Flux injection assembly and method
First Claim
1. A flux injector apparatus adapted to distribute a predetermined amount of flux to an associated pool of molten aluminum, the apparatus comprising:
- a tank containing flux;
a feed mechanism operative to discharge a predetermined amount of flux to an outlet;
a housing having an inner wall defining a cavity with an inlet and an outlet;
a feed wheel within the cavity and operative to receive a predetermined amount of flux from the inlet, translate the flux within the cavity and discharge the predetermined amount of flux through the outlet; and
a controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flux injector apparatus and method adapted to distribute a predetermined amount of flux to an associated pool of molten aluminum. The flux injector apparatus includes a pressurized tank adapted to store and feed the flux under pressure. A feed mechanism operative to discharge a predetermined amount of flux to an outlet and a controller for monitoring and operating the apparatus. The feed mechanism includes a housing having an inner wall defining a cavity with an inlet and an outlet. A feed wheel is positioned within the cavity and operative to receive a predetermined amount of flux from the inlet, translate the flux within the cavity and discharge the predetermined amount of flux through the outlet of the pressurized tank.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A flux injector apparatus adapted to distribute a predetermined amount of flux to an associated pool of molten aluminum, the apparatus comprising:
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a tank containing flux; a feed mechanism operative to discharge a predetermined amount of flux to an outlet; a housing having an inner wall defining a cavity with an inlet and an outlet; a feed wheel within the cavity and operative to receive a predetermined amount of flux from the inlet, translate the flux within the cavity and discharge the predetermined amount of flux through the outlet; and a controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of introducing a predetermined amount of flux into a pool of molten aluminum, the method comprising:
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providing flux to an inlet of a feed mechanism; receiving a predetermined amount of flux at a notch of a feed wheel in the feed mechanism; translating the flux to an outlet of the feed mechanism; mixing an inert gas with the flux; and introducing a mixture of flux and inert gas into a pool of molten aluminum. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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- 15. A flux injector apparatus for distributing flux to an associated pool of molten metal, the apparatus comprising a pressurized tank adapted to contain said flux, said apparatus including a window permitting inspection of a flow of the flux within said tank, a monitor to assess the pressure within said tank, the monitor in communication with a controller suited to increase and decrease said pressure, a feed wheel adjacent an outlet of said tank, said feed wheel receiving selected quantities of said flux and discharging said flux throughout said outlet.
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19. A flux injector apparatus adapted to distribute a predetermined amount of flux to an associated pool of molten aluminum, the apparatus comprising:
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a tank containing flux; a feed mechanism operative to discharge a predetermined amount of flux to an outlet; an optic sensor provided to at least an outlet or an inlet to monitor a flow of flux; and a controller.
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Specification