Robert F. Corcoran, R. Kelly McClara, Timothy W. Kempf
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Patent number: 5674416Abstract: A method and apparatus for graining a surface having a substantial area traveling at a substantial rate of speed. The method includes directing the surface past an array of electrical arcs traveling about a plurality of loop electrodes arranged to provide overlapping arc loop paths as the surface travels past the array of arc loops. The arc loops are established between the loop electrodes and the traveling surface, and thus contact the surface to grain the same. When each arc is struck between its loop electrodes and traveling surface, it is magnetically impelled about the loop of its electrode by a magnetic field established perpendicular of the direction of arc current flow. An annular sheath of gas is provided on each side of the electrode loop and the arc struck between the electrode loop and the traveling surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Edward P. Patrick, Philip J. Blakeley, Regis J. Huth, Jr., A. Victor Pajerski, Christopher M. Seaman, Donald J. Spinella, Charles B. Wolf
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Patent number: 5672401Abstract: Metal sheet product, more particularly food can stock and beer and beverage can tab, end and body stock, is treated with a lubricant made by blending a mixture consisting essentially of about 25-90 wt.% of: (i) an ester selected from the group consisting of: bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (or DOS), butyl stearate, and an acetylated, partially hydrogenated soybean oil; and (ii) about 10-75 wt.% of a blend consisting essentially of: (a) about 35-65 wt.% of a polyalphaolefin; and (b) about 65-35 wt.% of a microcrystalline wax; with a balance of incidental additives and impurities. With said composition applied thereon, in preferred average thicknesses between about 3-110 mg/ft.sup.2 for can tab stock and between about 3-35 mg/ft.sup.2 for can end and body stock, the invention produces prelubricated can stock in a suitable condition for conversion without further lubrication.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: James R. Anglin, Julie A. Urbanski, Theresa S. Knighton
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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: 5667602Abstract: Alloy and cast alloy product ideally suited for use as a component in a vehicle frame or subframe, i.e., body-in-white, comprising an alloy consisting of about 2.00 to 5.00 wt. % magnesium, up to approximately 0.30 wt. % silicon, approximately 0.20 to 1.60 wt. % manganese, up to approximately 1.00 wt. % iron, and between about 0.10 to 0.30 wt. %, zirconium, the balance substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities. The aluminum/magnesium alloy is typically solidified into ingot derived working stock by continuous casting or semi-continuous casting into a shape suitable for remelt for casting, which shape is typically an ingot billet. Excellent mechanical properties are obtained from a cast product that is not subjected to high temperature heat treating operations subsequent to casting.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Que-Tsang Fang, Steven A. Jones, James R. Van Wert, Roger C. Dickenson
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Patent number: 5665306Abstract: There is claimed a sheet or plate structural member suitable for aerospace applications and having improved combinations of strength and toughness. The member is made from a substantially vanadium-free aluminum-based alloy consisting essentially of: about 4.85-5.3 wt. % copper, about 0.5-1.0 wt. % magnesium, about 0.4-0.8 wt. % manganese, about 0.2-0.8 wt. % silver, about 0.05-0.25 wt. % zirconium, up to about 0.1 wt. % silicon, and up to about 0.1 wt. % iron, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities, the Cu:Mg ratio of said alloy being between about 5 and 9, and more preferably between about 6.0 and 7.5. The invention exhibits a typical tensile yield strength of about 77 ksi or higher at room temperature and can be processed into various lower wing members or into the fuselage skin of high speed aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1995Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Lynette M. Karabin
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Patent number: 5652063Abstract: There is claimed a sheet or plate structural member suitable for aerospace applications and having improved combinations of strength and toughness. The member is made from a substantially vanadium-free aluminum-based alloy consisting essentially of: about 4.85-5.3 wt. % copper, about 0.5-1.0 wt. % magnesium, about 0.4-0.8 wt. % manganese, about 0.2-0.8 wt. % silver, about 0.05-0.25 wt. % zirconium, up to about 0.1 wt. % silicon, and up to about 0.1 wt. % iron, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities, the Cu:Mg ratio of said alloy being between about 5 and 9, and more preferably between about 6.0 and 7.5. The invention exhibits a typical tensile yield strength of about 77 ksi or higher at room temperature and can be processed into various lower wing members or into the fuselage skin of high speed aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Lynette M. Karabin
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Patent number: 5647514Abstract: A container used for transporting dry bulk product which can be loaded and unloaded using a pneumatic mechanism and without need for tipping the container, comprising a plurality of hoppers, an external frame, a unique method of connecting the hoppers to the frame using skirt rings at the ends of the frame and side panels secured to the hoppers and to the end pieces of the external frame and extending the length of the container to provide sufficient strength to the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: John J. Toth, Richard McNealy
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Patent number: 5645810Abstract: A method for making a synthetic meixnerite which, when activated, has a high B.E.T. surface area, typically about 290 m.sup.2 /g or greater. The method comprises activating hydrotalcite, then cooling and hydrating such activated material in a carbon dioxide-free environment. Such hydration can produce a material that absorbs more than 100% of its weight in water. Following hydration, this material is activated a second time in a virtually carbon dioxide-free environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Michael A. Easley
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Patent number: 5637404Abstract: A strip of highly reflective aluminum protected by a conversion coating and a light-permeable fluoropolymer coating which is non-adhesively interstitially mechanically bonded to the microscopic irregularities of the conversion coated surface. The highly reflective strip may be substituted for polished stainless steel and/or bi-metal and used under aggressive conditions for a prolonged period without deleteriously affecting the initial D/I (distinctness of reflected image) of the shaped strip. The strip of arbitrary length may be shaped in rolling dies so that at least a portion of the strip has a radius of less than 10 mm without damaging or separating the fluoropolymer coating. The specific steps of the claimed process require starting with a bright-rolled clean strip which is conversion coated to carry a thin metal compound coating. The reflective conversion coated surface is coated with the fluoropolymer while maintaining at least 80% D/I.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Robert E. Bombalski, Daniel L. Serafin
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Patent number: 5633063Abstract: A building panel and method of forming it are disclosed in which the panel includes inner and outer polymer facing sheets and a rigid foam core with the facing sheets joined securely to the core by glass fibers embedded in the facing sheets and projecting from them into the core.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Herb Lause, Sylvia Moore, Clif Seltzer, Cliff Taylor, Dan King
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Patent number: D382481Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1996Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Carl McEldowney
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Patent number: D384888Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Hans H. Diekhoff