Patents by Inventor Paul V. Cooper

Paul V. Cooper 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: 8613884
    Abstract: An insert and system for removing molten metal from a vessel is disclosed. The insert defines an enclosed cavity, and includes a first opening in its side through which molten metal can enter the cavity, and a second opening at its top through which molten metal can exit the cavity. A trough at the top of the insert directs molten metal exiting the second opening out of the vessel. The system includes the insert and a molten metal pump that forces molten metal through the first opening and into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130306687
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain and degas molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel is pulled through the vessel by the pump as it is degassed. This helps maintain a generally constant flow of molten metal through the degassing vessel. Other aspects relate to a system and method for efficiently performing maintenance on components positioned in a vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: MOLTEN METAL EQUIPMENT INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Publication number: 20130292427
    Abstract: A system for removing molten metal from a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a pump and a refractory casing that houses the pump. As the pump operates it moves molten metal upward through an uptake section of the casing until it reaches an outlet wherein it exits the vessel. The outlet may be attached to a launder. Another system uses a wall to divide a cavity of the chamber into two portions. The wall has an opening and a pump pumps molten metal from a first portion into a second portion until the level in the second portion reaches an outlet and exits the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8535603
    Abstract: A device for dispersing gas into molten metal includes an impeller, a drive shaft having a gas-transfer passage therein, and a first end and a second end, and a drive source. The second end of the drive shaft is connected to the impeller and the first end is connected to the drive source. The impeller includes a first portion and a second portion with a plurality of cavities. The first portion covers the second portion to help prevent gas from escaping to the surface without entering the cavities and being mixed with molten metal as the impeller rotates. When gas is transferred through the gas-transfer passage, it exits through the gas-release opening(s) in the bottom of the impeller. At least some of the gas enters the cavities where it is mixed with the molten metal being displaced by the impeller. Also disclosed are impellers that can be used to practice the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8529828
    Abstract: Improved components for a molten metal pump include a coupling for connecting a rotor shaft to a motor shaft, a rotor shaft and a rotor. The rotor shaft has a first end and a second end wherein the first end optionally has a vertical keyway formed in the outer surface of the shaft. The second end optionally has flat, shallow threads. The coupling can be one-piece or multi-piece, includes a cavity for receiving the first end of the rotor shaft and, if the first end of the rotor shaft has a keyway, the coupling includes a projection in the cavity for being received at least partially in the keyway. The rotor includes a connective portion that connects to the second end of the rotor shaft. If the second end of the rotor shaft includes flat, shallow threads, the connective portion is essentially a bore having flat, shallow threads configured to receive the second end of the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8524146
    Abstract: Disclosed are degassers, couplings, impeller shafts and impellers for use in molten metal. One such coupling transfers gas into an impeller shaft, the coupling having a smooth, tapered internal surface to align with a corresponding surface on the impeller shaft and help prevent gas leakage and to assist in preventing damage to the impeller shaft. Improved impellers for shearing and mixing gas are also disclosed, as is a degasser including one or more of these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130214014
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring molten metal from a vessel and into a launder is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, and a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal. The dividing wall divides the vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein part of the second chamber has a height H2. The device for generating a stream of molten metal, which is preferably a molten metal pump, is preferably positioned in the first chamber. When the device operates, it generates a stream of molten metal from the first chamber and into the second chamber. When the level of molten metal in the second chamber exceeds H2, molten metal flows out of the vessel and into the launder. The launder has a horizontal angle of between 0° and ?10° to help prevent dross from being pulled by gravity into downstream vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8501084
    Abstract: An improved post clamp for a molten metal pump includes a support post clamp that supports the weight of a pump superstructure on the top of the support posts. The clamp preferably includes (a) a bottom flange for connecting to the pump superstructure, (b) a cavity for receiving an end of a support post, wherein the end has a top surface, and (c) a top flange for being positioned above the top surface. In operation the top flange rests on the top surface of the support post thereby supporting at least part of the weight of the superstructure. It is preferred that a plurality of support posts and post clamps according to the invention be used with a molten metal pump wherein the top surface of each support post supports some of the weight of the superstructure. Also disclosed are novel support posts that may be used with the post clamp, and a pump in which the post clamp and/or support posts may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130196780
    Abstract: A system for applying tension to a component for use in molten metal processing. Preferably, the component includes an outer core and at least one tension rod positioned partially within the outer core. The component is preferably elongated, such as a support post or an impeller shaft. The tension rod applies compression to the outer cover, which makes the outer cover more resistant to breakage if it strikes, or is stricken by, an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130189079
    Abstract: A device for use in a molten metal pump helps alleviate jams between rotating rotor blades and a stationary pump base. The device includes inlet perimeters that partially define one or more openings, and one or more rotor blades, wherein each rotor blade has a portion that directs molten metal into a pump chamber, and a portion that directs molten metal outwards. Each rotor blade may also include a recess that makes an opening larger to enable more molten metal to pass through the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8475708
    Abstract: An improved post clamp for a molten metal pump includes a support post clamp that supports the weight of a pump superstructure on the top of the support posts. The clamp preferably includes (a) a bottom flange for connecting to the pump superstructure, (b) a cavity for receiving an end of a support post, wherein the end has a top surface, and (c) a top flange for being positioned above the top surface. In operation the top flange rests on the top surface of the support post thereby supporting at least part of the weight of the superstructure. It is preferred that a plurality of support posts and post clamps according to the invention be used with a molten metal pump wherein the top surface of each support post supports some of the weight of the superstructure. Also disclosed are novel support posts that may be used with the post clamp, and a pump in which the post clamp and/or support posts may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130140748
    Abstract: A system for adding gas to and transferring molten metal from a vessel and into one or more of a ladle, ingot mold, launder, feed die cast machine or other structure is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal, and one or more gas-release devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130142625
    Abstract: The present invention includes a molten metal pump and associated components that enable gas to be released into a stream of molten metal. The gas may be released into the molten metal stream (preferably into the bottom of the stream) flowing through a passage. Such a stream may be within the pump discharge and/or within a metal-transfer conduit extending from the pump discharge. The gas is released by using a gas-transfer foot that is positioned next to and is preferably attachable to the pump base or to the metal-transfer conduit. Preferably, the conduit (and/or discharge) in which the gas is released comprises two sections: a first section having a first cross-sectional area and a second section downstream of the first section and having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the second cross sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area. Preferably, the gas is released into or near the second section so that the gas is released into an area of relatively lower pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8449814
    Abstract: A scrap submergence vessel for melting scrap metal is disclosed. The vessel comprises a front wall comprising an inlet, a back wall (opposite the front wall) comprising an outlet, and a flow direction member that causes molten metal flowing into the inlet to be directed at least partially upward against a portion of the back wall. The movement of molten metal through the vessel creates a downward pull that draws metal scrap placed above or within the vessel downward into the molten metal bath where it melts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8444911
    Abstract: A system for applying tension to a component for use in molten metal processing. Preferably, the component includes an outer core and at least one tension rod positioned partially within the outer core. The component is preferably elongated, such as a support post or an impeller shaft. The tension rod applies compression to the outer cover, which makes the outer cover more resistant to breakage if it strikes, or is stricken by, an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8440135
    Abstract: A device for releasing gas into molten metal includes a base having a discharge. The discharge has a first section including a first cross-sectional area and a second section including a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first section is upstream of the second section and the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area. A gas-release opening is positioned so that it can release gas into one or more of the first section or the second section. As the molten metal moves from the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area gas is released into the molten metal and the molten metal flow helps to draw the gas into the flow, thereby lowering the pressure required to release gas into the molten metal. Metal-transfer conduits other than a discharge incorporated in a pump base are also disclosed, as are pumps including either a discharge or other metal-transfer conduit according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130105102
    Abstract: A system for transferring molten metal from a vessel and into one or more of a ladle, ingot mold, launder, feed die cast machine or other structure is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, and a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal. The dividing wall divides the vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein part of the second chamber has a height H2. The device for generating a stream of molten metal, which is preferably a molten metal pump, is preferably positioned in the first chamber. When the device operates, it generates a stream of molten metal from the first chamber and into the second chamber. When the level of molten metal in the second chamber exceeds H2, molten metal flows out of the vessel and into another structure, such as into one or more ladles and/or one or more launders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8409495
    Abstract: A device for use in a molten metal pump helps alleviate jams between rotating rotor blades and a stationary pump base. The device includes inlet perimeters that partially define one or more openings, and one or more rotor blades, wherein each rotor blade has a portion that directs molten metal into a pump chamber, and a portion that directs molten metal outwards. Each rotor blade may also include a recess that makes an opening larger to enable more molten metal to pass through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8366993
    Abstract: A system for adding gas to and transferring molten metal from a vessel and into one or more of a ladle, ingot mold, launder, feed die cast machine or other structure is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal, and one or more gas-release devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8361379
    Abstract: The present invention includes a molten metal pump and associated components that enable gas to be released into a stream of molten metal. The gas may be released into the molten metal stream (preferably into the bottom of the stream) flowing through a passage. Such a stream may be within the pump discharge and/or within a metal-transfer conduit extending from the pump discharge. The gas is released by using a gas-transfer foot that is positioned next to and is preferably attachable to the pump base or to the metal-transfer conduit. Preferably, the conduit (and/or discharge) in which the gas is released comprises two sections: a first section having a first cross-sectional area and a second section downstream of the first section and having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the second cross sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area. Preferably, the gas is released into or near the second section so that the gas is released into an area of relatively lower pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper