SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A THERMISTOR FURNACE

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture that provide for a thermistor furnace, such as for melting, casting, and/or smelting loads (e.g., precious metals, other metals such as titanium, and/or thermoset plastics), are provided. In some embodiments, the thermistor furnace may comprise a vacuum spin casting apparatus capable of utilizing various types and configurations of molds, such as graphite and/or plaster molds.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/455,155 filed on Oct. 18, 2010 and titled “THERMISTOR FURNACE-CASTING APPARATUS”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing systems and methods for melting, smelting, or casting metals (such as precious metals, titanium, etc.) require substantial input of energy (e.g., an industrial-grade power supply and/or service), special training and/or special permits to operate, are only operable to manage loads of fixed or limited sizes, and/or are incapable of utilizing graphite molds (and therefore incapable of producing highly-detailed cast products).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An understanding of embodiments described herein and many of the attendant advantages thereof may be readily obtained by reference to the following detailed description when considered with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are block diagrams of a system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is perspective assembly diagram of a crucible-mold according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section diagram of a system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-section diagram of a system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section diagram of a system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are side view and perspective diagrams, respectively, of a system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are side view and perspective diagrams, respectively, of a system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are side view and perspective diagrams, respectively, of a system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of a system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are perspective diagrams of example data storage devices according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments provided herein are descriptive of systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture that provide for a thermistor furnace, such as for melting, casting, and/or smelting metals (e.g., precious metals and/or other metals, such as titanium, or other materials, such as thermoset plastic). In some embodiments, the thermistor furnace may comprise a vacuum spin casting apparatus capable of utilizing various types and configurations of molds. Casting molds comprised of graphite, for example, such as fine-grained, high-density, high-strength, isotropic graphite, may be utilized to produce spin casting products with improved surfaces, improved structural integrity, lack of seams, and improved mechanical properties. Existing furnaces and/or melting, casting, or smelting apparatus, such as typical inductive heating furnaces, suffer from many deficiencies. In accordance with embodiments described herein, Applicants disclose a thermistor furnace (e.g., configured for vacuum spin casting) that offers ease of utilization and maintenance, is highly durable, highly energy efficient (especially compared to typical furnaces), is much safer to utilize, and is environmentally friendly.

Referring first to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, for example, a block diagram of a system 100 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 100 may comprise a crucible-mold 102, which itself may comprise a top surface 104, a bottom surface 106, and/or a side surface 108. According to some embodiments, the crucible-mold 102 and/or the surfaces 104, 106, 108 thereof, may define a crucible-mold cavity or chamber 110. The crucible-mold chamber 110 may, for example, house and/or accept a load 120, such as a mass of metal, plastic, or other medium for melting, smelting, and/or casting. In some embodiments, the crucible-mold chamber 110 may be configured to be subjected to a vacuum and/or may otherwise comprise a vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, the crucible-mold 102 (and/or the surfaces 104, 106, 108 and/or the load 120) may be configured and/or coupled to spin about an axis of rotation 122 (e.g., for spin casting and/or other spinning operations).

According to some embodiments, the system 100 may comprise a first mass 130 and/or a second mass 140. Either or both of the first mass 130 and the second mass 140 may be configured and/or coupled to exert pressure on the crucible mold 102. In the case that the axis of rotation 122 is disposed within a vertical geometric plane and subject to the force of gravity, for example, the second mass 140 may exert weight downward on the crucible-mold 102, pressing the crucible-mold 102 between the first mass 130 and the second mass 140. In some embodiments, the first mass 130 and/or the second mass 140 may be configured and/or coupled to spin about the axis of rotation 122. The entire system 100 may, for example, be configured to spin about the axis of rotation 122. In some embodiments, the first mass 130 and/or the second mass 140 may exert pressure upon the crucible-mold 102 during a spinning of the system 100 (and/or during a spinning of the crucible-mold 102) about the axis of rotation 122.

According to some embodiments, the system 100 may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit 100 may comprise, as depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B for example, an energy source “e” having an internal resistance Re, a first connector 150a having a first connector resistance Rc₁, the first mass 130 having a resistance Rbs, the crucible-mold 102 having various resistances R1, R2, R3, and/or R4, the second mass 140 having a resistance Rts, and a second connector 150b having a second connector resistance Rc₂. As depicted in FIG. 1B, the crucible 102 may comprise a thermistor. The crucible-mold 102 may, for example, be heated by application of and/or passage of electric current through the electric circuit 100. In some embodiments, heating of the crucible-mold 102 due to the electric circuit 100 may define and/or result in various “hot spots” 152. The hot spots 152 may, for example, comprise areas of more concentrated thermal energy than surrounding areas and/or components. In some embodiments, thermal energy introduced into the crucible-mold 102 by application of electric current may be passed to the load 120. In such a manner, for example, electric current may be applied to the electric circuit 100 to melt, smelt, and/or cast the load 120. According to some embodiments, the load 120 may be heated while the crucible-mold 102 (and/or system 100) spins about the axis of rotation 122 and/or while one or more of the first mass 130 and the second mass 140 exert pressure on the crucible-mold 102.

Fewer or more components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 120, 122, 130, 140, 150a-b, 152 and/or various configurations of the depicted components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 120, 122, 130, 140, 150a-b, 152 may be included in the system 100 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 120, 122, 130, 140, 150a-b, 152 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as described herein. In some embodiments, the system 100 (and/or portion thereof) may comprise a thermistor furnace operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein.

Turning to FIG. 2, a flow diagram of a method 200 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method 200 may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated with a thermistor furnace (such as the system 100 of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B), one or more specialized and/or computerized processing devices specialized computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof. The process and/or flow diagrams described herein do not necessarily imply a fixed order to any depicted actions, steps, and/or procedures, and embodiments may generally be performed in any order that is practicable unless otherwise and specifically noted. Any of the processes and/or methods described herein may be performed and/or facilitated by hardware, software (including microcode), firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, a storage medium (e.g., a hard disk, Universal Serial Bus (USB) mass storage device, and/or Digital Video Disk (DVD)) may store thereon instructions that when executed by a machine (such as a thermistor furnace) result in performance according to any one or more of the embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may be illustrative of a process that occurs when an operator of a thermistor furnace (e.g., the system 100 of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B) actuates the furnace to melt, smelt, and/or cast a load. According to some embodiments, the method 200 may comprise applying electric current to an electric circuit comprising a crucible-mold (e.g., the crucible-mold 102 of FIG. 1A), at 202. The crucible-mold may, for example, define a cavity in which a load (e.g., an amount of metal; such as the load 120 of FIG. 1A) is disposed. The applying of the current may, in some embodiments, comprise actuation of a switch and/or other input mechanism that causes electric current to be applied to the electric circuit. In some embodiments, applying of the electric current may be conducted automatically, such as by an electronic processing device. According to some embodiments, such as in the case that the crucible-mold comprises a thermistor, passage of the electric current through the crucible-mold may cause the crucible-mold to be heated. Heating of the crucible-mold may in turn, for example, cause the load to be heated.

According to some embodiments, the method 200 may comprise causing a vacuum to occur in the cavity, at 204. An operator and/or electronic processing device may cause actuation of a vacuum device coupled to the crucible-mold, for example, causing the cavity of the crucible-mold to be subject to a vacuum state. In some embodiments, such as in the case that an electronic processing device executes instructions to conduct and/or facilitate the method 200 (and/or portions thereof), the causing of the vacuum may be conducted in relation to the application of the electric current at 202. Application of the electric current at 202 may cause and/or trigger the causing of the vacuum at 204, for example, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may comprise spinning the crucible-mold about an axis of rotation, at 206. An electric motor and/or other device for application of angular momentum may be engaged with the crucible-mold and/or objects coupled thereto, for example, to cause the crucible mold (and load) to spin. In some embodiments, heating (e.g., due to the passage of the electric current through the crucible-mold) of the load in the vacuum state, while spinning, may cause the load to be uniformly and efficiently melted. In some embodiments, such as in the case that the crucible-mold comprises a casting mold (such as a highly-detailed graphite and/or plaster mold), the centrifugal force exerted on the load by the spinning may cause the melted load to uniformly be distributed in the casting mold. In some embodiments, such as in the case that an electronic processing device executes instructions to conduct and/or facilitate the method 200 (and/or portions thereof), the spinning may be conducted in relation to the application of the electric current at 202 and/or in relation to the causing of the vacuum at 204. Application of the electric current at 202 and/or the causing of the vacuum at 204 may, for example, cause and/or trigger the spinning at 206, or vice versa

According to some embodiments, the method 200 may comprise applying axial pressure to the crucible-mold, at 208. A weight (e.g., the second mass 140 of FIG. 1A) and/or other form of pressure, physical or otherwise, may be applied to the crucible-mold, for example, to reduce and/or prevent axial distortion of the crucible-mold due to either or both of the heating (e.g., due to the electric current) or the spinning.

Turning to FIG. 3, a perspective assembly diagram of a crucible-mold 302 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the crucible-mold 302 may be utilized to conduct and/or facilitate safe, efficient, and/or improved melting, smelting, and/or casting of loads. The crucible-mold 302 may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the crucible-mold 102 of FIG. 1A herein. According to some embodiments, the crucible-mold 302 may comprise a top element 304, a bottom element 306, a side-ring element 308, a heating element 312, a heating element seat 314, a viewing port 316, and/or a casting mold 318.

Fewer or more components 304, 306, 308, 312, 314, 316, 318 and/or various configurations of the depicted components 304, 306, 308, 312, 314, 316, 318 may be included in the crucible-mold 302 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components 304, 306, 308, 312, 314, 316, 318 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as described herein. In some embodiments, the crucible-mold 302 (and/or a portion thereof) may comprise a portion of a thermistor furnace operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein.

In some embodiments (such as depicted in FIG. 3), the top element 304 may comprise a cone-shaped section that may, for example, provide an improved coupling of the crucible-mold 302 to a device configured to hold the crucible-mold 302 (such as the second mass 140 of FIG. 1A and/or a portion thereof). The cone-shape may also or alternatively facilitate removal of the top element 302 from the crucible-mold 302 and/or of the crucible-mold 302 from a holder thereof, and/or may facilitate centering of the crucible-mold 302 about an axis and/or stability of rotation about the axis (e.g., the axis of rotation 122 of FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, the top element 304 and/or bottom element 306 may be fabricated from graphite and/or other suitable materials (e.g., for facilitating resistive electrical heating).

According to some embodiments, the heating element 312 may comprise the smallest diameter, cross-section, and/or dimensions of all the components 304, 306, 308, 312, 314, 318 of the crucible-mold 302, such that in response to electric current induced thermal resistance, the heating element 312 may comprise the hottest portion of the crucible-mold 302. In some embodiments, the sizing and/or material composition of the heating element 312 may be configured to provide a desired magnitude of heating. According to some embodiments, a heat shield (not shown in FIG. 3) may be placed between the heating element 312 and the bottom element 306.

According to some embodiments, the viewing port 316 may be utilized to monitor characteristics of a load (not shown in FIG. 3) placed within the crucible-mold 302. During melting, smelting, and/or casting, for example, an operator and/or an electronic sensor may utilize the viewing port 316 to determine whether temperature, spinning (e.g., Revolutions-Per-Minute (RPM)), and/or pressure should be adjusted to achieve desired results. In some embodiments, such as in the case that the crucible-mold 302 is utilized as a melting and/or smelting apparatus, the casting mold 318 may not be included in the crucible-mold 302. In some embodiments, even though the crucible-mold 302 may not be utilized for casting, the casting mold 318 may be included, but may simply not comprise any mold features (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the casting mold 318 may comprise a graphite mold or a plaster mold (such as may be produced, for example, via a “lost wax” and/or “investment” casting methodology).

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-section diagram of a system 400 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 400 may be utilized to conduct and/or facilitate safe, efficient, and/or improved melting, smelting, and/or casting of loads. The system 400 may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the system 100 of FIG. 1A herein (and/or one or more portions thereof). According to some embodiments, the system 400 may comprise a crucible-mold 402 which may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the crucible-molds 102, 302 of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 3 herein. The crucible-mold 402 may comprise, for example, a top element 404, a bottom element 406, a side-ring element 408 (having a lip 408-1), a chamber 410, a heating element 412, a heating element seat 414, a viewing port 416, and/or a casting mold 418. In some embodiments, the system 400 may comprise a load 420 disposed within the chamber 410.

Fewer or more components 404, 406, 408, 408-1, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 and/or various configurations of the depicted components 404, 406, 408, 408-1, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 may be included in the system 400 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components 404, 406, 408, 408-1, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as described herein. In some embodiments, the system 400 (and/or a portion thereof) may comprise a portion of a thermistor furnace operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein.

In some embodiments, the heating element 412 may sit in and/or couple to the heating element seat 414. According to some embodiments, the bottom element 406 may rest on and/or be coupled to the heating element 412. In some embodiments, the casting mold 418 may sit on and/or be coupled to the bottom element 406 and/or the top element 404 may sit on and/or be coupled to the casting mold 418. According to some embodiments, the side-ring element 408 may rest on and/or be coupled to the casting mold 418 via the lip 408-1. In some embodiments, the load 420 may be disposed within the chamber 410, which may be viewed and/or monitored, for example, via the viewing port 416.

According to some embodiments, the lengths, thicknesses, diameters, and/or current resistances of the various components 404, 406, 408, 412, 414, 418 of the crucible-mold 402 may be configured to obtain a desired operating temperature of the crucible-mold 402. In some embodiments, pressure applied to either or both of the top element 404 and the bottom element 406 may facilitate compensation for thermal expansion of the casting mold 418 (e.g., preventing distortion of the crucible-mold 402 from allowing molten load to escape from the chamber 410.

Turning to FIG. 5, a perspective cross-section diagram of a system 500 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 500 may be utilized to conduct and/or facilitate safe, efficient, and/or improved melting, smelting, and/or casting of loads. The system 500 may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems 100, 400 of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 4 herein (and/or one or more portions thereof). According to some embodiments, the system 500 may comprise a crucible-mold 502 which may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the crucible-molds 102, 302, 402 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 3, and/or FIG. 4 herein. The system 500 may comprise a bottom shaft 530, which itself may comprise a crucible-mold seat 532, a bottom shaft mating space 534, and/or a bottom shaft mating surface 536. In some embodiments, the system 500 may comprise a top shaft 540, which itself may comprise one or more engaging elements 544 and/or a viewing port 546.

Fewer or more components 502, 530, 532, 534, 536, 540, 544, 546 and/or various configurations of the depicted components 502, 530, 532, 534, 536, 540, 544, 546 may be included in the system 500 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components 502, 530, 532, 534, 536, 540, 544, 546 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as described herein. In some embodiments, the system 500 (and/or a portion thereof) may comprise a portion of a thermistor furnace operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein.

In some embodiments, the crucible-mold 502 (e.g., a lower portion thereof, such as the heating element seat 414 of FIG. 4) may sit in and/or be coupled to the crucible-mold seat 532 of the bottom shaft 530. According to some embodiments, the engaging elements 544 of the top shaft 540 may sit and/or rest within the bottom shaft mating space 534. The bottom shaft matting space 534 may, for example, provide electrical insulation and/or isolation between the bottom shaft 530 and the top shaft 540, such that electric current is appropriately direct through the crucible-mold 502. In some embodiments, the bottom shaft mating surface 536 may be utilized to apply a rotational force to the system 500. The bottom shaft mating surface 536 may, for example, be coupled to a shaft of a motor (not shown in FIG. 5) that is configured to rotate the system 500. According to some embodiments, the viewing port 546 may be utilized by an operator and/or electronic sensor (neither of which is shown in FIG. 5) to monitor a load within the crucible-mold 502.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-section diagram of a system 600 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 600 may be utilized to conduct and/or facilitate safe, efficient, and/or improved melting, smelting, and/or casting of loads. The system 600 may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems 100, 400, 500 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 4, and/or FIG. 5 herein (and/or one or more portions thereof). According to some embodiments, the system 600 may comprise a crucible-mold 602 which may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the crucible-molds 102, 302, 402, 502 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and/or FIG. 5 herein. The system 600 may comprise a load 620 disposed within the crucible-mold 602, and/or a bottom shaft 630, itself comprising (and/or being coupled to) a bottom crucible mold seat 632 and/or a stopping edge 638. In some embodiments, the system 600 may comprise a top shaft 640, itself comprising (and/or being coupled to) a top crucible mold seat 642, and/or a top shaft radiator 648.

According to some embodiments, the system 600 may comprise a housing 660, that may include, for example, a top bracket surface 660-1, an upper body bracket surface 660-2, a lower body bracket surface 660-3, an upper cradle bracket surface 660-4, a lower cradle bracket surface 660-5, a top connector rod housing 660-6, and/or a bottom connector rod housing 660-7. In some embodiments, the housing 660 (and/or one or more portions thereof) may house, contain, and/or be coupled to the crucible-mold 602, the load 620, the bottom shaft 630, and/or the top shaft 640 (and/or any portions thereof). In some embodiments, the crucible-mold 602, the load 620, the bottom shaft 630, and/or the top shaft 640 (and/or any portions thereof) may spin within housing 660 (e.g., about the “Y” axis as depicted in FIG. 6). The system 600 may comprise, for example, one or more ball bearing housings 662a-e housing one or more ball bearings 664a-e (e.g., retained by one or more ball bearing fasteners 666a-e). As depicted in FIG. 6, the bottom shaft 630 may be coupled to rotate with facilitation from a first ball bearing 664a and/or a second ball bearing 664b, and/or the top shaft 640 may be coupled to rotate with facilitation from a third ball bearing 664c and/or a fourth ball bearing 664d.

In some embodiments, the system 600 may comprise a first spring holder 668a and/or a second spring holder 668b coupled to hold and/or restrain a spring 670. The spring holders 668a-b and the spring 670 may, for example, be disposed within the housing 660 between the top shaft 640 and a viewing window 672. In some embodiments, the spring holders 668a-b and the spring 670 may be coupled to rotate with facilitation from a fifth ball bearing 664e. In some embodiments, the viewing window 672 may be secured in place by a viewing window cover 672-1, which may in turn be secured by one or more viewing window fasteners 671-2. In some embodiments, a viewing window gasket 672-3 may be disposed and/or coupled between the viewing window cover 672-1 and the housing 660. In such a manner, for example, the load 620 may be viewed and/or monitored via the viewing window 672.

According to some embodiments, the system 600 may comprise a motor 674 (and/or other device capable of imparting angular momentum to the system 600 and/or portions thereof). The motor 674 may, for example, comprise an Alternating Current (NC) and/or Direct Current (D/C) electric motor having a motor shaft 674-1 coupled to the bottom shaft 630. In some embodiments, the motor shaft 674-1 and the bottom shaft 630 may be loosely and/or removably coupled, such that imparting a separating force along the “Y” axis may easily disengage the bottom shaft 630 from the motor shaft 674-1. According to some embodiments, the motor 674 may be mounted and/or otherwise coupled to the housing 660 (and/or a portion thereof, such as the lower body bracket surface 660-3) via a motor housing 674-2. The system 600 may comprise a motor protection cover 674-3 and/or motor power terminals 674-4a-b (e.g., via which the motor 674 may be provided with power, in the case that the motor 674 comprises an electric motor).

In some embodiments, the system 600 may comprise a cradle 676 coupled to allow, permit, and/or facilitate, shifting the “Y” axis from normal (e.g., vertical). As depicted in FIG. 6, for example, the cradle 676 may be coupled to the upper cradle bracket surface 660-4 (which may be coupled to the housing 660—although not explicitly shown in FIG. 6) and moveably coupled to the lower cradle bracket surface 660-5. In such a manner for example, the system 600 (e.g., except for the lower cradle bracket surface 660-5) may be angled, wobbled, and/or otherwise adjusted as desired for melting, smelting, and/or casting operations. In some embodiments, the cradle 676 may comprise and/or be coupled to an electronic processing device (not shown in FIG. 6) that is programmed and/or otherwise configured to shift the “Y” axis as is or becomes desirable.

According to some embodiments, the system 600 may comprise guide bars 680a-b mounted and/or otherwise coupled to (and/or through) the upper body bracket surface 660-2 and coupled to the housing 660. In some embodiments, the system 600 may comprise electric insulators 682 coupled to facilitate electrically-insulated coupling of the guide bars 680a-b to the upper body bracket surface 660-2. In some embodiments, locking mechanisms 684 may be employed to secure either or both of the guide bars 680a-b. According to some embodiments, the first guide bar 680a may be partially and/or removably disposed within, coupled to, and/or otherwise engaged with a hinge housing 686 that may contain and/or comprise a lifting spring 688. The lifting spring 688 may assist and/or facilitate, for example, disengagement of a top portion of the housing 660 (e.g., “C”) from a lower portion of the housing 660 (e.g., “D”), such as along the “X” axis of FIG. 6. The guide bars 680a-b may also assist in such disengagement by facilitating proper alignment and travel restrictions on various portions of the system 600.

In some embodiments, the system 600 and/or portions thereof may comprise an electric circuit (such as the electric circuit 100 of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B herein). The electric circuit may comprise, for example, a bottom connector “A” and a top connector “B”, each connector comprising an electric cable terminal 690a-b electrically coupled (when engaged/activated) to a connecting rod 692a-b. Each connecting rod 692a-b may comprise “O”-rings 692-1 to facilitate a hermetic seal (e.g., allowing for a establishment of a vacuum state in the crucible-mold 602). Each connector, in accordance with some embodiments, comprises an insulating front plate 694-1 coupled to the electric cable terminal 690a-b, and a back plate 694-2. The insulating front plates 694-1a-b may be coupled to springs 696-1 that engage with guide rods 696-2 to couple the front plates 694-1a-b to the back plates 694-2a-b. In some embodiments, the connectors may be engaged and/or disengaged (e.g., the electric cable terminals 690a-b may be electrically engaged and/or disengaged, respectively, with the connecting rods 692a-b) via levers 698-1a-b coupled to engage axles 698-2a-b. In some embodiments, such as in the case that both electric cable terminals 690a-b are engaged with the connecting rods 692a-b, electric current (such as D/C current) may flow from the bottom connector “A” (e.g., from the bottom electric cable terminal 690a thereof) through the bottom connecting rod 692a and into the bottom shaft 630.

According to some embodiments, the bottom shaft 630 and the top shaft 640 are electrically insulated from each other, such that current flowing between the connectors “A” and “B” must pass through the crucible-mold 602 (and the components thereof). The current may accordingly pass from the bottom shaft 630 into and through the crucible-mold 602. The crucible-mold 602 may be configured to be heated by the passing current (e.g., may comprise a thermistor) such as by establishing the resistance of the crucible-mold 602 at a level substantially higher than the other portions of the electric circuit. In some embodiments, the current may pass from the crucible-mold 602 into the top shaft 640. The current may then flow through the top shaft radiator 648, into the coupled top connecting rod 692b, and to the top electric cable terminal 690b, completing the circuit. In some embodiments, other portions of the system 600 may also or alternatively receive and/or pass electric current. Any or all of the ball bearings 664a-e, for example, may be included in the electric circuit.

Fewer or more components 602, 630, 632, 638, 640, 642, 648, 660, 660-1, 660-2, 660-3, 660-4, 660-5, 660-6, 660-7, 662e-e, 664a-e, 666a-e, 668a-b, 670, 672, 672-1, 672-2, 672-3, 674, 674-1, 674-2, 674-3, 674-4a-b, 676, 680a-b, 682, 684, 686, 688, 690a-b, 692a-b, 692-1, 694-1a-b, 694-2a-b, 696-1, 696-2, 698-1a-b, 698-2a-b and/or various configurations of the depicted components 602, 630, 632, 638, 640, 642, 648, 660, 660-1, 660-2, 660-3, 660-4, 660-5, 660-6, 660-7, 662e-e, 664a-e, 666a-e, 668a-b, 670, 672, 672-1, 672-2, 672-3, 674, 674-1, 674-2, 674-3, 674-4a-b, 676, 680a-b, 682, 684, 686, 688, 690a-b, 692a-b, 692-1, 694-1a-b, 694-2a-b, 696-1, 696-2, 698-1a-b, 698-2a-b may be included in the system 600 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components 602, 630, 632, 638, 640, 642, 648, 660, 660-1, 660-2, 660-3, 660-4, 660-5, 660-6, 660-7, 662e-e, 664a-e, 666a-e, 668a-b, 670, 672, 672-1, 672-2, 672-3, 674, 674-1, 674-2, 674-3, 674-4a-b, 676, 680a-b, 682, 684, 686, 688, 690a-b, 692a-b, 692-1, 694-1a-b, 694-2a-b, 696-1, 696-2, 698-1a-b, 698-2a-b may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as described herein. In some embodiments, the system 600 (and/or a portion thereof) may comprise a portion of a thermistor furnace operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein.

Turning to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a side view and a perspective diagram, respectively, of a system 700 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 700 may be utilized to conduct and/or facilitate safe, efficient, and/or improved melting, smelting, and/or casting of loads. The system 700 may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems 100, 400, 500, 600 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and/or FIG. 6 herein (and/or one or more portions thereof). According to some embodiments, the system 700 may comprise a viewing port 772 (FIG. 7B), a viewing port cover 772-1, and a bottom current connector “A” and a top current connector “B”. In some embodiments, the current connectors may comprise axle holders 778-1a-b that retain and/or are coupled to operator handles 778-2a-b. In some embodiments, the system 700 may comprise locking mechanisms 784 and/or the current connectors may comprise electric terminals 790a-b.

Fewer or more components 772, 772-1, 778-1a-b, 778-2a-b, 784, 790a-b and/or various configurations of the depicted components 772, 772-1, 778-1a-b, 778-2a-b, 784, 790a-b may be included in the system 700 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components 772, 772-1, 778-1a-b, 778-2a-b, 784, 790a-b may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as described herein. In some embodiments, the system 700 (and/or a portion thereof) may comprise a thermistor furnace operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein.

In some embodiments, the system 700 may be illustrative of how the system 700 may be configured prior to (or after) engaging in a melting, smelting, and/or casting operation. The operator handles 778-2a-b are situated in an upward vertical alignment, or an “off” position, for example, preventing electric current from activating the system 700 and generally rendering the system 700 safe to handle. The locking mechanisms 784 are situated in an “engaged” position in which the system 700 is sealed and closed. According to some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the viewing port cover 772-1 may be removed, such as to inspect or replace one or more components of the viewing port 772 and/or to deposit a load (not explicitly shown in FIG. 7A or FIG. 7B) into the system 700.

Referring now to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, a side view and a perspective diagram, respectively, of a system 800 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 800 may be utilized to conduct and/or facilitate safe, efficient, and/or improved melting, smelting, and/or casting of loads. The system 800 may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems 100, 400, 500, 600, 700 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7A, and/or FIG. 7B herein (and/or one or more portions thereof). According to some embodiments, the system 800 may comprise a bottom support 860-8, a top support 860-9, a plurality of feet 860-10, a viewing port cover 872-1, a vacuum connector 874-5, and a bottom current connector “A” and a top current connector “B”. In some embodiments, the current connectors may comprise axle holders 878-1a-b that retain and/or are coupled to operator handles 878-2a-b. In some embodiments, the system 800 may comprise locking mechanisms 884 and/or the current connectors may comprise electric terminals 890a-b, connecting rods 892a-b, connector front plates 894-1a-b, and/or off-center cylindrical members 898-1a-b.

Fewer or more components 860-8, 860-9, 860-10, 872-1, 874-5, 878-1a-b, 878-2a-b, 884, 890a-b, 892a-b, 894-1a-b, 898-1a-b and/or various configurations of the depicted components 860-8, 860-9, 860-10, 872-1, 874-5, 878-1a-b, 878-2a-b, 884, 890a-b, 892a-b, 894-1a-b, 898-1a-b may be included in the system 800 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components 860-8, 860-9, 860-10, 872-1, 874-5, 878-1a-b, 878-2a-b, 884, 890a-b, 892a-b, 894-1a-b, 898-1a-b may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as described herein. In some embodiments, the system 800 (and/or a portion thereof) may comprise a thermistor furnace operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein.

In some embodiments, the system 800 may be illustrative of how the system 800 may be configured after initial setup (e.g., after depositing a load into the system 800) and/or during operation of the system 800 (e.g., for melting, smelting, and/or casting one or more metals). As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, for example, the viewing port cover 872-1 is secured in place and the locking mechanisms 884 are positioned to engage and/or couple an upper portion “C” of the system 800 to a lower portion “D” of the system 800. According to some embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B), the operator handles 878-2a-b are situated in a downward vertical alignment, e.g., an “on” position. As the off-center cylindrical members 898-1a-b are coupled off-center to the operator handles 878-2a-b, moving the operator handles 878-2a-b from an upward vertical alignment (such as in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B herein) to the downward vertical alignment causes, in some embodiments, the off-center cylindrical members 898-1a-b to exert pressure on the connector front plates 894-1a-b, which causes the electric terminals 890a-b to engage the connecting rods 892a-b. Engagement and/or electric coupling of the electric terminals 890a-b to the connecting rods 892a-b causes, in some embodiments, electric current to flow through the system 800.

According to some embodiments, the vacuum connector 874-5 may be utilized to cause or create a vacuum within the system 800 and/or within a portion thereof. A load (not explicitly shown in FIG. 8A or FIG. 8B) placed into the system may, for example, be subjected to a vacuum state by engaging a pump (also not shown) with the vacuum connector 874-5. In some embodiments, the vacuum connector 874-5 may also or alternatively be utilized to supply and/or provide a gas to the system 800. It may be desirable for conducting some operations of the system 800, for example, to introduce Argon and/or other desirable gases into the system 800 and/or to subject the load to such gases. According to some embodiments, utilization of the vacuum connector 874-5 and/or establishing a vacuum and/or other desirable gaseous environment in the system 800 may be conducted simultaneously with the application of current (e.g., via engagement of the electrical connectors “A” and “B”). The load may be heated, melted, smelted, and/or cast, for example, while subjected to a vacuum or other desirable gaseous environment. In some embodiments, the vacuum connector 874-5 may be utilized and/or the vacuum (or other gaseous environment) may be established prior to connection of the electrical current via activation of the electrical connectors “A” and “B”.

Turning to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, a side view and a perspective diagram, respectively, of a system 900 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 900 may be utilized to conduct and/or facilitate safe, efficient, and/or improved melting, smelting, and/or casting of loads. The system 900 may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems 100, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8A, and/or FIG. 8B herein (and/or one or more portions thereof). According to some embodiments, the system 900 may comprise a crucible-mold 902, a bottom shaft 930 (having a bottom shaft mating space 934), a vacuum connector 974-5, and a bottom current connector “A” and a top current connector “B”. In some embodiments, the current connectors may comprise operator handles 978-2a-b. In some embodiments, the system 900 may comprise guide bars 980a-b, locking mechanisms 984, and/or a hinge 986.

Fewer or more components 902, 930, 934, 974-5, 978-2a-b, 980a-b, 984, 986 and/or various configurations of the depicted components 902, 930, 934, 974-5, 978-2a-b, 980a-b, 984, 986 may be included in the system 900 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components 902, 930, 934, 974-5, 978-2a-b, 980a-b, 984, 986 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as described herein. In some embodiments, the system 900 (and/or a portion thereof) may comprise a thermistor furnace operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein.

According to some embodiments, the system 900 may be illustrative of how the system 900 may be configured after operation (or before or during initial setup). As depicted in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, for example, the operator handles 978-2a-b are situated in an upward vertical alignment or “off” position, isolating the system 900 from electrical current. Also as depicted, the locking mechanisms 984 have been disengaged, allowing (or causing) an upper portion “C” of the system 900 to be disengaged and/or uncoupled from a lower portion “D” of the system 900. According to some embodiments, the disengaging of the upper portion “C” from the lower portion “D” may cause the upper portion “C” (and/or portions thereof) to exit and/or disengage from the bottom shaft mating space 934. In some embodiments, the upper portion “C” may be pivoted and/or swung on or via the hinge 986 (and/or on or via a first guide bar 980a) away from the crucible-mold 902 (and/or the horizontal center of the lower portion “D”). In such a manner, for example, the crucible-mold 902 may be retrieved and/or removed from the seated position in or on the bottom shaft 930 (and/or placed therein, such as in the case that setup of the system 900 is being conducted). In some embodiments, the vacuum connector 974-5 may be utilized to re-pressurize the system 900 (e.g., prior to disengaging the upper portion “C” from the lower portion “D”).

Turning to FIG. 10, a flow diagram of a method 1000 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method 1000 may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated with a thermistor furnace (such as the system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 6, FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 9A, and/or FIG. 9B herein), one or more specialized and/or computerized processing devices, specialized computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the method 1000 may be related to and/or comprise a portion of a melting, smelting, and/or casting process or method such as the method 200 of FIG. 2 herein.

In some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise placing a load in a crucible-mold, at 1002. A load such as a metal and/or precious metal, of any desired mass and/or practical configuration may, for example, be placed in a cavity of a crucible-mold as described herein. In some embodiments, the crucible-mold may disassemble so that the cavity may be easily accessed. According to some embodiments, an upper portion of a furnace may be disengaged from a lower portion of the furnace, permitting access to the crucible-mold and/or to the cavity in which the load is placed. In some embodiments, a window, door, and/or other access mechanism may be utilized to deposit the load into the cavity.

According to some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise placing the crucible-mold on top of a heating element seated in a bottom shaft, at 1004. As described herein, for example, such as in the case that the upper and lower portions of the furnace are disengaged, an inner section of the furnace may be revealed. The inner section may comprise a portion of the furnace between a top shaft and the bottom shaft of a dual-shaft spin casting furnace. In some embodiments, the heating element may be considered to be part of the crucible-mold.

In some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise engaging the top portion of the furnace with the bottom portion of the furnace, at 1006. The furnace into which the crucible-mold (containing the load) is placed may, for example, be closed and/or sealed (e.g., hermetically). According to some embodiments, the method the method 1000 may comprise activating a vacuum pump, placing the cavity of the crucible-mold in a proper state, at 1008. A vacuum state may be created in the crucible-mold cavity, for example, or the cavity may be filled with a desired gas (or gasses) to create the desired melting, smelting, and/or casting environment for the load. In some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise activating current flow through the crucible-mold, at 1010.

The crucible-mold may comprise a thermistor, for example, and/or otherwise become heated upon passage of electrical current there through. One or more switches or levers may be engaged (or disengaged), in some embodiments, to activate and/or initiate or trigger the current flow. In some embodiments, the heating of the crucible-mold due to the electrical current causes heat to be passed internally to the cavity of the crucible-mold, thereby heating the load. This heating (and, e.g., melting) of the load may be observed, monitored, and/or analyzed via a viewing port (and/or utilizing one or more sensors such as temperature sensors). Based on the observing, monitoring, and/or analyzing of the process, the electric current flow may be adjusted by either or both of disengaging and reengaging the current to maintain desired temperatures or effects, or, such as in the case that a variable current source is utilized, directly adjusting the amount of current flow. In some embodiments, such as in the case that different metals and/or different loads within the crucible-mold are desired to be mixed (or separated), the furnace may be “wobbled”, such as by engaging an axis-shifting cradle device as described herein. The wobble action may facilitate, for example, the desired mixing and/or separation.

According to some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise activating a spinning of the crucible-mold, at 1012. A motor and/or other device may be actuated, for example, and/or the top shaft may be engaged with the bottom shaft of the furnace, causing a spinning and/or rotation of the crucible-mold and/or other components of the furnace (e.g., the bottom and top shafts). In some embodiments, the spinning “cycle” may be initiated subsequent to the application of electrical current, at 1010. Operator handles and/or switches may be disengaged and/or moved to an “off” position, for example, ending current flow through the crucible-mold (e.g., once the load is melted). The spinning, in accordance with some embodiments, may force the melted load(s) into a casting mold within (and/or incorporated into) the crucible-mold. The casting mold may comprise, as described herein for example, a finely-detailed graphite mold, such as for the production of highly-detailed jewelry, gears, dental components, and/or other desirable casting products. To achieve desired effects (such as casting thickness), pressure applied to the crucible-mold during the spinning (e.g., via the top and/or bottom shafts) may be adjusted—either dynamically and/or by initial configuration of the mass of the pressure-applying components (e.g., in the case that gravitational pressure is utilized) or by appropriate selection of a spring constant for a utilized spring device. According to some embodiments, the spinning cycle may be terminated as desired. The load(s), crucible-mold, and/or furnace may then, for example, be allowed to cool, setting the casting.

In some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise activating the vacuum pump, placing the crucible-mold cavity in a proper state, at 1014. An atmospheric state may be re-introduced to the cavity, for example, and/or a gas such as Argon may be introduced, to produce effects on the casting as desired. According to some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise disengaging the top portion of the furnace from the bottom portion of the furnace, at 1016. On or more locking mechanisms may be disengaged, for example, allowing or causing the disengagement of the top and bottom portions of the furnace. In some embodiments, a spring assist may be employed to automatically disengage the portions upon disengagement of the locking mechanisms. In some embodiments, such as illustrated herein, the top portion may be pivoted (e.g., on a spring-assist hinge) away from the bottom portion—e.g., revealing and/or providing access to the crucible-mold. In some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise removing the load from the crucible-mold, at 1018. The finished product, which comprises the original load(s) activated upon by the thermistor furnace, may be removed from the crucible-mold and/or any casting mold thereof.

Turning to FIG. 11, a perspective diagram of a spin casting thermistor furnace 1100 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the furnace 1100 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems 100, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and/or FIG. 9 herein (and/or one or more portions thereof). In some embodiments, the furnace 1100 (and/or a portion thereof) may be operated, programmed, and/or otherwise configured to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 and/or portions or combinations thereof described herein. In some embodiments, the furnace 1100 may utilize D/C power to affect resistive heating of metallic loads, thereby melting such loads. The furnace 1100 may also or alternatively melt (or otherwise act upon) such loads under vacuum and/or other desired gaseous environments. According to some embodiments, the furnace 1100 may apply rotational energy, such as via an NC motor, to spin a melted load, thereby utilizing centrifugal force to introduce the melted loads into a casting mold. In some embodiments, the furnace 1100 may also or alternatively allow for a rotational axis (during rotation or not, as desired) to be cyclically adjusted (i.e., “wobbled”), to facilitate mixing, smelting, and/or casting of metallic loads.

Turning to FIG. 12, a block diagram of an apparatus 1200 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the apparatus 1200 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to and/or may be in communication with and/or control the systems 100, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and/or FIG. 9 herein (and/or one or more portions thereof) and/or the furnace 1100 of FIG. 11. The apparatus 1200 may, for example, execute, process, facilitate, and/or otherwise be associated with the methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 (or any portions thereof) herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus 1200 may comprise an electronic processor 1212, an input device 1214, an output device 1216, a communication device 1218, and/or a memory device 1240. Fewer or more components 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218, 1240 and/or various configurations of the components 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218, 1240 may be included in the system 1200 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein.

According to some embodiments, the electronic processor 1212 may be or include any type, quantity, and/or configuration of electronic and/or computerized processor that is or becomes known. The electronic processor 1212 may comprise, for example, an Intel® IXP 2800 network processor or an Intel® XEON™ Processor coupled with an Intel® E7501 chipset. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 1212 may comprise multiple inter-connected processors, microprocessors, and/or micro-engines. According to some embodiments, the electronic processor 1212 (and/or the apparatus 1200 and/or other components thereof) may be supplied power via a power supply (not shown) such as a battery, an Alternating Current (AC) source, a Direct Current (DC) source, an AC/DC adapter, solar cells, and/or an inertial generator. In some embodiments, such as in the case that the apparatus 1200 comprises a server such as a blade server, necessary power may be supplied via a standard AC outlet, power strip, surge protector, and/or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) device.

In some embodiments, the input device 1214 and/or the output device 1216 are communicatively coupled to the electronic processor 1212 (e.g., via wired and/or wireless connections, traces, and/or pathways) and they may generally comprise any types or configurations of input and output components and/or devices that are or become known, respectively. The input device 1214 may comprise, for example, a keyboard that allows an operator of the apparatus 1200 to interface with the apparatus 1200 (e.g., an operator or programmer of a thermistor furnace). The output device 1216 may, according to some embodiments, comprise a display screen and/or other practicable output component and/or device. According to some embodiments, the input device 1214 and/or the output device 1216 may comprise and/or be embodied in a single device such as a touch-screen monitor.

In some embodiments, the communication device 1218 may comprise any type or configuration of communication device that is or becomes known or practicable. The communication device 1218 may, for example, comprise a Network Interface Card (NIC), a telephonic device, a cellular network device, a router, a hub, a modem, and/or a communications port or cable. In some embodiments, the communication device 1218 may be coupled to receive data from and/or communicate instructions to a thermistor furnace as described herein. According to some embodiments, the communication device 1218 may also or alternatively be coupled to the electronic processor 1212. In some embodiments, the communication device 1218 may comprise an IR, RF, Bluetooth™, and/or Wi-Fi® network device coupled to facilitate communications between the electronic processor 1212 and another device (such as a sensor or furnace).

The memory device 1240 may comprise any appropriate information storage device that is or becomes known or available, including, but not limited to, units and/or combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g., a hard disk drive), optical storage devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as Random Access Memory (RAM) devices, Read Only Memory (ROM) devices, Single Data Rate Random Access Memory (SDR-RAM), Double Data Rate Random Access Memory (DDR-RAM), and/or Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM). The memory device 1240 may, according to some embodiments, store one or more of melting instructions 1242-1, smelting instructions 1242-2, and/or casting instructions 1242-3. In some embodiments, the melting instructions 1242-1, smelting instructions 1242-2, and/or casting instructions 1242-3 may be utilized by the electronic processor 1212 to provide output information via the output device 1216 and/or the communication device 1218.

According to some embodiments, the melting instructions 1242-1, smelting instructions 1242-2, and/or casting instructions 1242-3 may be operable to cause the electronic processor 1212 to access load data 1244-1 and/or furnace data 1244-2 (e.g., in accordance with the methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10 herein). Load data 1244-1 and/or furnace data 1244-2 received via the input device 1214 and/or the communication device 1218 may, for example, be analyzed, sorted, filtered, decoded, decompressed, ranked, scored, plotted, and/or otherwise processed by the electronic processor 1212 in accordance with the melting instructions 1242-1, smelting instructions 1242-2, and/or casting instructions 1242-3. In some embodiments, load data 1244-1 and/or furnace data 1244-2 may be fed by the electronic processor 1212 through one or more mathematical and/or statistical formulas, rule sets, policies, and/or models in accordance with the melting instructions 1242-1, smelting instructions 1242-2, and/or casting instructions 1242-3 to facilitate and/or conduct various furnace operations such a melting, smelting, and/or casting, as described herein.

Any or all of the exemplary instructions and data types described herein and other practicable types of data may be stored in any number, type, and/or configuration of memory devices that is or becomes known. The memory device 1240 may, for example, comprise one or more data tables or files, databases, table spaces, registers, and/or other storage structures. In some embodiments, multiple databases and/or storage structures (and/or multiple memory devices 1240) may be utilized to store information associated with the apparatus 1200. According to some embodiments, the memory device 1240 may be incorporated into and/or otherwise coupled to the apparatus 1200 (e.g., as shown) or may simply be accessible to the apparatus 1200 (e.g., externally located and/or situated).

Referring to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, perspective diagrams of exemplary data storage devices 1340a-b according to some embodiments are shown. The data storage devices 1340a-b may, for example, be utilized to store instructions and/or data such as the melting instructions 1242-1, smelting instructions 1242-2, and/or casting instructions 1242-3, each of which is described in reference to FIG. 12 herein. In some embodiments, instructions stored on the data storage devices 1340a-b may, when executed by a processor (such as the electronic processor 1212 of FIG. 12), cause the implementation of and/or facilitate any of the various methods 200, 1000 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 10, described herein. The data storage devices 1340a-b may also or alternatively store data such as the load data 1244-1 and/or furnace data 1244-2, all as described with reference to FIG. 12 herein.

According to some embodiments, the first data storage device 1340a may comprise a CD, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-Ray™ Disc, and/or other type of optically-encoded disk and/or other computer-readable storage medium that is or becomes know or practicable. In some embodiments, the second data storage device 1340b may comprise a USB keyfob, dongle, and/or other type of flash memory data storage device that is or becomes know or practicable. The data storage devices 1340a-b may generally store program instructions, code, and/or modules that, when executed by an electronic and/or computerized processing device cause a particular machine to function in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the data storage devices 1340a-b depicted in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are representative of a class and/or subset of computer-readable media that are defined herein as “computer-readable memory” (e.g., memory devices as opposed to transmission devices). While computer-readable media may include transitory media types, as utilized herein, the term computer-readable memory is limited to non-transitory computer-readable media.

As used herein, the terms “information” and “data” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any data, text, voice, video, image, message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform, and/or other type or configuration of signal and/or information. Information may comprise information packets transmitted, for example, in accordance with the Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) standard as defined by “Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) Specification” RFC 1883, published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), Network Working Group, S. Deering et al. (December 1995). Information may, according to some embodiments, be compressed, encoded, encrypted, and/or otherwise packaged or manipulated in accordance with any method that is or becomes known or practicable.

In addition, some embodiments described herein are associated with an “indication”. As used herein, the term “indication” may be used to refer to any indicia and/or other information indicative of or associated with a subject, item, entity, and/or other object and/or idea. As used herein, the phrases “information indicative of” and “indicia” may be used to refer to any information that represents, describes, and/or is otherwise associated with a related entity, subject, or object. Indicia of information may include, for example, a code, a reference, a link, a signal, an identifier, and/or any combination thereof and/or any other informative representation associated with the information. In some embodiments, indicia of information (or indicative of the information) may be or include the information itself and/or any portion or component of the information. In some embodiments, an indication may include a request, a solicitation, a broadcast, and/or any other form of information gathering and/or dissemination.

Numerous embodiments are described in this patent application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features does not imply that all or even any of such components and/or features are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no component and/or feature is essential or required.

Further, although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to the invention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

“Determining” something can be performed in a variety of manners and therefore the term “determining” (and like terms) includes calculating, computing, deriving, looking up (e.g., in a table, database or data structure), ascertaining and the like.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately and/or specially-programmed general purpose computers and/or computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors) will receive instructions from a memory or like device, and execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes defined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the processes of various embodiments. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software

A “processor” generally means any one or more microprocessors, CPU devices, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or like devices, as further described herein.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions or other information) that may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include DRAM, which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during RF and IR data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

The term “computer-readable memory” may generally refer to a subset and/or class of computer-readable medium that does not include transmission media such as waveforms, carrier waves, electromagnetic emissions, etc. Computer-readable memory may typically include physical media upon which data (e.g., instructions or other information) are stored, such as optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory, DRAM, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, computer hard drives, backup tapes, Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory devices, and the like.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying data, including sequences of instructions, to a processor. For example, sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth™, TDMA, CDMA, 3G.

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of priority of the present application. Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present application.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

an electric circuit configured to accept an electric current;

a crucible-mold configured to spin about an axis of rotation, the crucible-mold defining a vacuum chamber, and the crucible-mold comprising a portion of the electric circuit; and

a pressure device coupled to apply pressure to the crucible-mold.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure device is coupled to apply pressure to the crucible-mold during a spinning of the crucible-mold about the axis of rotation.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure device is coupled to apply pressure to the crucible-mold during a heating of the crucible-mold due to the electric current.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure device also comprises a portion of the electric circuit.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the crucible-mold comprises graphite.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a load disposed within the vacuum chamber.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the load comprises at least on of a precious metal and titanium.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a wobble device coupled to be engaged to shift the axis of rotation from comprising a line of intersection between a first geometric plane and a second geometric plane, to comprising a line of intersection between the first geometric plane and a third geometric plane.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a viewport coupled to allow viewing of the vacuum chamber.

10. A thermistor furnace, comprising:

a hermetically-sealable housing;

a bottom rotational shaft disposed within the housing;

a mold configured to accept a load, the mold being seated on the bottom rotational shaft within the housing;

a top rotational shaft disposed within the housing, the top rotational shaft configured to rest upon the mold, thereby applying a weight force to the mold, and the top rotational shaft being rotationally engageable with the bottom rotational shaft;

a vacuum device coupled to place the hermetically-sealable housing in a vacuum state; and

an electric current device coupled to direct electrical current through the mold, thereby heating the mold.

11. The furnace of claim 10, wherein the electric current device is further coupled to direct the electrical current through at least one of the top rotational shaft and the bottom rotational shaft.

12. The furnace of claim 10, further comprising:

a rotational device coupled to provide rotational energy to at least one of the top rotational shaft and the bottom rotational shaft.

13. The furnace of claim 10, further comprising:

a monitoring port configured to allow monitoring of a load within the mold during application of current by the electric current device.

14. The furnace of claim 10, further comprising:

a caster device coupled to allow an axis of rotation of the top rotational shaft and the bottom rotational shaft to be adjusted during rotation about the axis.

15. The furnace of claim 10, wherein the mold comprises an isotropic graphite mold.

16. The furnace of claim 10, wherein the load comprises at least one of a precious metal load and a titanium load.

17. A method of thermistor vacuum spin casting of a load, comprising:

applying electric current to an electric circuit comprising a thermistor casting mold, the thermistor casting mold defining a chamber in which a load is disposed;

causing a vacuum to occur in the chamber of the thermistor casting mold;

spinning the thermistor casting mold about an axis of rotation; and

applying physical pressure to the thermistor casting mold.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the spinning and the applying of the pressure occur during the causing of the vacuum in the chamber of the thermistor casting mold.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the applying electric current, causing, spinning, and applying pressure is conducted by an electronic processing device.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the electric current comprises D/C current, the load comprises at least one of a precious metal load and a titanium load, and the D/C current causes the metal load to melt.