Patents Examined by Janelle Morillo
  • Patent number: 9564254
    Abstract: An aluminum (Al) alloy wire, which is an extra fine wire having a wire diameter of 0.5 mm or less, contains, in mass %, Mg at 0.03% to 1.5%, Si at 0.02% to 2.0%, at least one element selected from Cu, Fe, Cr, Mn and Zr at a total of 0.1% to 1.0% and the balance being Al and impurities, and has an electrical conductivity of 40% IACS or more, a tensile strength of 150 MPa or more, and an elongation of 5% or more. By producing the extra fine wire from an Al alloy of a specific composition containing Zr, Mn and other specific elements, though the extra fine wire is extra fine, it has a fine structure with a maximum grain size of 50 ?m or less and is superior in elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignees: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Yoshihiro Nakai, Taichiro Nishikawa, Yoshiyuki Takaki, Misato Kusakari, Yasuyuki Otsuka
  • Patent number: 9546411
    Abstract: An aluminum-alloy sheet includes 0.10 to 0.40 mass % of Si, 0.35 to 0.80 mass % of Fe, 0.10 to 0.35 mass % of Cu, 0.20 to 0.80 mass % of Mn, and 1.5 to 2.5 mass % of Mg, the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities, wherein a content ratio (Si/Fe) of the Si to the Fe is 0.75 or less, the solute Mn content is 0.12 to 0.20 mass %, and the aluminum-alloy sheet has a proof stress of 225 N/mm2 or more after having been baked at 270° C. for 20 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Inoue, Yasuhiro Aruga, Katsushi Matsumoto, Kiyohito Tsuruda, Kazuharu Masada
  • Patent number: 9534282
    Abstract: By changing the timing of applying a heat treatment, a high-strength aluminum based alloy-made fastening part having an unprecedented tensile strength or other strength property and a method for manufacturing of the same are provided. The method is characterized in that an aluminum based alloy-made material is subjected to a solution treatment and is then age-hardened; work hardening is further applied to a shaft portion by drawing thereof in a heading process; and the shaft portion is thereafter subjected to a process of rolling male threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: TOPURA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kouhei Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9527369
    Abstract: For manufacturing an aluminum alloy automobile suspension part, an ingot material is heat treated and forged, a through-hole is formed therein and it is subjected to thermal refining. A minimum length between a rib end on a side of the through-hole and a through-hole end is made 6 mm or larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Sakamoto, Yoshiya Inagaki
  • Patent number: 9518312
    Abstract: A Al—Mg—Si-based, casting aluminum alloy comprising by mass 4-6% of Mg, 3.1-4.5% of Si, 0.5-1% of Mn, 0.1-0.3% of Cr, and 0.1-0.4% of Cu, the balance being Al and inevitable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Yamaura, Hidetsuna Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9481920
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum alloy forging for use in automotive suspension parts and the like, and a method of manufacture for same. The aluminum alloy forging contains Si 0.4-1.5 wt %, Fe greater than 0.4 wt % and equal to or less than 1.0 wt %, Cu equal to or less than 0.40 wt %, Mg 0.8-1.3 wt % and Ti 0.01-0.1 wt %; Zn is restricted to equal to or less than 0.05 wt %; and the aluminum alloy forging contains at least one selected from among the following group comprising: Mn 0.01-1.0 wt % and Cr 0.1-0.4%; and Zr 0.05-0.2 wt %. Hydrogen content is restricted to 0.25 ml or less per 100 g of Al, and the remainder is composed of unavoidable impurities and Al. The average grain size is 50 ?m or less, the crystallized area ratio is 3% or less, and the average crystallized grain size is 8 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hori, Yoshiya Inagaki
  • Patent number: 9469888
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aluminum (Al) alloy for continuous casting, and a method of making the same. The Al alloy includes Al, Si in the range of 14 to 20 wt %, Ti in the range of 2 to 7 wt % and B in the range of 1 to 3 wt %. According to the disclosure, TiB2 compound may be formed in the alloy, where the ratio of Ti:B may range from 2 to 2.5 wt %. By a process of continuously casting the molten metal, an aluminum alloy with improved elasticity may be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hoon Mo Park, Hyuk Kang
  • Patent number: 9453273
    Abstract: This aluminum alloy sheet is a 6000-series aluminum alloy sheet of a specific composition which, after rolling, has undergone solution hardening and reheating as tempering treatments. The aluminum alloy sheet in differential scanning calorimetry gives a curve in which the exothermic-peak heights A, B, and C in respective specific temperature ranges have relationships within specific given ranges to thereby raise the increase in 0.2% proof stress through low-temperature short-time artificial age-hardening to 100 MPa or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsushi Matsumoto, Yasuhiro Aruga, Hisao Shishido
  • Patent number: 9410229
    Abstract: High strength aluminum alloys based on the Al—Zn—Mg—Cu alloy system preferably include high levels of zinc and copper, but modest levels of magnesium, to provide increased tensile strength without sacrificing toughness. Preferred ranges of the elements include by weight, 8.5-10.5% Zn, 1.4-1.85% Mg, 2.25-3.0% Cu and at least one element from the group Zr, V, or Hf not exceeding about 0.5%, the balance substantially aluminum and incidental impurities. In addition, small amounts of scandium (0.05-0.30%) are also preferably employed to prevent recrystallization. During formation of the alloys, homogenization, solution heat treating and artificial aging processes are preferably employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum Fabricated Products, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Brooks, Ralph C. Dorward, Ray D. Parkinson, Rob A. Matuska, Mory Shaarbaf
  • Patent number: 9399808
    Abstract: This aluminum alloy sheet has increased BH properties under low-temperature short-time-period conditions after long-term room-temperature aging by means of causing aggregates of specific atoms to be contained having a large effect in BH properties, the distance between atoms being no greater than a set distance, and containing either Mg atoms or Si atoms measured by 3D atom probe field ion microscopy in a 6000 aluminum alloy sheet containing a specific amount of Mg and Si.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsushi Matsumoto, Yasuhiro Aruga, Hidemasa Tsuneishi
  • Patent number: 9366181
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor wheel for a turbocharger, in particular in combination with a diesel engine, and to an exhaust gas turbocharger comprising such a compressor wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Schall, Melanie Gabel
  • Patent number: 9359660
    Abstract: New 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies may be produced by preparing the aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, cold working by at least 25%, and then thermally treating. The new 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev G. Kamat, John M. Newman, Ralph R. Sawtell, Jen C. Lin
  • Patent number: 9353429
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy material for use in thermal conduction to which improved castability has been imparted by silicon addition. It has improved thermal conductivity and improved strength. The material has a composition containing 7.5-12.5 mass % Si and 0.1-2.0 mass % Cu, the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities, wherein the amount of copper in the state of a solid solution in the matrix phase is regulated to 0.3 mass % or smaller. The composition may further contain at least 0.3 mass % Fe and/or at least 0.1 mass % Mg, provided that the sum of (Fe content) and (content of Mg among the impurities)×2 is 1.0 mass % or smaller and the sum of (Cu content), (content of Mg among the impurities)×2.5, and (content of Zn among the impurities) is 2.0 mass % or smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: NIPPON LIGHT METAL COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Horikawa, Masahiko Shioda
  • Patent number: 9347558
    Abstract: Aluminum-based alloys for casting or wrought processing having improved combinations of properties, including improved high temperature strength, are provided. The alloys generally comprise copper, magnesium, silver, and titanium, along with scandium and/or cobalt. Zirconium, zinc, and/or vanadium may also optionally be present in the alloy. When cobalt is present in the alloy, nickel may also optionally be present. Cast and wrought products, as well as methods of making the same using the alloys, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahbar Nasserrafi, LaVerne L. Waalkes, Gerald E. Hicks, Kevin Obrachta, David E. Jakstis
  • Patent number: 9339893
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lead-free solder alloy having high reliability and excellent solder bonding properties and suited for the mounting of micronized electronic components at low cost. The lead-free solder alloy according to the present invention has a composition containing 0.5 to 1.5 wt % of Ag, 0.3 to 1.5 wt % of Cu, 0.01 to 0.2 wt % of Ni, 1.0 wt % or less of Ga, and the balance being Sn and unavoidable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Nihon Superior Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9322086
    Abstract: Aluminum alloy for components having increased strength with a yield point Rp0.2>120 MPa and at the same time an elongation at break A>7% in the cast state, a yield point Rp0.2>200 MPa and at the same time an elongation at break A>6% after a T5 heat treatment or a yield point Rp0.2>200 MPa and at the same time a high elongation at break A>9% after a T6 heat treatment, in particular for structural and chassis parts of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: Georg Fischer Druckguss GmbH & Co KG, Georg Fischer GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Leif Speckert, Stuart Wiesner
  • Patent number: 9314826
    Abstract: This relates to a method of the manufacture of a thick gauge aluminum alloy plate having reduced level of residual stress. The method includes (a) providing a solution heat-treated and quenched aluminum alloy plate having a thickness of at least 80 mm, (b) stress-relieving the plate by cold rolling the plate to achieve a reduction in the thickness direction of the plate product in a range of at most 8%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: ALERIS ROLLED PRODUCTS GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Ingo Günther Kröpfl, Alfred Johann Peter Haszler
  • Patent number: 9315886
    Abstract: A method for desensitizing an aluminum alloy is presented. A desired location on the surface of an aluminum alloy sample is exposed to a controlled pulsed electron beam. The pulsed electron beam heats a shallow layer of the metal alloy having a desired depth at the desired location on the surface of the sample to a temperature between a solvus temperature and an annealing temperature of the metal alloy to controllably reduce a degree of sensitization of the metal alloy sample at the desired location, an extent of a reduction in the degree of sensitization being controllable by varying at least one of a voltage, a current density, a pulse duration, a pulse frequency and a number of pulses of the electron beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John D. Sethian, Matthew C. Myers, Mathew Wolford, Frank Hegeler, Ronald L. Holtz, Derek Horton, Alexis C. Lewis, Kathryn J. Wahl
  • Patent number: 9284636
    Abstract: A method for transforming a cast component made of modified aluminum alloy by increasing the impact toughness coefficient using minimal heat and energy. The aluminum alloy is modified to contain 0.55%-0.60% magnesium, 0.10%-0.15% titanium or zirconium, less than 0.07% iron, a silicon-to-magnesium product ratio of 4.0, and less than 0.15% total impurities. The shortened heat treatment requires an initial heating at 1,000° F. for up to 1 hour followed by a water quench and a second heating at 350° F. to 390° F. for up to 1 hour. An optional short bake paint cycle or powder coating process further increases the impact toughness coefficient of the cast component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Jonathan A Lee
  • Patent number: 9255315
    Abstract: Aluminum alloy plate having improved resistance against incoming kinetic energy projectiles, the plate having a gauge of 10 mm or more and the aluminum alloy having a chemical composition including, in weight percent: Mg 4.0 to 6.0, Mn 0.2 to 1.4, Zn 0.9 max., Zr<0.3, Cr<0.3, Sc?0.5, Ti?0.3, Fe<0.5, Si<0.45, Ag<0.4, Cu<0.25, other elements and unavoidable impurities each <0.05, total <0.20, balance aluminum, and wherein the alloy plate is obtained by a manufacturing process including casting, preheating and/or homogenization, hot rolling, a first cold working operation, an annealing treatment at a temperature of less than 350° C., followed by a second cold working operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ALERIS ALUMINUM KOBLENZ GMBH
    Inventors: Ingo Günther Kröpfl, Claus Jürgen Moritz, Stefan Moldenhauer