Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of quench hardening to a selected depth the inner surface of an axially extending bore in an elongated, thin-walled workpiece having an outer, axially extending surface, which bore has a selected, uniform cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the elongated axis of said workpiece and bore, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an inductor with an outer shape generally matching, but smaller than, said cross-sectional shape; (b) supporting said workpiece with said axis extending vertically; (c) energizing said inductor with a known frequency and a selected power level; (d) moving said energized inductor downwardly through said bore to inductively heat said inner surface progressively while applying no fluid quench to said inner surface; (e) then immediately moving said inductor upwardly through said bore to progressively heat said inner surface; and, (f) progressively liquid quenching said inner surface immediately below and after said progressive heating of said inner surface upwardly.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of quench hardening to a selected depth the inner surface of an axially extending bore in an elongated, thin-walled workpiece having an outer, axially extending surface, which bore has a selected, uniform cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the elongated axis of said workpiece and bore, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an inductor with an outer shape generally matching, but smaller than, said cross-sectional shape; (b) supporting said workpiece with said axis extending vertically; (c) energizing said inductor with a known frequency and a selected power level; (d) moving said energized inductor downwardly through said bore to inductively heat said inner surface progressively while applying no fluid quench to said inner surface; (e) then immediately moving said inductor upwardly through said bore to progressively heat said inner surface; and, (f) progressively liquid quenching said inner surface immediately below and after said progressive heating of said inner surface upwardly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 1 including the step of quenching said outer surface with a fluid during said inductive heating downwardly through said bore.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 2 including the step of quenching said outer surface with a fluid during said inductive heating upwardly through said bore.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 1 including the step of quenching said outer surface with a fluid during said inductive heating upwardly through said bore.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as defined in claim 1 including the step of energizing said inductor during said inductive heating upwardly at said known frequency.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined in claim 5 including the step of energizing said inductor during said inductive heating upwardly at said selected power level.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined in claim 1 including the step of energizing said inductor during said inductive heating upwardly at said selected power level.