Patents by Inventor Erich Luginbuhl

Erich Luginbuhl has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus for continuously casting metal
    Patent number: 6076657
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Nichols Aluminum
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Michel Meyer, Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher
  • Block fixation and adjustment in a continuous caster
    Patent number: 5979539
    Abstract: A block assembly is secured to a support beam and the block assembly is adjusted relative to the support beam. The block assembly is secured to the support beam by actuating at least some of a plurality of discrete fixing devices by application of a force to single point. The block assembly can be adjusted relative to the support beam in the z-direction, the x-direction and/or the y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Golden Aluminum Company
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher
  • Block fixation in a continuous caster
    Patent number: 5975190
    Abstract: The continuous block caster includes a block assembly, a support beam and an apparatus for securing the block assembly to the support beam. The securing apparatus includes a plurality of discrete fixing devices actuated simultaneously by applying a force to a single point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Golden Aluminum Company
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher
  • Roll support apparatus for transporting a support beam
    Patent number: 5924474
    Abstract: A roll support for use in transporting a support beam along a track having two opposed surfaces. Such roll support is particularly useful for transporting a support beam in a continuous block caster for casting metal. The invention can include mechanisms for adjusting the support beam on the roll support, devices for driving the support beam along the track and apparatus for meshing the roll support with the devices for driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Golden Aluminum Company
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Michel Meyer, Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher
  • Block adjustment in a continuous caster
    Patent number: 5881798
    Abstract: The physical position of a block assembly on a support beam in a continuous block caster is adjusted and maintained. In particular, the apparatus includes at least one device for adjusting and maintaining the physical position of the blocks in a beam chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Golden Aluminum Company
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher
  • Method and apparatus for continuously casting metal
    Patent number: 5873404
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lauener Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Michel Meyer, Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher
  • Method and prestressed beam chain for use in an apparatus for continuously casting metal
    Patent number: 5868193
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, a prestressed beam chain is provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lauener Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Michel Meyer, Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher
  • Method and apparatus for continuously casting metal
    Patent number: 5645159
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Lauener Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Michel Meyer, Rudolf Roder, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher
  • Block fixation and adjustment in a continuous caster
    Patent number: 5645122
    Abstract: A block assembly is disposed in close relation to a support beam in a continuous block caster. The block assembly is secured to the support beam by simultaneously actuating a plurality of discreet fixing devices by applying a force to a single point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Lauener Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Erich Luginbuhl, Marcel Witschi, Ernst Zurcher