US3942943A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gravity flow discrete article gas flow isolated thermal treatment device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-11-26
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Granted: 1976-03-09
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Expires: 1994-11-26
Abstract
Abstract Small articles such as springs are heat treated as they flow downward by gravity through a straight cylindrical tube. The tube need not be cylindrical or straight and means to assist gravity may be provided. The articles are heated by hot air or other gas introduced to said tube through apertures in its walls and which flows through portions of the tube at high velocity. Hot air thus introduced is withdrawn through other apertures in the walls of the tube in a manner to prevent heat loss by exhaust of the hot air at either end of the tube or by introduction into the tube of ambient cool air at either end of the tube.
Inventors
- 👤 Everett Howard Andrus
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 05:00
CPC Classifications
F; F27; F27B; F27B9/00; F27B9/06; F27B9/10; C; C21; C21D; C21D9/00; C21D9/005; F27B9/14; F27B9/147; F27D; F27D7/00; F27D7/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
319 words
In a device for heat treating discrete metal articles the combination of: a tubular member having an inlet end and an outlet end, said tubular member devoid of closure means at said ends, blower means and heater means to provide heated gas having an elevated temperature and a substantial pressure and velocity, a first group of apertures in the wall of said tubular member provided with duct means to introduce said heated gas into the interior of said tubular member, said duct means to introduce said heated gas to the interior of said tubular member comprising a first plenum chamber, all apertures through which said heated gas is introduced into said tubular member communicating with the interior of said first plenum chamber, a second group of apertures in the wall of said tubular member provided with duct means to withdraw heated gas from the interior of said tubular member to said blower means, said second group of apertures spaced longitudinally in said tubular member with respect to said first group of apertures, said duct means to withdraw heated gas from the interior of said tubular member comprising a second plenum chamber, all apertures through which heated gas is withdrawn from said tubular member communicating with the interior of said second plenum chamber, a third group of apertures in the wall of said tubular member provided with duct means to introduce said heated gas into the interior of said tubular member from said first plenum chamber, said third group of apertures spaced longitudinally in said tubular member with respect to said second group of apertures, a fourth group of apertures in the wall of said tubular member provided with duct means to withdraw heated gas from the interior of said tubular member to said blower means through said second plenum chamber, said fourth group of apertures spaced longitudinally in said tubular member with respect to said third group of apertures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
319 words
In a device for heat treating discrete metal articles the combination of: a tubular member having an inlet end and an outlet end, said tubular member devoid of closure means at said ends, blower means and heater means to provide heated gas having an elevated temperature and a substantial pressure and velocity, a first group of apertures in the wall of said tubular member provided with duct means to introduce said heated gas into the interior of said tubular member, said duct means to introduce said heated gas to the interior of said tubular member comprising a first plenum chamber, all apertures through which said heated gas is introduced into said tubular member communicating with the interior of said first plenum chamber, a second group of apertures in the wall of said tubular member provided with duct means to withdraw heated gas from the interior of said tubular member to said blower means, said second group of apertures spaced longitudinally in said tubular member with respect to said first group of apertures, said duct means to withdraw heated gas from the interior of said tubular member comprising a second plenum chamber, all apertures through which heated gas is withdrawn from said tubular member communicating with the interior of said second plenum chamber, a third group of apertures in the wall of said tubular member provided with duct means to introduce said heated gas into the interior of said tubular member from said first plenum chamber, said third group of apertures spaced longitudinally in said tubular member with respect to said second group of apertures, a fourth group of apertures in the wall of said tubular member provided with duct means to withdraw heated gas from the interior of said tubular member to said blower means through said second plenum chamber, said fourth group of apertures spaced longitudinally in said tubular member with respect to said third group of apertures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 1 characterized by the spacing and location and size of said apertures in said tubular member being pre-selected to provide nil outflow of gas from said tubular member at its ends and nil inflow of ambient air into said tubular member at its ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 2 further characterized by means to sense the presence of a part to be heat treated adjacent to said inlet end of said tubular member and to generate and emit a signal in response to said presence of such part.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized by means adjacent to the outlet end of said tubular member to sequentially release a part from said device in response to a signal generated by said signal emitted by the means of claim 3.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said second plenum chamber is substantially contained within said first plenum chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 5 provided with a plurality of said tubular members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said plenum chambers are provided with coextensive end plates.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said heating means is substantially contained within said second plenum chamber.
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) | 1979-03-09 | 1979-09-08 | 1980-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-09 | 1983-09-08 | 1984-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-09 | 1987-09-08 | 1988-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |