Patents by Inventor William F. Flanagan, Jr.

William F. Flanagan, Jr. 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).

  • Steelmaking degassing method
    Patent number: 5520718
    Abstract: A method for degassing molten steel comprises the use of a lift gas which includes carbon dioxide. The inventive method includes providing a reaction zone isolated from the ambient atmosphere, and providing a bath of molten steel, at least a portion of which is located in the reaction zone. The pressure is reduced in the reaction zone to a sub-atmospheric pressure. A gas comprising carbon dioxide is supplied to the bath of molten steel in order to vertically circulate the molten steel. The method also preferably includes (a) supplying carbon dioxide, e.g., with a tuyere, to the reaction zone and (b) supplying carbon dioxide to the bath of molten steel, e.g., by gas bubbling or stirring. An apparatus for performing the method steps is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Inland Steel Company
    Inventors: Leonard M. Keilman, William F. Flanagan, Jr., James E. Bradley, Shankverm R. Balajee
  • Steelmaking degassing apparatus
    Patent number: 5520373
    Abstract: A method for degassing molten steel comprises the use of a lift gas which includes carbon dioxide. The inventive method includes providing a reaction zone isolated from the ambient atmosphere, and providing a bath of molten steel, at least a portion of which is located in the reaction zone. The pressure is reduced in the reaction zone to a sub-atmospheric pressure. A gas comprising carbon dioxide is supplied to the bath of molten steel in order to vertically circulate the molten steel. The method also preferably includes (a) supplying carbon dioxide, e.g., with a tuyere, to the reaction zone and (b) supplying carbon dioxide to the bath of molten steel, e.g., by gas bubbling or stirring. An apparatus for performing the method steps is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Inland Steel Company
    Inventors: Leonard M. Keilman, William F. Flanagan, Jr., James E. Bradley, Shankverm R. Balajee