Patents Assigned to Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
  • Patent number: 10151669
    Abstract: A sampler has a sample chamber for a sample forming from a molten material, at least one lower cooling body, at least one upper cooling body, at least one inner cooling body, and at least one filling part. The sample chamber is surrounded jointly at least by the lower cooling body and the inner cooling body, such that at least the sample chamber can be cooled by at least the lower and inner cooling bodies. The filling part merges into the sample chamber by a filling opening. Between a region of the outer surface of the inner cooling body and a region of the outer surface of the upper cooling body opposite the outer surface of the inner cooling body, the sampler has at least one gap for conducting at least one gas. The volume of the respective cooling bodies is larger than the volume of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Cappa, Gerrit Broekmans
  • Patent number: 10024731
    Abstract: An immersion device for measuring the temperature of a melt with an optical fiber, preferably a metal coated optical fiber, in a metallurgical vessel includes a feeding channel, feeding means for feeding an optical fiber into a disposable guiding tube and for feeding the disposable guiding tube together with the optical fiber into the melt, and control means for monitoring the position of an end of the optical fiber relative to an end of the disposable guiding tube. The relative position determines the quality of a temperature measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Michel Thys, Frank Stevens
  • Patent number: 10024732
    Abstract: A feeding device for feeding an optical fiber from a coil and for recoiling unused fiber for use in an apparatus for measuring the temperature of a melt is provided. The feeding device includes a support for a coil, a feeding mechanism for decoiling the optical fiber from the coil and recoiling the optical fiber, at least one motor for driving the feeding mechanism, and a load for the optical fiber which avoids a spring back effect of the optical fiber from the coil. Blockage is avoided when decoiling and recoiling the optical fiber from the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Michel Thys, Frank Stevens
  • Patent number: 9989419
    Abstract: An immersion device for disposable guiding tubes of a robotic immersion device includes a stack for the disposable guiding tubes, a feeding channel for feeding an optical fiber into the disposable guiding tube and for feeding the disposable guiding tube together with the optical fiber into a melt, and a transfer mechanism for transferring one disposable guiding tube from the stack into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Michel Thys, Frank Stevens
  • Patent number: 9958427
    Abstract: A drop-in probe for determining phase changes by thermal analysis of a sample of a molten metal includes a measurement head having a first end which is an immersion end and an opposing second end having an end face. A sample chamber is arranged within the measurement head. An opening, which is free of any restrictions and which is in communication with the sample chamber, is formed in the end face of the second end of the measurement head. The sample chamber includes a first thermocouple having a first thermocouple junction enclosed within a wall which has a uniform internal geometry. A ratio D/H of an internal diameter D of the sample chamber to a length H extending between the opening and the first thermocouple junction is between 0.1 and 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Paul A. Turner, Harry G. Clauss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9958405
    Abstract: A drop-in probe includes a measurement head having an immersion end and an opposing second end having an end face. The measurement head is formed of first and second body halves configured to mate together along a parting line. A sample chamber, arranged within the measurement head, is thermally isolated from a cooling mass thereof and includes a metal wall having a thickness of 2.5 mm or less. An inlet tube has an inlet opening to the sample chamber. The inlet opening has a diameter Dinlet and is spaced apart from the end face of the measurement head at a distance of at least D inlet 2 . When the sample chamber is filled with a sample of the molten metal, a ratio of a mass of the metal sample to a mass of the metal wall of the sample chamber is greater than 2.6 and less than 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Dries Beyens, Guido Jacobus Neyens
  • Patent number: 9909810
    Abstract: An immersion device is provided for molten metal, as well as a method for making steel. The immersion device allows a trouble free operation. The immersion device includes a measuring head, a carrier for the measuring head, and a lance detachably connected to the carrier, preferably by a detachable tubular connecting element. A gas path runs from the lance to the detachable tubular connecting element. A gas tight connection is provided between a connecting surface of the lance and the detachable tubular connecting element. The tubular connecting element has wipers in the form of fins, which wipe the connecting surface of the lance during attaching and/or detaching the tubular connecting element and the lance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Broekmans, Jan Cuypers
  • Patent number: 9863709
    Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of a melt, particularly of a molten metal, includes an optical fiber and a guiding tube having an immersion end and a second end opposite to the immersion end. The optical fiber is partially arranged in the guiding tube. An inner diameter of the guiding tube is larger than an outer diameter of the optical fiber. A first plug is arranged at the immersion end of or within the guiding tube proximate the immersion end of the guiding tube. The optical fiber is fed through the first plug and the first plug reduces a gap between the optical fiber and the guiding tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Michel Thys, Frank Stevens
  • Patent number: 9829385
    Abstract: A container for molten metal is provided with a temperature measuring device arranged in an opening of a container wall. The temperature measuring device has a protective sheath, which projects into the container and which is closed at its end arranged in the container. A temperature measuring element is arranged in an opening of the protective sheath. The protective sheath is composed of a mixture of a heat-resistant metal oxide and graphite, and the closed end is spaced at least 50 mm from the container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Martin Kendall
  • Patent number: 9726545
    Abstract: A method, device and apparatus are provided for measuring the temperature of a melt, particularly of a molten metal, with an optical fiber, fed into the melt through a disposable guiding tube. The optical fiber and an immersion end of the tube are immersed into the melt and have feeding speeds which are independent from each other. An elastic plug is arranged within the tube or at an end of the tube opposite the immersion end. The optical fiber is fed through the elastic plug, and the elastic plug reduces a gap between the optical fiber and the tube, which has a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the optical fiber. The apparatus includes a fiber coil and a feeding mechanism for feeding the optical fiber and the tube, including at least two independent feeding motors, one for feeding the optical fiber and one for feeding the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Michel Thys, Frank Stevens
  • Patent number: 9719976
    Abstract: A detection device for molten metal is provided. The detection device includes a sample cup having a cavity configured to receive a sample of molten metal and a blob arranged in the cavity. The blob includes a carbide stabilizing element and a hydrogen releasing material including a hydroxide of an alkaline earth metal. The blob is provided for use in detecting phase change temperatures during solidification of a sample of molten cast iron. The blob is also resistant to moisture gain and moisture loss during transport and storage. A method of detecting phase change temperatures of the molten iron or molten cast iron sample using the blob and a method of manufacturing the blob are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Jason Black
  • Patent number: 9689048
    Abstract: A Ruhrstahl-Heraeus (RH) apparatus for performing a vacuum degassing process of molten metal includes a sensor hole formed at a lower vessel of a vacuum vessel; a continuous temperature measuring device mounted on the sensor hole and including a light-to-temperature converter measuring temperature based on received light, a light guide rod receiving light from a measurement target, an optical fiber transferring the light received by the light guide rod to the light-to-temperature converter, a connector connecting the optical fiber to the light guide rod while maintaining straightness of the optical fiber, a primary protection tube enclosing an outer peripheral surface of the light guide rod, a flexible heat resistant tube protecting the optical fiber, and a joint connected to the flexible heat resistant tube and provided with a cooling gas injection tube; and a cooling gas supply unit supplying cooling gas to the cooling gas injection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: WOOJIN Electro-Nite Inc., Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Jong-An You, Kwang-Sun Park, Yeong-In Kim
  • Patent number: 9645055
    Abstract: A sampler has a sample chamber for a sample forming from a molten material, at least one lower cooling body, at least one upper cooling body, at least one inner cooling body, and at least one filling part. The sample chamber is surrounded jointly at least by the lower cooling body and the inner cooling body, such that at least the sample chamber can be cooled by at least the lower and inner cooling bodies. The filling part merges into the sample chamber by a filling opening. Between a region of the outer surface of the inner cooling body and a region of the outer surface of the upper cooling body opposite the outer surface of the inner cooling body, the sampler has at least one gap for conducting at least one gas. The volume of the respective cooling bodies is larger than the volume of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Cappa, Gerrit Broekmans
  • Patent number: 9366578
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for melted materials includes an upper part and a detachable lower part. A tube extends coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the lower part, is closed on its end facing away from the upper part, and is open on the other end. The tube is arranged on an immersion end of the lower part facing away from the upper part. A guide tube, extending coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the upper part and being open on both ends, is arranged in a guide sleeve. A pressure acting in the direction of the lower part is applied to the guide tube by an elastic body and the guide tube touches against the lower part. One opening of the guide tube and the open end of the tube of the lower part are arranged adjacent to each other and coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Cuypers, Valère Indeherberge
  • Patent number: 9360399
    Abstract: A measuring probe is provided for taking measurements in molten metal or slag, the probe including a measuring head having an immersion end and a rear end. At least one electrochemical sensor, one thermocouple, and one bath contact of the electrochemical sensor are arranged at the immersion end, and the thermocouple and electrochemical sensor each protrude from the immersion end adjacent to each other. The bath contact is formed from a strip of metal arranged around and between the thermocouple and the electrochemical sensor in appropriate manner, such that two chambers are formed that are open at the immersion end. The thermocouple is arranged in one chamber and the electrochemical sensor is arranged in the other chamber and both are held by fixation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Dries Beyens
  • Patent number: 9182291
    Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature in molten metals contains a thermocouple arranged in a ceramic tube that is closed on one side, and has an external protective body that surrounds the tube, forming an annular space between the outer surface of the tube and the inner surface of the protective body. The protective body is formed of a mixture containing 75 to 90% by weight aluminum oxide, 2 to 10% by weight silicon oxide, 7 to 15% by weight graphite, 0.1 to 1% by weight Fe2O3, 0.1 to 1% by weight (K2O+Na2O), and 0.1 to 1% by weight MgO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Martin Kendall, Marek Grabowy
  • Patent number: 9176027
    Abstract: A device is provided for measuring parameters or for taking samples in molten iron or steel and for taking samples of slag resting on the melt. The device includes a carrier tube having an immersion end, a lateral circumferential surface, and a measuring head arranged on the immersion end. At least one sensor or inlet opening for a sample chamber present inside the device is arranged at the immersion end of the measuring head. The lateral circumferential surface of the carrier tube or measuring head has an inlet opening extending through an inlet channel to merge in a pre-chamber arranged inside the carrier tube or measuring head. The pre-chamber has, at its end facing away from the immersion end, an entry opening that merges into a slag sample chamber on the side of the pre-chamber facing away from the immersion end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Eric B. Bortels, Dries Beyens
  • Patent number: 9128013
    Abstract: A sampler is provided for taking samples from melts having a melting point higher than 600° C., in particular for metal or cryolite melts. The sampler includes a carrier tube having an immersion end and having a sample chamber assembly arranged on the immersion end of the carrier tube. The assembly has an inlet opening and a sample cavity for the melt and is arranged at least partly inside the carrier tube. The sample chamber assembly has on a part of its outer surface a coupling device, arranged inside the carrier tube, for coupling a carrier lance. A method is also provided for taking samples using such a sampler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Lihuan Song, Gerrit Broekmans, Guido Jacobus Neyens, Dries Beyens
  • Patent number: 9116054
    Abstract: A drop-in probe is provided for determining phase changes of a sample removed from a molten steel by thermal analysis. The probe includes a measurement head that has an immersion end and in which is arranged a sample chamber having an inlet opening and a thermocouple projecting with its hot solder joint into the sample chamber and having a cable bushing for signal cables of the thermocouple. The cable bushing emerges from the measurement head out of a discharge opening on an end of the measurement head opposite the immersion end. A straight line between the immersion end and the discharge opening forms a longitudinal axis of the measurement head, and a theoretical plane through the hot solder joint and through a part of the inlet opening farthest away from the immersion end is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Dries Beyens
  • Patent number: 8876372
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement is provided for temperature measurement in melts, in particular in metal or cryolite melts having a melting point above 600° C., using a temperature sensor. A method for the measurement with this sensor arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Cuypers, Valère Indeherberge