US4886547A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Powder manufacturing apparatus and method therefor
Assignee: JFE Engineering Corp
•
Filing: 1987-09-17
•
Granted: 1989-12-12
•
Expires: 2007-09-17
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a method of efficiently and stably manufacturing a high-purity metal powder of a desired particle size, which is used for powder metallurgy or the like, by generating arc 18 between electrodes 12 and 13 to melt the distal end portions of the electrodes, causing droplets 19 of the molten metal to drop onto rotating disk 14, scattering the dropped droplets by a centrifugal force, thereby cooling the droplets, and an apparatus for the same.
Inventors
- 👤 Hideaki Mizukami
- 👤 Kentaro Mori
- 👤 Akichika Ozeki
- 👤 Takaho Kawawa
- 👤 Yuji Sugitani
- 👤 Hirokazu Nomura
- 👤 Tadashi Fujioka
- 👤 Hirotaka Nakagawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 00:35
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22F; B22F9/00; B22F9/02; B22F9/06; B22F9/08; B22F9/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 95
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be spaced from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for generating an arc between said electrodes to melt a portion of the consumable electrode and thereby form droplets of a molten metal; a disk aligned vertically with and below said portion of the consumable electrode and arranged to directly receive the droplets from the melting portion of the consumable electrode; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be spaced from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for generating an arc between said electrodes to melt a portion of the consumable electrode and thereby form droplets of a molten metal; a disk aligned vertically with and below said portion of the consumable electrode and arranged to directly receive the droplets from the melting portion of the consumable electrode; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said chamber has a gas inlet port for introducing an inert gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all chamber has a gas exhaust port for exhausting a gas therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all of said electrodes comprise consumable electrodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said electrodes comprise nonconsumable electrodes and consumable electrodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a nonconsumable electrode is made of the same material as said consumable electrode and the sectional area of said nonconsumable electrode is set not less than twice that of said consumable electrode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said electrodes are arranged to be spaced from each other in the horizontal direction, and extending lines of axes of said respective electrodes coincide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said electrodes has a rotation driving means for rotating said electrode about an axis thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said electrodes have rotating means for rotating said electrodes about axes thereof in the same direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said electrodes have rotating means for rotating said electrodes about axes thereof in opposite directions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said electrodes are arranged with distal ends thereof opposing each other and inclined downward such that extending lines of axes thereof intersect, and further comprising rotating means for rotating said electrodes about respective axes thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is an apparatus for manufacturing a dispersion-reinforced metal powder, and said consumable electrode is a rod-like sintered body obtained by mixing a metal powder and a nonmetallic powder and sintering the mixture.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said sintered body is obtained by mixing a Ni powder and a TiC powder and sintering the mixture.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said consumable electrode is provided with an electrode driving means for moving said consumable electrode in a direction toward a distal end thereof, in accordance with a melted amount of said distal end, thereby maintaining constant a gap between said electrodes.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said droplet forming means comprises a high frequency alternating current power source for generating an arc between said electrodes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said high frequency alternating current power source generates a high frequency wave of not less than 500 Hz.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said high frequency alternating current power source generates a rectangular wave.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said disk has an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof on which the droplets of the molten metal drop.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein an inner diameter of said disk inside said side wall is 50 to 200 mm when a rotational frequency of said disk is 15,000 to 30,000 rpm and when a particle size of a powder to be obtained is not more than 200 μm.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a height of said side wall of said disk is 10 to 100 mm.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said disk is made of a material selected from the group consisting of graphite, boron nitride, zirconium boride (ZrB 2 ), water-cooled copper, and stainless steel.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is a powder manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a titanium or titanium alloy powder, and said disk is made of the same material as that of said powder.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a partitioning wall is provided in said chamber, to define a space for forming droplets by the arc between said electrodes, and a space for scattering and cooling the droplets, and a communicating portion for allowing the droplets to pass therethrough and having a ventilation resistance provided in said partitioning wall.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said droplet forming space is kept at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 50 Torr.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said droplet forming space is kept at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 10 Torr.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said space for scattering and cooling the droplets is kept at a low vacuum pressure of not less than 50 Torr.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said space for scattering and cooling the droplets is kept at a low vacuum pressure of not less than 100 Torr.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said communicating portion is provided in a path along which the droplets formed between said distal end portions of said electrodes drop on said disk.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said communicating portion is provided in a path along which the droplets are scattered from said disk.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising magnetic field generating means for applying a horizontal magnetic field to an arc generated between said electrodes, in directions perpendicular to the arc in order to sandwich the arc, and for causing a vertical downward force to act on the dropping droplets.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said magnetic field generating means applies a direct current magnetic field when a direct current voltage is applied to said electrodes.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein when said magnetic field generating means applies an alternating current voltage to said electrodes, said magnetic field generating means applies an alternating current magnetic field of a phase locked with that of said alternating current voltage to said electrodes.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
128 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be spaced from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a molten metal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; aligning a disk vertically with and below said distal end portion of the consumable electrode; and rotating said disk having an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk directly from said distal end portion of the consumable electrode, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
128 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be spaced from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a molten metal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; aligning a disk vertically with and below said distal end portion of the consumable electrode; and rotating said disk having an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk directly from said distal end portion of the consumable electrode, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein an interior of said chamber is maintained at a reduced pressure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein an interior of said chamber is maintained to be an inert gas atmosphere.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein at least said one of said electrodes is rotated about an axis thereof.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein all of said electrodes are rotated about respective axes thereof.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 37, wherein the rotating directions of said electrodes are the same.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 37, wherein the rotating directions of said electrodes are opposite to each other.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein said method is a method for manufacturing a dispersion-reinforced metallic powder and further comprises, prior to the step of placing said electrodes, a step of mixing metallic and nonmetallic powders and sintering the resultant mixture to form a rod-like consumable electrode.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein the step of forming the droplets of the molten metal at the distal end portion of said consumable electrode comprises a step of controlling the movement of said consumable electrode in a direction toward said distal end thereof, in accordance with a melted amount of said consumable electrode, thereby maintaining constant a gap between said electrodes.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein a high frequency voltage is applied between said electrodes to generate the arc.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein the high frequency is not less than 500 Hz.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein the high frequency wave is a rectangular wave.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein said disk is rotated at a rotational frequency of 15,000 to 30,000 rpm.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein a space for forming the droplets by the arc between said electrodes is maintained at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 50 Torr and a space for scattering and cooling the droplets by rotation of said disk is maintained at a low vacuum pressure of not less than 50 Torr.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
61 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein a space for forming the droplets by the arc between said electrodes is maintained at a high degree of vacuum of not more than 10 Torr and a space for scattering and cooling the droplets by rotation of said disk is maintained at a low degree of vacuum of not less than 100 Torr.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 33, wherein a horizontal magnetic field is applied to said electrodes, in a direction perpendicular to the arc, thereby applying a vertical downward force to the dropping droplets.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 48, wherein a direct current magnetic field is applied to an arc which is generated when a direct current voltage is applied to said electrodes.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 48, wherein an alternating current magnetic field is applied to an arc which is generated when an alternating current voltage is applied to said electrodes, the alternating current magnetic field having a phase locked with that of the alternating current voltage.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
123 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode and another of said electrodes being a nonconsumable electrode that is made of the same material as said consumable electrode, the sectional area of said nonconsumable electrode being set to be not less than twice that of said consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
123 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode and another of said electrodes being a nonconsumable electrode that is made of the same material as said consumable electrode, the sectional area of said nonconsumable electrode being set to be not less than twice that of said consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
118 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode, wherein said plurality of electrodes are arranged with distal ends thereof opposing each other and inclined downward such that extending lines of axes thereof intersect; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder; and rotating means for rotating said electrodes about respective axes thereof.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
118 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode, wherein said plurality of electrodes are arranged with distal ends thereof opposing each other and inclined downward such that extending lines of axes thereof intersect; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder; and rotating means for rotating said electrodes about respective axes thereof.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
109 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a dispersion-reinforced metal powder, comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode that is a rod-like sintered body obtained by mixing a metal powder and a nonmetallic powder and sintering the mixture; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
109 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a dispersion-reinforced metal powder, comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode that is a rod-like sintered body obtained by mixing a metal powder and a nonmetallic powder and sintering the mixture; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein said sintered body is obtained by mixing a Ni powder and a TiC powder and sintering the mixture.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
91 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means, including a high frequency alternating current power source, for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
91 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means, including a high frequency alternating current power source, for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said high frequency alternating current power source generates a high frequency wave of not less than 500 Hz.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said high frequency alternating current power source generates a rectangular wave.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
107 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop and made of a material selected from the group consisting of graphite, boron nitride, zirconium boride (ZrB 2 ), water-cooled copper, and stainless steel; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
107 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop and made of a material selected from the group consisting of graphite, boron nitride, zirconium boride (ZrB 2 ), water-cooled copper, and stainless steel; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
102 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a titanium or titanium alloy powder, comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop and made of the same material as that of said powder; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
102 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a titanium or titanium alloy powder, comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop and made of the same material as that of said powder; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
135 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder; wherein a partitioning wall is provided in said chamber, to define a space for forming droplets by the arc between said electrodes, and a space for scattering and cooling the droplets, and a communicating portion for allowing the droplets to pass therethrough and having a ventilation resistance provided in said partitioning wall.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
135 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder; wherein a partitioning wall is provided in said chamber, to define a space for forming droplets by the arc between said electrodes, and a space for scattering and cooling the droplets, and a communicating portion for allowing the droplets to pass therethrough and having a ventilation resistance provided in said partitioning wall.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said droplet forming space is kept at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 50 Torr.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said droplet forming space is kept at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 10 Torr.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said space for scattering and cooling the droplets is kept at a low vacuum pressure of not less than 50 Torr.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said space for scattering and cooling the droplets is kept at a low vacuum pressure of not less than 100 Torr.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said communicating portion is provided in a path along which the droplets formed between said distal end portions of said electrodes drop on said disk.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said communicating portion is provided in a path along which the droplets are scattered from said disk.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
126 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder; and magnetic field generating means for applying a horizontal magnetic field to an arc generated between said electrodes, in directions perpendicular to the arc in order to sandwich the arc, and for causing a vertical downward force to act on the dropping droplets.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
126 words
A powder manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a plurality of electrodes arranged in said chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said electrodes being a consumable electrode; droplet forming means for forming droplets of a molten metal by generating an arc between said electrodes; a disk arranged at a location on which the droplets drop; and disk rotating means for rotating said disk, to scatter and cool the droplets dropped on said disk, in order to form a powder; and magnetic field generating means for applying a horizontal magnetic field to an arc generated between said electrodes, in directions perpendicular to the arc in order to sandwich the arc, and for causing a vertical downward force to act on the dropping droplets.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of manufacturing a dispersion-reinforced metallic powder, comprising the steps of: mixing metallic and nonmetallic powders and sintering the resultant mixture to form a rod-like consumable electrode; placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being said consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of manufacturing a dispersion-reinforced metallic powder, comprising the steps of: mixing metallic and nonmetallic powders and sintering the resultant mixture to form a rod-like consumable electrode; placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being said consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a high frequency voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a high frequency voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a high frequency voltage not less than 500 Hz between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a high frequency voltage not less than 500 Hz between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a high frequency, rectangular wave of voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a high frequency, rectangular wave of voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets, wherein said disk is rotated at a rotational frequency of 15,000 to 30,000 rpm.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; and rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets, wherein said disk is rotated at a rotational frequency of 15,000 to 30,000 rpm.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets; and maintaining a space for forming the droplets by the arc between said electrodes at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 50 Torr, and maintaining a space for scattering and cooling the droplets by rotating of said disk at a low vacuum pressure of not less than 50 Torr.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets; and maintaining a space for forming the droplets by the arc between said electrodes at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 50 Torr, and maintaining a space for scattering and cooling the droplets by rotating of said disk at a low vacuum pressure of not less than 50 Torr.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets; and maintaining a space for forming the droplets by the arc between said electrodes at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 10 Torr, and maintaining a space for scattering and cooling the droplets by rotating of said disk at a low degree of vacuum of not less than 100 Torr.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets; and maintaining a space for forming the droplets by the arc between said electrodes at a high vacuum pressure of not more than 10 Torr, and maintaining a space for scattering and cooling the droplets by rotating of said disk at a low degree of vacuum of not less than 100 Torr.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets; and applying a horizontal magnetic field to said electrodes, in a direction perpendicular to the arc, thereby applying a vertical downward force to the dropping droplets.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of manufacturing a powder, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of electrodes in a chamber to be distant from each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes being a consumable electrode; generating an arc between said electrodes by applying a voltage between said electrodes, and forming droplets of a moltenmetal from a distal end portion of said consumable electrode; rotating a disk having an annular side wall projecting from a periphery of an upper surface thereof, causing the droplets to drop on said upper surface of said disk, and scattering the dropped droplets by means of centrifugal force of said disk, thereby cooling the droplets; and applying a horizontal magnetic field to said electrodes, in a direction perpendicular to the arc, thereby applying a vertical downward force to the dropping droplets.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 75, wherein a direct current magnetic field is applied to an arc which is generated when a direct current voltage is applied to said electrodes.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 75, wherein an alternating current magnetic field is applied to an arc which is generated when an alternating current voltage is applied to said electrodes, the alternating current magnetic field having a phase locked with that of the alternating current voltage.
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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) | 1992-12-11 | 1993-06-12 | 1993-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-11 | 1997-06-12 | 1997-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-11 | 2001-06-12 | 2001-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |