Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1984-1989
Title: Innovations by Charles Vives: Advancements in Metallurgical Casting
Introduction
Charles Vives is a notable inventor based in Chateaurenard, France, known for his significant contributions to the field of metallurgy. With a total of five patents to his name, Vives has developed groundbreaking processes and apparatuses that enhance the vertical casting of metals, particularly aluminum and its alloys.
Latest Patents
Among his most recent innovations is a process for regulating the level of the line of contact of the free surface of liquid metal during continuous vertical casting operations. This process involves applying a periodic magnetic field of variable strength, which is aligned parallel to the mold's axis. By manipulating the strength of this magnetic field, Vives's method allows for precise control of the contact level, reducing it from one height (h1) to another (h2). This innovation is particularly valuable in casting semifinished metallurgical products, ensuring a cortical region of virtually zero thickness, a fine grain structure, and eliminating the need for preliminary refining agents.
Additionally, Vives has developed an apparatus dedicated to regulating this same contact level. The apparatus consists of a mold made from a material with high resistivity, surrounded by an annular coil that conducts alternating electrical currents. This invention is instrumental in producing high-quality aluminum castings, especially lithium-bearing alloys, while achieving the desired cortical zone and preventing pitting.
Career Highlights
Charles Vives has had an illustrious career, during which he has worked with prominent companies in the metallurgy sector, including Aluminium Pechiney and Cegedur Société De Transformation De L'aluminium Pechiney. His experience with these organizations has allowed him to refine his inventions and apply his theoretical knowledge in practical settings, contributing to advancements in casting technology.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Vives has collaborated with esteemed professionals in his field, notably Jean-Pierre Riquet and Bernard Forest. Their partnerships have resulted in a rich exchange of ideas and expertise, further enhancing the innovations developed under Vives's initiative.
Conclusion
Charles Vives stands out as a pioneering inventor in the metallurgy domain, with patents that showcase the importance of innovation in production processes. His contributions, particularly in the casting of aluminum and its alloys, have significantly impacted industrial methodologies, ensuring that high-quality materials can be produced efficiently. His work continues to serve as a foundation for future advancements in metallurgical technologies.