Pressure Applied After Introduction Of Metal Patents (Class 164/120)
  • Patent number: 5954113
    Abstract: A method for producing light metal castings, in particular cylinder heads, cylinder blocks and/or crankcases for internal combustion engines, includes a sand mold which forms a mold cavity for the casting. The sand mold includes outer mold parts, at least one core and at least one feeder for forming a riser, wherein the mold is provided with an in-gate for receiving the metal melt and the metal melt is filled into the mold cavity under the effect of gravity. A cover core (5) is fitted onto the mold that is at least in partial regions designed to be impermeable to gas and which contains at least one feeder, and wherein immediately after the filling operation, the feeder filled with metal melt is admitted with a pressure via a pressurized gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Eisenwerk Bruehl GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Buchborn
  • Patent number: 5941297
    Abstract: Metal matrix composite is made by assembling pre-forms of porous reinforcing material with an array of separator plates in a die in a pressure vessel, and infiltrating molten metal matrix material. Pre-evacuation followed by pressurisation when the molten metal matrix material is introduced into the die aids the infiltration. Re-introduction of gas during initial heating prior to melting speeds the heat-up process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: AEA Technology PLC
    Inventor: Robin Michael Kurt Young
  • Patent number: 5908065
    Abstract: Squeeze casting of high integrity, near net shape castings is performed in a mould cavity defined by cooperating die parts which are movable with respect to each other and have a separation distance which is selected to define a predetermined cavity volume for the cast article. A conduit has a first end connected to an entrance in the lower die part of the mould cavity and a second end connected to a receptacle which contains molten metal. Molten metal is transferred upwardly from the receptacle through the conduit to fill or substantially fill the mould cavity. The entrance to the mould cavity is sealed, and pressure is applied on the die parts to further reduce the cavity volume during solidification of the metal in the mould cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Papervision Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey Allan Chadwick
  • Patent number: 5906235
    Abstract: A pressurized squeeze casting apparatus and method for casting articles includes densifying means for mechanically applying force to a die assembly to compress and densify the molten metal material into a solid article having a near net shape. A shutoff member is provided to seal the interior cavity at the juncture of the runner and the cavity after the cavity is filled with molten metallic material and prior to densification. A low pressure furnace provides a supply of molten metallic material. The outlet from the furnace is biased into engagement with the runner by the gas pressure in the low pressure furnace to ensure a fluid tight connection between the furnace and the runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Thomas, deceased, by Margaretanne Thomas, legal representative, James B. Thomas, Roger Hale
  • Patent number: 5845698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of aluminum alloy having high wear resistance, in particular, to manufacturing method of aluminum alloy by dispersing silicon particle on only required part of wear resistance, and infiltrating the molten metal into the preform of silicon particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jun-Su Kim
  • Patent number: 5839497
    Abstract: An interior cooling inner plunger is caused to project from an outer plunger after casting. Alternatively, during casting, while it projects from the outer plunger, the inner plunger is inserted into a frustoconical gate. Subsequently, a pressure pin is moved downward from a movable mold side to a portion near a gate portion. When a melt solidifies, a casting sleeve and a casting plunger are moved downward, and a pressure pin is further moved downward to cut apart a biscuit from a mold product. An excellent product is produced and the cycle time is shortened by a good melt pushing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: U-Mold Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Fujino, Minoru Okamura
  • Patent number: 5810067
    Abstract: A light-alloy wheel is cast using an apparatus wherein cores are moved by a cotter via a sliding mechanism. A sliding portion is isolated from molten metal so that locking at the sliding portion is unlikely to occur. The sliding mechanism can be of a small size and is disposed in an interior of a mold top segment with a relatively large gap between the cotter and the mold top segment. The gap assures a good heat dissipation from the mold top segment. In a molding method conducted using the apparatus, the cores may be positioned at a retracted position and extended before the molten metal has solidified to thereby remove blow holes in a cast wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Topy Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Atari, Yasuyuki Murata, Shun Yamada, Yuichi Suzuki, Kishiro Abe, Hisashi Yoshimura, Akira Ishida
  • Patent number: 5803154
    Abstract: In a thixocasting process, a casting material is subjected to a heating treatment to prepare a semi-molten casting material having solid and liquid phases coexisting therein, and then, the semi-molten casting material is poured into a cavity under a pressure. A through-hole for applying a constricting effect to the material is provided in a flow path for the semi-molten casting material leading to the cavity in a casting mold. A material deforming pressure P.sub.1 immediately before the semi-molten casting material flows into the through-hole is used as a parameter. For example, the material deforming pressure P.sub.1 is equal to or lower than 6.7 MPa, it is determined that the material is satisfactorily filled in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Sugawara, Nobuhiro Saito
  • Patent number: 5787961
    Abstract: In carrying out of a thixocasting process, a material in a semi-molten state is produced by heating an aluminum alloy material which has a thermal characteristic that a first angled endothermic section generated by the melting of a eutectic crystal and a second angled endothermic section generated by the melting of a component having a melting point higher than a eutectic point exist in a differential calorimetric curve. A start point of a primary pressing stage is established at a point when the temperature T of the material is in a range of T.sub.1 <T.ltoreq.T.sub.4 in the relationship between the temperature T.sub.1 of a rise-start point in the first angled endothermic section and the temperature T.sub.4 of a peak of the second angled endothermic section. At the primary pressing stage, the charging of the material into the cavity in a casting mold is completed. A start point of a secondary pressing stage is established at a point when the temperature T of the material is in a range of T.sub.1 <T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeyoshi Nakamura, Nobuhiro Saito, Kazuo Kikawa, Takeshi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 5787963
    Abstract: A method of precisely controlling the stroke of movement of at least one squeeze pin in a die casting machine, which pressurizes locally the molten metal charged into a cavity of a metal mold. The method comprises detecting a flow rate of the pressure oil at the back pressure side of a squeeze pin cylinder which drives the squeeze pin of the die casting machine, calculating the stroke of the squeeze pin on the basis of the detected flow rate, and controlling the stroke of the squeeze pin toward a target value with the detected flow rate as a parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Tsuji, Norihiro Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 5787960
    Abstract: A preform of reinforcement material is infiltrated with fusible metal without preceding vacuum treatment of the preform through gas pressure application solely. The infiltrated preform is allowed to solidify under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Electrovac, Fabrikation Elektrotechnischer Spezialartikel Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Theodore Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5716467
    Abstract: Disclosed is a practical aluminum based alloy containing 1 to 99 weight percent beryllium, and improved methods of semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys containing beryllium. The present methods avoid molten beryllium, agitation of molten aluminum-beryllium alloys and the need for introducing shear forces by utilizing atomized or ground particles of beryllium mixed with solid, particulate or liquidus aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Brush Wellman Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Marder, Warren J. Haws
  • Patent number: 5711364
    Abstract: A method of casting a pipe having an axially elongate hole of which a front end is closed, comprises the steps of positioning a rod-like center pin for forming the blind hole in a predetermined positional relation to cavity defining surfaces of a die cavity, supporting the positioned center pin sidewise with a support pin to prevent positional deviation of the center pin, charging molten metal into the die cavity, retreating the support pin apart from the center pin, and replenishing a space formed by the retreat of the support pin with molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ota, Masatada Nakamichi, Hidehiko Kadono, Seizi Uda, Hiroaki Mori, Shinichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5697422
    Abstract: A vacuum die-casting machine has a sprue cavity with sufficient depth facing the shot cylinder that the shot cylinder piston can easily crush with a pressure of less than 1000 psi the thin cylindrical shell of solidified metal which develops into the biscuit, and continue to advance after the die cavity becomes fried with molten metal to inject additional molten metal into the die cavity to make up for shrinkage porosity as the cast part cools. The runner through which the molten metal passes from the sprue cavity into the die cavity has generally spherical reservoirs adjacent circular gates to further assure the supply of the additional molten metal to make up for shrinkage in the part. In addition, the piston can be oil cooled steel to delay formation of the biscuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Jamal Righi, James R. Fields, Eric D. Arndt
  • Patent number: 5694999
    Abstract: An inner bearing is disposed in a cast mold formed by a punch and a die. A molten metal is poured into the die. Pressure is then applied to the molten metal. The socket plate is then knocked out by means of a pin member which passes into the mold to dislodge the socket plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Sung Young Metal Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hanjung Lee, Hanhung Lee
  • Patent number: 5685358
    Abstract: Ge, Si or a Ge-Si alloy are melt-molded to form, for example an optical lens, by heating Ge, Si or a Ge-Si alloy to at least its melting point, and heating a molding die to a temperature above that melting point. The molten material is injected at a predetermined pressure into a cavity of the heated molding die, and then the melt is cooled at that pressure to a temperature just above a temperature at which the melt solidifies. The pressure on the melt is then decreased, and the melt is cooled to the temperature at which it solidifies. The pressure on the solidified melt is increased, and the solidified melt is cooled. After releasing the pressure on the cooled solidified melt, the optical lens, or other molded article, is removed from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignees: Tokyo Denshi Yakin Co., Ltd., Toshio Ohzono
    Inventors: Koichi Kawasaki, Toshio Ohzono
  • Patent number: 5671797
    Abstract: A pressure casting method is disclosed, which permits sufficient pressurizing effect to be obtained for the entire molten metal by varying the speed of advancement of a pressurizing pin according to the state of solidification of the molten metal during pressurizing. In pressure casting using a pressure casting apparatus, while charged molten metal is solidified, it is pressurized by causing advancement of the pressurizing pin into a cavity of the die. During this time, the reaction force received by the pressurizing pin from the molten metal is measured by a pressure sensor, and the speed of advancement of the pressurizing pin is varied through control of the opening degree of a flow control valve according to the measured reaction force. While the reaction force during the progress of solidification of molten metal is high, the flow control valve is controlled to a high opening degree to provide for a high speed of advancement of the pressurizing pin so as to apply a high pressurizing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Gifu Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikiya Nozaki, Mitsuhiro Karaki, Mitsuru Inui, Takehito Futamura, Akira Saitoh
  • Patent number: 5626180
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and devices for casting components in metal alloys on the tilt casting principle in which a quantity of melt metered for casting is spread over a large gate cross section without turbulence from a melt container of the mould (30) into the mould (31) by rotating the casting device. To prevent the formation of oxide and weak structural points, the melt is taken from a metering furnace under a protective gas in a melt container connected to the mould and taken thence into the mould also under a protective gas. The melt hardens there under increased gas pressure on the feeder region of the casting, whereby its properties such as fine-grained, dense structure, high stability under load and accurately dimensioned surfaces are considerably improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventors: Friedhelm Kahn, Joachim Kahn
  • Patent number: 5623984
    Abstract: The disclosed method of controlling a pressurizing pin, which serves to replenish for the necessary locality with molten metal during solidification of molten metal charged in the cavity, features that the operation of the molten metal replenishment by the pressurizing pin is caused when it is detected that the volume of non-solidified metal has become less than the volume effective for obtaining a molten metal replenishment effect. It is thus possible to obtain efficient replenishment for the necessary locality with molten metal by using a pressurizing pin which is limited in size and stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Gifu Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikiya Nozaki, Mitsuhiro Karaki, Mitsuru Inui, Takehito Futamura, Akira Saitoh
  • Patent number: 5592984
    Abstract: A method of making a directionally solidified casting by casting a melt in a mold cavity of an investment mold having a core therein to form an internal casting surface feature involves evacuting the mold cavity while the investment mold is disposed on a chill member with the mold cavity communicating to the chill member, and introducing the melt into the evacuted mold cavity about the core so that the melt contacts the chill member for unidirectional heat removal and directional solidification. Then, gaseous pressure is applied to the melt cast in the mold cavity rapidly enough after introduction in the mold cavity to reduce localized void regions present in the cast melt as a result of surface tension effects between the melt and the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Howmet Corporation
    Inventors: Dean L. Schmiedeknecht, Mark J. Straszheim, Dennis J. Thompson, Brad L. Rauguth
  • Patent number: 5592985
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for applying hard material to cutting tool teeth (12), especially the teeth of saw blades (10). Due to its surface tension, the molten material (56) forms a spherical segment (58) in a mold cavity (40) which is defined around a tooth (12). The molten material (56) is cooled in the mold cavity (40) and subsequently heated again until it reaches a state which is at least approximately liquid. Only then is pressure, progressing in the direction towards the tip (18) of the tooth, applied to the spherical segment (58), whereby the latter is flattened. Hereby the precision in shape and durability of the teeth (12) is improved which are made of hard material (56), first molten and subsequently solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Vollmer Werke Machinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Bruno Hensinger, Werner Reichenzer
  • Patent number: 5575325
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a semi-molten metal molding apparatus with a die including a die hole and a cavity, and a punch movable into the die hole, in which the die hole is opened downwardly, and the punch is set below the die hole in such a manner that it is movable into the die hole. According to the present invention, the cavity is filled with a part of the material which has no oxide film or has an oxide film smaller in thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Tec Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Sugiura, Hiroshi Seo, Seiji Saikawa
  • Patent number: 5562147
    Abstract: The movable upper portion of a mould is positioned in a first position. Molten metal is forced upwardly into the mould cavity through an opening in a stationary lower mould portion. The upper portion is lowered to a position below the first position to force molten metal into all regions of the mould cavity and to force excess metal back into the furnace. A stop is moved downwardly through an upper opening defined in the upper mould portion to close the lower opening. The upper portion is lowered to a second position, and an external downward force is applied on the upper portion to compress the metal within the mould. The method is particularly suitable for forming vehicle wheel rim castings with reduced subsequent surface processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Andrea Bortoloni
  • Patent number: 5560419
    Abstract: In a pressure-casting method and apparatus, wherein a metal melt is fed in a mold cavity and then an oscillating squeeze pressure is applied to the melt by a squeezing plunger of a hydraulic cylinder moving with an oscillating stroke varying to compensate for shrinkage of the melt while being solidified, the hydraulic cylinder is feedback-controlled, using a control unit including a detector for detecting information on an actual squeeze pressure, so that a pressure converted from the actual oscillating squeeze pressure to have a mean value of zero copies a desired alternately positive and negative impulsive pressure pattern or locus representing a pressure oscillated to have a mean value of zero with a given amplitude and frequency versus an elapse of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yoshida, Naomichi Yamamoto, Mitsuru Adachi, Thoru Tsuno, Kazuki Hiraizumi
  • Patent number: 5555924
    Abstract: A stroke S of a squeeze pin under no load condition of a squeeze pin cylinder for driving the squeeze pin is detected. A value (S-.alpha.) obtained by subtracting a small value .alpha. from the detected stroke S of the squeeze pin is determined as a set stroke of the squeeze pin. After a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from when melted metal is charged into a cavity completely, the squeeze pin is advanced. Here, the actual stroke Sf of the squeeze pin is detected, and the detected stroke Sf is compared with set stroke (S-.alpha..+-..beta.), where .beta. is an allowable deflection. As the result of comparison, if Sf oversteps the set limits (S-.alpha..+-..beta.), at least one of parameters (the pressure and the flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to the squeeze pin cylinder and the waiting time) is corrected, so that the detected stroke value Sf approaches the set stroke (S-.alpha.) for the succeeding casting cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihiro Iwamoto, Masayuki Takamura, Tai Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5553658
    Abstract: A method for pressure infiltration casting is provided wherein steps of preheating and evacuating a mold cavity and infiltrant charge are carried out in a separate vessel from a pressure vessel wherein the mold cavity is filled, allowing for rapid finished article throughput. An apparatus for pressure infiltration casting is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: James A. Cornie
  • Patent number: 5553656
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of cooling. The method comprises the steps of positioning material in a liquid state within a chamber. Then, there is the step of providing pressurized fluid about the chamber to form a thermal gradient across the chamber to directionally cool the material within. Preferably, the positioning step includes the step of positioning a mold with a mold chamber having material in a liquid state in the mold chamber, within an interior of a pressure vessel. Preferably, the providing step includes the step of introducing fluid, such as gas, into the pressure vessel such that the fluid that initially enters the pressure vessel is heated to a greater temperature than fluid subsequently introduced into the pressure vessel due to the fluid absorbing heat from the interior of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: PCC Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold J. Cook
  • Patent number: 5524696
    Abstract: A "lost foam" method of making a casting having a preform embedded at a selective location therein including the steps of: engulfing a porous preform in a fugitive pattern; embedding the pattern in a loose sand mold in a vessel; pouring molten metal into the mold cavity via a sprue and runner system formed in the sand bed so as to destroy the pattern and fill the mold cavity with metal; pressurizing the vessel to force molten metal from the cavity into the porous preform; replacing metal lost from the cavity with make-up metal from the sprue and runner system; allowing the casting to solidify; and removing the casting from the sand bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Osborne, Gregory Sanders, Lori J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5462107
    Abstract: In a vacuum casting method, a molding cavity is reduced in pressure to a vacuum, and when a gate is opened, a molten metal which has been raised to a molten metal retaining dome is charged into the molding cavity at a high speed. When a portion of a molten metal held in a molten metal holding furnace is raised to the molten metal retaining dome via a stalk, (1) the rising speed of a portion of the molten metal is set at 5-10 cm/sec, or (2) the rising speed is varied between an early stage of the rising motion and a later stage of the rising motion. In the latter method, the rising speed at the early stage of the rising motion is set at a speed higher than 10 cm/sec, while the rising speed at the later stage of the rising motion is set at 5-10 cm/sec. Due to the rising speed control, air involvement by the rising molten metal is effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tamotsu Hasegawa, Yasuyuki Arakawa, Atushi Ota
  • Patent number: 5447188
    Abstract: Liquid metal is supplied from the bottom to the top into a casting mold by way of a casting runner and a filling hole arranged at the lowest point of a casting mold. Direct further use of the casting by avoiding formation of a sprue that must be subsequently processed is possible due to the fact that after totally filling the casting mold and only partial solidification of the metal therein, the casting pressure is decreased or turned off, so that liquid metal flows back out of the casting mold only through a return flow channel having a cross section significantly smaller than the cross section of the casting runner. A ram having a face corresponding in size and shape to the outer contour of the casting in the region of the filling hole is pushed at least over the last segment of the casting runner, thus displacing liquid metal present in the last segment into the casting mold sufficiently far in the direction of the mold interior until the fact of the ram aligns with the inner contour of the casting mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Bachmann Giesserei und Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Srostlik, Alfred Walter
  • Patent number: 5433262
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for manufacturing a cast product in which the cavity 2c is defined by a top die 1, a bottom die 2 and a slidable die insert 11 relative to the top die 1 and a pressure is applied to the die insert 11 by a hydraulic cylinder 13 before casting, injecting a molten metal 6 at a pressure higher than that on the die insert 11 to cause the die insert 11 to move rearward, whereby the molten metal 6 is additionally filled in the cavity 2c by an amount corresponding to the shrinkage due to pressurization, and a pressure on the molten metal 6 within the cavity 2c is maintained through the die insert 11 even after the molten metal 6 in the gate 2b has been solidified and the injection pressure has: not been transmitted anymore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Kawaguchi, Mikio Yamashita, Shigeki Maekawa
  • Patent number: 5427170
    Abstract: A vacuum casting apparatus includes a plurality of pressure pins arranged in a molding cavity, and at least one pressure pin is located in a portion of the molding cavity farthest from a gate. The pressure pins are operated to pressurize the molding cavity in an order from the pressure pin located farthest from the gate to a pressure pin located nearest to the gate. A cross-sectional area reduced portion can also be formed in a portion of a runner connecting the molding cavity and the molten metal retaining dome. A molten metal in the molding cavity is thereby suppressed from flowing backward into the molten metal retaining dome when being pressurized by the pressure pins, so that the quality of the cast products is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Arakawa, Tamotsu Hasegawa, Atushi Ota, Minoru Uozumi
  • Patent number: 5423369
    Abstract: In a method of vacuum casting molten metal sucked from a molten metal reservoir into a cavity held under a reduced pressure by opening a gate having been blocking the communication between the molten metal reservoir and the cavity, the trapping of gas and foreign matter in the cavity is effectively prevented. To this end, an accommodation space for accommodating gas and foreign matter is provided in the molten metal reservoir. The accommodation space is provided at a position from which the accommodated matter is not sucked into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ota, Minoru Uozumi, Shigeki Tamura, Hirokazu Onishi, Yasuyuki Arakawa
  • Patent number: 5404928
    Abstract: In a vacuum casting method, a mold cavity is reduced in pressure to a vacuum, and when a gate is opened, a molten metal which has been raised to a molten metal retaining dome is charged into the cavity at a high speed. When a portion of a molten metal held in a molten metal holding furnace is raised to the molten metal retaining dome, an upper surface of the molten metal is moved downwardly and upwardly through at least one cycle in the molten metal retaining dome, or a swirl flow is generated in the molten metal in a stalk. Such a unique motion as the downward and upward motion or the swirl flow effectively operates to detach solid metal pieces from an inside surface of the molten metal retaining dome or the stalk to push them to an upper portion of the molten metal. As a result, the detached metal pieces are prevented from being charged into the mold cavity to thereby cause defects in a cast product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ota, Tamotsu Hasegawa, Yasuyuki Arakawa
  • Patent number: 5398745
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of cooling. The method comprises the steps of positioning material in a liquid state within a chamber. Then, there is the step of providing pressurized fluid about the chamber to form a thermal gradient across the chamber to directionally cool the material within. Preferably, the positioning step includes the step of positioning a mold with a mold chamber having material in a liquid state in the mold chamber, within an interior of a pressure vessel. Preferably, the providing step includes the step of introducing fluid, such as gas, into the pressure vessel such that the fluid that initially enters the pressure vessel is heated to a greater temperature than fluid subsequently introduced into the pressure vessel due to the fluid absorbing heat from the interior of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: PCC Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold J. Cook
  • Patent number: 5372181
    Abstract: A counter pressure casting and a counter pressure casting device in which the pressures in a furnace side and a casting mold side are set to be lower than the maximum pressure of the process at a stage of the molten metal charging and increased to the maximum after the molten metal charging step. This technique provides a casting having less casting defects and improves the productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fukashi Watanabe, Shigeo Hama, Norio Minami
  • Patent number: 5355933
    Abstract: A melt-out zinc core is coated with insulating mica material and a graphite release agent and supported within a die cavity of a high pressure squeeze casting apparatus. Molten casting metal having a melting temperature above that of the core is injected into the die and then pressurized to about 15,000 psi to squeeze form the article in the die and around the core. The resultant article and core are then heated to above the melting temperature of the core and the core extracted from the article through cast-in outlet openings formed by the core. The insulating material and release agent are also extracted from the cast article by rinsing the cored passages of the cast article with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: CMI International Inc.
    Inventor: Karl D. Voss
  • Patent number: 5343927
    Abstract: A liquid metal (49) poured into a filling chamber (20) is influenced in this chamber by a lower piston (43) and an upper piston (18), which are mounted on a lower machine table (5) and an upper machine table (10) respectively, which tables (5 and 10 respectively) support a lower mold part (24) and an upper mold part (22) respectively. The filling chamber (20) is disposed in or at the lower mold part (24) and receives, as regards the poured-in amount of metal, the lower piston (43), which is adjustable as to its elevational level and can be adjusted to make the amount of metal reach a level somewhat below the mold cavity (51) between the mold parts (22, 24). The lower piston (43) has a larger diameter than the upper piston (18), which, in connection with the filling of the metal (41), is designed to be lowered to a central position in a guiding and feeding sleeve (19) in the upper mold part (22) and is retained in this position by an adjustable holding force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Tour & Andersson AB
    Inventor: Hans Ivansson
  • Patent number: 5335711
    Abstract: Cast components having reduced porosity levels are produced by pouring a molten metal into a mould which is in a first chamber, and withdrawing the filled mould into a second chamber. The second chamber is then isolated from the first chamber with regard to pressure, and the second chamber is then pressurized with a fluid up to a maximum pressure of 7 MPa for at least part of the time required for solidification of the metal in the mould. The pressure is preferably applied within forty seconds from the finish of pouring of the molten metal, and more preferably within twenty seconds. The still molten state of the metal permits the use of a relatively low pressure to reduce the porosity levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: AE PLC
    Inventor: Brian Paine
  • Patent number: 5301739
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for casting and densification. The method is comprised of the steps of filling a mold in a pressure vessel to a predetermined level with molten metal and then increasing the pressure in the vessel such that voids formed within the metal are substantially closed without removing the mold with the metal from the pressure vessel. Preferably, after the increasing pressure step, there is the step of cooling the molten metal to ambient temperatures. In one embodiment, the increasing pressure step includes the step of increasing pressure in the vessel at a predetermined rate through the liquidus, liquidus/solidus and solidus phases of the metal. Alternatively, the increasing pressure step can include the step of increasing pressure at a predetermined rate through the liquidus/solidus and solidus phase of the metal. Alternatively, the increasing pressure step can include the step of increasing pressure at a predetermined rate through the solidus phase of the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Arnold J. Cook
  • Patent number: 5285840
    Abstract: A piston is formed with a rib which is formed on a base portion and is formed with through holes which is formed in such manner that the core is in contact with a projection portions of a holding die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masamichi Hayashi, Yasuhiro Kawabata, Shiro Machida, Takanori Kamiya
  • Patent number: 5279349
    Abstract: A process for casting an amorphous alloy member comprising the steps of preparing a molten metal from an amorphous alloy composition having a relationship of Tg<Tx between the crystallization temperature Tx and the glass transition temperature Tg, pouring the molten metal into a casting mold, and maintaining the molten metal under a pressed condition until the temperature of the molten metal is brought from a temperature in a molten state to a temperature between the crystallization temperature Tx and approximately the glass transition temperature Tg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Horimura
  • Patent number: 5263531
    Abstract: An improved squeeze casting process is utilized to produce metal castings having superior mechanical properties. The process is particularly adapted for use in a vertical casting machine and is characterized by vacuum ladling, vacuum evacuated mold cavities, low metal temperatures, small metal feed gates and high gate velocities, application of high metal pressure on the metal filled cavity through the feed gate, and short processing times. When applied to aluminum alloy casting the squeeze casting process produces metal castings that can be heat treated at high temperatures to improve their mechanical characteristics. The process also allows for production of metal castings having complex internal cavities. The process relies upon the use of complex core pieces demonstrating superior positional and dimensional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Gibbs Die Casting Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Drury, James M. Evans, Stephen W. Buckman, Roland N. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5211216
    Abstract: An improved squeeze casting process is utilized to produce metal castings having superior mechanical properties. The process is particularly adapted for use in a vertical casting machine and is characterized by vacuum ladling, vacuum evacuated mold cavities, low metal temperatures, small metal feed gates and high gate velocities, application of high metal pressure on the metal filled cavity through the feed gate, and short processing times. When applied to aluminum alloy casting the squeeze casting process produces metal castings that can be heat treated at high temperatures to improve their mechanical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Gibbs Die Casting Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Drury, James M. Evans, Stephen W. Buckman, Roland N. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5211778
    Abstract: An aluminum-silicon alloy having excellent mechanical characteristics is formed by pressure casting of a molten material concurrently with modifying thereof by a flux which includes at least one element selected from the group of Na, Sb, Sr, and/or Ca, allowing a substantially fine grain of silicon to be dispersed in the alloy. Alternatively, the step of the pressure casting is replacable by substantial uniform cooling of the molten material regardless of a thickness thereof by cooling a die having a mold formed of a Cu-W type material, which mold corresponds to a substantially thick portion of the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Atsugi Unista Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Sasaki, Yoshihiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 5207263
    Abstract: A method for preparing vapor-liquid-solid silicon carbide whisker reinforced metal matrix composites by a squeeze casting process employing a primary pressure and then a hydrostatic pressure to form the reinforced composites. The process to make the composites comprises: 1) providing VLS silicon carbide whiskers in a mold cavity; 2) introducing a molten metal into the mold cavity; 3) subjecting the molten metal and VLS silicon carbide whiskers in the cavity to a primary pressure of about 100 psi to about 2000 psi to infiltrate the whiskers with the molten metal; 4) subsequently subjecting the VLS silicon carbide whiskers infiltrated with the molten metal to a hydrostatic pressure of about 10,000 psi to about 25,000 psi to produce a fully dense mass; and 5) solidifying the metal matrix to form a composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: BP America Inc.
    Inventors: R. D. Maier, T. W. Krucek
  • Patent number: 5199482
    Abstract: A method for the production of a molded casting, including the steps of providing a mold with a porous insert part which can subsequently be dissolved out. Placing the porous insert part having pores into the mold. Subsequently surrounding the porous insert part by a melt and then putting the melt under pressure. In the pore areas to be kept clear of the melt, gas pressure is maintained on the insert part which is equal to or slightly less than the melt pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Mahle GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Ruhle
  • Patent number: 5173237
    Abstract: A multiple metallic core assembly for use in production of a plastic injection-molded component is formed by injecting molten metal alloy into a core die at a fill stage of an indexing system, indexing the core die through a cooling stage to an unloading stage, and removing the core from the core die and inserting the core in one of a plurality of locations of the core assembly. Individual cores are continued to be formed as discussed above until all the locations of the core assembly are filled, and the core assembly is complete. Therefore, the core assembly is removed and transported to a plastic molding machine to produce the plastic component. Then, the core assembly is melted out from the plastic component in hot oil, and the molten metal alloy produced thereby is returned to a molten metal alloy tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Electrovert Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Kidd
  • Patent number: 5172746
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a reinforced composite material. A molten matrix metal is heated to a temperature substantially greater than the melting point of the matrix metal. The matrix metal is poured into a mold containing a mass of reincforcing material. The matrix metal is solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: John M. Corwin
  • Patent number: 5161598
    Abstract: In a press casting machine a molten material enclosed in a cavity of a mold is squeezed by a pressure pin, the pressure pin is controlled by automatically controlling the start timing thereof. Namely, an optimum stroke of the pressure pin is preliminarily set and an actual stroke thereof is detected. The detected stroke of the pressure pin is compared with the optimum stroke thereof and a start timing of the pressure pin is corrected or modified so that the stroke thereof is made optimum. When the detected stroke of the pressure pin is smaller than the set stroke thereof, the start timing of the pressure pin is corrected so that a timing for starting the pressure pin advances and, on the contrary, when the detected stroke of the pressure pin is larger than the set stroke thereof, the start timing of the pressure pin is corrected so that a timing for starting the pressure pin is delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihiro Iwamoto, Masayuki Takamura, Masaru Kobayashi