Patents by Inventor Jan-Erik Eriksson

Jan-Erik Eriksson 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: 8336605
    Abstract: A continuous casting device includes a mould, a nozzle, and an electromagnetic stirrer provided around the nozzle above the mould, the stirrer including a core of a magnetic material that extends circumferentially around the nozzle and a plurality of windings wound around the core. The windings are wound around a cross section of the core as seen in the circumferential direction of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Eriksson, Eleonor Olsson, Bengt Rydholm, Helmut Hackl
  • Publication number: 20120199308
    Abstract: A method for casting of metal. A mold is provided including two broad sides and two narrow sides. A molten metal is introduced into the mold. There is a meniscus at a top of the molten metal. Additional molten metal is supplied into the molten metal via a casting tube below the meniscus. At least one stirrer including an iron core and a coil applied around the iron core is arranged around the mold. A length of the iron core in relation to a length of the broad side of the mold is between 50% and 80% of the length of the broad side. An upper part of the iron core is positioned from 50 mm above to 195 mm below the surface of the meniscus. A magnetic field is applied to the molten metal with the at least one stirrer to stir the molten metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: ABB AB
    Inventors: Sten KOLLBERG, Jan-Erik Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20120167629
    Abstract: An apparatus for crystallization of silicon includes a crucible for containing silicon, a heating and heat dissipating arrangement provided for melting the silicon contained in the crucible and for subsequently solidifying the molten silicon, and an electromagnetic stirring device provided for stirring the molten silicon in the crucible during the solidification of the molten silicon. A control arrangement is provided for controlling the heating and heat dissipating arrangement to solidify the molten silicon at a specified solidification rate and for controlling the electromagnetic stirring device to stir the molten silicon in response to the specified solidification rate of the molten silicon such that the ratio of a speed of the molten silicon and the specified solidification rate is above a first threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Eriksson, Olof Hjortstam, Ulf Sand
  • Patent number: 8151867
    Abstract: A continuous casting device, including a mould, an electromagnetic device arranged outside the mould and arranged to provide an electromagnetic field acting on a melt in the mould, the electromagnetic device being supplied with electric current includes a base frequency and harmonics, and thereby providing a first electromagnetic field based on the base frequency and a second electromagnetic field based on the harmonics, and an inductive sensor, arranged at the mould for the purpose of sensing the position of a meniscus of the melt, and operating at frequencies corresponding to the harmonics. The continuous casting device includes at least one screen between the electromagnetic device and the sensor, and the screen is arranged so as to prevent the second electromagnetic field from disturbing the operation of the sensor but to permit the first electromagnetic field to act on the melt in the region of the meniscus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Boo Eriksson, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Christopher Curran
  • Publication number: 20110297345
    Abstract: A continuous casting device, including a mould, an electromagnetic device arranged outside the mould and arranged to provide an electromagnetic field acting on a melt in the mould, the electromagnetic device being supplied with electric current includes a base frequency and harmonics, and thereby providing a first electromagnetic field based on the base frequency and a second electromagnetic field based on the harmonics, and an inductive sensor, arranged at the mould for the purpose of sensing the position of a meniscus of the melt, and operating at frequencies corresponding to the harmonics. The continuous casting device includes at least one screen between the electromagnetic device and the sensor, and the screen is arranged so as to prevent the second electromagnetic field from disturbing the operation of the sensor but to permit the first electromagnetic field to act on the melt in the region of the meniscus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Boo Eriksson, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Christopher Curran
  • Patent number: 8062711
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing an elongated steel sheet when continuously transporting the steel sheet in a transport direction along a predetermined transport path. The device includes at least a first pair, a second pair and a third pair of electromagnets with at least one electromagnet on each side of the steel sheet. The electromagnets are adapted to stabilize the steel sheet with respect to the predetermined transport path. The first and second electromagnets are elongated in a direction essentially perpendicular to the transport direction. The first and second electromagnets are substantially arranged on each side of a longitudinal center line for the steel sheet. The center line is essentially parallel to the transport direction. The third electromagnet is arranged adjacent to the center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Löfgren, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Mats Molander, Carl-Fredrik Lindberg, Conny Svahn
  • Patent number: 8043403
    Abstract: A furnace plant including at least one furnace vessel comprising side walls, a bottom and a roof. At least one heater is configured to heat metal in the furnace vessel. A compartment includes sidewalls lined with refractory material. The compartment forms an extension of the furnace vessel. At least one electromagnetic stirrer is arranged outside and adjacent to the compartment. A refractory plate is arranged inside the compartment. The refractory plate includes an upper edge configured to be positioned below a meniscus of molten metal and includes a lower edge positioned spaced apart from a bottom of the compartment. The plate is arranged such that a gap between the plate and a wall of the compartment increases toward the bottom of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Bengt Rydholm, Erik Svensson, Alf Lundström, Helmut Hackl, Olof Sjödén, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Tord Kroon, Tord Lindblad
  • Patent number: 7975753
    Abstract: Method for controlling a flow of molten steel in a mould by applying at least one magnetic field to the molten steel in a continuous slab casting machine. Controlling a molten steel flow velocity on a molten steel bath surface to a predetermined molten steel flow velocity by applying a static magnetic field to impart a stabilizing and braking force to a discharge flow from an immersion nozzle when the molten steel flow velocity on the meniscus is higher than a mould powder entrainment critical flow velocity. Controlling the molten steel flow velocity on the meniscus to a range of from an inclusion adherence critical flow velocity or more to a mould powder entrainment critical flow velocity or less by applying a shifting magnetic field to increase the molten steel flow when the molten steel flow velocity on the meniscus is lower than the inclusion-adherence critical flow velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Anders Lehman, Helmut Hackl, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Olof Sjoden
  • Publication number: 20100236362
    Abstract: A furnace plant including at least one furnace vessel comprising side walls, a bottom and a roof. At least one heater is configured to heat metal in the furnace vessel. A compartment includes sidewalls lined with refractory material. The compartment forms an extension of the furnace vessel. At least one electromagnetic stirrer is arranged outside and adjacent to the compartment. A refractory plate is arranged inside the compartment. The refractory plate includes an upper edge configured to be positioned below a meniscus of molten metal and includes a lower edge positioned spaced apart from a bottom of the compartment. The plate is arranged such that a gap between the plate and a wall of the compartment increases toward the bottom of the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: ABB AB
    Inventors: Bengt Rydholm, Erik Svensson, Alf Lundström, Helmut Hackl, Olof Sjödén, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Tord Kroon, Tord Lindblad
  • Patent number: 7669638
    Abstract: A control system for regulating the flow of liquid metal in a device for casting a metal. A detector measures a process variable. A control unit evaluates data from the detector. At least one process parameter is automatically varied in order to optimize casting conditions. The detector measures a characteristic of the meniscus at at least two points on the meniscus instantaneously throughout the casting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Sten Kollberg, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Carl-Fredrik Lindberg, Mats Molander, Peter Löfgren, Göte Tallbäck, Rebei Bel Fdhila, Bertil Samuelsson, Stefan Israelsson Tampe, Christina Wallin
  • Publication number: 20090294091
    Abstract: A continuous casting device includes a mould, a nozzle, and an electromagnetic stirrer provided around the nozzle above the mould, the stirrer including a core of a magnetic material that extends circumferentially around the nozzle and a plurality of windings wound around the core. The windings are wound around a cross section of the core as seen in the circumferential direction of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Eriksson, Bengt Rydholm, Eleonor Olsson, Helmut Hackl
  • Publication number: 20090255642
    Abstract: A device for casting of metal. The device includes a mold, a casting tube via which molten metal is supplied to molten metal in the mold in a region at a distance below a meniscus of the molten metal, and at least one stirrer including an iron core and a coil arranged around the iron core. The iron core is arranged to be elongated along the broad side of the mold and adapted to apply a magnetic field to the molten metal for stirring the melted metal. An upper part of the iron core is positioned at a distance from the meniscus of from 50 mm above the surface of the meniscus to 195 mm below the surface. The length of the iron core in relation to the length of the broad side of the mold is between at least 50% and 80% of the length of the broad side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: ABB AB
    Inventors: Sten Kollberg, Jan-Erik Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20090208665
    Abstract: A device for controlling the thickness of a metallic coating on an elongated metallic element formed by continuously transporting the element through a bath of molten metal. The device includes at least one pair of electromagnetic wiper members and a second wiper member associated with the at least one pair of electromagnetic wiper members. The second wiper member is designed to apply to the element a jet of gas with a target area essentially according to a line transversely of the element with respect to the direction of the transport path in order to assist the electromagnetic wiper member in the wiping of superfluous molten metal from the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: ABB AB
    Inventors: Jan Erik Eriksson, Conny Svahn, Rebei Bel Fdhila, Bengt Rydholm
  • Publication number: 20090175708
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing an elongated steel sheet when continuously transporting the steel sheet in a transport direction along a predetermined transport path. The device includes at least a first pair, a second pair and a third pair of electromagnets with at least one electromagnet on each side of the steel sheet. The electromagnets are adapted to stabilize the steel sheet with respect to the predetermined transport path. The first and second electromagnets are elongated in a direction essentially perpendicular to the transport direction. The first and second electromagnets are substantially arranged on each side of a longitudinal center line for the steel sheet. The center line is essentially parallel to the transport direction. The third electromagnet is arranged adjacent to the center line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Lofgren, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Mats Molander, Carl-Fredrik Lindberg, Conny Svahn
  • Publication number: 20090120604
    Abstract: A method for controlling a flow of molten steel in a mould by applying at least one magnetic field to the molten steel in a continuous slab casting machine. This is achieved by comprising controlling a molten steel flow velocity on a molten steel bath surface, meniscus, to a predetermined molten steel flow velocity by applying a static magnetic field to impart a stabilizing and braking force to a discharge flow from an immersion nozzle when the molten steel flow velocity on the meniscus is higher than a mould powder entrainment critical flow velocity and by controlling the molten steel flow velocity on the meniscus to a range of from an inclusion adherence critical flow velocity or more to a mould powder entrainment critical flow velocity or less by applying a shifting magnetic field to increase the molten steel flow when the molten steel flow velocity on the meniscus is lower than the inclusion-adherence critical flow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Anders Lehman, Helmut Hackl, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Olof Sjoden
  • Publication number: 20080104491
    Abstract: A communications method useable to safely communicate a message or a signal from a first safety approved entity (210) to a second safety approved entity (230) via a third, non-safety approved entity (220) comprising that each command is sent with the aid of a command message from the first to the second entity, an acknowledge message from the second to the first entity, and a go-ahead message from the first to the second entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Rikard Johansson, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Peter Stendahl
  • Publication number: 20080044584
    Abstract: A device and a method for stabilizing an elongated metallic strip of a magnetic material when coating the strip with a metallic layer. The strip is transported from the bath in a direction of transport along a predetermined transport path. A wiping device for wiping off superfluous molten metal from the strip applies an air flow in a line across the strip, where the wiping device includes at least one pair of air-knives arranged with one air-knife on each side of the strip. An electromagnetic stabilizing device stabilizes the position of the strip with respect to the predetermined transport path. A sensor detects the position of the strip in relation to the predetermined transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: ABB AB
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Eriksson, Conny Svahn, Mats Molander, Carl-Fredrik Lindberg, Peter Lofgren, Stefan Israelsson Tampe, Bengt Rydholm
  • Patent number: 7305271
    Abstract: A computer program product for controlling an apparatus for continuous casting of metals. The computer program product includes a computer readable medium and computer program instructions recorded on the computer readable medium executable by a processor for performing the steps of supplying a molten metal to a casting mold with an elongated horizontal cross section, applying at least one magnetic field to the to exert an influence on the movement of the molten metal, generating a stationary magnetic field with a variable strength across the elongated cross section of the casting mold in the vicinity of, or below, where the molten metal is supplied, and generating a variable magnetic field in an area of the upper surface of molten metal in a region that is centrally located with respect to the elongated cross section and in the vicinity of where the molten metal is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Jan-Erik Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20070260967
    Abstract: A method of detecting communications errors by coding messages as pictures is provided. Also provided is a communications method useable to safely communicate a message or a signal from a first safety approved entity (210) to a second safety approved entity (230) via a third, non-safety approved entity (220), comprising that each command is sent with the aid of a command message from the first to the second entity, an acknowledge message from the second to the first entity, and a go-ahead message from the first to the second entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Rikard Johansson, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Peter Stendahl
  • Publication number: 20070018052
    Abstract: A system for in-flight control of an aerial vehicle (2) including an on-board flight control system (5), a remote control station (4) and a read-only digital representation of a subset of the airspace. The flight control system (5) and the remote control station (4) each comprises the digital representation. The digital representation comprises data for an allowed airspace (3) and at least one mission airspace (11) within the allowed airspace (3). The flight control system (5) is arranged to operate the aerial vehicle (2) within the mission airspace (11) under control of the remote control station (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Jan-Erik Eriksson