Flow Controllers Or Assists Patents (Class 222/594)
  • Patent number: 11358214
    Abstract: By setting an electric resistance of a trough to a value larger than an electric resistance of a molten metal stored in a storage space, in a non-driving state, a current is caused to flow along a first current path from one side wall of the pair of side walls to another side wall through the bottom wall, and in a driving state, a current is caused to flow through a second current path from the one side wall through a middle part of the first current path and bypass to the molten metal, and return to the first current path, and in the driving state, in the molten metal, causing the magnetic force lines running vertically and the current running horizontally to cross each other to generate a Lorentz force, and by the Lorentz force, driving and carrying the molten metal in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Kenzo Takahashi
  • 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: 11007568
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a droplet generating method for metal three-dimensional printing, and in a process of accumulating a liquid metal or softened flowable metal in a building process through metal three-dimensional printing, a metal flow is fragmentized to form metal droplets; wherein in the process of accumulating the liquid metal or softened flowable metal, a current is applied between the metal flow and a printed metal (7), through a manner of resistance heating, part of the metal flow is heated and gasified to fuse the metal flow, and the metal droplets are formed on the printed metal (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: NANJING TAITAO INTELLIGENT SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fupeng Liang, Chaobao Luo
  • Patent number: 10639718
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are directed to applying magnetohydrodynamic forces to liquid metal to eject liquid metal from a nozzle along a controlled pattern, such as a controlled three-dimensional pattern as part of additive manufacturing of an object. Electrodes used to deliver electric current across a firing chamber of the nozzle are formed of the same material as the liquid metal being ejected from the nozzle. For example, respective interfaces between the electrodes and the liquid metal can be molten material. Forming the electrodes and the liquid metal of the same material can facilitate, for example, ejecting liquid metals having high melt temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Desktop Metal, Inc.
    Inventor: Emanuel Michael Sachs
  • Patent number: 10603718
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are directed to applying magnetohydrodynamic forces to liquid metal to eject liquid metal from a nozzle along a controlled pattern, such as a controlled three-dimensional pattern as part of additive manufacturing of an object. A feeder system can provide a continuous or substantially continuous supply of a solid metal to the nozzle to facilitate a correspondingly continuous or substantially continuous process for ejecting liquid metal as part of a commercially viable manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Desktop Metal, Inc.
    Inventors: Emanuel Michael Sachs, Mark Gardner Gibson, Richard Remo Fontana
  • Patent number: 10569326
    Abstract: A thin slab nozzle contains a central bore extending downstream along longitudinal axis X1 from an inlet orifice at an upstream end. The central bore comprises an upstream bore portion with a height Ha, in communication with a converging bore portion of height He, in communication with a thin bore portion of height Hf ending at the upstream end of a divider, and first and second front ports separated from one another by the divider and coupled to the central bore portion at least partially at the converging bore portion. X2 is a transverse axis, normal to X1, along which the nozzle becomes thinner in a downstream portion. In a section of the thin slab nozzle along a symmetry plane ?1 defined by X1 and by X2, the bore wall of the converging bore portion is curved at all points, and Hf/He?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignees: ARVEDI STEEL ENGINEERING S.P.A., VESUVIUS U.S.A. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Giovanni Arvedi, Andrea Teodoro Bianchi, Johan Richaud
  • Patent number: 10562094
    Abstract: An annular weir is fixed at a bottom of a tundish and just under a long nozzle of a ladle in a continuous casting apparatus. The annular weir includes a cavity which has a substantially circular shaped transverse section. The cavity includes: an upper side opening configured to receive a stream of molten metal from an upper side through the long nozzle; an inner protrusion which is annular in shape and which extends toward an inner side from an upper end of an inner wall of the cavity; a first space on an inner side of the inner protrusion; and a second space which communicates with the first space 13a and which is on a lower side of the first space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: NIPPON STEEL NISSHIN CO., LTD., KROSAKIHARIMA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yutaka Hiraga
  • Patent number: 10543532
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are directed to applying magnetohydrodynamic forces to liquid metal to eject liquid metal along a controlled pattern, such as a controlled three-dimensional pattern as part of additive manufacturing of an object. Magnets used to form the magnetohydrodynamic forces are thermally managed to facilitate directing strong magnetic fields into liquid metals at high temperatures. Such strong magnetic fields can be useful for imparting, under otherwise equivalent conditions, higher magnetohydrodynamic forces to liquid metal being ejected from a nozzle to form an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Desktop Metal, Inc.
    Inventors: Emanuel Michael Sachs, Mark Gardner Gibson, Richard Remo Fontana
  • Patent number: 10076213
    Abstract: A kitchen utensil for removing lipids from food includes a handle having a first end, a second end, and a gripping region between the first end and the second end, a head extending from the second end of the handle, the head having first side, a second side, and an outer perimeter, and wherein the first side includes at least one groove extending inwardly from a first groove end located at the outer perimeter, the at least one groove configured to collect a lipid material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Raphael Hon
  • Patent number: 9416430
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a furnace having a furnace chamber (14), a port (16) in fluid communication with the furnace chamber having an inclined lower wall (18), and a bi-directional induction unit (24) mounted to the inclined lower wall for inducing flow in molten material in the port. A retractable channel plate assembly (26) is selectively positionable in the port to define an extraction flow channel (28) for the molten material between the channel plate assembly and the inclined lower wall. A drive arrangement (64) moves the channel plate assembly into and out of the port and the control of a control system (74) which includes a sensor system (78) for measuring the level of the molten material in the port and a feedback system for providing information regarding the position of the channel plate assembly. A method of operating the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: FIVES SOLIOS LIMITED
    Inventor: Graham Guest
  • Patent number: 9381572
    Abstract: A tundish impact pad formed from refractory material comprises a base having an impact surface which, in use, faces upwardly against a stream of molten metal entering a tundish, and a wall extending upwardly from the base around at least a part of the periphery of the impact surface. The wall has at least one latitudinal portion. An inwardly-extending feature protrudes from the latitudinal wall. The inwardly-extending feature inhibits flow exiting the impact pad from passing over the center of the latitudinal portion of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Reinhart
  • Patent number: 9308581
    Abstract: A tundish impact pad, a tundish containing the same, and a method of using and assembly containing the impact pad and tundish are provided. The tundish impact pad features a base having a base surface with a conical impact surface area establishing an apex, a sidewall, and a top wall extending inwardly relative to the sidewall to terminate at an inner edge establishing a mouth opening spaced above and centered relative to the apex. The top wall includes a lip sloping radially inwardly and downwardly towards the conical impact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: ArceloMittal Investigacion y Desarrollo, S.L.
    Inventor: Tathagata Bhattacharya
  • Patent number: 9254519
    Abstract: Provided is a composite material suitable for forming a part for continuous casting capable of producing cast materials of excellent surface quality for a long period of time and with which a molten metal is inhibited from flowing into a gap between a nozzle and a moving mold. A composite material (nozzle 1) includes a porous body 2 having a large number of pores and a filler incorporated in at least part of a portion that comes into contact with the molten metal, the portion being part of a surface portion of the porous body. The filler incorporated in the porous body 2 is at least one selected from a nitride, a carbide, and carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Michimasa Miyanaga, Takeshi Uchihara, Masatada Numano, Yukihiro Oishi, Nozomu Kawabe
  • Patent number: 9005518
    Abstract: A refractory bottom lining for lining the bottom of a metallurgical vessel. The refractory bottom includes a stepped portion and an impact portion. The impact portion is formed of a first refractory material. The stepped portion is formed of a second refractory material and is disposed around the impact portion. The stepped portion includes an upper surface that has a plurality of discrete surface sections. The plurality of discrete surface sections includes an uppermost surface section, at least two intermediate surface sections and a lowermost surface section. Each surface section has a different elevation such that the uppermost surface section has a highest elevation and the lowermost surface section has a lowest elevation. The uppermost surface section, the at least two intermediate surface sections and the lowermost surface section define a continuously downward stepped path from the uppermost surface section to the lowermost surface section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: North American Refractories Co.
    Inventors: Ronald Barrett, Donald Abrino
  • Publication number: 20140345824
    Abstract: A casting valve configured to supply a melt of a casting device includes a valve housing comprising a melt channel connection as an inlet and a valve outlet as a run-out. A melt channel is configured to be pressurizable via a casting pressure. A valve compartment is configured to receive the melt. The valve compartment is connectable via the melt channel connection with the melt channel. A closing device is configured to modify a cross-sectional surface of the valve outlet. A post-compression piston is configured to post-compress the melt after a completion of a mold filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventors: JUERGEN FAHRENBACH, MARTIN GAEBGES, MICHAEL RICHTER, TOBIAS SCHWARZ
  • Patent number: 8894922
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fireproof ceramic impact absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Sorger, Wilhelm Janko, Bernd Trummer, Gernot Hackl
  • Patent number: 8875959
    Abstract: A supply device of molten metal for application in semi-automatic centrifuge machines with one plate or for automatic machines with three or more plates to collect the molten metal from the furnace, take it to the centrifuge and pour it into the centrifuge. The supply device occupies minimum space and allows both for a side or back furnace configuration. The device includes an automatic and programmable assembly having an arm that is radially secured on one end to the rotating shaft of a geared motor fitted to the centrifuge. On the other, the device is articulated to another vertical arm, holding a ladle at its lower end. The operation of the device is synchronized with the operation of the centrifuge, increasing productivity, reducing hazards for workers, reducing energy consumption, and improving the finish of the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Comercial Nicem-Exinte, S.A.-Coniex
    Inventor: Ion Gurutz Coretti Garijo
  • Patent number: 8863999
    Abstract: A casting nozzle suited to manufacture a casting material of pure magnesium or magnesium alloy is provided. A nozzle 1 is utilized to manufacture a casting material 100 by supplying molten metal to a portion between rolls 10 which become a casting die, and arranged so that a pouring port 4 is located between a pair of rolls 10 opposed to other. This nozzle 1 includes a main body 1a formed of oxide material such as alumina, and a coating layer 3 which is provided on the inner surface of the main body 1a which comes into contact the molten metal, and formed of material that does not include oxygen substantially. Since the main body 1a does not come into direct contact with the molten metal due to the coating layer 3, it is possible to prevent oxygen included in the main body 1a from reacting with the molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatada Numano, Yoshihiro Nakai, Toshiya Ikeda, Mitsuyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140263482
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transportable vessel for use in a factory for processing molten metal. The vessel is not connected to a reverbatory furnace and can be moved to different locations in the factory. The vessel includes a transfer conduit in communication with a cavity of the vessel. A molten metal pump can be positioned in the transfer conduit to move molten metal out of an outlet in communication with the transfer conduit and into another vessel without the need to tip or tilt the transportable vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20140217134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining and/or restoring the jetting stability in a jetting device, the jetting comprising fluid chamber body having arranged therein an orifice, the jetting device being configured to comprise a quantity of an electrically conductive fluid. The jetting device comprises actuation means, comprising a magnetic field generating means and an electrical current generating means for, in operation, applying an actuation pulse to the electrically conductive fluid. The method for maintaining and/or restoring the jetting stability comprises applying an maintenance pulse to at least a part of the electrically conductive fluid. The invention further relates to a jetting device, employing the described method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: OCE-TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventor: Mircea V. RASA
  • Patent number: 8746516
    Abstract: An impact pad, for use in a T-shaped tundish, comprises a base having an impact surface and an outer side wall extending upwardly therefrom and defining an interior space having an upper opening for receiving a stream of molten metal, the interior space being divided into two regions by a separating wall provided with at least one passageway for the molten metal stream. The separating wall is at least three times higher than the outer side wall and is inclined with respect to the vertical. This impact pad increases the homogeneity of the molten steel cast from the different outlets of the T-shaped tundish and provides equal or relatively similar residence times of the molten steel discharged through the different outlets of the tundish. This impact pad also permits a fast transition of the steel quality at ladle change while retaining the advantages of conventional impact pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Karsten Langer
  • Publication number: 20140117057
    Abstract: A tundish impact pad formed from refractory material comprises a base having an impact surface which, in use, faces upwardly against a stream of molten metal entering a tundish, and a wall extending upwardly from the base around at least a part of the periphery of the impact surface. The wall has at least one latitudinal portion. An inwardly-extending feature protrudes from the latitudinal wall. The inwardly-extending feature inhibits flow exiting the impact pad from passing over the center of the latitudinal portion of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: VESUVIUS CRUCIBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Reinhart
  • Patent number: 8703043
    Abstract: A non-ferrous metal melting furnace includes a non-ferrous metal melt pump, a vortex chamber body, and a magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets. The vortex chamber body makes a non-ferrous metal melt flow into a vortex chamber from an inlet, makes the non-ferrous metal melt flow in a spiral shape by applying a driving force to the non-ferrous metal melt in the vortex chamber, and discharges the non-ferrous metal melt from the vortex chamber to an outlet. The magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets is disposed outside the vortex chamber and below a bottom plate of the vortex chamber, and applies the driving force that is generated by current flowing in the non-ferrous metal melt and magnetic lines of force from the magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Zmag, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenzo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8622261
    Abstract: A molten metal supply cylinder for melting a low melting point metallic material in a solid phase and supplying the molten metal material, including a melting section to be directly or indirectly brought into contact with a low melting point metallic material to produce molten metal, and a substantially tubular flow path that has a first opening formed at an end thereof in the melting section and a second opening at the other end thereof and allows the molten metal produced in the melting section to flow. An oxide of the surface layer of the low melting point metallic material is removed by an oxide removing section before the low melting point metallic material is molten in the melting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyuki Itoh, Kenichi Kubo
  • Patent number: 8591802
    Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor 20 for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle 14 includes a generally uniform castable refractory body 22 having a generally hemispherical or hemi-ellipsoid shape having a plurality of generally triangular shaped projection elements 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40) defining a plurality of generally constant dimension grooves 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 extending downward from the top side 26 toward an apex 41 of the vortex inhibitor 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tetron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Koffron, Ross A. Jacobs, John W. Dresh
  • Publication number: 20130306687
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain and degas molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel is pulled through the vessel by the pump as it is degassed. This helps maintain a generally constant flow of molten metal through the degassing vessel. Other aspects relate to a system and method for efficiently performing maintenance on components positioned in a vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: MOLTEN METAL EQUIPMENT INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Publication number: 20130299524
    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: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: MOLTEN METAL EQUIPMENT INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8580186
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a flow control apparatus for control of molten metal flow through a trough. The apparatus includes a flow control element (e.g. a movable dam or flow restrictor) movable between an operating position and an inactive position. A guide element provides an elongated track having a first part extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flow control element. One or more track followers are retained by the guide element and are movable along the track. An elongated arm is attached at one end to the flow control element and to the track follower at an opposite end. An actuator operably connects to the track follower to move the track follower along the track. The track causes the flow control element to move away from the operating position with a straight (non-pivoting) motion, but preferably causes the flow control element to pivot as it approaches the inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Hymas, Eric W. Reeves, John Steven Tingey
  • Publication number: 20130292426
    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: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130292427
    Abstract: A system for removing molten metal from a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a pump and a refractory casing that houses the pump. As the pump operates it moves molten metal upward through an uptake section of the casing until it reaches an outlet wherein it exits the vessel. The outlet 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: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8535603
    Abstract: A device for dispersing gas into molten metal includes an impeller, a drive shaft having a gas-transfer passage therein, and a first end and a second end, and a drive source. The second end of the drive shaft is connected to the impeller and the first end is connected to the drive source. The impeller includes a first portion and a second portion with a plurality of cavities. The first portion covers the second portion to help prevent gas from escaping to the surface without entering the cavities and being mixed with molten metal as the impeller rotates. When gas is transferred through the gas-transfer passage, it exits through the gas-release opening(s) in the bottom of the impeller. At least some of the gas enters the cavities where it is mixed with the molten metal being displaced by the impeller. Also disclosed are impellers that can be used to practice the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8517231
    Abstract: The invention relates to an immersion nozzle, for example of the kind used for continuously casting a metal melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gernot Hackl, Gerald Nitzl
  • Patent number: 8469243
    Abstract: Provided is a molten metal discharge nozzle capable of suppressing turbulence in a molten metal stream passing through an inner bore thereof, with a simple structure. A cross-sectional shape of a wall surface of the inner bore, taken along an axis of the inner bore, comprises a part or an entirety of a curved line expressed by the following formula: log(r(z))=(1/n)×log((Hc+L)/(Hc+z))+log(r(L)) (1), where: 6?n?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Krosakiharima Corporation
    Inventors: Arito Mizobe, Hideaki Kawabe, Manabu Kimura
  • Patent number: 8453892
    Abstract: A method for a controlled dispensing of mercury by mercury sources that release mercury at a temperature Te, the sources being kept at a conditioning temperature Tc<Te and being brought to a temperature T>Te by means of displacement of the mercury sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Saes Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Amiotti, Giorgio Longoni, Antonio Bonucci, Alessio Corazza
  • Patent number: 8430281
    Abstract: A high-heat-retention ladle for carrying molten aluminum includes a ladle body defining therein a storage space, which contains molten aluminum therein, the ladle body including a molten metal inlet and a molten metal outlet, which allow the storage space to communicate with outside, a cover opening and closing the inlet of the ladle body, and a stopper opening and closing the outlet of the ladle body. Each of the ladle body and the cover has an outer shell, which defines a contour thereof, and a multi-layer insulation structure inside the outer shell. The multi-layer insulation structure includes two or more refractory layers. The molten aluminum contained inside the storage space has a temperature drop rate of 5° C./min or less. It is possible to carry the molten aluminum for a long time in a heat-insulated state and cast a product by directly pouring the molten aluminum into a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Eok Soo Kim, Young Myung Hong, Kyung Mook Lim, Sock Hwan Choi, Jin Young Park
  • Patent number: 8418893
    Abstract: It is intended to uniform and straighten a molten steel stream flowing out of a discharge port of an immersion nozzle, and thus suppress mold powder entrapment in the vicinity of the immersion nozzle. The immersion nozzle comprises a tubular-shaped straight nozzle body formed to extend in a vertical longitudinal direction and adapted to allow molten steel from a molten-steel inlet provided at an upper end thereof to pass downwardly therethrough, and a pair of discharge ports provided in a lower portion of the straight nozzle body in bilaterally symmetrical relation and adapted to discharge the molten steel from a lateral surface of the straight nozzle body in a lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Krosakiharima Corporation
    Inventors: Arito Mizobe, Kouichi Tachikawa
  • Publication number: 20130068412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal molten metal pump assembly and associated system for controlled delivery of molten metal to molds. The pump assembly comprises a shaft, an impeller coupled to the shaft, a controller to control a rotational speed of the impeller according to a programmable fill profile while delivering the molten metal to the mold. In some embodiments, the pump assembly further comprises a throttle to manipulate a flow rate or pressure of the molten metal relative to a rotational speed of the impeller. The associated system comprises a melting furnace and one or more holding furnaces, each holding furnace including at least one pump assembly therein. Each holding furnace may be of an open configuration to allow for uninterrupted flow of the molten metal from the melting furnace. The system may provide controlled delivery of the molten metal to the mold at a desired flow rate or pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Pyrotek
    Inventor: Pyrotek
  • Patent number: 8383032
    Abstract: An impact well configured to reduce the turbulence in a flowing fluid. The impact well has the shape of a frustum and includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a base portion. The base portion includes a domed portion that extends upwards into the intermediate portion. The upper portion, the intermediate portion and the base portion each included stepped areas configured to assist in the alignment of the portions and the assembly of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Harrison Steel Castings Company
    Inventor: Stefan Drambarean
  • Patent number: 8343416
    Abstract: A regulating device regulates the flow rate of non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting liquids and melt streams through magnetic fields inducing eddy currents in the melt stream. In a preferred embodiment, the regulating device controls the melt stream using at least one stationary magnetic field with a constant polarity, at least one stationary magnetic alternating field or using a multi-poled magnetic travelling field, in such a way that the magnetic field lines transversally penetrate the melt flow across the entire cross section thereof and such that a voltage is induced in the melt stream by the magnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: TMT Tapping-Measuring-Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Uwe Morgenstern
  • Publication number: 20120318831
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fireproof ceramic impact absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: REFRACTORY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Robert Sorger, Wilhelm Janko, Bernd Trummer, Gernot Hackl
  • Patent number: 8281964
    Abstract: Rotary device for treating molten metal has a hollow shaft with a rotor having a roof and a base spaced apart and connected by a plurality of dividers. A passage extends between each adjacent pair of dividers and the roof and the base. A flow path extends through the shaft into inlets of the passages and out of outlets. A chamber in which mixing of the molten metal and gas can take place is located radially inwardly of the inlets, has an opening in the base of the rotor and is in the flowpath between the shaft and the inlets. Upon rotation of the device, molten metal is drawn into the chamber through the rotor base where it is mixed with gas passing into the chamber from the shaft. The metal/gas dispersion is pumped into the passages through the inlets before discharge from the rotor through the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Foseco International Limited
    Inventor: Dirk Schmeisser
  • Publication number: 20120125955
    Abstract: A supply device of molten metal for application in semi-automatic centrifuge machines with one plate or for automatic machines with three or more plates to collect the molten metal from the furnace, take it to the centrifuge and pour it into the centrifuge, having been designed to occupy the minimum space and allowing both for side or back furnace configuration. The device includes an automatic and programmable assembly having an arm that is radially secured on one end to the rotating shaft of a geared motor fitted to the centrifuge and, on the other, it is articulated to another vertical arm, holding a ladle at its lower end. The operation of the device is synchronised with the operation of the centrifuge, increasing productivity, reducing hazards for workers, reducing energy consumption, and improving the finish of the final product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: COMERCIAL NICEM-EXINTE, S.A. - CONIEX
    Inventor: Ion Gurutz Coretti Garijo
  • Patent number: 8173081
    Abstract: A stopper body of refractory material and cylindrical shape having a first end (10), a second end (14) and an intermediate zone (12) there between, with a bore (16) of circular cross section, extending from said first end (10) in an axial direction of the stopper body into said intermediate zone (12) towards the second end (14), wherein the said bore being provided with an enlarged cross section (at 16s) along at least part of said intermediate Zone (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephen John Lee, Stuart Alexander William Mungall, Derek James Chalmers
  • Publication number: 20120067538
    Abstract: An impact well configured to reduce the turbulence in a flowing fluid. The impact well has the shape of a frustum and includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a base portion. The base portion includes a domed portion that extends upwards into the intermediate portion. The upper portion, the intermediate portion and the base portion each included stepped areas configured to assist in the alignment of the portions and the assembly of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: THE HARRISON STEEL CASTING COMPANY
    Inventor: Stefan Drambarean
  • Patent number: 8110142
    Abstract: A refractory bottom for a metallurgical vessel comprised of a bottom lining having a bottom surface that is dimensioned to overlay a bottom of a metallurgical vessel and an upper surface. The upper surface is comprised of a plurality of discrete sections that include an uppermost section, an intermediate section and a lowermost section. Each section has an upper surface at a discrete elevation such that the upper surface of the uppermost section has a highest elevation and the upper surface of the lowermost section has a lowest elevation. The upper surface of the uppermost section, the intermediate section and the lowermost section comprise a series of successive stepped sections that define a stepped path from the uppermost section downward to the lowermost section. Each successive section of the upper surface is lower than a preceding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: North American Refractories Co.
    Inventors: Ronald Barrett, Donald Abrino
  • Publication number: 20110315721
    Abstract: A nozzle (410) for guiding molten metal comprises an inlet (106) at an upstream first end and at least one outlet (210) towards a downstream second end. An inner surface (117) is provided between the inlet (106) and the at least one outlet (210) to define a bore (118) through the nozzle (410). The bore (118) has a throat region (200) adjacent the inlet (106). An annular channel (420) is provided in the inner surface of the nozzle (410). A fluid supply means (900) is arranged to introduce fluid into the bore (118) via the annular channel (420) or downstream thereof. The throat region (200) has a convexly curved surface and the annular channel (420) is located within or adjacent the throat region (200). The invention also provides for a method of controlling the flow of molten metal through a nozzle (410), as described above, and a system for controlling the flow of molten metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Gerald Nitzl, John Davies
  • Publication number: 20110303706
    Abstract: An insert and system for removing molten metal from a vessel is disclosed. The insert defines an enclosed cavity, and includes a first opening in its side through which molten metal can enter the cavity, and a second opening at its top through which molten metal can exit the cavity. A trough at the top of the insert directs molten metal exiting the second opening out of the vessel. The system includes the insert and a molten metal pump that forces molten metal through the first opening and into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8075747
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating removal of molten metal from an electrolysis cell are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a container and an electrical source coupled to the container. The electrical source may be configured to provide complementary current to a spout of the container. This complementary current may create a complementary electromagnetic field at least proximal a tip portion of the spout. When the spout of the container receives the complementary current, and when the spout is in liquid communication with the molten liquid of the electrolysis cell, the complementary electromagnetic field of the complementary current may at least partially assist to increase the flow of molten metal into the spout of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Barnes, Jr., Donald P. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8017069
    Abstract: A ceramic seating stone is provided for use in or on a metallurgical vessel for holding molten metal. The stone is formed as a whole or in parts of ceramic fibers, hollow ceramic spheres and/or foam ceramics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Martin Kendall
  • Publication number: 20110186602
    Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor 20 for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle 14 includes a generally uniform castable refractory body 22 having a generally hemispherical or hemi-ellipsoid shaped body 22 having a plurality of generally triangular shaped projection elements 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40) defining a plurality of generally constant dimension grooves 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 extending downward from the top side 26 toward an apex 41 of the vortex inhibitor 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: TETRON, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Koffron, Ross A. Jacobs, John W. Dresh