Patents by Inventor Francis Dams

Francis Dams 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).

  • Patent number: 8844386
    Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing samples of metal melts, wherein a sample is taken from a metal melt using a sampler having a sample chamber and which is constructed as an immersion lance. The method includes transporting the sample from the sampler through a transport conduit to the sphere of action of an analytical device, and analyzing the sample there using the analytical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Lihuan Song, Johan Knevels, Gerrit Broekmans
  • Publication number: 20120137757
    Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing samples of metal melts, wherein a sample is taken from a metal melt using a sampler having a sample chamber and which is constructed as an immersion lance. The method includes transporting the sample from the sampler through a transport conduit to the sphere of action of an analytical device, and analyzing the sample there using the analytical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Francis DAMS, Lihuan SONG, Johan KNEVELS, Gerrit BROEKMANS
  • Publication number: 20120055958
    Abstract: A pouring nozzle is provided for use in a container for metal melts. The pouring nozzle has an inner wall surrounding a through-flow opening for metal melts and an outer housing. During operation of the pouring nozzle a pressure of at maximum 500 mbar exists between the inner wall and the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Martin Kendall
  • Patent number: 7998399
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the determination of at least one parameter of a molten metal or a slag layer lying on top of the molten metal. The apparatus has a carrier tube, a measuring head arranged on one end of the carrier tube with a body fixed in the carrier tube. An A/D converter is arranged within the measuring head or the carrier tube, and the A/D converter is connected to at least one sensor arranged in or on the measuring head. The measuring head has a contact piece, which is electrically connected via its contact terminals to the signal output of the A/D converter, and the contact piece is connected to a lance inserted into the carrier tube. No more than two signal lines are arranged within the lance, the signal lines each being connected at one end via a contact terminal of the contact piece to the A/D converter and at an opposite end to a computer or an analysis device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Guido Jacobus Neyens
  • Patent number: 7891867
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring a parameter of a molten metal bath by an optical fiber surrounded by a cover. The optical fiber is immersed in the molten bath, and the radiation absorbed by the optical fiber in the molten bath is fed to a detector, wherein the optical fiber is heated when immersed in the molten bath. The heating curve of the optical fiber has at least one point P(t0, T0), wherein the increase ?T1 in the temperature T of the optical fiber over the time ?t in a first time interval t0??t up to the temperature T0 is smaller than the increase ?T2 in the temperature of the optical fiber over the time ?t in an immediately following second time interval t0+?t.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Frank Seutens, Robert C. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7748896
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring a temperature of a molten metal bath by an optical fiber surrounded by a cover. The optical fiber is immersed in the molten bath, and the radiation absorbed by the optical fiber in the molten bath is fed to a detector, wherein the optical fiber is heated when immersed in the molten bath. The heating curve of the optical fiber has at least one point P(t0, T0), wherein the increase ?T1 in the temperature T of the optical fiber over the time ?t in a first time interval t0??t up to the temperature T0 is smaller than the increase ?T2 in the temperature of the optical fiber over the time ?t in an immediately following second time interval t0+?t.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Frank Seutens, Robert Charles Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20100020845
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring a parameter of a molten metal bath by an optical fiber surrounded by a cover. The optical fiber is immersed in the molten bath, and the radiation absorbed by the optical fiber in the molten bath is fed to a detector, wherein the optical fiber is heated when immersed in the molten bath. The heating curve of the optical fiber has at least one point P(t0, T0), wherein the increase ?T1 in the temperature T of the optical fiber over the time ?t in a first time interval t0-?t up to the temperature T0 is smaller than the increase ?T2 in the temperature of the optical fiber over the time ?t in an immediately following second time interval t0+?t.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Francis DAMS, Frank SEUTENS, Robert CHARLES WHITAKER
  • Patent number: 7635220
    Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the cooling curve of melts and/or the heating curve of melt samples with an optical fiber, wherein an immersion end of the optical fiber having an at least partially free surface is surrounded with a spacing by a temperature-resistant sample-receiving chamber. The optical fiber is immersed with its immersion end in the melt, and a sample is thereby formed in the sample-receiving chamber. The sample-receiving chamber with the sample and the optical fiber are thereafter pulled out of the molten metal. The cooling curve of the sample and/or, after previous solidification of the sample, the temperature profile during heating is measured with reference to a signal obtained by the optical fiber and forwarded to a measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Jacques Plessers, Paul Clement Verstreken
  • Patent number: 7384192
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the cooling curve of melts and/or the heating curve of melt samples with an optical fiber, wherein an immersion end of the optical fiber having an at least partially free surface is surrounded with a spacing by a temperature-resistant sample-receiving chamber. The optical fiber is immersed with its immersion end in the melt, and a sample is thereby formed in the sample-receiving chamber. The sample-receiving chamber with the sample and the optical fiber are thereafter pulled out of the molten metal. The cooling curve of the sample and/or, after previous solidification of the sample, the temperature profile during heating is measured with reference to a signal obtained by the optical fiber and forwarded to a measurement device. In addition, a corresponding device is provided for the measuring method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Jacques Plessers, Paul Clement Verstreken
  • Publication number: 20080019416
    Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the cooling curve of melts and/or the heating curve of melt samples with an optical fiber, wherein an immersion end of the optical fiber having an at least partially free surface is surrounded with a spacing by a temperature-resistant sample-receiving chamber. The optical fiber is immersed with its immersion end in the melt, and a sample is thereby formed in the sample-receiving chamber. The sample-receiving chamber with the sample and the optical fiber are thereafter pulled out of the molten metal. The cooling curve of the sample and/or, after previous solidification of the sample, the temperature profile during heating is measured with reference to a signal obtained by the optical fiber and forwarded to a measurement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Francis DAMS, Jacques PLESSERS, Paul VERSTREKEN
  • Patent number: 7307409
    Abstract: A transportable measuring probe is provided having a transmitting and receiving module for wireless transmission of information, wherein the transmitting and receiving module is suitable for detection and transmission of positional data of the measuring probe to an evaluation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Francis Dams
  • Publication number: 20070268477
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring a temperature of a molten metal bath by an optical fiber surrounded by a cover. The optical fiber is immersed in the molten bath, and the radiation absorbed by the optical fiber in the molten bath is fed to a detector, wherein the optical fiber is heated when immersed in the molten bath. The heating curve of the optical fiber has at least one point P(t0, T0), wherein the increase ?T1 in the temperature T of the optical fiber over the time ?t in a first time interval t0??t up to the temperature T0 is smaller than the increase ?T2 in the temperature of the optical fiber over the time ?t in an immediately following second time interval t0+?t.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Francis DAMS, Frank SEUTENS, Robert Charles WHITAKER
  • Publication number: 20070173117
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the determination of at least one parameter of a molten metal or a slag layer lying on top of the molten metal. The apparatus has a carrier tube, a measuring head arranged on one end of the carrier tube with a body fixed in the carrier tube. An A/D converter is arranged within the measuring head or the carrier tube, and the A/D converter is connected to at least one sensor arranged in or on the measuring head. The measuring head has a contact piece, which is electrically connected via its contact terminals to the signal output of the A/D converter, and the contact piece is connected to a lance inserted into the carrier tube. No more than two signal lines are arranged within the lance, the signal lines each being connected at one end via a contact terminal of the contact piece to the A/D converter and at an opposite end to a computer or an analysis device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Guido Neyens
  • Publication number: 20060114967
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the cooling curve of melts and/or the heating curve of melt samples with an optical fiber, wherein an immersion end of the optical fiber having an at least partially free surface is surrounded with a spacing by a temperature-resistant sample-receiving chamber. The optical fiber is immersed with its immersion end in the melt, and a sample is thereby formed in the sample-receiving chamber. The sample-receiving chamber with the sample and the optical fiber are thereafter pulled out of the molten metal. The cooling curve of the sample and/or, after previous solidification of the sample, the temperature profile during heating is measured with reference to a signal obtained by the optical fiber and forwarded to a measurement device. In addition, a corresponding device is provided for the measuring method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Jacques Plessers, Paul Verstreken
  • Publication number: 20060012380
    Abstract: A transportable measuring probe is provided having a transmitting and receiving module for wireless transmission of information, wherein the transmitting and receiving module is suitable for detection and transmission of positional data of the measuring probe to an evaluation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventor: Francis Dams
  • Patent number: 6353186
    Abstract: A seal is provided for sealing an aperture in an object through which aperture one or more elongate articles extends. The seal includes a first support member having at least one longitudinally extending channel adapted to accommodate and support an elongate article. A second support member is longitudinally spaced from the first support member. The second support member has at least one longitudinally extending channel corresponding to that of the first support member and a sealing member is positioned between the first and second support members. An elongate article may thus be accommodated within the longitudinal extending channel of the first support member so as to extend through the corresponding channel on the second support member while deforming sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem NV
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Jan Dericjk, Dirk Roosen, Filip Vandeputte
  • Patent number: 6231055
    Abstract: An article includes an object and a sealing member. The object includes a cavity formed therein. The sealing member includes sealant and a carrier to which the sealant is attached. At least one of the carrier and the object includes attachment means whereby the carrier is configured to be attached to the object such that at least a portion of the sealant is retained within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Dirk Roosen
  • Patent number: 6184472
    Abstract: A strip for winding around and gripping an elongate object, e.g. a cable, each end of the strip including a connection part which may interlock with a respective connection part of another, substantially identical strip, thereby enabling a plurality of such strips to be connected together substantially end-to-end to form a longer strip for winding around and gripping an elongate object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: N.V. Raychem S.A.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Maarten Michiels, Jos Vandepoel
  • Patent number: 6152767
    Abstract: A cable closure is provided with at least two housing parts which, in use, are brought together, and when brought together provide a cavity for containing sealing material, through which one or more cables may extend into the closure. The cable closure also includes a sealing material which is contained in the cavity upon bringing the housing parts together, and, which seals between the cable (s) and the housing part(s); and at least one resilient member which, in use, is contained in the cavity. When the housing parts are brought together, in use, the resilient member is compressed, and thus causes the resilient member, by its resilience, to apply a compressive force to the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: N.V. Raychem S.A.
    Inventors: Dirk Roosen, Francis Dams, Dirk Diddens, Maarten Michiels
  • Patent number: 6025561
    Abstract: A casing, e.g. for a cable splice closure, includes: (a) first and second parts, each of which has a peripheral flange, and (b) a clamping member in the form of a split ring which, in use, is placed around the flanges of the first and second parts and thereby clamps the parts together, at least part of the clamping member being formed as a single flexible piece which may be flexed open to allow the clamping member to be placed around the flanges of the first and second parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: N.V. Raychem S.A.
    Inventor: Francis Dams