Patents by Inventor James E. Boorman

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

  • Patent number: 10646920
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of preparing a reinforced refractory joint between refractory sections of a vessel used for containing or conveying molten metal, e.g. a metal-contacting trough. The method involves introducing a mesh body made of metal wires into a gap between metal-contacting surfaces of adjacent refractory sections of a vessel so that the mesh body is positioned beneath the metal conveying surfaces, and covering the mesh body with a layer of moldable refractory material to seal the gap between the metal-contacting surfaces. Other embodiments relate to a vessel formed by the method and a vessel section with a pre-positioned mesh body suitable for preparing a sealed joint with other such sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: NOVELIS INC.
    Inventors: James E. Boorman, Eric W. Reeves, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randal Guy Womack
  • Patent number: 10274255
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a vessel for containing or conveying molten metal therein. At least part of the outer surface of the vessel incorporates a web of metal wires embedded in the surface, the wires being mutually overlaid with openings formed therebetween. The refractory material penetrates into the openings. The web may comprise woven metal wires or non-woven wires or both. The web imparts resistance to cracking (or containment of cracks, once formed) and/or resistance to molten metal leakage if cracks develop. The invention also provides metal containment structures containing such vessels, and methods of producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Richard Scott Bruski
  • Publication number: 20160370115
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a vessel for containing or conveying molten metal therein. At least part of the outer surface of the vessel incorporates a web of metal wires embedded in the surface, the wires being mutually overlaid with openings formed therebetween. The refractory material penetrates into the openings. The web may comprise woven metal wires or non-woven wires or both. The web imparts resistance to cracking (or containment of cracks, once formed) and/or resistance to molten metal leakage if cracks develop. The invention also provides metal containment structures containing such vessels, and methods of producing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: NOVELIS INC.
    Inventors: ERIC W. REEVES, JAMES E. BOORMAN, RICHARD SCOTT BRUSKI
  • Patent number: 9498821
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a vessel for containing or conveying molten metal therein. At least part of the outer surface of the vessel incorporates a web of metal wires embedded in the surface, the wires being mutually overlaid with openings formed therebetween. The refractory material penetrates into the openings. The web may comprise woven metal wires or non-woven wires or both. The web imparts resistance to cracking (or containment of cracks, once formed) and/or resistance to molten metal leakage if cracks develop. The invention also provides metal containment structures containing such vessels, and methods of producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Richard Scott Bruski
  • Publication number: 20160263652
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of preparing a reinforced refractory joint between refractory sections of a vessel used for containing or conveying molten metal, e.g. a metal-contacting trough. The method involves introducing a mesh body made of metal wires into a gap between metal-contacting surfaces of adjacent refractory sections of a vessel so that the mesh body is positioned beneath the metal conveying surfaces, and covering the mesh body with a layer of moldable refractory material to seal the gap between the metal-contacting surfaces. Other embodiments relate to a vessel formed by the method and a vessel section with a pre-positioned mesh body suitable for preparing a sealed joint with other such sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Boorman, Eric W. Reeves, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randal Guy Womack
  • Patent number: 9375784
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of preparing a reinforced refractory joint between refractory sections of a vessel used for containing or conveying molten metal, e.g. a metal-contacting trough. The method involves introducing a mesh body made of metal wires into a gap between metal-contacting surfaces of adjacent refractory sections of a vessel so that the mesh body is positioned beneath the metal conveying surfaces, and covering the mesh body with a layer of moldable refractory material to seal the gap between the metal-contacting surfaces. Other embodiments relate to a vessel formed by the method and a vessel section with a pre-positioned mesh body suitable for preparing a sealed joint with other such sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Boorman, Eric W. Reeves, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Patent number: 8945465
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a compressive rod assembly for applying force to a refractory vessel positioned within an outer metal casing. The assembly includes a rigid elongated rod having first and second opposed ends, a threaded bolt adjacent to the first opposed end of the elongated rod, and a compressive structure positioned operationally between the elongated rod and the bolt. Compressive force applied by the bolt to the elongated rod passes through the compressive structure which allows limited longitudinal movements of the elongated rod to be accommodated by the compressive structure without requiring corresponding longitudinal movements of the bolt. Exemplary embodiments also relate to rod structure forming a component of the assembly, and to a metal containment structure having a vessel supported and compressed by at least one such assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Jason D. Hymas, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Publication number: 20110139799
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of preparing a reinforced refractory joint between refractory sections of a vessel used for containing or conveying molten metal, e.g. a metal-contacting trough. The method involves introducing a mesh body made of metal wires into a gap between metal-contacting surfaces of adjacent refractory sections of a vessel so that the mesh body is positioned beneath the metal conveying surfaces, and covering the mesh body with a layer of moldable refractory material to seal the gap between the metal-contacting surfaces. Other embodiments relate to a vessel formed by the method and a vessel section with a pre-positioned mesh body suitable for preparing a sealed joint with other such sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: James E. Boorman, Eric W. Reeves, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Publication number: 20110140322
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a compressive rod assembly for applying force to a refractory vessel positioned within an outer metal casing. The assembly includes a rigid elongated rod having first and second opposed ends, a threaded bolt adjacent to the first opposed end of the elongated rod, and a compressive structure positioned operationally between the elongated rod and the bolt. Compressive force applied by the bolt to the elongated rod passes through the compressive structure which allows limited longitudinal movements of the elongated rod to be accommodated by the compressive structure without requiring corresponding longitudinal movements of the bolt. Exemplary embodiments also relate to rod structure forming a component of the assembly, and to a metal containment structure having a vessel supported and compressed by at least one such assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Jason D. Hymas, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Publication number: 20110139797
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a vessel for containing or conveying molten metal therein. At least part of the outer surface of the vessel incorporates a web of metal wires embedded in the surface, the wires being mutually overlaid with openings formed therebetween. The refractory material penetrates into the openings. The web may comprise woven metal wires or non-woven wires or both. The web imparts resistance to cracking (or containment of cracks, once formed) and/or resistance to molten metal leakage if cracks develop. The invention also provides metal containment structures containing such vessels, and methods of producing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Richard Scott Bruski