Abstract: A molten metal submergence device includes a submergence chamber, an inlet pipe, and a vortex breaker. The submergence chamber is defined by a side wall and includes an inlet in communication with an associated molten metal bath and an outlet in communication with the associated molten metal bath. The inlet is positioned in relation to the side wall such that material passing through the inlet is introduced at least substantially tangentially to the side wall. The inlet pipe is in communication with the inlet of the submergence chamber. The inlet pipe is configured to depend from a wall of the submergence chamber within the confines of the side wall. The vortex breaker is disposed in the submergence chamber between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A material scrap submergence device comprises a body (10) of heat resistant and/or a refractory material that includes a side wall (12) and a base (14) that define a submergence chamber (10). The refractory body (10) can include passages (24) that receive rods (22). The rods (22) can place the refractory body (10) under compression. In another embodiment, the body is confined by a frame (72) attached to the body. The submergence chamber (10) can also be used as a gas injection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a stream of molten metal comprising a pumping member, a housing at least partially enclosing the pumping member, a power device seated on a support, and a shaft connecting the power device and the pumping member. At least one post is disposed between the support and the housing. The post includes an elongated rod comprising a metal alloy surrounded by an outer sheath. An inner member may surround the rod and provide a molten metal resistant barrier. The rod includes a first end connected to the support and a second end secured to the housing. A similar design for a shaft is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a stream of molten metal comprising a pumping member, a housing at least partially enclosing the pumping member, a power device seated on a support, and a shaft connecting the power device and the pumping member. At least one post is disposed between the support and the housing. The post includes an elongated rod comprising a metal alloy surrounded by an outer sheath. An inner member may surround the rod and provide a molten metal resistant barrier. The rod includes a first end connected to the support and a second end secured to the housing. A similar design for a shaft is also provided.

Abstract: A washable car or truck interior has been invented to allow easy cleaning with the use of a water hose. Washing can be done using direct water flow from a common garden hose on to the interior surfaces which until now would not be possible The invention is comprised of a closeable drain which is located on the interior floor. The floor is sloped toward the drain. Seats have horizontal surfaces that are curved as to not allow water to collect and pool. The dashboard and rear shelf surfaces slope toward floor, which is also sloped toward the drain. After the interior surfaces are washed, the water or soap and water is flows out of the care though the closeable drainage holes located in the lowest part of the interior floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a stream of molten metal comprising a pumping member, a housing at least partially enclosing the pumping member, a power device seated on a support, and a shaft connecting the power device and the pumping member. At least one post is disposed between the support and the housing. The post includes an elongated rod comprising a metal alloy surrounded by an outer sheath. An inner member may surround the rod and provide a molten metal resistant barrier. The rod includes a first end connected to the support and a second end secured to the housing. A similar design for a shaft is also provided.

Abstract: An impeller for a molten metal pump having a cylindrical body comprised of a refractory material. The cylindrical body includes generally coplanar top and bottom surfaces. A central bore is provided in the top surface to provide a point for mating with a shaft. A plurality of circumferentially spaced passages extend from the top or bottom surface to a side wall of the impeller, each of the passages being separate and preferably having an inlet opening which is equal to or less than the corresponding outlet opening in size. A recess being optionally formed in the top or bottom surface, forming the initial inlet to the passages.

Abstract: An improved braking system having a sensor which indicates wheel lock up, a sensor which indicates the pressure in the hydraulic brake lines, a container of abrasive material with an outlet line leading to a point just in front of the tire, and an electronically controlled valve in this line. A computer controller opens the valve if the pressure in the hydraulic lines is at or below a predetermined level when the wheel locks up thus ejecting the abrasive material in front of the tire. Abrasive material, such as sand, increases the breaking effectiveness, or coefficient of friction, on ice thus facilitating braking. Importantly, sand can decrease this coefficient of friction if ejected on to a normal, non-icy surface. However, the predetermined pressure level is chosen to correspond to a low coefficient of friction between the vehicle tires and the road and therefore the system will not cause the abrasive material to eject on normal surface, but only on icy or slippery surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a stream of molten metal comprising a pumping member, a housing at least partially enclosing the pumping member, a power device seated on a support, a shaft connecting the power device and the pumping member. At least one post is disposed between the support and the housing. The post includes an elongated rod surrounded by a heat resistant outer member. The rod includes a first end connected to the support and a second end secured within a cavity in the housing.

Abstract: An impeller for a molten metal pump having a cylindrical body comprised of a refractory material. The cylindrical body includes generally coplanar top and bottom surfaces. A central bore is provided in the top surface to provide a point for mating with a shaft. A plurality of circumferentially spaced passages extend from the top or bottom surface to a side wall of the impeller, each of the passages being separate and preferably having an inlet opening which is equal to or less than the corresponding outlet opening in size. A recess being optionally formed in the top or bottom surface, forming the initial inlet to the passages.

Abstract: An impeller for a molten metal pump having a cylindrical body comprised of a refractory material. The cylindrical body includes generally coplanar top and bottom surfaces. A central bore is provided in the top surface to provide a point for mating with a shaft. A plurality of circumferentially spaced passages extend from the top or bottom surface to a side wall of the impeller, each of the passages being separate and preferably having an inlet opening which is equal to or less than the corresponding outlet opening in size. A recess being optionally formed in the top or bottom surface, forming the initial inlet to the passages.

Abstract: A metal scrap submergence device comprising an open top chamber including walls of a heat resistant material, an inlet positioned in a side wall of the chamber, an outlet positioned in the base of said chamber, and a ramp adjacent said side wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A method of melting metal scrap in a molten melting media, the method comprising (a) providing a source of molten melting media in a furnace, the melting media in the furnace having a first surface level; (b) providing a first melting bay in fluid communication with the furnace to receive molten melting media from the furnace to provide a body of molten melting media in the first melting bay for purposes of melting floatable metal scrap, the first melting bay having: (i) a bottom; and (ii) an outer wall connected to the bottom defining the first melting bay, the outer wall having a generally spiral shaped cross section terminating in a mouth of a channel for removing melting media and molten scrap to an adjacent bay, the spiral shaped cross section receding away from a generally central axis of the first melting bay.

Abstract: In a charge well for adding scrap metal pieces or particles to a molten metal bath, a stationary diverter is provided within a charge well for diverting the circular flow of molten metal, caused by the orientation of the inlet port, in a downward direction, thereby creating a downward flow of molten metal which results in quick and efficient submergence of incoming lightweight scrap metal pieces or particles. Preferably, the diverter includes a leading edge which extends in a generally radial direction within the charge well and a flat top surface which tapers from the leading edge to a point or narrowed trailing edge. A downward curved surface extends from the leading edge to facilitate the downward flow of molten metal. The diverter may be mounted on a support member extending above the charge well.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating molten aluminum or zinc having a housing providing a chamber for containing a molten metal. The chamber including an inlet opening and an outlet passage. A rotatable impeller disposed within the chamber for drawing molten metal in through the inlet and expelling molten metal through the outlet passage. A convergent nozzle being positioned in the outlet passage. A gas injection conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of purifying gas and an outlet in proximity to the chamber, and positioned upstream of the nozzle.

Abstract: A molten metal pump for transferring molten metal from a first vessel to a second vessel. The pump is constructed of a base member including a pumping chamber, a motor supported by at least one post, a rotatable shaft secured at a first end to said motor and at a second end to an impeller disposed within said pumping chamber. The pumping chamber includes an outlet to a first end of an elongated refractory tube having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the shaft. The tube has a second end passing through an opening in the platform. The tube includes a metallic cladding attached to an outer wall adjacent it's second end. A releasable fastening member is used to secure to the portion of the tube having the metallic cladding to the platform.

Abstract: An impeller for a molten metal pump having a cylindrical body comprised of a refractory material. The cylindrical body includes generally coplanar top and bottom surfaces. A central bore is provided in the top surface to provide a point for mating with a shaft. A plurality of circumferentially spaced passages extend from the top surface to a side wall of the impeller, each of the passages being separate and preferably having an inlet opening which is equal to or less than the corresponding outlet opening in size.

Abstract: A molten metal pump having an elongated shaft with an impeller disposed adjacent the end of the shaft and a means for rotating the shaft. The impeller is formed with an imperforate substantially circular base surrounded by a bearing and has a surface facing toward the shaft. At least two imperforate vanes are connected to and extend substantially perpendicular from the surface and radially from the shaft or a hub securing the shaft toward a peripheral portion of the base. The vanes are spaced apart at terminal inlet ends along their entire radial dimension to create an inlet area comprised of the axial opening between adjacent vanes at the terminal ends and an outlet area comprised of a radial opening between adjacent vanes along the axial direction of the vanes. Each vane has a leading edge with a distal portion adjacent the periphery of the base portion which forms an angle of less than about 100.degree. relative to a tangent to said circular base drawn at the center of the vane.

Abstract: A molten metal pump including a vaned impeller having a larger outlet area than inlet area which demonstrates prolonged high effectiveness and reduces the likelihood of catastrophic failure.