Including Means To Dispense Or Distribute Metal Charge Patents (Class 164/437)
  • Publication number: 20110240248
    Abstract: A casting nozzle to be used in a nozzle exchange (insert and/or removal) device of nozzle in continuous casting which comprises the nozzle which constitutes a tubular part provided with a channel, a rectangular flange or plate having the channel for casting, wherein the plate has an upper surface and a rear surface having two arcs, which are provided with a radius R arranged on the both sides of the plate in the perpendicular direction of a nozzle insertion (hereafter called X direction) and a supporting faces on both sides of the nozzle in the direction of a nozzle insertion (hereafter called Y direction), and a metal case for reinforcing and covering the flange or plate and the upper part of the tubular part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: AKECHI CERAMICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriaki YAMAUTI, Shigeaki TAKAHASHI, Shojiro NAITOH
  • Publication number: 20110209846
    Abstract: A continuous casting device capable of giving lubricating property to a molten metal pouring nozzle without increasing lubricating oil and performing casting with high casting surface quality for a long period of time is provided. In a continuous casting device 1 in which a molten metal pouring nozzle 20 is arranged between a molten metal receiving portion 10 and a mold 40, the molten metal pouring nozzle 20 is equipped with a cylindrical main body portion 22 made of a fire-resistant substance and having a molten metal passage 21, and an annular member 30 having self-lubricating property is arranged on a mold-side end face 23 of the main body portion 22 so as to surround the molten metal passage 21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Masashi Fukuda, Masatoshi Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20110132568
    Abstract: A metal delivery apparatus for casting metal strip includes at least one elongated segment having a main portion extending longitudinally through the main portion with end walls at opposite ends thereof, the main portion communicating with outlets along opposite sides of each segment adapted to upwardly discharge flow of molten metal into a casting pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Schlichting, Brian Bowman, Clark Ponder, Peter Woodberry
  • Publication number: 20110120665
    Abstract: A molten metal pouring nozzle capable of preventing reaction with a molten metal and casting a high quality ingot continuously for a long period of time is provided. A molten metal pouring nozzle 20 arranged between a molten metal receiving portion 10 and a mold 40 of a continuous casting device 1 is equipped with a main body portion 22 having at least one molten metal passage 21 and made of a fire-resistant substance, and a sleeve 23 made of a material which does not react with the molten metal and having a heat conductivity of 10 to 30 W/(m·° C.) is fitted in the molten metal passage 21 of the main body portion 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Masashi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7926550
    Abstract: A metal strip casting apparatus and a method of casting continuous metal strip includes assembling a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls having casting surfaces positioned laterally forming a nip between for casting, and delivering molten metal through a delivery nozzle disposed above the nip capable to form a casting pool supported on the casting rolls. The delivery nozzle comprises segments each having elongate nozzle body with longitudinally extending side walls, end walls and a bottom part to form an inner trough, a nozzle insert disposed above bottom portions of the inner trough of each segment and supported relative to the nozzle body through which incoming molten metal may be delivered to the inner trough of each segment of the delivery nozzle, and the elongate nozzle body of each segment having passageways in fluid communication with the inner trough and outlet openings capable of discharging molten metal from the nozzle body outwardly into the casting pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Walter N. Blejde, Mike Schueren, David J. Sosinsky, Brian D. White, Mark Schlichting, W. Kent Cooper, James Leacock McIntosh, Peter Woodberry, Rama B. Mahapatra, Malcolm McDonald
  • Patent number: 7926549
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for casting metal strip involving assembling a pair of casting rolls laterally disposed to form a nip between them, assembling an elongated metal delivery nozzle extending along and above the nip between the casting rolls, with at least one segment having opposing side walls and end walls, an inner trough extending longitudinally within between side walls and forming passages between the side walls and the inner trough and communicating with side outlets adjacent bottom portions, introducing molten metal through the elongate metal delivery nozzle to form a casting pool of molten metal supported on the casting rolls above the nip, such that molten metal is caused to flow into the inner trough of the delivery nozzle, from the inner trough through the passages between the inner trough and sidewalls, and from the passages through the side outlets in a substantially lateral direction into the casting pool, and counter rotating the casting rolls to deliver cast strip downwardly from the ni
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: W. Kent Cooper, James Leacock McIntosh, Peter Woodberry, Rama B. Mahapatra, Malcolm McDonald
  • Patent number: 7905432
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a casting nozzle in which attachment and deposition of alumina or the like can be prevented while a drift of molten steel can be prevented. The casting nozzle according to the invention is characterized in that the casting nozzle has a molten steel flow hole portion in which “a plurality of independent protrusion portions and/or concave portions” are disposed so that each of the protrusion portions and/or concave portions has a size satisfying the expression (1): H?2 mm and the expression (2): L>2×H mm [in which “H” shows the maximum height of the protrusion portion or the maximum depth of the concave portion, and “L” shows the maximum length of a base portion of the protrusion portion or concave portion].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Nomura, Masamichi Takai, Masaru Kurisaki, Hidetaka Ogino, Toshio Horiuchi, Shinsuke Inoue
  • Patent number: 7905272
    Abstract: A method for producing wide strips of copper is performed by pouring a molten liquid into a revolving wide strip mold via a distribution container and a pour nozzle. A surface of the molten metal in the distribution container is maintained at a constant level above the place where the pour nozzle is fixed in the distribution container in the range of 75 mm to 90 mm with respect to the level of the bath surface of the mold. The molten metal is guided by an ascending channel from the distribution container to the pour nozzle and is distributed within the pour nozzle symmetrically over a width corresponding to the width of the strip. Within the pour nozzle, the molten metal is guided through first and second flow restrictors and is separated into numerous small individual flows in a vertical direction over the entire strip width of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: MKM Mansfelder Kupfer und Messing GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Albrecht, Joachim Dauterstedt, Hans-Jürgen Schütt, Michael Starke
  • Patent number: 7891408
    Abstract: A method of producing an immersion nozzle for continuous casting, which includes integrally molding a first zirconia-graphite compound applied to a powder-line portion of the nozzle, and a second compound applied to at least an inner hole portion of the nozzle. The second compound includes 10 mass % or more of clinker particles each containing CaO as a mineral phase, and the surface of at least a part of the clinker particles is subjected to an anti-hydration treatment, such as a heat treatment to be performed under a CO2 atmosphere to convert CaO to CaCO3. The method can suppress volume expansion caused by the reaction between CaO and water released from resin added as binder, so as to prevent the occurrence of cracks during a burning process of the molded piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Krosakiharima Corporation, LWB Refractories Company
    Inventors: Koji Ogata, Donald Bruce Hoover
  • Publication number: 20100282427
    Abstract: A casting furnace for manufacturing a metal casting comprises an interior chamber and a secondary chamber through which the metal casting passes from the interior chamber into external atmosphere. A seal along the secondary chamber surrounds and seals against the metal casting to separate the interior chamber from the external atmosphere in a manner which allows for an extended period of continuous casting. A force producing mechanism typically forces the seal against the metal casting. Multiple seals may be used sequentially to increase the duration of the sealing capability and the continuous casting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: RTI INTERNATIONAL METALS, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL P. JACQUES, KUANG-O YU
  • Patent number: 7814961
    Abstract: A casting nozzle for supplying a molten alloy liquid of aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy to a movable mold for continuous casting from a tundish, in which the molten alloy liquid is stored. The casting nozzle is fixed to the tundish. The casting nozzle tip arranged on the movable mold side is made of a highly heat-conductive material having a heat conductivity of 0.2 W/mK or more, and a highly elastic material having an elastic modulus of 5000 MPa or more, etc. By making the tip of the casting nozzle with a material having superior thermal conductivity, the irregularity in solidification of the molten alloy liquid is decreased and thereby the surface quality of a cast alloy is improved. The nozzle tip is formed with a material having high elasticity and superior elastic deformability, whereby the interstice between the movable mold and the tip of outer peripheral edge of the nozzle is narrowed, and accordingly a cast alloy having superior surface quality can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatada Numano, Yoshihiro Nakai, Toshiya Ikeda, Mitsuyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7757747
    Abstract: A submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in a casting machine to conduct molten steel from a tundish to a mold may include a housing having an inlet capable of receiving an incoming flow of molten steel from the tundish, a distribution zone capable of delivering the molten steel to the mold; and a main body having a bore capable of conducting molten steel therethrough from the inlet to the distribution zone, the bore having sectional geometries capable of alternately compressing and decompressing the molten steel flow in flow path zones to alternately increase and decrease the steel flow velocity with at least two flow path zones capable of compressing the molten steel flow, and to deliver the molten steel from the distribution zone into the mold with flow turbulence inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventor: James L. McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20100132913
    Abstract: In a casting method, or a casting system for aluminum, or aluminum alloys, aluminum melt is filled into a plurality of pans (15, 15?). Said pans (15, 15?) are used for treatment, if needed, and delivered to a casting station (20), in which they are subsequently emptied, and the melt is casted into semi-finished products. At least two filled pans (15, 15?) are provided in order to ensure a continuous casting operation in the casting station (20), the melt of at least one of which is drained into a mutual inflow channel (27).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Pierre Gerber
  • Patent number: 7721786
    Abstract: A casting nozzle for supplying a molten alloy liquid of aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy to a movable mold for continuous casting from a tundish, in which the molten alloy liquid is stored. The casting nozzle is fixed to the tundish. The casting nozzle tip arranged on the movable mold side is made of a highly heat-conductive material having a heat conductivity of 0.2 W/mK or more, and a highly elastic material having an elastic modulus of 5000 MPa or more, etc. By making the tip of the casting nozzle with a material having superior thermal conductivity, the irregularity in solidification of the molten alloy liquid is decreased and thereby the surface quality of a cast alloy is improved. The nozzle tip is formed with a material having high elasticity and superior elastic deformability, whereby the interstice between the movable mold and the tip of outer peripheral edge of the nozzle is narrowed, and accordingly a cast alloy having superior surface quality can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatada Numano, Yoshihiro Nakai, Toshiya Ikeda, Mitsuyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7687019
    Abstract: A refining apparatus for scrap silicon using an electron beam which is suitable for recycling of scrap silicon which is formed during the manufacture of silicon products such as silicon wafers includes a vacuum chamber, a crucible installed within the vacuum chamber, a hearth which is installed next to the crucible within the vacuum chamber and which receives granular scrap silicon and which melts granular silicon by irradiation with an electron beam and which supplies molten silicon to the crucible, and a raw material supply apparatus which is installed within the vacuum chamber and which stores a prescribed amount of granular scrap silicon and supplies the stored granular scrap silicon via a chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: IIS Materials Corporation, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norichika Yamauchi, Takehiko Shimada
  • Publication number: 20090301686
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing and delivering various types of carbon and microalloy steel, free of oxygen with abundance of nuclei, when cast producing ultra fine grain steel free of internal defeats with excellent quality. A horizontal sealed table caster has a chamber, containing a suitable atmosphere for casting, with a tube connecting to a tundish so as to allow a liquid to flow into the chamber. The liquid metal is captured on a cooling belt along the bottom of the chamber and is maintained as a specific width and depth. The cooling belt serves as a heat sink causing the liquid metal to solidify from the bottom up, allowing inclusions to migrate to the surface of the steel. A layer of liquid metal is maintained on top of the solidifying steel until the solidification reaches the surface. The belt moves the solid metal toward the exit of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Oren V. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20090266506
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for continuous casting of a metal in the form of a hollow jet into a nozzle arranged between a pouring ladle or a tundish and a continuous casting ingot mold, said nozzle including in its upper part a dispensing member capable of deflecting at least part of the liquid metal reaching the nozzle inlet towards an inner wall of the nozzle before it penetrates into the ingot mold. Said method includes injecting into an inner volume of the hollow jet finely-divided solid material, characterized in that the finely-divided solid material comprises technical ceramic nanoparticles, of characteristic size less than 200 nm and preferably less than 100 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques asbl- Centrum Voor Research in de Metallurgie vzw
    Inventors: Paul Naveau, Astrid De Ro
  • Publication number: 20090242163
    Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting, including (1) a tubular body with a bottom, the tubular body having an inlet for entry of molten steel disposed at an upper end and a passage extending inside the tubular body downward from the inlet, and (2) a pair of opposing outlets disposed in a sidewall at a lower section of the tubular body so as to communicate with the passage, the nozzle comprising: a pair of opposing ridges horizontally projecting into the passage from an inner wall between the pair of outlets, the inner wall defining the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Krosaki Harima Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kido, Joji Kurisu, Hiroshi Otsuka, Arito Mizobe, Takahiro Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7591976
    Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous casting nozzle having a refractory portion formed to contain a dolomite clinker and arranged to define a surface region adapted to be in contact with molten steel, which is capable of protecting a working surface of the nozzle from alumina build-up due to alumina in molten steel, while improving corrosion resistance, even during long-term continuous casting of molten steel. The refractory portion is prepared by adding a binder to a mixed material and subjecting the obtained mixture to kneading, forming and heat treatment. The mixed material comprises a dolomite clinker which has an average particle size of 0.8 mm or less and a CaO content of 50 mass % or less. The mixed material has a ratio W1/W2 of 0.33 or more, wherein W1 is a content by mass of CaO, and W2 is a content by mass of MgO. The mixed material comprises a dolomite clinker and a magnesia clinker. Alternatively, the mixed material comprises a dolomite clinker and a magnesia clinker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Krosakiharima Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ogata, Saeko Koga, Shinichi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 7559353
    Abstract: Distributor for use in a method of casting molten metal into a metal ingot, comprising a bottom and a wall of a generally rectangular shape, the wall including a first and a second longitudinal wall portion and a first and a second cross wall portion. The bottom has an entry area at which in use the hot metal is fed into the distributor and at least one bottom aperture. The first and second cross wall portion have a first front aperture and a second front aperture respectively. The distributor further has a first and a second deflector plate. The first deflector plate extends between the bottom aperture and the first longitudinal wall portion and the second deflector plate extends between the bottom aperture and the second longitudinal wall portion. The bottom and the wall are made of a rigid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Aleris Aluminum Koblenz GmbH
    Inventors: Hugo Van Schooneveldt, René Kieft, Dico Bal
  • Publication number: 20090090481
    Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous casting nozzle, which comprises a layer formed to have high functions, such as high corrosion resistance and high anti-deposition capability, and disposed on the side of an inner bore thereof to serve as an inner bore-side layer, so as to enhance durability, wherein the continuous casting nozzle is capable of preventing expansion cracking of an outer periphery-side layer serving as a nozzle body thereof, due to a difference in thermal expansion between respective compositions of the inner bore-side layer and the outer periphery-side layer, while preventing peel-off of the inner bore-side layer during casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Katsumi MORIKAWA, Akinari Sasaki, Koichi Haren, Joki Yoshitomi, Yoshitaka Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 7487820
    Abstract: A method for deciding objectively whether a refractory plate of a slide gate valve used to control the flow of a molten metal during the pouring of the metal from an upper vessel to a lower vessel can be reused or should be discarded. Values of parameters measured during pouring or proper to the plate are determined during successive uses of the plate. The values are compared to threshold values to reach a decision. Also, a device for making decisions according to this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventor: Philippe Mutsaarts
  • Patent number: 7445037
    Abstract: A method and equipment for continuous or semi-continuous casting of metal, in particular directly-cooled (DC) casting of aluminum, including at least one mold (3) with a mold cavity (11) that is provided with an inlet (4) linked to a metal store and an outlet with devices (27) for cooling the metal so that an object in the form of an extended string, rod or bar is cast through the outlet. The metal is supplied to the mold (3) in such a way and with such regulation that the metallostatic pressure in the contact point (solidification zone) against the mold wall is virtually zero during casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Bjarne Anders Heggset, Bjørn Vaagland, Steinar Benum, Geir Olav Ånesbug, Torstein Sæther, John Erik Hafsås
  • Patent number: 7363959
    Abstract: A partial SEN capable of having flow diverter parts installed therein, and a method of using the SEN in a continuous casting system are disclosed. The partial SEN includes a hollow distribution zone at a bottom portion of the SEN which is designed to allow the installation of at least two different types of flow diverter parts, one type of flow diverter parts for a first type of caster mold, and a second type of flow diverter parts for a second type of caster mold. The design of the flow diverter parts and the resulting angles achieved when the flow diverter parts are installed in the partial SEN are matched to a caster mold such that the flow characteristics of molten steel exiting the SEN into the caster mold during continuous casting operation are of a desired and optimal nature to prevent various types of casting defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Hanna, Kirby Joe Teeter
  • Patent number: 7302996
    Abstract: A drop feeder (1) for feeding molten metal into an ingot mould (15) comprises a distributor (3) having a substantially prismatic shape, with one of the faces open, in which the inside of the distributor comprises three tanks (4, 5, 6), separated by walls (7, 8) functioning as weir for the molten melt poured into the intermediate tank (5). There are provided slots (10) arranged on the faces of the distributor (3) for emptying of the molten metal from the distributor into the ingot mould or into a second distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Poloni, Nuredin Kapaj, Andrea De Luca
  • Patent number: 7278464
    Abstract: A control pin for controlling the flow of liquid metal in a casting process includes an elongate body member, the body member being made at least partially of a composite ceramic material that includes a fibrous reinforcing material embedded within a ceramic matrix, and a failsafe element embedded within the composite ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Pyrotek Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark Vincent
  • Patent number: 7275584
    Abstract: A nozzle for continuous casting of clean steel is capable of preventing adhesion of Al2O3-based inclusions to a wall surface of the inner hole of the nozzle while fully achieving an effect of a swirl vane. The swirl vane prevents drift in molten steel passing through the inner hole. The swirl vane is disposed in the inner hole. A wall surface is at least partly formed as a tubular-shaped refractory layer and is prepared by controlling a weight ratio of CaO/MgO and an apparent porosity to have a thickness of 3 to 20 mm, so as to prevent adhesion of Al2O3-based inclusions to the wall surface and the swirl vane while effectively maintaining the anti-drift effect for long hours. Further, inert gas is injected into a molten steel flow between an upper nozzle and the swirl vane to facilitate surfacing of Al2O3-based inclusions in a mold and reduce Al2O3-based inclusions in molten steel so as to achieve stable casting operation and high-quality steel with high cleanness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Krosakiharima Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Morikawa, Joki Yoshitomi, Keisuke Asano, Saeko Uchida
  • Patent number: 7237596
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an element for the casting of a liquid metal, comprising a base body made from a refractory material, said body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface defining a pouring channel for the casting of the liquid metal. This element is characterized in that at least a part of the element inner surface is coated with an insulating coating forming, at the metal liquid contact, a gas impermeable layer. Such an element has an excellent thermal shock resistance which permits its use without preheating. Then a layer reducing advantageously the gas permeability is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventors: Eric Hanse, François Delvoye, Philippe Laval
  • Patent number: 7172013
    Abstract: A bonding structure between a nozzle body of a continuous casting nozzle and a refractory sleeve inserted into the nozzle body, wherein the refractory sleeve contains 20 mass % or more of CaO. An adhesive including a mixture of a refractory aggregate and a binder is applied to a joint zone defined in either one of at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the refractory sleeve and at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollowed nozzle to which the refractory sleeve is attached, or between the inner surface of the nozzle body and the outer peripheral surface of the refractory sleeve inserted into the nozzle body. The adhesive is adjusted to have a porosity in the range of 15 to 90% after dried in the joint zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Krosakiharima Corporation, LWB Refractories Company
    Inventor: Koji Ogata
  • Patent number: 7140521
    Abstract: An arrangement and conformation of the discharge openings and channels of a continuous-casting nozzle, together with a specific external profile of the body of the nozzle itself, enable slabs of any thickness, in particular from medium to thin ones, to be cast, which have excellent surface quality and are practically free from inclusions and blowholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nuredin Kapaj, Milorad Pavlicevic, Alfredo Poloni, Fabio Vecchiet
  • Patent number: 7140416
    Abstract: A continuous metal strip casting plant on which is mounted, at the casting location, a mobile ingot mould comprising two cylindrical metallic casting rolls in addition to other components, amongst which there are a tundish and/or under tundish and/or an unloader and/or lateral plates, respective preheating stations located in positions separated from the position of casting, and rotating arms located on a turret itself also placed on the casting plane to transfer the components from the casting line to their preheating stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Bassarutti, Brian W. Botham, Edi Faggiani, Alfredo Poloni, Miroslav Zerajic, Nuredin Kapaj
  • Patent number: 7131482
    Abstract: A distributor device for use in aluminium casting includes a rigid, substantially bowl-shaped receptacle (2) of a refractory material having a base member (4) and a peripheral wall (6) that extends upwards from the base. The receptacle has an inlet opening (8) towards the upper end thereof and a pair of outlet openings (14) towards the base thereof. The device is constructed and arranged such that, in use, molten aluminium poured into the distributor device through the inlet opening (8) is redirected by the distributor device and flows outwards into the mould through the outlet openings (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Pyrotek Engineering Materials Limited
    Inventors: Mark Vincent, Sylvain Tremblay
  • Patent number: 7108046
    Abstract: In an immersion nozzle exchanging apparatus for supporting an immersion nozzle at a flange underside thereof by a plurality of key plates parallel provided on both sides to horizontally pushing out and exchange an immersion nozzle much used with a new immersion nozzle, in order to secure high realability in the joint surface at between the immersion nozzle and the refractory positioned above thereof, the immersion nozzle exchanging apparatus comprises urge pressure providing mechanisms independent of each key plate for continuously changing a deflection amount of a spring body thereof depending on a moving position of the immersion nozzle upon exchanging the immersion nozzle and at the same time changing an immersion nozzle urging force caused on the respective key plates, and a slide frame having a spring body supporting seat surface formed with a taper surface in part thereof. The immersion nozzle to be used therein has a concave surface for holding a seal member having a depth of 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Krosaki Harima Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Kawano, Nobuyuki Yokoi, Junichi Funato, Yukio Inoue, Motoki Toyota
  • Patent number: 7108048
    Abstract: To achieve the highest possible separation rate for foreign particles in a tundish combined, at the same time, with a minimized level of inclusions, the refractory-lined interior space of the tundish, as a function of an operating bath level (h), satisfies the condition that a dimensionless ratio (?) of the refractory-lined surface area (Aref) to the filling volume (V) which is delimited by this refractory-lined surface area and the bath-level-dependent exposed surface area (ATop) and results from the relationship ? = A ref ( V ) 2 3 be between 3.83 and 4.39.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Markus Brummayer, Gerald Eckerstorfer, Gerald Hohenbichler, Karl Moerwald
  • Patent number: 7059383
    Abstract: An integral molten metal casting device comprising: a crossfeeder having an interior surface defining a partial cylinder of a first diameter; a generally cylindrical thimble having an interior surface of a second smaller diameter; and back-up insulation; all formed as a single monolithic structure with the crossfeeder interior surface and the thimble interior surface comprising a continuous, joint free and uninterrupted cylinder insert surface of a thin layer or multiple layers of fiber reinforced low thermal expansion coefficient, high wear resistant material. According to certain preferred embodiments, the thin layer or layers comprise fused silica, alumina or zirconia, and mixtures of these materials with other similar materials such as silicon carbide. Monolithic integrally formed molten metal handling systems of similar structure are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Sylvain P. Tremblay, Mark Brian Vincent
  • Patent number: 7036555
    Abstract: A distributor device for use in aluminium casting includes a rigid, substantially bowl-shaped receptacle (2) of a refractory material having a base member (4) and a peripheral wall (6) that extends upwards from the base. The receptacle has an inlet opening (8) towards the upper end thereof and a pair of outlet openings (14) towards the base thereof. The device is constructed and arranged such that, in use, molten aluminium poured into the distributor device through the inlet opening (8) is redirected by the distributor device and flows outwards into the mould through the outlet openings (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Pyrotek Engineering Materials Limited
    Inventors: Mark Vincent, Sylvain Tremblay
  • Patent number: 7013949
    Abstract: A method and a system are for the control of a gas-containing hidden flow of molten metal in a space defined by a tubular device. From measurements in at least one predetermined layer of the metal flow in the space, an indication is obtained of the appearance of the flow which is compared with stored values. The result of the comparison is used for controlling at least one flow-affecting parameter in such a manner that a desired type of flow is provided at least in the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: MPC Metal Process Controll AB
    Inventors: Michel Cervantes, Mats Jalk, Håkan Kelvesjö, Willy Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 7004227
    Abstract: A tundish impact pad for use in the continuous casting of molten metal is described that includes a base plate having an upper impact surface surrounded, at least in part, by a sidewall defining passageways. The impact pad is adapted to receive and deflect an incoming stream of molten metal, and permit outflow of the deflected stream through the passageways and the open top surface of the pad. Vaulted-stepped features surrounding the passageways and/or weir-like walls assist in directing the outflow. The division and distribution of the outflow facilitates the development of plug flow in the molten metal between the impact pad and the tundish outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventors: Dong Xu, Lawrence Heaslip, James Dorricott
  • Patent number: 6994149
    Abstract: A casting system for pouring nonferrous metal molten masses, in particular copper or copper alloys, has a tundish and a submerged pipe feeding into a molten bath inside a thin-slab mold. Trouble-free discharge of the melt into the mold and degassing at the exposed surface of the mold is ensured. The submerged pipe leading from the tundish along a pre-defined pouring angle has first and second sections. The latter is a tip nozzle that submerses into the molten bath. It has at its wall facing the mold bottom one or more discharge openings effecting a change in the flow direction of the molten mass. A lip at the tip nozzle is spaced so as to overlap the discharge opening, to cause a second flow direction change and lateral distribution. The discharge opening and the lip are disposed inside the mold bath, below a bath surface, during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hof Te Fiennes N.V.
    Inventor: Leon Raphael Lucienne G. Cloostermans
  • Patent number: 6932250
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in a continuous casting machine. The SEN includes a connection end adapted to attach to a slide gate mechanism, a discharge end including a bifurcated port, a tapered bore extending between the connection end and the discharge end, and a flow control structure positioned within the discharge end. The flow control structure includes divergent flow control surfaces extending downward along opposite sides of a contiguous edge, each downwardly extending divergent flow control surface flaring in an outward direction toward a respective perimeter defining an outside edge of the bifurcated port and communicating therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: ISG Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Bederka
  • Patent number: 6915837
    Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a first stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a second stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The molten metal supply system (90) is in fluid communication with an outlet manifold (140) having a plurality of outlet dies (404), which may be used to form continuous metal articles including rods, bars, ingots, and continuous plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek M. Sample, Scott E. Reighard, Vincent A. Paola, Ronald G. Chabal
  • Patent number: 6913170
    Abstract: The invention concerns a nozzle mainly consisting, when viewed in vertical position and in a forward movement of the liquid steel from the top downwards, of a vertical conduit (5) comprising in its upper part a distributing member, arranged substantially at the intake of said conduit and including a dome (6) for deflecting the metal penetrating into the nozzle, which is also provided with means for injecting a gaseous, liquid or solid finely divided material beneath said dome (6) into an inner zone (11). The dome (6) of said distributing member is provided with means for separating liquid steel into two jets (B, C), one jet (B) flowing into the inner zone (11) and penetrating into the ingot mould (1) through a first orifice (9) at the lower base of said conduit (5) and the other jet (C) flowing into an outer zone (12) and penetrating into the ingot mould (1) through lateral orifices (8) located in the vertical wall of said conduit (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques A.S.B.L.
    Inventor: Paul Naveau
  • Patent number: 6889749
    Abstract: Device (10) to discharge liquid steel from a container (12) to a crystallizer (11) with rollers (31, 32), formed by a discharge element (13) arranged between the container (12) and the rollers (31, 32), wherein the discharge element (13) is shaped so as to define a main tank (15) provided with vertical intermediate walls (16, 18) which define a central compartment (19) into which the liquid steel is able to be cast from the container (12). Lateral walls (20, 21) define two lateral compartments (22, 23) communicating with the central compartment (19) by means of apertures (25) made in the lower part of the vertical intermediate walls (16, 18). On the bottom wall (27) of the discharge element (13), between the intermediate walls (16, 18) and the lateral walls (20, 21), discharge apertures (29) are provided through which the cast steel is able to flow downwards. Moreover guide elements (30) are provided at the sides of the discharge apertures (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA
    Inventors: Alfredo Poloni, Nuredin Kapaj
  • Patent number: 6860318
    Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous or semi-continuous casting of molten aluminium to form an ingot in the mould (8) of a casting machine, including a launder (4), a casting mould and feed means (2) which is coupled to the launder and extends into the casting mould. The feed means is connected to the underside of a tundish (3), and the tundish is provided with an inlet member (10) for admitting molten aluminium from the launder (4) into the tundish. The tundish is also provided with pressure-reducing means (5) for lowering the absolute gas pressure in the part of the tundish which is above the molten aluminium admitted into the tundish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Corus Technology BV
    Inventors: Gabriël Julius Raoul Tahitu, Jean Pierre André Westerveld
  • Patent number: 6857465
    Abstract: A process for producing a continuous-casting plant for producing these products and a submerged nozzle therefor and a continuously cast primary product, in particular broad slabs, having a thickness of the primary product D>100 mm and a width of the primary product B=2700 mm to 3500 mm at a casting rate vc<2 m/min in a continuous-casting plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Josef Watzinger, Markus Brummayer, Philipp Gittler
  • Patent number: 6848497
    Abstract: A metal distribution system for the simultaneous production of a plurality of logs or round billets from molten metal comprising: 1) a trough for the introduction of molten metal; 2) a plurality of side streams extending from the trough and each of the side streams including a plurality of opposing apertures each of the apertures including a thimble for the shaping of molten metal passing through the trough and the side streams and into the thimbles. A uniform flow of molten metal into the side streams and the individual apertures is provided by the controlled negative angular orientation of the most upstream opposing pair of apertures thereby providing relative uniformity of the temperature of molten metal reaching each of the plurality of apertures. A unique unitized thimble configuration and trough damming arrangement are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Pyrotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Sale, Sylvain P. Tremblay, Richard J. Collins
  • Publication number: 20040154783
    Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a first stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a second stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The molten metal supply system (90) is in fluid communication with an outlet manifold (140) having a plurality of outlet dies (404), which may be used to form continuous metal articles including rods, bars, ingots, and continuous plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Vivek M. Sample, Scott E. Reighard, Vincent A. Paola, Ronald G. Chabal
  • Patent number: 6772922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device including at least two assemblies each composed of a clamp (10) pivoting about a horizontal axis (11) and fitted with a groove (12) receiving a shoe (13) generally cylindrical in shape incorporating a flat surface (14) parallel to the axis of said cylinder, said shoe being capable of pivoting in the groove. The present invention also relates to a one-piece inner nozzle (2) particularly adapted for use with this clamping device. The one-piece inner nozzle according to the invention is thus composed of a tubular part (6) defining a pouring channel (4) and a flat part or plate (7) providing contact with the downstream component (8) of the pouring channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventors: Jean-luc Renard, Vincent Boisdequin, Calogero Lattuca, Mariano Collura
  • Publication number: 20040123971
    Abstract: Device (10) to discharge liquid steel from a container (12) to a crystallizer (11) with rollers (31, 32), formed by a discharge element (13) arranged between the container (12) and the rollers (31, 32), wherein the discharge element (13) is shaped so as to define a main tank (15) provided with vertical intermediate walls (16, 18) which define a central compartment (19) into which the liquid steel is able to be cast from the container (12). Lateral walls (20, 21) define two lateral compartments (22, 23) communicating with the central compartment (19) by means of apertures (25) made in the lower part of the vertical intermediate walls (16, 18). On the bottom wall (27) of the discharge element (13), between the intermediate walls (16, 18) and the lateral walls (20, 21), discharge apertures (29) are provided through which the cast steel is able to flow downwards. Moreover guide elements (30) are provided at the sides of the discharge apertures (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Alfredo Poloni, Nuredin Kapaj
  • Patent number: 6739485
    Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a first stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a second stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The injectors (100) each include an intake/injection port (138) in the form of a dual action valve (500) adapted to admit and dispense molten metal from the injectors (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek M. Sample, Domenic A. Ghiardi, Mark A. Newborn, Ronald G. Chabal, Vincent A. Paola