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US4154604A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Feeding additives into the interior of molten metal
Assignee: Vodafone GmbH
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Filing: 1977-07-21
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Granted: 1979-05-15
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Expires: 1997-07-21
Abstract
Abstract Additives in the form of a wire-like object are introduced through a tube into the interior of molten metal bath. The wire in the tube is surrounded by a pressurized gas which prevents metal from entering the tube. Since the tube extends close to the bottom of the bath, the additives melt near that bottom and are distributed in the bath through convective flow.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans Gruner
- 👤 Hans Schrewe
- 👤 Fritz P. Pleschiutschnigg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:47
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22D; B22D1/00; C; C21; C21C; C21C7/00; C21C7/0056
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
Method of continuous feeding an additive in the configuration of a wire-like, elongated object into a vessel filled with and containing molten metal, comprising steps of: generating and maintaining an isolating atmosphere of inert gas that leads along a path into the interior of the metal filled vessel, being and remaining separated from the metal but terminating near the bottom of the vessel in contact with the metal thereat; and feeding the wire-like object into the interior of the vessel as surrounded by the gas as maintained so that the wire material contacts the molten metal only upon leaving the gas path deep in the interior of the vessel adjacent to the bottom thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
Method of continuous feeding an additive in the configuration of a wire-like, elongated object into a vessel filled with and containing molten metal, comprising steps of: generating and maintaining an isolating atmosphere of inert gas that leads along a path into the interior of the metal filled vessel, being and remaining separated from the metal but terminating near the bottom of the vessel in contact with the metal thereat; and feeding the wire-like object into the interior of the vessel as surrounded by the gas as maintained so that the wire material contacts the molten metal only upon leaving the gas path deep in the interior of the vessel adjacent to the bottom thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for continuously feeding an additive in configuration of a wire into a vessel filled with and containing molten metal, comprising: a tube extending into the vessel and having an opening near the bottom of the vessel, the tube being surrounded by the molten metal; means for generating and maintaining an isolating atmosphere of an inert gas in said tube that leads into the interior of the metal filled vessel; and means for feeding the wire through the tube into the interior of the vessel and as surrounded by the gas in the tube so that the wire material contacts the molten metal only when leaving the tube through said opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for continuously feeding an additive in configuration of a wire into a vessel filled with and containing molten metal, comprising: a tube extending into the vessel and having an opening near the bottom of the vessel, the tube being surrounded by the molten metal; means for generating and maintaining an isolating atmosphere of an inert gas in said tube that leads into the interior of the metal filled vessel; and means for feeding the wire through the tube into the interior of the vessel and as surrounded by the gas in the tube so that the wire material contacts the molten metal only when leaving the tube through said opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as in claim 2, said means for generating and maintaining including means for feeding the gas into an upper portion of the tube, and at a pressure sufficient to prevent metal from flowing into the tube through said opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as in claim 3 said tube having at its upper end an entrance opening for the wire, being slightly larger than the diameter of the wire but sufficiently small to minimize gas leakage, therefore, being smaller than the diameter of the tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 the tube having an upper and a lower portion, the upper portion including the entrance opening and the gas feed connection being releasibly connected to the lower portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as in claim 3 said tube being jacketed in fireproofing, refractory material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
Method as in claim 1, wherein the generating and maintaining step includes maintaining a gas pressure in the isolating atmosphere overcoming the metal pressure in the interior of the vessel to prevent metal from flowing into the isolating atmosphere.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1982-05-14 | 1982-11-13 | 1983-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-05-14 | 1986-11-13 | 1987-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-05-14 | 1990-11-13 | 1991-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |