Cryogen shot blast deflashing system with jointed supply conduit

Abstract

A cryogen shot blast deflashing apparatus includes an upstanding frame which movably supports a receptacle assembly. The receptacle assembly includes an enclosure having a housing that enshrouds a rotatable drum, and a door which is pivotally mounted on the housing for movement between positions wherein the door selectively opens and closes an open outer end of the drum. A throwing wheel is carried on the door for discharging particulate media and cryogen gas into the drum for impacting workpieces embrittling workpiece flash. A recirculation system is provided for withdrawing cryogen gas and particulates from the drum during operation of the machine, for separating reusable particulate media from particles of waste material such as workpiece flash, and for returning a controlled flow of pressurized cryogen gas and particulate media to the throwing wheel. The recirculation system includes a blower for recirculating cryogen gas in a push-pull manner to the throwing wheel from the drum by evacuating cryogen from the drum through a return conduit, and by redelivering pressurized cryogen to the throwing wheel through a supply conduit, whereby the blower cooperates with the throwing wheel to establish the desired high velocity flow of cryogen gas through the drum. A metering device introduces a controlled flow of media into the flow of cryogen being ducted to the throwing wheel. A novel joint assembly which may be utilized in the supply and/or return conduits permits relative movement of connected conduit portions concurrently with other associated relatively movable machine components.