Abstract: A method of die-necking the open end of a can body to form a reduced diameter neck having a smooth profile comprising first forming a reduced diameter control neck at the open end of the sidewall of the can body, and then totally reforming the control neck and the adjacent portion of the sidewall to form a second reduced diameter neck. The diameter of the second neck is less than the diameter of the control neck, and the axial length of the second neck is substantially greater than the axial length of the control neck.

Abstract: A start-up method and apparatus for continuous casting of molten metal into a cast strip product includes initially casting a start-up alloy having sufficient strength, flexibility and casting surface release properties to achieve steady state casting conditions. A target alloy follows the start-up alloy being cast to produce a cast strip product of the target alloy composition. A start-up alloying vessel is disposed between the source of the target alloy and the casting apparatus to facilitate introduction of a start-up alloy into the casting process or formulation of a particular start-up alloy for initiation of the continuous casting operation.

Abstract: An expandable structural member comprises two outer skin members, a plastically deformable reinforcing layer arranged between the two outer skin members, and a foamable polymer composition coated on at least one of each adjacent surface of the reinforcing layer and the respective outer skin member. Each adjacent surface of the reinforcing layer and the respective outer skin member contact one another and are intermittently bonded to one another, with the intermittent bonds on one surface of the reinforcing layer being non-aligned with the intermittent bonds on the other surface of the reinforcing layer. Additionally, the foamable polymer composition is foamable by application of heat to the structural member, whereby the foamed polymer resulting from application of heat to the structural member expands the outer skin members from contact with the reinforcing layer at non-bonded areas and plastically deforms the reinforcing layer into a three-dimensional reinforcing configuration.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell for producing metals by electrolytic reduction of molten baths which includes non-consumable inert anodes and refractory hard metal cathode elements. The cathode elements are replaceably mounted in the electrolysis cell and have inclined planar working surfaces which have grooves therein. A method for producing metals by use of the electrolysis cell includes utilizing the grooves to control the release of anode gases.

Abstract: An aluminum-based alloy composition having improved corrosion resistance and high extrudability consists essentially of about 0.1-0.5% by weight of manganese, about 0.05-0.12% by weight of silicon, about 0.10-0.20% by weight of titanium, about 0.15-0.25% by weight of iron and the balance aluminum, wherein the aluminum alloy is essentially copper free. The inventive alloy is useful in automotive applications, in particular, heat exchanger tubing and finstock, and foil packaging. The process provided by the invention uses a high extrusion ratio and produces a product having high corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A multi-station machine for necking-in the open end of a metal container body includes a plurality of necking spindle assemblies mounted at circumferentially spaced locations on a tooling disc turret in coaxial alignment with corresponding base pad spindle assemblies mounted to a base pad turret. The turrets are co-rotatable with a main turret shaft. Cam controlled tooling activating assemblies are mounted on the tooling disc turret to control the necking-in movement of an eccentric roll and an external forming roll in each necking spindle in synchronism with the delivery of vacuum suction through the base pad spindles which clamps the container bottom walls to the respective base pads. A sequential latching arrangement associated with the tooling activating assemblies prevents tool-to-tool contact between the outer forming rolls with the eccentric rolls in the absence of container bodies on station.

Abstract: A heat seal bar used in a plastic film packaging machine for cutting and sealing plastic films about wrapped products is provided with an insert having sealing surfaces and a knife cutting edge which is removably mounted to the seal bar. A first rectangular portion of the insert is adapted to be received within an elongate slot formed in a bottom surface of the seal bar for mounting the insert to the bar with screws. A second portion of semicircular cross section extends along the bottom of the first portion and thereby projects downwardly from the seal bar. A knife blade detachably mounted in the insert has a cutting edge extending below the seal bar. The cutting edge is defined by a pair of converging knife surfaces formed on the knife blade. Convex surfaces of the second portion formed respectively on opposite sides of the knife define the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming can ends is disclosed wherein ends are blank from sheet material and formed in a die in which the completed end is formed and removed from the die at a vertical position below the blanking position. Formation and removal of the end beneath the cut line enables better control of the ends after forming. Vacuum is applied to the end underside to positively seat the end against lower die forming elements as the lower elements raise the end to the level of an ejection slot where pressurized air blows the air from between the dies. An automatic lubrication circuit for properly lubricating seal members forming pneumatic cushions for resiliently biasing the various die members is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving aluminum alloy plate product properties by delaying final stretching of the plate product. During processing of the product, a time interval or intentional delay is provided between the final cold rolling step and the final stretching step. By delaying the final stretching procedure, an aluminum alloy plate product is provided with an improved fracture toughness without significant decrease in strength values. The method of intentionally delaying final stretching is particularly adapted for 2000 series aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously casting metal includes a tundish having edge seals and risers positioned at an outlet portion thereof . The edge seals and risers are configured to reduce the depth of molten metal adjacent the tundish sidewalls such that a lesser volume of molten metal contacts a driven casting surface to permit rapid solidification of edge portions of a cast strip. The edge seals and risers also are configured to form a meniscus between the seals and casting surface to effectively seal a gap between the tundish sidewall and continuous casting surface to prevent molten metal leakage therethrough. Preventing molten metal flow through the gap between the casting surface and sidewalls eliminates the requirement for a mechanical seal during continuous casting of molten metals.

Abstract: A method and machine for forming can necks in metal container bodies is disclosed. The machine comprises a pilot assembly coaxially situated and longitudinally movable with respect to and within a necking die member having an annular static die forming surface longitudinally advanced into contact with the can side wall defining the open end. Prior to necking, the pilot assembly is inserted into the open end and then stopped. Continued forward movement of the necking die member opens a valve between the pilot assembly and die member to flow pressurized fluid from a reservoir in the pilot to pressurize the can. This prevents crushing of the can under necking loads. The reservoir is located entirely within the pilot shaft and has a dimensional volume greater than the can body interior volume. This results in rapid delivery of pressurized fluid into the can before the greatest necking loads are applied to the side wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spin flow necking-in a D&I can is disclosed wherein an externally located free spinning form roll is moved radially inward and axially against the outside wall of the open end of a trimmed can. A spring-loaded interior support slide roll moves under the forming force of the form roll as the latter slides along a conical forming surface of a second free roll mounted axially inwardly adjacent the slide roll. To prevent damage to the metal caused by excessive pressure contact between the form and slide rolls, the slide roll is axially retracted via a cam ring which initially contacts the form roll during radially inward necking movement.

Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of foils, in particular aluminum foils, and the other components in waste foil-containing laminates includes subjecting the waste laminates to agitation in a heated polyalkylene glycol polymer solution. The thus heated mixture is cooled to permit density variations to separate the plastic and paper components of the waste laminate from the foil components therein. The separated foil components can be recovered from the polyalkylene glycol polymer solution for recycle or other use. Using a polyalkylene glycol polymer solution permits recovery of the glycol polymer in a heated recovery tank to recycle the polymer to facilitate further foil separation while minimizing adverse effects on the environment.

Abstract: A channel bag and a one piece spout sock and channel bag assembly for casting metal ingots. The channel bag includes diverter strips along upper portions of the sides and a diverter panel in the bottom of the channel bag positioned to be beneath a downspout during a casting process. The diverter strips and panel deflect poured molten metal and reduce turbulence during the casting process thereby reducing the formation of oxides and other impurities. In the one piece spout sock and channel bag assembly, the spout sock is utilized to receive and properly align a downspout. An ingot casting procedure utilizing the apparatus of the present invention reduces or eliminates the use of skimmers and ingot scalping.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a molten material cladding apparatus comprising a crucible and a molten material dispensing tool engaged therewith. The crucible and molten material dispensing tool form a chamber to retain molten material, the molten material flowing through passageways in the molten material dispensing tool to form menisci in a bore thereof. An extrusion passing through the molten material dispensing tool punctures the menisci, wherein molten material flows through the molten material dispensing tool and clads the outer surface of the extruded product passing therethrough. By using menisci of molten material, a smooth surfaced, uniform thickness clad product is produced having a wide range of cladding thicknesses.

Abstract: An adjustable flow control device for use in a metal strip continuous casting apparatus comprises a tundish for directing molten metal onto a moving chill surface and a plurality of individually and vertically adjustable flow control plates which extend across the width of the tundish. Each of the individual and vertically adjustable flow control plates define a flow passageway between the plate bottom edge and the tundish floor for controlling molten metal flow in the tundish. By providing individually adjustable flow control plates, flow of molten metal can be controlled in discrete width portions of the tundish to improve cast strip thickness and cross-sectional profile. The adjustable flow control device may be responsive to sensed casting parameters to permit automatic and precise control over cast strip thickness and cross-sectional profile during continuous casting of metal, in particular, aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A flanging head assembly having a cluster of freely rotatable spin flanging rollers includes a stop ring against which the flange hits during the final flange forming stages to limit the flange to a specific diameter. To prevent the flange from entering the crack formed between the rotating roller and the stationary stop ring, there is provided a step spacing the stop ring surface from the roller forming surface. In this manner, as the terminal edge of the flange slides around the flanging roller during final forming, it will pass over the crack and across the step to lodge in a corner formed between the step and stop ring surface. In a preferred embodiment, the step is a conical surface extending from the stop ring surface in a direction away from the can bottom. This conical surface extends radially inwardly a sufficient distance to contact unsupported flange portions between the flanging rollers to limit the degree of elastic sagging of these portions.

Abstract: Aluminum based alloy primarily for use in aircraft and aerospace components consists essentially of the composition: 2.60 to 3.30 weight percent copper, 0.0 to 0.50 weight percent manganese, 1.30 to 1.65 weight percent lithium, 0.0 to 1.8 percent magnesium, and from 0.0 to 1.5 weight percent of grain refinement elements selected from the group consisting of zirconium, and chromium. Up to about 0.5 wt. % zinc and up to about 1.5 wt. % titanium may also be present. Minor impurities may also be present. These alloys exhibit an improved combination of characteristics including low density, high strength, high corrosion resistance and good fracture toughness.

Abstract: A flow-vectored downspout includes a pouring tube and a flow diffuser arranged on an end thereof. The flow diffuser includes horizontal slots disposed toward the faces of an ingot during a continuous casting process with horizontal and angled slots disposed toward the ingot sides. The flow diffuser also includes at its bottom a domed diverter which facilitates transition of vertical molten metal flow through the pouring tube into a substantially horizontal flow pattern for discharge into a mold cavity through the arrangement of horizontal and angled slots. The particular arrangement of slots provides distribution to all areas of the ingot to be cast with minimal turbulence. The flow-vectored downspout is especially adapted for direct chill or electromagnetic casting without the use of a channel bag or the like. A continuous casting method using the downspout is also provided.