US4952144A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for improving quality of metal or ceramic powders produced
Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et Aux Énergies Alternatives
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Filing: 1989-02-02
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Granted: 1990-08-28
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Expires: 2009-02-02
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for forming ceramic or metal powders has a plasma generator, a source of material in the form of powder particles and a projection torch for passing the material through the plasma to melt the powder particles and then projecting a stream of plasma and material via an outlet. A container is provided for containing the projected stream. A plurality of spray diffusers are arranged to diffuse a spray of cryogenic liquid into a space through which the projected stream travels, whereby the projected stream is quenched. A console controls the flow rates of the powder particles and the plasma into the projection torch.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard Hansz
- 👤 Michel Houdayer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 12:40
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J19/00; B01J19/08; B01J19/087; B01J19/088; B22; B22F; B22F1/00; B22F1/06; B22F1/065; B22F1/14; B22F1/142; B01J2219/00; B01J2219/08; B01J2219/0894
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for forming powder comprising: means for generating a plasma including a plasma torch and means for delivering a gas to said torch; a source of material in the form of powder particles; projecting means coupled to said plasma generating means and said source of material for passing said material through said plasma to melt said powder particles and then projecting a stream of said plasma and said material via an outlet; means for containing said projected stream; a source of liquid coolant; means located within said containing means and coupled to said source of liquid coolant for diffusing a spray of said liquid coolant, said spray diffusing means being positioned to direct said cooling spray into a space through which said projected stream travels, whereby said projected stream is quenched by said cooling spray; and means for controlling the flow rates of said powder particles and said gas passing into said projecting means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for forming powder comprising: means for generating a plasma including a plasma torch and means for delivering a gas to said torch; a source of material in the form of powder particles; projecting means coupled to said plasma generating means and said source of material for passing said material through said plasma to melt said powder particles and then projecting a stream of said plasma and said material via an outlet; means for containing said projected stream; a source of liquid coolant; means located within said containing means and coupled to said source of liquid coolant for diffusing a spray of said liquid coolant, said spray diffusing means being positioned to direct said cooling spray into a space through which said projected stream travels, whereby said projected stream is quenched by said cooling spray; and means for controlling the flow rates of said powder particles and said gas passing into said projecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
101 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said containing means comprises an outlet, said apparatus further comprising a first pot for recovering the heaviest particles from said quenched stream by gravity, said first pot being located below said outlet of said containing means, a cyclone dust catcher for separating via a partial vacuum the fine particles in said stream from the other particles remaining after removal of said heaviest particles, a second pot for recovering said other particles by gravity, and a recovery tube for recovering said fine particles entrained in a flow of air produced by said partial vacuum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said liquid coolant is cryogenic liquid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said material is a metal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said material is ceramic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for controlling the temperature inside said containing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said spray diffusing means comprises a plurality of spray diffusers arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, said spray diffusers being located at equal radial distances from said axis and being circumferentially distributed at equal angles.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein each of said spray diffusers is inclined relative to said plane.
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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) | 1993-08-27 | 1994-02-26 | 1994-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-08-27 | 1998-02-26 | 1998-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-08-27 | 2002-02-26 | 2002-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |