US3735967A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Water quench method and apparatus
Assignee: Wire Rope Corp of America Inc
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Filing: 1971-09-15
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Granted: 1973-05-29
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Expires: 1991-09-15
Abstract
Abstract Method for liquid quench cooling a heated strand moving in a vertical path of travel by providing a variable height water column through which the strand passes. The column is completely supported by air under pressure so that there is no mechanical apparatus in contact with the heated strand until after it emerges from the water in the column. The apparatus includes a chamber provided with aligned openings in its top and bottom through which the strand passes with substantial clearance in a vertical path of travel. A cooling fluid is introduced into the chamber and is supported by air under pressure admitted to the chamber adjacent the bottom thereof and surrounding the bottom opening.
Inventors
- 👤 R D Brown
- 👤 M L Stark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 08:48
CPC Classifications
C; C21; C21D; C21D9/00; C21D9/52; C21D9/54; C21D9/56; C21D9/573; C21D1/00; C21D1/62; C23; C23C; C23C2/00; C23C2/26; C23C2/28; C23C2/29
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
Apparatus for liquid quench cooling a heated strand moving in a vertical path of travel comprising: a. a chamber having aligned top and bottom openings through which said strand passes with substantial clearance in a linear, vertical path of travel; b. a supply of gas under pressure; c. means for introducing said gas under pressure into said chamber adjacent the bottom thereof; d. a supply of cooling liquid; and e. means for introducing said cooling liquid into said chamber above said gas under pressure, whereby said gas under pressure is effective to support a liquid column in said chamber through which said strand passes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
Apparatus for liquid quench cooling a heated strand moving in a vertical path of travel comprising: a. a chamber having aligned top and bottom openings through which said strand passes with substantial clearance in a linear, vertical path of travel; b. a supply of gas under pressure; c. means for introducing said gas under pressure into said chamber adjacent the bottom thereof; d. a supply of cooling liquid; and e. means for introducing said cooling liquid into said chamber above said gas under pressure, whereby said gas under pressure is effective to support a liquid column in said chamber through which said strand passes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 1 including a nozzle structure associated with said bottom opening in said chamber, said means for introducing gas under pressure into the chamber communicating with said nozzle structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 2 wherein said nozzle structure is arranged to direct said gas under pressure upwardly around said strand.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 2 wherein said nozzle structure includes a female member having a central bore; and a male member received in said female member and having a central opening for the passage of said strand, the end portion at least of said male member being of reduced diameter to form an annular opening, said annular opening being in communication with said supply of gas under pressure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 4 wherein the upper end of said central bore in said female member is conical, and wherein the upper end of said male member is similarly configured and spaced therefrom to define said annular opening for directing said gas under pressure upwardly at said strand passing therethrough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 1 including means for recirculating said cooling liquid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
83 words
Apparatus for liquid quench cooling a heated strand moving in a vertical path of travel comprising: a. vertical wall means for confining a supply of cooling liquid in a vertical column; and b. a bottom structure secured to said vertical wall means; said bottom structure having i. an aperture for the passage of said strand therethrough, and ii. nozzle means for introducing gas under pressure into said vertical wall means above said bottom structure whereby to support said vertical column of cooling liquid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
83 words
Apparatus for liquid quench cooling a heated strand moving in a vertical path of travel comprising: a. vertical wall means for confining a supply of cooling liquid in a vertical column; and b. a bottom structure secured to said vertical wall means; said bottom structure having i. an aperture for the passage of said strand therethrough, and ii. nozzle means for introducing gas under pressure into said vertical wall means above said bottom structure whereby to support said vertical column of cooling liquid.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 7 wherein said nozzle means includes an annular opening surrounding said aperture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 7 including means for introducing said cooling liquid into said vertical wall means, said last mentioned means being disposed above said bottom structure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 7 including means for determining the height of said column within said vertical wall means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 7 wherein said heated strand includes a molten coating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-28 | 1976-11-27 | 1977-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-28 | 1980-11-27 | 1981-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-28 | 1984-11-27 | 1985-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |