TENSIONED SUPPORT SHAFT AND OTHER MOLTEN METAL DEVICES
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A support post, comprising:
- a tube defining a hollow channel and having a first tube end and a second tube end;
a tension rod having a first rod end and a second rod end disposed within the hollow channel of the tube;
a bottom cap configured to receive the first tube end and operatively coupled to the first rod end; and
a top cap configured to receive the second tube end and operatively couple to a portion of the tension rod,wherein the tension rod is configured to provide a compressive load to the tube in response to be operatively coupled to the bottom cap and the top cap.
1 Assignment
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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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A support post, comprising:
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a tube defining a hollow channel and having a first tube end and a second tube end; a tension rod having a first rod end and a second rod end disposed within the hollow channel of the tube; a bottom cap configured to receive the first tube end and operatively coupled to the first rod end; and a top cap configured to receive the second tube end and operatively couple to a portion of the tension rod, wherein the tension rod is configured to provide a compressive load to the tube in response to be operatively coupled to the bottom cap and the top cap. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A molten metal pump comprising:
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a superstructure; a motor having a motor shaft with a first end connected to the motor and a second end; a rotor shaft operatively coupled to the second end of the motor shaft; a support post comprising, a tube defining a hollow channel; and a tension rod having a first rod end and a second rod end disposed within the hollow channel of the tube; a bottom cap operatively coupled to the first rod end; and a top cap operatively coupled to a portion of the tension rod, wherein the tension rod is configured to load the tube in response to be operatively coupled to the bottom cap and the top cap; and a base connected to the superstructure by the support post. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification