Coupler and method for production of a coupler with selectable configuration options
US9604276B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61G3/04
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for producing a coupler and an improved coupler are provided. The process produces a coupler by constructing a mold that is a replica of the coupler and is constructed from a plurality of mold components that are selected and assembled to form a mold having the shape of the coupler. The mold components may include a front mold component section that forms the head of the coupler, a rear mold component section that forms the shank of the coupler, and, optionally one or more shelf components forming a shelf of the coupler. The front, rear and shank mold components may themselves be made from a plurality of mold components that are assembled together. The mold is formed from a consumable material, coating with a heat resistant material so that the assembled mold components are within a mold volume, and molten metal is added to the mold volume.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.