Tensioned support shaft and other molten metal devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A rotor shaft for use in a molten metal device, the rotor shaft comprising:
- an outer tube having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface;
an inner rod having a first end and a second end;
a cap that threads onto the first end of the inner rod, and that has an upper portion configured to be connected to a coupling that drives the rotor shaft; and
a structure that retains the second end of the outer tube;
wherein when the cap is connected to the coupling and the coupling drives the rotor shaft, the rotor shaft moves in a direction that tightens the cap against the first end of the outer tube to apply axial pressure on the outer tube.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vertical member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.
-
Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A rotor shaft for use in a molten metal device, the rotor shaft comprising:
-
an outer tube having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface; an inner rod having a first end and a second end; a cap that threads onto the first end of the inner rod, and that has an upper portion configured to be connected to a coupling that drives the rotor shaft; and a structure that retains the second end of the outer tube; wherein when the cap is connected to the coupling and the coupling drives the rotor shaft, the rotor shaft moves in a direction that tightens the cap against the first end of the outer tube to apply axial pressure on the outer tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
Specification