Means Treating Solid Metal Patents (Class 266/249)
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Publication number: 20080128056Abstract: A plant for the heat treatment of metallic elements (E) includes: at least a chamber (3) for containing the metallic elements (E) having at least one access opening (A1); a heater (4) of the chamber (3), operating on the chamber (3) for bringing the same at a predetermined temperature; a conveyor (15), connected with a respective actuator and acting on the metallic elements (E) for transferring these latter at the exiting and/or entering with respect to the chamber (3). The conveyor (15) has been positioned outside the chamber (15) during the functioning of the plant (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: ESTRAL S.P.A.Inventor: Armando Vincoli
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Publication number: 20080079202Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a sub-system of a metal molding system, including (amongst other things) a conditioner, (ii) a metal molding system, including a conditioner, (iii) a metallic molded article manufactured by the use of a metal molding system having a conditioner, (iv) a method of a metal molding system, comprising conditioning, at least in part, metal chips, (v) a metallic molded article manufactured by the use of a method of a metal molding system, including conditioning, at least in part, metal chips, (vi) a molding material, including metal chips being conditioned, at least in part, (vii) a molten molding material, including a molten metallic melt being made from metal chips being conditioned, at least in part, and/or (viii) a metallic molded article, including a solidified molding material having been made from metal chips being conditioned, at least in part, amongst other things.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventor: Robert DOMODOSSOLA
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Publication number: 20080023892Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal atmospheric furnace for heat treating, in particular, metallic workpieces at high temperatures. In order to crate a furnace that, while having a simple design and being easy to operate at the same time, enables a transfer of heat-treated workpieces into a quenching device while concluding the atmosphere surrounding the furnace, the invention provides that a horizontal atmospheric furnace for heat treating, in particular, metallic work pieces at high temperatures with a preferably cylindrical furnace chamber and with a furnace door that closes the furnace chamber in a gas-tight manner. Said furnace door is mounted in a manner that enables it to be displaced inside a door case. Which forms a lock that can be closed in a gas-tight manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2004Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: Bernd Edenhofer, Thomas Paryjas
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Patent number: 7300622Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for generating nanostructures in order to obtain in an area on the surface of a metal piece (10) a nanostructured layer of defined thickness, characterized in that it comprises: a step for projecting onto an impact point in the area of the surface of the piece (10) to be treated, for a given duration, at a given speed and at variable incidences at the same impact point, a given quantity of perfectly spherical balls (22) of given dimensions, reused continuously during the projection; repetition of the preceding step with a shift of the impact point so that the impact points as a group cover the entire surface of the piece to be treated; a step for treatment by diffusion of chemical compounds into the nanostructured layer generated during the step for implementing the method for generating nanostructures.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignees: Universite de Technologies de Troyes, The Institute of Metal ResearchInventors: Jian Lu, Ke Lu
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Patent number: 7264768Abstract: A device for magnetically annealing magnetoresistive elements formed on wafers includes a heated chuck and a delivery mechanism for individually placing the wafers individually on the chuck one at a time. A coil is adjacent to the chuck and generates a magnetic field after the wafer is heated to a NĂ©el temperature of an anti-ferromagnetic layer. A control system regulates the temperature of the heated chuck, the strength of the magnetic field, and a time period during which each chuck is heated to control the annealing process. The annealed elements are incorporated in the fabrication of magnetic memory devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Tuttle, Ronald A. Weimer
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Patent number: 7077993Abstract: Differential hardening apparatus for softening a portion only of a metal workpiece such as a die block consisting of apparatus for presenting a workpiece to a heat source which impinges heat directly on the workpiece and control means for causing the heat to be directed only long enough to soften only the portion which receives the heat so as to create a softened portion, such as the shank portion of a die block, and an unaffected hardened portion, such as the body portion of the die block.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: A. Finkl & Sons Co.Inventors: Charles W. Finkl, Algirdas A. Underys
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Patent number: 6903306Abstract: A furnace for heat treating of metal parts includes a hot zone enclosure defining a hot zone therein. The hot zone enclosure has a side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The side wall has slots formed therethrough and along the length thereof. The heat treating furnace also includes a system for injecting a cooling gas into the hot zone through the hot zone enclosure. The heat treating furnace further includes a damper arrangement for directing the cooling gas over a selected portion or portions of the workpiece load and through one or more of the slots. In one embodiment of the invention, all actuated components in the furnace are located outside of the hot zone to minimize damage to moving parts that are caused by exposure to extreme heat.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Ipsen International, Inc.Inventor: Craig A. Moller
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Patent number: 6884387Abstract: In order to apply reclaimed oil to surfaces of empty cans each formed from a steel material and an aluminum material and having a coated surface and to heat the oil-applied empty cans, an empty-can treatment system includes a rotary kiln for heating the empty cans; a screw-type conveying apparatus for conveying the empty cans to the rotary kiln; and a reclaimed oil tank from which reclaimed oil is fed so as to be applied to the empty cans conveyed by means of the screw-type conveying apparatus. The screw-type conveying apparatus includes a casing pipe allowing the empty cans to pass therethrough; and a shaft portion disposed within the casing pipe and having a screw portion formed on the circumferential surface thereof. The shaft portion is formed of a pipe having oil discharge holes formed thereon at predetermined intervals.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignees: Nissei Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsugu Fukui
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Patent number: 6833107Abstract: A heat-treating furnace with a magnetic field comprising (a) a magnetic field-generating means constituted by an outer, ring-shaped, permanent magnet assembly comprising a plurality of permanent magnet segments combined with their magnetization directions oriented such that a magnetic flux flows in a diameter direction, and an inner, ring-shaped, permanent magnet assembly disposed inside the outer, ring-shaped, permanent magnet assembly and comprising a plurality of permanent magnet segments combined with their magnetization directions oriented such that a magnetic flux flows in a diameter direction; and (b) a heat treatment means disposed in a center hole of the inner, ring-shaped, permanent magnet assembly and comprising a cooling means, a heating means, and a heat-treating container containing heat-treating holder for holding a plurality of articles to be heat-treated in this order from outside, wherein an axial center of a magnetic field generated by the inner and outer ring-shaped, permanent magnet assemType: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiko Kuriyama, Makoto Ushijima, Yasuyuki Azuma
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Publication number: 20040250920Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for generating nanostructures in order to obtain in an area on the surface of a metal piece (10) a nanostructured layer of defined thickness, characterized in that it comprises: a step for projecting onto an impact point in the area of the surface of the piece (10) to be treated, for a given duration, at a given speed and at variable incidences at the same impact point, a given quantity of perfectly spherical balls (22) of given dimensions, reused continuously during the projection; repetition of the preceding step with a shift of the impact point so that the impact points as a group cover the entire surface of the piece to be treated; a step for treatment by diffusion of chemical compounds into the nanostructured layer generated during the step for implementing the method for generating nanostructures.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Jian Lu, Ke Lu
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Publication number: 20040239018Abstract: The aim of the invention is to configure a device for winding and unwinding partly rolled products, in a way that ensures the smallest possible accumulation of scrap. To achieve this, a roller (20, 20′, 20″) whose position is controlled and which runs on the periphery of the coil is used during the transfer of the coils from the winding station to the unwinding station. The vertical adjustment of said roller ensures that the coil is completely unwound, even with a diminishing coil diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Matthias Kruger, Jurgen Marz, Karl-Friedrich Fuhrmann
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Publication number: 20040183239Abstract: Apparatus for softening a selected portion of a steel object which comprises subjecting the selected portion to electrical energy derived from induction heating or infrared heating to a controlled depth, preferably just sufficiently deep to soften said portion but not sufficiently deep to soften the remainder of the part.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Charles W. Finkl, Algirdas A. Underys
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Patent number: 6776854Abstract: In the partial thermochemical vacuum treatment of metallic workpieces (1), in particular in the carburization and case hardening of workpieces (1) of case-hardening steel in a carbon-containing atmosphere, surface regions (3, 4, 5, 6) to be treated and surface regions not to be treated abut one another. In order to restrict the surface treatment to the cavities (2) of the workpieces (1) the external surface regions not to be treated are covered by reusable dismountable mould bodies (11) of a temperature-resistant material with at least one mould cavity (15). In this connection the mould body (11) consisting of a lower part (12) and an upper part (13) with openings (12b, 13b) encloses several workpieces (1) in such a way that no treatment takes place on the external surface regions of the workpieces (1). An electrically conducting mould body (11) is suitable in particular for a thermochemical treatment under the action of a plasma. Graphite or CFC is used as material for the mould bodies (11).Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Vacuheat GmbHInventors: Udo Bardelmeier, Peter Minarski
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Patent number: 6761851Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for hardening a metal article, comprising a holding device, an energy beam generator pointed at the holding device for directing energy beams at the holding device, and a movement system supporting the holding device, wherein the movement system varies the orientation of the metal article relative to the energy beam generator. The apparatus includes an energy beam delivery instrument system positioned between the energy beam generator and the holding device so that the energy an energy beam delivery instrument directs the energy beam to the holding device. Also, the apparatus includes an auxiliary heating device engaging the holding device, wherein the auxiliary heating device heats the metal article independently from the energy beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Allasso Industries, Inc.Inventor: Walter J. Chappas
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Patent number: 6756566Abstract: A convection heating system includes a hot zone enclosure defining a hot zone and a plurality of gas injection nozzles for injecting a cooling gas into the heat treatment zone of furnace. Each gas injection nozzle may include a flap disposed and pivotally supported therein for substantially preventing the escape of heat from the hot zone during a heating cycle, but for permitting the injection of the cooling gas into the furnace hot zone during a cooling cycle. A gas exit port may be provided and may include a flap pivotally mounted therein for impeding the unforced outward flow of a gas from the heat treatment zone during a heating cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Ipsen International, Inc.Inventor: Craig A. Moller
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Patent number: 6756104Abstract: A laser gain medium and a method of manufacturing a laser medium, such as a laser rod, or slab for use in high-powered laser peening systems. A laser medium and method reduces stress risers along the surface of the amplifier medium by grit blasting, polishing, etching, annealing, and by eliminating platinum inclusions within the laser glass.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: LSP Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Sokol, Jeff Dulaney, Steven M. Toller
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Publication number: 20040004314Abstract: In a high temperature/high pressure vessel for treating a workpiece placed in the interior of the vessel at a high temperature and a high pressure wherein piano wire is wound under tension round an outer periphery of a cylindrical body to apply a compressive residual stress to the cylindrical body and axial openings of the cylindrical body are tightly closed with upper and lower lids so that the lids can be disengaged from the openings, the cylindrical body is constituted as a two-layer cylindrical body comprising an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder which is fitted on the inner cylinder through plural spacers arranged along an outer periphery surface of the inner cylinder, allowing cooling water flow paths to be formed each between adjacent such spacers so as to extend from one end side to an opposite end side of the tow-layer cylindrical body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd)Inventors: Makoto Yoneda, Tomomitsu Nakai, Shigeo Kofune, Yutaka Narukawa, Takeshi Kanda, Takeo Nishimoto
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Patent number: 6673304Abstract: In a heat-treatment apparatus for heat-treating a V-type cylinder block (W) by induction heating, the block (W) is fixedly mounted on a work table (11) and set at a reference position thereon. A plurality of induction heating coils (23) are disposed in each of opposite sides of a base frame (10) of the work table (11) through Z tables (21), Y tables (18) and X tables (13). These tables (13, 18, 21) enable the heating coils (23) to enter and exit from the corresponding cylinder bores (Wn) of the block (W) in a direction in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the cylinder bores (Wn). The Z table (21) moves back and forth in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the cylinder bores (wn). The Y table moves back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the rows of the cylinder bores (Wn). The X table (13) moves back and forth in parallel with the rows of cylinder bores (Wn).Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignees: Neturen Co., Ltd., Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Daiji Ito, Shin Okumura, Akihiko Hosono, Kazuki Horita
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Patent number: 6660110Abstract: A heat treatment assembly and heat treatment methods are disclosed for producing different microstructures in the bore and rim portions of nickel-based superalloy disks, particularly suited for gas turbine applications. The heat treatment assembly is capable of being removed from the furnace and disassembled to allow rapid fan or oil quenching of the disk. For solutioning heat treatments of the disk, temperatures higher than that of this solvus temperature of the disk are used to produce coarse grains in the rim of each disk so as to give maximum creep and dwell crack resistance at the rim service temperature. At the same time, solution temperature lower than the solvus temperature of the disk are provided to produce fine grain in the bore of the disk so as to give maximum strength and low cycle fatigue resistance.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John Gayda, Timothy P. Gabb, Peter T. Kantzos
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Publication number: 20030209842Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a rare earth magnet is disclosed. In a first step, a compact is produced by compacting rare earth alloy powder in a predetermined space in an orienting magnetic field. Next, a demagnetizing process is performed for the compact, and the compact is ejected from the predetermined space. Then, a additional demagnetizing process is performed for magnetic powder adhering to a surface of the compact by applying an magnetic field to the compact after the compact is ejected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: SUMITOMO SPECIAL METALS CO., LTD.Inventors: Shuhei Okumura, Akira Nakamura
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Patent number: 6620374Abstract: A system and method for inductively heating and then quench hardening a portion of a workpiece, such as a several threads of a screw or bolt are disclosed. The system includes a conveyor system having a rotary conveyor for separating, aligning, and transporting each of the workpieces in aligned succession through an induction heater positioned about the rotary conveyor to heat-treat at least a portion of each of the workpieces. A sensor determines whether a workpiece is heat-treated to a minimum temperature and causes an ejector to separate heat-treated workpieces that have reached the minimum temperature from heat-treated workpieces that have failed to reach the minimum temperature. The separated workpieces are then quenched in a tank & separately removed automatically.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Pillar IndustriesInventors: Dean P. Stefanac, Thomas J. Bowers, Donald H. Wiseman, William C. Weller
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Publication number: 20030031973Abstract: A spacer member in a furnace including an aluminum tube containing a ceramic material. The ceramic material provides high compressive strength and the composite product resists high temperature creep.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Calvin Bates, Daniel W. Severa, Joseph P. Harenski, Roger W. Kaufold, Patricia A. Stewart, Larry F. Wieserman
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Publication number: 20020195176Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating an integrally bladed rotor which comprises providing a hub section, preferably formed from a titanium based alloy, and welding an airfoil, also preferably formed from a titanium based alloy, to the hub section. The method further comprises partially aging and cooling the hub section prior to welding and aging the airfoil and the weld joint between the airfoil and the hub section subsequent to welding. The post welding aging step is preferably carried out using a novel encapsulated local airfoil heating device having a plurality of heating elements woven into a jacket made from a high temperature cloth material. The method of the present invention may also be used to repair integrally bladed rotors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Michael P. Smith, Janet M. Stanley, David S. Murphy, Robert W. Baumgarten, Thomas DeMichael, Stephen L. Mayers
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Publication number: 20020157739Abstract: Apparatus for heat treating a cutting tool comprises a furnace and a tool holder within the furnace adapted to receive therein a first portion of the tool, a second portion of the tool projecting from the tool holder, the second portion of the tool being directly exposed to radiant heat from at least one radiant heating element within the furnace with the first portion of the tool being shielded from the radiant heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Geoffrey Philip Fisher, Richard Mark Lill, Edgar Dabill, Martin John Monaghan, Jonathan Clifford Oates, Graham Monteith Smith
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Publication number: 20020153358Abstract: A saddle 18 is movable along a guide means 16 provided, passing through an neighborhood of machining area MA of a plurality of machine tools 1, 2. The saddle 18 is provided with a machining head 33, being free to selectively insert in and retreat from the machining area MA, and a plurality of kinds of nozzles 48 for ejecting laser beam. The nozzle 48 suitable for a portion of workpiece 3, 4 to be hardened is selected so as to attach it to the machining head 33. When hardening is instructed, the nozzle 48 is moved to a desired position with respect to the workpiece 3, 4 in the state of the workpiece 3, 4 located on the machine tool 1, 2, and the laser beam 51 is ejected from the nozzle 48 so as to harden the workpiece 3, 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Toshihiko Inoue, Masaki Itoh, Toshihiko Asari, Naoomi Miyagawa
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Publication number: 20020110348Abstract: A laser gain medium and a method of manufacturing a laser medium, such as a laser rod, or slab for use in high-powered laser peening systems. A laser medium and method reduces stress risers along the surface of the amplifier medium by grit blasting, polishing, etching, annealing, and by eliminating platinum inclusions within the laser glass.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: David Sokol, Jeff Dulaney, Steven M. Toller
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Patent number: 6416707Abstract: In a method for producing fine wire, a wire blank is transformed by a heat treatment process into a drawable state, the wire blank is drawn to a drawn wire, and, subsequently, the drawn wire is subjected, to a hardening and tempering process in order to obtain predetermined mechanical properties by passing the drawn wire through at least one of a furnace device and a cooling device having previously already been employed for performing the heat treatment process. The furnace device has a furnace chamber, receiving at least one wire portion, with a heat distribution block arranged in the area where the wire portion is received. The heat distribution block is designed to uniformly heat the wire portion. The cooling device has a fluidized chamber containing a flowable material. A fluid introduction arrangement is provided to introduce a fluidizing fluid into the fluidized chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Graf + Cie AGInventor: Ralph A. Graf
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Publication number: 20020062889Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing hot-rolled aluminum strip for can making, especially in rolling plant whose yearly production capacity is below 250,000 tons, having a reversing roughing stage for the feed material, which is used hot, and immediately thereafter finishing rolling of the strip, which is followed by heat treatment of the strip coiled up into coils. In this case, during the last finishing rolling passes, recrystallization in the rolled material is suppressed by means of controlled temperature management of the hot strip and the recrystallization is specifically brought about only outside the rolling train, directly following the finishing rolling.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2000Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: REIMAR FINCK, JURGEN HIRSCH
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Publication number: 20020050670Abstract: Method of reheating metallurgical products, in which solid products, especially steel products, are reheated so as to bring them from a temperature substantially below 400° C. to a temperature of at least about 1000° C. by passing them through a furnace having an upstream zone in which the said products are preheated and a downstream zone in which the said products are brought to their final temperature on leaving the furnace, the downstream zone of the furnace being fitted with burners, at least some of which operate with an oxidizer which is air, the smoke (flue gases) generated by these burners flowing as a countercurrent to the products and preheating these products in the upstream preheating zone. According to the invention, at least one burner is placed in the upstream preheating zone of the furnace, this burner being fed with a mixture of oxidizer and fuel, the oxidizer containing more than 21 vol % and preferably more than 30 vol % oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: Olivier Delabroy, Remi Tsiava, Gerard Le Gouefflec, Fouad Ammoury
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Patent number: 6379421Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating undesired toxic metals, such as Zn, Pb and Cd, from iron-containing materials by: sintering a mixture of such materials (typically including EAF dust and mill scale) with carbonaceous particles to form sturdy sinter lumps; preheating such lumps in a non-reducing atmosphere, if needed, to achieve an elevated temperature generally above the vaporization temperature of the undesired metals, but below the sticking temperature of iron-containing lumps (which is typically below the vaporization temperatures of such undesired metals in their oxide form), feeding the lumps at such elevated temperature into a reduction reactor; flowing hot reducing gas through lumps to volatilize undesired reduced metals and carry the volatilized metals out of reduction reactor leaving the iron-containing lumps largely stripped of the undesired metals and ready for discharge and safe and/or useful disposal or re-use, and finally cooling the off gas from the reactorType: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Hylsa S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Mario Alberto Salinas-FernĂ¡ndez, Maria Teresa Guerra-Reyes, JosĂ© MariĂ¡ Eloy Aparicio-Arranz, Juan Antonio Villarreal-Treviño, Miguel Angel Pedroza-Contreras
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Publication number: 20020020948Abstract: A cell for hardening steel parts by circulation of a gas in a tight enclosure, including at least one static aspirator for circulating the gas, the gas present at the inlet of the static aspirator being at a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Jean Massot, Laurent Pelissier
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Publication number: 20020017746Abstract: A cell and an equipment for thermally processing steel parts under low pressure, including heating means formed of several radiant gas tubes distributed around a useful volume of a tight chamber, and control means provided with at least one mode of pulse regulation of the heating means.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: Max Eymin, Laurent Pelissier
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Patent number: 6309591Abstract: An apparatus for bonding a particle material to near theoretical density, includes a chamber, a punch and die assembly for supporting a particle material, plungers for applying shear and/or axial pressures, and a power supply for applying a current. In the first stage, a pulsed current of about 1 to 20,000 amps., is applied to the particle material for a predetermined time period, and substantially simultaneously therewith, a shear force of about 5-50 MPa is applied. In the second stage, an axial pressure of about less than 1 to 2,000 MPa is applied to the particle material for a predetermined time period, and substantially simultaneously therewith, a steady current of about 1 to 20,000 amps. is applied. The apparatus may be used to bond metallic, ceramic, intermetallic and composite materials to near-net shape, directly from precursors or elemental particle material without the need for synthesizing the material.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Materials Modification, Inc.Inventors: Sang H. Yoo, Krupashankara M. Sethuram, Tirumalai S. Sudarshan
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Process for continuous heating and cleaning of wire and strip products in a stratified fluidized bed
Patent number: 6270597Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for annealing strand wires or strips in a fluidized bed reactor having an atmosphere of fluidized gases flowing through fluidized particles. The method provides for stratifying the atmosphere of fluidized gases by passing a reducing gas through the fluidized particles in the fluidized bed. The wires are passed between the fluidized particles at a location near the bottom of the fluidized bed. Finally, an amount of oxygen-containing gas is injected on top of said fluidized bed reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: Jaak Stefaan Van den Sype -
Publication number: 20010009170Abstract: Apparatus for simplified heat-treatment in making aluminum alloys castings of the type improved by aging, especially for automotive engine heads, etc. The newly solidified castings have an end product (workpiece) portion and a riser portion (ultimately cut off as waste). The apparatus transfers the casting oriented to selectively quench the workpiece portion from solution temperatures down to about 120° C. (e.g. by water misting the workpiece, while maintaining the essentially unsprayed riser portion at relatively significantly higher temperatures). After the quench, the residual heat retained by the riser portion reheats the workpiece portion (by internal heat conduction) and maintains it for an effective time within the temperature range for artificial aging (obviating any need for the prior art's aging furnace).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventors: Oscar Garza-Ondarza, Salvador Valtierra-Gallardo, Juan Francisco Mojica-Briseno
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Patent number: 6248287Abstract: In a corrective tempering method and apparatus for a rolling element in which the thermal deformation of the rolling element is corrected within an extremely short time by utilizing plasticity exhibited during a metallic structure transforming process brought about by low-temperature tempering of the rolling element made of steel, the hardened rolling element is heated and pressured to a maximum temperature within a range of from 250 to 500° C. by a heating device while set in correcting molds to correct the deformation of the rolling element at a degree of working within a range not exceeding an elastic deformation range of the rolling element at a room temperature. The rolling element can be heated also by an induction heating device in addition to a conduction heating device. A product whose inner/outer diameter correcting degree of deformation is 60% or more, dimension standardizing rate is 30% or more, surface roughness is less than Ra 0.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Hirakawa, Akitoshi Maeda, Hiroaki Sugiyama, Manabu Ohhori
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Patent number: 6235131Abstract: Steel springs are cold coiled, then hardened by electrical resistance heating, and then quenched. The invention may be used to produce hardened springs with uniform mechanical and physical characteristics, fine grain microstructures, and high fatigue resistance. The heat hardening process may be individually controlled for each spring, and it may be performed in a very short period of time. The process time may be so short as to preclude decarburization, making it unnecessary to use a controlled endothermic atmosphere. The free lengths of the finished springs may be controlled by applying axial forces during heat hardening. According to one aspect of the invention, the coiled central section of the spring is made harder than its ends. The equipment for practicing the invention may have a compact, uncomplicated construction.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Mathew Warren Industries, Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Keihle, Ronald D. Orr, Daniel R. Sebastian, Kenneth J. Schnettler
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Patent number: 6216358Abstract: A cell for gas-quenching a load is provided, including guiding plates and a stirring element driven by an engine to cause a gas flow between the load and an exchanger. The stirring element is an adjustable pitch blade propeller.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Etudes et Constructions MecaniquesInventor: Laurent Pelisser
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Patent number: 6174390Abstract: A spiral parts heat treatment apparatus includes a first guide, a transfer unit, a second guide, and a controller. The first guide has a carrier portion that continuously conveys the manufactured spiral parts carried thereon in a longitudinal direction. The transfer unit is disposed downstream from the first guide to feed the spiral parts one by one after discrimination. The second guide is provided continuously to the transfer unit and has a carrier portion and a driving portion. The carrier portion serves to guide the spiral parts carried thereon in the longitudinal direction in the heat treatment furnace. The driving portion serves to push the spiral parts from a rear end side thereof and a driving portion. The controller performs a control operation so as to feed the spiral parts one by one.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsuyoshi Baba, Tomomasa Nakano
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Patent number: 6126895Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of converting green particles to form finished particles. The apparatus used for sintering incorporates an elongate hollow tube, an insulative sleeve there about to define an elevated temperature zone, and a microwave generator coupled through a wave guide into a microwave cavity incorporated the tube. The particles are moved through the tube at a controlled rate to assure adequate exposure to the microwave radiation. Another form sintered a solid part in a cavity or mold.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignees: The Pennsylvania State Research Foundation, Dennis Tool CompanyInventors: Mahlon Denton Dennis, Dinesh Agrawal, Rustum Roy, Jiping Cheng, Paul D. Gigl
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Patent number: 6120625Abstract: There are provided a continuous frictional extrusion process for continuously producing a deformed fine grain solid metal composition suitable for semi-solid forming. The process is featured by a large range of produce dimension and by precise control of the process parameter, such as total deformation, extrusion temperature and speed. The total deformation is controlled to be larger than a Mises effective strain of 2.3 to obtain a deformed fine grain structure with enough distortion energy stored, having a grain size less than 30 .mu.m and a subgrain size less than 2 .mu.m. A method combining the continuous extrusion process of preparing semi-solid raw material with semi-solid forming of shaped articles is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventors: Youdong Zhou, Jian Lu, Navtej Singh Saluja, Alfredo Riviere V.
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Patent number: 6066290Abstract: This disclosure sets forth a method and apparatus for microwave processing of green work pieces. Typically, individual green work pieces are formed in a small mold cavity crucible, and individual crucibles are then indexed into and out of a tube for a controlled transit time along the tube. The tube extends in one embodiment through a preheater and then into the microwave cavity, the preheater providing an initial heating step to change the rate of absorption of microwave energy so that microwave sintering is accomplished in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignees: The Pennsylvania State Research Foundation, Dennis Tool Co.Inventors: Mahlon Denton Dennis, Rustum Roy, Dinesh Agrawal, Paul Gigl
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Patent number: 6063216Abstract: This invention relates to the working of a metallic strip. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of working a length of metallic strip by heat treating under tensile force, to a length of metallic strip and to an apparatus for use in working a length of metallic strip.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Trico Products CorporationInventors: Oliver F. R. A. Damm, Warwick John Green, Lillian Hristov Ivanchev, Walter Luigi Trevisan
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Patent number: 6001304Abstract: A method of bonding a particle material to near theoretical density, includes placing a particle material in a die. In the first stage, a pulsed current of about 1 to 20,000 amps., is applied to the particle material for a predetermined time period, and substantially simultaneously therewith, a shear force of about 5-50 MPa is applied. In the second stage, an axial pressure of about less than 1 to 2,000 MPa is applied to the particle material for a predetermined time period, and substantially simultaneously therewith, a steady current of about 1 to 20,000 amps, is applied. The method can be used to bond metallic, ceramic, intermetallic and composite materials to near-net shape, directly from precursors or elemental particle material without the need for synthesizing the material. The method may also be applied to perform combustion synthesis of a reactive material, followed by consolidation or joining to near-net shaped articles or parts.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Materials Modification, Inc.Inventors: Sang H. Yoo, Krupashankara M. Sethuram, Tirumalai S. Sudarshan
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Patent number: 5989487Abstract: An apparatus for bonding a particle material to near theoretical density, includes a chamber, a punch and die assembly for supporting a particle material, plungers for applying shear and/or axial pressures, and a power supply for applying a current. In the first stage, a pulsed current of about 1 to 20,000 amps., is applied to the particle material for a predetermined time period, and substantially simultaneously therewith, a shear force of about 5-50 MPa is applied. In the second stage, an axial pressure of about less than 1 to 2,000 MPa is applied to the particle material for a predetermined time period, and substantially simultaneously therewith, a steady current of about 1 to 20,000 amps. is applied. The apparatus may be used to bond metallic, ceramic, intermetallic and composite materials to near-net shape, directly from precursors or elemental particle material without the need for synthesizing the material.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Materials Modification, Inc.Inventors: Sang H. Yoo, Krupashankara M. Sethuram, Tirumalai S. Sudarshan
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Patent number: 5968394Abstract: A constant current annealing device for annealing a wire or surgical needle is disclosed. The device includes amplitude and time setting devices, such as thumb-wheel switches. A constant current source is connected to the current setting device. The constant current source is switchable, through a switch for example, in response to a timing signal to provide a constant current for a predetermined duration. A pair of spaced apart electrodes are clamped on the needle and a switching device is connected between the constant current source and the pair of electrodes. The voltage drop across the switching device varies to compensate for load variations, thus keeping the anneal current constant in the anneal ON mode. In the anneal OFF mode, where current is not provided to the needle, the switching device shunts a residual current away from the electrodes. The time setting device include a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a solid state relay to provide an accurate timing signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventor: George Schob
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Patent number: 5949334Abstract: A magnetostrictive element for use in a magnetomechanical marker has a resonant frequency characteristic that is at a minimum at a bias field level corresponding to the operating point of the magnetomechanical marker. The magnetostrictive element has a magnetomechanical coupling factor k in the range 0.28 to 0.4 at the operating point. The magnetostrictive element is formed by applying current-annealing to an iron-nickel-cobalt based amorphous metal ribbon, or by cross-field annealing an iron-nickel-cobalt alloy that includes a few percent chromium and/or niobium.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics CorporationInventors: Ming-Ren Lian, Nen-Chin Liu, Kevin Coffey, Richard Copeland, Wing Ho, Robert C. O'Handley
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Patent number: 5786762Abstract: A magnetostrictive element for use in a magnetomechanical article surveillance marker formed by first annealing an amorphous metal alloy, such alloy comprising iron and cobalt with the proportion of cobalt being in the range of about 5 to about 45 atomic percent, in the presence of a saturating magnetic field and then second annealing the alloy in the absence of the saturating magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics CorporationInventor: Nen-Chin Liu
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Patent number: 5702667Abstract: Conventional methods for heat treating cylindrical components such as track bushings involve multiple steps. For example, many such methods consist of carburizing, cooling, induction-hardening, quenching, and tempering. The conventional methods have proved to be costly because different heat treating apparatus are required. This causes duplicate handling and wasted manufacturing time. The present invention provides an apparatus 30 for heat treating a bushing 10 simultaneously from an outer peripheral surface 12 and the pair of inner circumferential surfaces 20.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Dennis C. Pond
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Patent number: 5648043Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an adjustable baffling system for uniformly cooling billet loads of metal. The baffles have been design to adjust automatically to the load of billets after insertion of a car containing the billets thereon in the chamber, thus reducing the chances of having billet loads of uneven compositions. The present system is particularly useful for uniform cooling of aluminum billets.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Noranda Inc.Inventors: Triantafyllos Mavropoulos, Quingxian Jiao, Cesur Celik, Bill McClelland