Titanium, Zirconium, Hafnium, Vanadium, Niobium, Or Tantalum Containing Patents (Class 420/552)
  • 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: 5500301
    Abstract: An Al alloy film containing one kind or two or more kinds of alloy components selected from a group of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo and Mn in a total amount of 0.1 to 10 at %, and a melting Al alloy sputtering target for depositing the Al alloy film, wherein the above-mentioned film is used as a reflection film for an optical recording medium, a shading film for a liquid crystal display panel or for a solid image pickup device, and an Al alloy thin film line or electrode material for a semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Takashi Onishi, Kazuo Yoshikawa, Seiji Nishi, Seigou Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5489347
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy fin material for heat-exchanger with excellent thermal conductance and strength after brazing comprising 0.005 to 0.8 wt. % of Si, 0.5 to 1.5 wt. % of Fe, 0.1 to 2.0 wt. % of Ni, and a balance of Al and inevitable impurities is disclosed. The aluminum alloy fin material can additionally contain 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % of Zr and/or at least one element of the group consisting of not more than 2.0 wt. % of Zn, not more than 0.3 wt. % of In, and not more than 0.3 wt. % of Sn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignees: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fujio Himuro, Takeyoshi Doko
  • Patent number: 5489418
    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 are 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 and a good ductility and an excellent strength at high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5484493
    Abstract: Aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of from 0.1 to 3.0% boron, from 1 to 10% titanium and the balance essentially aluminum wherein the aluminum matrix contains TiB.sub.2 particles dispersed throughout said matrix having an average particle size of less than 1 micron, and wherein the matrix contains clusters of said TiB.sub.2 particles greater than 10 microns in size with an average of less than 4 of said clusters per 2 cm.sup.2. The alloy is prepared by adding a boron containing material selected from the group consisting of borax, boron oxide, boric acid and mixtures thereof, and K.sub.2 TiF.sub.6 to a bath of molten aluminum and stirring the molten mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Young, William C. Setzer, Francis P. Koch, Robert A. Rapp, Michael J. Pryor, Noel Jarrett
  • Patent number: 5472920
    Abstract: The invention relates to the thermal barriers, to a process and material for their production, and to their application. Thermal barriers consist of a material comprising at least one refractory oxide with low thermal diffusivity and at least one quasicrystalline aluminum alloy, the proportion of which represents from 2-30% by volume. They can be produced by deposition of a mixture of refractory oxide and of quasicrystalline alloy in vapor phase, or from a mixture of refractory oxide and quasicrystalline aluminum alloy in the molten state, or else by deposition onto the support to be protected with the aid of an oxygen-gas torch fed with material using a flexible cord which contains the refractory oxide and the quasicrystalline alloy. The applications include the protection of components of aircraft or motor vehicle engines, of aeronautical or aerospace components, of chemical reactors or of electrical households appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nouvelle de Metallisation Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dubois, Philippe Cathonnet
  • Patent number: 5462712
    Abstract: Aluminum-base alloys containing Cu, Li, Zn and Mg are disclosed which possess highly desirable properties, such as relatively low density, high modulus, high strength/ductility combinations, strong natural aging response with and without prior cold work, and high artificially aged strength with and without prior cold work. In addition, the alloys possess good weldability, cryogenic properties, and elevated temperature properties. The alloys may comprise from about 3.5 to about 7 weight percent Cu, from about 0.1 to about 1.8 eight percent Li, from about 0.01 to about 4 weight percent Zn, from about 0.05 to about 3 weight percent Mg, from about 0.01 to about 2 weight percent grain refiner selected from Zr, Cr, Mn, Ti, Hf, V, Nb, B and TiB.sub.2, and the balance Al along with incidental impurities. Preferred alloys comprise from about 3.5 to 6.5 weight percent Cu, from about 0.5 to 1.8 weight percent Li, from about 0.3 to 2 weight percent Zn, from about 0.1 to 1.5 weight percent Mg, from about 0.05 to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Langan, Joseph R. Pickens, Frank H. Heubaum, Lawrence S. Kramer
  • Patent number: 5458700
    Abstract: A high-strength aluminum alloy consisting of an amorphous phase containing quasicrystals constituted of aluminum as the principal element, a first additive element consisting of at least one rare earth element and a second additive element consisting of at least one element other than aluminum and rare earth elements, and a crystalline phase consisting of the principal element and the first additive element and the second additive element contained in a supersaturated solid solution form, the amorphous phase containing quasicrystals being contained in a volume percentage of 60 to 90%. The contents of the additive elements preferably fall within a hatched range in the figure, still preferably within a range covered with dot-dash lines in the figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Mitsuru Watanabe, Junichi Nagahora, Toshisuke Shitata
  • 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: 5453244
    Abstract: There is disclosed a novel aluminum alloy bearing which exhibits a more excellent fatigue resistance than conventional bearings even under such conditions of use as at a high temperature and under a high load. The aluminum alloy bearing has an aluminum bearing alloy layer containing, by weight, 1 to 10% Zn, 0.1 to 5% Cu, 0.05 to 3% Mg, 0.1 to 2% Mn, 0.1 to 5% Pb, 0.1 to 2% V, and 0.03 to 0.5% in total of Ti--B, and further may optionally contain not more than 8% Si, 0.05 to 0.5% Sr, and Ni, Co and Cr. The alloy may be bonded to a steel metal back sheet, and a surface layer may be formed on the surface of the bearing. By use of the composition of the alloy of the invention, the fatigue resistance of the aluminum alloy bearings has been improved, and such an improved bearing can fully achieve a bearing performance even under severe conditions of use as at high temperature and under a high load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Daido Metal Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Tanaka, Masaaki Sakamoto, Tohru Kato, Yoshiaki Sato
  • Patent number: 5441697
    Abstract: Very fine TiC whiskers having a mean diameter smaller than 1 micron are generated by pellets including Ti powder and graphite powder being added to a molten mass of pure Al or an Al alloy, or by a graphite powder being added to a molten mass of an Al alloy containing Ti, with argon gas being blown into the molten mass so as thereby to generate TiC whiskers in void spaces formed in the molten mass by bubbles of the gas. When the molten mass with the TiC whiskers thus formed therein is compressed, the interstices of the TiC whiskers generated in the void spaces are filled with the molten metal so as thereby to form colonial composite material portions dispersed in the molten mass, thus providing a metallic composite material reinforced by very fine TiC whiskers. The density of the colonial composite material portions can be increased by applying a filtering process to the molten mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nukami, Tetsuya Suganuma
  • 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: 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: 5415708
    Abstract: Aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of from 0.1 to 3.0% boron, from 1 to 10% titanium and the balance essentially aluminum wherein the aluminum matrix contains TiB.sub.2 particles dispersed throughout said matrix having an average particle size of less than 1 micron, and wherein the matrix contains clusters of said TiB.sub.2 particles greater than 10 microns in size with an average of less than 4 of said clusters per 2 cm.sup.2. The alloy is prepared by adding a boron containing material selected from the group consisting of borax, boron oxide, boric acid and mixtures thereof, and K.sub.2 TiF.sub.6 to a bath of molten aluminum and stirring the molten mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: KBAlloys, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Young, William C. Setzer, Francis P. Koch, Robert A. Rapp, Michael J. Pryor, Noel Jarrett
  • 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: 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: 5368658
    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 Hf, Nb, and Ta; 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: November 29, 1994
    Assignees: Yoshida Kogyo K.K., Tsuyoshi Masumoto
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Katsumasa Odera, Masahiro Oguchi
  • Patent number: 5350436
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy composite material for brazing has a core member, an Al--Si filler member clad on one surface of the core member and an aluminum alloy cladding member clad on the other side of the core member. The core member is made of an aluminum alloy containing 0.3 to 1.3 wt. % of Si, 0.3 to 1.5 wt. % of Mn, 0.02 to 0.3 wt. % of Ti, and, as required, 0.3 wt. % or less of Cr and 0.2 wt. % or less of Zr, the content of Mg being restricted to 0.2 wt. % or less and the content of the Cu being restricted to 0.2 wt. % or less as an impurity. The cladding member is made of an aluminum alloy containing 0.3 to 3 wt. % of Mg, 5 wt. % or less of Zn, 0.1 to 1.0 wt. % of Si. The thickness of the core member is preferably, 2.5 times or more greater than that of the filler member, falling within a range of 0.1 to 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignees: Kobe Alcoa Transportation Products Ltd., Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Takezoe, Jun Takigawa, Tadashi Okamoto, Mituo Hashiura, Sunao Fukuda, Keizo Takeuchi, Yasuaki Isobe
  • Patent number: 5344507
    Abstract: An aluminum-alloy, which is wear-resistant and does not wear greatly the opposed cast iron or steel, and which can be warm worked. The alloyings the following composition and structure. Composition: Al.sub.a Si.sub.b M.sub.c X.sub.d T.sub.e (where 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, Ce, La and Mm (misch metal); Y is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Mo, Zr, W, Ta and Hf; a=50-85 atomic %, b=10-49 atomic %, c=0.5-10 atomic %, d=0.5-10 atomic %, e=0-10 atomic %, and a+b+c+d+e=100 atomic %. Structure: super-saturated face-centered cubic crystals and fine Si precipitates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Yoshida Kogyo KK, Teikoku Piston Ring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kazuhiko Kita, Hitoshi Yamaguchi
  • 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: 5318641
    Abstract: Al.sub.100-a-b-c X.sub.a M.sub.b T.sub.c, in which X is Y (yttrium) and/or rare-earth element(s), M is Fe, Co, and/or Ni, and T is Mn, Mo, Cr, Zr and/or V, and, a=0.5-5 atomic %, b=5-15 atomic %, and c=0.2-3.0 atomic %, and, further, X and M fall on and within the hatched region range of the appended FIG. 1, has a complex, amorphous-crystalline structure with an amorphous matrix containing the Al, X, M and T, and minority crystalline phase consisting of aluminum-alloy particles containing super-saturated X, M and T as solutes. The alloy has a high strength due to the dispersed crystalline particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignees: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Teikoku Piston Ring Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Kazuhiko Kita, Hitoshi Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki Horimura, Noriaki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5284532
    Abstract: A rapidly solidified aluminum based alloy consists essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Fe.sub.a M.sub.b Si.sub.c R.sub.d, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Mo, Cr, Mn, Nb, Ta, and W; R is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, and Y; "a" ranges from 3.0 to 7.1 atom %; "b" ranges from 0.25 to 1.25 atom %; "c" ranges from 1.0 to 3.0 atom %; "d" ranges from 3.0 to 0.3 atom % and the balance is aluminum plus incidental impurities, with the provisos that (i) the ratio [Fe+M]:Si ranges from about 2.0:1 to 5.0:1 and (ii) the ratio Fe:M ranges from about 16:1 to 5:1. The alloy exhibits improved elevated temperature strength due to the rare earth element additions without an increase in the volume fraction of dispersed intermetallic phase precipitates therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Allied Signal Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Skinner
  • 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: 5259897
    Abstract: Aluminum-base alloys which are provided which possess highly desirable properties, such as relatively low density, high modulus, high strength/ductility combinations, strong natural aging response with and without prior cold work, higher artificially-aged strength than existing Al-Li alloys with and without prior cold work, weldability, good cryogenic properties, and good elevated temperature properties. In one embodiment, aluminum-base alloys are provided having Al-Cu-Li-Mg compositions in the following ranges: 5.0-7.0 Cu, 0.1-2.5 Li, 0.05-4 Mg, 0.01-1.5 grain refiner selected from Zr, Cr, Mn, Ti, Hf, V, Nb, B, TiB.sub.2, and mixtures thereof, and the balance essentially Al. In another embodiment, aluminum-base alloys are provided having Al-Cu-Li-Mg compositions in the following ranges: 3.5-5.0 Cu, 0.8-1.8 Li, 0.25-1.0 Mg, 0.01-1.5 grain refiner selected from Zr, Cr, Mn, Ti, Hf, V, Nb, B, TiB.sub.2, and mixtures thereof, and the balance essentially Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Pickens, Frank H. Heubaum, Lawrence S. Kramer, Timothy J. Langan
  • Patent number: 5223216
    Abstract: An Al-Li alloy consists essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.a Cu.sub.b Mg.sub.c Zr.sub.d wherein "a" ranges from about 1.9 to 3.4 wt %, "b" ranges from about 0.5 to 2.0 wt %, "c" ranges from 0.2 to 2.0 wt % and "d" ranges from about 0.3 to 1.2 wt %, the balance being aluminum. The alloy is solidified at a cooling rate of about 10.sup.3 .degree.-10.sup.4 .degree. C./sec by spray forming, and is characterized by a substantial absence of prior particle boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry C. LaSalle
  • Patent number: 5221375
    Abstract: Disclosed is a corrosion resistant aluminum-based alloy which is composed of a compound having a composition consisting of the general formula: Al.sub.a M.sub.b Mo.sub.c X.sub.d Cr.sub.e wherein: M is one or more metal elements selected from the group consisting of Ni, Fe, Co, Ti, V, Mn, Cu and Ta; X is Zr or a combination of Zr and Hf; and a, b, c, d and e are, in atomic percentages; 50%.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.89%, 1%.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.25%, 2%.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.15%, 4%.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.20% and 4%.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.20%, the compound being at least 50% by volume composed of an amorphous phase. The Al-based alloy exhibits a very high corrosion resistance in severe corrosive environments, such as hydrochloric acid solution or sodium hydroxide solution, due to the formation of a highly passivative protective film. Therefore, the alloy exhibits a good durability in long services under such severe corrosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Junichi Nagahora, Kazuo Aikawa, Katsumasa Ohtera, Hideki Takeda, Keiko Yamagata
  • Patent number: 5217816
    Abstract: A method is taught for the in-situ precipitation of ceramic materials in a metal matrix. By means of the solvent assisted reaction, metal-ceramic composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. The invention involves the reaction of the ceramic forming constituents in a metal solvent medium to provide very finely-dispersed ceramic particles in the metal matrix. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Brupbacher, Leontios Christodoulou, Dennis C. Nagle
  • Patent number: 5205986
    Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of an aluminum-strontium master alloy suitable for use as structure refiner during the solidification of molten aluminum-silicon alloys, comprising atomizing a stream of molten alloy containing aluminum and 5 to 35% by weight of strontium and collecting atomized particles as solid material on a collecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Research Limited
    Inventors: Jan Noordegraaf, Piet Krahmer, Martin Donnelly
  • Patent number: 5180447
    Abstract: Disclosed is an Al-Ti-B master alloy especially designed to grain refine cast aluminum alloys containing silicon. The alloy composition goes contrary to present known art. Present commerical master alloys contain a ratio of Ti to B exceeding 2.2 to promote a mixture of TiB.sub.2 and TiAl.sub.3 crystals. This invention provides an Al-Ti-B alloy wherein the Ti to B ratio is 1. It contains a preponderance of mixed boride crystals. The optimum composition of the alloy of this invention is Al-3Ti-3B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey K. Sigworth, Matthew M. Guzowski
  • Patent number: 5178695
    Abstract: A component consolidated from a rapidly solidified aluminum-lithium alloy containing copper, magnesium and zirconium is subjected to a preliminary aging treatment at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. for a time period of about 0.5 to 10 hours; quenched in a fluid bath; and subjected to a final aging treatment at a temperature of about 100.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. for a time period ranging up to about 40 hours. The component exhibits increased strength and elongation, and is especially suited for use in lightweight structural parts for land vehicles and aerospace applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry C. LaSalle, V. R. V. Ramanan, David J. Skinner
  • Patent number: 5135582
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a diaphragm for highly brittle metals used in loudspeakers, comprising a step of making a laminated plate by stacking a plate of superplastic material on a plate of highly brittle metal. The laminated plate is arranged on a mould, and the laminated plate is heated to a predetermined range of temperatures, determined according to the highly brittle metal. Subsequently, the laminated plate is deformed by pressuring the laminated plate in the mould, at the range of temperatures. Thus, a diaphragm can be formed from a plate of highly brittle metals, without causing brittle fracture or generating internal or surface defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Mochizuki, Toshiharu Hoshi
  • Patent number: 5104456
    Abstract: A process for optimizing grain refining response of intermetallic TiAl.sub.3 or ZrAl.sub.3 in aluminum welding consumables comprising the steps of processing the intermetallic particles to first form a flake morphology in a master alloy solid, then as a component of the production of an ingot from an aluminum melt, to thermally fracture the flakes, then obtain dissolution of the interface material to increase distribution of the fractured particles and then, by mechanical working, to further fracture and distribute the intermetallic particles. The process is continued during the welding operation by using specific welding parameters during the welding with the consumable such that the intermetallic particles can withstand the weld pool environment in order that they maintain the characteristics and properties which will result in the creation of a small grain size in the weldment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: Matthew J. Dvornak, Robert H. Frost
  • Patent number: 5104616
    Abstract: A method for the production of master alloys intended for grain refining of aluminum melts and being of the type which comprises of aluminum and 1-15 percent by weight titanium, where titanium is present in the form of intermetallic crystals of titanium aluminide in combination with additives of carbon and/or nitrogen. The method is characterized by adding carbon and/or nitrogen to the aluminum melt in an amount corresponding to at least 0.01 percent by weight in the resultant solidified material. The addition of the carbon and/or nitrogen is effected in elemental form or in the form of dissociable carbon and/or nitrogen containing compounds, making said addition before of during an established thermodynamic state of dissolution of existing crystals of titanium aluminide, and bringing the melt into a thermodynamic state where crystals of titanium aluminide present grow in size and thereafter causing the melt to solidify. Also a master alloy produced according to the above method is claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Backerud Innovation AB
    Inventors: Lennart Backerud, Rein Kiusalaas, Hans Klang, Mattheus Vader, Jan Noordegraaf, Edward H. K. Nagelvoort
  • Patent number: 5100618
    Abstract: A process is described for producing an aluminum grain refiner, such as Al-Ti-B grain refiner. Molten aluminum is continuously flowed as a bottom layer along a substantially horizontal or slightly inclined trough. Titanium or boron compounds reducible by aluminum or a mixture of such compounds is added to the surface of the aluminum layer such that a discrete separate layer of these is formed on top of the aluminum layer. Reaction between the aluminum and the titanium and/or boron compounds occurs along the interface between the layers and this reaction may, if desired, be aided by providing relative movement between the layer of molten aluminum and the layer of titanium and/or boron compounds. A surface layer of spent reaction product is removed and a stream of aluminum alloyed with titanium and boron is collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Ernest W. Dewing, Stephen H. Keeley, John Sulzer, Pervez J. Bamji
  • Patent number: 5100488
    Abstract: An improved aluminum-titanium master alloy is provided. Such alloy contains a small but effective amount of, in weight percent, carbon about 0.005 up to 0.05 titanium 2 to 15, and the balance aluminum. After melting, the master alloy is superheated to about 1200.degree. C.-1300.degree. C. to put the element into solution, then the alloy is cast in a workable form. The master alloy in final form is substantially free of carbides, sulfides, phosphides, nitrides, or borides greater than about 5 microns in diameter. The alloy of this invention is used to refine aluminum products that may be rolled into thins sheet, foil, or fine wire and the like. Such grain refined products are also substantially free of carbides, sulfides, phosphides, nitrides, or borides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey K. Sigworth
  • Patent number: 5066457
    Abstract: A rapid solidifcation rate (RSR) route aluminum alloy contains lithium and a dispersoid forming ingredient selected from niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, and tungsten. These dispersoid forming ingredients resist coarsening in the matrix at solution treatment and ageing temperatures. The dispersoid forming ingredient is preferably present in 0.2 to 5.0 percent by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: The Secretary of the State for Defence in her Britannic Majesty's Government of United Kingdom
    Inventors: Howard Jones, Panayiotis Tsakiropoulos, Charles R. Pratt, Robert W. Gardiner, James E. Restall, deceased
  • Patent number: 5059490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of whisker reinforced metal matrix composites in which complex boride or carbide whiskers having an aspect ratio of greater than 10:1 are distributed throughout a metal, metal alloy, or intermetallic matrix. Exemplary complex boride whiskers include TiNbB, TiTaB, TiVB, NbHfB, and TiNbMoB. Exemplary complex carbide whiskers include TiNbC, TiVC, TiZrC, TiHfC, and TiTaC. A method for the in-situ formation of complex boride and complex carbide whiskers within metallic matrices is disclosed which involves reacting a mixture of individual complex ceramic-forming constituents in the presence of a metal to precipitate the desired complex ceramic whiskers in a metal matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Brupbacher, Leontios Christodoulou, Dennis C. Nagle
  • Patent number: 5057150
    Abstract: A continuous process is described for the production of an aluminum master alloy, e.g. an Al-Ti-B grain refining rod, in which molten aluminum is continuously passed through a confined reaction zone. Particulate titanium and/or boron precursor compounds, e.g. salts, are continuously added to the molten aluminum in the reaction zone and the content of the reaction zone is continuously stirred to submerge the salts within the aluminum melt and form an alloy therewith. A mixture of formed molten alloy and entrained reaction products is continuously transferred from a lower region of the reaction zone into a refining zone, with reaction product slag being collected on the surface of the molten alloy in the refining zone. The molten alloy formed is continuously transferred via a transfer conduit from the refining zone to a casting station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Martin R. Reeve, Pervez J. Bamji, Barrie Chamberlain, John Sulzer
  • Patent number: 5055256
    Abstract: Disclosed is an Al-Ti-B master alloy especially designed to grain refine cast aluminum alloys containing silicon. The alloy composition goes contrary to present known art. Present commercial master alloys contain a ratio of Ti to B exceeding 2.2 to promote a mixture of TiB.sub.2 and TiAl.sub.3 crystals. This invention provides an Al-Ti-B alloy wherein the Ti to B ratio is 1. It contains a preponderance of mixed boride crystals. The optimum composition of the alloy of this invention is Al-3Ti-3B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Sigworth, Matthew Guzowski
  • Patent number: 5041263
    Abstract: Provided is an improved aluminum-titanium master alloy containing carbon in a small but effective content and not more than about 0.1%. After melting, the master alloy is superheated to about 1200.degree.-1250.degree. C. to put the carbon into solution, then the alloy is cast in a workable form. The master alloy in final form is substantially free of carbides greater than about 5 microns in diameter. The alloy of this invention is used to refine aluminum products that may be rolled into thin sheet, foil, or fine wire and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey K. Sigworth
  • Patent number: 5030300
    Abstract: An amorphous aluminum-refractory metal alloy with special characteristics such as high corrosion resistance, high wear resistance and considerable toughness, consisting of Al and at least one element selected from refractory metals of Ta, Nb, Mo and W, a portion of the set forth refractory metals being allowed to be substituted with at least one element selected from Ti and Zr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignees: Yoshida Kogyo K.K., Koji Hashimoto
    Inventors: Koji Hashimoto, Hideaki Yoshioka, Katsuhiko Asami, Asahi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 5006054
    Abstract: Low density, high temperature and aluminum-rich intermetallic alloys displaying excellent elevated temperature properties, including oxidation resistance, are disclosed. Based on the aluminum/titanium system, specifically modifications of Al.sub.3 Ti compositions, useful alloys are derived from changes in crystal structure and properties effected by selected-site substitution alloying with manganese and/or chromium, and, where used, vanadium, or equivalent site-substituting alloying elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Technology Development Corporation
    Inventor: Donald E. Nikkola
  • Patent number: 4964927
    Abstract: Ductile, strong, and stable (crystallization temperature above 250.degree. C.) Al-X-Z metallic classes contain 90 at. % Al where X-Fe, Co, Ni, Rh; Z-rare earths, Hf, Y, Stable (crystallization temperatures reaching 500.degree. C.) Al-Y-Fe-Si glasses have superior hardness properties upon consolidation. The present alloys are at least twice as strong in tensile strength as the strongest commercial aluminum alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: University of Virginia Alumini Patents
    Inventors: Gary J. Shiflet, S. Joseph Poon, Yi He
  • Patent number: 4950452
    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 Ce.sub.c, wherein M is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Nb; and a, b and c are atomic percentages falling within the following ranges:50.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.93, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.35 and 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.25,the aluminum alloy containing at least 50% by volume of amorphous phase. The aluminum-based alloys are especially useful as high strength, high heat resistant materials in various applications and since they exhibit superplasticity in the vicinity of their crystallization temperature, they can be easily processed into various bulk materials by extrusion, press woring or hot-forging at the temperatures within the range of the crystallization temperature .+-.100.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignees: Yoshida Kogyo K. K., Tsuyoshi Masumoto
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Katsumasa Odera
  • Patent number: 4917728
    Abstract: A method of removing unwanted inclusion particles from a body of liquid aluminium or aluminium alloy by deposition thereof comprising1.(a) adding to the liquid metal at least one alloying constituent in greater quantity than is eventually required and(b) raising the metal temperature higher than the desired casting temperature and above that liquidus of the alloy below which some intermetallic particles can form,2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventor: Philip G. Enright
  • Patent number: 4915904
    Abstract: This invention relates to a metallic-second phase composites comprising a matrix of titanium aluminide with discrete titanium silicide particles dispersed therein. The second phase dispersoid is stabilized during the process of in-situ formation by the presence of zirconium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Leontios Christodoulou, James C. Williams, Michael A. Riley
  • Patent number: 4891184
    Abstract: Low density, high temperature and aluminum-rich intermetallic alloys displaying excellent elevated temperature properties, including oxidation resistance, are disclosed. Based on the aluminum/titanium system, specifically modifications of Al.sub.3 Ti compositions, useful alloys are derived from changes in crystal structure and properties effected by selected-site substitution alloying with manganese, or chromium, and, where used, vanadium, or equivalent alloying elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Donald E. Mikkola
  • Patent number: 4873054
    Abstract: An improved aluminum-titanium master alloy is provided. Such alloy contains a small be effective amount of, in weight percent, any two or more elements selected from the group consisting of carbon about 0.003 up to 0.1, sulfur about 0.03 up to 2, phosphorus about 0.03 up to 2, nitrogen about 0.03 up to 2, and boron about 0.01 up to 0.4, titanium 2 to 15, and the balance aluminum. After melting, the master alloy is superheated to about 1200.degree. C.-1300.degree. C. to put the element into solution, then the alloy is cast in a workable form. The master alloy in final form is substantially free of carbides, sulfides, phosphides, nitrides, or borides greater than about 5 microns in diameter. The alloy of this invention is used to refine aluminum products that may be rolled into thin sheet, foil, or fine wire and the like. Such grain refined products are also substantially free of carbides, sulfides, phosphides, nitrides, or borides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey K. Sigworth
  • Patent number: 4863803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite product of substantial length for the treatment of metal baths which is formed by a tubular metal casing (2) within which are housed the treatment material or materials in powder form and which comprises an axial zone (4) containing a first material surrounded by a tubular metal intermediate wall (3) and an annular zone (6) between the casing and the intermediate wall and which also contains a second material.Such a composite product in which the axial zone contains at least one element selected from calcium and magnesium can be used in particular for the desulphurization of iron or steel baths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Affival
    Inventor: Michel Douchy
  • Patent number: 4851192
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy for structures with increased electrical resistivity, consisting essentially of: 1.0-5.0% by weight of Li; one or a plurality of members selected from the group consisting of not more than 0.20% by weight of Ti, 0.05-0.40% by weight of Cr, 0.05-0.30% by weight of Zr, 0.05-0.35% by weight of V and 0.05-0.30% by weight of W; and the balance being aluminum, and impurities which would inevitably be included in the alloy. The aluminum alloy may further include (a) not more than 5.0% by weight of Mn, and/or (b) 0.05-5.0% by weight of Cu and/or 0.05-8.0% by weight of Mg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Baba, Teruo Uno, Hideo Yoshida