Including Recycling Of Process Material Patents (Class 164/5)
  • Patent number: 6554050
    Abstract: Irregularly shaped mold-core assemblies are retained for casting within a thin-wall container by solid particulate material. In the process, the mold and core elements are formed from the core sand. After the mold and core elements, both of which are formed from core sand, are assembled, the assembly is placed in a container large enough to provide space around the assembled mold and core elements, and solid particulate material is placed in the space around the mold-core assembly to hold the assembled mold and core elements together during pouring of the molten iron alloy into the mold-core assembly and the cooling period, during which the molten iron alloy solidifies to form the casting. After the casting is formed, the solid particles and the core sand from the mold elements and core elements are recovered, processed and reused in further casting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edward A. Reelfs, Billy J. Cagle, Paul T. Cody, D. Gary Wildrick, II
  • Publication number: 20030037899
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to process collected sand. This method and apparatus allow the moisture content to be adjusted and the addition of a binder to be facilitated to renew the collected sand as casting sand for future use. Also, defective castings are prevented when they are made by a main mold using the renewed casting sand. The sand-collecting means can be compact. The method is performed and the apparatus is operated by separating a main mold of green sand, after casting is conducted, into parts unaffected and affected by the molten metal heat, adjusting the moisture content of the part unaffected by molten metal heat for use as facing sand in the next main mold making, and adding a binder and adjusting the moisture content of the part affected by the molten metal heat for use as back sand in making the next main mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Shigeaki Yamamoto, Kuniyasu Mori, Ryoji Kanayama, Hisashi Harada, Hiroaki Tokita, Kazuo Sugimoto, Takehiro Matsumoto, Hiroyasu Makino, Yasunori Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6523597
    Abstract: A recovery method of a compact disc includes the steps of: crushing a compact disc; b) placing the crushed compact disc into a stripping solution, so that the metallic layer is separated from the plastic base plates of the crushed compact disc; c) filtering the plastic base plates from the stripping solution; d) recovering the metal; and e) recovering the plastic base plates. Thus, the waste compact disc may be recovered and reused, thereby preventing incurring an environmental pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Cheng-Shu Chen
  • Publication number: 20030029592
    Abstract: Sand, bentonite clay and organics recovered as foundry waste from a green sand mold foundry are reclaimed for reuse in making new green sand molds and mold cores by a multi-step process involving both hydraulic and mechanical separation steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Robert C. Steele, Allen J. Huff
  • Patent number: 6516863
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing foundry sand mixes, using a pre-mix tank to pre-mix water and particulate bond material to make a water/bond slurry, then feeding the slurry to a mullor or other foundry sand mixer. The slurry is received in the mullor/mixer, mixed with return sand, and then discharged for use in making foundry molds. Preferably, the particulate bond material is added to the pre-mix tank as a falling stream of such particles, and a disperse spray of water is projected onto the particles with sufficient gentleness to not deleteriously distract the particles from their downward path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: New Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Duane Alan McVane
  • Patent number: 6505670
    Abstract: A method for injection molding a metallic material is disclosed in which an injecting material comprised of a half-solidified metallic material and a molten metallic material is injected into a cavity of a die from an injection cylinder through a gate thereof. A non-product portion remaining at the gate of the die is separated from a product portion while it is still hot. The separated high-temperature non-product portion is press-formed into a billet in the injection cylinder. Utilization of heat from the injecting material in melting the high-temperature billet enables reuse of the non-product portion remained at the gate and reduction of heat energy required in melting the billet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakao, Hiroto Shoji, Kunitoshi Sugaya, Takashi Kato, Takaharu Echigo
  • Publication number: 20020189778
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing foundry sand mixes, using a pre-mix tank to pre-mix water and particulate bond material to make a water/bond slurry, then feeding the slurry to a mullor or other foundry sand mixer. The slurry is received in the mullor/mixer, mixed with return sand, and then discharged for use in making foundry molds. Preferably, the particulate bond material is added to the pre-mix tank as a failing stream of such particles, and a disperse spray of water is projected onto the particles with sufficient gentleness to not deleteriously distract the particles from their downward path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: New Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Duane Alan McVane
  • Publication number: 20020162639
    Abstract: Irregularly shaped mold-core assemblies are retained for casting within a thin-wall container by solid particulate material. In the process, the mold and core elements are formed from the core sand. After the mold and core elements, both of which are formed from core sand, are assembled, the assembly is placed in a container large enough to provide space around the assembled mold and core elements, and solid particulate material is placed in the space around the mold-core assembly to hold the assembled mold and core elements together during pouring of the molten iron alloy into the mold-core assembly and the cooling period, during which the molten iron alloy solidifies to form the casting. After the casting is formed, the solid particles and the core sand from the mold elements and core elements are recovered, processed and reused in further casting operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Edward A. Reelfs, Billy J. Cagle, Paul T. Cody, Donald G. Wildrick
  • Patent number: 6467529
    Abstract: The removal of bonded sand, either core sand or mold sand, from a metal casting comprises placing the metal casting in a furnace chamber and subjecting the metal casting to the action of a high velocity heated gas stream (preferably above 3000 ft/minute) from hot air generators positioned on opposite sides of the chamber at the approximate level of the metal casting and directed to the metal casting. The heated gas stream is at a temperature and oxygen content sufficient to oxidize the binder in the bonded sand and a velocity sufficient to remove the debonded sand. The sand is removed by gravity from the furnace chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Can-Eng Furnaces, Ltd.
    Inventor: John R. Kay
  • Patent number: 6463991
    Abstract: Irregularly shaped mold-core assemblies are retained for casting within a thin-wall container by solid particulate material. In the process, the mold and core elements are formed from the core sand. After the mold and core elements, both of which are formed from core sand, are assembled, the assembly is placed in a container large enough to provide space around the assembled mold and core elements, and solid particulate material is placed in the space around the mold-core assembly to hold the assembled mold and core elements together during pouring of the molten iron alloy into the mold-core assembly and the cooling period, during which the molten iron alloy solidifies to form the casting. After the casting is formed, the solid particles and the core sand from the mold elements and core elements are recovered, processed and reused in further casting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edward A. Reelfs, Billy J. Cagle, Paul T. Cody, D. Gary Wildrick, II
  • Patent number: 6447593
    Abstract: Coating foundry sand with a thin layer of an oxidation-promoting catalyst. Preferred catalysts comprise ferric and cupric oxides. The catalysts promote the oxidation of any polymeric binder or residues admixed with the sand. The sand is coated by wetting the grains with a solution of a catalyst precursor, drying the sand and baking the sand in air to convert the precursor to the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Edward Sargent, June-Sang Siak, Mei Cai
  • Patent number: 6435262
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing foundry sand mixes, using a pre-mix tank to pre-mix water and particulate bond material to make a water/bond slurry, then feeding the slurry to a mullor or other foundry sand mixer. The slurry is received in the mullor/mixer, mixed with return sand, and then discharged for use in making foundry molds. Preferably, the particulate bond material is added to the pre-mix tank as a falling stream of such particles, and a disperse spray of water is projected onto the particles with sufficient gentleness to not deleteriously distract the particles from their downward path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: New Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Duane Alan McVane
  • Patent number: 6431253
    Abstract: When a waste wax composition containing a filler is treated so that the filler is recovered and thus reclaimed, almost all the impurities coming from the lost wax casting mold may be removed, thereby recovering and thus refining at a high purity, a filler of a lost wax composition. Crude reclaimed filler is first produced by dissolving and dispersing a waste wax composition in an organic solvent, and separating a dissolved wax phase from a solids/wax-containing fraction. The crude reclaimed filler is then dispersed in an aqueous alkaline solution, so as to dissolve and thus remove alkali-soluble impurities, followed by a water-washing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Techno-Research Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Kinjo
  • Publication number: 20020084052
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply heat to the castings for heat treating the castings and dislodging the sand cores for removal from the castings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Volker R. Knobloch, James L. Lewis, Ian French
  • Patent number: 6401798
    Abstract: A molding sand reclaiming apparatus comprising an agitation tank which is provided with a fluidized bed at the inner bottom thereof and also provided with a charging port for used sand and a discharging port for reclaimed sand on the side wall thereof, a rotating shaft driven by a driving source disposed in the agitation tank; a rotating drum which is driven by the rotating shaft to agitate used sand charged into the agitation tank and peel off extraneous matters on the used sand; a classification tank which communicates with the upper part of the agitation tank via a regulating plate and is provided with a dust collecting port; and an air pressure source to fluidize the used sand charged on the fluidized bed in the agitation tank and classify, in the classification tank, the used sand into two parts of the extraneous matters peeled off by the rotating drum and the reclaimed sand, wherein scattering holes for scattering the used sand are formed in a cylinder portion constituting outside of the rotating drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Chuzo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Kondo
  • Patent number: 6383263
    Abstract: A process for separation of solid particles of wide grain size distribution present in a turbulent gas stream includes, first, removal of the coarser particles in a separation chamber (1) with a high efficiency, then removal, with a high efficiency, of the remaining finer particles in a precipitation device (20). An assembly intended for separation of solid particles of wide grain size distribution present in a turbulent gas stream includes a separation chamber (1) intended to receive the solid particles in suspension and to remove from the stream the major part of the coarser particles, and a precipitation device (20) intended to separate the finer particles from the stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Francis A. L. Dullien
  • Patent number: 6371194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of core preforms for foundry in which a) a mixture of inorganic, refractory foundry sand and a water glass-based inorganic binder is produced, b) the mixture is poured into a heated core box c) the water contained in the mixture is withdrawn by a physical method and d) the core preform is taken out of the core box. The process is characterized by the fact that e) the heated core box is subjected to a depression during filling f) the temperature/dwell time is adjusted after the closing of the core box so that a dimensionally stable and good bearing shell is formed on the edge of the preform g) the preform is immediately removed after opening of the core box and, under the effect of microwaves, is subjected to a complete drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: VAW aluminium AG
    Inventor: Thomas Steinhäuser
  • Publication number: 20020038695
    Abstract: When a waste wax composition containing a filler is treated so that the filler is recovered and thus reclaimed, almost all the impurities coming from the lost wax casting mold may be removed, thereby recovering and thus refining at a high purity, a filler of a lost wax composition. Crude reclaimed filler is first produced by dissolving and dispersing a waste wax composition in an organic solvent, and separating a dissolved wax phase from a solids/wax-containing fraction. The crude reclaimed filler is then dispersed in an aqueous alkaline solution, so as to dissolve and thus remove alkali-soluble impurities, followed (or preceded) by dispersion in an acidic aqueous solution so as to dissolve and thus remove acid-soluble impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Kawsaki Steel Techno-Research Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Kinjo
  • Patent number: 6352098
    Abstract: When a waste wax composition containing a filler is treated so that the filler is recovered and thus reclaimed, almost all the impurities coming from the lost wax casting mold may be removed, thereby recovering and thus refining at a high purity, a filler of a lost wax composition. Crude reclaimed filler is first produced by dissolving and dispersing a waste wax composition in an organic solvent, and separating a dissolved wax phase from a solids/wax-containing fraction. The crude reclaimed filler is then dispersed in an aqueous alkaline solution, so as to dissolve and thus remove alkali-soluble impurities, followed (or preceded) by dispersion in an acidic aqueous solution so as to dissolve and thus remove acid-soluble impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Techno-Research Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Kinjo
  • Publication number: 20020020510
    Abstract: A method for injection molding a metallic material is disclosed in which an injecting material comprised of a half-solidified metallic material and a molten metallic material is injected into a cavity of a die from an injection cylinder through a gate thereof. A non-product portion remaining at the gate of the die is separated from a product portion while it is still hot. The separated high-temperature non-product portion is press-formed into a billet in the injection cylinder. Utilization of heat from the injecting material in melting the high-temperature billet enables reuse of the non-product portion remained at the gate and reduction of heat energy required in melting the billet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakao, Hiroto Shoji, Kunitoshi Sugaya, Takashi Kato, Takaharu Echigo
  • Patent number: 6298902
    Abstract: A method of removing a coating material from a substrate surface portion comprises providing a substrate having a coating material adhered to a surface thereof. The coating material comprises a CO2-soluble material. The coating material is contacted to a fluid comprising carbon dioxide to dissolve the coating material therein. The carbon dioxide fluid is then separated from the substrate to remove the coating material from the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeSimone, Esin Gulari, Charles Manke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6286580
    Abstract: A carbohydrate is added to sand, which has been used to make foundry moulds or cores, and which has been bonded using an alkaline resol phenol-formaldehyde resin, prior to reclamation of the sand by a thermal reclamation. The thermal reclamation may be done in other equipment, for example, a rotary thermal reclamation unit, but is preferably done in a fluidized bed reclamation unit. The carbohydrate is preferably water soluble and is added to the used sand as an aqueous solution. The carbohydrate may be for example a monosaccharide, such as glucose, mannose, galactose or fructose, or a disaccharide such as sucrose, maltose or lactose. The carbohydrate may also be a carbohydrate derivative such as a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., ethylene glycol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, xylitol, mannitol or sorbitol), a sugar acid (e.g., gluconic acid), or a polysaccharide derivative (e.g., a starch hydrolysate, i.e., a glucose syrup or a dextrin).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Foseco International Limited
    Inventors: Stuart P. Ward, Robert Simpson
  • Patent number: 6253830
    Abstract: A process for removing sand cores from metal castings in a continuous or semi-continuous procedure utilizes a fluid bed furnace. The thermally decomposed sand cores are carried away with the fluidized solids of the furnace bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Procedyne Corp.
    Inventors: Karin Staffin Bickford, Herbert Kenneth Staffin, Robert Bernard Roaper, II
  • Patent number: 6209616
    Abstract: This invention relates to metal casting apparatus, methods and molds and more particularly to the casting of metal in refractory, gas-permeable, shell-type molds which are lighter and have thinner wall thicknesses than the refractory, gas-permeable, shell-type molds commonly used in the ceramic shell casting process for lost wax casting of ferrous and nonferrous alloys such as steel, aluminum, and bronze. As a result of the use of vacuum in the inventive apparatus and method, more complete mold fill out is achieved, resulting in better capture of exact detail and close tolerances in the finished cast object. Further advantage is derived from the fact that the casting of large objects is simplified and can be done more quickly. Also, there is an associated substantial savings in labor costs, materials costs and time. The inventive apparatus and method also can be used in the foam vaporization casting process of metal casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Richard F. Polich
  • Patent number: 6120284
    Abstract: A method of reclaiming foundry sand by (a) providing a treatment tower having a plurality of heat conductive tubes extending across the interior of the treatment tower, the tubes being arranged in rows and staggered with respect to tubes in adjacent rows to create close spacing therebetween sufficient to permit the sand to flow continuously and non-turbulently along the contours of the exterior under the influence of gravity before dropping to the next adjacent tube to thereby again flow continuously and non-turbulently in successive sequence downwardly of the tower; (b) quiescently heating the interior tower space and tubes to a temperature in excess of 1300.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Good, Richard L. Martin, Rodney G. Montrose, Cameron A. Montrose
  • Patent number: 6056042
    Abstract: Measuring the degree of restoration during the restoring treatment of the used molding sand and comparing the measured degree of restoration to a permissible degree, comprising the following steps: First, the restored sand is photographed to project it as a picture on a monitor. A picture-processing device divides that picture into a certain number of picture parts and the brightness of each picture part is compared to the standard brightness, which is chosen beforehand. The degree of restoration is judged based on the number of picture parts that are lighter or darker than the standard brightness. The restoring treatment is stopped when the result of the comparison shows that the restoration has reached the permissible degree, but is continued when the result does not reach it. The operation of measuring the degree of restoration during the treatment is also repeated until it reaches the permissible degree. Then the treatment is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuharu Matsui, Takehiko Matsumoto, Junichi Iwasaki, Eiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6029738
    Abstract: A core for use in a die casting process has a wood fiber material as a main ingredient. The core can be disintegrated by exerting an external force subsequent to the die casting process. The core can also be disintegrated by applying a softening agent to soften it subsequent to the die casting process. Further, the core can be made up of a stack of paper layers that are peelably removable from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Fujihiro Matuura, Kazuo Sasaki, Masashi Sano
  • Patent number: 6019157
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method of regenerating foundry sand whereby the carbon component adhering to the surface of spent foundry sand and similar substances is combusted efficiently, allowing the foundry sand to be regenerated at low cost. In the present invention, in order to achieve this aim the spent foundry sand with the carbon component adhering to it is placed in a combustion furnace which is connected on one side to a pressure-reducing pump and is open on the other, the pressure-reducing pump is operated to draw air from within the foundry sand and introduce air into it, and the accretion is ignited upwind of the current of air which is being introduced, allowing combustion of the accretion to proceed successively on the downwind side. Foundry sand can thus be recycled at very low cost, simply and reliably because it is allowed to self-combust continuously without any heating or agitation from elsewhere, and because the resin is combusted entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kimura Chuzosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshitake Kanno, Tomohisa Kawaji
  • Patent number: 6000644
    Abstract: Inefficiencies in reclaiming foundry sand from foundry cores made up of sand and an organic resin binder are reduced in a method of reclaiming such sand that includes the steps of reducing a foundry core made up of sand and an organic resin binder to small clumps or individual particles, placing the small clumps or individual particles in a bed and introducing a heated gaseous oxidant into the bed generally from the bottom thereof in sufficient volume to fluidize the bed and at sufficient temperature to oxidize the resin binder on the small clumps or individual particles. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventor: Albert Musschoot
  • Patent number: 5992499
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for reclaiming sand from a foundry sand containing, inter alia, a clay binder by cooling the foundry sand to a temperature at or below -40.degree. C. (-40.degree. F.) followed by separation of the sand from the binder while the sand is maintained at a temperature at or below 0.degree. C. (32.degree. F.). Foundry sands with clay binders have a water content to 1% to 15% by weight prior to being cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignees: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., American Metalcasting Services Int'l Inc.
    Inventors: William Lee Tordoff, Jeremy Paul Miller
  • Patent number: 5967222
    Abstract: In order to effectively remove and reclaim sand from a metal casting, an apparatus and system includes a bed having an entrance for receiving the casting and an exit for removing the casting. The bed is adapted to fluidize sand and may also be subjected to vibratory forces. The apparatus and system further includes a sand distribution conveyor for supplying sand to be fluidized to the bed at a point generally near the entrance and a sand transfer conveyor for removing sand to be recirculated from the bed at a point generally near the exit. The bed achieves a thorough mixing of the sand due to the fluidization and vibratory forces. With these features of construction, the apparatus and system also includes a sand return conveyor with all of the conveyors being vibratory and insulated to achieve energy efficient sand recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Musschoot, Daniel T. Lease
  • Patent number: 5957188
    Abstract: Provided is a five-in-one process/integrated furnace system that (i) receives and heat treats a casting, (ii) removes sand core materials from the casting, (iii) actively reclaims sand from the sand core materials, (iv) substantially cools the reclaimed sand, and (v) removes fines from the reclaimed sand. The furnace system includes a heating chamber disposed above and contiguous with a cooling chamber. The heating chamber and cooling chamber are preferably constructed so that heat and gasses pass therebetween. The heating chamber is preferably in the general form of a heat treating furnace. The heating chamber receives and heat treats metal castings. During the heat treating process, sand core materials are dislodged from the castings and enter into a sand reclaiming region. A hot fluidized bed functions to reclaim sand from the sand core materials within the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott P. Crafton
  • Patent number: 5941295
    Abstract: An improved continuous casting system and process involves the removal of mold flux from the outer surfaces of the cast strand after it is withdrawn from the continuous casting mold. This will increase the quality of the cast product, as well as reduce the production of corrosive steams and liquids that typically form as a byproduct of the mold flux downstream of the mold. It will also reduce costs that are associated with water treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the mold flux is loosened from the strand by the application of pressurized fluid, and the flux and excess fluid are then removed by suction. The removed flux is preferably dried and then stored in a collection space. Multiple collection spaces may be provided for storing different type of recovered flux. Also disclosed is a system and process of removing flux from the collection space and then premixing it in predetermined proportions with virgin mold flux for reintroduction to the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: AG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Bernard Sears, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5924473
    Abstract: In order to effectively remove and reclaim sand from a metal casting, an apparatus and system includes a bed having an entrance for receiving the casting and an exit for removing the casting. The bed is adapted to fluidize sand and may also be subjected to vibratory forces. The apparatus and system further includes a sand distribution conveyor for supplying sand to be fluidized to the bed at a point generally near the entrance and a sand transfer conveyor for removing sand to be recirculated from the bed at a point generally near the exit. The bed achieves a thorough mixing of the sand due to the fluidization and vibratory forces. With these features of construction, the apparatus and system also includes a sand return conveyor with all of the conveyors being vibratory and insulated to achieve energy efficient sand recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventor: Albert Musschoot
  • Patent number: 5901775
    Abstract: In order to effectively heat treat and decore a metal casting, and thereafter fully reclaim the core sand for reuse, a two-stage system processes metal castings and core sand formed of sand and binder. The two-stage system includes a first stage for removing the core sand from the metal casting while at the same time heat treating the metal casting, and it also includes a separate, second stage for reclaiming the core sand. For this purpose, fluidized and heated sand is utilized as the castings and sand are conveyed together in the first stage and the sand alone is conveyed in the second stage for recirculation of at least a portion of the sand to the first stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Musschoot, Daniel T. Lease
  • Patent number: 5865236
    Abstract: Crushed and graded magnetite ore is mixed with clay to form foundry moulds and cores. These moulds or cores are useful when casting non-ferrous metals or alloys, especially light metals and light-metal alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Disa A/S
    Inventors: Preben Nordgaard Hansen, Niels W. Rasmussen, Emil Jespersen
  • Patent number: 5860467
    Abstract: A structure of CO.sub.2 -insoluble material has a three-dimensional object of CO.sub.2 -soluble material positioned inside. The object is contacted with a fluid containing carbon dioxide which dissolves the object in the fluid. The fluid is then removed to form a cavity in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wayne State University
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeSimone, Esin Gulari, Charles Manke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5850866
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for reclaiming substantially pure sand from a heat treating furnace; wherein a casting with sand core and/or sand mold, comprising sand bound by a combustible binder, attached thereto is introduced into the heat treating furnace; or, wherein portions of sand core and/or sand mold that are not attached to a casting are introduced into the heat treating furnace. Wherein, the reclaiming within the furnace is carried out, in part, by a fluidizer that promotes binder combustion by one or more process of agitating, heating, and oxygenating. Wherein, the characteristics of the reclaimed sand are selectively controlled by controlling the dwell time of the sand within the heat treating furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott P. Crafton
  • Patent number: 5836369
    Abstract: Used foundry sand is divided into two falling streams and the grains of a first falling stream are accelerated and diverted into the second falling stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Disa AG
    Inventors: Christian Renner, Jovo Laskovic
  • Patent number: 5829509
    Abstract: Provided is a five-in-one process/integrated furnace system that (i) receives and heat treats a casting, (ii) removes sand core materials from the casting, (iii) actively reclaims sand from the sand core materials, (iv) substantially cools the reclaimed sand, and (v) removes fines from the reclaimed sand. The furnace system includes a heating chamber disposed above and contiguous with a cooling chamber. The heating chamber and cooling chamber are preferably constructed so that heat and gasses pass therebetween. The heating chamber is preferably in the general form of a heat treating furnace. The heating chamber receives and heat treats metal castings. During the heat treating process, sand core materials are dislodged from the castings and enter into a sand reclaiming region. A hot fluidized bed functions to reclaim sand from the sand core materials within the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Co, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott P. Crafton
  • Patent number: 5816312
    Abstract: Salvaged foundry sand is reclaimed by introducing salvaged sand into a vacuum kneading tank, adding water and binder to the salvaged sand and kneading the salvaged sand under vacuum. A target strength value of the reclaimed sand is set and the amount of water and binder to be added to the salvaged sand on the basis of the temperature of the salvaged sand before kneading in the vacuum kneading tank so that reclaimed sand of the target strength value is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Suginaka, Toshisaburo Kimura
  • Patent number: 5803151
    Abstract: An improved soluble core for die casting metals or metal matrix composites is formed of a mixture of salt and up to about 20 weight % of ceramic material blended together to produce a homogeneous mixture and compacted under pressure to produce a soluble core having little or no porosity. The ceramic material can be in the form of fibers, particulates, whiskers, and/or platelets, and has a melting temperature greater than that of the salt. The core can include a thermally insulating outer ceramic coating to enable the core to withstand higher die casting temperatures than conventional salt cores. The improved soluble core is removable with hot water and/or steam and the core material can be reclaimed for reuse. The process is used to form hollow articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Alyn Corporation
    Inventor: Robin A. Carden
  • Patent number: 5783001
    Abstract: A method of heat treating and cleaning maraging or precipitation hardening stainless steel surgical needles is disclosed. The method comprises exposing the surgical needles to a partial vacuum at a temperature less than the aging temperature to remove volatile surface contaminants. Then the needles are heat treated in an argon gas environment at a pressure equal to or greater than 1.0 atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Sardelis, Douglas Warren Ackerman, William McJames
  • Patent number: 5738162
    Abstract: Provided is a process/integrated furnace system that (i) receives and heat treats a casting, (ii) removes sand core materials from the casting, and (iii) actively reclaims sand from the sand core materials. The furnace system includes a heating chamber that receives and heat treats metal castings. During the heat treating process, sand core materials are dislodged and fall from the castings into a sand reclaiming region. A hot fluidized bed functions to reclaim sand from the fallen sand core materials within the heating chamber. The fallen sand core materials are not evenly distributed across the zones within the heating chamber. To compensate for the uneven distribution, sand discharge weirs and leveling bars divide the hot fluidized bed in to different bed zones having different dwell times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott P. Crafton
  • Patent number: 5725041
    Abstract: A static pour, gravity feed permanent mold machine for molding a casting from molten metal heated in a furnace, consisting of a chassis, a die holder adapted to receive a reusable die, a reusable open-face die for insertion in the die holder, a vertically-oriented die ejection system for ejecting the casting from the die, an ejector pin lubrication system, horizontal mobile gating blocks which together form a gating system when brought together over the die opening, a horizontally-mounted degater for severing the gating system from the casting while the gating system and casting are still hot, a mobile casting receiver for removing the casting from machine, and a mobile robot arm for dipping molten metal from the furnace and for returning the gating system to the furnace for remelting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Eugene F. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5706879
    Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming used foundry and molding sand comprises a container having a cylinder sidewall and at least one bottom wall or tray is arranged on a sand reclamation device for the mechanical cleaning of grains of sand, particularly organically and inorganically bonded molding sands. A central, hollow drive shaft is arranged in the cylinder and is supported for rotation. The bottom walls are firmly attached to the hollow shaft. A slot is formed between the bottom walls and cylinder. By the rotation of the bottom walls a parting plane is formed between the rotating part and the stationary part of the column of sand, in which plane an intensive rubbing of grain against grain takes place. As a result of the cylindrical force, the sand is brought in the direction towards the wall of the cylinder and through the slot, which additionally leads to an intensive rubbing of grain against grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Giessereianlagen AG
    Inventors: Christian Renner, Xaver Naf, Jovo Laskovic
  • Patent number: 5649993
    Abstract: A method for the recycling of overspray powder during spray forming is provided. The method involves providing a refining vessel to contain an electroslag refining layer floating on a layer of molten refined metal. An ingot of unrefined metal is lowered into the vessel into contact with the molten electroslag layer. A current is passed through the slag layer to the ingot to cause surface melting at the interface between the ingot and the electroslag layer. As the ingot is surface melted at its point of contact with the slag, droplets of the unrefined metal are formed and these droplets pass down through the slag and are collected in a body of molten refined metal beneath the slag. The refined metal is held within a cold hearth. At the bottom of the cold hearth, a cold finger orifice permits the withdrawal of refined metal from the cold hearth apparatus. The refined metal passes from the cold finger orifice as a stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Thomas Carter, Jr., Mark Gilbert Benz, Robert John Zabala, Paul Leonard Dupree, Bruce Alan Knudsen
  • Patent number: 5638893
    Abstract: The parting agent spray system is used with a roll casting machine to reduce the parting problems associated with releasing the casting-strip from the rolls. The parting system comprises a bank of self-cleaning spray nozzles for each of the upper roll and the lower roll of the caster. Each bank of nozzles is enclosed in its own individual housing which terminates proximal to the surface of the roll, and is movably located on a track. The housing is utilized to contain any excess graphite spray and prevent it from escaping from the area around the roll caster and contaminating the surrounding environment. The nozzles are grouped into zones, each zone connected to a parting agent solution source via an influent parting agent solution line, and connected to an air source via an air supply line for controlling the flow of the parting agent solution through each of the nozzles and atomizing the same, thus allowing the nozzles in each zone to be independently manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: FATA Hunter, Inc.
    Inventors: Subbiah Sankaran, Apparao Duvvuri
  • Patent number: 5618223
    Abstract: An apparatus to remove adhering material from the surfaces of sand to recycle the sand is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container (13) to hold sand (S) to be processed, the container having a bottom opening; pressing means (17-20) to press the sand in the container downwards; a rotor (10) disposed under the bottom opening of the container (13), the rotor (10) having a surface (11) that contacts the sand in the container; means (2) for driving the rotor (10); and a gap (G) disposed near a place between the container and the rotor. The sand contacts and is abraded by the rotary surface (11 ) of the rotor (10), and the processed sand is discharged by the centrifugal force of the rotor (10) from the gap (G) onto a chute (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Masuno, Kazuharu Matsui, Takehiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5597521
    Abstract: An unloader-separator attached to a die casting machine which includes a swing arm having grippers to hold the gate having components thereon. The swing arm holding the gate is rotated to a second position. A punch platen pushes the components through openings in the window platen which corresponds with the components on the gate. The swing arm releases the gate remnants for recycling, rotates to the first position and the cycle repeats. A link arm connects the swing arm to a cam unit which controls the rotation of the swing arm to a cam unit which controls the rotation of the swing arm. The cam unit also provides overload protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: John L. Wickham