United Technologies Corporation

Robert A Metcalfe

Romeo G Bourdeau

Vernon F Manz

Raymond R Boucher

A rotary liquid metal atomizer is positioned to receive a stream of molten metal on the top thereof. The atomizer is formed as a hollow disc means having a concave top surface and mounted for rotation at high R. P. M.'s on the top of a hollow drive shaft. A circular coolant baffle is located in the hollow disc means, for cooling fluid to flow around, and is mounted on the top of an inlet cooling tube located within the drive shaft. Cooling fluid is directed through the inlet cooling tube to the top of the water baffle where it flows through a hole in the center thereof and around the space between the baffle and the interior of the hollow disc means and down between the inlet cooling tube and drive shaft. The top of the disc means over the coolant baffle is formed of copper. A metal rim is placed around the upper outer periphery of the copper disc forming a recessed center portion. A ceramic coating is placed in the recessed portion with its outer edge against the inside of the rim. The metal rim acts to hold the coating against centrifugal force and to provide a material for the liquid metal to melt and form a fusion weld therewith to firmly attach a controlled solidified metal skull to the atomizer.

Rotary atomization means for the production of metal powder

Method of producing solid particles of metal

A crucible, tundish, and pouring spout is formed as a single unit with the crucible portion being positioned in an induction furnace for providing sufficient heat to ingots placed in the crucible portion. An extension is positioned on top of the crucible portion on one side forming an integral tundish portion with one part of the crucible for the molten metal. After the induction coil had melted the ingot and the induction heater and crucible portion are tilted approximately 90.degree., the molten metal is held by the tundish portion. A pouring spout portion extends from the extension referred to for pouring the molten metal from the tundish portion. Said pouring spout portion includes a nozzle insert and intermediate insert for providing the proper restricted opening and to protect the inner sides of the spout portion. A metal plug is provided where the spout portion meets the tundish portion which is melted by the molten metal to start the pouring at a predetermined time after the induction heater and crucible portion have been rotated. A heat shield is provided over the opening of the crucible portion and tundish portion for preventing unnecessary exposure of the interior thereof.

Combined crucible, tundish and pouring spout

A conveyor tube construction for transporting particulate material as it passes through a furnace, the heating elements being a plurality of parallel radiant heating rods parallel to the conveyor tube and surrounding the tube in spaced relation to the tube and to each other. The tube has baffles on its inner surface to insure adequate tumbling so that the particulate material will be fully heated as it passes through the furnace.

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West Palm Beach, FL, United States of America

Robert A Metcalfe