Abstract: New aluminum-magnesium-lithium alloys, and methods for producing the same are disclosed. The alloys generally contain 2.0-3.9 wt. % Mg, 0.1-1.8 wt. % Li, up to 1.5 wt. % Cu, up to 2.0 wt. % Zn, up to 1.0 wt. % Ag, up to 1.5 wt. % Mn, up to 0.5 wt. % Si, up to 0.35 wt. % Fe, 0.05 to 0.50 wt. % of a grain structure control element, up to 0.10 wt. % Ti, and up to 0.10 wt. % of any other element, with the total of these other elements not exceeding 0.35 wt. %, the balance being aluminum.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of strip casting an aluminum alloy from immiscible liquids that yields a highly uniform structure of fine second phase particles. The results of the present invention are achieved by using a known casting process to cast the alloy into a thin strip at high speeds. In the method of the present invention, the casting speed is preferably in the region of about 50-300 feet per minute (fpm) and the thickness of the strip preferably smaller than 0.08-0.25 inches. Under these conditions, favorable results are achieved when droplets of the immiscible liquid phase nucleate in the liquid ahead of the solidification front established in the casting process. The droplets of the immiscible phase are engulfed by the rapidly moving freeze front into the space between the Secondary Dendrite Arms (SDA).

Abstract: A swage collar including a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outside diameter, a flange extending circumferentially from the first end of the shank and having a outer diameter, and a transition step formed at a location where the first end of the shank transitions to the flange. When the swage collar is swaged, the transition step is deformed from an undeformed state to a deformed state such that the transition step is blended with the outside diameter of the shank and the outer diameter of the flange. The transition step is substantially linear in its undeformed state and is oriented at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the swage collar. When the transition step is in its deformed state, the transition step includes a curved portion having a radius of curvature visually indicating a complete swage of the collar.

Abstract: A swage collar including a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outside diameter, a flange extending circumferentially from the first end of the shank and having a outer diameter, and a scalloped shoulder formed at a location where the first end of the shank transitions to the flange. When the swage collar is swaged, the shoulder is deformed from an undeformed state to a deformed state such that the shoulder is blended with the outside diameter of the shank and the outer diameter of the flange. When the shoulder is in its deformed state, it includes multiple curved portions each having a radius of curvature that visually indicates all around the outside diameter of the collar a complete swage of the collar. Knurling located on the outside diameter of the shank and proximate to the second end is deformable and provides a visual indication of the application of an installation tool.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including: at least one first sheet comprising a first material; at least one second sheet comprising a second material, wherein the first material comprises at least one of: a thermal conductivity and an electrical conductivity that is at least 10% lower than that of the second material; and a joint comprising at least one resistance spot weld (RSW), wherein the first sheet is at least about 1.5 times the thickness of the second sheet. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal container comprises: curling outward a top edge of the metal container to form a curl and expanding a diameter of a first section of the metal container to form a first expanded section; wherein at least part of the first expanded section is below the curl. In some embodiments, the steps of curling outward a top edge of the metal container to form a curl and expanding a diameter of a first section of the metal container to form a first expanded section are performed in a single stroke of a single die. In some embodiments, the step of expanding a diameter of a first section of the metal container to form an expanded section is performed after the step of curling outward a top edge of the metal container to form a curl.

Abstract: A pin latch includes a guide block, a handle having a trigger, and a shear pin housed slidably within the guide block and connected to the handle. The shear pin includes a catch-pin engageable by the trigger, and is slidable between an engageable position and a disengageable position when the handle is moved from a closed position to an open position. Alternately, the pin latch includes a bracket connected to the shear pin and includes a catch-pin, and the handle is moveable to an intermediate position, such that a trigger is disengaged from the catch-pin and the shear pin engages a stop pin. A guide block spring acts on the stop pin to retain releasably the handle in its intermediate position. The guide block includes a finger and the shear pin includes a groove sized and shaped to receive the finger when the pin latch is in an unlatchable position.

Abstract: An aluminum casting alloy has 8.5-9.5 wt. % silicon, 0.5-2.0 wt. % copper (Cu), 0.27-0.53 wt. % magnesium (Mg), wherein the aluminum casting alloy includes copper and magnesium such that 4.7?(Cu+10Mg)?5.8, and other elements, the balance being aluminum. Selected elements may be added to the base composition to give resistance to degradation of tensile properties due to exposure to heat. The thermal treatment of the alloy is calculated based upon wt. % composition to solutionize unwanted phases having a negative impact on properties and may include a three level ramp-up and soak to a final temperature followed by cold water quenching and artificial aging.