Patents by Inventor Robert B. Wagstaff

Robert B. Wagstaff 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).

  • Publication number: 20220297181
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using magnetic fields (e.g., changing magnetic fields) to control metal flow conditions during casting (e.g., casting of an ingot, billet, or slab). The magnetic fields can be introduced using rotating permanent magnets or electromagnets. The magnetic fields can be used to induce movement of the molten metal in a desired direction, such as in a rotating pattern around the surface of the molten sump. The magnetic fields can be used to induce metal flow conditions in the molten sump to increase homogeneity in the molten sump and resultant ingot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Wayne J. Fenton, Robert B. Wagstaff, Milan Felberbaum, Todd F. Bischoff, Tina J. Kosmicki
  • Patent number: 11383296
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using magnetic fields (e.g., changing magnetic fields) to control metal flow conditions during casting (e.g., casting of an ingot, billet, or slab). The magnetic fields can be introduced using rotating permanent magnets or electromagnets. The magnetic fields can be used to induce movement of the molten metal in a desired direction, such as in a rotating pattern around the surface of the molten sump. The magnetic fields can be used to induce metal flow conditions in the molten sump to increase homogeneity in the molten sump and resultant ingot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Novelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Wayne J. Fenton, Robert B. Wagstaff, Milan Felberbaum, Todd F. Bischoff, Tina J. Kosmicki
  • Patent number: 10835954
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Robert B. Wagstaff
  • Publication number: 20190381562
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using magnetic fields (e.g., changing magnetic fields) to control metal flow conditions during casting (e.g., casting of an ingot, billet, or slab). The magnetic fields can be introduced using rotating permanent magnets or electromagnets. The magnetic fields can be used to induce movement of the molten metal in a desired direction, such as in a rotating pattern around the surface of the molten sump. The magnetic fields can be used to induce metal flow conditions in the molten sump to increase homogeneity in the molten sump and resultant ingot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Wayne J. Fenton, Robert B. Wagstaff, Milan Felberbaum, Todd F. Bischoff, Tina J. Kosmicki
  • Patent number: 10464127
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using magnetic fields (e.g., changing magnetic fields) to control metal flow conditions during casting (e.g., casting of an ingot, billet, or slab). The magnetic fields can be introduced using rotating permanent magnets or electromagnets. The magnetic fields can be used to induce movement of the molten metal in a desired direction, such as in a rotating pattern around the surface of the molten sump. The magnetic fields can be used to induce metal flow conditions in the molten sump to increase homogeneity in the molten sump and resultant ingot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: NOVELIS INC.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Wayne J. Fenton, Robert B. Wagstaff, Milan Felberbaum, Todd F. Bischoff, Tina J. Kosmicki
  • Publication number: 20190030597
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Robert B. Wagstaff, Kenzo Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20190030598
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Robert B. Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 10118221
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Robert B. Wagstaff
  • Publication number: 20150336168
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using magnetic fields (e.g., changing magnetic fields) to control metal flow conditions during casting (e.g., casting of an ingot, billet, or slab). The magnetic fields can be introduced using rotating permanent magnets or electromagnets. The magnetic fields can be used to induce movement of the molten metal in a desired direction, such as in a rotating pattern around the surface of the molten sump. The magnetic fields can be used to induce metal flow conditions in the molten sump to increase homogeneity in the molten sump and resultant ingot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: SAMUEL R. WAGSTAFF, WAYNE J. FENTON, ROBERT B. WAGSTAFF, MILAN FELBERBAUM, TODD F. BISCHOFF, TINA J. KOSMICKI
  • Publication number: 20150336170
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Samuel R. Wagstaff, Robert B. Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 7608302
    Abstract: A method is described for improving resistance to chemical attack by aluminum or magnesium in refractory components. In one method, a slurry is formed comprising calcium silicate-containing refractory material and a barium-containing compound. This slurry is placed in a mold, then dewatered to form a component which is hydrothermally processed to form a final component. In a second procedure, a silica-containing porous refractory component is impregnated with an aqueous solution of an oxide or hydroxide of barium or strontium and thereafter dried in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Todd F. Bischoff, Richard S. Bruski, Robert B. Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 5582230
    Abstract: In direct cooling an ingot emerging from a mold, two sets 136 and 142 of liquid coolant streams are discharged onto the ingot from an annulus 62 circumposed about the lower end opening 72 of the mold. One set of streams, 136, is discharged downwardly at 22.5 degrees to the axis 12 of the mold, and the other, 142, is discharged downwardly at 45 degrees to the axis of the mold. The two sets are staggered to one another circumferentially of the mold, and because of the high angle of incidence of the 45 degree set to the axis of the mold, substantial portions of the 45 degree streams rebound from the surface of the ingot at their points 144 of impact with the ingot, and mushroom into corolla-like masses of air borne liquid coolant spray 146 lying crosswise the paths of the 22.5 degree streams, which in turn entrain the spray and impact the successive layers 138 of coolant therebelow with the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Wagstaff, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wagstaff, David A. Salee
  • Patent number: 5518063
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a first chamber disposed about the mold cavity and defined by a top, a bottom, and walls extending between the top and bottom at the inner and outer peripheries of the first chamber. A liquid coolant is supplied under pressure to the first chamber through an inlet. A step is formed adjacent one of the corners between the top and bottom .and the inner peripheral wall of the first chamber, a circumferential groove is formed in the outer peripheral wall of the step, and an elastomeric sealing ring is sealingly engaged with the mouth of the groove to define a second chamber in the groove. Meanwhile, the shoulder of the step is spaced apart from the other corner of the first chamber, and a series of holes is formed in the shoulder to permit the coolant to pass into the second chamber at a reduced pressure. A passage then discharges the reduced pressure coolant onto a body of metal emerging from the discharge end opening of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Wagstaff, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wagstaff, David A. Salee
  • Patent number: 5323841
    Abstract: As a reversal of previous practice, the annular body of the mold in the unit has an annular case at the bottom thereof, rather than at the top thereof. The case is relatively thick axially of the mold, so as to form the greater portion of the axial length of the mold body at the outer periphery thereof; and at the top thereof, the case has an annular plate thereon, which forms a pair of flanges that overhang the case and enable the metal casting unit to be lowered into an aperture of a casting table from above, and supported on top of the table at the flanges. Meanwhile, the case defines the lower end opening of the mold cavity, and the outlet for liquid coolant that is discharged onto the molten metal body as it emerges from the unit. Commonly, the case is monolithic, and also has an annular sump at the top thereof which is covered by the plate to form a chamber for the coolant in the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Wagstaff, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank E. Wagstaff, Robert B. Wagstaff, David A. Fort, Richard J. Collins
  • Patent number: 5318098
    Abstract: A casting unit 6 consists of a monolithic body which is annular in shape and has an annular flange 72 outturned about the axis and monolithically outstanding on the body at the outer periphery, a set of lugs 110 angularly spaced about the axis on the lower end portion of the body and monolithically outstanding in the aperture, and a circumferential groove 114 about the outer periphery of the body in the upper end portion, with mullions 20 monolithically upstanding therein, adjacent the outer periphery of the groove, to form ports 112.The groove is interconnected with the cavity 108 in the lower end portion of the body at the aperture; and passages, 126, 140, a graphite ring 16, and whatever else is required, are added to complete the unit 6 before it is supported in an aperture in a metal casting table 2, having liquid coolant discharge means 14 circumposed thereabout and a stool to support molten metal after being mated with the lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Wagstaff, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wagstaff, David A. Fort, Frank E. Wagstaff, Richard J. Collins
  • Patent number: 5119883
    Abstract: A body of partially solidified metal emerging as ingot from the exit end 10 of an open ended mold 2, is direct cooled by charging liquid coolant into an annular retention chamber 32 circumposed about the exit end opening of the mold in the body thereof, and discharging the coolant from the chamber onto the surface of the ingot through a first passage 14 opening into the exit end of the mold and communicating with the chamber at an opening 50 therein. At times, such as in the butt-forming stage, a second passage 46 is formed in the chamber which is serially interconnected with the first passage 14 at the chamber opening 50 and operable to deliver the chamber coolant to the first passage at an increased rate of flow, relative to the rate at which the coolant was charged into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Wagstaff Engineering Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank E. Wagstaff, Robert B. Wagstaff, Hans Fischer