Patents by Inventor Paul V. Cooper

Paul V. Cooper 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).

  • Publication number: 20220193764
    Abstract: A scrap melting system and method includes a vessel that is configured to retain molten metal and a raised surface about the level of molten metal in the vessel. Solid metal is placed on the raised surface and molten metal from the vessel is moved upward from the vessel and across the raised surface to melt at least some of the solid metal. The molten metal is preferably raised from the vessel to the raised surface by a molten metal pumping device or system. The molten metal moves from the raised surface and into a vessel or launder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11358216
    Abstract: A scrap melting system and method includes a vessel that is configured to retain molten metal and a raised surface about the level of molten metal in the vessel. Solid metal is placed on the raised surface and molten metal from the vessel is moved upward from the vessel and across the raised surface to melt at least some of the solid metal. The molten metal is preferably raised from the vessel to the raised surface by a molten metal pumping device or system. The molten metal moves from the raised surface and into a vessel or launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11358217
    Abstract: A scrap melting system and method includes a vessel that is configured to retain molten metal and a raised surface about the level of molten metal in the vessel. Solid metal is placed on the raised surface and molten metal from the vessel is moved upward from the vessel and across the raised surface to melt at least some of the solid metal. The molten metal is preferably raised from the vessel to the raised surface by a molten metal pumping device or system. The molten metal moves from the raised surface and into a vessel or launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11286939
    Abstract: A molten metal rotor receives and retains an end of a molten metal rotor shaft. The rotor shaft has one or more projections at the end received in the rotor. The rotor has an inner cavity, a top surface with an opening leading to the inner cavity, and at least one abutment. The opening includes one or more portions for allowing each projection to pass through the opening and into the inner cavity. The rotor and/or shaft are then rotated so at least one of the outwardly-extending projections is under the top surface of the rotor and is against an abutment. A molten metal pump, rotary degasser scrap melter or other device used in molten metal may utilize a rotor/shaft combination as disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20220080498
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Publication number: 20220025905
    Abstract: A vertically-elongated member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. Another vertically-elongated member, such as a support post, includes one or more reinforcement members to help alleviate breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11185916
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Patent number: 11167345
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Patent number: 11149747
    Abstract: A vertically-elongated member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. Another vertically-elongated member, such as a support post, includes one or more reinforcement members to help alleviate breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11130173
    Abstract: A method for transferring molten metal from one structure to another includes a cavity constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The cavity is divided into a first section and a second section by a wall, wherein the second section includes an uptake section configured to allow molten metal to move upwards, and includes a molten metal pump. The cavity is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the cavity through an opening. The pump is operated to move molten metal up upwards in the intake section and through an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC.
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Patent number: 11103920
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Patent number: 11098719
    Abstract: A vertical member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11098720
    Abstract: A vertical member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20210254622
    Abstract: A vertical member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20210199115
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a rotor for use in molten metal and devices including the rotor. The rotor has a rotor body and blades, wherein each blade includes a tip that is at least twice as hard as the rotor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11020798
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Patent number: 10947980
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a rotor for use in molten metal and devices including the rotor. The rotor has a rotor body and blades, wherein each blade includes a tip that is at least twice as hard as the rotor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20200360987
    Abstract: A system and method for filling a mold with molten aluminum includes a molten metal pump, a vessel configured to contain molten metal, a mold for receiving molten metal, and a conduit between the vessel and the mold. Molten metal is pumped in the vessel until it reaches a level at which it flows through the conduit and into the mold. The flow of molten metal into the mold is stabilized to maintain a level of molten metal in the mold. A skin of solid metal forms between the mold and the conduit, at which time the pumping of molten metal can cease. The mold with solid metal in it can be moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20200363128
    Abstract: A scrap melting system and method includes a vessel that is configured to retain molten metal and a raised surface about the level of molten metal in the vessel. Solid metal is placed on the raised surface and molten metal from the vessel is moved upward from the vessel and across the raised surface to melt at least some of the solid metal. The molten metal is preferably raised from the vessel to the raised surface by a molten metal pumping device or system. The molten metal moves from the raised surface and into a vessel or launder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20200360990
    Abstract: A system according to aspects of the invention includes a pump and a refractory casing that houses the pump or is in fluid communication with the pump. As the pump operates it moves molten metal upward through an uptake section of the casing until it reaches a rectangular outlet wherein it exits the vessel. The rectangular outlet is configured to be connected to, or may be attached to, a launder. Another system uses a wall to divide a cavity of the chamber into two portions. The wall has an opening and a pump pumps molten metal from a first portion into a second portion until the level in the second portion reaches an outlet and exits the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper