Abstract: A multi-element composite object composed from first, second, and third metal components is provided, wherein the first metal and the third metal are weld incompatible. The multi-element composite object includes a first component fabricated from a first metal. A second component, fabricated from a second metal, is brazed to the first component. A third component, fabricated from a third metal, is inertia welded to the second component. The first metal may be provided as a titanium alloy, e.g. a TiNi alloy. The second metal may be provided as low-carbon mild or alloy steel. The third metal may be provided as alloy steel, e.g., 9310 nickel alloy steel. In an embodiment, the multi-element composite object is a gear assembly, with the first element of the gear assembly object being a shaft and the third element of the gear assembly being a gear member with hardened teeth surfaces. The first and second components can be mechanically keyed together via an anti-rotational element.

Abstract: A multi-element composite object composed from first, second, and third metal components is provided, wherein the first metal and the third metal are weld incompatible. The multi-element composite object includes a first component fabricated from a first metal. A second component, fabricated from a second metal, is brazed to the first component. A third component, fabricated from a third metal, is inertia welded to the second component. The first metal may be provided as a titanium alloy, e.g. a TiNi alloy. The second metal may be provided as low-carbon mild or alloy steel. The third metal may be provided as alloy steel, e.g., 9310 nickel alloy steel. In an embodiment, the multi-element composite object is a gear assembly, with the first element of the gear assembly object being a shaft and the third element of the gear assembly being a gear member with hardened teeth surfaces. The first and second components can be mechanically keyed together via an anti-rotational element.

Abstract: A multi-element composite object composed from first, second, and third metal components is provided, wherein the first metal and the third metal are weld incompatible. The multi-element composite object includes a first component fabricated from a first metal. A second component, fabricated from a second metal, is brazed to the first component A third component, fabricated from a third metal, is inertia welded to the second component . The first metal may be provided as a titanium alloy, e.g. a TiNi alloy. The second metal may be provided as low-carbon mild or alloy steel. The third metal may be provided as alloy steel, e.g., 9310 nickel alloy steel. In an embodiment, the multi-element composite object is a gear assembly, with the first element of the gear assembly object being a shaft and the third element of the gear assembly being a gear member with hardened teeth surfaces. The first and second components can be mechanically keyed together via an anti-rotational element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a system that provides for a dual action fluid media circulating and fluid media charge entraining apparatus for use in a chamber having fluid media at a predetermined level into which fluid media a charge to be entrained and mixed is delivered. The apparatus of the system includes a rotary pumping impeller positioned in the chamber near a topmost region of an inlet passage in a wall of the chamber. The fluid media enters the chamber through the inlet passage. The rotary pumping impeller is provided with an inlet opening that draws fluid media vertically upward, to and through the rotary pumping impeller inlet opening to be delivered radially outward as the rotary pumping impeller rotates upon activation.The dual action apparatus further includes a vortex generating impeller which provided with an inlet opening. The vortex generating impeller is positioned in the fluid media in the chamber between the fluid inlet passage and an outlet passage in the wall.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method that provides by means of circulator/impeller configuration alone the generation of a stabilized vortex in a media wherein the vortex generated is stable in its dynamic formation over a wide range of rotational circulator/impeller speeds and increasing distances beneath the surface of the media.The apparatus and method include a charge carrying fluid media in a vessel or other containment device that is redirected within the vessel or containment device by fluid flow, by and through a circulator/impeller such that the fluid is forced to pass through an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. The redirection being as a result of forces imparted to the fluid by virtue of the inventive geometry of the circulator/impeller and independent of vessel/containment device configuration or nearby wall confinements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system including apparatus for submerging, entraining, melting and circulating aluminum scrap in a molten metal media, which scrap is comprised of pieces not capable of self-submergence. The apparatus of the system includes means to introduce a supply of scrap into an open bay that has heated molten metal drawn from an entry point below the surface of the molten metal by the action of a molten metal scrap entrainment circulator submerged beneath the surface of the molten metal at a point beneath the entry point of the heated molten metal. The circulator continuously draws the heated molten metal including the scrap into the circulator wherein the scrap is completely entrained in the molten metal and delivered into a molten metal circulation path that delivers the scrap metal entrained in the molten metal for subsequent heating further melting and recirculation to the circulator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system including apparatus for submerging, entraining, melting and circulating aluminum scrap in a molten metal media, which scrap is comprised of pieces not capable of self-submergence. The apparatus of the system includes means to introduce a supply of scrap into an open bay that has heated molten metal drawn from an entry point below the surface of the molten metal by the action of a molten metal scrap entrainment circulator submerged beneath the surface of the molten metal at a point beneath the entry point of the heated molten metal. The circulator continuously draws the heated molten metal including the scrap into the circulator wherein the scrap is completely entrained in the molten metal and delivered into a molten metal circulation path that delivers the scrap metal entrained in the molten metal for subsequent heating further melting and recirculation to the circulator.

Abstract: An improved system for melting metal scrap in a molten melting media includes a housing generally cylindrical in cross section and having upper and lower portions. Metal scrap is introduced to a body of molten melting media contained in the upper portion of the housing. A supply of molten melting media is added to the upper portion of the housing through a volute located in the lower portion. The molten melting media is supplied or added by action of an impeller located in the lower portion and mounted on a drive shaft extending through the upper portion. Vanes are mounted on the drive shaft to control the flow motion of the body of molten melting media and metal scrap in the upper portion of the housing by creating a vortex in this body for purposes of mixing the melting media and metal scrap. An opening is provided in the upper portion to remove melted scrap and melting media at a rate substantially commensurate with their rate of introduction.

Abstract: A continuous melting process wherein aluminum can scrap or other charge is introduced into a moving stream of superheated molten aluminum and thereby rapidly melted, the stream then being subjected to the fluxing action of a gaseous flux substantially immediately upon the melting of the charge. The gaseous flux comprises a non-reactive gas such as argon preferably along with a reactive chlorinaceous gas such as chlorine or another suitable halogen.