US4372152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Brinell hardness measuring system
Assignee: Mead Corp
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Filing: 1981-01-19
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Granted: 1983-02-08
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Expires: 2001-01-19
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a process for automatically measuring the Brinell Hardness of a casting for the purpose of creating data for use in making an accept/reject decision. Process includes the steps of preparing a casting and positioning the casting on retention means positioned on a conveyor. A surface of the casting is selected for testing and this first surface is subjected to a first surface preparation step which consists of an abrasive grinding and/or machining to remove any irregularities in this surface. A second surface preparation step is then performed which comprises applying a contrast enhancing material to at least a portion of this preselected surface. Brinell Hardness testing apparatus is then used to test the casting for hardness and is then fed into appropriate means either human or mechanical for making an accept/reject decision as to the suitability of the casting for its intended use.
Inventors
- 👤 Edwin B. Lewis
- 👤 Roy N. Moore, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 01:46
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N3/00; G01N3/40; G01N3/42; G01N2203/00; G01N2203/0098; G01N2203/02; G01N2203/06; G01N2203/0641; G01N2203/0647
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
A process for automatically measuring the Brinell hardness of a casting for the purpose of creating data for use in making an accept/reject decision comprising the steps of: (a) selecting at least one surface of a casting for hardness testing and positioning said casting on retaining means such that said surface is properly aligned for surface preparation steps and the use of Brinell hardness testing apparatus; (b) subjecting said surface to a first surface preparation step, said first surface preparation step consisting of abrasive grinding or machining of at least a portion of the selected surface to remove irregularities in said surface; (c) subjecting said surface to a second surface preparation step which comprises applying a contrast enhancing material to at least a portion of said selected surface of said casting, said contrast enhancing material being selected from the group consisting of flat black paint, glass frosting, colloidal graphite, carbon black and combinations of the above; (d) testing the Brinell Hardness testing apparatus; and (e) using the Brinell Hardness data to automatically effect an accept/reject decision and computing a Brinell number, as to the suitability of said casting for its intended use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
A process for automatically measuring the Brinell hardness of a casting for the purpose of creating data for use in making an accept/reject decision comprising the steps of: (a) selecting at least one surface of a casting for hardness testing and positioning said casting on retaining means such that said surface is properly aligned for surface preparation steps and the use of Brinell hardness testing apparatus; (b) subjecting said surface to a first surface preparation step, said first surface preparation step consisting of abrasive grinding or machining of at least a portion of the selected surface to remove irregularities in said surface; (c) subjecting said surface to a second surface preparation step which comprises applying a contrast enhancing material to at least a portion of said selected surface of said casting, said contrast enhancing material being selected from the group consisting of flat black paint, glass frosting, colloidal graphite, carbon black and combinations of the above; (d) testing the Brinell Hardness testing apparatus; and (e) using the Brinell Hardness data to automatically effect an accept/reject decision and computing a Brinell number, as to the suitability of said casting for its intended use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
222 words
A process for automatically measuring the Brinell Hardness of a casting for the purpose of creating data for use in making an accept/reject decision and computing a Brinell number comprising the steps of: (a) selecting at one surface of a casting for hardness testing and positioning such casting on retaining means said retaining means comprising a plurality of alignment pins mounted on a conveyor, said surface being positioned such that said surface is properly aligned for surface preparation steps and the use of Brinell Hardness testing apparatus; (b) subjecting said surface to a first surface preparation step, said first surface preparation step consisting of abrasive grinding and/or machining of at least a portion of the selected surface to remove irregularities in said surface; (c) subjecting said surface to a second surface preparation step which comprises applying contrast enhancing material to at least a portion of said selected surface of said casting, said surface enhancing material being selected from a group consisting of flat black paint, glass frosting, colloidal graphite, carbon black and combinations thereof; (d) testing the Brinell Hardness of said selected surface of said casting by use of Brinell Hardness testing apparatus; and (e) using the Brinell Hardness data to automatically effect an accept/reject decision and computing a Brinell number as to the suitability of said casting for its intended use.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
222 words
A process for automatically measuring the Brinell Hardness of a casting for the purpose of creating data for use in making an accept/reject decision and computing a Brinell number comprising the steps of: (a) selecting at one surface of a casting for hardness testing and positioning such casting on retaining means said retaining means comprising a plurality of alignment pins mounted on a conveyor, said surface being positioned such that said surface is properly aligned for surface preparation steps and the use of Brinell Hardness testing apparatus; (b) subjecting said surface to a first surface preparation step, said first surface preparation step consisting of abrasive grinding and/or machining of at least a portion of the selected surface to remove irregularities in said surface; (c) subjecting said surface to a second surface preparation step which comprises applying contrast enhancing material to at least a portion of said selected surface of said casting, said surface enhancing material being selected from a group consisting of flat black paint, glass frosting, colloidal graphite, carbon black and combinations thereof; (d) testing the Brinell Hardness of said selected surface of said casting by use of Brinell Hardness testing apparatus; and (e) using the Brinell Hardness data to automatically effect an accept/reject decision and computing a Brinell number as to the suitability of said casting for its intended use.
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) | 1986-02-07 | 1986-08-09 | 1987-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-07 | 1990-08-09 | 1991-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-07 | 1994-08-09 | 1995-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |