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:
Mar. 03, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 09, 1996
Dominique Janssen, Tyler, TX (US);
Jose Antonio Simoes, Saint Ghislain, BE;
Robert O Russell, Twinsburg, OH (US);
Vesuvius Crucible Company, Wilmington, DE (US);
LTV Steel Company, Inc., Cleveland, OH (US);
Abstract
A refractory nozzle assembly is provided that effectively prevents the accumulation of alumina deposits around its upper edge where it receives a stopper rod. The nozzle assembly includes a refractory nozzle body having an upper and a lower portion. A bore extends through both the upper and lower portions that has a receiving and a discharge end for receiving and discharging molten metal. An inert gas distributor circumscribes the upper portion of the nozzle body. A sleeve of gas-obstructing refractory material covers the walls of the bore, and defines a seat portion at an upper portion of the bore. A metal sheath substantially surrounds the outer surface of the upper portion. Pressurized inert gas conducted to the upper, gas permeable portion of the nozzle body by the gas-distributing assembly is guided by the gas-obstructing sleeve and the metal sheath so that it flows predominantly through the top edge of the upper portion. The resulting inert gas flow shields the seat portion of the bore from ambient oxygen, thereby preventing the accumulation of alumina deposits on the seat portion that can interfere with the ability of the stopper rod to control the flow of molten metal.