Patents Assigned to Reynolds Metals Company
  • Patent number: 5636975
    Abstract: A high-pressure, plunger-type liquid pump including a liquid manifold that includes a plunger chamber in the form of an axial cylindrical bore portion for slidably receiving a pressurizing plunger, and that also includes a valve chamber coaxial with the plunger chamber and in communication therewith for removably receiving a cartridge-type flow control valve. The liquid manifold includes a closure plug to close the valve chamber. The cartridge-type valve is slidably received in the valve chamber for enabling removal of the cartridge-type valve from the liquid manifold without the need for separating the liquid manifold from the pump drive housing. The cartridge-type valve is of a structure that includes in-line, axially spaced suction and discharge valves that are each spring biased into closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: James C. Tiffany, William K. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5634991
    Abstract: A method for making aluminum alloy can stock from continuously cast aluminum alloy slabs includes the steps of continuous casting, hot rolling, hot line annealing, cold rolling, intermediate annealing and cold rolling to final gauge. After the material is cold rolled to final gauge, it is subjected to a heat treatment step which improves its formability. The method is suited for improved AA3000 series type alloys. Besides improved formability, the inventive method also provides increased alpha phase content and low earing percentage for improvements in can manufacture. An improved aluminum alloy product also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Rajeev G. Kamat
  • Patent number: 5634364
    Abstract: An expandable, segmented coil is disclosed for use in electromagnetic can forming. The segmented coil comprises a central camshaft and a plurality of coil segments equally spaced about the central camshaft. Each of the plurality of coil segments comprises a coil core and a conductive tubing. The coil core including a central longitudinal bore and a profiled plate cooperating with the camshaft and movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position upon rotation of the camshaft. The tubing being routed through the central bore, wrapped around the coil core to form coil windings, and terminating in a conductor terminal for connection to a power supply for energization of the coil. The central camshaft includes an elongated shaft with a profiled cam plate on one end thereof. Each profiled plate of the coil core includes a cam follower cooperating with the profiled cam plate to cause movement of the coil segments between the collapsed position and the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Terrance L. Gardner, Horst F. Arfert
  • Patent number: 5632171
    Abstract: A lubrication ring, for use in a fabrication press having an assembly with a main cavity and a die nib disposed on a surface of the cavity for ironing a workpiece passing through the cavity, includes a groove surrounding a periphery of and opening into the main cavity of the assembly. At least one passage is provided for introducing a fluid into the groove so as to flow within the groove. The fluid is introduced into the groove at a velocity which causes a centrifugal force exceeding the force of gravity to act on the fluid flowing in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: James L. Kunka, Donald R. Haulsee
  • Patent number: 5630563
    Abstract: A roll of sheet material is wound on a cylindrical hollow core, and the core and roll are together placed within a dispenser body made up of pivotally connected upper and lower covers, preferably made of a resilient plastic material and sized and shaped to provide a containment space for a full roll of sheet material. The core and roll wound thereon can be placed into the lower cover in only one direction, so that rotation of the rolled-up sheet material must occur only in a corresponding one rotational direction for unwinding of the sheet material from the roll. The upper and lower covers are formed so that there is a built-in resilient force exercised by one or the other so as to keep them pivotally separated apart. A detent mechanism is provided to limit the amount by which the two covers can thus pivotally separate during use. By their pivotal separation, the covers define a small forward gap through which the sheet material may be withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Edward H. Meisner, Michael P. Ballone
  • Patent number: 5628878
    Abstract: A method of reducing the airburning tendency of petroleum coke and carbon anodes made therefrom includes calcining the coke and spray quenching the calcined coke with an additive-containing water. The additive includes an effective amount of a compound of aluminum which is soluble in the quench water. The additive is deposited on the quenched coke product surface and protects the coke from oxidation or premature combustion when in contact with the atmosphere at high temperatures. The additive-coated coke can then be formed into an anode which also has a reduced tendency to airburn during use in a high temperature environment such as an aluminum reduction cell or an electric furnace operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Euel R. Cutshall, Nolan E. Richards
  • Patent number: 5596897
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for spin flowing 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 preferably through a cam control surface which controls the forming force acting thereon as the form roll advances radially inward as it slides along a sloped forming surface of a second free roll mounted axially inwardly adjacent the slide roll. To minimize the plug diameter variation between successively necked cans, the radially inward movement of the form roll is halted at a predetermined radial location via contact between the form roll support bracket with a form roll stop bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Charles T. Payne, Jr., Field I. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5593516
    Abstract: An aluminum-based alloy composition having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness consists essentially of 2.5-5.5 percent copper, 0.10-2.30 percent magnesium, with minor amounts of grain refining elements, dispersoid additions and impurities and the balance aluminum. The amounts of copper and magnesium are controlled such that the solid solubility limit for these elements in aluminum is not exceeded. The inventive alloy composition may also include 0.10-1.00 percent silver for improved mechanical properties. The alloys are useful as high strength, high fracture toughness components for aircraft and aerospace structural parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: William A. Cassada, III
  • Patent number: 5587029
    Abstract: Free-machining aluminum alloys are disclosed containing effective amounts of tin and indium. The tin and indium additions are especially adapted for use as free-machining constituents in aluminum alloys, such as AA2000 and AA6000 series aluminum alloys. The additions can be used in place of bismuth and lead in currently available free machining alloys. In alloys containing bismuth and tin, the indium can be used to replace the bismuth. A method of producing a free-machining aluminum alloy product also is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Subhasish Sircar
  • Patent number: 5564877
    Abstract: A turret type liner machine for applying sealing compound to can ends, the machine including a novel mist spray system for delivering cleaning fluid against the sealant injector nozzles located at each turret station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: David A. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5554244
    Abstract: A method of forming a tube joint which can be used in a desalination plant includes providing a fluted tube, applying a sealant to the tube end and inserting the tube end into a tube sheet or plate to form a joint therebetween. After insertion, the inner surface of the fluted tube is worked to deform external ridges of the fluted tube and uniformly distribute the sealant throughout the joint area. The fluted tube is deformed using a roll expanding method. The fluted design of the tube retains sealant in the joint area during tube insertion and expansion and takes advantage of the heat transfer characteristic of the flutes to provide an improved joint construction especially adapted for heat exchange use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Ruggles, Jack S. Snodgress
  • Patent number: 5541382
    Abstract: A spot welding apparatus adapted particularly for joining aluminum workpieces utilizes a twisting or vibrating motion to break up oxides on the workpiece surface for improved welding and increased welding tip life. In one embodiment, a vibration inducing device is fixed to the electrode holder of a spot welding apparatus for vibrating the electrode tip during welding. In another embodiment, a camming mechanism rotates the electrode tip of the spot welding head in response to the spot welding head contacting the workpiece surface. The electrode tip rotates or twists in a limited arc after the tip contacts the workpiece to break up oxides on the workpiece surface. The electrode tip, upon removal from the workpiece surface, reverses its rotation for subsequent spot welding and to minimize the possibility of the electrode sticking to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Glen A. Taylor, Samuel E. Arrington, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5512112
    Abstract: A process for producing an aluminum-based alloy composition having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness. The process includes casting an ingot consisting essentially of 2.5-5.5 percent copper, 0.10-2.30 percent magnesium, with minor amounts of grain refining elements, dispersoid additions and impurities and the balance aluminum. The amounts of copper and magnesium are controlled such that the solid solubility limit for these elements in aluminum is not exceeded. The alloy composition also includes 0.10-1.00 percent silver for improved mechanical properties. The ingot, in accordance with the inventive process, is homogenized and worked to produce a product. The product is solution heat treated to obtain a saturated solid solution and then aged to develop an improved combination of high strength and fracture toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: William A. Cassada, III
  • Patent number: 5503689
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy composition for sheet product consists essentially of 0.3 to 1.1 wt. % silicon, 0.4 to 1.0 wt. % iron, 0.009 to 0.25 wt. % copper and optionally, minor amounts of manganese, magnesium, chromium, zinc, titanium and other incidental impurities with the balance aluminum. In making aluminum sheet from this composition, the aluminum alloy is continuously cast into an intermediate gauge sheet product and directly cold rolled without an intermediate thermal treatment to final gauge. Optionally, the final gauge sheet product can be subjected to a known temper practice. Using the iron, silicon and copper-containing aluminum alloy composition, a sheet product is produced which has acceptable mechanical properties for use as general purpose aluminum sheet, semi-rigid aluminum container stock, consumer wrap container cutter bars and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Bennie R. Ward, Stanley M. Boyd, James P. Martin
  • Patent number: 5503690
    Abstract: In a method of extruding a 6000-series-type aluminum alloy by casting, homogenizing, extruding and optionally, aging and/or heat treating, an alloy composition is provided having silicon 0.6-1.2 wt. %, magnesium 0.7-1.2 wt. %, copper 0.3-1.1 wt. %, manganese 0.1-0.8 wt. %, zirconium 0.05-0.25 wt. %, up to 0.5 wt. % iron, up to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, up to 0.10 wt. % titanium with the balance aluminum and incidental impurities wherein an effective amount of zirconium, in combination with effective amounts of manganese, produces a fibrous grain structure which contributes to a combination of high strength and fracture toughness in the extruded alloy. The fibrous grain structure also permits improvements in forming the extrusion by enabling lower temperatures to be utilized during the homogenization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Wade, Michael H. Skillingberg
  • Patent number: 5501362
    Abstract: A thin walled metal container is formed with a bottom wall having a substantially flat central panel connected to a container side wall through an annular rest radius defining an annular support surface for the container. The annular rest radius includes an outer connecting web portion leading into the container side wall and an inner connecting web portion leading into the central panel. In the preferred embodiment, these connecting web portions are permanently joined to each other by welding or adhesive bonding to resist column loading forces acting through the side wall and internal pressure forces acting through the central panel which have the effect of unrolling the annular rest radius. Since these curved opposing portions of the rest radius are immobilized to resist column and internal pressurization, a thinner gauge metal can be used to satisfy design parameters and achieve cost and metal reduction savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Daniel F. Cudzik
  • Patent number: 5494603
    Abstract: Aluminum can stock is delacquered by treatment with a composition comprising a mixture of a polyalkylene glycol polymer and an aqueous solution of a dicarboxylic acid such as oxalic acid. The cans are cleaned sufficiently for recycling and the solution can be reused to delacquer additional aluminum can stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Kirk
  • Patent number: 5480496
    Abstract: A method of making twin roll cast clad material includes producing a composite material using a liner stock produced by drag casting techniques. The drag cast liner stock can be directly used in a twin roll continuous casting process without additional process steps such as heat treatment, surface cleaning and/or rolling. The drag cast liner stock can be applied to one or both of the surfaces of the twin roll cast material to produce a composite material that is useful in a cast form or can be adapted for reduction by rolling processes or the like. The twin roll cast cladding process can utilize aluminum alloy core and cladding materials to form a brazing sheet from the as-cast composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Bennie R. Ward
  • Patent number: D365988
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Milton W. Clarke, III
  • Patent number: D371073
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Taylor