Patents by Inventor Martin Vanderminnen

Martin Vanderminnen 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: 4998579
    Abstract: A system for casting electrodes includes a row of stationary, adjacent, plate casting molds flanked by a launder containing molten metal and a walking beam conveyor. One or two travelling carriages straddle the molds, launder and conveyor. A travelling carriage comprises a pair of rotary dippers, a pair of tipping/dispensers and electrode lifting device. Each dipper scoops a predetermined amount of molten metal from the launder and, while rotating, discharges it into a dispenser. When filled, the dispensers simultaneously tip to fill a mold from both sides of a mold center line over substantially the full length of parallel sidewall portions of the mold, whereby wave action is dampened and molten metal solidifies with even thickness and without flash. The bottom of the mold is water-cooled during casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Cominco Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric L. Mawer, Martin Vanderminnen, Robert D. H. Willans, Michael Graham, Robert E. Manwell
  • Patent number: 4969502
    Abstract: Molten metals or alloys are poured into a stationary plate mold from at least one elongated pouring device such that melt overflows the length of the mold. The pouring energy is dissipated by flowing the elongated flow from one stationary device against an energy dissipating plate adjacent the pouring device in proximity to either one of the mold center lines such that the flow forms two balanced streams on the bottom of the mold. Alternatively, an elongated flow is poured from each of two stationary pouring devices positioned in opposing directions along the opposite sidewalls of the mold. Alternatively, the two pouring devices may move from one of the mold center lines towards the sidewalls while pouring molten metal. The pouring energy is dissipated by flowing two of the balanced streams formed on the bottom of the mold towards each other. The dissipation of pouring energy results in the substantial elimination of wave action and flash whereby castings with an even thickness are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Cominco Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric L. Mawer, Martin Vanderminnen, Robert D. H. Willans