US5222332A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for material removal
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-04-10
•
Granted: 1993-06-29
•
Expires: 2011-04-10
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus are disclosed for removing solid material from a workpiece by using a high velocity stream of ice which is caused to impinge on the workpiece. A working liquid, such as water, is supplied at high pressure to a discharge nozzle with an orifice for forming the needle-like stream. The water is cooled before it reaches the nozzle to a temperature below its freezing point so that at least some of the stream is transformed to ice. Optionally, the stream is cooled after it is emitted from the orifice by flowing an envelope of cryogenic gas around the emitted stream.
Inventors
- 👤 Gilbert L. Mains, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:53
CPC Classifications
B; B24; B24C; B24C5/00; B24C5/02; B24C1/00; B24C1/003; B24C7/00; B24C7/0084; B26; B26F; B26F3/00; B26F3/004; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T83/00; Y10T83/04; Y10T83/0591; Y10T83/263; Y10T83/364
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of cutting a solid workpiece, comprising the steps of: forcing a high pressure stream of working liquid through a conduit located within a cutting tool, flowing a cryogenic fluid coaxially about said conduit to cool said working liquid to a temperature sufficient to cause solidification of at least some of said working liquid to thereby form solid particles within said stream, and impinging said stream on the workpiece.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of cutting a solid workpiece, comprising the steps of: forcing a high pressure stream of working liquid through a conduit located within a cutting tool, flowing a cryogenic fluid coaxially about said conduit to cool said working liquid to a temperature sufficient to cause solidification of at least some of said working liquid to thereby form solid particles within said stream, and impinging said stream on the workpiece.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said working liquid is water and said flowing step further comprises circulating at least a portion of said cryogenic fluid from a reservoir, through said cutting tool then through a condenser, and thereafter back to said reservoir.
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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) | 1996-06-28 | 1996-12-28 | 1997-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-06-28 | 2000-12-28 | 2001-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-06-28 | 2004-12-28 | 2005-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |