For Charging Or Discharging Patents (Class 373/142)
  • Patent number: 10852064
    Abstract: A channel type induction furnace with a furnace floor that is inclined downwards from an operative rear of the furnace hearth towards an opposing operative front of the hearth, with a wall at the front comprising a bottom section and a top section, with the bottom section extending further into the hearth than the top section, and the bottom section terminating in an upper edge in abutment with the top section, with a down-passage to an induction heater, located proximate the front wall, having an inlet in the floor at a location proximate the base of the front wall and up passage(s) having an outlet in the floor at a location in abutment with the base of the bottom section and with the bottom section being provided with a vertical slot extending upwards above the or each up-passage through it and opening onto the upper edge of the bottom section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: ENVIROSTEEL INC
    Inventor: Louis Johannes Fourie
  • Patent number: 9144822
    Abstract: A method is provided for joining a filler material to a substrate material. The method includes melting the filler material within a melting chamber of a crucible such that the filler material is molten. The crucible has an outlet fluidly connected to the melting chamber. The method also includes holding the filler material within the melting chamber of the crucible by applying a first pressure differential across the outlet of the crucible, and releasing the filler material from the melting chamber of the crucible by applying a second pressure differential across the outlet of the crucible to deliver the filler material to a target site of the substrate material. The second pressure differential has a different value than the first pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Qi Zhao, Robert John Zabala, Laurent Cretegny, Jeffrey Jon Schoonover, Mark Kevin Meyer, Keith Anthony Lauria, William R Catlin
  • Publication number: 20150147227
    Abstract: An induction furnace comprising a upper furnace vessel; an induction coil positioned below the upper furnace vessel; and a melt-containing vessel positioned inside the induction coil and communicably connected to the upper furnace vessel, wherein the positioning of the melt-containing vessel inside the induction coil defines a gap between an outside surface of the melt-containing vessel and an inside surface of the induction coil. A system for direct-chill casting comprising at least one an induction furnace; at least one in-line filter operable to remove impurities in molten metal; at least one gas source coupled to a feed port associated with the gas; and at least one device for solidifying metal by casting. A method of cooling an induction furnace comprising introducing a gas into a gap between an induction coil and a melt-containing vessel positioned inside the induction coil; and circulating the gas through the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Ravindra V. Tilak
  • Publication number: 20150098484
    Abstract: A tapping device and method using induction heat for melt comprises melting furnace made of steel; heating unit disposed in the upper part in the melting furnace and made of graphite material; induction coil wound around the heating unit; insulator disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the lower part of the melting furnace; supporter disposed outside the insulator; and firebricks disposed on the bottom surface of melting furnace and outside the supporter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Je CHO, Cheon Woo KIM, Young Il KIM, Sang Woo LEE, Seung Chul PARK, Jong Gil PARK, Tae Won HWANG
  • Publication number: 20150013933
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a vessel configured to contain a secondary magnetic induction field therein for melting materials, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus having an induction coil positioned along a horizontal axis and adjacent to the vessel. The vessel can have a tubular body configured to substantially surround and receive a plunger tip. At least one longitudinal slot extends through the thickness of the body to allow and/or direct eddy currents into the vessel during application of an RF induction field from the coil. The body also includes temperature regulating lines configured to flow a liquid within. The temperature regulating lines can be provided to run longitudinally within the wall(s) of the body between its inner bore and outer surface(s). A flange may be provided at one end of the body to secure the body within an injection molding apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Adam A. VERREAULT, Sean T. O'KEEFFE, Joseph W. STEVICK
  • Patent number: 8811450
    Abstract: An integrated process control installation is provided for electric induction metal melting furnaces with variable furnace states. The integrated process control installation can include supporting charge delivery and slag removal installations, and furnace process operations for process control of melting metal in the furnaces. The variable furnace states, supporting installations, and furnace process operations are controlled by a supporting processing installation, while a robotic apparatus performs the furnace process operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventors: John H. Mortimer, Peter Aruanno, Emad Tabatabaei, Satyen N. Prabhu
  • Patent number: 8718114
    Abstract: An induction melting furnace having an asymmetrical sloping bottom. The melting furnace includes: an induction coil member provided on the melting furnace so as to melt waste contained in the furnace by vitrification; a bottom unit provided in a lower part of the melting furnace, the bottom unit asymmetrically sloping downward in a direction toward a glass discharge port that is formed through the bottom unit; and a cooling member integrated with the bottom unit. Due to the asymmetrical sloping bottom of the furnace, waste in the furnace can be completely melted and can be easily discharged to the outside and, accordingly, the time and cost required to treat the waste are reduced and this improves work efficiency when treating the waste. Further, due to the insulation material, the melting furnace can be protected from electric damage that may be caused by electric arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Jun Jo, Deuk Man Kim, Seok Mo Choi, Hyun Je Cho, Seung Chul Park, Cheon Woo Kim, Tae Won Hwang
  • Publication number: 20140010256
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for electric induction heating and melting of a transition material that is non-electrically conductive in the solid state and electrically conductive in the non-solid state in an electric induction heating and melting process wherein solid or semi-solid charge is periodically added to a heel of molten transition material initially placed in a refractory crucible. Induction power is sequentially supplied to a plurality of coils surrounding the exterior height of the crucible at high power level and high frequency with in-phase voltage until a crucible batch of transition material is in the crucible when the induction power is reduced in power level and frequency with voltage phase shifting to the induction coils along the height of the crucible to induce a unidirectional electromagnetic stir of the crucible batch of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventor: Oleg S. FISHMAN
  • Publication number: 20130336354
    Abstract: The invention comprises a double loop channel type induction furnace of which the floor has a base on a first side of its hearth and a ramp which rises from the base to terminate in a plateau above the passages at a location distal from the first side. The ramp and plateau extends at least partly between opposing end walls of the furnace, and the plateau includes a trench which extends at least partly between opposing ends of the plateau. The trench is in fluid communication with the passages and the bottom of the trench is located in a plane higher than the plane in which the furnace floor is located. The base of the furnace floor is in fluid communication with the central passage by means of a floor passage that extends from the base of the floor to the central passage through the ramp below the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Louis Johannes Fourie
  • Publication number: 20130294473
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a melting apparatus for melt-decontaminating radioactive metal waste. The melting apparatus includes a melting furnace, a high frequency generator, a ladle, a bogie, a cooling unit and a dust collector. The melting furnace includes a crucible into which the metal waste is input, and an induction coil which is wound around the crucible to melt the metal waste. The induction coil has a hollow hole in which cooling fluid flows. The high frequency generator applies high-frequency current to the induction coil. The ladle supplies molten metal, from which slag has been removed in the crucible, into molds. The bogie is disposed adjacent to the ladle and is provided with the molds, each of which forms an ingot using the molten metal supplied thereinto. The cooling unit cools the cooling fluid and circulates it along the induction coil. The dust collector filters out dust and purifies gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: KEPCO NUCLEAR FUEL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Suk Ju CHO, Young Bae Lee, Jeung Gun Seol, Yong Jae Kim, Wook Jin Han, Jae Bong Ryu, Hyun Gyu Kang
  • Patent number: 8571085
    Abstract: An induction furnace includes a melting induction coil for inductively heating a pair of susceptors for melting particulate material falling freely in a free fall zone between the susceptors. A feeder having a rotatable hollow shaft with fingers extending therefrom breaks up the material, which falls onto a vibrating dispersion plate and then into the free fall zone. A preheating induction coil inductively heats a susceptor which radiates heat to particulate material moving over the dispersion plate. An adjustable gap between the feeder and dispersion plate controls material flow. A funnel collects falling molten material and directs it through a nozzle into a mold. Induction coils control melting within the funnel. One induction coil heats the nozzle and may be controlled to allow the nozzle to cool sufficiently to form a solid plug in the nozzle whereby molten material pools above the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ajax Tocco Magnethermic Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony M. Tenzek
  • Publication number: 20130266037
    Abstract: An induction melting furnace having an asymmetrical sloping bottom. The melting furnace includes: an induction coil member provided on the melting furnace so as to melt waste contained in the furnace by vitrification; a bottom unit provided in a lower part of the melting furnace, the bottom unit asymmetrically sloping downward in a direction toward a glass discharge port that is formed through the bottom unit; and a cooling member integrated with the bottom unit. Due to the asymmetrical sloping bottom of the furnace, waste in the furnace can be completely melted and can be easily discharged to the outside and, accordingly, the time and cost required to treat the waste are reduced and this improves work efficiency when treating the waste. Further, due to the insulation material, the melting furnace can be protected from electric damage that may be caused by electric arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Jun Jo, Deuk Man Kim, Seok Mo Choi, Hyun Je Cho, Seung Chul Park, Cheon Woo Kim, Tae Won Hwang
  • Publication number: 20130182740
    Abstract: A cold crucible induction melter includes an induction coil and a melting furnace. The induction coil serves as a water cooled segment to directly transmit an induced current to a molten material in the cold crucible induction melter (CCIM), improving energy efficiency. Simultaneously, the structure of the CCIM is simplified and enables a smooth discharge even when the molten material consists of a ceramic or a metal material with a high melting point. The cold crucible induction melter heats and melts waste using an induced current which is generated in a water cooled segment by a high frequency current that is applied to the induction coil. The water cooled segment and the induction coil are disposed in a vertical direction so that the induced current that is generated by the induction coil is directly transmitted to the molten material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Cheon-Woo Kim, Seok-Mo Choi, Hyun-Jun Jo, Jong-Kil Park, Young-Bu Choi
  • Patent number: 8350198
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for heating and melting of materials by electric induction heating of susceptor components in a crucible of the furnace. The susceptor components comprise at least an array of susceptor rods arranged around the inner perimeter of the crucible. A susceptor base may also be provided in the crucible with connection to one end of the susceptor rods. One or more susceptor tubes may also be used within the interior volume of the crucible. Alternating current flow through one or more induction coils surrounding the exterior of the crucible generate magnetic flux fields that couple with the susceptor components to inductively heat the susceptor components. Heat from the susceptor components transfers to the material in the crucible to heat and melt the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph T. Belsh, Satyen N. Prabhu, John H. Mortimer, Vitaly A. Peysakhovich
  • Patent number: 8320427
    Abstract: The introduction of spray formed metals into critical applications in the aircraft engine and power generation industries has been hampered by the possibility of erosion of oxide particles from a crucible lining or pouring nozzle in conventional spray forming equipment. These oxide particles may become inclusions that limit low-cycle fatigue life of parts. Use of a cold-walled induction guide (CIG) with an electrical insulation layer between copper CIG elements and the liquid metal offers a means of delivering ceramic-free alloys to a spray system with improved efficiency. CIG design options facilitated by a new oven-brazed fabrication technique resolve induction coil environmental isolation issues, correct thermal strain tolerance problems, facilitate dual frequency induction designs, allow improved electrical coupling efficiency and thermal efficiency, result in improved melt flow initiation, and facilitate disassembly without damage from the solidified melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William T. Carter, Russell S. Miller, Howard R. Hart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8317897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for supersonically injecting oxygen into a furnace, in particular a cupola furnace, in which the total oxygen required for the furnace operation is injected with the aid of two distinct circuits, i.e., the first circuit comprising at least one supersonic oxygen injecting nozzle and a second circuit which comprises additionally oxygen injecting means and is connected to the first circuit by pressure-sensitive means, such as a discharging device (or upstream pressure adjuster), in such a way that a stable pressure is obtained in the first circuit upon the attainment of the maximum flowrate thereof, wherein the first circuit can consists of several supersonic nozzle groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Philippe Beaudoin
  • Publication number: 20120263207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element. The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element that can easily realize a high-density array of thermoelectric conversion elements and secure connection reliability. This is an apparatus for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element that sucks a p-type or n-type thermoelectric conversion material into heat-resisting insulating tube 102 and includes preheating apparatus 205 that can heat tube 102 to a predetermined temperature before sucking the melted thermoelectric conversion element. Tube 102 whose temperature condition is adjusted by being heated by preheating apparatus 205 is inserted into crucible 204 and the molten thermoelectric conversion material is sucked into tube 102 by decompression apparatus 201.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaaki HIGASHIDA, Takashi KUBO, Kaori TOYODA, Satoshi MAESHIMA
  • Publication number: 20120236898
    Abstract: An open bottom electric induction cold crucible with a slotted wall extending below one or more induction coils surrounding the partial exterior height of the crucible is used in an electromagnetic casting process for the production of ingots. A bottom magnetic shield is provided around the outer perimeter of the crucible's slotted wall in the vicinity of the bottom opening and the bottom termination of the wall slots and the bottom connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Graham A. KEOUGH
  • Publication number: 20110292962
    Abstract: An electric induction gas-sealed tunnel furnace and process are provided. The exterior of the furnace's enclosure that forms a closed tunnel region is surrounded at least along its longitudinal length by a gas-tight barrier chamber that can be filled with a barrier gas to a different pressure than the pressure of the process gas in the closed tunnel region of the furnace. The inductors used to induction heat strips or plates in the closed tunnel region can be positioned within or outside of the gas-tight barrier chamber around the longitudinal length of the closed tunnel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jean LOVENS, Michel FONTAINE
  • Publication number: 20110243180
    Abstract: A method for the continuous production of products from a melt is provided. The method includes heating the melt to a predetermined temperature in a skull crucible, the bottom of which is formed from electrically non-conductive, but thermally conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Uwe Kolberg, Sybill Nuettgens, Andreas Gross
  • Publication number: 20100238967
    Abstract: An induction heated furnace assembly for producing a directionally solidified casting includes a susceptor that tailors strength of the magnetic field within the chamber to provide a desired grain structure in a completed cast part. The susceptor proportionally blocks portions of the magnetic field to provide different levels of magnetic stirring within the molten material at different locations within the furnace assembly stirring induced by the magnetic field is controlled and varied throughout the furnace assembly to create the desired grain structures in the completed cast article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Steven J. Bullied, John Joseph Marcin, Lea Kennard Castle
  • Patent number: 7796674
    Abstract: A cold crucible induction furnace has a slotted-wall with a slotted inner annular protrusion that is disposed around the base of the crucible's melting chamber. The protrusions may be separated from the base by a gap that can be filled with an electrical insulating material. Slots may also be provided in the protrusions and/or the outer perimeter of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Consarc Corporation
    Inventor: Graham A. Keough
  • Publication number: 20080267251
    Abstract: A stacked induction furnace system includes a first furnace having an induction coil to heat and melt a substantially non-conductive material contained in an upper crucible. The upper crucible contains an opening in a bottom surface thereof to drain molten material therefrom. A second furnace is positioned below the first furnace and includes a lower crucible to receive the molten material drained from the opening and is arranged to maintain the molten state of the material in the lower crucible. One or more power sources are provided to power the first furnace and the second furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Charles C. Gerszewski, John A. Voumard, James P. Landis, George Eischen
  • Patent number: 7388896
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of operation are provided for a cold-crucible-induction melter for vitrifying waste wherein a single induction power supply may be used to effect a selected thermal distribution by independently energizing at least two inductors. Also, a bottom drain assembly may be heated by an inductor and may include an electrically resistive heater. The bottom drain assembly may be cooled to solidify molten material passing therethrough to prevent discharge of molten material therefrom. Configurations are provided wherein the induction flux skin depth substantially corresponds with the central longitudinal axis of the crucible. Further, the drain tube may be positioned within the induction flux skin depth in relation to material within the crucible or may be substantially aligned with a direction of flow of molten material within the crucible. An improved head design including four shells forming thermal radiation shields and at least two gas-cooled plenums is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Jay A. Roach, John G. Richardson, Brian D. Raivo, Nicholas R. Soelberg
  • Patent number: 7368690
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing a semi-solid metal alloy from a molten charge includes vertically aligned treatment zones which are provided by vertically aligned passages defined by a plurality of spirally wound flow pipes which are interspersed between spirally wound induction coils. A container is mounted on a charging arrangement which displaces a first charge upwardly into the first treatment zone. Successive charges are introduced in a similar fashion thereby urging the previously introduced charge upwardly along the train of zones and until the leading charge is ejected from the top of the apparatus. The charge in each zone is subjected to controlled cooling and an induced electromagnetic field. The strength of the field and the rate of cooling are controlled to impede dendritic crystallisation and to promote globular primary crystal formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: CSIR
    Inventors: Retief Bruwer, Jeremias Daniel Wilkins, Lillian Hristov Ivanchev, Pierre Rossouw, Oliver Frank Rudolf August Damm
  • Patent number: 7197061
    Abstract: A molten material can be heated, melted and directly solidified in a single vessel. Induction heating and melting of the molten material is achieved by magnetically coupling the field produced by current flow in a plurality of induction coils surrounding the vessel with either the molten material in the vessel, or a susceptor surrounding molten material in the vessel. Current flow is selectively removed from the plurality of induction coils, and a cooling medium surrounding the vessel, such as water flowing through hollow induction coils, solidifies the molten metal into a highly purified crystalline solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventors: Oleg S. Fishman, Joseph T. Belsh, Bernard M. Raffner, Prabhu N. Satyen
  • Patent number: 6993061
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of operation are provided for a cold-crucible-induction melter for vitrifying waste wherein a single induction power supply may be used to effect a selected thermal distribution by independently energizing at least two inductors. Also, a bottom drain assembly may be heated by an inductor and may include an electrically resistive heater. The bottom drain assembly may be cooled to solidify molten material passing therethrough to prevent discharge of molten material therefrom. Configurations are provided wherein the induction flux skin depth substantially corresponds with the central longitudinal axis of the crucible. Further, the drain tube may be positioned within the induction flux skin depth in relation to material within the crucible or may be substantially aligned with a direction of flow of molten material within the crucible. An improved head design including four shells forming thermal radiation shields and at least two gas-cooled plenums is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Jay A. Roach, John G. Richardson, Brian D. Raivo, Nicholas R. Soelberg
  • Patent number: 6831939
    Abstract: A method of operating an induction furnace so as to receive electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) sludge/dust and/or other iron and volatile metals containing materials as a feed stream on a batch, continuous or semi-continuous basis together with a iron-containing material feed, and therefrom produce an iron-containing hot metal or pig iron product while recovering iron value from the feed materials and recovering volatile metal components contained in the feed materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Heritage Environmental Services, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Bratina, Fred M. Fehsenfeld, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6819704
    Abstract: An induction melting furnace comprises a melt chamber for heating a melt either directly by magnetic induction, or indirectly by magnetic induction heating of the melt chamber, or a combination of the two, and a meter chamber connected to the melt chamber for providing a metered discharge of the melt from the furnace. A gas can be injected into the furnace to provide a blanket over the surface of the melt in the melt chamber and a pressurized flush of the metered discharge of the melt from the meter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventors: Oleg S. Fishman, Hans G. Heine, Joseph T. Belsh
  • Patent number: 6600768
    Abstract: An induction melting furnace comprises a melt chamber for heating a melt either directly by magnetic induction, or indirectly by magnetic induction heating of the melt chamber, or a combination of the two, and a meter chamber connected to the melt chamber for providing a metered discharge of the melt from the furnace. A gas can be injected into the furnace to provide a blanket over the surface of the melt in the melt chamber and a pressurized flush of the metered discharge of the melt from the meter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventors: Oleg S. Fishman, Hans G. Heine, Joseph T. Belsh
  • Patent number: 6596221
    Abstract: In a metallurgical vessel (1) having a tapping apparatus (5) for the slag-free withdrawal of liquid metal (3) from a molten metal bath (3) which is disposed in the vessel (1), a first leg (11) of a discharge duct (10) passes through the refractory vessel wall (15) and an overflow edge (14) in the connecting region of the two legs (11, 12) of the discharge duct (10) is higher than the upper edge (18) of the inlet opening (17) of the discharge duct. The molten metal (3) in the discharge duct is preferably inductively heatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Arcmet Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6523598
    Abstract: The vacuum induction melting system is designed to be operated in a continuous or semi-continuous manner for extended periods of time for increased efficiency, and makes it possible to easily and quickly remove the induction furnace from the melt chamber when it becomes necessary to replace and rebuild the furnace. The melting system includes a melt chamber which forms an airtight enclosure, with an induction furnace located within the melt chamber. A charging chamber is communicatively connected to the melt chamber adjacent its upper end. The charging chamber includes a door providing access to the interior of the charging chamber so that a charge of raw materials can be placed therein. An isolation valve is located between the melt chamber and the charging chamber and is movable between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Sterry A. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20030021328
    Abstract: An induction melting furnace comprises a melt chamber for heating a melt either directly by magnetic induction, or indirectly by magnetic induction heating of the melt chamber, or a combination of the two, and a meter chamber connected to the melt chamber for providing a metered discharge of the melt from the furnace. A gas can be injected into the furnace to provide a blanket over the surface of the melt in the melt chamber and a pressurized flush of the metered discharge of the melt from the meter chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Oleg S. Fishman, Hans G. Heine, Joseph T. Belsh
  • Patent number: 6507598
    Abstract: An induction heating furnace includes a furnace body having a side wall extending so obliquely as to increase in radius from the bottom to the top edge portion and formed by a plurality of longitudinally split, conductive segments arrayed circumferentially and insulated from each other, a first induction heating coil arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall for subjecting a to-be-heated material accommodated in the furnace body to induction heating and a melt-use power source for supplying AC power to the first induction heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuda, Atsushi Okuno, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 6487234
    Abstract: An induction heating furnace includes a furnace body having a side wall extending so obliquely as to increase in radius from the bottom to the top edge portion and formed by a plurality of longitudinally split, conductive segments arrayed circumferentially and insulated from each other, a first induction heating coil arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall for subjecting a to-be-heated material accommodated in the furnace body to induction heating and a melt-use power source for supplying AC power to the first induction heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuda, Atsushi Okuno, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 6436336
    Abstract: A melt guide includes a base plate having internal cooling channels and a center aperture extending vertically therethrough. A unitary drain bushing is removably mounted in the aperture and is readily replaceable after wear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bruce Alan Knudsen, Robert John Zabala, Mark Gilbert Benz, William Thomas Carter, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020085613
    Abstract: An induction heating furnace includes a furnace body having a side wall extending so obliquely as to increase in radius from the bottom to the top edge portion and formed by a plurality of longitudinally split, conductive segments arrayed circumferentially and insulated from each other, a first induction heating coil arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall for subjecting a to-be-heated material accommodated in the furnace body to induction heating and a melt-use power source for supplying AC power to the first induction heating coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: SHINKO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuda, Atsushi Okuno, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Publication number: 20020080847
    Abstract: An induction heating furnace includes a furnace body having a side wall extending so obliquely as to increase in radius from the bottom to the top edge portion and formed by a plurality of longitudinally split, conductive segments arrayed circumferentially and insulated from each other, a first induction heating coil arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall for subjecting a to-be-heated material accommodated in the furnace body to induction heating and a melt-use power source for supplying AC power to the first induction heating coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: SHINKO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuda, Atsushi Okuno, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 6409791
    Abstract: A metallothermy method includes continuously withdrawing an ingot of a metal product such as uranium or a uranium alloy as it is formed from an oxide or salt of the metal. The method employs upper and lower communicating crucibles. The upper crucible contains a layer of reducing medium floating on a solvent medium. The metal oxide or metal salt is reduced as it is introduced into the layer reducing medium to form metal particles and slag. The settling metal is melted by further induction heating, collected in the lower crucible and withdrawn. The slag is absorbed by the solvent medium which is regenerated with the use of electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Jany Petit, Laurent Philippe, Véronique Hurbin
  • Patent number: 6385231
    Abstract: An induction heating furnace includes a furnace body having a side wall extending so obliquely as to increase in radius from the bottom to the top edge portion and formed by a plurality of longitudinally split, conductive segments arrayed circumferentially and insulated from each other, a first induction heating coil arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall for subjecting a to-be-heated material accommodated in the furnace body to induction heating and a melt-use power source for supplying AC power to the first induction heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuda, Atsushi Okuno, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 6360810
    Abstract: A vacuum induction melting system includes a melt chamber which forms an airtight enclosure, with an induction furnace located within the melt chamber. A mold tunnel is connected to the melt chamber adjacent its lower end, with the mold tunnel including a pour opening which communicates with the melt chamber and through which molten metal poured from the furnace can enter the mold tunnel. A mold carriage is positioned within the mold tunnel for receiving and carrying one or more molds adapted for receiving molten metal. An isolation valve is located between the melt chamber and the mold tunnel for isolating the mold tunnel from the melt chamber to allow for removing the mold carriage from the mold tunnel for loading or unloading of molds thereon. A mold transport assembly is provided for moving the mold carriage from a pouring position within the mold tunnel to a loading position located outside of the mold tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Sterry A. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20020027940
    Abstract: An induction heating furnace includes a furnace body having a side wall extending so obliquely as to increase in radius from the bottom to the top edge portion and formed by a plurality of longitudinally split, conductive segments arrayed circumferentially and insulated from each other, a first induction heating coil arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall for subjecting a to-be-heated material accommodated in the furnace body to induction heating and a melt-use power source for supplying AC power to the first induction heating coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: SHINKO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuda, Atsushi Okuno, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 6307875
    Abstract: An induction heating furnace includes a furnace body having a side wall extending so obliquely as to increase in radius from the bottom to the top edge portion and formed by a plurality of longitudinally split, conductive segments arrayed circumferentially and insulated from each other, a first induction heating coil arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall for subjecting a to-be-heated material accommodated in the furnace body to induction heating and a melt-use power source for supplying AC power to the first induction heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuda, Atsushi Okuno, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Publication number: 20010022801
    Abstract: An induction heating furnace includes a furnace body having a side wall extending so obliquely as to increase in radius from the bottom to the top edge portion and formed by a plurality of longitudinally split, conductive segments arrayed circumferentially and insulated from each other, a first induction heating coil arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall for subjecting a to-be-heated material accommodated in the furnace body to induction heating and a melt-use power source for supplying AC power to the first induction heating coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: SHINKO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuda, Atsushi Okuno, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 6226314
    Abstract: An assembly includes a tapping device for flow therethrough of molten material and a cooled inductor to be connected to an electrical source and mounted with respect to the tapping device to be inductively coupled to one of the tapping device and the molten material flowing therethrough. The inductor includes an electrically conductive induction coil having therethrough at least one cooling passage. Each cooling passage has connected thereto at least one supply line for supply thereto of cooling fluid and at least one discharge line for discharge therefrom of the cooling fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Didier-Werke AG
    Inventors: Raimund Brückner, Daniel Grimm, Steve Lee
  • Patent number: 6221123
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for melting solid metals, including iron, are provided. The apparatus includes a vertical shaft furnace through which the metal is fed. The shaft furnace is mounted on a horizontal induction furnace containing a molten pool of metal. Metal solids are charged at the top of the vertical shaft furnace down onto a refractory pedestal in the molten metal pool or suspended magnetically in the vertical shaft above gas burners. The metal is melted by contact with the molten metal pool. The combination of oxygen fuel burner preheating and induction melting creates an extremely efficient melting unit that can process metal at a much lower cost than conventional systems while preventing the oxidation problems incurred by apparatuses which melt metal using combustion only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Donsco Incorporated
    Inventor: Arthur K. Mann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6219372
    Abstract: A guide tube structure for flux concentration is provided. The discharge guide tube comprises a central orifice that extends from a source of metal to an outlet in the discharge guide tube for directing a stream of melt therethrough; a structure that generates an electromagnetic field in the discharge guide tube; and an interior discharge guide tube flux concentration configuration that is capable of concentrating at least one of heat, electromagnetic field, and electromagnetic flux onto the stream of melt that flows through the central orifice. The electromagnetic field is applied at a substantially constant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert John Zabala, Howard Roscoe Hart, Jr., Mark Gilbert Benz, Bruce Alan Knudsen, William Thomas Carter, Jr., Russell Scott Miller
  • Patent number: 6185243
    Abstract: A melting furnace for insulating materials is provided with a cooled crucible (10) having continuous metal side malls, a partitioned and cooled bottom (12) and at least one induction coil (28) placed under the bottom which serves as the sole heating means. The depth of the melting bath contained in the crucible and the excitation frequency of the induction coil are selected so that the depth and half of the inside radius of the crucible are less than the skin thickness of the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Roger Boen, Armand Bonnetier, Christian Ladirat
  • Patent number: 6144690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a melting method by which the melting raw materials having a variety of configurations are collectively melted to enable the composition to be adjusted in the melt, and a melting apparatus and tapping method by which tapping is readily controlled, wherein the raw materials are melted by flowing an electric current satisfying the frequency range defined by the equation below using a crucible with an inner diameter of 400 mm or more in melting using a cold crucible induction melting apparatus, the melt being tapped through a tapping nozzle provided at the bottom of the crucible and equipped with a tapping coil wound around the circumference of the nozzle:7.8.times.2.times.log(D).ltoreq.log(F).ltoreq.8.7-2.times.log(D)(wherein F denotes the frequency of a power supply and D denotes the inner diameter (mm) of the crucible).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaishi Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Kusamichi, Koichi Sakamoto, Hitoshi Ishida, Shingo Ninagawa, Motohiro Nagao, Katsuyuki Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6101212
    Abstract: A sealed evacuatable crucible (1) for inductive melting of metals or other electrically conductive materials, including a plurality of palisades (2,2', . . . ) which are arranged parallel to one another, and for enclosing the melt and forming the crucible wall, and having a crucible base part (3) which carries the palisades (2,2', . . . ), and having an induction coil (18) which is wound around the palisades (2,2', . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ald Vacuum Technologies AG
    Inventors: Franz Hugo, Thomas Ruppel, Hans-Gunther Fellmann