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US3645321A
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Apparatus for the continuous production of steel
Assignee: Northwestern Steel and Wire Co
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Filing: 1970-03-02
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Granted: 1972-02-29
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Expires: 1990-03-02
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for continuously casting metal, such as steel, in which a series of interlocking molds are carried on a conveyor in end-to-end relation with respect to each other, and form scrapreceiving melting and cooling vessels for the metal. One or more hoppers for charging the molds with scrap or other meltable materials are provided at the inby end of the conveyor to discharge scrap into the molds. Melting is attained by three electrodes connected in the secondaries of a transformer in a three phase delta arrangement and progressively extending into the molds, a first of which effects the melt down of the scrap or other meltable material, a second of which has a shorter arc than the first and provides an intermediate melting stage and a third of which has a still shorter arc and provides a refining stage. The molten metal as carried past the third electrode is then cooled either by convection of air or by an external coolant. As the mold turns about the conveyor sprocket at the outby end of the conveyor, the solidified metal is carried to a series of roller stands which roll the solidified metal to form, where it may be cut in the form of ingots.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles G Robinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 01:24
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22D; B22D11/00; B22D11/06; B22D23/00; B22D23/06; B22D27/00; B22D27/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S266/00; Y10S266/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
In an apparatus for the continuous casting of metal, a serIes of longitudinally aligned open-ended molds having sealing engagement with each other, means moving said molds in a straight line, a series of electrodes extending into said molds in longitudinally aligned relation with respect to each other, one after the other, and energized by the secondaries of a threephase transformer to progressively effect an initial melting stage, an intermediate melting stage and a final refining stage of the product, including a first electrode being a meltdown electrode and having the longest arc of the three electrodes, a second electrode being located lower down in the mold than the first electrode and having a shorter arc, and a third electrode being a refining electrode and extending downwardly into the mold a farther distance than the first two electrodes, and having a short arc for more efficient heat absorption, and means continuing the travel of said molds upon solidification of the product to continue travel of the solidified product in a straight line and carrying said molds back to the charging means in an inverted condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
In an apparatus for the continuous casting of metal, a serIes of longitudinally aligned open-ended molds having sealing engagement with each other, means moving said molds in a straight line, a series of electrodes extending into said molds in longitudinally aligned relation with respect to each other, one after the other, and energized by the secondaries of a threephase transformer to progressively effect an initial melting stage, an intermediate melting stage and a final refining stage of the product, including a first electrode being a meltdown electrode and having the longest arc of the three electrodes, a second electrode being located lower down in the mold than the first electrode and having a shorter arc, and a third electrode being a refining electrode and extending downwardly into the mold a farther distance than the first two electrodes, and having a short arc for more efficient heat absorption, and means continuing the travel of said molds upon solidification of the product to continue travel of the solidified product in a straight line and carrying said molds back to the charging means in an inverted condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
The continuous casting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means carrying and moving the molds in a straight line comprises, a power-driven endless conveyor traveling in accordance with the time required to effect continuous charging, melting, refining and solidification of the metal and returning the molds for recharging in a downwardly facing cooling and mold coating position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
The continuous casting apparatus of claim 2, wherein means are provided for spraying coolant in the molds on their return travel in downwardly facing positions, to cool the mold walls by an amount approximating the heat increase in the molds during the casting operation, and wherein means are provided for spraying coating solution in the cooled molds prior to recharging.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The continuous casting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the molds each have a troughlike ingot area extending along the bottom thereof and opening to each end thereof, and a diverging scrap area extending upwardly of said ingot area and diverging therefrom.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The continuous casting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the molds each have plane front and rear faces extending parallel to each other, and wherein sealing lips and sealing grooves extend from the adjacent faces of the molds and have interengagement with each other during the continuous casting operation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The continuous casting apparatus of claim 5, wherein roll stands are provided in alignment with said molds as said molds change their directions of travel to return to said charging means, to roll the solidified product to ingot size.
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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) | 1975-02-28 | 1975-08-30 | 1976-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-28 | 1979-08-30 | 1980-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-28 | 1983-08-30 | 1984-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |