By Electrical Induction Patents (Class 164/493)
  • Patent number: 11577308
    Abstract: Disclosed is a die casting apparatus including a movable die provided with a forming space; and a lower fixed die which corresponds to the movable die and accommodates molten metal, and includes a sleeve into which the molten metal is injected, wherein the molten metal is cast into a formed object by bringing the movable die and the lower fixed die into contact with each other. The die casting apparatus is provided with a movable electromagnetically controlled structure control module including at least one electromagnetic stirring device-accommodating part that accommodates an electromagnetic stirring device therein and is configured to pass through the lower fixed die to the vicinity of the sleeve in order to electromagnetically stir the molten metal injected through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: FUTURECAST CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae Yoon Park
  • Patent number: 11000888
    Abstract: A method for producing a metal strip in a cast-rolling installation, the cast-rolling installation includes the following: a casting machine, a first furnace, a first shear, a roughing train, a second furnace, a second shear, a finishing train, a cooling section, a reeling system, and a third shear. In order to allow a flexible reaction to different operating conditions, at least one of the following operating modes is selected in order to produce the strip: a) a continuous rolling, in which the casting machine, the roughing train, and the finishing train are operatively connected together; b) a continuous rolling in the roughing train and a single-strip rolling in the finishing train; c) a single-strip rolling in the roughing train and a single-strip rolling in the finishing train; and d) a semi-continuous rolling in the roughing train and/or a semi-continuous rolling in the finishing train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SMS GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Jürgen Seidel, Christoph Klein, Matthias Peters, Cosimo Andreas Cecere
  • Patent number: 10208399
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing truly bulk In2O3 single crystals from the melt, as well as melt-grown bulk In2O3 single crystals are disclosed. The growth method comprises a controlled decomposition of initially non-conducting In2O3 starting material (23) during heating-up of a noble metal crucible (4) containing the In2O3 starting material (23) and thus increasing electrical conductivity of the In2O3 starting material with rising temperature, which is sufficient to couple with an electromagnetic field of an induction coil (6) through the crucible wall (24) around melting point of In2O3. Such coupling leads to an electromagnetic levitation of at least a portion (23.1) of the liquid In2O3 starting material with a neck (26) formation acting as crystallization seed. During cooling down of the noble metal crucible (4) with the liquid In2O3 starting material at least one bulk In2O3 single crystal (28.1, 28.2) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: FORSCHUNGSVERBUND BERLIN E.V.
    Inventors: Zbigniew Galazka, Roberto Fornari, Reinhard Uecker
  • Patent number: 9925583
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a temperature regulated vessel and a fluid delivery device, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus and include one or more temperature regulating lines configured to flow a fluid or liquid within the body (e.g., to heat a cold device). The fluid delivery device is mounted in the apparatus and has a collar with an opening extending therethrough to sealingly mate with the vessel. A delivery channel is provided within the collar for directing an input flow of fluid into the vessel. An exit channel can also be provided within the collar for directing an output flow of the fluid from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Adam A Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Joseph W Stevick
  • Patent number: 9309584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a base material for high temperature alloy and a process for manufacturing the same. The base material includes following components (by weight): 10-45% Cr, 0.5-12% Nb, 0.7-2.5% Ti, ?9.0% Mo, ?8.0% W, ?2% Mn, ?1.0% Si, ?2.0% Al, ?0.5% C, ?0.032% O, ?0.032% N,?0.01% S, ?0.02% P, and balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The process for manufacturing the base material for high temperature alloy includes following steps: providing raw materials according to the target composition; charging the raw materials in a crucible uniformly layer and layer according to a certain sequence, smelting in vacuum condition; after the materials being melted completely, holding the melt at a temperature; and casting ingot, and cooling to obtain a base material for high temperature alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NINGXIA ORIENT TANTALUM INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaoying Song, Quanxin Nie, Xun Liang, Weiping Xie, Zhangjun Bai, Bing Zhao, Mingyang Li, Dong Mu, Li Wang, Peng Wan
  • Patent number: 9168582
    Abstract: There is provided a machine for forming metal bars particularly suitable for melting and the subsequent continuous solidification of precious metal such as gold, silver, precious alloys, as well as other pure metals or different alloys, in the form of powder, grits or swarf of various sizes, for producing ingots having weights varying from 50 g to 50 kg. The machine having six operating stations arranged in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: IKOI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Faoro
  • Patent number: 9085818
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a straight insert intended to be incorporated in a metal container by HIC includes placing coated wires in a rectilinear juxtaposition over a predefined length in a straight gutter-shaped tool and joining the coated wires together. The insert includes a bundle of coated wires that are joined together and have a predefined length. The wires are made from metal-coated ceramic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignees: SNECMA, MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTY
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Patrick Maurice Franchet, Gilles Charles Casimir Klein, Richard Masson, Louis Salvat
  • Publication number: 20150144292
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus comprising at least one gate and a vessel, the gate being configured to move between a first position to restrict entry into an ejection path of the vessel and contain a material in a meltable form within the vessel during melting of the material, and a second position to allow movement of the material in a molten form through the ejection path. The gate can move linearly or rotate between its first and second positions, for example. The apparatus is configured to melt the material and the at least one gate is configured to allow the apparatus to be maintained under vacuum during the melting of the material. Melting can be performed using an induction source. The apparatus may also include a mold configured to receive molten material and for molding a molded part, such as a bulk amorphous alloy part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Quoc Tran Pham, Michael Deming, Theodore A. Waniuk, Sean O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 9004151
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20150090421
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein related to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 8991474
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 8985191
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a titanium ingot (30), the method being characterized by comprising: a step of melting a titanium alloy for a predetermined time by cold crucible induction melting (CCIM); a step of supplying molten titanium (6) to a cold hearth (10), and separating high density inclusions (HDIs) (8) by precipitation in the cold hearth (10) while spraying a plasma jet or an electron beam onto the bath surface of the molten titanium (6); and a step of supplying a molten titanium starting material from which the HDIs (8) are separated by precipitation to a mold (20) to obtain the titanium ingot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Matsuwaka, Daiki Takahashi, Hitoshi Ishida, Hiroshi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8974707
    Abstract: Planar or tubular sputtering targets made of a silver base alloy and at least one further alloy component selected from indium, tin, antimony, and bismuth accounting jointly for a weight fraction of 0.01 to 5.0% by weight are known. However, moving on to ever larger targets, spark discharges are evident and often lead to losses especially in the production of large and high-resolution displays having comparatively small pixels. For producing a sputtering target with a large surface area on the basis of a silver alloy of this type, which has a surface area of more than 0.3 m2 as a planar sputtering target and has a length of at least 1.0 m as a tubular sputtering target, and in which the danger of spark discharges is reduced and thus a sputtering process with comparatively high power density is made feasible, the invention proposes that the silver base alloy has a crystalline structure with a mean grain size of less than 120 ?m, an oxygen content of less than 50 wt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Schlott, Sabine Schneider-Betz, Uwe Konietzka, Markus Schultheis, Ben Kahle, Lars Ebel
  • Publication number: 20150034482
    Abstract: A copper alloy sputtering target is formed by a copper alloy including the content of Ca being 0.3 to 1.7% by mass, the total content of Mg and Al being 5 ppm or less by mass, the content of oxygen being 20 ppm or less by mass, and the remainder is Cu and inevitable impurities. A manufacturing method of a copper alloy sputtering target comprises steps of: preparing a copper having purity of 99.99% or more by mass; melting the copper so as to obtain a molten copper; controlling components so as to obtain a molten metal having a predetermined component composition by the addition of Ca having a purity of 98.5% or more by mass into the molten copper and by melting the Ca; casting the molten metal so as to obtain an ingot; and performing stress relieving annealing after performing hot rolling to the ingot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Satoru Mori, Toshio Sakamoto, Kiyoyuki Ookubo
  • Publication number: 20150020646
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a titanium ingot (30), the method being characterized by comprising: a step of melting a titanium alloy for a predetermined time by cold crucible induction melting (CCIM); a step of supplying molten titanium (6) to a cold hearth (10), and separating high density inclusions (HDIs)(8) by precipitation in the cold hearth (10) while spraying a plasma jet or an electron beam onto the bath surface of the molten titanium (6); and a step of supplying a molten titanium starting material from which the HDIs (8) are separated by precipitation to a mold (20) to obtain the titanium ingot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Daisuke MATSUWAKA, Daiki TAKAHASHI, Hitoshi ISHIDA, Hiroshi YOKOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150013933
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a vessel configured to contain a secondary magnetic induction field therein for melting materials, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus having an induction coil positioned along a horizontal axis and adjacent to the vessel. The vessel can have a tubular body configured to substantially surround and receive a plunger tip. At least one longitudinal slot extends through the thickness of the body to allow and/or direct eddy currents into the vessel during application of an RF induction field from the coil. The body also includes temperature regulating lines configured to flow a liquid within. The temperature regulating lines can be provided to run longitudinally within the wall(s) of the body between its inner bore and outer surface(s). A flange may be provided at one end of the body to secure the body within an injection molding apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Adam A. VERREAULT, Sean T. O'KEEFFE, Joseph W. STEVICK
  • Publication number: 20150013932
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for containing the molten materials within a melt zone during melting. The apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein and an induction coil with unevenly spaced turns along its length. Induction coil can have a series of turns acting as a first (e.g., load) induction coil and a series of turns acting as a second (e.g., containment) induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated and contained by the separated turns of the induction coil. A plunger can also assist in containing material during melting. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold using the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Adam A. VERREAULT, Sean T. O'KEEFFE, Joseph W. STEVICK, Brennan D. YAHATA
  • Publication number: 20140375167
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for manufacturing an even-wall rotor or stator that do not suffer from drawbacks of the prior art. Even-wall rotors or stators produced according to those methods are also provided. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a rotor or stator for use in a mud motor is provided. The method includes providing a vacuum chamber; providing a metal electrode at least partially disposed in the vacuum chamber; providing a mold disposed in the vacuum chamber; and melting a portion of the electrode with a direct current arc, the molten metal flowing into the mold ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: David W. TEALE, Robert P. BADRAK
  • Publication number: 20140360695
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20140332176
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 8881792
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a titanium ingot (30), the method being characterized by comprising: a step of melting a titanium alloy for a predetermined time by cold crucible induction melting (CCIM); a step of supplying molten titanium (6) to a cold hearth (10), and separating high density inclusions (HDIs)(8) by precipitation in the cold hearth (10) while spraying a plasma jet or an electron beam onto the bath surface of the molten titanium (6); and a step of supplying a molten titanium starting material from which the HDIs (8) are separated by precipitation to a mold (20) to obtain the titanium ingot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Matsuwaka, Daiki Takahashi, Hitoshi Ishida, Hiroshi Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20140318730
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20140290901
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for loading one or more alloy ingots into a molding machine. The apparatus includes a holder configured to hold a plurality of the alloy ingots and dispense one or more of the alloy ingots into a melt zone of the molding machine through an opening in a mold of the machine. The holder is moved in a perpendicular direction with respect to an axis along a center of the opening in the mold between a first position in line with the opening in the mold to dispense one or more of the alloy ingots and a second position away from the opening in the mold. The apparatus can carry ingots of amorphous alloy material so that when the machine melts and molds the material, it forms a bulk amorphous alloy containing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph W. Stevick
  • Publication number: 20140283741
    Abstract: The present application discloses a metal matrix composite for evaporation mask, comprising matrix and reinforcing phase dispersed in the matrix, wherein the matrix is iron-nickel alloy, the reinforcing phase is non-metallic particles, and the volume ratio of the non-metallic particles in the matrix is in the range from 20 vol % to 50 vol %. The present application also provides an evaporation mask made from the metal matrix composite and a making method thereof. The metal matrix composite according to the present application has a decreased density and an elevated elasticity modulus, and thereby is useful to prevent the evaporation mask from drooping due to gravity. Further, the method for making the evaporation mask according to the present application is beneficial to improve the overall performance of the evaporation mask, save raw materials and reduce the cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: EverDisplay Optronics (Shanghai) Limited
    Inventors: Qiguo Zhang, Chengpei Huang, Chuwan Huang
  • Publication number: 20140251572
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum or air casting a molten superalloy, or other metal or alloy, containing an oxygen-reactive alloying element to form a cast part involves introducing the molten metallic material (melt) into a preheated mold having a melt reservoir, such as for example a mold pour cup, and gating for feeding the melt to one or more mold cavities. An induction coil disposed locally adjacent to the mold pour cup is energized in a manner to locally heat excess melt left in the melt reservoir to maintain it molten as the melt solidifies under vacuum or in air in the mold cavity to avoid shrinkage defects in the cast part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Howmet Corporation
    Inventors: Russell G. Vogt, Christopher R. Hanslits
  • Publication number: 20140246165
    Abstract: Processes and methods related to producing, processing, and hot working alloy ingots are disclosed. An alloy ingot is formed including an inner ingot core and an outer layer metallurgically bonded to the inner ingot core. The processes and methods are characterized by a reduction in the incidence of surface cracking of the alloy ingot during hot working.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ATI PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventor: Ramesh S. Minisandram
  • Patent number: 8813817
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20140224446
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a base material for high temperature alloy and a process for manufacturing the same. The base material includes following components (by weight): 10-45% Cr, 0.5-12% Nb, 0.7-2.5% Ti, ?9.0% Mo, ?8.0% W, ?2% Mn, ?1.0% Si, ?2.0% Al, ?0.5% C, ?0.032% O, ?0.032% N,?0.01% S, ?0.02% P, and balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The process for manufacturing the base material for high temperature alloy includes following steps: providing raw materials according to the target composition; charging the raw materials in a crucible uniformly layer and layer according to a certain sequence, smelting in vacuum condition; after the materials being melted completely, holding the melt at a temperature; and casting ingot, and cooling to obtain a base material for high temperature alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NINGXIA ORIENT TANTALUM INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIAOYING SONG, QUANXIN NIE, XUN LIANG, WEIPING XIE, ZHANGJUN BAI, BING ZHAO, MINGYANG LI, DONG MU, LI WANG, PENG WAN
  • Publication number: 20140182807
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a titanium ingot (30), the method being characterized by comprising: a step of melting a titanium alloy for a predetermined time by cold crucible induction melting (CCIM); a step of supplying molten titanium (6) to a cold hearth (10), and separating high density inclusions (HDIs)(8) by precipitation in the cold hearth (10) while spraying a plasma jet or an electron beam onto the bath surface of the molten titanium (6); and a step of supplying a molten titanium starting material from which the HDIs (8) are separated by precipitation to a mold (20) to obtain the titanium ingot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Daisuke Matsuwaka, Daiki Takahashi, Hitoshi Ishida, Hiroshi Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20140170018
    Abstract: Provided are an aluminum alloy including an iron-manganese complete solid solution and a method of manufacturing the same. According to an embodiment of the present invention, iron-manganese alloy powder is provided. The iron-manganese alloy powder is introduced into an aluminum melt. An aluminum alloy including an iron-manganese complete solid solution is manufactured by die casting the aluminum melt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Si Young Sung, Beom Suck Han
  • Publication number: 20140102661
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Theodore A. WANIUK, Joseph STEVICK, Sean O'KEEFFE, Dermot J. STRATTON, Joseph C. POOLE, Matthew S. SCOTT, Christopher D. PREST
  • Publication number: 20140090799
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O' Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20140083646
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: THEODORE A. WANIUK, JOSEPH STEVICK, SEAN O'KEEFFE, DERMOT J. STRATTON, JOSEPH C. POOLE, MATTHEW S. SCOTT, CHRISTOPHER D. PREST
  • Publication number: 20140083645
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20140054002
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a energy-saving steel production apparatus, including an hot-rolling production line and a continuous casting equipment (5) for producing semi-manufactured products or billets (10), said production line and said equipment facing one each other and being connected through fast transport means (7) moving said billets (10). The invention also relates to a method for processing energy-saving steel, comprising the following steps: a. taking the steel to a casting temperature; b. casting said steel in suitable moulds for obtaining a semi-manufactured product (10); c. transferring directly said casted semi-manufactured product (10) towards a rolling mill through fast transport means; d. taking said semi-manufactured product (10) to a value of temperature corresponding to a maximum value of plasticity; e. subjecting said semi-manufactured product (10) to a rolling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: SMS MEER S.P.A.
    Inventor: Federico Castellani
  • Publication number: 20140041825
    Abstract: There is provided a machine for forming metal bars particularly suitable for melting and the subsequent continuous solidification of precious metal such as gold, silver, precious alloys, as well as other pure metals or different alloys, in the form of powder, grits or swarf of various sizes, for producing ingots having weights varying from 50 g to 50 kg. The machine having six operating stations arranged in succession.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: IECO KEEPS ON IMPROVING S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Faoro
  • Patent number: 8613812
    Abstract: A method of making a Zr-rich amorphous alloy article includes providing a Zr-rich master alloy made of an Zr—Cu—Al—Ni—Nb alloy, in which the purity of the raw Zr is substantially in a range of 98% to 99.9%; providing a vacuum induction furnace, and melting the Zr-rich master alloy in the furnace at a temperature in a range of 1100 degrees Celsius to 1200 degrees Celsius; cooling the master alloy to a temperature in a range from 800 degrees Celsius to 900 degrees Celsius in 30 min to 40 min; casting the master alloy into ingots, and then cooling the ingots to a temperature in a range from 200 degrees Celsius to 350 degrees Celsius; and die casting the alloy ingots to obtain Zr-rich amorphous alloy articles with thicknesses in a range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. A Zr-rich amorphous alloy article made by the above-mentioned method is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Bo Yuan, Yi-Min Jiang, Jun-Qi Li
  • Publication number: 20130306196
    Abstract: Described herein is a feedstock comprising BMG. The feedstock has a surface with an average roughness of at least 200 microns. Also described herein is a feedstock comprising BMG. The feedstock, when supported on a support during a melting process of the feedstock, has a contact area between the feedstock and the support up to 50% of a total area of the support. These feedstocks can be made by molding ingots of BMG into a mole with surface patterns, enclosing one or more cores into a sheath with a roughened surface, chemical etching, laser ablating, machining, grinding, sandblasting, or shot peening. The feedstocks can be used as starting materials in an injection molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: Crucible Intellectual Property LLC, Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Joseph C. Poole, Joseph Stevick, Quoc Tran Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk
  • Publication number: 20130306197
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of combining discrete pieces of BMG in to a BMG feedstock that has at least one dimension greater than a critical dimension of the BMG, by methods such as thermoplastic forming, pressing, extruding, folding or forging. Other embodiments relate to a bulk metallic glass (BMG) component or feedstock having discrete pieces of a BMG, wherein the BMG component or feedstock has at least one dimension greater than a critical dimension of the BMG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: Crucible Intellectual Property LLC, Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Joseph C. Poole, Joseph Stevick, Quoc Tran Pham, Theodore Andrew Waniuk
  • Publication number: 20130294901
    Abstract: A method of component forming according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, positioning a metal powder in a mold cavity, melting the metal powder within the mold cavity, and cooling the melted metal powder to form a component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Sergey Mironets, Wendell V. Twelves, Agnes Klucha
  • Publication number: 20130277007
    Abstract: A method of vacuum induction melting a charge of material includes preheating a mold; inserting the charge into the mold; placing the mold into a chamber; reducing an operating pressure within the chamber; induction melting the charge within the mold; allowing material of the charge to fill a cavity defined within the mold; applying electromagnetic pressure to the charge within the mold; and applying an electromagnetic field to material of the charge positioned within the cavity defined within the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: FS PRECISION TECH
    Inventors: MIKE WELLMAN, JIM MCGEENEY, ANTONIO F. DEL ROSARIO, ISSA NASSAR, JUAN MOLINA
  • Publication number: 20130269480
    Abstract: A method is used to make an aluminum alloy with excellent tensile strength, low density and excellent radiation. The method includes the steps of providing a base material, adding 0.06 wt % to 0.30 wt % of zirconium and 0.06 wt % to 0.30 wt % of vanadium to the base material, and melting the basic material with the zirconium and vanadium to provide an aluminum alloy. The base material includes 92.55 wt % to 97.38 wt % of aluminum, 0.9 wt % to 1.8 wt % of silicon, less than 0.5 wt % of iron, 0.6 wt % to 1.2 wt % of copper, 0.4 wt % to 1.1 wt % of manganese, 0.6 wt % to 1.4 wt % of magnesium, less than 0.40 wt % of chromium, less than 0.25 wt % of zinc and less than 0.20 wt % of titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Armaments, Bureau, Ministry of National Defense
    Inventors: Chang-Chuan Hsu, Shan Torng, Sy-Cherng Yang, Fan-Chun Tseng, Wei-Ming Huang, Ren-An Luo
  • Publication number: 20130264200
    Abstract: Planar or tubular sputtering targets made of a silver base alloy and at least one further alloy component selected from indium, tin, antimony, and bismuth accounting jointly for a weight fraction of 0.01 to 5.0% by weight are known. However, moving on to ever larger targets, spark discharges are evident and often lead to losses especially in the production of large and high-resolution displays having comparatively small pixels. For producing a sputtering target with a large surface area on the basis of a silver alloy of this type, which has a surface area of more than 0.3 m2 as a planar sputtering target and has a length of at least 1.0 m as a tubular sputtering target, and in which the danger of spark discharges is reduced and thus a sputtering process with comparatively high power density is made feasible, the invention proposes that the silver base alloy has a crystalline structure with a mean grain size of less than 120 ?m, an oxygen content of less than 50 wt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Heraeus Materials Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin SCHLOTT, Sabine SCHNEIDER-BETZ, Uwe KONIETZKA, Markus SCHULTHEIS, Ben KAHLE, Lars EBEL
  • Patent number: 8496046
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing alloy ingot including: a step of: charging alloy starting material into a cold crucible in a cold-crucible induction melter, and forming melt pool of the alloy starting material by induction heating in inert gas atmosphere; a step of continuing the induction heating and adding first refining agent to the melt pool, and then reducing the content of at least phosphorus from among impurity elements present in the melt pool; and a step of forming alloy ingot by solidifying the melt, the phosphorus content of which has been reduced. The first refining agent is mixture of metallic Ca and flux, where the flux contains CaF2 and at least one of CaO and CaCl2. The weight proportion of the sum of CaO and CaCl2 with respect to CaF2 ranges from 5 to 30 wt % and the weight proportion of metallic Ca with respect to the melt pool is 0.4 wt % or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kobe Steel. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jumpei Nakayama, Tatsuhiko Kusamichi
  • Publication number: 20130182982
    Abstract: A radial bearing having a wear surface with improved wear characteristics comprises a steel support, to which is bonded a metal carbide composite wear surface made by first arranging, within a cavity defined between a steel mold and the steel support, tiles made of microwave sintered, cemented metal carbide, closely packing the voids between the tiles with metal carbide powder, and infiltrating the mold cavity with a metal brazing alloy by subjecting the filled mold to rapid heating. The brazing alloy fills voids between the metal carbide particles, the microwave sintered metal carbide tiles, and the metal support, thereby relatively rapidly consolidating the carbide into a wear layer bonded with the steel support without substantially damaging the properties of the microwave-sintered metal carbide tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Dennis Tool Company
    Inventors: Mahlon D. Dennis, Thomas M. Dennis, Richard W. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130160967
    Abstract: Methods for casting a metallic material to form a component are described. The component can be a superalloy-containing turbine part, for example. The general method includes the step of pouring the metallic material, in molten form, into an investment mold; and then rapidly immersing the entire investment mold into a bath that contains a low-melting liquid coolant metal, so as to achieve substantially uniform, multi-directional heat transfer out of the molten material. The molten material that solidifies to form the component is characterized by a fine-grained, equiaxed grain structure. Related embodiments include the use of two ingots that constitute the superalloy material. One ingot includes the oxygen-reactive elements, and is prepared by a vacuum-melting technique. The other ingot includes the remainder of the elements, and can be prepared by a number of techniques, such as air-melting processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Akane Suzuki, Stephen Joseph Balsone, Andrew John Elliott, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, JR., Shyh-Chin Huang, Roger John Petterson, Stephen Francis Rutkowski, Pazhayannur Ramanathan Subramanian
  • Publication number: 20130156637
    Abstract: A method for making an equiaxed investment casting. The method utilizes an ultrasonic generator to send an ultrasonic pulse into molten metal in an investment casting mold. The investment casting mold is positioned within a working zone of furnace having low output induction coils for generating a convection current in molten metal. The ultrasonic pulse separates dendrites growing from the face of the mold inward into the molten metal. Instead, equiaxed grains can nucleate within the molten metal. In addition, the ultrasonic pulse and the low output induction coils circulate the molten metal as solute is rejected from solidifying equiaxed grains. The mixing reduces the effects of segregation in the solidifying alloy and assists in nucleating equiaxed grains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Junyoung PARK, Jason Robert PAROLINI, Ibrahim UCOK
  • Publication number: 20130146454
    Abstract: A method of forming targets for cathodic arc deposition of alloy bond coats for turbine engines components consists of melting a base alloy containing aluminum and other metals, adding grain boundary strengthening alloy additions, and casting the melt to form a cylindrical billet that is subsequently sectioned into puck shaped targets. The grain boundary strengthening additions minimize intergranular fracture of the targets during high current operation of the arc coating process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Reade R. Clemens, Neil B. Ridgeway
  • Patent number: 8403026
    Abstract: A rotor for an induction motor and a method of preparing same. The method includes making a squirrel-cage rotor made up of a cage and a laminate stack by forming a mold around the stack, heating the stack and introducing a molten metal into the mold such that the molten metal substantially fills a space defined in the stack that corresponds to the cage. In one form, the space includes slots or related channels formed in the stack that upon filling with the molten metal become longitudinal bars that form electric current loops with end rings of the cage. By heating the stack and maintaining it at a temperature high enough to keep the molten metal in a substantially molten state at least long enough for it to flow through the slots of the stack, premature freezing of the molten metal is avoided. In addition, by providing low pressure to the molten metal in conjunction with the elevated temperature in the stack, flow is promoted to ensure a substantially porosity-free, fully dense squirrel-cage for the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Osborne, Barry L. Priem, Dale A. Gerard
  • Patent number: 8365806
    Abstract: A method and a device for producing a metal strip by continuous casting and rolling, in which a thin slab is initially cast into a casting machine, and is subsequently rolled in at least one rolling train using primary heat from the casting cycle. The cast thin slab is passed between the casting machine and the at least one rolling train and at least one holding oven as well as at least one induction oven. The holding oven and the induction oven are activated or deactivated according to a selected mode of operation, that is, a first mode of operation for the continuous production of the metal strip and a second mode of operation for the discontinuous production of the metal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Rosenthal, Stephan Krämer, Jürgen Seidel, Frank Benfer