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US4473104A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Electromagnetic casting process and apparatus
Assignee: Olin Corp
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Filing: 1982-02-22
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Granted: 1984-09-25
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Expires: 2002-02-22
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus or process for casting metals by electromagnetically forming molten metal into a desired shape by applying a magnetic field to the molten metal. The magnetic field defines a containment zone for the molten metal. The hydrostatic pressure exerted by the molten metal in the containment zone is sensed and in response thereto the flow of molten metal into the containment zone is controlled. This minimizes changes in the hydrostatic pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary L. Ungarean
- 👤 John C. Yarwood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 18:43
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22D; B22D11/00; B22D11/01; B22D11/015; B22D11/16; B22D11/18; B22D11/181
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
218 words
In an apparatus for casting materials comprising: means for electromagnetically forming molten material into a desired casting shape, said electromagnetic forming means including: an inductor for applying a magnetic field to said molten material, said magnetic field defining a containment zone for said molten material and a gap between said molten material and said inductor; and means for controlling and applying an alternating current to said inductor to generate said magnetic field and minimize variations in said gap; the improvement wherein said apparatus further comprises: means operative conjointly with said means for controlling and applying said alternating current for controlling the hydrostatic pressure exerted by said molten material in said containment zone, said hydrostatic pressure control means comprising: means for sensing an electrical signal derived from said means for controlling and applying said alternating current, said electrical signal being one which changes in correspondence about to changes in said hydrostatic pressure of said molten material, said electrical signal comprising an error signal used to regulate the output of said means for controlling and applying said alternating current or a signal which varies in correspondence to said error signal; and means responsive to said sensed electrical signal for controlling the amount of said molten material in said containment zone so as to maintain said hydrostatic pressure within desired limits.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
218 words
In an apparatus for casting materials comprising: means for electromagnetically forming molten material into a desired casting shape, said electromagnetic forming means including: an inductor for applying a magnetic field to said molten material, said magnetic field defining a containment zone for said molten material and a gap between said molten material and said inductor; and means for controlling and applying an alternating current to said inductor to generate said magnetic field and minimize variations in said gap; the improvement wherein said apparatus further comprises: means operative conjointly with said means for controlling and applying said alternating current for controlling the hydrostatic pressure exerted by said molten material in said containment zone, said hydrostatic pressure control means comprising: means for sensing an electrical signal derived from said means for controlling and applying said alternating current, said electrical signal being one which changes in correspondence about to changes in said hydrostatic pressure of said molten material, said electrical signal comprising an error signal used to regulate the output of said means for controlling and applying said alternating current or a signal which varies in correspondence to said error signal; and means responsive to said sensed electrical signal for controlling the amount of said molten material in said containment zone so as to maintain said hydrostatic pressure within desired limits.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said control means controls said amount of said molten material in a manner so as to provide a substantially uniform hydrostatic pressure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said sensed electrical signal comprises at least one of current, voltage or frequency signals applied to said inductor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said sensed electrical signal comprises the current in said inductor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said means responsive to said sensed electrical signal comprising: control circuit means for receiving said sensed electrical signal and for generating a desired corresponding output signal; and means operable in response to said output signal of said control circuit means for increasing or decreasing the amount of molten material in said containment zone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said means for increasing or decreasing said flow of molten material into said containment zone comprises a valve means arranged in a molten material distribution means for transporting said molten material to said containment zone; and means for actuating said valve means to increase or decrease said molten material flow and wherein said molten material comprises a metal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said valve means is arranged to control the flow of molten material in a downspout of said distribution means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said valve means comprises a valve member arranged for movement axially of said downspout and wherein said actuating means is operatively connected to move said valve member axially of said downspout to increase or decrease said molten metal flow.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said actuating means includes: pneumatic means for moving said valve member axially of said downspout; and transducer means for receiving said output signal and for generating a pneumatic output for application to said pneumatic means for moving said valve member, said pneumatic output being proportional to said output signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
71 words
An apparatus as in claim 9 wherein said transducer means comprises a voltage to pressure transducer and wherein said output signal comprises a voltage signal and wherein said means for moving said valve member comprises; a housing including a flexible diaphragm internally thereof defining within said housing a pressure chamber, said pneumatic output from said transducer means being connected to said chamber; and said diaphragm being connected to said valve member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said actuating means includes: means for moving said valve member axially of said downspount, said moving means comprising a servo or stepping motor; and means for controlling said servo or stepping motor in correspondence to said output signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said control circuit means comprises a proportional controller.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said proportional controller includes a set point function and a rate function.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
84 words
An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said means for controlling and applying said alternating current to said inductor includes means for determining about a reactive parameter of said inductor and for comparing said reactive parameter to a predetermined value thereof for generating an error signal, said error signal being utilized to control the output of said means for applying said alternating current; and wherein said error signal comprises said sensed electrical signal for controlling said flow of molten material into said containment zone.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
211 words
In a process for casting materials comprising: electromagnetically forming molten material into a desired casting shape, said electromagnetic forming step including providing an inductor for applying a magnetic field to said molten material, said magnetic field defining a containment zone for said molten material and a gap between said molten material and said inductor; and controlling and applying an alternating current to said inductor to generate said magnetic field and minimize variations in said gap; the improvement wherein said process further comprises: controlling the hydrostatic pressure exerted by said molten material in said containment zone conjointly with said step of controlling and applying said alternating current to said inductor, said hydrostatic pressure controlling step comprising: sensing an electrical signal derived from said step of controlling and applying said alternating current, said electrical signal being one which changes in correspondence about to changes in said hydrostatic pressure of said molten material, said electrical signal comprising an error signal used to regulate the output of said means for controlling and applying said alternating current or a signal which varies in correspondence to said error signal; and responsive to said sensed electrical signal, controlling the amount of said molten material in said containment zone so as to maintain said hydrostatic pressure within desired limits.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
211 words
In a process for casting materials comprising: electromagnetically forming molten material into a desired casting shape, said electromagnetic forming step including providing an inductor for applying a magnetic field to said molten material, said magnetic field defining a containment zone for said molten material and a gap between said molten material and said inductor; and controlling and applying an alternating current to said inductor to generate said magnetic field and minimize variations in said gap; the improvement wherein said process further comprises: controlling the hydrostatic pressure exerted by said molten material in said containment zone conjointly with said step of controlling and applying said alternating current to said inductor, said hydrostatic pressure controlling step comprising: sensing an electrical signal derived from said step of controlling and applying said alternating current, said electrical signal being one which changes in correspondence about to changes in said hydrostatic pressure of said molten material, said electrical signal comprising an error signal used to regulate the output of said means for controlling and applying said alternating current or a signal which varies in correspondence to said error signal; and responsive to said sensed electrical signal, controlling the amount of said molten material in said containment zone so as to maintain said hydrostatic pressure within desired limits.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as in claim 15 wherein said controlling of said amount of said molten material is in a manner so as to provide a substantially uniform hydrostatic pressure.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process as in claim 16 wherein said sensed electrical signal comprises at least one of current, voltage or frequency signals applied to said inductor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process as in claim 17 wherein said sensed electrical signal comprises the current in said inductor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
92 words
A process as in claim 16 wherein said molten material comprises a metal and wherein said step of controlling the amount of said molten metal comprises controlling the flow of said molten metal and wherein said flow control step responsive to said sensed electrical signal comprises: providing a control circuit means for receiving said sensed electrical signal; generating a desired corresponding output signal from said control circuit means; and in response to said output signal from said control circuit means increasing or decreasing the flow of molten metal into said containment zone.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
81 words
A process as in claim 19 wherein said step of controlling and applying said alternating current to said inductor includes: determining about a reactive parameter of said inductor and comparing said reactive parameter to a predetermined value thereof for generating an error signal, said error signal being utilized to control the output of said step of applying said alternating current; and wherein said error signal comprises said sensed electrical signal for controlling said flow of molten metal into said containment zone.
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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) | 1987-09-25 | 1988-03-26 | 1988-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-09-25 | 1992-03-26 | 1992-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-09-25 | 1996-03-26 | 1996-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |