US3598173A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Continuous casting machine having a variable mold length and adapted for casting in a variety of sizes at high speed
Assignee: Olin Corp
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Filing: 1968-10-17
•
Granted: 1971-08-10
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Expires: 1988-10-17
Abstract
Abstract A continuous casting machine comprising means for holding a body of molten metal, a feed nozzle connected to said means, a mold assembly including a mold rotatable about the feed nozzle, means for moving the mold assembly back and forth upon the feed nozzle, and means for forcing a lubricant through the nozzle to lubricate casting. Means for applying a cooling medium to the mold and means for withdrawing the casting are additionally included.
Inventors
- 👤 James E Dore
- 👤 William O Stauffer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:29
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22D; B22D11/00; B22D11/04; B22D11/045; B22D11/047; B22D11/07; B22D11/14; B22D11/144
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A horizontal casting feed nozzle adapted to be used in conjunction with a horizontal casting mold utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: a nozzle body having a step therein; a capillary communicating with said step for carrying a lubricant thereto; a tip attached to the end portion of said nozzle body, said tip being nonwetting to molten aluminum; means for introducing a lubricant to flow through said capillary; and means for communicating with said step for regulating the amount of lubricant which passes over said tip to lubricate the casting.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
A horizontal casting feed nozzle adapted to be used in conjunction with a horizontal casting mold utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: a nozzle body having a step therein; a capillary communicating with said step for carrying a lubricant thereto; a tip attached to the end portion of said nozzle body, said tip being nonwetting to molten aluminum; means for introducing a lubricant to flow through said capillary; and means for communicating with said step for regulating the amount of lubricant which passes over said tip to lubricate the casting.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A feed nozzle according to claim 1 in which the means for regulating the flow of lubricant over said tip is a layer of fibrous material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A feed nozzle according to claim 2 in which the fibrous material is selected from the group consisting of felt, cotton yarn, Teflon, rayon and nylon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A feed nozzle according to claim 2 in which the fibrous material is a plurality of short, chopped fibers and said fibers being substantially perpendicular to the surface of said nozzle body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A feed nozzle according to claim 1 in which said tip completely covers the end portion of said nozzle body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A feed nozzle according to claim 1 in which means for sealing said feed nozzle with respect to said mold are provided which insure that said lubricant will pass over said tip.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A feed nozzle according to claim 1 in which said capillary lies within said nozzle bOdy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
A casting mold utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: a member having a concave outer surface and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough defining an inner surface; said member further having a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface thereof for passage of a lubricant through said grooves to lubricate said casting.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
A casting mold utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: a member having a concave outer surface and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough defining an inner surface; said member further having a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface thereof for passage of a lubricant through said grooves to lubricate said casting.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
A mold according to claim 8 which is made of a material selected from the group consisting of deoxidized copper, aluminum and aluminum alloys, copper having a graphite insert, and deoxidized copper containing up to 1.3 percent chromium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A mold according to claim 9 which is made of deoxidized copper containing up to 1.3 percent chromium.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A mold according to claim 10 in which the chromium content is about 0.8 percent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A mold according to claim 8 in which the grooves are from 0.001 to 0.003 inch deep.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A mold according to claim 8 in which the concave mold surface is parabolic.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: A. a mold assembly, including a mold wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of said mold is concave and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough defining an inner surface, wherein said concave surface is contiguous with the end of said opening from which said casting emerges and wherein the diameter of said concave surface increases from said end portion, and a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface of said mold for passage of a lubricant to lubricate said casting; a feed nozzle communicating with said mold, said mold being rotatable about said feed nozzle, and B. means for applying a first cooling medium to the outer surface of said mold and the emergent portion of said casting.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: A. a mold assembly, including a mold wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of said mold is concave and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough defining an inner surface, wherein said concave surface is contiguous with the end of said opening from which said casting emerges and wherein the diameter of said concave surface increases from said end portion, and a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface of said mold for passage of a lubricant to lubricate said casting; a feed nozzle communicating with said mold, said mold being rotatable about said feed nozzle, and B. means for applying a first cooling medium to the outer surface of said mold and the emergent portion of said casting.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 14 in which the means for applying a cooling medium to said mold is fixed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 14 in which the means for applying a cooling medium comprises a spray box having a circumferential baffle, said baffle having a plurality of openings therein.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 14 in which said spray box is provided with a plate affixed to said spray box, said plate being so shaped as to regulate the direction and pressure of applied cooling medium.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 17 in which said plate has a portion of reduced thickness which regulates said cooling medium.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 17 in which said spray box contains a circumferential header in addition to said baffle.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 17 in which said mold assembly includes a rotatable mold ring affixed to said mold and in which said mold ring engages a cam follower which is affixed to said spray box.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
193 words
A casting machine utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: means for holding a body of molten metal which defines a head of molten metal at least in excess of the diameter of said mold; a feed nozzle connected to the means for holding said body of molten metal; means for supporting said feed nozzle, said feed nozzle having a nozzle body having a step therein, a capillary communicating with said step for carrying a lubricant, a tip attached to the end portion of said nozzle body, means for introducing a lubricant to flow through said capillary, and means communicating with said step for regulating the amount of lubricant which passes over said tip to lubricate the casting; a mold assembly rotatable about said feed nozzle said mold assembly including a mold for horizontal casting; means for moving the mold assembly back and forth upon said feed nozzle; means for forcing said lubricant through said feed nozzle to lubricate said casting formed within said mold; means for applying a cooling medium to said mold; means for withdrawing said casting as it emerges from said mold and for supporting said casting while it solidifies.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
193 words
A casting machine utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: means for holding a body of molten metal which defines a head of molten metal at least in excess of the diameter of said mold; a feed nozzle connected to the means for holding said body of molten metal; means for supporting said feed nozzle, said feed nozzle having a nozzle body having a step therein, a capillary communicating with said step for carrying a lubricant, a tip attached to the end portion of said nozzle body, means for introducing a lubricant to flow through said capillary, and means communicating with said step for regulating the amount of lubricant which passes over said tip to lubricate the casting; a mold assembly rotatable about said feed nozzle said mold assembly including a mold for horizontal casting; means for moving the mold assembly back and forth upon said feed nozzle; means for forcing said lubricant through said feed nozzle to lubricate said casting formed within said mold; means for applying a cooling medium to said mold; means for withdrawing said casting as it emerges from said mold and for supporting said casting while it solidifies.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 21 including means for removing the cooling medium from said casting.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 22 in which means are provided for applying additional cooling to he casting after said casting emerges from said mold.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 22 in which said means for withdrawing includes means for applying a force to the upper surface of said casting to hold said casting in engagement with said withdrawal mechanism.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 21 in which a part of the same rotational energy used to operate said means for withdrawing a casting is used to rotate the mold assembly.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
138 words
An apparatus utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: A. a mold having a concave outer surface and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough defining an inner surface said mold further having a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface thereof for passage of a lubricant through said grooves to lubricate said casting; and B. A withdrawal mechanism for withdrawing said casting comprising: an endless chain made up of a plurality of feet, each of said feet having a carrying member having a concave surface upon which said casting is carried, said carrying member having means for moving along the base having a flat surface; and means for moving said endless chain into engagement with said casting and out of engagement with said casting after said casting has been moved away from said casting mold.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
138 words
An apparatus utilized in making a continuous casting comprising: A. a mold having a concave outer surface and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough defining an inner surface said mold further having a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface thereof for passage of a lubricant through said grooves to lubricate said casting; and B. A withdrawal mechanism for withdrawing said casting comprising: an endless chain made up of a plurality of feet, each of said feet having a carrying member having a concave surface upon which said casting is carried, said carrying member having means for moving along the base having a flat surface; and means for moving said endless chain into engagement with said casting and out of engagement with said casting after said casting has been moved away from said casting mold.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 26 including means associated with the base for guiding said chain as it moves along said base.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 26 in which said means for moving along said base are wheels.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 26 in which means are provided for exerting a force on the top of said casting to hold said casting in engagement with said carrier member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 29 in which means are provided for varying the pressure applied to the casting.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 29 in which said force is applied to said casting through the use of a pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 26 in which the means for urging said endless chain into engagement with said casting comprises at least one drive sprocket wheel.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 in which an idler wheel is provided which said endless chain engages in its travel.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 in which said drive wheel has openings therein and wherein said endless chain engages said openings as said endless chain travels about said wheel.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 in which the source of power used for moving said endless chain is a motor.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 35 in which a part of the rotational energy obtained from said motor is used to rotate the mold.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 35 in which at least a part of the rotational energy obtained from said motor is used to drive a sprocket wheel which drives said endless chain.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 26 in which means for testing the soundness of said casting is provided after said casting is moved away from the mold.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 38 in which the testing means used is ultrasonic testing.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
A mold according to claim 8 in which a mold coolant exits from said externally concave outer surface at an angle of 3* to 20* to the surface of the casting.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
A mold according to claim 40 in which the angle is 3* to 10*.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
111 words
An apparatus according to claim 21 wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of said mold is concave and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough, wherein said concave surface is contiguous with the end of said opening from which said casting emerges and wherein the diameter of said concave surface increases from said end portion, and wHerein said mold has a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface thereof for passage of a lubricant through said grooves to lubricate said casting and further wherein said cooling medium exits from said concave surface at an angle of from 3* to 20* to the surface of said casting.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 42 in which the angle is 3* to 10* to the surface of the casting.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
79 words
A mold assembly for a continuous casting machine for making a continuous casting comprising: A. a mold having a concave outer surface and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough defining an inner surface; said mold further having a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface thereof for passage of lubricant through said grooves to lubricate said casting, B. a feed nozzle communicating with said mold, and C. means for changing the effective length of said mold.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
79 words
A mold assembly for a continuous casting machine for making a continuous casting comprising: A. a mold having a concave outer surface and having an opening of constant diameter therethrough defining an inner surface; said mold further having a plurality of helical grooves extending along the inner surface thereof for passage of lubricant through said grooves to lubricate said casting, B. a feed nozzle communicating with said mold, and C. means for changing the effective length of said mold.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
A mold assembly as in claim 44 wherein said means comprises means for moving said mold back and forth upon said feed nozzle.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
A mold assembly according to claim 45 wherein said mold is rotatable about said feed nozzle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
40 words
A mold assembly according to claim 46 further including a bearing block affixed to said mold said bearing block being adapted to rotate about said feed nozzle; and means for rotating said mold and bearing block about said feed nozzle.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
82 words
A mold assembly as in claim 47 wherein said means for rotating the mold and bearing block include: a drive sprocket which is affixed to said bearing block; and wherein said means for moving the mold back and forth upon said feed nozzle includes a groove in said bearing block and cam followers engaging said groove, said cam followers being free to rotate so that the mold may be moved back and forth while the mold is rotating about said feed nozzle.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
A mold assembly according to claim 48 further including a mold ring which engages, and is rotatable with, said mold.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as in claim 14 further including means for removing said first cooling medium from said casting.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
56 words
An apparatus as in claim 50 wherein said means for removing said first cooling medium comprises: at least one rubber wiper adapted to contact the periphery of the casting, said wiper being held in position by at least one holder, means for supporting said holder so that said wiper can engage the periphery of said casting.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 51 in which a plurality of wipers are provided.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus as in claim 51 further including a concentric tube having a plurality of orifices and means for introducing a gas under pressure into said tube whereby said gas exits from said orifices to remove said first cooling medium not removed by said wiper.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 53 in which the orifices are at an angle of 30* to 60* with respect to a plane passing through said concentric tube.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as in claim 51 further including means for applying a second cooling medium to said casting.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as in claim 55 wherein said means for applying said second cooling medium to said casting comprises: a header; means for introducing a cooling medium into said header; said header having a plurality of openings therein for applying said second cooling medium to said casting.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as in claim 56 wherein said openings are at an angle of 15* to 45* with respect to the surface of the casting.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as in claim 55 further including means for removing said second cooling medium from said casting.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as in claim 58 wherein said means for removing said second cooling medium comprises at least one rubber wiper contacting the periphery of said casting, said wiper being held in position by at least one holder; and means for supporting said holder so that said wiper can engage the periphery of said casting.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-09 | 1975-02-08 | 1975-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-09 | 1979-02-08 | 1979-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-09 | 1983-02-08 | 1983-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |