Abstract: Induction heating apparatus and methods are presented for pipe end heating using a solenoid coil to heat a controlled length of a pipe workpiece by adjusting the relative positions of the solenoid coil with a flux diverter positioned relative to the pipe end to divert flux from the coil to control inductive heating of the pipe workpiece end.

Abstract: A semi-liquid metal processing apparatus and method are presented in which a semi-liquid metal and/or semi-solid metal is introduced into a crucible and his electromagnetically stirred at a first frequency while cooling, and thereafter sidewalls of a metal charge formed of the semi-liquid metal and/or semi-solid metal are partially melted prior to tilting the crucible for removal of the metal charge.

Abstract: Induction heating apparatus and methods are disclosed for selective workpiece heating such as strip heating, in which DC windings around one or more laminations proximate to a workpiece edge are selectively energized using DC electrical power for controlled partial or full saturation of the one laminations to control edge overheating in a transverse flux induction heating system, in which certain implementations further employ a copper shield between the induction heating coil and the strip workpiece proximate the edge of the workpiece to control the edge heating effect.

Abstract: Induction heating apparatus and methods are presented for pipe end heating using a solenoid coil to heat a controlled length of a pipe workpiece by adjusting the relative positions of the solenoid coil with a flux diverter positioned relative to the pipe end to divert flux from the coil to control inductive heating of the pipe workpiece end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for heat treating metal parts that are stacked together and moved through an induction heating system and quench system. The present invention is specifically directed to an Induction Thermo Magnetic Processing (ITMP) apparatus, method and system which uses a magnetic field processing with induction high-frequency heat treatment to process metal components so as to inductively hardening materials.

Abstract: Induction heating apparatus and methods are disclosed for selective workpiece heating such as strip heating, in which DC windings around one or more laminations proximate to a workpiece edge are selectively energized using DC electrical power for controlled partial or full saturation of the one laminations to control edge overheating in a transverse flux induction heating system, in which certain implementations further employ a copper shield between the induction heating coil and the strip workpiece proximate the edge of the workpiece to control the edge heating effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for heat treating metal parts that are stacked together and moved through an induction heating system and quench system. The present invention is specifically directed to an Induction Thermo Magnetic Processing (ITMP) apparatus, method and system which uses a magnetic field processing with induction high-frequency heat treatment to process metal components so as to inductively hardening materials.

Abstract: A semi-liquid metal processing apparatus and method are presented in which a semi-liquid metal and/or semi-solid metal is introduced into a crucible and his electromagnetically stirred at a first frequency while cooling, and thereafter sidewalls of a metal charge formed of the semi-liquid metal and/or semi-solid metal are partially melted prior to tilting the crucible for removal of the metal charge.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for automated induction hardening of crankshaft bearings while controlling the crankshaft TIR, in which one or more first bearings are hardened by induction heating and quenching, followed by measurement of the crankshaft TIR. The measured TIR is then evaluated and one or more second bearings are hardened using a second induction heating power profile and a second quench flow profile, at least one of which is selectively adjusted according to the measured crankshaft TIR. In this manner, the hardening of the second bearing(s) can counteract any bending or warpage caused by the first hardening process to control the resulting final TIR of the crankshaft.

Abstract: Improved induction heating methods are presented for induction hardening undercut fillets of crankshafts or other workpiece recesses or undercuts in which an active turn is energized to induce current in a passive turn translated toward a workpiece undercut for heating the undercut.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hardening the concentric main bearing surfaces and orbital pin bearing surfaces of a crankshaft for an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes an inductor that is connected to a high frequency power source with a power controller to cause the power source to direct a given power to the inductor at given rotational heating positions of the crankshaft. A master controller creates output signals to control the power controller. The apparatus and method includes a first multi-surface hardening station with inductors for all of the main bearing surfaces, a second multi-surface hardening station with inductors for some of the orbital pins and a third multi-surface hardening station with inductors for the remaining orbital pins. Total indicator run out (TIR) is measured after the first station to adjust the heating process in the third station to produce a straight crankshaft.

Abstract: Improved induction heating methods are presented for induction hardening undercut fillets of crankshafts or other workpiece recesses or undercuts in which an active turn is energized to induce current in a passive turn translated toward a workpiece undercut for heating the undercut.

Abstract: Improved induction coil apparatus and methods are presented for induction hardening undercut fillets of crankshafts or other workpiece recesses in which an active turn is energized for heating a journal area in the workpiece recess and one or more passive turns are translated toward undercut fillets once the coil assembly is moved toward the recess with coupling portions of the passive and active turns coupling energy from the active turn to the passive turn(s) for heating the undercut fillets.

Abstract: Improved induction coil apparatus and methods are presented for induction hardening undercut fillets of crankshafts or other workpiece recesses in which an active turn is energized for heating a journal area in the workpiece recess and one or more passive turns are translated toward undercut fillets once the coil assembly is moved toward the recess with coupling portions of the passive and active turns coupling energy from the active turn to the passive turn(s) for heating the undercut fillets.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for automated induction hardening of crankshaft bearings while controlling the crankshaft TIR, in which one or more first bearings are hardened by induction heating and quenching, followed by measurement of the crankshaft TIR. The measured TIR is then evaluated and one or more second bearings are hardened using a second induction heating power profile and a second quench flow profile, at least one of which is selectively adjusted according to the measured crankshaft TIR. In this manner, the hardening of the second bearing(s) can counteract any bending or warpage caused by the first hardening process to control the resulting final TIR of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hardening the concentric main bearing surfaces and orbital pin bearing surfaces of a crankshaft for an internal combustion engine rotatable about the common center axis of the main bearing surfaces. The apparatus comprising an inductor for encircling each one of the surfaces to be hardened over at least a portion of the surface and riding on the surface where the inductors are connected to a high frequency power source with a power controller to cause the power source to direct a given power to the inductor at given rotational heating positions of the crankshaft. A quench chamber is associated with the inductor and has outlet orifices directed toward the surface encircled by the inductor. A supply of quenching liquid with a flow controller directs a given quantity of quench liquid against the surface after the surface has been inductively heated by the inductor.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus and method for ultra rapid annealing of a ferromagnetic strip moving at a selected velocity along a given path. The apparatus and method uses a vacuum tube R.F. oscillator having a D.C. input power supply providing D.C. voltage and D.C. current to the oscillator, a grid, a radio frequency output, and a grid feedback circuit for driving the grid. An induction heating coil surrounds the strip, and a known length along the path. A parallel capacitor bank forms the coil into a main tank circuit with a resonant frequency. Means are provided for sensing the voltage of the induction heating coil and for adjusting said D.C. voltage of the input power supply in accordance with said sensed coil voltage to maintain the power density in the strip at a selected level as the strip passes through the coil to raise the temperature of the moving strip at a rate sufficiently high to exceed the Curie point temperature of the moving strip.

Abstract: A method for induction heating and quench hardening of helical gears provides a hardness pattern uniformly distributed to a controlled depth across and between the teeth surfaces by means of axial scanning of the workpiece and uniform quenching. Uniform quenching is achieved by directing jets of quench fluid at the workpiece toothed surface at angles horizontally offset from the radial direction.

Abstract: An electric arc which is struck between an electrode and the surface of a pool of molten material rotates under the influence of a magnetic field to thereby free liquid particles from the surface of the pool. The particles produced are quenched in an adjacent inert atmosphere or solidified in a vacuum and become powder. This powder is then collected conveniently.