Mold pump assembly
US9970442B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04D29/0473
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A molten metal pump assembly (10) and method to fill complex molds with molten metal, such as aluminum. The pump assembly includes an elongated shaft (16) connecting a motor (14) to an impeller (22). The impeller is housed within a chamber (18) of a base member such that rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the chamber at an inlet (48) and forces molten aluminum through an outlet (50). A first bearing (36) is adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a first radial edge (32) and a second bearing (38) is adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a second radial edge. A bypass gap (60) is interposed between the second bearing and the second radial edge. Molten metal leaks through the bypass gap at a predetermined rate to manipulate a flow rate and a head pressure of the molten metal such that precise control of the flow rate is achieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.