Apparatus for melting metal particles
First Claim
1. A crucible for melting metal particles in molten metal flowing in the crucible, comprising:
- an annular side wall;
a bottom wall having an unobstructed opening therein; and
mixing means for submerging metal particles within molten metal flowing in the crucible, the mixing means being disposed adjacent the bottom wall and being maintained stationary relative to the bottom wall and the side wall, the mixing means including a blade having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being disposed at a higher vertical location than the trailing edge.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of melting metal particles includes the steps of swirling molten metal in a vortex within a crucible, adding metal particles onto the surface of the metal, and submerging the metal particles substantially immediately after the particles have been added onto the surface. Apparatus for carrying out the method includes a mixer having a vertically oriented sleeve secured to the bottom of the crucible, the sleeve supporting a plurality of blades on its outer surface and having a plurality of openings adjacent its bottom. The blades force the metal particles beneath the surface of the metal and create turbulence which ensures rapid melting of the particles. The blades as well as the openings adjacent the bottom of the sleeve break up any agglomerated metal particles. Discharge piping is connected to the bottom of the crucible. A vortex breaker is disposed in the piping to control the vortex in the crucible.
115 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A crucible for melting metal particles in molten metal flowing in the crucible, comprising:
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an annular side wall; a bottom wall having an unobstructed opening therein; and mixing means for submerging metal particles within molten metal flowing in the crucible, the mixing means being disposed adjacent the bottom wall and being maintained stationary relative to the bottom wall and the side wall, the mixing means including a blade having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being disposed at a higher vertical location than the trailing edge. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A mixer for use in a crucible, comprising:
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a vertically oriented sleeve having a side wall and first and second ends; a blade secured to an outer surface of the side wall of the sleeve and inclined at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, the blade having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being located closer to the first end of the sleeve than the trailing edge; and an opening in the side wall of the sleeve adjacent the second end of the sleeve. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification