Patents by Inventor Ian French

Ian French 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).

  • Methods and apparatus for heat treatment and sand removal for castings
    Patent number: 6672367
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply heat to the castings for heat treating the castings and dislodging the sand cores for removal from the castings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Volker R. Knobloch, James L. Lewis, Jr., Ian French
  • Method and apparatus for assisting removal of sand moldings from castings
    Patent number: 6622775
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dislodging a mold from a casting formed within the mold. The mold may be removed from the casting by scoring the mold and applying a force sufficient to cause the mold to fracture and break into pieces. Additionally, the mold may be fractured by either explosive charges placed in the mold pack or by high energy pulsations directed at the mold. Once the mold is fractured and broken into various pieces it may then be dislodged from the casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Volker R. Knobloch, James L. Lewis, Jr., Ian French
  • Integrated metal processing facility
    Publication number: 20020104596
    Abstract: An integrated metal processing facility in which molten metal is poured into a series of molds at a pouring station to form metal castings, which are then transferred to a heat treatment line. Prior to introduction of the castings into a heat treatment station of the heat treatment line, the castings are subjected to heating sufficient to arrest cooling of the castings at or above a process control temperature for the metal thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, James L. Lewis, Ian French
  • Methods and apparatus for heat treatment and sand removal for castings
    Publication number: 20020084052
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply heat to the castings for heat treating the castings and dislodging the sand cores for removal from the castings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Volker R. Knobloch, James L. Lewis, Ian French
  • Method and apparatus for assisting removal of sand moldings from castings
    Publication number: 20020020511
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dislodging a mold from a casting formed within the mold. The mold may be removed from the casting by scoring the mold and applying a force sufficient to cause the mold to fracture and break into pieces. Additionally, the mold may be fractured by either explosive charges placed in the mold pack or by high energy pulsations directed at the mold. Once the mold is fractured and broken into various pieces it may then be dislodged from the casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Volker R. Knobloch, James L. Lewis, Ian French