During Introduction To Metal Patents (Class 164/65)
  • Patent number: 11235379
    Abstract: The invention relates to the foundry field, and in particular to a foundry process comprising the preheating of a mold (1) up to a first temperature, the casting of a metal in the liquid state, at a second temperature above the first temperature, in the mold kept in a main furnace (100) at the first temperature since the preheating, the difference between the first temperature and second temperature being no more than 80° C., the cooling and solidification of the metal in the mold (1) kept in the main furnace (100) at a pressure of less than 0.1 Pa at least since the casting, the removal of the mold (1) from the main furnace (100), and the demolding of the solidified metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Safran Aircraft Engines
    Inventors: Serge Alain Fargeas, Serge Tenne, Dominique Coyez
  • Publication number: 20150075744
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention fabricate objects including metallic glass-based materials using low-pressure casting techniques. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an object that includes a metallic glass-based material includes: introducing molten alloy into a mold cavity defined by a mold using a low enough pressure such that the molten alloy does not conform to features of the mold cavity that are smaller than 100 ?m; and cooling the molten alloy such that it solidifies, the solid including a metallic glass-based material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hofmann, Andrew Kennett
  • Patent number: 8826965
    Abstract: A high-vacuum die-casting method includes an injecting step of moving a plunger in a sleeve so that a molten metal fed to the sleeve is pushed by the plunger to be injected into a cavity formed by a fixed mold and a movable mold, a cavity vacuumizing step of vacuum absorbing a gas in the cavity to discharge the vacuum-absorbed gas to the outside through a first path, and a sealed space vacuumizing step of vacuum absorbing a gas in a sealed space in which an eject plate and one ends of eject pins are arranged to discharge the vacuum-absorbed gas to the outside through a second path while the injecting step is performed. The sealed space vacuumizing step is started prior to the cavity vacuumizing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Dongnam Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Hyun Kim, Deak Soo Kim, Joo Yul Park
  • Publication number: 20140202651
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for reduction of gas pressure within a core, such as a sand casting core package, during a casting process in order to reduce bubble defects. Some embodiments may comprise a mold configured to receive a molten metal to create a metal casting, such as an engine block casting. The mold may comprise a mold core configured to create a cavity within the metal casting. The system may further comprise a filling device configured for delivering a molten metal into the mold for creating the metal casting. The mold core may comprise a material that is permeable to certain gases known to often result in bubble defects. The system may further comprise a vacuum configured to be coupled with the mold to reduce gas pressure within a permeable portion of the mold in order to reduce the incidence of bubble defects within the casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER D. COGAN, JAMES T. SINGER, STEPHEN M. FITCH, MAURICE G. MEYER, DAVID D. GOETTSCH
  • Publication number: 20130306198
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of selectively depositing molten bulk metallic glass (BMG). In one embodiment, a continuous stream or discrete droplets of molten BMG is deposited to selected positions. The deposition can be repeated as needed layer by layer. One or more layers of non-BMG can be used as needed.
    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, Theodore Andrew Waniuk
  • Patent number: 8333230
    Abstract: A casting device includes a covered crucible having a top opening and a bottom orifice, a lid covering the top opening, a stopper rod sealing the bottom orifice, and a reusable mold having at least one chamber, a top end of the chamber being open to and positioned below the bottom orifice and a vacuum tap into the chamber being below the top end of the chamber. A casting method includes charging a crucible with a solid material and covering the crucible, heating the crucible, melting the material, evacuating a chamber of a mold to less than 1 atm absolute through a vacuum tap into the chamber, draining the melted material into the evacuated chamber, solidifying the material in the chamber, and removing the solidified material from the chamber without damaging the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Marsden, Mitchell K. Meyer, Blair K. Grover, Randall S. Fielding, Billy W. Wolfensberger
  • Patent number: 8128726
    Abstract: A method and a device for admixture of powder in a liquid, whereby the method comprises that the liquid in a supply (14), influenced by underpressure in a crucible (12) to which the liquid is to be transferred, flows through a drain tube (6) out of the supply (14), the powder is dosed from a powder receptacle (1) and is driven by a gas, and the mixture of powder and gas is added to the liquid in the drain tube (6) and mixed therewith, whereupon the mixture flows into the crucible (12). The device comprises a supply (14) from which the liquid may flow and a receptacle (1) with powder, whereby a drain tube (6) connects the supply (14) with a receiving receptacle (12) which can be held at an inner underpressure. A device (4) for supply of a driving gas for the powder is connected to a mixing chamber (3) at an outlet from the powder receptacle (1), while the mixing chamber (3) is connected to the drain tube (6) for supply of powder to the liquid flowing in the drain tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Heggset Teknologi AS
    Inventors: Bjarne Anders Heggset, Per Gunnar Strand, Jo Henrik Vaagland
  • Publication number: 20110186258
    Abstract: A method of forming a cast component includes at least partially surrounding an investment mold in a heat-insulating packing material, feeding a molten alloy into the investment mold to provide a filled investment mold, and agitating the filled investment mold while solidifying the molten alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Steven J. Bullied, John Joseph Marcin, John F. Blondin, Mark F. Bartholomew
  • Publication number: 20100012288
    Abstract: A casting device includes a covered crucible having a top opening and a bottom orifice, a lid covering the top opening, a stopper rod sealing the bottom orifice, and a reusable mold having at least one chamber, a top end of the chamber being open to and positioned below the bottom orifice and a vacuum tap into the chamber being below the top end of the chamber. A casting method includes charging a crucible with a solid material and covering the crucible, heating the crucible, melting the material, evacuating a chamber of a mold to less than 1 atm absolute through a vacuum tap into the chamber, draining the melted material into the evacuated chamber, solidifying the material in the chamber, and removing the solidified material from the chamber without damaging the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Marsden, Mitchell K. Meyer, Blair K. Grover, Randall S. Fielding, Billy W. Wolfensberger
  • Patent number: 7377303
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a die casting machine. A molten metal (melted liquid) is supplied into a evacuated casting space that is formed by a combination of a movable mold and a fixed mold. The molten metal is first moved in a horizontal direction along a molten metal injection pipe and is then injected into a chamber located at the bottom of the casting space. Thereafter, the molten metal is moved in a vertical direction by means of a follower plunger and is then inserted into the casting space. Therefore, since occurrence of a turbulent flow of the molten metal injected into a mold is prevented, a product of a high quality with no minute bubbles can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Dong Keun Go
  • Patent number: 7017649
    Abstract: A die casting machine obtain to obtain a suitable reduced pressure and reliably prevent the entry of molten metal into a valve when reducing the pressure in a cavity and injecting and filling it with a molten metal for casting, provided with the valve for opening and closing an exhaust path, a position detector for detecting an open/closed state of the exhaust path by the valve, an injection apparatus, a position detector for detecting the position of the injection plunger, and a control apparatus for controlling the injection. The control apparatus outputs a control instruction for making it close the exhaust path to the valve when the detected position of the injection plunger reaches a valve closing position set before the speed switching position and stops the drive of the injection plunger when not detecting completion of closure of the exhaust path when the injection plunger reaches the speed switching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shoko Kubota
  • Patent number: 6935405
    Abstract: A sink compound laminate molding process having a copper material in thickness of 0.1-0.8 mm placed at the bottom of the molding cavity with the bottom of the copper laminate fully bound to the bottom of the molding cavity, the copper being heated up to 300-600° C., and molten aluminum being filled into the molding cavity using a gravity casing process to create diffusion bonding to the interface between the copper and aluminum materials, molten aluminum being cooled and cured to avail an integrated compound laminate in a given profile of heterogeneous copper and aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Loyalty Founder Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-chen Chen, Chuan-Cheng Huang, Jia-Jen Yeh
  • Publication number: 20040256073
    Abstract: A die casting machine obtain to obtain a suitable reduced pressure and reliably prevent the entry of molten metal into a valve when reducing the pressure in a cavity and injecting and filling it with a molten metal for casting, provided with the valve for opening and closing an exhaust path, a position detector for detecting an open/closed state of the exhaust path by the valve, an injection apparatus, a position detector for detecting the position of the injection plunger, and a control apparatus for controlling the injection. The control apparatus outputs a control instruction for making it close the exhaust path to the valve when the detected position of the injection plunger reaches a valve closing position set before the speed switching position and stops the drive of the injection plunger when not detecting completion of closure of the exhaust path when the injection plunger reaches the speed switching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: TOSHIBA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shoko Kubota
  • Patent number: 6830079
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling preforms with resin or slurry includes a tank for holding the slurry and an autoclave for holding the preforms. The tank and autoclave have a common vacuum system connected thereto, and the tank is disposed above the autoclave. This arrangement provides a compact casting system which utilizes a vacuum and gravity to transfer slurry from the tank to the preforms within the autoclave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James M. Ahrens, Daniel Domanski, John A. Hornor, Ruth Hughes, Dennis James Landini, Roger Lee Ken Matsumoto, Hongyu Wang, Troy Frederick Brenner
  • Patent number: 6776219
    Abstract: Methods and materials for preparing investment molds useful in pressure infiltration casting of near net-shape metal or metal matrix composite (MMC) components. One embodiment of the invention includes disposing a slurry of an appropriately sized refractory material and a vehicle around a preform or fugitive pattern, removing the bulk of the vehicle, then curing/drying the refractory material to create an investment mold of the invention. Subsequently, pressure infiltration casting with a molten infiltrant using the investment mold permits infiltration of the mold cavity and/or preform without infiltration of the investment mold. As a result, the investment mold readily is removed to provide the near net-shape metal or MMC component. In other embodiments of the invention, a non-fugitive pattern is used, typically with a modified refractory cement of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Metal Matrix Cast Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Cornie, Maxim L. Seleznev, Brett M. Schulz, Shiyu Zhang
  • Patent number: 6666254
    Abstract: A method is described for uphill casting in sand molds with high-resin casting cores or especially casting cores containing binders, and with directed solidification of metallic castings that have at least one cavity. In particular, these are prototypes of engine blocks or cylinder heads, for example for internal combustion engines that are provided with a cavity through which coolant water flows. To provide for low-turbulence flow of the liquid molten metal during the deaeration of the casting mold, the casting mold is provided with at least one feeder head that is connected through a casting system to an infeed funnel, and the molten metal it contains is displaced by gravity through the casting system into the casting mold, with the cavity in the molten metal being subjected after the filling to reduced pressure that is greater than the pressure of the core gases formed in the core. This eliminates the hindrance to filling the mold from air pockets in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: ACTech GmbH Advanced Casting Technologies Giessereitechnologie
    Inventors: Heiko Voigt, Norbert Demarczyk
  • Patent number: 6648054
    Abstract: The present invention provides a die-casting method comprising the steps of evacuating a cavity 30 defined by dies of a die-casting machine to provide therein a vacuum of 100 millibar or less during a first period, injecting a reactive gas from a sleeve of the die-casting machine into the cavity 30 during a second period which has a partial overlap period with the first period and follows the overlap period, so as to increase the inner pressure of the cavity to atmospheric pressure or more, pouring a molten aluminum alloy M into the sleeve 40 while keeping the injection of the reactive gas, and subsequently moving a plunger 42 in the sleeve forward to forcibly inject the molten aluminum alloy from the sleeve into the cavity 30 while re-evacuating the cavity 30. The evacuation, reactive-gas injection and re-evacuation operations can be performed with respective overlap periods therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Kuramasu, Osamu Yoshida, Yoshihiro Tajima, Takaaki Ikari
  • Publication number: 20030102100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the uphill casting of cast pieces in sand dies with resinous, or, in particular, binder-containing cast cores and controlled solidification of metallic cast pieces, comprising at least one cavity. Said pieces are, in particular, prototypes of engine blocks, or cylinder heads, for example, for internal combustion engines, with a cavity for the throughflow of cooling water. In order to guarantee a low-turbulence flow of fluid metal melt on ventilating the cast mould, the cast mould (1), with at least one feed (24), is connected to a sprue cup (24) by means of a casting system (22) and the metal melt contained therein forced into the cast mould (1) through the casting system (22) by gravity. After filling the cavity (11′) a vacuum is created in the metal melt, greater than the pressure of core gases generated in the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Heiko Voigt, Norbert Demarczyk
  • Patent number: 6425433
    Abstract: An apparatus to inject molten material into and evacuate gasses from a mold cavity, including a pair of ganged pistons in communication with the mold cavity. An injection piston injects molten material into the cavity from the bottom, and a vacuum piston pulls a vacuum in the cavity from the top through a vacuum line. A filter in the vacuum line catches any material that escapes from the mold cavity. A vacuum regulator may selectively regulate the vacuum in the vacuum line. During the injection sequence's first phase, a vacuum is created at a rate proportional to the rate of injection. Part-way through the piston stroke, a second phase is entered and causes a vacuum break valve to open and control the amount of vacuum. The injection sequence has a step function velocity, with the second phase being at a much higher velocity than the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: John W. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6360809
    Abstract: Disclosed are economical methods and apparatus for high throughput pressure infiltration casting. Methods of the invention use a mold vessel as an evacuation chamber along with an evacuation cap to produce superior quality near-net shape finished cast parts with low porosity. Other methods of the invention use an improved heat transfer technique for directionally solidifying molten infiltrant at an increased rate to increase further the throughput of the pressure infiltration casting cycle. The invention also provides apparatus for practicing methods for high throughput pressure infiltration casting. One embodiment of an apparatus of the invention is a removable evacuation cap, often used in conjunction with a fill tube. Another apparatus embodiment is an evacuation cap coupled to a mold vessel which is used as an evacuation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Matrix Cast Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Cornie, Stephen S. Cornie, Ralph P. Mason, Mark A. Ryals
  • Publication number: 20020011323
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure casting a battery part wherein the state of molten lead is monitored so that when the molten lead enters a liquid-to-solid transformation stage, the volume of the mold available for the lead to solidify therein is quickly reduced through a volume contraction step to thereby cause the molten lead to flow into the remaining volume at the same time one maintains pressure on the molten lead. As the molten lead solidifies under the reduced volume and high pressure it produces a battery part that is substantially free of both tears and cracks. In an alternate method, the lead is allowed to solidify and at least a portion of the lead is mechanically deformed through a volume contraction step to cause cracks or tears in the battery part to be eliminated thereby providing a battery part free of cracks or tears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Water Gremlin Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Ratte
  • Publication number: 20010052402
    Abstract: A vacuum die-casting method for producing castings of nonferrous alloys, comprising the steps of:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: IDRA PRESSE S.p.A.
    Inventor: Graziano Mortari
  • Patent number: 6257312
    Abstract: A composite material having less than about 25 volume percent refractory particles in a metal matrix is concentrated to have about 37-45 volume percent refractory particles. The concentrating is accomplished by heating the composite material to melt the matrix, and then contacting the molten composite material to a porous element having an average pore size greater than that of the average particle size. A small pressure differential, on the order of about one atmosphere, is applied across the porous element, so that metal matrix material separates from the composite material and flows through the porous element. The particulate volume fraction in the composite material gradually increases. When the particulate volume fraction exceeds about 37 volume percent, the mass of composite material becomes semi-solid and freestanding. The resulting composite material may be further processed, as by forming to a useful shape or diluting with another matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Don Doutre, Gary Hay, Iljoon Jin, Peter Wales, David J. Lloyd
  • 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: 6148899
    Abstract: A mold cavity in a mold vessel is evacuated. A charge of molten infiltrant is transported into the mold vessel while the vacuum is maintained in the mold cavity. Pressure is applied to the molten infiltrant to move the molten infiltrant from the mold vessel into the mold cavity. The molten infiltrant is cooled in the mold cavity to solidify the infiltrant. A fill tube can be used to transport the infiltrant to the mold vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Metal Matrix Cast Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Cornie, Stephen S. Cornie, Ralph P. Mason, Mark A. Ryals
  • Patent number: 6125911
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a diecasting mold and evacuation elements for the controlled evacuation of a mold cavity. The evacuation elements includes a vacuum tank and a suction line interconnecting the vacuum tank and the diecasting mold. the suction line includes a first valve and a second valve which is coupled in parallel to the first valve. The valves are arranged so that a reference space is formed therebetween. The method for manufacturing die-castings includes evacuating a diecasting mold, filling the diecasting mold with casting material, removing the die-casting, forming a reference space in a portion of the suction line by closing the two valves which are coupled in parallel, measuring moisture, and pressure and temperature in the reference space, and controlling the apparatus in accordance with the measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Alusuisse Bayrisches Druckguss-Werk GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Wust, Reinhard Winkler, Miroslaw Plata
  • Patent number: 6125914
    Abstract: A mold having a supply tube in a lower portion and in which has been placed a fibrous preform, is placed in a container. A crucible filled with magnesium blocks is placed under the mold. The magnesium is heated and the mold is preheated under vacuum until the fusion of the magnesium starts. The tube is then introduced into the magnesium and a neutral gas circulation is set up in the container, under a vacuum insufficient to trigger the evaporation of magnesium. After its complete fusion, the magnesium is transferred into the mold by a rapid pressurization of the container. The mold is then cooled and the part removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Laetitia Billaud, Philippe Le Vacon
  • Patent number: 6123142
    Abstract: Molten material is elevated into a mold cavity and subsequently pressure is brought to bear on the molten material in the mold cavity substantially immediately to solidify the molten material under pressure. The molten material is tapped from a reservoir of molten material below the surface of the molten material to minimize exposure to air of the molten material and transferred to the mold cavity without a downward flow or a pouring of the tapped molten material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Water Gremlin
    Inventor: Leon J. Ratte
  • Patent number: 6070643
    Abstract: A metal or alloy is melted in a vaccuum chamber disposed about an end of a shot sleeve. The opposite end of the shot sleeve is communicated to a die cavity between first and second dies which are disposed in ambient air atmosphere. The dies have one or more vacuum seals therebetween extending about the die cavity to isolate the die cavity from the ambient air atmosphere when the dies are closed. A vacuum thereby is provided in the die cavity through the shot sleeve when the vacuum chamber is evacuated despite the dies being disposed in ambient air atmosphere. The first and second dies are opened after the metal or alloy is die cast in the die cavity for ready removal of the cast component from the die cavity directly to the ambient air atmosphere and then to an optional quenchant medium proximate the dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory N. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6070644
    Abstract: A gas permeable ceramic investment mold is disposed in a casting chamber and filled with melt to be solidified via a mold melt inlet, such as for example a mold pour cup adapted to receive the melt from a melting crucible in the casting chamber. After the melt is cast into the hot investment mold in the vacuum casting chamber, a pressure cap is positioned in sealing engagement with the mold melt inlet, and gas pressure is introduced through the pressure cap to provide selective or local gas pressure on the melt in the mold without pressure cracking or other damage to the relatively fragile investment mold, while the casting chamber is maintained under relative vacuum or a different pressure from that in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventors: Dale A. Grumm, Bradley S. Donaldson, Mark L. Soderstrom, Dennis Thompson
  • Patent number: 6070649
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a metal melt, especially steel, into a vertically oscillating mold via a tundish or intermediate vessel provided with an immersion nozzle to generate endless strands, especially thin strands of steel wherein the intermediate vessel has an open first chamber and a closed second chamber. The metal melt is supplied from the casting ladle to the first open chamber. The second chamber is connected with a vacuum device. An immersion pipe, which projects into the mold and which can be vertically oscillated, is provided in the base of the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Urlau, Wolfgang Reichelt, Ewald Feuerstacke, Wolfgang Dohring
  • Patent number: 6035922
    Abstract: To provide an apparatus for manufacturing a casting, in which sealing can be formed between joint surfaces of a mold without using any packing material. An apparatus for manufacturing a casting comprising a mold split into at least two mold parts designed so as to define a cavity, an introduction port provided at one end of the mold for introducing molten metal into the cavity, and an exhaust port provided at the other end of the mold for exhausting air in the cavity; characterized by further comprising a groove which is provided around a portion defining the cavity in at least one of joint surfaces of the at least two mold parts so as to connect the introduction port to the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignees: Sugitani Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyo Aluminium Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Sugitani, Shoichi Makimoto
  • Patent number: 6024158
    Abstract: Parts are diecast from a light metal alloy which in the molten state is fed under gravity into a casting chamber of a diecasting machine and whence forced by a plunger into a mould chamber which undergoes controlled evacuation in accordance with the position of a plunger. A parting compound is applied to at least one mold half and the application of a lubricant to the plunger. The light metal alloy consists of a primary alloy of invariable composition, with a limit placed on the proportions of Cu, Fe and Zn; the alloy undergoes smelting treatment, de-gassing and/or filtration before being introduced. The vacuum in the mould chamber is below 50 mbar when the molten alloy is introduced and the parting compound contains alkali halides and anti-corrosion additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Bayrisches Druckguss-Werk Thurner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Gabathuler, Ivan Gyongyos, Hans-Gunther Thurner, Jurgen Wust
  • Patent number: 6003586
    Abstract: A process of making a heat-sinking structure, which includes providing a mold having cavities closed at one end and open at another end, the cavities corresponding to the heat dissipating surfaces on the heat-sinking structure, at least partially evacuating ambient gases from the cavities by applying a vacuum to the open end of the cavities, filling the mold with molten material when the mold is substantially evacuated by introducing the thermally conductive material into the mold at the open end of the cavities, and solidifying the thermally conductive material in the mold and removing the resultant molded heat-sinking structure. A combination electromagnetic interference filter and electrical socket assembly is also provided that includes an electromagnetic interference filter, at least one conductive, single-piece, electrical terminal blade passing through the electromagnetic interference filter, and a block of electrically insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Glenn L. Beane
  • Patent number: 5842509
    Abstract: An application method of a powder mold lubricant for a vacuum die-casting mold can effectively apply the powder mold lubricant onto a mold surface of the mold cavity with supplying the powder mold lubricant in small amount, can avoid liquefying of the power mold lubricant to degrade quality of a product, and can avoid loss in cycle time in a vacuum die-casting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuo Nagashima, Shinichi Oomachi, Fumihiro Sakuma
  • Patent number: 5746267
    Abstract: Metal matrix composites are manufactured in a vacuum die casting machine. Solid aggregate material is placed in a die, the die is evacuated, and molten metal is driven by a piston to infiltrate the solid aggregate material where it subsequently solidifies to form a metal matrix composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: David I. Yun, Ralph R. Sawtell, Warren H. Hunt, H. Robert Baumgartner, Eric T. Streicher, Michael F. Ehman
  • Patent number: 5460218
    Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of continuously discharging contaminated gas out of metal molds, the gas being generated prior to the casting step and including moisture. A gas vent valve is provided at a gas vent passage in communication with a mold cavity. A suction unit and a vacuum pump are selectively connected to the gas vent valve. After closure of the metal molds, the suction unit is connected to the gas vent valve to perform sucking interior of the mold cavity. By this suction, an external air is introduced into the metal molds through a pouring port of a shot sleeve. Thus, contaminated gas in the cavity is replaced with a clean air. During injection molding, the gas vent valve is connected to the vacuum pump for decompressing the mold cavity. Vapor explosion is avoidable since moisture content is removed from the mold cavity even if the molten metal is introduced into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Ryobi Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Miwa, Noriyoshi Yamauchi, Hitoshi Ishida
  • Patent number: 5429172
    Abstract: Low carbon stainless steel parts are formed utilizing a high vacuum of 20" to 29" of mercury during the pouring stage of the lost foam process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Bryan Hand
  • Patent number: 5348073
    Abstract: The apparatus for producing a cast steel article has a permeable mold having a cavity, a sprue and at least one rise/run-off portion, and a vacuum apparatus, the permeable mold being provided with a hole having an opening on a mold surface near the rise/run-off portion, the vacuum apparatus being provided with a suction pipe having an opening which is brought into contact with the hole of the permeable mold, wherein the air is sucked from the hole by the vacuum apparatus, in order to conduct the casting of the article at reduced pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimio Kubo, Naotaka Deki
  • Patent number: 5335711
    Abstract: Cast components having reduced porosity levels are produced by pouring a molten metal into a mould which is in a first chamber, and withdrawing the filled mould into a second chamber. The second chamber is then isolated from the first chamber with regard to pressure, and the second chamber is then pressurized with a fluid up to a maximum pressure of 7 MPa for at least part of the time required for solidification of the metal in the mould. The pressure is preferably applied within forty seconds from the finish of pouring of the molten metal, and more preferably within twenty seconds. The still molten state of the metal permits the use of a relatively low pressure to reduce the porosity levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: AE PLC
    Inventor: Brian Paine
  • Patent number: 5329981
    Abstract: A method of producing a metal mold is disclosed. A heat resistant sheet is forcedly brought into close contact with a product configuration surface of a matrix such as a wooden pattern, a resin model, or the like by making use of negative pressure. The matrix is brought into contact with a melt of a low melting-point alloy while that state of close contact is being maintained and the melt is allowed to cool as it is, thereby casting one part of the mold which makes up a pair. The matrix is then removed, and by using the one part of the mold thus cast as a new matrix, this new matrix is brought into contact with the melt of a low melting-point alloy via the heat resistant rubber sheet and is allowed to cool as it is, thereby casting a counterpart of the mold that makes up the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahito Ito, Miyuki Koujiya, Hiroshi Sarai, Seiya Nakao, Takao Nomura, Satoru Kitou, Fuminori Matsuda, Susumu Yamada, Kesato Kuroiwa, Hiroshi Mihara
  • Patent number: 5318093
    Abstract: In an improved method and apparatus for investment casting, a pattern (31) is mounted on a sprue base (19) of an spider gasket (12) that is secured to one end of a standard investment flask (11). A solid end cap (13) is secured to the other end of the flask. The end cap is provided with a matrix of holes (15) extending therethrough parallel to the axis of the flask, and a plurality of small diameter rods (16) are slidable secured in the holes in the end cap. The rods are extended into the interior of the flask about the pattern without contacting the pattern. Investment plaster (10) is poured into the flask through the spider assembly to immerse the pattern and rods, and the plaster is allowed to set. The rods are then withdrawn, forming a large plurality of channels (32) extending into or through the investment plaster, reducing the amount of investment plaster required in the flask. The channels greatly accelerate the drying time of the investment, and hasten the subsequent burnout process in a kiln.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Charles H. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5287910
    Abstract: Titanium based and nickel based castings are made by casting a suitable melt having a relatively low melt superheat into a mold cavity defined by one or more low carbon steel or titanium mold members where the melt solidifies to form the desired casting. The melt super-heat is limited so as not to exceed about 150.degree. F. above the liquidus temperature of the particular melt being cast. For a steel mold, one or more titanium melt inlet-forming members are provided for cooperating with the steel mold members to form an melt ingate that communicates to the mold cavity for supplying the melt thereto in a manner to avoid harmful iron contamination of the melt during casting. The mold body-to-mold cavity volume ratio is controlled between 10:1 to 0.5:1 to minimize casting surface defects and mold wear/damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Howmet Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory N. Colvin, Leonard L. Ervin, Robert F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5273099
    Abstract: A composite aluminum member joining process. A chemical film including potassium and fluorine is formed on an aluminum member or a flux including potassium and fluorine is coated on an aluminum member. The coated aluminum member is buried together with a disposable pattern in a predetermined assembled state in a mold including molding sand. Then, molten aluminum alloy is poured into the mold, thereby molding an aluminum alloy cast member. The mold is decompressed through the molding sand, thereby expelling tar-like substances generated when the disposable pattern comes in contact with the molten aluminum alloy, burns and vaporizes, at least from the boundary surface between the disposable pattern and the molding sand to the molding sand disposed around the disposable pattern and preventing the tar-like substances from interposing between the aluminum member and the aluminum alloy cast member made from the molten aluminum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katumi Takagi, Akinari Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5219409
    Abstract: The process calls for testing and monitoring the pressure levels in different parts of the die casting apparatus during a casting operation, including the die cavity itself and in positive and vacuum pressure lines. The process also includes process steps which cools a vacuum valve adjacent the die cavity and cleans the valve and lines during a casting operation. The process calls for aborting a casting operation at various time during the operation if certain measured parameters are not acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Dave L. Campbell, George R. Clark, Frank W. Kenik, Russell J. VanRens
  • Patent number: 5215140
    Abstract: A process of making a heat sink which includes providing a mold having at least one cavity corresponding to the shape of the article, at least partially evacuating ambient gases from the cavity of the mold, filling the mold with thermally conductive casting material while the mold is at least partially evacuated, and solidifying the material in the mold and removing the resultant molded heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: MI Propruetart
    Inventor: Glenn Beane
  • Patent number: 5199480
    Abstract: The apparatus has a generally cylindrically shaped rotating collar for sealing the chamber after casting material has been poured into it. The apparatus has a slidable plunger mechanism with an enlarged tip for forcing casting material through a shot sleeve toward the die. A flat annular collar retainer plate is located at right end of the collar. A sleeve seal tube is attached to the collar retainer plate adapted to receive the plunger tip. A seal housing is carried by and is slidable on the plunger stem, has an enlarged left end portion in which a sleeve seal is located so that when the plunger mechanism is moved to the left, the plunger tip enters the chamber and the seal housing and plunger stem move to the left until the seal engages the seal tube during leftward movement of the plunger. Further movement of the plunger stem results in the stem sliding relative to the seal housing while the plunger tip forces material in the chamber toward the die cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Thornton E. Schultz, LaVerne D. Smith, Russell J. VanRens
  • Patent number: 5092390
    Abstract: Molten metal is cast in a cavity formed within a permanent, metal mold. The major portion of the cavity is lined with a sand liner whose thickness is reversely correlated to the thickness of the integral sections of a varying thickness cast metal article. However, portions of the metal cavity are bare and such portions form a part of the interior casting surface defined by the sand liner. Thus, the cast metal contacting the bare metal portions of the mold uniformly and rapidly chills to produce harder surface areas on the finished cast article, while the remaining portions of the cast article tend to cool at a generally equalized cooling rate corresponding reversely to the thickness of the sand liner. A vacuum is applied to the casting cavity during filling with molten metal for rapidly filling the sand lined cavity and insuring complete contact between the molten metal and the bare metal portions of the casting cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: CMI International, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond H. Witt
  • Patent number: 4951732
    Abstract: An iron metal traverse drum having extremely thin walls is formed by instantaneously injecting a molten metal into a limited cavity of a mold having a form corresponding to the traverse drum in an oxygen-free atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushi Kaisha
    Inventor: Shoji Yamada
  • Patent number: RE45353
    Abstract: A method of making composites of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, and articles made thereof, containing at least one type or reinforcement material, wherein the composite material preferably comprises a high volume fraction of reinforcement material and is fully-dense with minimum porosity are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Atakan Peker