Patents by Inventor Randy Womack

Randy Womack 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: 9375784
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of preparing a reinforced refractory joint between refractory sections of a vessel used for containing or conveying molten metal, e.g. a metal-contacting trough. The method involves introducing a mesh body made of metal wires into a gap between metal-contacting surfaces of adjacent refractory sections of a vessel so that the mesh body is positioned beneath the metal conveying surfaces, and covering the mesh body with a layer of moldable refractory material to seal the gap between the metal-contacting surfaces. Other embodiments relate to a vessel formed by the method and a vessel section with a pre-positioned mesh body suitable for preparing a sealed joint with other such sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Boorman, Eric W. Reeves, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Patent number: 8945465
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a compressive rod assembly for applying force to a refractory vessel positioned within an outer metal casing. The assembly includes a rigid elongated rod having first and second opposed ends, a threaded bolt adjacent to the first opposed end of the elongated rod, and a compressive structure positioned operationally between the elongated rod and the bolt. Compressive force applied by the bolt to the elongated rod passes through the compressive structure which allows limited longitudinal movements of the elongated rod to be accommodated by the compressive structure without requiring corresponding longitudinal movements of the bolt. Exemplary embodiments also relate to rod structure forming a component of the assembly, and to a metal containment structure having a vessel supported and compressed by at least one such assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Jason D. Hymas, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Patent number: 8336603
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for casting a composite ingot made of metals that are susceptible to surface oxide formation when molten. The method involves co-casting at least two metal layers from at least two molten metal pools formed within a direct chill casting apparatus. During the casting operation, movement of metal oxide formed on the upper surface of at least one of the pools towards an edge of the pool is restrained by an oxide skimmer positioned close to an edge of the pool above an external surface or metal-metal interface of the ingot. The apparatus provides a DC caster with at least one oxide skimmer that operates in this manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Todd F. Bischoff, Randy Womack, Wayne J. Fenton, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Lawrence G. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20110139799
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of preparing a reinforced refractory joint between refractory sections of a vessel used for containing or conveying molten metal, e.g. a metal-contacting trough. The method involves introducing a mesh body made of metal wires into a gap between metal-contacting surfaces of adjacent refractory sections of a vessel so that the mesh body is positioned beneath the metal conveying surfaces, and covering the mesh body with a layer of moldable refractory material to seal the gap between the metal-contacting surfaces. Other embodiments relate to a vessel formed by the method and a vessel section with a pre-positioned mesh body suitable for preparing a sealed joint with other such sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: James E. Boorman, Eric W. Reeves, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Publication number: 20110140322
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a compressive rod assembly for applying force to a refractory vessel positioned within an outer metal casing. The assembly includes a rigid elongated rod having first and second opposed ends, a threaded bolt adjacent to the first opposed end of the elongated rod, and a compressive structure positioned operationally between the elongated rod and the bolt. Compressive force applied by the bolt to the elongated rod passes through the compressive structure which allows limited longitudinal movements of the elongated rod to be accommodated by the compressive structure without requiring corresponding longitudinal movements of the bolt. Exemplary embodiments also relate to rod structure forming a component of the assembly, and to a metal containment structure having a vessel supported and compressed by at least one such assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, James E. Boorman, Jason D. Hymas, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Randy Womack
  • Publication number: 20090301683
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to the removal of cooling water used to cool the surface of an ingot as it is formed during casting. The cooling water is removed from the surface by directing jets of water onto the surface at an angle, and with a momentum, that causes the cooling water to be stripped from the surface when contacted with the jets, and to follow a path that prevents the cooling water from again coming into contact with the ingot surface at a position beyond the point of removal. The apparatus for this includes nozzles to create the water jets, and equipment for supplying water under sufficient pressure and rate of flow to the nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Eric W. Reeves, Randy Womack, Wayne J. Fenton, Jeff McDermott, Jim Boorman
  • Publication number: 20090288795
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for casting a composite ingot made of metals that are susceptible to surface oxide formation when molten. The method involves co-casting at least two metal layers from at least two molten metal pools formed within a direct chill casting apparatus. During the casting operation, movement of metal oxide formed on the upper surface of at least one of the pools towards an edge of the pool is restrained by an oxide skimmer positioned close to an edge of the pool above an external surface or metal-metal interface of the ingot. The apparatus provides a DC caster with at least one oxide skimmer that operates in this manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Todd F. Bischoff, Randy Womack, Wayne J. Fenton, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Lawrence G. Hudson