By Providing, Treating Or Protecting Environment, E.g., Vacuum Patents (Class 266/207)
  • Patent number: 10908297
    Abstract: Methods for determining corrected positions of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) rover using a GNSS base station and one or more GNSS reference stations include determining a statistical representation of position measurements from the GNSS reference stations and an instantaneous position measurement from the GNSS reference stations. A position correction is determined based on the statistical representation and the instantaneous position measurement. A corrected position of the GNSS rover is determined based on a position of the GNSS rover and the position correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cash, Stuart Riley, Vivek Nadkarni
  • Patent number: 10877125
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a system, apparatus and method is configured to receive/process radio frequency emanations of a potentially threatening drone to generate therefrom a human-recognizable audio signal characteristic of the drone (i.e., a “voice” of the drone) so that a warfighter may be alerted to the activity of the drone and respond accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Ward
  • Patent number: 10782417
    Abstract: Methods for determining corrected positions of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) rover using a GNSS base station and one or more GNSS reference stations include determining a statistical representation of position measurements from the GNSS reference stations and an instantaneous position measurement from the GNSS reference stations. A position correction is determined based on the statistical representation and the instantaneous position measurement. A corrected position of the GNSS rover is determined based on a position of the GNSS rover and the position correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cash, Stuart Riley, Vivek Nadkarni
  • Patent number: 10332395
    Abstract: In an example, a roadside device is disclosed. In one or more implementations, the roadside device includes a deviation determination module that is configured to determine a difference between a determined current position of the roadside device and a predefined position of the roadside device. The roadside device also includes a modification module that is configured to modify geometry data representing an intersection environment based upon the difference, and a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication module that is configured to broadcast the modified geometry data within the intersection environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Berg
  • Patent number: 9968996
    Abstract: A metal forming apparatus includes a smelting device, a molding device, an injection device and a vacuumizing device. The smelting device defines a smelting chamber, and includes a rotatable crucible and a heating unit both disposed within the smelting chamber. The molding device defines a molding chamber sealedly communicated with the smelting chamber. The injection device includes a charging barrel assembly sealedly disposed at a joint between the molding device and the smelting device and an injection unit sealedly connected with the smelting device. The vacuumizing device is sealedly connected with the smelting device and the molding device respectively so as to vacuumize the smelting chamber and the molding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Qing Gong, Shuming Zhao, Yanan Wang, Qiuhui Chen, Xiaohua Wang, Liuping Tang
  • Publication number: 20150143951
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for refining copper concentrate (1). The arrangement comprises a suspension smelting furnace (2) comprising a reaction shaft (5), and a settler (6). The reaction shaft (5) is provided with a concentrate burner (8) for feeding copper concentrate (1) such as copper sulfide concentrate and/or copper matte and additionally at least reaction gas (9) into the reaction shaft (5) to obtain a blister layer (11) containing blister and a first slag layer (12) containing slag on top of the blister layer (11) in the settler (6), and a slag cleaning furnace (3). The arrangement comprises feeding means (16, 18, 23) for feeding blister from the blister layer (11) in the settler (6) and for feeding slag from the first slag layer (12) in the settler (6) into the slag cleaning furnace (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Tapio Ahokainen, Peter Björklund, Tuomo Jokinen, Harri Rannikko, Maija Metsärinta, Markku Lahtinen
  • Publication number: 20150014394
    Abstract: An apparatus used for wave soldering including a nozzle device configured to discharge molten solder to a circuit board near a solder tank, wherein, the nozzle device includes at least one pair of adjacent nozzle openings configured to discharge the molten solder towards the middle between the pair of nozzle openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Li Ling, Ke Pu, Chun C. Wang, Wei Feng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140210144
    Abstract: Disclosed is a degassing tube formed, at least partially, of a composite material and configured to degas molten metal. The degassing tube may include a supply tube configured to deliver gas received from a supply source to an outlet of the degassing tube, and a diffuser body coupled to the supply tube and formed, at least partially, of a composite material. In some embodiments, a combination of the composite material and a phosphate bonded refractory material may be used to form respective sections of the diffuser body. The composite material may include layers of a woven fiber reinforcing fabric embedded within a ceramic matrix. In some embodiments, the phosphate bonded refractory material is a castable monolithic refractory which chemically bonds to the composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: PYROTEK
    Inventors: Carlos Gibran Sanchez Torres, Lee Andrew Nilson
  • Publication number: 20130340967
    Abstract: A feed system for introducing semi-solid metal alloy to a die casting machine includes a first chamber for receiving a metal alloy billet and for preparing the semi-solid metal alloy billet. The first chamber includes heaters and a cutting system. The metal alloy billet is heated by the heaters and cut by the cutting system into predetermined lengths to form semi-solid metal alloy portions. The feed system also includes a second chamber connected to the first chamber by a passage to receive the semi-solid metal alloy portions. The second chamber includes a door that opens and closes the passage and a plunger system that introduces the semi-solid metal portions to a die cast machine. An atmosphere control system is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. The atmosphere control system removes oxygen from the feed system. A method using the feed system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wenying Yang, Qigui Wang
  • Publication number: 20130249149
    Abstract: An improved molten metal furnace including an enlarged buffer plate of nickel-based superalloy material which seals and separates the furnace burners from the product to be heated. The seal from the buffer plate provides for the creation of a generally inert atmosphere for the bath of molten metal. Additionally, angling the interconnecting passageways between the furnace regions improve the thermal efficiency of the circulating molten metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jorge Morando
  • Publication number: 20130104699
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for inerting the surface of a metal charge in an induction furnace. The process generally involves use of a porous plug positioned near the surface of the metal charge. Argon (or other blanket gases) is flushed through the porous plug to back fill the volume of the induction furnace above the metal charge with an inert gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: AIR LIQUIDE INDUSTRIAL U.S. LP
    Inventor: Terence D. La Sorda
  • Publication number: 20130025414
    Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for melting an aluminum powder, which are capable of melting the aluminum powder with a high yield and allow the melted aluminum to be reused for a variety of applications. The method for melting the aluminum powder includes the steps of: preparing a mixture (M) including an aluminum powder (A) and a fluoride-based flux (F) by previously mixing the aluminum powder (A) and the fluoride-based flux (F); and melting the mixture (M) in molten aluminum (L).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicants: NIPPON LIGHT METAL COMPANY, LTD., TOYO ALUMINIUM KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Ishiwata, Kazumi Tono, Yuji Suzuki, Akira Kato, Kazuya Higashimura, Akiei Tanaka, Katsuya Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 8318081
    Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct melting process is disclosed. The plant includes a plurality of gas injection lances to inject the oxygen-containing gas into the vessel that extend downwardly through openings in a side wall of a direct smelting vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Rodney James Dry, Mark Preston Davis, Mark Hayton
  • Patent number: 8313690
    Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct smelting process is disclosed. The plant includes an offgas duct assembly to facilitate flow of offgas from the vessel, the offgas duct assembly including two offgas ducts of matching diameter extending outwardly from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Mark Hayton, Neil John Goodman
  • Patent number: 7976773
    Abstract: A degassing apparatus having duplex vacuum vessels for removing impurity gases from molten steel by backflow of molten steel thereby homogenizing molten steel composition. The apparatus includes duplex vacuum vessels of first and second vacuum vessels fixedly arranged at a predetermined interval to a floor which is provided horizontally at a predetermined height from a bottom; first and second ladle carriages arranged to run on first and second rails, respectively, to reciprocate between a treatment position directly under the first and second vacuum vessels and a tapping position where refined molten steel is tapped, each of the first and second ladle carriage loaded with a corresponding one of first and second ladles; and first and second lifting cylinders each for raising and lowering each of the first and second ladles in the treatment position so that a bottom end of each of the first and second vacuum vessels is immersed by molten steel in each of the first and second ladles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Posco Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Kyu Jung, Han-Yung Kal, Jin-Ho Son, Young-Sik Shin, Uel-Duk Jin, Kyung-Bae Jin, Jae-Kyu Kim, Chai-Rok Lee
  • Publication number: 20110101576
    Abstract: A tuyere for manufacturing molten iron is provided. The tuyere includes i) an oxygen injection opening that is configured to inject oxygen therethrough, and ii) a sealing gas injection opening that is located to be spaced apart from the oxygen injection opening and is configured to inject a sealing gas surrounding the oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: POSCO
    Inventors: Il-Hyun Cho, Do-Seung Kim, Jin-Chan Bae
  • Publication number: 20100326238
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher J. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20090309275
    Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct smelting process is disclosed. The plant includes a plurality of crane access zones that are outboard of a gas delivery main to enable solids injection lances to be removed from and replacement lances to be positioned in openings in a side wall of a direct smelting vessel. The plant also includes a plurality of crane access zones that are inboard of the gas delivery main to enable gas injection lances to be removed from and replacement lances to be positioned in openings in the side wall of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Loiacono
  • Publication number: 20090288520
    Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods are described herein that provide an effective inert blanket over a metal surface (hot solid (charge) metal or molten metal) in a container such as an induction furnace. The system includes a container of metal and a system configured to delivery biphasic inert cryogen toward the metal. The delivery system may include a lance disposed at the top of the container. The lance has a hood that directs both a flow of liquid cryogen and a flow of vaporous gas toward the metal surface. The liquid cryogen contacts the metal surface, generating a volume of expanding gas over the metal surface. The vaporous cryogen creates a reinforcing vapor that slows the expansion rate of the expanding gas, localizing the expanding gas over the metal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: AIR LIQUIDE INDUSTRIAL U.S. LP
    Inventor: Terence D. La Sorda
  • Patent number: 7585455
    Abstract: A degasser (10) for molten metal with a microporous plate (11). The microporous plate has at least one internal passageway (13) and an interface tube (12) attached to the microporous plate in flow communication with the internal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Porvair PLC
    Inventor: Leonard S. Aubrey
  • Publication number: 20090166937
    Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct smelting process is disclosed. The plant includes an offgas duct assembly to facilitate flow of offgas from the vessel, the offgas duct assembly including two offgas ducts of matching diameter extending outwardly from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES PTY. LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Hayton, Neil John Goodman
  • Patent number: 7531126
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder fabricating apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide the powder fabricating apparatus, which is capable of obtaining metal powder in a rapid and continuous fashion, various kinds of oxide, or alloy powder. The powder fabricating apparatus for achieving the object of the present invention comprises a barrel wherein an inlet and an outlet are formed at both opposite ends thereof, respectively; a screw which is rotationally mounted in the barrel and by which reactant supplied from the inlet moves toward the outlet; a driving portion for causing a relative rotational motion between the screw and the barrel; reaction control means for controlling reaction conditions of the reactant which moves in the barrel; and a controller for controlling the driving portion and the reaction control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Jae-Wan Oh
  • Patent number: 7497987
    Abstract: A refining method and apparatus for decarburization refining of chromium containing molten steel in a vessel having a first step of blowing oxygen while the inside of the vessel is at a pressure of between 400 Torr and atmospheric pressure, a second step of blowing oxygen while evacuation the inside of the vessel to 250 to 400 Torr and a third step of blowing gas while evacuating the vessel to not more than 250 Torr. Further, a refining method and apparatus for ultra-low carbon chrome melt by performing a first vacuum refining until the third step, then restoring the pressure in the vessel to at least 400 Torr, then performing second vacuum refining while making the bottom blowing gas blow rate at least 0.4 Nm3 per to steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Nittetsu Plant Designing Corporation
    Inventors: Kosuke Yamashita, Ryuji Nakao, Tomoaki Tanaka, Masao Igarashi, Koichiro Yoshino, Makoto Sumi
  • Patent number: 7497986
    Abstract: An apparatus for incorporating an elemental component in gaseous form into a molten metal is described. The apparatus comprises a container for holding the molten metal; means for cooling the container; heating means for maintaining the metal in the molten state; and a canopy which covers the top of the container. The apparatus also includes at least one aperture through which a desired gaseous material can be fed from a gas source. A related method for incorporating an elemental component in gaseous form into a molten metal is also described. The method includes the step of providing the metal in a container apparatus as described above, and feeding the gaseous elemental component from a gas source into the container, while maintaining the metal in the molten state. Articles prepared by such a method are also disclosed, as well as niobium base composites which comprise niobium, silicon, and nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Dennis Joseph Dalpe
  • Publication number: 20090008842
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently produce ultrafine particles having such a small diameter as 50 nm or less, a narrow range of size distribution, and a non-oxidation surface. According to the present invention, the metallic ultrafine particles are produced by dropping a raw metallic powder onto a controllably heated evaporating surface in a decompressed inert gas; instantly evaporating the raw metallic powder to form the ultrafine particle; and condensing and depositing the ultrafine particle on a trapping surface arranged above the evaporating surface. The raw metallic powder is any one of a single metal, an alloy and an intermetallic compound, preferably has an average particle diameter controlled to 500 ?m or smaller so that the powder can be instantly evaporated, and is preferably supplied by a minute amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Junichi SAITO, Kuniaki Ara, Hiroaki Ohira, Kuniaki Miura, Toshihiko Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 7452498
    Abstract: A pressure controlling apparatus controls a pressure in a container capable of storing a molten metal and supplying the molten metal to an outside using a pressure difference and includes: a supplying portion for supplying a compressed gas to be supplied to the container; a flow passage for supplying the compressed gas from the supplying portion to the container; a first switching valve, being inserted into the passage, capable of manually switching a first mode that enables the passage of the gas between the supplying portion side and the container side and a second mode that enables the passage of the gas between the container side and the outside; an exhausting portion for exhausting a gas from the container; and a second switching valve for switching a pressure applying mode for applying a pressure to the container and an exhausting mode for exhausting the gas from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hoei Shokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Mizuno, Narumi Ichikawa, Kazunori Suzuki, Koji Iyoda, Kenji Noguchi, Tsuyoshi Abe
  • Publication number: 20080184848
    Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods are described herein that provide an effective inert blanket over a metal surface (hot solid (charge) metal or molten metal) in a container such as an induction furnace. The system includes a container of metal and a system configured to delivery biphasic inert cryogen toward the metal. The delivery system may include a lance disposed at the top of the container. The lance has a hood that directs both a flow of liquid cryogen and a flow of vaporous gas toward the metal surface. The liquid cryogen contacts the metal surface, generating a volume of expanding gas over the metal surface. The vaporous cryogen creates a reinforcing vapor that slows the expansion rate of the expanding gas, localizing the expanding gas over the metal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Terence D. La Sorda
  • Publication number: 20080136069
    Abstract: Even a very small amount of air plasma can reduce the dross during melting. A method and device is shown, whereby substantial saving in the cost of melting aluminum and the energy to melt aluminum is possible by the technique of introducing a small amount of air plasma in the melting environment. In this manner even though the air contains oxygen, and the common practice is presently directed at air being eliminated from the melting environment, an air plasma is able to very effectively be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Micropyretics Heaters International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ganta S. Reddy, Jainagesh A. Sekhar
  • Patent number: 6830723
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating molten metal includes a treatment vessel for holding molten metal and a removable cover or hood for the vessel. Sealing means are provided between the cover and the vessel to provide a gas tight treatment zone. The sealing means include mating peripheral flanges on the vessel and cover, with the cover flange having two spaced annular sealing strips for contacting the vessel flange and a metal annular splash protector. These sealing strips include a thermal barrier strip formed of a deformable fibrous refractory material to provide a gas tight, a thermal barrier between the interior of the vessel and the exterior and a metal annular strip upon which the cover is supported on the vessel with the cover flange at a fixed distance above the vessel flange and the thermal barrier strip is compressed therebetween to a controlled degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Richard Larouche, Daniel Maltais
  • Patent number: 6602322
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for recovering metal values from Electric Arc Furnace dust, particularly zinc and iron values, by mixing EAF dust and carbonaceous fines to form a particulate mixture; heating the mixture at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to reduce and release volatile metals and alkali metals in a flue gas; collecting the released metals, and removing the metal values from the process as product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Midrex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. McClelland, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030080480
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating molten metal includes a treatment vessel for holding molten metal and a removable cover or hood for the vessel. Sealing means are provided between the cover and the vessel to provide a gas tight treatment zone. The sealing means include mating peripheral flanges on the vessel and cover, with the cover flange having three spaced annular sealing strips for contacting the vessel flange. These sealing strips include a first outer annular strip formed of an elastomeric material to give an air tight seal between the cover and vessel and a second middle annular strip formed of a deformable fibrous refractory material to provide a thermal barrier between the interior of the vessel and the outer annular strip. A third inner annular strip is a rigid metal strip upon which the cover is supported on the vessel with the cover flange at a fixed distance above the vessel flange and the outer sealing strip and middle sealing strip compressed therebetween to a controlled degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Larouche, Daniel Maltais
  • Publication number: 20020130449
    Abstract: An arrangement for pouring a pourable melt made up of a copper alloy, which comprises a melting furnace, pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis, having a pouring tube which discharges pourable melt and through which the pourable melt can be conveyed under a shielding gas atmosphere to a filling end of a launder and can be conveyed through an outlet of the launder to a mold. The filling end of the launder is coverable by a hood that seals off the pourable melt from the atmosphere, the pouring tube engaging, with interposition of a seal arrangement, in pivotably movable fashion into the hood. As a result, the pourable melt can be transferred into the launder under a shielding gas atmosphere upon pivoting of the melting furnace and the pouring tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Andreas Krause, Dirk Rode, Meinhard Hecht, Thomas Helmenkamp, Uwe Quadfasel, Ralph Frankenberg, Hubertus Bruning
  • Patent number: 6331269
    Abstract: An inert vessel for treating an oxidizable liquid metal includes a vessel body and a lid mounted thereon with bearing surfaces at a junction therebetween, the body and lid each including a metal wall having an inner face coated with a refractory lining. The vessel further includes movable auxiliary equipment passing through the lid, and optionally the body, with the vessel body including inlet and outlet means for the liquid metal and external atmosphere. An inflatable seal is disposed between the lid and the vessel body housed in a peripheral receptacle, the peripheral receptacle including at least one wall which is an extension of the lid, and at least one other wall which is an extension of the vessel body, the seal when inflated directly contacting the wall which is the extension of the lid and the wall which is the extension of the vessel body, and being directly adjacent the vessel body adjacent the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignees: Aluminium Pechiney, Pechiney Rhenalu
    Inventor: Jacques Moriceau
  • Patent number: 6015528
    Abstract: A composite material mixture of free flowing reinforcement particles in a molten metal is solidified at a cooling rate greater than about 15.degree. C. per second between the liquidus and solidus temperatures of the matrix alloy. This high cooling rate imparts a homogeneous structure to the solid composite material. Care is taken to avoid the introduction of gas bubbles into the molten composite material while the mixture is stirred to prevent segregation of the particles. For viscous melts, an artificial surface layer such as a fiberglass blanket may be used to prevent entrapment of bubbles during pre-casting stirring. Additionally, gas bubbles are removed from the molten mixture by filtering and skimming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Richard S. Bruski, Larry G. Hudson, Iljoon Jin, David J. Lloyd, Michael D. Skibo
  • Patent number: 5972282
    Abstract: A cold hearth furnace for refining of selected metals, such as titanium, is described. The furnace includes a melting hearth and a transport hearth arranged linearly. A pair of barriers partially block the flow of molten materials to mix it, allowing impurities to vaporize and preventing splattering of the material in the melting hearth from contaminating the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Oregon Metallurgical Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos E. Aguirre, Steven H. Reichman, Leonard C. Hainz, II
  • Patent number: 5919283
    Abstract: An inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump is located between one section of a metal-melting furnace and a second section to pump molten metal from the one section, wherein the molten metal is at a higher temperature, into the second section, wherein the molten metal is at a lower temperature, and its effluent is directed into contact with metal chips being charged into the second section, thereby assisting in the more rapid melting of the chips into the molten metal mass in the second section. The inert gas employed to actuate the molten metal pump is captured beneath a heat-resistant and flame-resistant cover located above the exit port of the pump and over a substantial portion of the molten metal mass in the second section, thereby providing a non-oxidizing atmosphere at the surface of the molten metal mass or pool beneath said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Premelt Pump, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Areaux
  • Patent number: 5908488
    Abstract: The magnesium melting furnace (1) has a plurality of chambers. The material to be melted is fed into a melting chamber (2) through a charging chute (20), one end of which terminates under the surface of the melting bath. The melt is slowly transferred into a holding chamber (4) through a passage (3) situated in the lower third of a dividing wall (11) above a layer of impurities settling at the bottom (14) of the melting chamber (2). The melt slowly flows through the holding chamber (4), with impurities rising to the surface or settling on the bottom (15). The purified melt flows through a second passage (5) situated in the lower third of a second dividing wall (12) into a metering chamber (6). The melt can be removed from the metering chamber (6) through a transfer pipe (28) using a metering pump (27). The magnesium melting furnace (1) makes it possible to simultaneously melt, purify and remove the magnesium in metered quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignees: Schmitz + Apelt LOI Industrieofenanlagen GmbH, Rauch Fertigungstechnik Ges. m.h.H.
    Inventors: Dominik Schroder, Erich Rauch
  • Patent number: 5762682
    Abstract: In steel-making, there are conflicting processing requirements at different stages of the process. The method and apparatus of the invention creates different processing conditions at different stages of the process. Molten ferrous material (2) is stirred by bubbling a gas therethrough. A refractory ring (10) is first partially immersed in the molten steel within a substantially slag free portion of the surface of the molten ferrous metal to form a bounded substantially slag-free area. The molten steel is then heated by the introduction of exothermically reacting heating agents such as aluminium and oxygen through an oxygen gas line (7) and an aluminium delivery tube (9), respectively. The refractory ring (10) is then removed from the molten steel when the steel has reached a predetermined temperature and air is then excluded from the volume above the molten steel by placing a hood (16) over the ladle containing the molten steel. Sulphur is then removed from the steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Vacmetal Limited
    Inventor: John Rushe
  • Patent number: 5735935
    Abstract: An inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump is located in a metal-melting furnace to effect circulation of molten metal throughout the furnace. The inert gas employed to actuate the molten metal pump is captured beneath a heat-resistant and flame-resistant cover located above the exit port of the pump and over a substantial portion of the molten metal, thereby to prevent splashing, spattering, and disruption of a thin protective layer or skin of oxidized metal at the surface of the molten metal as well as to provide a non-oxidizing atmosphere at the surface of the molten metal beneath said cover. In this manner and by this combination, the inert gas is employed most efficiently and economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Premelt Pump, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Areaux
  • Patent number: 5688470
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering a non-ferrous metal, preferably aluminum and aluminum alloys, in molten coherent form from a charge of material to be processed containing the metal. The charge is introduced into a sealable furnace which is then sealed. The charge is agitated. A control parameter indicative of conditions inside said furnace is monitored and compared to a pre-determined first condition for the parameter. A heat source is operated to heat the charge until the control parameter reaches the first condition. The operation of the heat source is then stopped. A controlled amount of oxidizing agent and an inert carrier is then introduced into the furnace. The control parameter is monitored and compared to a predetermined second condition for the parameter. The flow of the oxidizing agent and the carrier is controlled to maintain the control parameter at about the second condition. The molten metal is subsequently removed from the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Han Spoel
  • Patent number: 5674309
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for purging air from the interior of a container in which purge gas is supplied to the interior of the container from one or more injectors in a turbulent jet flow having a modified Reynolds number Re' of less than 14,000 and the purge gas is supplied at a flow rate to produce a positive pressure within the container of at least 2.times.10.sup.-8 atm above the ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Francis Riley
  • Patent number: 5656235
    Abstract: An airlock of integral one piece construction for the trough of a refining furnace, the airlock having opposed vertical walls with portions that fit snugly within the trough opposed vertical walls and downwardly angled extensions which, with a top wall that connects the side wall extensions, define a snout whose open part projects into the molten metal in the furnace chamber to dynamically seal the trough from entry of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Foseco International Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Jerome Sarlitto, Thomas Bisco, Michael James Fisher
  • Patent number: 5599379
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering free aluminum from a metal bearing dross containing free aluminum metal and oxides of the metal. Hot dross is collected from a hot dross source into a vessel, and the vessel is placed into a sealable storage container. The storage container is insulated to maintain heat generated by the hot dross within the interior of the storage container to maintain the dross at or near its temperature when first placed in the storage container. An inert gas is then introduced into the container to purge the container of all gasses other than the inert gas. The inert gas reduces thermiting of the hot dross and limits the cooling of the hot dross in order to maintain the hot dross at an elevated temperature while the hot dross remains in the storage container. The dross is then removed from the vessel and introduced dross into a dross processing device such as a furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventors: Han Spoel, William A. Zebedee
  • Patent number: 5543242
    Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of a plurality of sodium sulfur cells is disclosed, which comprises: a work-setting pipe unit including a plurality of cell-holding pipes, a work-setting station for setting the cells into the work-setting pipe unit, a heating oil vessel, a sodium-extracting station, an inner tube-extracting station, an unloading station where the remaining sodium sulfur cells are unloading from the work-setting pipe unit, and a transferring unit for transferring said work-setting pipe unit among said stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Tsuchimoto, Katsuichi Iwata, Yoshihiko Kurashima
  • Patent number: 5514349
    Abstract: A method and system for synthesizing nanocrystalline material. A system includes a chamber, a nonconsumable cathode shielded against chemical reaction by a working gas not including an oxidizing gas, but including an inert gas, a consumable anode vaporizable by an arc formed between the cathode and the anode, and a nozzle for injecting at least one of a quench and reaction gas in the boundaries of the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Nanophase Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Parker, Mohammed N. Ali, Byron B. Lympany
  • Patent number: 5429341
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a capsule for carrying out processes of directed crystallization, especially in cosmic space conditions. The apparatus comprises a first compartment forming a multizone furnace having an inner surface divided into heating zones for heating up material pieces to be processed, and a second compartment for receiving capsule holders bearing capsules for receiving the material pieces, the first and second compartments being connected with one another through a cooled neck part and determining together a common closed space, the second compartment includes an upper and a lower annular rims prepared with cutouts for capsule holders, the capsule holders and the rims forming together a magazine of capsules, and revolving manipulating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Miskolci Egyetem
    Inventors: Pal Barczy, Gabor Buza, Gyorgy Czel, Jozsef Fancsali, Peter Makk, Csaba Raffay, Andras Roosz, Bela Tolvaj
  • Patent number: 5404929
    Abstract: A process for casting high oxygen affinity metals or metal alloys such as titanium through use of an induction furnace while preventing the pick up of contaminating gas by the metals or metal alloys during melting. An inert shielding gas such as nitrogen or argon or carbon dioxide is introduced as a liquid in a closed environment above the metal or metal alloys being melted such that there is preferably no more than approximately 1% contaminating gas in the gaseous environment proximate the surface of the molten metal or metal alloy. Simultaneously, the mold placed under the induction furnace is purged with a similar or different inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Liquid Air Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Till
  • Patent number: 5344123
    Abstract: The device has a device body including an inside space having an airtightness able to provide a nonactive gas atmosphere, the inside space having a charging port, a filling port and a melting chamber surrounded by an induction heating coil; a first piston transporting a non-ferrous alloy lump to the melting chamber; and a second piston permitting the melted non-ferrous alloy to flow out of the filling port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Hanano Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Hanano, Shigeo Furuta
  • Patent number: 5344478
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispersing cryogenic inert gases over the surface of a bath of molten metal by separating vaporized cryogenic gas from the liquid phase of the gas and introducing the liquid phase and the gaseous phase onto the surface of the molten metal in a swirling pattern. Additional inert gas can be introduced into the middle of the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Zbigniew Zurecki, Kerry R. Berger, Robert B. Swan
  • Patent number: 5324487
    Abstract: A melt is stored in a vessel. A lower half of a degassing member is immersed in the melt. The degassing member has a cylindrical form with the lower end closed, and the lower half section is made of a porous material which is permeable to gas and impermeable to melts as molten metal, molten slag, or molten matte. This lower half section is a partitioning member. When an internal space inside the degassing member is sucked to realize vacuum or reduced pressure atmosphere, gas producing components in the melt pass through the partition member of the degassing member, and are exhausted to inside the degassing member, thus being separated from the melt. Also, by making the degassing member rotate or move in a horizontal or vertical direction, the melt is stirred. With these features, gas-producing components in the melt can be removed at a high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignees: Tokyo Yogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Masamichi Sano
    Inventors: Masamichi Sano, Nobuo Miyagawa, Kunji Yamamoto