Patents by Inventor Gary A. Nitowski

Gary A. Nitowski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7067232
    Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Bennett, Sallie L. Blake, Daniel L. Serafin, Jean Ann Skiles, Robert E. Bombalski, Clinton S. Zediak, Gary A. Nitowski, Joseph D. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 6749992
    Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Bennett, Sallie L. Blake, Daniel L. Serafin, Jean Ann Skiles, Robert E. Bombalski, Clinton S. Zediak, Gary A. Nitowski, Joseph D. Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20030143485
    Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: David S. Bennett, Sallie L. Blake, Daniel L. Serafin, Jean Ann Skiles, Robert E. Bombalski, Clinton S. Zediak, Gary A. Nitowski, Joseph D. Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20030138730
    Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: David S. Bennett, Sallie L. Blake, Daniel L. Serafin, Jean Ann Skiles, Robert E. Bombalski, Clinton S. Zediak, Gary A. Nitowski, Joseph D. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 6531013
    Abstract: An adhesive bonding process for making vehicle structures wherein a surface portion of an aluminum alloy body is anodized in an aqueous solution of hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2) to form an anodic oxide coating. A layer of adhesive is applied onto the surface portion and the adhesive coated anodized surface portion is joined to an adjacent metal structure. The phosphorous acid anodizing is preferably carried out for less than 1 minute at about 5-40 volts and a current density of about 1-50 mA/cm2 in a solution containing about 1-25 wt % hypophosphorous acid. Anodization time is more preferably about 10-30 seconds and is about 20 seconds in a particularly preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Nitowski
  • Patent number: 6521391
    Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Bennett, Sallie L. Blake, Daniel L. Serafin, Jean Ann Skiles, Robert E. Bombalski, Clinton S. Zediak, Gary A. Nitowski, Joseph D. Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20020174940
    Abstract: An adhesive bonding process for making vehicle structures wherein a surface portion of an aluminum alloy body is anodized in an aqueous solution of hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2) to form an anodic oxide coating. A layer of adhesive is applied onto the surface portion and the adhesive coated anodized surface portion is joined to an adjacent metal structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Gary A. Nitowski
  • Publication number: 20020011280
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of stains, especailly water stains, on the exterior surface of aluminum alloy products. The method entails contacting the exterior surfaces of these products, particularly sheet or plate products, extrusions and/or forgings made from 5000 or 6000 Series aluminum alloys, with an organophosphonic or organophosphinic acid-derived material. Preferably, liquid forms of this material are added to an alcohol or water-based carrier solution, then sprayed, dipped, painted or rolled onto the surfaces of flat sheet or plate products to enhance their brightness. Other more complex shapes may be dipped into material baths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Gary A. Nitowski, Raymond J. Colbert, Karl Wefers, Daniel D. Roup, Larry F. Wieserman, Paul R. Ziman
  • Patent number: 6167609
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy sheet, plate, casting or extrusion having a surface layer containing magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide is cleaned with an acidic solution. The cleaned component has an aluminum oxide layer that is pretreated with a phosphorus-containing organic acid to form a functionalized layer. A layer of polymeric adhesive is applied to the functionalized layer, and the adhesive layer is joined to a metal support structure to form a vehicle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: James M. Marinelli, Sherri F. McCleary, John V. Costrini, Gary A. Nitowski, John T. Siemon
  • Patent number: 6030710
    Abstract: Aluminum alloy sheet is provided with a primer layer comprising a reaction product of aluminum oxide or hydroxide and a vinylphosphonic acid-acrylic acid copolymer, coated with a polymer coating composition containing polyvinyl chloride or an epoxy. The polymer coated aluminum alloy sheet is shaped into container bodies for food containers or container end panels for aluminum food and beverage containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Nitowski, Joseph D. Guthrie, Joseph P. Harenski, Daniel C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5463804
    Abstract: Aluminum alloy sheet coated with an organophosphonic or organophosphinic acid is joined to an adjacent metal member by means of a polymeric adhesive, preferably an epoxy adhesive. The coated sheet may be worked into a desired configuration after coating. Assemblies made in accordance with the invention are useful as vehicle parts, including automotive body parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Sherri F. McCleary, Gary A. Nitowski, James M. Marinelli, John T. Siemon
  • Patent number: 5324587
    Abstract: A laminate suitable for vehicular applications includes at least two sheets of aluminum alloy and an adhesive layer between the sheets bonding them together. An oxide layer on surfaces of the sheets is treated with a phosphorous acid electrolyte, so that a coordination number of four predominates for the aluminum-oxygen-phosphorous bond. Equivalent bonding strengths in the laminates are obtained in substantially less time with phosphorous acid treatment compared with phosphoric acid treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Gary A. Nitowski, Karl Wefers, Larry F. Wieserman
  • Patent number: 5277788
    Abstract: A twice-anodized aluminum substrate is anodized sequentially in first and second aqueous electrolytes. In the first, the substrate is conventionally anodized to produce (i) a porous anodic oxide layer having open pores and a passivation layer thereunder. The substrate, now singly-coated, is then anodized in the second electrolyte of an aqueous solution of an organophosphorus compound which generates a residue which is chemisorbed and covalently bonded to the substrate to form (ii) a monomolecular essentially continuous monolayer on the outer surface of (i), and at the same time, the second anodizing step produces (iii) a barrier layer of non-porous aluminum oxide under (i). The thickness of this barrier layer can be increased as a function of the voltage used while maintaining the thickness of (i) substantially constant, and (ii) protects (i) from dissolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Gary A. Nitowski, Larry F. Wieserman, Karl Wefers
  • Patent number: 5238715
    Abstract: Disclosed is a food or beverage container or container panel comprised of an aluminum alloy body having an integral bottom and wall. An intermediate layer comprised of an aluminum oxide or aluminum hydroxide layer is bonded to the aluminum alloy body and a functionalized layer of an organo phosphonate, organo phosphinate or phosphate ester is bonded to the oxide or hydroxide layer. A polymer layer is bonded to the functionalized layer. The functionalized layer is comprised of the reaction product of phosphonic or phosphinic acid and/or phosphonic acid ester, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Karl Wefers, Gary A. Nitowski, Larry F. Wieserman
  • Patent number: 5131987
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for anodically oxidizing aluminum alloy surfaces as a pretreatment for structural adhesive bonds or laminates. The process is comprised of anodically oxidizing aluminum and its alloys in phosphorous acid containing electrolyte to form a porous film comprised of Al, O and P. This film provides a very effective substrate for adhesively bonding aluminum articles and laminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Gary A. Nitowski, Karl Wefers, Larry F. Wieserman
  • Patent number: 5132181
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a functionalized layer and an aluminum hydroxide layer on an aluminum substrate, the aluminum hydroxide layer located between the substrate and the functionalized layer. The method comprises the steps of subjecting an aluminum substrate to a hydrothermal treatment in an aqueous solution having a pH in the range of 2 to 14 to form a layer of aluminum hydroxide on said substrate and thereafter treating said aluminum substrate with a phosphorus-containing acid selected from phosphinic and phosphonic acid to form a functionalized layer on said aluminum hydroxide layer, the functionalized layer comprised of the reaction product of said acid and the layer of aluminum hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Karl Wefers, Gary A. Nitowski, Larry F. Wieserman
  • Patent number: 5126210
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating the surface of a valve metal such as aluminum to form a two layer protective coating thereon using an anodizing bath consisting essentially of an aqueous solution having a concentration ranging from about 0.001 molar to a saturated solution of a monomeric phosphorus- containing compound selected from the class consisting of a 1-30 carbon water soluble phosphonic acid, a 1-30 carbon water soluble phosphinic acid, and mixtures thereof. The valve metal surface is anodized in the anodizing bath while maintaining a voltage selected from a range of from about 1 to about 400 volts until the current density falls to a level indicative of the fact that a nonporous valve oxide layer has been formed on the valve metal surface and a reaction product from the monomeric phosphonic/phosphinic acid compound is chemically bonded to the oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Larry F. Wieserman, Karl Wefers, Gary A. Nitowski, Edward S. Martin
  • Patent number: 5103550
    Abstract: Disclosed is a food or beverage container or container panel comprised of an aluminum alloy body having an integral bottom and wall. An intermediate layer comprised of an aluminum oxide or aluminum hydroxide layer is bonded to the aluminum alloy body and a functionalized layer of an organo phosphonate, organo phosphinate or phosphate ester is bonded to the oxide or hydroxide layer. A polymer layer is bonded to the functionalized layer. The functionalized layer is comprised of the reaction product of phosphonic or phosphinic acid and/or phosphonic acid ester, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Karl Wefers, Gary A. Nitowski, Larry F. Wieserman
  • Patent number: 5102507
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating the surface of a valve metal such as aluminum to form a two layer protective coating thereon using an anodizing bath consisting essentially of an aqueous solution having a concentration ranging from about 0.001 molar to a saturated solution of a phosphorus-containing compound selected from the class consisting of a phosphorus acid ester and salts thereof. A non-porous barrier valve metal oxide layer is formed on a surface of the valve metal, and a functionalized layer comprised of a phosphate ester is formed on the oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Larry F. Wieserman, Karl Wefers, Gary A. Nitowski
  • Patent number: 5059258
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a functionalized layer and an aluminum hydroxide layer on an aluminum substrate, the aluminum hydroxide layer located between the substrate and the functionalized layer. The method comprises the steps of subjecting an aluminum substrate to a hydrothermal treatment in an aqueous solution having a pH in the range of 2 to 14 to form a layer of aluminum hydroxide on said substrate and thereafter treating said aluminum substrate with a phosphorus-containing acid selected from phosphonic and phosphonic acid to form a functionalized layer on said aluminum hydroxide layer, the functionalized layer comprised of the reaction product of said acid and the layer of aluminum hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Karl Wefers, Gary A. Nitowski, Larry F. Wieserman