Copper Containing Patents (Class 148/438)
  • Patent number: 5649282
    Abstract: An element for thermally protecting a substrate is deposited on the substrate and comprises a quasicrystalline aluminium alloy having a thermal diffusivity lower than 2.5.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s at room temperature and a thermal diffusivity, within the temperature range 650.degree.-750.degree. C., which does not exceed its thermal diffusivity at room temperature by a factor greater than 3. The element may be used to provide heat barriers or bonding layers for substrates. The heat protection element, used in the form of a heat barrier or in the form of a bond coat for heat barriers, exhibits good thermal insulation properties, good mechanical properties, a low specific mass, good resistance to corrosion, and great ease of processing. Further, the invention is useful in limiting heat transfer towards or from parts and components of fittings in many household and industrial devices, for example, heating or cooking devices, smoothing irons, automobile components, and in aeronautic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dubois, Pierre Archambault, Bernard Colleret
  • Patent number: 5647919
    Abstract: A high strength, rapidly solidified alloy consisting of aluminum and, added thereto, additive elements. The mean crystal grain size of the aluminum is 40 to 1000 nm, the mean size of particles of a stable phase or a metastable phase of various intermetallic compounds formed from the aluminum and the additive element and/or various intermetallic compounds formed from the additive elements themselves is 10 to 800 nm, and the intermetallic compound particles are distributed in a volume fraction of 20 to 50% in a matrix consisting of aluminum. The rapidly solidified alloy has an improved strength at room temperature and a high toughness and can maintain the properties inherent in a material produced by the rapid solidification process even when it undergoes a thermal influence during working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kita, Hidenobu Nagahama
  • Patent number: 5643372
    Abstract: An improvement to a process for treating an aluminum alloy for the series AA 2000 or AA 6000 comprising solution heat treating, quenching and natural or artificial aging, in which conventional heat solution heat treating is defined as solution heat treating the alloy at a temperature which is 5.degree. to 10.degree. C. below a known eutectics melting temperature for the alloy. The improvement comprises solution heat treating at a temperature which is 10.degree. to 100.degree. C. below the conventional solution heat treating temperature in order to desensitize the alloy to intercrystalline corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
    Inventors: Pierre Sainfort, Jean Domeyne, Timothy Warner
  • Patent number: 5618358
    Abstract: A new aluminum based alloy having properties which mimic homogenized DC cast 3003 alloy and a low-cost method for manufacturing it are described. The alloy contains 0.40% to 0.70% Fe, 0.10% to less than 0.30% Mn, more than 0.10% to 0.25% Cu, less than 0.10% Si, optionally up to 0.10% Ti and the balance Al and incidental impurities. The alloy achieves properties similar to homogenized DC cast 3003 when continuously cast followed by cold rolling and if desired annealing at final gauge. Suprisingly no other heat treatments are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas Davisson, Sadashiv Nadkarni, Douglas Reesor
  • Patent number: 5616189
    Abstract: An alloy of aluminum containing magnesium, silicon and optionally copper in amounts in percent by weight falling within one of the following ranges:(1) 0.4.ltoreq.Mg.ltoreq.0.8, 0.2.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.0.5, 0.3.ltoreq.Cu.ltoreq.3.5;(2) 0.8.ltoreq.Mg.ltoreq.1.4, 0.2.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.0.5, Cu.ltoreq.2.5; and(3) 0.4.ltoreq.Mg.ltoreq.1.0, 0.2.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.1.4, Cu.ltoreq.2.0; said alloyhaving been formed into a sheet having properties suitable for automotive applications. The alloy may also contain at least one additional element selected from the group consisting of Fe in an amount of 0.4 percent by weight or less, Mn in an amount of 0.4 percent by weight or less, Zn in an amount of 0.3 percent by weight or less and a small amount of at least one other element, such as Cr, Ti, Zr and V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Iljoon Jin, John Fitzsimon, Michael J. Bull, Pierre H. Marois, Alok K. Gupta, David J. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5614036
    Abstract: A high heat resisting and high abrasion resisting aluminum alloy and aluminum alloy powder have superior toughness, abrasion resistance, high temperature strength, and creep resistance and are useful to form engine parts for automobiles, airplanes, etc. The high heat resisting and high abrasion resisting aluminum alloy comprises 2 to 15 wt % of Ni, 0.2 to 15 wt % of Si, 0.6 to 8.0 wt % of Fe, one or two of 0.6 to 5.0 wt % of Cu and 0.5 to 3 wt % of Mg, the total amount of Cu and Mg being equal to or less than 6 wt %, one or two of 0.3 to 3 wt % of Zr and 0.3 to 3 wt % of Mo, the total amount of Zr and Mo being equal to or less than 4 wt %, 0.05 to 10 wt % of B, and the balance of Al and unavoidable impurities, and is produced by powder metallurgy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyo Aluminium Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiko Imahashi, Hirohisa Miura, Yasuhiro Yamada, Hirofumi Michioka, Jun Kusui, Akiei Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5607523
    Abstract: A high-strength aluminum-based alloy consisting of a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.bal Q.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn and Cr; M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, and Cu; X is at least one of rare earth elements including Y, or Misch metal (Mm); and a, b and c are, in atomic percentages, 1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.7, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.5, and 0<c.ltoreq.5, the aluminum-based alloy containing quasicrystals in the structure thereof. The quasicrystals may be of an icosahedral phase (I phase), a decagonal phase (D phase), or a crystalline phase akin thereto and the structure may comprise the quasicrystalline phase and a phase formed of any one of an amorphous phase, aluminum, and a supersaturated aluminum solid solution or a composite (mixed phase) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Junichi Nagahora, Toshisuke Shibata, Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5593515
    Abstract: A high strength aluminum-based alloy, which having a composition of the general formula: Al.sub.bal Q.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.c T.sub.d, wherein Q represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Mo and W; M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Cu and Fe; X represents at least one element selected from rare earth elements including Y or Mm; T represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Hf; and a, b, c and d represent the following atomic percentages: 1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.7, 0>5, 0>c.ltoreq.5 and 0>d.ltoreq.2, and contains quasi-crystals in the structure thereof. The alloy of the present invention is excellent in the hardness and strength at both room temperature and a high temperature, and also in thermal resistance and ductility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Teikoku Piston Ring Co., Ltd., Yamaha Corporation, YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Hisamichi Kimura, Yoshiyuki Shinohara, Yuma Horio, Kazuhiko Kita
  • 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: 5578144
    Abstract: To provide a high-strength, high-ductility cast aluminum alloy, which enables a near-net shape product to be produced by improving the casting structure of an aluminum alloy, particularly by using specific constituents and controlling the cooling rate, and a process for producing the same. The high-strength, high-ductility cast aluminum alloy of the present invention is characterized in that it has a structure comprising fine grains of .alpha.-Al, having an average grain diameter of not more than 10 .mu.m, surrounded by a network of a compound of Al-lanthanide-base metal, the .alpha.-Al grains forming a domain, that the domain comprises an aggregate of .alpha.-Al grains which have been refined, cleaved, and ordered in a single direction and that it has a composition represented by the general formula Al.sub.a Ln.sub.b M.sub.c wherein a, b, and c are, in terms of by weight, respectively 75%.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95%, 0.5%.ltoreq.b<15%, and 0.5%.ltoreq.c<15%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Satou, Yukio Okochi
  • Patent number: 5571344
    Abstract: An element for thermally protecting a substrate is deposited on the substrate and comprises a quasicrystalline aluminum alloy having a thermal diffusivity lower than 2.5.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s at room temperature and a thermal diffusivity, within the temperature range 650.degree.-750.degree. C., which does not exceed its thermal diffusivity at room temperature by a factor greater than 3. The element may be used to provide heat barriers or bonding layers for substrates. The heat protection element, used in the form of a heat barrier or in the form of a bond coat for neat barriers, exhibits good thermal insulation properties, good mechanical properties, a low specific mass, good resistance to corrosion, and great ease of processing. Further, the invention is useful in limiting heat transfer towards or from parts and components of fittings in many household and industrial devices, for example, heating or cooking devices, smoothing irons, automobile components, and in aeronautic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dubois, Pierre Archambault, Bernard Colleret
  • Patent number: 5547633
    Abstract: The specification describes a ternary alloy of aluminium. The alloy described comprises from 80 to 96% by weight of aluminium and from 4 to 20% by weight of titanium and a third element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, chromium, copper, magnesium, nickel and iron. The weight ratio of titanium to ternary alloying element lies in the range from 1:1 to 6:1. The alloy can be aged at a temperature in the range from 300.degree. to 450.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Monash University
    Inventors: Barry C. Muddle, Jianfeng Nie
  • Patent number: 5547524
    Abstract: A planar sheet of structurally hardened aluminum alloy, having, after quenching and aging, mechanical strength which varies continuously in a particularly defined direction of the planar sheet. The planar sheet is produced in a process comprising quenching and final aging, where the final aging comprises heating for a defined period of time a first portion of the plate or sheet including a first edge to a first temperature T and a second portion of the plate or sheet including an opposite edge to a second temperature t<T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventors: Pierre Sainfort, Herve Vichery, Benoit Commet
  • Patent number: 5512241
    Abstract: Weld filler alloys comprising aluminum, copper, lithium and, optionally, silver are disclosed which possess significantly improved fabricability and weldability. The weld filler alloys are free of magnesium and can be easily drawn into weld wire that is useful for welding aluminum-base alloys. Weldments made with the filler alloys exhibit highly improved mechanical, physical and corrosion resistance properties. The weld filler alloys may be used to weld cryogenic containers for space launch vehicles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence S. Kramer, Joseph R. Pickens, Carl E. Cross
  • Patent number: 5509978
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high strength and anti-corrosive aluminum-based alloy essentially consisting of an amorphous structure or a multiphase amorphous/fine crystalline structure, which is represented by the general formula Al.sub.x M.sub.y R.sub.z. In this formula, M represents at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zr, Nb, Mo and Ni, and R represents at least one element or mixture selected from the group consisting of Y, Ce, La, Nd and Mm (misch metal). Additionally, in the formula, x, y and z represent the composition ratio, and are atomic percentages satisfying the relationships of x+y+z=100, 64.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.95, 5.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.35, and 0<z.ltoreq.0.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Yuma Horio
  • Patent number: 5503692
    Abstract: A novel method is disclosed for removing or eliminating anisotropic material properties typically found in conventionally rolled or otherwise processed aluminum-lithium alloy products obtained from conventional aluminum fabrication mills. The method comprises imparting a predetermined amount of strain to the conventionally rolled alloy sheet whereby the alloy experiences dynamic recrystallization. Through this process, the mill-imposed crystallographic texturing, which initially sets up the undesired anisotropic characteristics, is eliminated. A preferred technique for imparting strain to the sheet stock is superplastic forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corp.
    Inventors: Gardner R. Martin, Claire E. Anton
  • Patent number: 5490885
    Abstract: A method of treating a blank of an aluminium base alloy comprising a combination of heat treatments and cold forming operations to produce a highly recovered semi-fabricated wrought product that is not statically recrystallized and that is inherently non-superplastic and is capable of superplastic deformation only after an initial non-superplastic deformation to achieve dynamic recrystallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: William S. Miller, Roger Grimes
  • Patent number: 5478418
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy powder for sliding members includes Fe in an amount of from 0.5 to 5.0% by weight, Cu in an amount of from 0.6 to 5.0% by weight, B in an amount of from 0.1 to 2.0% by weight and the balance of Al. An aluminum alloy includes a matrix made from the aluminum alloy powder and at least one member dispersed, with respect to whole of the matrix taken 100% by weight, in the matrix, and selected from the group consisting of B in an amount of from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, boride in an amount of from 1.0 to 15% by weight and iron compound in an amount of from 1.0 to 15% by weight, and thereby it exhibits the tensile strength of 400 MPa or more. The aluminum alloy powder and the aluminum alloy are suitable for making sliding members like valve lifters for automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyo Aluminum Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirohisa Miura, Yasuhiro Yamada, Hirohumi Michioka, Jun Kusui, Akiei Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5466312
    Abstract: A method for making aluminum foil comprises providing an aluminum-based alloy composition consisting essentially of about 0.05 to 0.20 weight percent silicon, about 0.02 to 0.50 weight percent iron, about 0.05 to 0.30 weight percent copper and balance aluminum and inevitable impurities and grain refining elements, wherein the ratio of iron to silicon ranges between about 2:1 and 4:1. The aluminum-alloy composition is continuously cast using a unitary and chilled casting wheel to form a cast strip product of desired width and gauge. The cast strip product is then homogenized, cold rolled and recrystallized annealed into an aluminum foil product. The aluminum-based alloy composition produces a single roll cast product having minimum microshrinkage porosity on the air surface thereof. Reducing or eliminating the microshrinkage porosity in the cast product results in an aluminum foil product having a minimum of pinholes in the final foil product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Bennie R. Ward, Jr., Sander A. Levy, George A. Sloan
  • Patent number: 5462612
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy casting comprising 4.0 to 13.0% of Si, 4.5% or below of Cu, 1.5% or below of Mg, and the rest of Al in weight ratio is produced by a production method which adds a metallic hydride to a molten aluminum alloy for casting at a temperature of liquidus line or above. This method makes the shape of pores generated in the casting circular and fine, and an average crystal grain diameter to be 1/3 or below of a thickness of the casting, thereby, an aluminum alloy casting having excellent airtightness can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigetaka Morita, Yoshio Igarashi, Masanao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5455003
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the production of aluminum-copper-lithium alloys that exhibit improved strength and fracture toughness at cryogenic temperatures. Improved cryogenic properties are achieved by controlling the composition of the alloy, along with processing parameters such as the amount of cold-work and artificial aging. The ability to attain substantially equal or greater strength and fracture toughness at cryogenic temperature in comparison to room temperature allows for use of the alloys in cryogenic tanks for space launch vehicles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Pickens, William T. Tack
  • Patent number: 5454855
    Abstract: A compacted and consolidated material of an aluminum-based alloy obtained by compacting and consolidating a rapidly solidified material having a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.a Ni.sub.b X.sub.c M.sub.d, Al.sub.a Ni.sub.b X.sub.c Q.sub.e or Al.sub.a 'Ni.sub.b X.sub.c M.sub.d Q.sub.e, wherein X represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Mm (misch metal), Ti and Zr; M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Y, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Si, Cu and Zn; and a, a', b, c, d and e are, in atomic percentages, 85.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.94.4, 83.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.94.3, 5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.10, 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.3, 0.1.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.2 and 0.1.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kita, Hidenobu Nagahama, Takeshi Terabayashi, Makoto Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 5439536
    Abstract: Strength anisotropy of aluminum-lithium alloy wrought products is reduced by subjecting these types of alloys to improved T8 temper practice. The wrought product, after solution heat treating and quenching, is subjected to a combination of cold rolling and stretching steps prior to aging. The cold rolling can range between 1 and 20% reduction with the stretching step ranging between 0.5-10%. The cold rolling step may be performed in one or a multiple of passes. When multiple passes are used, the cold rolling may be done in different directions to further enhance reductions in strength anisotropy for these types of alloys. An aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product subjected to the improved T8 temper practice has an increased minimum tensile yield stress throughout its thickness and in various directions to facilitate commercial application of the product in high strength applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Alex Cho
  • Patent number: 5431751
    Abstract: A high strength aluminum alloy is expressed by a general formula, Al.sub.a X.sub.b Mm.sub.c, in which "X" stands for at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zr, "Mm" stands for a misch metal, a content "a" of aluminum falls in a range of from 95.2 to 97.5 atomic %, and a content "b" of "X" and a content "c" of the "Mm" fall in a hatched area enclosed by points "A," "B," "C" and "D" of accompanying FIG. 1 on atomic % basis, and whose metallic phase includes microcrystalline phases or mixed phases containing amorphous phases in a volume content of less than 50% and the balance of microcrystalline phases. As a result, the amorphous phases or the microcrystalline phases are dispersed uniformly in its base microcrystalline phases appropriately, and at the same time the thus generating base microcrystalline phases are reinforced by forming solid solutions including the "Mm" and the transition metal element "X" as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Okochi, Kazuaki Sato, Tetsuya Suganuma, Akira Kato, Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue
  • Patent number: 5431876
    Abstract: A group of ternary alloys of aluminum-lithium and magnesium or copper further including at least one additive element such as zirconium, chromium and/or manganese. These alloys have an improved combination of properties such as strength, ductility and weldability and in some cases improved tensile properties at cryogenic temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminium Ltd.
    Inventors: K. Sharvan Kumar, Joseph R. Pickens
  • Patent number: 5422066
    Abstract: Aluminum-base alloys in a peak-aged condition and magnesium-base alloys in the form of cast products and wrought products capable of having improved combinations of yield strength and fracture toughness are disclosed. The aluminum-base alloy products are comprised of 0.5 to 4.5 wt %. lithium, about 0.01 to 1 ppm Na, about 0.01 to 1 ppm K, less than 0.1 ppm Rb, less than 0.1 ppm Cs, and the remainder comprising aluminum. Aluminum-base alloy products in a peak-aged condition have: (i) a grain boundary region substantially free of liquid phase eutectics comprised of Na and K that form embrittlement phases at room temperature; and (ii) an increase in fracture toughness compared to an aluminum-lithium alloy having greater than 5 ppm aggregate alkali metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminium Limited
    Inventor: Donald Webster
  • Patent number: 5415709
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high-strength, abrasion resistant aluminum alloy having a composition represented by the general formula Al.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.c Z.sub.d Si.sub.e, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni; X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce and Mm (mischmetal); Z is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Mo, Zr, W, Ta and Hf; and a, b, c, d and e are all expressed by atom percent and range from 50 to 89 %, 0.5 to 10 %, 0.5 to 10 %, 0 to 10 % and 10 to 49 %, respectively, with the proviso that a+b+c+d+e =100 %, the alloy containing fine Si precipitates and fine particles of intermetallic compounds dispersed in an aluminum matrix. The aluminum alloy may further contain not greater than 5 % of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mg, Zn and Li. The alloy can be warm-worked at 300.degree.-500.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5407636
    Abstract: An Al-based alloy represented by the general formula Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b and Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b Q.sub.c wherein M represents at least one element selected from among V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q represents at least one element selected from Mg and Si; and a, b and c are, in percentages by weight, 7.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.20, 0.2.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.20 and 0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5. A compacted and consolidated material is produced by melting a material having the above alloy composition, rapidly solidifying the melt into powder or flakes; compacting the resultant powder or flakes; and subjecting the compacted powder or flakes to press forming and consolidating by a conventional plastic working. The aluminum-based alloy and the compacted and consolidated material thereof have a high strength, a good ductility and an excellent strength at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5405462
    Abstract: A superplastic aluminum-based alloy material consisting of a matrix formed of aluminum or a supersaturated aluminum solid solution, whose average crystal grain size is 0.005 to 1 .mu.m, and particles made of a stable or metastable phase of various intermetallic compounds formed of the main alloying element (i.e., the matrix element) and the other alloying elements and/or of various intermetallic compounds formed of the other alloying elements and distributed evenly in the matrix, the particles having a mean particle size of 0.001 to 0.1 .mu.m. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material is produced from a rapidly solidified material consisting of an amorphous phase, a microcrystalline phase or a mixed phase thereof by optionally heat treating at a prescribed temperature for a prescribed period of time and then subjecting to a single or combined thermo-mechanical treatment. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material of the present invention is suited for to superplastic working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kenji Higashi, Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kenji Higashi, Katsumasa Ohtera, Makoto Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 5405576
    Abstract: A hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloy produced by a powder metallurgy technique disclosed herein comprises 12 to 50% by weight of silicon, 1.0 to 5.0% by weight of copper and 0.01 to 0.05% by weight of phosphorus, the content of Ca as an impurity being controlled to be 0.03% by weight or less. The hyereutectic aluminum-silicon alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability and mechanical strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignees: Toyo Aluminum Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Kusui, Akiei Tanaka, Kohei Kubo, Takashi Watsuji, Takamasa Yokote
  • Patent number: 5383986
    Abstract: Strength and ductility for a aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product in the transverse direction is improved by subjecting these types of alloys to improved T8 temper practice. The wrought product, after solution heat treating and quenching is subjected to a multiple step stretching sequence prior to aging, the total percent reduction for the multiple step stretching sequence ranging between 1 and 20 percent reduction. In the multiple step stretching sequence, each of the stretching steps may have the same or different amounts of percent reduction to achieve the desired total percent reduction. An aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product subjected to the improved T8 temper practice has increased tensile yield stress and percent elongation in its transverse direction to facilitate commercial application of the product in high strength applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Alex Cho
  • Patent number: 5380379
    Abstract: There is claimed an aluminum alloy sheet product having a composition consisting essentially of: about 1.35-1.6 wt. % iron; about 0.3-0.6 wt. % manganese; about 0.1-0.4 (and preferably about 0.22-0.4) wt. % copper; about 0.05-0.1 wt. % titanium; about 0.01-0.02 wt. % boron; up to about: 0.2 wt. % silicon, 0.02 wt. % chromium, 0.005 wt. % magnesium and 0.05 wt. % zinc; and a balance of aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. This composition is cast to an initial thickness greater than about 3 mm (0.12 inch). The end product exhibits improved strength and surface properties through a manufacturing process which includes: heat treating at one or more temperatures above about 450.degree. C. (842.degree. F.), and preferably below about 500.degree. C. (932.degree. F.); before rolling to final gauge. When cold rolled to various thicknesses, this sheet product exhibits ultimate tensile strength values ranging from 11-15 kg/mm.sup.2 for thin and intermediate gauge products, to about 27-30 kg/mm.sup.2 (38.4-42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Alcoa Aluminio Do Nordeste S.A.
    Inventors: Klaus P. Maiwald, Marcio D. Soares, Aldenir J. Clemente
  • Patent number: 5374295
    Abstract: Disclosed are heat resistant aluminum alloy powders and alloys including Ni, Si, either at least one of Fe and Zr or at least one of Zr and Ti. For instance, the alloy powders or alloys consist essentially of Ni in an amount of from 5.7 to 20% by weight, Si in an amount of from 0.2 to 25% by weight, at least one of Fe in an amount of from 0.6 to 8.0% by weight and Cu in an amount of from 0.6 to 5.0% by weight, and the balance of Al. The alloy powders or alloys are optimum for a matrix of heat and wear resistant aluminum alloy-based composite materials including at least one of nitride particles and boride particles in an amount of 0. 5 to 10% by weight with respect to the whole composite material taken as 100% by weight. The alloy powders, alloys and composite materials are satisfactory applicable to the component parts of the recent automobile engines which should produce a high output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyo Aluminum Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirohisa Miura, Kunihiko Imahashi, Yasuhiro Yamada, Hirohumi Michioka, Jun Kusui, Akiei Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5362340
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum can sheet having low earing characteristics. An aluminum alloy ingot is provided and is heated to a temperature between about 527.degree. to 571.degree. C. (980.degree. to 1060.degree. F.). After this, the ingot is hot rolled in a single-stand reversible hot mill to produce an intermediate gauge sheet. The intermediate gauge sheet is then cold rolled to produce a final gauge aluminum can sheet having low eating characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Marilyn Daly, Scott L. Palmer, Robert E. Sanders, Jr., W. Bryan Steverson, Lyndon Morgan
  • Patent number: 5362341
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum can sheet having high strength and low earing characteristics comprises providing an aluminum alloy ingot and then hot rolling the ingot in a single-stand hot reversing mill to produce a first intermediate gauge sheet. The first intermediate gauge sheet is then cold rolled to produce a second intermediate gauge sheet. This second intermediate gauge sheet is passed through a heat source as a single web so that the second intermediate gauge sheet is continuously annealed. After heating, the second intermediate gauge sheet is quenched and coiled again. Finally, the coiled second intermediate gauge sheet is cold rolled again to produce the final gauge aluminum can sheet having high strength and low earing characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Scott L. Palmer, Robert E. Sanders, W. Bryan Steverson, Lyndon Morgan
  • Patent number: 5350468
    Abstract: A process for producing amorphous alloy materials having high toughness and high strength from various alloy powders, thin ribbons or bulk materials consisting of an amorphous phase by heating them to a temperature at which intermetallic compounds or other compounds are not produced. During this heating, fine crystal grains consisting of a supersaturated solid solution made of a main alloying element and additive elements and having a mean grain diameter of 5 nm to 500 nm are precipitated and uniformly dispersed in a volume percentage of 5 to 50% throughout an amorphous matrix. In the process, when deformation, pressing or other working is simultaneously conducted with the heating, consolidation or combining of the resultant alloy materials can also be effected in the same production procedure. The amorphous alloy used in the production process preferably comprises Al, Mg or Ti as a main element and, as additive elements, rare earth elements and/or other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue
  • Patent number: 5332456
    Abstract: A superplastic aluminum-based alloy material consisting of a matrix formed of aluminum or a supersaturated aluminum solid solution, whose average crystal grain size is 0.005 to 1 .mu.m, and particles made of a stable or metastable phase of various intermetallic compounds formed of the main alloying element (i.e., the matrix element) and the other alloying elements and/or of various intermetallic compounds formed of the other alloying elements and distributed evenly in the matrix, the particles having a mean particle size of 0.001 to 0.1 .mu.m. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material is produced from a rapidly solidified material consisting of an amorphous phase, a microcrystalline phase or a mixed phase thereof by optionally heat treating the material at a prescribed temperature for a prescribed period of time and then subjecting it to a single or combined thermomechanical treatment. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material of the present invention is suited for superplastic working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kenji Higashi, Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kenji Higashi, Katsumasa Ohtera, Makoto Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 5320688
    Abstract: The present invention provides high strength, heat resistant aluminum-based alloys having a composition represented by the general formula:Al.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.cwherein:M is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, W, Ca, Li, Mg and Si;X is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Sm, Nd, Hf, Nb, Ta and Mm (misch metal); anda, b and c are atomic percentages falling within the following ranges:50.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.35 and 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.25,the aluminum-based alloy being in an amorphous state, microcrystalline state or a composite state thereof. The aluminum-based alloys possess an advantageous combination of properties of high strength, heat resistance, superior ductility and good processability which make then suitable for various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignees: Yoshida Kogyo K. K., Tsuyoshi Masumoto
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Katsumasa Odera, Masahiro Oguchi
  • Patent number: 5318642
    Abstract: A high-strength rolled sheet of an aluminum alloy having a composition represented by the general formula Al.sub.bal Ni.sub.a X.sub.b, Al.sub.bal Ni.sub.a X.sub.b M.sub.c or Al.sub.bal Ni.sub.a X.sub.b M.sub.c Q.sub.d, wherein X represents at least one element selected from among La, Ce, Mm, Ti and Zr; M represents at least one element selected from among V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Y, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q represents at least one element selected from among Mg, Si, Cu and Zn; and a, b, c and d are, in atomic percentages, 2.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.10, 0.1.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.3.ltoreq.0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.2 and 0.01.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.2, wherein intermetallic compounds crystallized therefrom have a maximum particle size of 10 .mu.m or less. The rolled sheet can be easily produced by subjecting a melt of an alloy having the above-described composition to rolling simultaneously with cooling and solidification to provide a rolled sheet and has high strength and rigidity and excellent heat resistance and ductility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5300157
    Abstract: An Al-based intermetallic compound in which a eutectic crystal type Al-CuMn intermetallic compound dispersion phase is dispersed in an Al-Cu intermetallic compound matrix phase. The content of Mn as a eutectic crystal-forming element contained in the dispersion phase is set in a range of from 5% by weight (inclusive) to 30% by weight (inclusive). In the course of solidification of the Al-Cu-Mn intermetallic compound, an infinite number of dispersion phases are first crystallized, and the matrix phase is then crystallized. This ensures that the matrix phase is formed into a fine crystal structure due to hindrance of the growth thereof by the dispersion phase, leading to increases in hardness and toughness of the resulting Al-based intermetallic compound. In another embodiment, the Al-based intermetallic compound contains peritectic type Al-based intermetallic dispersion phase, such as formed by Ta, dispersed in the intermetallic compound matrix phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sinji Okabe, Takashi Iwasa, Naoya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5290373
    Abstract: A method of evaporable foam casting of metal articles, such as engine blocks for internal combustion engines. An evaporable foam pattern having a configuration proportionally identical to the article to be cast is positioned in a mold and a finely divided flowable material, such as sand, surrounds the pattern and fills the internal cavities of the pattern. A molten hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloy containing 16% to 19.5% by weight of silicon and containing a magnesium content in excess of the magnesium solid solubility limit, is fed into the mold and into contact with the pattern. The heat of the molten metal vaporizes the pattern, with the vapor being trapped within the sand and the molten metal filling the void created by vaporization of the pattern to provide a cast article. The high magnesium content in the alloy produces in the solid state a Mg.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Donahue, Terrance M. Cleary, William G. Hesterberg
  • Patent number: 5273594
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving aluminum alloy plate product properties by delaying final stretching of the plate product. During processing of the product, a time interval or intentional delay is provided between the final cold rolling step and the final stretching step. By delaying the final stretching procedure, an aluminum alloy plate product is provided with an improved fracture toughness without significant decrease in strength values. The method of intentionally delaying final stretching is particularly adapted for 2000 series aluminum alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: William A. Cassada, III
  • Patent number: 5264021
    Abstract: A compacted and consolidated aluminum-based alloy material is obtained by compacting and consolidating a rapidly-solidified material having a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.a Ni.sub.b X.sub.c M.sub.d or Al.sub.a' Ni.sub.b X.sub.c M.sub.d Q.sub.e, where X is one or two elements selected from La and Ce or an Mm; M is Zr or Ti; Q is one or more elements selected from Mg, Si, Cu and Zn, and a, a', b, c, d and e are, in atomic percentages, 84.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.94.8, 82.ltoreq.a'.ltoreq.94.6, 5.ltoreq.b .ltoreq.10, 0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.3, 0.1.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.3, and 0.2.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.2. According to the production process of the invention, powder or flakes obtained by rapidly solidifying are compacted, followed by compressing, forming and consolidating by conventional plastic working operations. The consolidated material has an elongation sufficient to withstand secondary working operations. Moreover, the material retains the excellent properties of its raw material as they are.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kita, Makoto Kawanishi, Hidenobu Nagahama
  • Patent number: 5234662
    Abstract: Aluminum based alloy primarily for use in aircraft and aerospace components consists essentially of the composition: 2.60 to 3.30 weight percent copper, 0.0 to 0.50 weight percent manganese, 1.30 to 1.65 weight percent lithium, 0.0 to 1.8 percent magnesium, and from 0.0 to 1.5 weight percent of grain refinement elements selected from the group consisting of zirconium, and chromium. Up to about 0.5 wt. % zinc and up to about 1.5 wt. % titanium may also be present. Minor impurities may also be present. These alloys exhibit an improved combination of characteristics including low density, high strength, high corrosion resistance and good fracture toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Edward S. Balmuth, David J. Chellman, Frank W. Gayle, Richard A. Rainen, Michael H. Skillingberg
  • Patent number: 5234514
    Abstract: A hypereutectic aluminum-silicon casting alloy having a refined primary silicon particle size and a modified silicon phase in the eutectic. The aluminum base alloy includes from 19% to 30% by weight of silicon and also contains 0.005% to 0.06% by weight of phosphorus, and 0.15% to 1.15% by weight of titanium. On cooling from solution temperature, the phosphorus serves as an active nucleant for the primary silicon phase, while at a lower temperature, a titanium-aluminum intermetallic compound is formed that is sheathed by the pseudoprimary .alpha.-aluminum and the sheathed particles act as a nucleant to modify the acicular silicon phase in the eutectic. The resulting alloy has primary silicon refinement coupled with eutectic silicon modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Donahue, William G. Hesterberg, Terrance M. Cleary
  • Patent number: 5204191
    Abstract: The invention relates to materials for coating metal alloys or metals, which materials are intended to improve the performance of said alloys or metals.These materials have a composition which corresponds to the general formula Al.sub.a Cu.sub.b Fe.sub.c X.sub.d I.sub.e, wherein X represents one or more elements chosen from V, Mo, Ti, Zr, Nb, Cr, Mn, Ru, Rh, Ni, Mg, W, Si and the rare earths, and I represents the inevitable manufacturing impurities, e.ltoreq.2, 14.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.30, 7.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.20, O.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.10, with c+d.ltoreq.10 and a+b+c+d+e=100% of the number of atoms, and they contain at least 40% by mass of an icosahedral quasi-crystalline phase and/or a decagonal quasi-crystalline phase and have a grain size greater than 1,000 nm in the quasi-crystalline phase.These materials are useful, in particular, for coating copper, aluminium alloys or copper alloys in the manufacture of cooking utensils, anti-friction bearings, anti-wear surfaces and reference surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dubois, Pierre Weinland
  • Patent number: 5194102
    Abstract: A method of improving strength in aluminum alloys. The method involves solution heat treating an aluminum alloy product, quenching the alloy product, warm working the alloy product without a pre-aging step, and aging the alloy product at 250.degree.-400.degree. F. (121.degree.-204.degree. C.). The method may be used on forgings, to impart T8-type hardness to alloys that previously could only obtain such hardness levels in non-forging applications, such as by using stretch/cold working techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Rebecca K. Wyss
  • Patent number: 5174955
    Abstract: A heat-resisting aluminum alloy contains manganese ranging from 6 to 8% by weight, iron ranging from 0.5 to 2% by weight, zirconium ranging from 0.03 to 0.5% by weight, and copper ranging from 2 to 5% by weight, the balance being essentially aluminum. The aluminum alloy has been confirmed to be high in mechanical strength both at ordinary temperatures and at high temperatures while to be suitable for producing an article by using so-called atomization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Shioda, Syunsuke Suzuki, Akira Matsuyama, Yoshihiro Maki
  • Patent number: 5171381
    Abstract: The invention comprises an alloy having improved intermediate temperature properties at temperatures up to about 316.degree. C. The alloy contains (by weight percent) about 1-6% X contained as an intermetallic phase in the form of Al.sub.3 X. X is at least one selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ti and Zr. The alloy also contains 0.1-4% strengthener selected from the group consisting of Si and Mg. In addition, the alloy contains about 1-4% C and 0.1-2% O present as aluminum carbides and oxides for grain stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Inco Alloys International, Inc.
    Inventors: Prakash K. Mirchandani, Arunkumar S. Watwe, Walter E. Mattson
  • Patent number: RE34262
    Abstract: High modulus aluminum-base alloys comprise mechanically alloyed aluminum-base compositions contain 10-25% titanium part of which may be replaced by vanadium or zirconium. Within described limits the alloys can contain elements other than oxygen and carbon ordinarily derived from the process control agent used in mechanical alloying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Inco Alloys International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Benn, Prakash K. Mirchandani, Walter E. Mattson