The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 22, 1978
Filed:
Apr. 21, 1977
Richard W Salkeld, South Windsor, CT (US);
United Technologies Corporation, Hartford, CT (US);
Abstract
An improved casting apparatus for directionally solidifying molten metal is disclosed. The apparatus typically includes a furnace for heating a mold containing molten metal, a liquid metal coolant bath positioned below the bottom of the furnace and means for gradually withdrawing the heated mold from the furnace into the coolant bath to effect directional solidification of the molten metal. The apparatus is improved by positioning a heat insulating baffle between the bottom of the furnace and coolant bath, the baffle being constructed to float on the bath surface during the solidification process and minimize heat loss from the mold until it is immersed in the bath. The provision of the floating baffle between the furnace bottom and coolant bath provides several important advantages including increased thermal gradients, shorter casting cycles and improved cast microstructures. In addition, the floating baffle reduces vaporization of the liquid metal coolant and maintains a smooth, ripple-free coolant surface.