Patents by Inventor Larry F. Wieserman
Larry F. Wieserman 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).
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Publication number: 20090042012Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum foam product wherein reactive gas producing particles are introduced into an aluminum alloy melt under controlled conditions and subjected to agitation to induce the production of foam-stabilizing by-products, and, under certain conditions, the production of gases used to produce the molten metal foam itself. Foam products produced through this method have intrinsically formed metal oxides and other solid particles dispersed therein and are devoid of the large extrinsically added stabilizing ceramic additions traditionally used in the production of aluminum foams. The invention claims a rapid, single step method for producing an inoculated, foamable melt using low cost precursor materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: J. Daniel Bryant, Jacob A. Kallivayalil, Mark D. Crowley, Joseph R. Genito, Larry F. Wieserman, Deborah Murphy Wilhelmy, William E. Boren, JR.
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Patent number: 7452402Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum foam product wherein reactive gas producing particles are introduced into an aluminum alloy melt under controlled conditions and subjected to agitation to induce the production of foam-stabilizing by-products, and, under certain conditions, the production of gases used to produce the molten metal foam itself. Foam products produced through this method have intrinsically formed metal oxides and other solid particles dispersed therein and are devoid of the large extrinsically added stabilizing ceramic additions traditionally used in the production of aluminum foams. The invention claims a rapid, single step method for producing an inoculated, foamable melt using low cost precursor materials.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: J. Daniel Bryant, Jacob A. Kallivayalil, Mark D. Crowley, Joseph R. Genito, Larry F. Wieserman, Deborah Murphy Wilhelmy, William E. Boren, Jr.
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Patent number: 7267158Abstract: A method of producing aluminum castings which includes the steps of casting a molten alloy, contacting the surface of the molten alloy with a humidified atmosphere and solidifying the alloy. The method is particularly suited for aluminum-magnesium alloys such as AA 5XXX and 7XXX series alloys. In addition to reducing the thickness of the surface oxide layer formed during casting, the method also provides improved surface quality of cast products and reduces subsequent remedial re-work or scalping. An improved aluminum-magnesium cast alloy product is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Paula L. Kolek, David H. DeYoung, David J. Roha, Patricia A. Stewart, Michael A. Easley, Jorge A. Ramos Cruz, Larry F. Wieserman
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Patent number: 7143812Abstract: In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising lubricant base selected from the group consisting of solid lubricants, liquid lubricants, grease lubricants, emulsion lubricants, and dispersion lubricants, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water and surfactant or water and a compound comprising phosphates, borates, fluorides, and silicates. It is believed that mixing oil with water and surfactant or one of these compounds provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications, thereby reducing vertical fold formation that lead to cracks in aluminum ingots. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold allowing the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: John Bahaychick, James R. Anglin, Patricia A. Stewart, Thomas A. Ferrazzoli, Larry F. Wieserman
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Patent number: 7111665Abstract: In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising a lubricant base, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water, surfactant, and a high viscosity organic material having a low vapor pressure. It is believed that this mixture provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications and increasing meniscus stability. Uniform distribution of the oxide and increased stability at the meniscus reduces vertical fold formation that can lead to cracks in the aluminum ingot. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold. Uniform heat transfer around the mold allows the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Patricia A. Stewart, James R. Anglin, Ray T. Richter, Larry F. Wieserman, Brian C. Reynolds, Dean K. Vinnedge, Jim M. Hart
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Publication number: 20060089268Abstract: In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising a lubricant base, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water, surfactant, and a high viscosity organic material having a low vapor pressure. It is believed that this mixture provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications and increasing meniscus stability. Uniform distribution of the oxide and increased stability at the meniscus reduces vertical fold formation that can lead to cracks in the aluminum ingot. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold. Uniform heat transfer around the mold allows the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2005Publication date: April 27, 2006Inventors: Patricia A. Stewart, James R. Anglin, Ray T. Richter, Larry F. Wieserman, Brian C. Reynolds, Dean K. Vinnedge, Jim M. Hart
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Patent number: 6881491Abstract: An aluminum alloy article is cleaned to remove oxides and organic matter from a coatable surface, coated with a composition comprising an organic resin and a fluorine compound, and then heated to an elevated temperature to decompose the organic resin and at least a portion of the fluorine compound. After heating the coated surface is left with a protective oxyfluoride film that prevents blistering and hydrogen pickup and promotes hydrogen degassing from the article.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Sally A. Jankosky, Susanne M. Opalka, Paula L. Kolek, Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20040229071Abstract: An aluminum alloy article is cleaned to remove oxides and organic matter from a coatable surface, coated with a composition comprising an organic resin and a fluorine compound, and then heated to an elevated temperature to decompose the organic resin and at least a portion of the fluorine compound. After heating the coated surface is left with a protective oxyfluoride film that prevents blistering and hydrogen pickup and promotes hydrogen degassing from the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Sally A. Jankosky, Susanne M. Opalka, Paula L. Kolek, Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20040163492Abstract: The present invention is directed to porous metal products including ceramic particles, where the initial surface layer (12) of the particles (10) is modified with agents that interact with surface oxygen, oxides and/or hydroxides to improve the wettability of particles within a molten metal alloy, and where the ceramic particles (10) are modified (14) by contacting the particles with a surface-modifying agent and heating the ceramic particles and surface-modifying agent to an elevated temperature at which the ceramic particle remains substantially stable and the surface-modifying agent becomes at least partially thermally unstable, to cause a reacted layer (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Mark D. Crowley, J. Daniel Bryant, David D. Leon, Jacob A. Kallivayalil, Joseph R. Genito, Patricia A. Stewart, Dorothy M. Schrall, Larry F. Wieserman, Larry B. Davis
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Publication number: 20040079198Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making porous aluminum product and products therefrom and, in particular, a method of rapidly solidifying a liquid metal foam produced by the incorporation of gas forming agents into an aluminum melt. The aluminum melt may be stabilized to support the creation of liquid metal foam by the addition of metal and/or ceramic additives. The decomposition of the gas forming agents and subsequent expansion of the gaseous products is controlled through the use of a reactor, wherein temperature, pressure and transit time can be adjusted to match the decomposition kinetics of the gas forming agent. The invention allows for the economical production of liquid metal foam of uniform cell size that can be continuously cast into sheet, plate and profile sections. Such metal foam products may be used in structural, thermal and acoustic applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: J. Daniel Bryant, Larry F. Wieserman, Mark D. Crowley, David D. Leon, Jacob A. Kallivayalil
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Patent number: 6669897Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a stacked aluminum alloy ingot during a heating process. Spacer blocks are positioned adjacent aluminum alloy ingots to form a stack, wherein the spacer block has a support surface contacting a contact surface of the aluminum alloy ingot, and at least one of the support surface and the contact surface include a fluorine containing material. The stack is heated to at least a temperature at which the fluorine containing material decomposes or vaporizes such that a layer of a fluorinated oxide compound is formed at the interfaces between the ingots and the spacer blocks.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Alcca Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Brian J. Morrissey, Robert L. Shadwick, Jr., Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20030141196Abstract: An anode system (10) in contact with a molten salt bath (34) in an electrolysis apparatus, contains a 50% to 95% dense refractory support (12) which comprises refractory material and from 2 wt %. to 20 wt. % of metal fibers (40), where the metal fibers are from 1 cm to 4 cm long.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Leroy E. D'Astolfo, Larry F. Wieserman, Thomas R. Hornack, Calvin Bates
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Patent number: 6569379Abstract: A spacer member in a furnace including an aluminum tube containing a ceramic material. The ceramic material provides high compressive strength and the composite product resists high temperature creep.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Calvin Bates, Daniel W. Severa, Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Patricia A. Stewart, Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20030031973Abstract: A spacer member in a furnace including an aluminum tube containing a ceramic material. The ceramic material provides high compressive strength and the composite product resists high temperature creep.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Calvin Bates, Daniel W. Severa, Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Patricia A. Stewart, Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20020163110Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a stacked aluminum alloy ingot during a heating process. Spacer blocks are positioned adjacent aluminum alloy ingots to form a stack, wherein the spacer block has a support surface contacting a contact surface of the aluminum alloy ingot, and at least one of the support surface and the contact surface include a fluorine containing material. The stack is heated to at least a temperature at which the fluorine containing material decomposes or vaporizes such that a layer of a fluorinated oxide compound is formed at the interfaces between the ingots and the spacer blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Brian J. Morrissey, Robert L. Shadwick, Larry F. Wieserman
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Patent number: 6461451Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a stacked aluminum alloy ingot during a heating process. Spacer blocks are positioned adjacent aluminum alloy ingots to form a stack, wherein the spacer block has a support surface contacting a contact surface of the aluminum alloy ingot, and at least one of the support surface and the contact surface include a fluorine containing material. The stack is heated to at least a temperature at which the fluorine containing material decomposes or vaporizes such that a layer of a fluorinated oxide compound is formed at the interfaces between the ingots and the spacer blocks.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Brian J. Morrissey, Robert L. Shadwick, Jr., Larry F. Wieserman
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Patent number: 6447667Abstract: A cermet anode of an electrolytic cell is protected from thermal shock during cell start-up by coating an outer surface portion of the anode with a coating composition comprising carbon or aluminum or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred coating composition includes an aluminum underlayer adjacent the outer surface portion of the anode, and a carbon overlayer overlying the underlayer. A support structure assembly supporting the cermet anode includes a high alumina ceramic material. In a preferred embodiment, the high alumina ceramic material is protected from thermal shock and corrosion by the coating composition of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Calvin Bates, Patricia A. Stewart, Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20020104590Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a stacked aluminum alloy ingot during a heating process. Spacer blocks are positioned adjacent aluminum alloy ingots to form a stack, wherein the spacer block has a support surface contacting a contact surface of the aluminum alloy ingot, and at least one of the support surface and the contact surface include a fluorine containing material. The stack is heated to at least a temperature at which the fluorine containing material decomposes or vaporizes such that a layer of a fluorinated oxide compound is formed at the interfaces between the ingots and the spacer blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2000Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Brian J. Morrissey, Robert L. Shadwick, Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20020092774Abstract: A cermet anode of an electrolytic cell is protected from thermal shock during cell start-up by coating an outer surface portion of the anode with a coating composition comprising carbon or aluminum or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred coating composition includes an aluminum underlayer adjacent the outer surface portion of the anode, and a carbon overlayer overlying the underlayer. A support structure assembly supporting the cermet anode includes a high alumina ceramic material. In a preferred embodiment, the high alumina ceramic material is protected from thermal shock and corrosion by the coating composition of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Calvin Bates, Patricia A. Stewart, Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20020011280Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Gary A. Nitowski, Raymond J. Colbert, Karl Wefers, Daniel D. Roup, Larry F. Wieserman, Paul R. Ziman