Non-rotating, levitating, cylindrical air-pillow apparatus and method for supporting and guiding an endless flexible casting belt into the entrance of a continuous metal-casting machine
US6386267B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22D11/0677
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A non-rotating, belt-levitating, cylindrical air-pillow apparatus supports and guides a moving, tensed, flexible, heat-conductive casting belt along a convex, cylindrically shaped path toward an entrance into a continuous casting machine. Pressurized air is applied in belt-levitating relation to the inner surface of the casting belt moving along the path. Stationary belt-guiding elements define the path. Pressurized air is fed through throttling passages communicating with regions between stationary elements or communicating with outwardly facing stationary plateau surfaces. A cylinder shell supports the stationary elements and is adjacent to a plenum chamber feeding pressurized air through throttling passages in the shell. Stationary elements of suitable, durable, wear-resistant, slippery material are mounted in grooves in the shell. The air-pillow apparatus includes belt coolant application deflector or nozzles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.