Patents by Inventor Volker Knobloch

Volker Knobloch 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: 20150343531
    Abstract: A system and method for forming and heat treating metal castings is provided with a vertical heat treatment unit positioned adjacent and downstream from a pouring station at which a series of molds are filled with a molten metal to form the castings. The vertical heat treatment unit includes a vertically oriented furnace chamber in which the castings are received, and which has a reduced footprint to reduce the manufacturing floor space required for the vertical heat treatment unit, and to enable the vertical heat treatment unit to be positioned in close proximity to the pouring station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Ian French, Volker Knobloch
  • Patent number: 8066053
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dislodging a mold from a casting formed within the mold. The mold may be removed from the casting by scoring the mold and applying a force sufficient to cause the mold to fracture and break into pieces. Additionally, the mold may be fractured by either explosive charges placed in the mold pack or by high energy pulsations directed at the mold. Once the mold is fractured and broken into various pieces it may then be dislodged from the casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lewis, Jr., Ian French, Volker Knobloch, Scott Crafton, Paul Crafton, James Garrett, John Dalton
  • Publication number: 20080236779
    Abstract: A system and method for forming and heat treating metal castings is provided with a vertical heat treatment unit positioned adjacent and downstream from a pouring station at which a series of molds are filled with a molten metal to form the castings. The vertical heat treatment unit includes a vertically oriented furnace chamber in which the castings are received, and which has a reduced footprint to reduce the manufacturing floor space required for the vertical heat treatment unit, and to enable the vertical heat treatment unit to be positioned in close proximity to the pouring station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Ian French, Volker Knobloch
  • Publication number: 20080011443
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply fluid to the castings for heat treating the castings and degrading the sand cores for removal from the castings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Scott CRAFTON, Paul Crafton, Volker Knobloch, James Lewis, Ian French, Franz Ruegg
  • Publication number: 20080000609
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dislodging a mold from a casting formed within the mold. The mold may be removed from the casting by scoring the mold and applying a force sufficient to cause the mold to fracture and break into pieces. Additionally, the mold may be fractured by either explosive charges placed in the mold pack or by high energy pulsations directed at the mold. Once the mold is fractured and broken into various pieces it may then be dislodged from the casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: James LEWIS, Ian French, Volker Knobloch, Scott Crafton, Paul Crafton, James Garrett, John Dalton
  • Publication number: 20070289715
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply heat to the castings for heat treating the castings and dislodging the sand cores for removal from the castings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Scott Crafton, Paul Crafton, Volker Knobloch, James Lewis, Ian French
  • Publication number: 20060054294
    Abstract: A conveyance mechanism for transporting a casting is provided. A system and method of processing a metal casting also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Crafton, Paul Crafton, Ian French, Volker Knobloch
  • Publication number: 20050145362
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply fluid to the castings for heat treating the castings and degrading the sand cores for removal from the castings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Scott Crafton, Paul Crafton, Volker Knobloch, James Lewis, Ian French, Franz Ruegg
  • Publication number: 20050072549
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply heat to the castings for heat treating the castings and dislodging the sand cores for removal from the castings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Scott Crafton, Paul Crafton, Volker Knobloch, James Lewis, Ian French
  • Publication number: 20050022957
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply fluid to the castings for heat treating the castings and degrading the sand cores for removal from the castings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventors: Scott Crafton, Paul Crafton, Volker Knobloch, James Lewis, Ian French, Franz Ruegg