Molten Metal Samplers Patents (Class 73/DIG9)
  • Patent number: 5975755
    Abstract: A protective device for a support assembly for a thermocouple adapted for immersion into a molten metal bath to measure the temperature in the bath includes an elongated exterior protective tubular shield, preferably metallic. An interior spacing member is contained within or otherwise affixed to the shield. The spacing member may be in inset from the lower end of the shield to accommodate insertion of an end of a cardboard tube into the annular space between the pole and the shield. A thermocouple for measuring temperatures in a molten metal bath is affixed to the hollow cardboard tube. The shield may be provided with threaded holes, preferably also extending through the spacing member, to receive set screws so that the shield may be fixed at a desired location along the length of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Midwest Instrument Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Roberson
  • Patent number: 5948999
    Abstract: A molten metal sampling device for immersion into and sampling of a molten metal includes a sample chamber defined by a mold body formed of heat resistant materials encased in a sand-resin body. At least one fill tube is interconnected with the sample chamber for introduction of molten metal. An air outlet passage is provided for egress of air from the chamber. An annular sleeve of heat resistant inorganic material surrounds the outlet passage, the sleeve being adapted to receive a support tube for supporting the sampling device during use. An elongated retaining strip, preferably a wire formed of a heat resistant metal, is affixed to the mold body and extends over the sleeve, thereby anchoring the sleeve to the mold body. Preferably, a central portion of the wire is affixed to the mold body and opposite ends extend through the sleeve and over an end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Midwest Instrument Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A Falk, Michael J Pinterics
  • Patent number: 5752772
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring the temperature of molten masses uses a receptacle having at least one strip-shaped or wire-shaped carrier and an opening on its upper side, with a thermoelement placed inside the receptacle. In order to make available a sensor arrangement for the exact determination of the liquidus temperature of molten cryolite, the receptacle is made of metal. A temperature measuring device with a sensor arrangement of this type, has at least one carrier mounted at its end facing away from the receptacle in a sleeve, the sleeve being detachably connected to a mounting device. In addition, a process for measuring the liquidus temperature of molten cryolite in a receptacle vibrates the receptacle during the cooling of the molten cryolite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International, N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Clement Verstreken, Jozef Theodoor Aegten
  • Patent number: 5723337
    Abstract: A method for measuring and controlling the oxygen concentration in silicon melts which are contained in a silica glass crucible or which can be touched by a silica glass surface can especially be used for achieving a defined, uniform axial and radial oxygen concentration in a growing silicon crystal. The measurement of the oxygen concentration is realized by an electrochemical solid ionic sensor dipped into the melt; the voltage is measured between the sensor and the growing silicon crystal. The oxygen concentration in the melt is controlled by applying a voltage between crystal and silica glass crucible. The apparatus for putting the method into practice includes an electrochemical solid ionic sensor formed of a silica glass tube which encloses a metal/metal oxide mixture, contacted by a metal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Georg Muller
    Inventors: Georg Muller, Rainer Marten, Albrecht Seidl
  • Patent number: 5675097
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for obtaining a sample coupon from a container of molten metal for the performance of metallographic microstructural evaluation. The apparatus comprises a housing formed of a material resistant to thermal breakdown, the housing having an exterior surface, a closed first end, and a second end including an opening sized and shaped for receiving and retaining a support member. The housing further includes an interior coupon chamber and a passageway extending between the coupon chamber and the exterior surface. The coupon chamber has at least one generally flat surface and a cross-sectional dimension of not less than seven square millimeters and not greater than 1,250 square millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Timothy Donnelly, Edwin E. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5618997
    Abstract: An apparatus for sampling a solidified body in a vessel. The apparatus includes a tubular outer member and a tubular inner member slidable one within the other in close telescopic relationship. A datum location is provided for locating the inner member in an axial and radial datum location in the outer member. In the datum location the outer and inner members define a plurality of longitudinally displaced transverse holes therethrough to permit flow of the body whilst in a fluid state from the outside of the outer member to the inside of the inner member. A sample of the body is provided in the inner member. The solidified body may comprise vitrified highly radioactive waste or intermediate level radioactive waste incorporated in a setting material such as cementitious grout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plc
    Inventors: Ivan F. Owens, Dugald R. Sperry-Lamb
  • Patent number: 5577841
    Abstract: An immersion probe for determining a liquidus temperature of a molten metal sample during solidification has a first refractory body with an immersion face, an interior sample chamber, and a passageway between the immersion face and an end wall of the chamber. A heat sink is positioned within the chamber adjacent the end wall and an insulating shield is positioned within the chamber adjacent the heat sink, each having an aperture corresponding to the inlet tube. The insulating shield sinks thermal energy from within the chamber at a second rate R.sub.2 slower than a first rate R.sub.1 of the interior walls of the chamber. A liquidus temperature sensor is positioned within the chamber away from the insulating shield. To determine the liquidus temperature, the probe is immersed in the molten metal, and a molten metal sample flows into the chamber through the passageway. When the flow ceases, the heat sink solidifies an adjacent portion of the molten metal and seals the sample within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Christopher Wall
  • Patent number: 5569845
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for detecting molten salt in molten metal. A pair of electrically conductive probes are immersed in the molten metal. The probes are connected to an electrical circuit which includes a voltage source and a current detector. The entire immersed portion of one of the probes is coated with an electrically nonconductive porous material which is wetted by molten salt but is not wetted by molten metal. If molten salt is present, the circuit will be completed and a substantial electrical current will flow between the probes, which current is detected by the current detector. If no salt is present, the circuit will not be completed and essentially zero current will be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Selee Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Butcher, Giulio A. Rossi
  • Patent number: 5544693
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling molten materials, such as metals and molten salt mixtures, for analysis by spectroscopy or other means involves forming small, preferably "pin-like" samples by quickly drawing an amount of the molten material from a molten pool into a tubular element, referred to as a pipette, forming an elongated mould having a ratio of length to thickness of at least 2:1, allowing the molten material to cool and solidify in the pipette and then removing the solid sample from the pipette. The pipette is made of a material of high total heat capacity heat relative to the heat capacity of the sample material, i.e. in the ratio of 10-450:1, so that heat is quickly withdrawn from the molten material, allowing it to solidify within about 2 seconds or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Pierre Begin, Denis Choquette, Rejean Tremblay
  • Patent number: 5435196
    Abstract: An immersion probe includes an elongated probe body having an axis, an external surface and a first end for immersion into a bath of molten metal, the molten metal bath having a slag layer on the upper surface thereof. The first end of the probe body includes a device for detecting a characteristic of the molten metal. The immersion probe further includes a chill member movably supported by and at least partially surrounding a portion of the external surface of the probe body. The chill member is freely axially movable with respect to the probe body. A buoyancy member engages the chill member. The buoyancy member has a density such that upon immersion of the first end of the probe into the molten metal bath the chill member moves axially with respect to the probe body so that the chill member is positioned within the slag layer for chilling and collecting a slag sample. One or more stop members may be provided on the probe body for limiting movement of the chill member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V
    Inventor: John E. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 5429010
    Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging measuring and/or sample probes which can be removed from a probe cartridge and then attached to a contact tube arranged at the lower end of a sublance. To enable a quick exchange of probes a gripper is provided for grasping the probe. The gripper is connected via a joint with an extension arm which is displaceable telescopically by a drive unit arranged so as to be movable on a rotatable and vertically adjustable table by at least two piston/cylinder units. A control device is provided for controlling the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Lohndorf, Hans-Wilhelm Schock
  • Patent number: 5421215
    Abstract: Immersion samplers for the molten metals have a tubular sample chamber made of quartz glass or another refractory material with an inlet opening on the one end and an end, lying opposite to the inlet opening, which is mounted in a cardboard tube. An immersion sampler with a simple construction which makes possible sampling at low metal inlet velocity while preventing the formation of pinholes and pores in the sample, comprises an inlet opening for filling the sample chamber exclusively by ferrostatic pressure, the inlet having an open cross-sectional area compared to the cross-sectional area of the sample chamber directly behind the inlet opening, looking counter to the immersion direction, which is so sized that the filling velocity of the sample chamber based on ferrostatic pressure is at a maximum one fifth of the filling velocity at an inlet opening corresponding to the cross sectional area of the sample chamber directly behind the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N. V.
    Inventors: Omer P. I. Cure, Paul C. H. Bernard
  • Patent number: 5415052
    Abstract: A sampler for molten metal has a carrier body, in which a sample chamber and a prechamber, connected to the latter in a sealed manner via an inflow opening, are arranged one behind the other along the axis of the carrier body, the prechamber having an inlet duct passing through the carrier body. In order to provide a sampler that can be assembled easily and reliably, even with larger manufacturing tolerances, and that allows easy removal of the sample after sampling, the sample chamber is held axially against the prechamber by means of a spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International, N.V.
    Inventor: Christiaan Baerts
  • Patent number: 5305815
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting nodularity of a hypo or hyper eutectic cast iron melt during casting is described. The method is particularly useful for NiMg-treated melts but can also be used for rare earth treated melts. A small sample of the melt is poured into a sample cup to which up to 0.025% wt bismuth is added and a cooling curve is produced during cooling. In a NiMg treated melt, a .DELTA.T (TER-TEU) of at least 9.degree. C. indicates good nodularity. In an RE treated melt, a .DELTA.T of less than 6.degree. C. at a TER/TEU of 1140.degree. C. also indicates good nodularity will be observed upon the solidification of the melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Queen's University
    Inventors: Zhu Pan Ping, Reginald W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5156799
    Abstract: Sampling devices for molten metal are known that consist of at least two cup-shaped, metallic components, which are arranged in such a way that their front (mating) surfaces face each other. These components form a sampling chamber, and they have an inlet pipe extending into the chamber. In order to construct a sampling device in a way that makes it quick and easy to remove the sample after the fluid metal has solidified, the chamber is coated with a wear-resistant layer which is temperature-stable up to approximately 1700.degree. C. This layer should be applied at least in the area of the orifice and the wall area opposite the orifice. The front surfaces of the cup-shaped components can remain uncoated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Christiaan Baerts
  • Patent number: 5131633
    Abstract: Apparatus for retrieving a sample of slag from the surface of molten steel contained in a ladle. A hoist positioned above the ladle lowers and raises an elongated metal rod which has cardboard and metal sleeves surrounding the lower portion of the elongated metal rod. A clean sample of molten slag tightly adheres to the metal sleeve as it is raised from the molten slag layer. The metal sleeve and slag sample are easily removed from the elongated metal rod for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Dale W. Brinker
  • Patent number: 5110553
    Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing the compositions of metal particles. The apparatus includes a cup which, when filled to maximum capacity will hold substantially the same amount of metal particles each time it is filled, and has a profile that diverts any excess particles away from the cup. A vessel is provided for receiving the particles from the cup and for dissolving the particles when a solvent is sent to the vessel. A known amount of solvent is directed to the vessel to dissolve the particles and thereby provide a dissolved sample of metal for analysis. An optical emissions spectrometer receives the dissolved sample and is employed to produce emission spectra from the dissolved sample. The spectra is compared to emission spectra produced by a known amount of a known alloy of the same metal as the sample metal to determine the composition of the sample metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Michael L. Ruschak, William D. McAninch, Dan A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5060530
    Abstract: A holder for a molten metal sampling device includes a pipe having a guidance chamber in a lower portion and a molten metal sampling device in an upper portion. The pipe is open downwardly and a closure element closes the opening. The closure element has a density such as to cause it to float upwardly in the molten metal being samples. A protective cover, preferably of two parts, encloses the closure element and a lower portion of the pipe. A retaining device such as a spring clip holds the separate parts of the protective cover together around the closure element and the lower part of the pipe. The retaining device is adapted to fail upon contact with the molten metal, thus releasing the portions of the protective cover so that they will separate and float upwards, whereupon the closure element also separates and floats away, allowing molten metal into the guidance chamber and the sampling device. The pipe and the closure element are both cylindrical and coaxial, and have substantially the same diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Evacuo Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Gary H. Haughton
  • Patent number: 5037211
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a temperature of molten metal includes a temperature measuring member which has a thermocouple covered wtih a protecting insulator, and a refractory molten metal cup in which molten metal to be measured is poured and which has a pipe portion in which the temperature measuring member can be repeatably detachably inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Meichuseiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsukane Nakashima, Toshio Iwama
  • Patent number: 5033320
    Abstract: A device to determine phase transitions by means of thermal analysis using a sample taken from molten metal comprises an expendable measuring probe with a solidification chamber into which the molten metal flows, whereby the solidification chamber contains a thermocouple with which the course of cooling is recorded over a specific time period. According to the invention, the side walls of the solidification chamber 3 comprise a metal casing 4 that completely surrounds the chamber and extends lengthwise of the measuring probe 1. Both open ends of the casing 4 are covered by plugs 5,6 made of a material whose heat conductivity is substantially less than that of the casing material. The casing is completely surrounded by a covering 2,8 which is made of a material whose heat conductivity is substantially less than that of the metal casing. The supply orifice for the molten metal comprises a quartz pipe 9 surrounded by a metal pipe 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Christiaan E. E. Baerts
  • Patent number: 4995270
    Abstract: Apparatus and related method for taking a sample of molten metal from a vessel comprising a refractory block installed in a wall of the vessel before the vessel is filled with molten metal. The block is traversed by at least one passage having a closure element to initially block the passage. A rigid elongated pipe is movable lengthwise in the passage and a sample mould is operatively associated with the pipe. There is means activatable to advance the pipe forcibly in a forward direction to cause a forward end of the pipe to engage the closure element for unblocking the passage whereby molten metal gains access to the pipe and flows along the pipe to enter the mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Injectall Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Thrower, Kenneth W. Bates
  • Patent number: 4941364
    Abstract: A holder for a molten metal sampling device includes a pipe having a guidance chamber in a lower portion and a molten metal sampling device in an upper portion. The pipe is open downwardly and a closure element closes the opening. The closure element has a density such as to cause it to float upwardly in the molten metal being sampled. A protective cover, preferably of two parts, encloses the closure element and a lower portion of the pipe. A retaining device such as a spring clip holds the separate parts of the protective cover together around the closure element and the lower part of the pipe. The retaining device is adapted to fail upon contact with the molten metal, thus releasing the portions of the protective cover so that they will separate and float upwards, whereupon the closure element also separates and floats away, allowing molten metal into the guidance chamber and the sampling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Evacuo Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Gary H. Haughton
  • Patent number: 4932271
    Abstract: A holder for a molten metal sampling device includes a thick-walled metallic pipe having a lower portion defining an internal guidance chamber, and an upper portion receiving an retaining a sampling device. An opening is provided in the pipe such as to make it define an angle with respect to the axis of the pipe. A closure element is provided, having a density such that it will seek to float upwardly in molten metal being sampled. A retaining element urges the closure element against the opening to close it. The retaining element is located and has a composition such that it will readily melt upon contact with the molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Evacuo Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Gary H. Haughton
  • Patent number: 4912989
    Abstract: A shock absorbing immersion probe comprises a probe body having a first end portion for immersion into a molten metal bath, a second end portion coupleable to support means and means for detecting characteristics of a molten metal, where shock absorbing means are positioned proximate the first end of the probe body for absorbing impact loads imposed upon the first end portion of the probe. A polymer foam shock absorber for immersion probes is also disclosed, as well as methods for making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Electro-Nite International
    Inventor: John E. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 4842418
    Abstract: A device for measuring both the phase change temperature of a sample of a molten metal bath and the actual bath temperature by means of a single thermocouple. The device having a chamber defined by a housing such that the housing will be consumed by the molten metal bath after determination of the phase change temperature of the sample within the chamber. After consumption of the housing, the sample remelts into the bath and the thermocouple determines the bath temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Electro-Nite Company
    Inventor: Richard Conti
  • Patent number: 4836509
    Abstract: The bench for supporting and introducing an elongated rectilinear probe in a blast furnace comprises probe supporting and guiding means and probe driving means, constituted by a carriage guided according to a translatory movement on rails. The probe is held in position on the carriage at the level of the rails so that the thrusting force exerted by the carriage on the probe in order to cause its penetration into the furnace, is applied in the axis of said probe. The means for guiding the probe comprise articulated arms which are retractable in order to clear the path followed by the carriage when the latter is moved toward the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Institut de Recherches de la Siderurgie Francaise
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Daverio, Dominique Rocchi
  • Patent number: 4815326
    Abstract: A molten metal sampler which can be pre-evacuated is provided with a double skirt end structure to receive, chill and solidify molten metal around the fill end to reinforce the outer tube and minimize erosion of the outer housing during immersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Richard A. Falk
  • Patent number: 4783417
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for analyzing molten metal which comprises removing a sample of metal from a source of molten metal; dissolving the sample in a solvent; and analyzing the dissolved sample to determine the contents of the molten metal. In a preferred embodiment, the sample is removed from the molten metal as solid particles in a sampling zone, conveyed in a fluid to a dissolution zone where a known quantity is dissolved for subsequent spectral analysis, and the resulting solution is then passed to a spectral analysis zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: John L. Genna
  • Patent number: 4778281
    Abstract: A molten metal sampler includes a bath temperature thermocouple and cooling curve thermocouple in the sample cavity. The thermocouple tubes are mounted in a common connector and are in intersecting planes to provide a compact arrangement. The legs of the longer tube are bowed outwardly adjacent the tip of the cooling curve tube to minimize cooling effect on the tip during the cooling curve measurement. In all embodiments, a thermocouple support tube extends through the sample cavity for exposure to the molten metal to measure bath temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: Richard A. Falk
  • Patent number: 4765391
    Abstract: An arrangement for use when thermally analyzing and modifying molten metal, by recording solidification data and controlling the structural modification of the molten metal on the basis of such data. The arrangement includes a sampling container made from a material which remains substantially stable at the temperature of the molten metal and which is adapted to receive at least one thermoelement for recording the solidification data. Means are also provided for taking a sample of the molten metal with the aid of the container, and for moving the sample to an area in which substantially the same conditions prevail. In addition, the arrangement includes recording means and means for modifying the structure of the molten metal as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Sinter-Cast AB
    Inventor: Stig L. Backerud
  • Patent number: 4742715
    Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a probe which is to be coupled to a vertically movable probe lance, the lance having a longitudinal axis which is vertically oriented, which apparatus includes a supporting frame supported for pivotable movement about a stationary frame axis between a plurality of operating positions, an openable centering funnel supported by the frame, a lifting carriage supported by the frame for vertical movement relative to the frame, a probe holding clamp supported by the carriage at a location below the funnel, a probe separation device supported by the frame at a location below the probe holding clamp and pivotable relative to the frame about a separation device axis parallel to the frame axis, and a sample holding clamp supported by the frame at a location below the separation device, and in which the funnel is mounted to be vertically movable relative to the frame, and the apparatus further includes a support device connected between the sample holding clamp and the frame and supporting the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Winfried Heinz, Wilhelm Schwarz
  • Patent number: 4732477
    Abstract: The present invention briefly refers to a device and a method for analyzing samples of molten charges inside the charges themselves. An analyzing probe (1) comprising a body (4) of ceramic material with an inlet for molten charge is provided in a tube (5) of board or the like and forms a disposable probe. A cavity (2a) is provided in the ceramic body (4) and the inlet (3) has a notch or the like towards the cavity for receiving molten charge. An electrode (10) is positioned in the cavity (2a) and upon application of electric current via the electrode (10) and the molten charge a spark or a luminous arc is ignited between the electrode (10) and the portion of the sample of the molten charge adjacent the notch. A light-conducting body (8) is provided in the cavity adjacent the luminous arc or sparks for collecting light emitting therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Geotronics Metaltech AB
    Inventor: Lars Kumbrant
  • Patent number: 4615225
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the constituent elements of a liquid, electrically conductive material includes a probe housing, which delimits a sampling chamber constructed to contain a non-reactive gas, and includes an entry mechanism for introducing aliquot of the liquid material into the sampling chamber. An inner housing is located within the probe housing and is moveable longitudinally relative thereto. A housing adjustment mechanism selectively positions the inner housing longitudinally relative to the probe housing. A spark electrode is disposed within the inner housing and is in communication with the sampling chamber. This electrode is longitudinally moveable relative to the inner housing and is constructed to spark an electrical arc discharge between the spark electrode and the free surface of the liquid aliquot, thereby producing a aerosol sample composed of particles of the material in the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Allied Corporation
    Inventor: Mario A. Sainz
  • Patent number: 4603590
    Abstract: A sample from a bath of killed molten steel which contains aluminum is removed with a vessel having a cover which undergoes at least partial disintegration on contact with molten metal and allows molten metal to fill the vessel as soon as the latter is lowered to a preselected level. The internal space of the vessel contains a strip of magnesium and a strip of zirconium. Magnesium evaporates with an explosion as soon as it is contacted by molten metal and thereby enters into a chemical reaction with oxygen in the vessel while also expelling the remaining air through the partially disintegrated cover to further reduce the likelihood of reaction between aluminum and air which is entrained with the immersed vessel. Zirconium dissolves in the metal which fills the vessel and bonds oxygen close to the surface surrounding the internal space of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Aktien-Gesellschaft der Dillinger Huttenwereke
    Inventors: Gotthard Staats, Horst Thome
  • Patent number: 4565101
    Abstract: A molten metal sampler for obtaining pin samples has mold halves formed from foundry sand with fused quartz tubes located in mold recesses to form the samples. Passages are provided for side filling and end fillings and a bath heat sensor can also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Midwest Instrument Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Boron
  • Patent number: 4557152
    Abstract: A sampling device for liquid metals contains a pipe (5) and a head (1) fixed on an end thereof, wherein a sampling chamber (11) is formed, which head (1) contains a part (2) of fireproof material which partially limits the sampling chamber (11), which is provided with a supply orifice (12,46) to the sampling chamber and which is put in the pipe (5) with a narrow end (3) in such a way that the sampling chamber (11) is located entirely outside of the pipe (5). The device also has at least one small cooling plate (9) forming at least a part of the well of the sampling chamber (11) and thus also limits the sampling chamber. The part (2) is made of a material that at least during the sampling offers a structure letting gas pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Electro-Nite Co.
    Inventors: Jacques J. Plessers, Alfons L. Theuwis
  • Patent number: 4538794
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for manipulating and handling sampling tubes in relation to a metallurgical vessel. The apparatus includes a generally vertically oriented guide frame, mounted for limited tilting about a horizontal axis. Rails on the guide frame permit a carriage to run thereon, the carriage will carry a measuring lance. A tube manipulator is pivotably mounted to the guide frame, and includes a tube holding structure for holding a tube on an axis leading directly into the vessel and being coaxial with an axis of the lance, as moved by the carriage, while being alternatively positionable in coaxial relationship with a horizontal delivery axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventor: Helmut Scherff
  • Patent number: 4438653
    Abstract: A sublance for use in performing measurements and/or taking samples in a metallurgical furnace, which has an elongate outer body (3), (11) having at its upper end a suspension structure (4), and at its lower end (12) a probe (10). Near the upper end, the body is divided by a rotational coupling (8), (9) into two parts, the lower part 11 being relatively rotatable about the longitudinal axis, so that bending distortion of the lance in use can be reversed by turning the lance through 180.degree.. To achieve a simple construction, the inner and intermediate tubes (15), (14) within the lance are not rotationally divided but extend within the rotatable outer part (11) to the lower end (12) where the inner tube (15) is rotationally coupled to the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Estel Hoogovens B.V.
    Inventor: Nicolaas H. Beentjes
  • Patent number: 4358948
    Abstract: A metallographic structure such as nodularity in castings to be made from molten metal is predicted by causing one part of the sample to rapidly solidify at a first rate and a second part of the sample to solidify at a slower rate. The temperature of at least said one part of the sample is measured during solidification. After solidification of the one part of the sample, the heat conductivity of the sample is used to predict the metallographic structure of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Electro-Nite Co.
    Inventor: Jacques Plessers
  • Patent number: 4292844
    Abstract: A temperature detecting device having rapid temperature sensing characteristics and with a fully protected temperature sensitive element. A transistor pellet potted in a resin casing having at least one thin wall is mounted in a metal protective tube in thermal contact provided through a small amount of filler material of high thermal conductivity. A heat collector is disposed around the protective metal tube in close thermal contact therewith. The edges of the heat collector are held in position against ribs formed on an insulating casing by engaging members of a protective ring which fit into corresponding notches formed in the upper portion of the ribs. Protrusions formed on the protective member prevent its rotation and removal hence making the device essentially tamperproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sawa, Yukio Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 4258571
    Abstract: A magazine equipped with centering and coupling elements for measuring and sampling devices for a device for handling the sampling devices by means of measuring lances in melts. The handling device arranged above the vessel adapted to receive and hold the melt is equipped with a lifting mechanism for lifting the measuring lances and is also equipped with a guiding system for guiding a measuring lance. The magazine is displaceable in the direction of its longitudinal axis and is combined with the handling device to form a movable unit with stripping and separating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Arnold Jurgens, Herbert Koopmann, Wilhelm Schwarz
  • Patent number: 4250753
    Abstract: The invention involves providing an elongated structure or unit for obtaining a sample of molten material from a supply thereof and in which its rear extremity is designed and constructed to provide an elongated tapered formation for slidably accommodating a lance whereby to facilitate manipulation of the unit for entry into the supply of molten material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Inventor: William J. Collins
  • Patent number: 4239189
    Abstract: A transfer and storage mechanism is provided for disposable tube probes used in metallurgy. The transfer mechanism is arranged to select from several vertical stacks of such probes and to transfer the selected probe to a lance for insertion into a converter. The same mechanism provides several functions in that it holds the selected probe tube, pivots it into position for engagement with the lance and centers the probe for engagement for the lance. Moreover, arrangements are provided for engaging and sliding the selected tube out of the storage area into the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Mannesmann Demag A.G.
    Inventor: Helmut Scherff
  • Patent number: 4223442
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with establishing the datum level of a lance or cartridge relative to the surface of a bath of molten metal in a metallurgical vessel. A voltage is applied to the movable lance or cartridge in such manner that contact of the lance or cartridge with the bath surface causes an earth leakage current to be established. Electrical circuitry is incorporated to open a circuit breaker upon flow of a predetermined earth leakage current and actuate an indication on a distance measuring device coupled to the movable lance or cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: British Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Hill, Edward Butterworth
  • Patent number: 4211117
    Abstract: A molten metal sampling device having an inlet and an outlet is provided with a barrier partially obstructing the outlet for solidifying molten metal on contact therewith while permitting escape of gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Electro-Nite Co.
    Inventor: Omer P. I. Cure
  • Patent number: 4204431
    Abstract: The measurement of temperature and the sampling of a steel bath in a converter are effected using a remotely controlled device comprising a composite probe or two probes for temperature measurement and sampling, the probe being mounted on the end of a measurement rod fixed to the end telescopic element of a telescopic jack which is pivotally mounted on a carriage mounted for movement on a support suspended above the working platform of the converter. The carriage is horizontally movable between a storage position and a position opposite the mouth of the converter and the jack is pivotal in a vertical plane between a vertical storage position and an inclined operative position with the converter. All movements of the jack and carriage are remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Assignee: Creusot-Loire Enterprises
    Inventor: Herbert Schulz
  • Patent number: 4179931
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pneumatic molten metal sampler for pneumatically obtaining a sample of metal which includes an elongated fill tube which is secured to the side of a paperboard sleeve by refractory cement and projects beyond the end of the paperboard sleeve for immersion in a molten melt. A bend on the fill tube discharges into the sample cavity intermediate the ends of the cavity. A vent construction at the end of the cartridge affords communication with a vacuum pump but prevents loss of metal from the sample cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignee: Richard A. Falk
    Inventor: Kazuo Moriya
  • Patent number: 4176693
    Abstract: An apparatus has means for containing a level of flowable hardenable material therein, and means is selectively operable for carrying a predetermined amount of the hardenable material from the level thereof in the containing means to a preselected position beyond the level of the remaining hardenable material in the containing means. Means is associated with the carrying means in its preselected position for extracting therefrom another amount of the hardenable material predeterminately less than the predetermined amount.A method of operating the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jesse A. Stoner, Robert L. Mills
  • Patent number: 4141249
    Abstract: A sub-lance assembly for sampling and temperature-measuring of molten metal during refining in a top-blowing oxygen converter, which comprises: a sub-lance having a concentric three-pipe structure comprising from inside to outside an air supply pipe, a water discharge pipe and a water supply pipe; a water supply outer cylinder having a water supply branch pipe, rotatably engaging with the upper end portion of said water supply pipe; a water discharge outer cylinder having a water discharge branch pipe, rotatably engaging with the upper end portion of said water discharge pipe; said water supply branch pipe and said water discharge branch pipe being integrally connected together by a fixing plate; a drive mechanism fitted onto the outer surface of said water supply outer cylinder or said water discharge outer cylinder, for rotating said sub-lance around the axial line thereof; and a sub-lance rotation angle detector at the tip of the axis of rotation of said drive mechanism, for detecting the angle of rotation
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: Nippon Kokan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenkichi Ishikawa, Shinobu Kumagai, Teruyuki Hasegawa, Akiyoshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4140019
    Abstract: A molten metal sampler employs two refractory mold halves having circular openings covered with plates to mold a disc sample and recesses communicating with the circular openings for fill passages and the formation of pin samples. The recesses in the mold halves when assembled provide integral fill and pin sample passages, a mixing chamber, deoxidant chamber, flow deflection and tortuous flow passage. The orientation of the fill passages and the recesses for the pin sample tube enable the mold to be positioned in a protective paperboard sleeve or box with one passage oriented to provide an end fill sample lance and the other passage serving as a pin sample mold. Alternatively, and in one embodiment, the pin sample mold can be employed as the fill passage by communicating through the side wall of a protective paperboard sleeve to provide a side fill immersion sampler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Inventor: Richard A. Falk