And Regulating An Operation Patents (Class 164/452)
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Patent number: 5518064Abstract: A method of operation of a twin roll casting apparatus to produce thin gauge sheet metal at high-production rates. The method includes simultaneously adjusting various operating parameters, such as the roll speed, tip position, roll gap, molten metal input temperature and exit strip tension. In an iterative fashion, the strip gauge is reduced in steps while increasing the speed of the rolls and pulling the tip back out of the roll bite. In conjunction with the aforementioned adjustments, the temperature of the molten metal input to the feed tip is gradually reduced to ensure proper solidification at higher speeds. A set of pinch rolls closes on the exit strip at a certain gauge thickness to apply a drag to the strip in order to ensure proper coil wind-up tension.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignees: Norandal, USA, Fata European Group S.r.l., Hunter Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Romanowski, Apparao Duvvuri, William E. Carey, William M. Marrison
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Patent number: 5488987Abstract: Method for the controlled pre-rolling of thin slabs (20) leaving a continuous casting plant, whereby the pre-rolling is carried out with a plurality of pairs of rolls (14-16) grouped together in one or more pre-rolling assemblies (10), the first of the pre-rolling assemblies (10) being positioned immediately downstream of foot rolls (12) of a mold (11), at least one displaceable roll (16) being included in the pairs of rolls (14-16), the pairs of rolls (14-16) being associated with pressure transducer means (18) and hydraulic capsule means (17), position transducer means (24) being included. The pressure transducer means (18) and position transducer means (24) can be associated with a data processing unit (21), at least the first of the pairs of rolls (14-16) processing a slab (20) which has just emerged from the mold (11) with a thin solidified skin.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpAInventors: Bruno Di Giusto, Fulvio Fasano, Wogler Ruzza, Mirco Striuli, Alfredo Lavazza, Andrea Carboni, Giovanni Coassin
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Patent number: 5377744Abstract: Apparatus consists of an articulated continuous casing machine (1) in which a mould for casting bar (18) moves endlessly from an upstream end to a downstream end of a path on the urging of an engine (15). To enable the cast bar to be fed directly into a continuous extrusion machine (2), the engine (15) engages the mould via a slipping clutch (15A) so that in operation an axial compressive force is applied to the cast bar in the mould.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1992Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Holton Machinery LimitedInventor: Brian Maddock
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Patent number: 5372180Abstract: In a twin roll caster, the problem of the casting sticking to one or other of the rolls can be overcome or at least reduced by adjusting the relative speed of rotation of the rolls when sticking is detected or anticipated.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: Davy McKee (Poole) LimitedInventors: Peter G. Grocock, Philip M. Thomas
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Patent number: 5359531Abstract: An apparatus for displaying casting-data in a die-cast machine having a plurality of sensors which gather data values such as speed, pressure and temperature. A converter processes signals from sensors, and an input-calibration mechanism may be provided for correcting the processed signals and for issuing detected data. A casting-cycle data processing mechanism may be provided for displaying data items such as an injection speed or an injection pressure every casting cycle, based on the detected data. A casting control data processing mechanism may also be provided for displaying shot-time items and fluctuations through repeated injection cycles to monitor casting operation, where displays are based on the detected data from the input-calibration mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1992Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norihiro Iwamoto, Masayuki Takamura
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Patent number: 5353861Abstract: The process relates to the early detection and prevention of sticking when roll casting metals, especially aluminium and aluminium alloys. The strip movements in the region between the roll nip (W) and the first deflector roller (46) in the direction perpendicular to the strip surface (42, 44) are measured continuously or almost continuously and process parameters are altered in a programme-controlled manner when vibrations appear. When this microsticking is detected, process parameters can be altered before damage is caused by sticking.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Lauener Engineering AGInventors: Rudolf Roder, Bruno Frischknecht
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Patent number: 5343933Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous casting of aluminum alloys in multiple moulds to form continuous castings of improved quality. The invention comprises supplying gas at a predetermined gas flow rate to each mould during the mould filling stage, sensing the gas pressure during the second casting or cooling stage and increasing or reducing the gas flow rate to maintain a predetermined gas pressure in the moulds during the continuous extrusion process.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1993Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: VAW Aluminium AGInventors: Wolfgang Schneider, Horst-Dieter Lindlar, Roland Schmoll
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Patent number: 5297612Abstract: An improved method for controlling the clamping forces exerted on opposing sidewalls of a casting mold during a continuous casting operation, which comprises the steps of presetting the mold for the maximum load to be experienced by the sidewalls of the mold, securing the mold at the presetting, and, through displacement measuring devices and hydraulic spring mechanisms, controlling the forces exerted upon the sidewalls during the continuous casting operation as a function of the thermodynamic stresses to which the mold is subjected.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: Voest-Alpine International CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Korpela, Lester A. Foster, Jr.
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Patent number: 5293924Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the continuous casting process for making copper by using a probe and analyzer which measures the gases present in the molten copper and controls the process based on the analyzer results.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1993Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Assignee: ASARCO IncorporatedInventors: John R. Hugens, Jr., Stephen L. Ferrel, Gary L. Spence
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Patent number: 5273101Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting a molten metallic material in ingot form are provided wherein the molten metallic material is transported to the ingot mold and an upper surface temperature and temperature distribution of the molten metal pool in the casting mold are measured by an imaging radiometer which is disposed external to an inert gas filled chamber enclosing the ingot mold, and is disposed to view the ingot pool surface through a sight port. At least one plasma arc torch is employed to direct an arc at the ingot pool surface, the intensity of which is selectively modulated and the impingement of the arc is simultaneously selectively positioned in order to maintain a desired preselected mold pool surface temperature and temperature distribution thereby yielding a preselected metallurgical structure in the solidified ingot.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1991Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert D. Lillquist, Gordon B. Hunter, Richard G. Menzies
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Patent number: 5273102Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting a molten metallic material in ingot form are provided wherein the molten metallic material is transported to the ingot mold and an upper surface temperature and temperature distribution of the molten metal pool in the casting mold are measured by an imaging radiometer which is disposed external to a vacuum chamber enclosing the ingot mold, and is disposed to view the ingot pool surface through a sight port. At least one electron beam gun is employed to direct a stream of electrons at the ingot pool surface, the intensity of which is selectively modulated and the impingement of the stream of electrons is simultaneously selectively positioned in order to maintain a desired preselected mold pool surface temperature and temperature distribution thereby yielding a preselected metallurgical structure in the solidified ingot.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert D. Lillquist, Charles B. Adasczik, Gordon B. Hunter, Richard G. Menzies
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Patent number: 5249622Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus includes two adjacent continuous casters each with relatively narrow end walls and relatively broad side walls, the end walls being clamped between the side walls. Mechanisms at either end move the respective end walls toward and away from each other, and may also change the slope of the end walls in order to accommodate shrinkage of the metal as it solidifies. The two casters are positioned in alignment and a single tundish is located above them but as close as possible, the tundish being capable of delivering molten metal into both casters simultaneously. The tundish covers and restricts access to the space separating the adjacent ends of the casters. The free end of each caster, however, is accessible, and its respective mechanism can be operated without inconvenience.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1992Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Stelco Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Dalimonte
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Patent number: 5242010Abstract: The taper of narrow faces of a plate-type mold is controlled for the production of steel castings in slab form, wherein the plates of the mold are cooled by a liquid coolant and wherein the narrow faces can be adjusted between wide faces of the mold. Initially, the temperature of the coolant is measured at a coolant outlet of each plate of the mold. A cooling surface-related specific temperature value is then formed from each measured temperature. The specific temperature values of opposite plates are compared. The specific temperature values of each plate are compared with the specific temperature values of the adjoining plates. When a difference between the specific temperature values occurs, an adjustment value having a magnitude of the difference in values is applied to a drive of the narrow face which provides the lower temperature value, such that the taper of the narrow face is increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1992Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: Mannesmann AktiengesellschaftInventors: Fritz-Peter Pleschiutschnigg, Lothar Parschat, Uwe Franzen
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Patent number: 5242014Abstract: In a continuous casting method, a melt surface condition within a mold is monitored for melt surface abnormalities such as boiling, lack of powder, and a condition of slag beard formation by using image sensors. Also, a condition of Deckel formation is detected by using a load sensor through a sensor rod. Based on the monitored conditions, a casting speed, a flow rate of gas blown into a pouring nozzle, a flow rate of a melt poured into the mold, scatter of powder, and the like, are controlled to prevent the occurrence of the melt surface abnormalities, as well as removing a slag beard by a hitting oscillator and removing Deckels by the sensor rod.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1991Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: Nippon Steel CorporationInventors: Makoto Takahashi, Masami Temma, Atsuhiro Goto
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Patent number: 5224535Abstract: A method of avoiding run out on a machine for casting between rolls is disclosed. The method measures the value of a parameter such as the electric strength or fluid pressure supplying the motor which rotates the rolls, or the torque or force exerted by the strip on at least one of the rolls, at at least 20 equidistant positions at the periphery of at least one of the rolls and during each revolution. As soon as a reduction in the value of at least one of these parameters is observed in 3 successive positions during revolution n, relative to the value at the same positions read during revolution n-1, the rotary speed of the roll is reduced until the difference disappears, then the roll is gradually returned to the initial speed. This method enables strips of normal length to be cast without any being discarded and without any scrap being produced.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Pechiney RhenaluInventor: Jacques Charpentier
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Patent number: 5205345Abstract: The width of a mold is controlled effectively to produce a slab having a desired and constant width associated therewith. More particularly, the speed of the output slab and the temperature of the molten metal contained within tundish are measured and the pressure exerted by the received molten metal within mold is determined. These measured and determined values are used to appropriately modify the width of the mold so as to produce a slab of constant width.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1991Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: Acutus IndustriesInventors: John T. McClellan, John W. Grove, Frank Kowalczyk
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Patent number: 5191927Abstract: In a twin-drum type continuous casting machine including a pair of drums having rotary shafts supported in parallel to each other from a pair of frames via chocks and rotating in the opposite directions to each other with a gap space held therebetween, and a depressing device for the drums, a method for detecting a sheet thickness of a thin sheet being cast is improved so that detection of a sheet thickness can be carried out reliably at a high precision without delay. A gap space distance between the drums is calculated by detecting a depressed position from the depressing device. A correction value for the gap space distance is calculated from a deflection of the frame by detecting a depressing force of the depressing device. A correction value for the gap space distance is also calculated from a thermal deformation of the frame by detecting a temperature of frame coolant water of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignees: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippon Steel CorporationInventors: Sadamu Terado, Hidenori Hattori, Yoshio Morimoto, Yasuhiro Yamakami
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Patent number: 5170838Abstract: Upstream of the dies (14) internally insulated in the upper region is a casting furnace and a runner system, which latter comprises a distributor through feeding all the dies (14) with metal at an identical level (60). In the region situated below an inner ring (32), a gas cushion (54) which prevents direct contact of the die (14) with the molten metal (30) is maintained, and oil is injected into this region. A joint main having distribution lines conducts air or an inert gas having the same, slight overpressure into all the dies (14). The relative pressure between a desired value dependent on the metal level (H.sub.1) and computed by program and an actual value measured in the main (62) serves for regulation and monitoring. Upon overshooting of the programmed, maximum deviation of the controlled variable, a processor triggers a manipulated variable for the actuator of the pressure control valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Assignee: Alusuisse-Lonza Services Ltd.Inventors: Jean-Jaques Theler, Jean-Francois Jordan, Edmond Rey
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Patent number: 5158129Abstract: A system with a principal hopper having balances and discharge piping fitted with a valve and a flow sensor. The lower end of the piping extends into a secondary hopper which is connected to a pipe fitting powder to an ingot mold. The powder flows from the principal hopper into the secondary hopper and flows through the pipe into the ingot mould where it spreads over a cast metal surface. When the level of powder in the secondary hopper reaches the lower end of the piping, the flow is terminated and the flow sensor initiates valve closure. The valve is reopened after a specified time period or when another sensor indicates the absence of powder. In this way, it is possible to determine powder consumption by measuring the time between two successive valve openings or closures.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1991Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Assignees: Sollac, Techmetal PromotionInventors: Ghislain Hubert, Andre Klein, Patrick Ominetti, Raymond Pilloy
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Patent number: 5092392Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and maintaining a predetermined width in the gap between a casting nozzle and a casting wheel, wherein the gap is monitored by means of at least one pneumatic gap sensor. The pneumatic gap sensor is mounted on the casting nozzle in proximity to the casting surface and is connected by means of a tube to a regulator and a transducer. The regulator provides a flow of gas through a restictor to the pneumatic gap sensor, and the transducer translates the changes in the gas pressure caused by the proximity of the casting wheel to the pneumatic gap sensor outlet into a signal intelligible to a control device. The relative positions of the casting nozzle and casting wheel can thereby be selectively adjusted to continually maintain a predetermined distance between their adjacent surfaces. The apparatus and method enables accurate monitoring of the actual casting gap in a simple and reliable manner resistant to the extreme temperatures and otherwise hostile casting environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1991Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: Armco, Inc.Inventors: Karl T. Bagdal, Edward L. King, Donald W. Follstaedt
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Patent number: 5086827Abstract: The flatness of a casting belt in a continuous metal casting machine is continuously monitored and thereby also the condition of its thermal protective coating. One or more non-contacting eddy-current sensing probes are placed in proximity to the reverse or coolant side of a belt for sensing and measuring the distance of the belt from the probe to reveal irregularities in the flatness of the belt while it travels past the probe. A deficiency of insulative belt coating can cause variations in belt flatness during casting. By monitoring such variations an operator of the continuous casting machine is alerted that the coating needs to be retouched or replaced without interrupting the casting process. Or such monitoring can alert the operator that the belt has become inherently not flat. A similar proximity sensing probe is utilized for the purpose of supplying an instant report of the initial entrance of molten metal into the casting cavity adjacent to a casting belt at the start of a cast.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1990Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: Hazelett Strip-Casting CorporationInventors: Thomas S. Graham, Norman J. Bergeron
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Patent number: 5052467Abstract: A control device for a twin-roll continuous caster, comprising a plurality of maps, each of which teaches a relationship between a thickness of a cast strip and a roll separating force under a fixed casting speed, and teaches stable casting conditions under which bulging and surface cracks do not occur. The device detects a cast thickness and a height of the molten pool and selects an appropriate map from among the plurality of maps, by the detected height, and controls the casting conditions such that a target thickness of the cast strip is obtained under stable casting conditions by using the selected map.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1990Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigenori Tanaka, Takashi Furuya, Hiroyuki Kajioka, Shigeru Ogawa, Kunimasa Sasaki, Atsumu Yamane
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Patent number: 5042700Abstract: In a method to determine disturbances when pouring molten metal from a container having an outlet channel, vibrations generated by the molten metal flowing from the container are measured at parts of the outlet and deviations from a desired vibrational characteristic are determined. From these vibrations disturbances such as blockages in the outlet channel, vortexes and, above all, the outflow of slag can be detected. With this method the reliability of the pouring process can be significantly increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1989Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: Stopinc AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rickard Ardell, Armin Kursfeld
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Patent number: 5036901Abstract: An apparatus and method for regulating the gap between a casting nozzle and a casting wheel in which the gap between the casting nozzle and the casting wheel is monitored by means of at least one sensing element protruding from the face of the casting nozzle. The sensing element is preferably connected to a voltage source and the casting wheel grounded. When the sensing element contacts the casting wheel, an electric circuit is completed. The completion of the circuit can be registered by an indicator, and the presence or absence of a completed circuit indicates the relative position of the casting nozzle to the casting wheel. The relative positions of the casting nozzle and casting wheel can thereby be selectively adjusted to continually maintain a predetermined distance between their adjacent surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1990Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Assignee: Armco Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Williams, Edward L. King, Steven L. Campbell
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Patent number: 5031688Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the thickness of a metal strip cast by pouring molten metal between a pair of closely spaced, water-cooled rotating rolls. The temperature of at least one of the rolls is measured at a fixed position relative to the roll bite before and during the cast. The rotational speed of the rolls is adjusted in proportion to a measured roll separation or roll separating force corrected by the roll temperature measured during the cast such that a predetermined and substantially uniform thickness of the metal strip is produced.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1989Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: Bethlehem Steel CorporationInventors: Jonathan A. Burgo, Dennis H. Bright, Thomas J. Conarty, Jr., Jack H. Baker, Joseph W. Hlinka
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Patent number: 5027883Abstract: The process for the continuous casting of thin metal products, particularly steel, products, of the type according to which the molten metal is poured into a continuous-casting ingot mold of elongated section, from which the partially solidified metal is continuously withdrawn and the thickness of the product emerging from the ingot mold is reduced by means of squeezing rolls (4, 4'), comprises the steps of (a) detecting whether the liquid phase tip is located upstream or downstream of the squeezing rolls, (b) applying between the squeezing rolls, a variable magnetic field to the core of the product, while matching the action of the magnetic field to the detected position of the liquid phase tip.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1990Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: Techmetal Promotion (Societe Anonyme)Inventors: Roger Ventavoli, Daniel Neyret
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Patent number: 5027884Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing thin metal products by continuous casting. The apparatus comprises an ingot mold (2) and squeezing rolls (6, 6') intended to cause, by reduction of the thickness of product, closing of the solidification pool. The separation force (F) exerted on the squeezing rolls by the product is measured and a variable magnetic field, matched to the separation force so that the latter does not exceed over a long period a predetermined upper limit value representing the force that the squeezing rolls can tolerate temporarily without damage, is applied to the core of the still molten product by inductors (8, 8') housed in, or upstream of, the squeezing rolls.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1990Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: Techmetal PromotionInventors: Roger Ventavoli, Daniel Neyret
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Patent number: 5020585Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the likelihood of a break-out during continuous casting of molten metal in a vertical mold. A continuous determination is made of (a) the location within the mold of the molten metal level and (b) the peak temperature location within the mold, both in relation to the top of the mold. The vertical distance between (a) and (b) is noted, and that distance is continuously monitored to detect any increase therein. A substantial increase indicates the likelihood of a breakout unless corrective action is taken.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1989Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Inland Steel CompanyInventors: Kenneth E. Blazek, Ismael G. Saucedo
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Patent number: 4979556Abstract: Thickness of metal sheet being cast is continuously controlled by passing a light beam through the gap between the casting machine rolls and measuring the amount of light passing through. The width of the gap is controlled in response to the measured light. To prevent interference in the hostile environment of a casting machine, the light is transmitted along an enclosed path and air is blown through the enclosed path into the roll gap. Both the thickness can be controlled in this way, and the profile can be controlled by axially shifting at least one of a pair of non-cylindrical work rolls.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1989Date of Patent: December 25, 1990Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Curt Braun, Subbiah Sankaran
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Patent number: 4958677Abstract: A rolling installation comprises a continuous casting machine, and a light thickness-reduction rolling mill, a width-reduction rolling mill and a thickness-reduction rolling mill which are arranged downstream of the continuous casting machine. The light thickness-reduction rolling mill is driven with a power lower than that required for thickness-reduction rolling by the light thickness-reduction rolling mill. The power deficiency is supplied to the light thickness-reduction rolling mill by the thickness-reduction rolling mill through the cast strip. As a result, a longitudinal tension is applied to the cast strip passing through the width-reduction rolling mill, thereby preventing the cast strip from being buckled and deformed at the width-reduction rolling.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1989Date of Patent: September 25, 1990Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Tomoaki Kimura
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Patent number: 4940076Abstract: A method and system is used for achieving increased precision of steering of the flexible, metallic endless belts of continuous metal-casting machines. Such belts usually have the imperfections inherent in the parent strip metal from which the belt is made. For example, in low-carbon steel, there is generally a "camber," a curvature of the edges in the plane of the strip material. Belts, revolving in the machine, are normally steered through sensing the lateral position of one edge. If the edge is not true, due to camber, the servo steering system of the prior art will continually "hunt" caused by variations in lateral position of the cambered edge. The present invention provides a steering method and system responsive to a single signal source, fixed on a belt edge. This single signal source is achieved by notching or otherwise cuing a belt at one place along an edge so that the steering sensor senses this cue notch as the belt revolves.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1989Date of Patent: July 10, 1990Assignee: Hazelett Strip-Casting CorporationInventors: S. Jerry Desautels, Timothy D. Kaiser
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Patent number: 4936371Abstract: A method and apparatus for making metal flakes from a body or stream of molten metal. The apparatus includes a wheel with serrations on its periphery, and means for rotating the wheel in a vertical plane. Means are provided for controlling the relative positions of the wheel and the upper surface of the body of molten metal which is subjected to change. In this manner, the serrations on the bottom of the wheel are disposed a preselected distance into the body of molten metal. When the serrations rotate out of the body, molten metal collects on the serrations and freezes into solid flakes. Means are provided for removing the flakes from the serrations and for collecting the flakes at one location on the periphery of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1988Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: William D. McAninch, Michael L. Ruschak, Daniel A. Anderson, Andrew Antoninka, William C. Craig, John L. Genna
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Patent number: 4934441Abstract: For closing gaps between blocks of a moving edge dam prior to its travelling downstream into the entrance of a moving mold defined between upper and lower revolving casting belts moving downstream from the mold entrance to its exit, the moving edge dam is initially elevated into a crest, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. This crest is above a plane generally defined by the lower casting belt travelling downstream. Then, a guide roller positioned above thrusts downwardly upon the moving edge dam bending it convex downwardly as shown at "B" in FIG. 14 for causing its dam blocks to press against each other for sliding them along their high strength endless flexibile carrying member, thereby closing gaps between the blocks entering the mold entrance for sealing the entrance against outward leakage of molten metal between blocks.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1987Date of Patent: June 19, 1990Assignee: Hazelett Strip-Casting CorporationInventors: John F. B. Wood, Timothy D. Kaiser, Jerome B. Allyn, Charles D. Dykes, Frank E. Kalaskie, Robert J. Carmichael, Charles R. Simon
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Patent number: 4926928Abstract: A protective device for use in a continuous casting and rolling process for protecting an eddy current detectoor. A rod arresting means is actuated when a break in the continuous rod or bar is detected. This prevents rod having fins or projections from passing into and damaging an eddy current detector.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1985Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.Inventor: James H. Leckie
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Patent number: 4892133Abstract: The invention relates to a process for regulating the lubrication of the working face of the rolls of a continuous strip casting machine. The process is characterized in that, in order to operate the machine at the highest possible speed while avoiding excesses of lubricant or sticking phenomena, at least one beam of coherent light is directed on to the working face of each of the rolls or on the each of the faces of the strip or on to the face of a roll and the face of the strip opposite to said roll, the values of the mean strength and/or the frequency of the variations in the beam reflected by said faces are measured, said measured values are compared to values in reference intervals, and the speed of rotation of the rolls and/or the lubricant flow rate is adjusted in dependence on the location of said values with respect to said intervals. It finds application in all machines for casting material between rolls in which there is a wish to achieve a maximum level of productivity.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1988Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Cegedure Societe de Transformation de l'Aluminum PechineyInventor: Philippe Solignac
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Patent number: 4883114Abstract: Steel is teemed into one end of a continuous casting mold to form a continuously cast strand which is withdrawn through the other end of the mold. The mold is oscillated and the strand is accelerated through a first range of speeds less than 1.2 meter per minute and a second range of speeds greater than this value. As the strand accelerates through the first range, the oscillation frequency is increased from a value between 60 and 120 cycles per minute to a value between 120 and 200 cycles per minute while holding the stroke constant. On the other hand, when the strand accelerates through the second range, the oscillation frequency is maintained constant and the stroke is increased with strand speed. A condition of negative strip is maintained in both ranges and the time for which negative strip occurs during each oscillation cycle approximates 0.1 second.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1989Date of Patent: November 28, 1989Assignees: Clecim, Davy (Distington) Limited, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.Inventor: Manfred Wolf
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Method of oscillating continuous casting mold at high frequencies and mold oscillated by such method
Patent number: 4867226Abstract: A method of oscillating a continuous caster mold at high frequencies comprises disposing a plurality of oscillators having substantially the same oscillating characteristic at appropriate intervals along or in the vicinity of a line where liquid metal contacts an inner lining of a mold, connecting the tip of each oscillator to the inner lining so that the axis of the oscillator extends at right angles to the surface of the inner lining, and supplying power from an oscillation generator to each oscillator so that the oscillation frequencies of any two adjoining oscillators are differentiated within the limit of 2 KHz. Thus, any two adjoining oscillators oscillate the inner lining at right angles to the surface thereof at mutually differentiated frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1988Date of Patent: September 19, 1989Assignee: Nippon Steel CorporationInventors: Masatsugu Uehara, Haruo Kitamura, Kenzo Sawada, Tetsuo Nakamura, Takashi Ishizawa, Katsuhiko Yui, Yuichi Kato, Ryuichi Hiratsuka, Daijiro Mizukoshi, Masamitsu Wakoh, Junichi Kinoshita -
Patent number: 4809766Abstract: Apparatus is provided for giving an early warning of the occurrence of breakout of molten metal from a partially solidified cast strand downstream from a continuous caster mold. The apparatus includes a hollow body (preferably tubing) located adjacent to the strand. A source of fluid connected to the body is adopted to maintain substantially constant pressure of the flue therein. A monitoring device provides a signal when a significant drop in fluid pressure occurs in the body, so that an early warning of the breakout of molten metal and resultant fusion and opening of a hole in the wall of said body is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1988Date of Patent: March 7, 1989Assignee: USX CorporationInventors: Timothy R. Greene, Jerry D. Oberlander, Richard O. Ostertag, Frank Vavra
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Patent number: 4807693Abstract: A method for reliably casting a continuous metal filament employing a moving casting surface and means for depositing a stream of molten metal onto the casting surface to form the filament. A flexible, metallic mesh hugger belt, at least a portion of which is adapted to move at a velocity substantially equal to the velocity of the casting surface, entrains the filament against the casting surface to maintain cooling contact therewith and provides an entraining, hugger pressure which is sufficient to substantially prevent relative movement of the filament with respect to the casting surface and hugger belt. The hugger belt is also controlled to provide a hugger pressure sufficient to prevent the imposition of excessive forces within the filament during the cooling thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1986Date of Patent: February 28, 1989Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Laxmanan, Santosh K. Das, Chin-Fong Chang
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Patent number: 4771821Abstract: A method for controlling an early stage casting in a continuous casting process comprising the steps of commencing to pour molten steel into a mold provided with a dummy bar head through an immersion nozzle provided with a flow rate control device, detecting that a steel level in the mold has reached a predetermined drawing commencement level and commencing drawing of the dummy bar head. A holding time for molten steel in the mold is predetermined, from the commencement of pouring molten steel into the mold to a commencement of the drawing of the dummy bar head, through a solidified shell formation velocity under prevailing operating conditions, and a prediction is made of whether or not, when the steel level has reached the predetermined level, a molten metal holding time substantially equal to the predetermined molten metal holding time can be obtained, and the flow rate of the molten steel is controlled in accordance with the result of the prediction.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1986Date of Patent: September 20, 1988Assignee: Nippon Steel CorporationInventors: Akira Matsushita, Masami Temma, Wataru Ohashi
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Patent number: 4754803Abstract: A process for producing copper rod having an improved surface smoothness and substantially no surface oxides, which rod is suitable for drawing or rolling into wire, is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of forming a bath of molten pure copper, casting the molten copper into a cast bar, conditioning the bar for hot-rolling, hot-rolling the bar to form a hot-rolled rod, cooling the hot-rolled rod and chemically shaving and pickling the hot-rolled rod. The chemical shaving and pickling step is performed with a solution containing controlled concentrations of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Both the solution and the rod are maintained at elevated temperatures and the duration of the reaction is controlled. The interrelated process variables are regulated so that substantially all of the surface oxides and a desired amount of copper are removed from the surface of the hot-rolled rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1987Date of Patent: July 5, 1988Assignee: Phelps Dodge Industries, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin A. Escobar, Jr., Lester J. Wahner, Gilbert Montes, John T. Farraro
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Patent number: 4735254Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous casting of an elongated thin metal strip achieves substantially high yield without allowing break-out or sticking. The method for casting a continuous elongated metal strip includes a step of driving endless belts at a varying speed so as to apply jerks to the slightly and half-solidified metal that release the metal from the surfaces of the stationary side walls. Applying jerks to the casting chamber by varying the driving speed of the endless belt ensures that the solidifying metal will travel smoothly and thus ensures a high manufacturing yield.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1986Date of Patent: April 5, 1988Assignee: Kawasaki Steel CorporationInventors: Seiji Itoyama, Hakaru Nakato, Tsutomu Nozaki, Yasuhiro Habu, Nagayasu Bessho, Tetsuya Fujii
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Patent number: 4735253Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus includes a continuous casting mold, a guide downstream of the mold for guiding a continuously cast strand issuing from the mold, and a drive unit for drawing the strand out of the mold and through the guide. The drive unit is connected with a computer programmed to reciprocate the strand in the guide and the mold in the event of an interruption in the supply of molten material to the mold.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1986Date of Patent: April 5, 1988Assignee: Concast Service Union AGInventor: Arthur Vaterlaus
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Patent number: 4728875Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring the surface level of a liquid, such as molten metal, by moving first and second sensing electrodes vertically with respect to the surface level of the liquid, positioning the lower portion of the second electrode vertically displaced upwardly with respect to the lower portion of the first electrode, such that the amount of vertical displacement is directly related to the accuracy of determining the liquid level, generating an electrical signal as a function of each electrode position, then moving the first and second electrode vertically with respect to the surface level of the liquid in response to the electrical signal corresponding to each electrode, and thereafter determining the liquid level when the first electrode is in contact with the liquid and the second electrode is in noncontacting position above the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1986Date of Patent: March 1, 1988Assignee: Allegheny Ludlum CorporationInventor: Ashok Murthy
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Patent number: 4727927Abstract: A dual drive sheet casting machine for casting metal sheet has a pair of water cooled rolls between which the metal is cast. Each roll of the casting machine is driven by a separate motor, with one motor being a master and the other a slave driven at a controlled percentage of the speed or current of the master motor. Differential current to the two motors indicates sticking or microsticking of metal to the rolls. When the magnitude of the differential current exceeds a high limit indicating sticking, the master roll is slowed to eliminate the sticking. When the magnitude of differential current passed by a band pass filter between one half and ten Hertz exceeds a selected maximum indicating microsticking, the rotational speed of the master roll is decreased. After making a change in roll speed, the control circuit is disabled for an interval to permit the casting machine to regain stability.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1987Date of Patent: March 1, 1988Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Stephen E. Popik
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Patent number: 4725962Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a constant ejection pressure in a melt spinning process for converting a molten metal into a metal foil of a uniform thickness. The backpressure exerted against inert gas being injected into the bottom of a crucible containing molten metal is monitored. Any negative rate change in the backpressure is noted and the gas overpressure in the crucible is then increased to return the back-pressure to its original value. In another embodiment the gas flow rate of the inert gas is monitored. Any positive rate change in the flow rate is noted and the gas overpressure is then increased to return the flow rate of the gas back to normal. This maintains a constant ejection pressure of molten metal passing through the orifice of the crucible producing foil with a uniform thickness.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1986Date of Patent: February 16, 1988Assignee: GTE Laboratories IncorporatedInventors: Shih-Chen Hsu, Ralph P. Adler
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Patent number: 4721154Abstract: During the melt spinning process for producing metal foils having an amorphous structure, molten metal is cast through a slot-like nozzle onto a surface or wall which is rapidly moved past the nozzle. A particularly rapid quenching and cooling rate of the solidifying melt is achieved by providing cooling support elements which are supplied with a cooling pressure medium, on one side of the moved surface or wall and which aide is located opposite to or remote from the nozzle. Advantageously, the surface or wall is constructed as a thin-walled cylindrical shell or tube which is elastically deformable to some extent. In its shell interior, there are provided a number of rows of cooling support elements which may be controlled by thickness sensors and temperature profile sensors. There is thus rendered possible, the continuous production of amorphous metal foils.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1987Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Assignee: Sulzer-Escher Wyss AGInventors: Alfred Christ, Rolf Lehmann, Hans-Wlater Schlaepfer
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Patent number: 4703789Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the oscillations of a mold for continuous casting of metal, the mold being mounted on a table which is connected, in turn, to three spaced apart drives and three load relief springs; three displacement path transducers track each of the drives; a source of reference signals provides reference signals representing the desired oscillation, as to contour, amplitude and rate; actual and reference signals are compared by and in stages which provide correction signals for the drives.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1986Date of Patent: November 3, 1987Assignee: Mannesmann AGInventors: Wolfgang Reichelt, Peter Voss-Spilker, Ewald Feuerstacke, Klaus Schwarz
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Patent number: 4694899Abstract: A method and system are provided for synchronizing the travelling edge dams in the continuous casting of metal slab, strip, or bar, thereby providing a means for the continuous uniform casting of longitudinally spaced edge shapes, contours, or profiles such as integral shoulders, lugs, lobes, depressions, curves, or indentations in the opposite edges of the cast product. Shapes include the protruding lugs, cast directly opposite each other, for suspending copper anodes in electrolytic refining-also the intruding, material-saving contours in the tops of anodes. A belt-type continuous casting machine is shown wherein two moving contoured edge dam loops each comprise blocks strung upon flexible endless metal straps. The moving edge dams on each side of the mold must be synchronized, regardless of disturbing thermal variations notably.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1986Date of Patent: September 22, 1987Assignee: Hazelett Strip-Casting CorporationInventors: John F. B. Wood, Timothy D. Kaiser, Jerome B. Allyn, Charles D. Dykes, Frank E. Kalaskie, Robert J. Carmichael, Charles R. Simon
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Patent number: RE32596Abstract: An apparatus and process for casting metals wherein the molten metal is contained and formed into a desired shape by the application of an electromagnetic field. The apparatus includes an inductor and a non-magnetic shield. Changes in the location or the location of the top surface of the molten metal head are continuously displayed during the casting run by monitoring electrical parameters of the electromagnetic casting system including at least one electrical parameter of the nonmagnetic shield.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1986Date of Patent: February 9, 1988Assignee: Olin CorporationInventors: Peter J. Kindlmann, Gary L. Ungarean, John C. Yarwood, Derek E. Tyler