Патент USA US2385136

Sept. 18, 1945.
‘
R, K, HOPKINS I
2,385,136
‘APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL BODIES
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Filed April 21, 1945
FIG. 1.34
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,INVENTOR.
ROBERT K. HOPKINS,
BY
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Em
Sept. 18, 1945.
R, K_ HoPKms
2,385,136 ‘
APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL BODIES
Filed April 21, 1943
5 Sheets-Sheet 2
m wmM.
ROBERT K.HOP_K|NS.
/m
BY
17. 3m
ATTORNEY.
Sept. 18, 1945.
2,385,136
R. K. HOPKINS
APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL BODIES
Filed April 21, 1943
5 Sheets-Sheet 3
INVENTOR.
ROBERT K.HoPK|Ns,
BY
32
_'
-
Sept. 18, 1945.
2,385,136
R, ‘K, HOPKINS ~
APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL BODIES
_Filed April 21, 1945
v5 Sheets-Sheet 4
INVENTOR.
ROBERT K. HOPKINS,
BY
i250"
VMKEM
Sept. 18, ‘1945.
R. K. HOPKINS
-
APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL BODIES
Filed ___Apri1 21, 1945
2,385,136
-\
5 Sheets-Shee-t 5
FIG. 7.
86
85
INVEN TOR,
ROBERT K. HOPKINS’,
BY
ATTORNEY.
2,385,136
Patented Sept. 18,’ 1945
UNITED ‘STATE s
PATENT‘ OFFICE
2,385,136
APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING METAL
,
BODIES
Robert K. Hopkins, New York, N. Y., assignor to
‘The M. W. Kellogg Company, New York N. Y.,
a' corporation of Delaware
Application April 21, 1943, Serial No. 483,967
‘
19 Claims.
(01. 22-61)
This invention relates to novel apparatus for
the production of.v consistently uniform semi-?n
ished metal bodies from raw materials in a single
and .with parts in section, of an apparatus instal
lation incorporating a present preferred embodi
of February 9, 1940.
The cost of the metal bodies produced by, op
erations of the type referred to, is materially
effected by the proportion of the work day that
the apparatus is not actually engaged in produc
of Fis. 1,
ment of the invention, in this ?gure a portion
of the installation, a mirror image of that shown
continuous operation in which the raw materials
.
are continuously supplied to a mold space and 5 has been omitted,
Fig. 2 is a plan view, with parts broken away
there continuously converted into the desired
and parts in section, showing both portions of the
metal by heat supplied through the discharge‘
apparatus installation,
of electric current through a gap, or gaps, sub
Figs. 3 and 4 are, respectively, a front view and
merged beneath‘ a blanket of protective ?ux.
For a disclosure of this type of operation refer“ lo a plan view of a supporting frame arrangement,
Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5
once may be had to my prior Patent No. 2,191,479
ing metal. The non-productive‘ time of the ap
paratus is taken up by the necessary prepara
tions for each individual run, by the steps em
ployed in the ?nal solidi?cation of the metal
body, by the removal of the ?nished product, etc.
The cost of the ?nal product is also a?ected by
variations in the quality of the product that re
sult from departures from established Operating
conditions by reason of apparatus adjustments
left within the discretion of the operator of the
apparatus.
'
It is one of the primary objects of this inven
tion to provide novel apparatus for producing
metal bodies, by the method above referred to,
.
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side view of the struc
ture of Fig. 5,
Figs. 7 and 8 are, respectively, a plan view and
a diagrammatic showing, of one of the hoist ar
rangements employed, and,
Fig. 9 is a front view of one of the finishing
electrodes.
- The apparatus of the invention is of general
application and may be successfully employed in
the production of semi-finished metal bodies of
both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys.
The novel apparatus probably ?nds its greatest
use in the production of semi-?nished bodies of
ferrous alloys, especially those alloys that con
tain comparatively large proportions of alloying
elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese,
vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, silicon, col
umbium, aluminum, etc, alone or in combina
which is so constructed and arranged that it can
tion.
produce metal throughout the work day with a
minimum of interruption.
It is also a primary object of the invention to
are supported on a structure l0, formed of struc
The various elements of the novel apparatus
tural shapes H. At the top of structure I0 is
provide novel apparatus of the character men 35 a plurality of hoppers l2 in which are kept the
raw materials in granular form required in the
tioned that is so constituted and arranged that
operation. The granular raw materials pass
it requires a minimum of adjustments and such
from
hoppers l2 to metering devices in housing
adjustments as are required can bemade quickly
l3 from whence they pass at the chosen metered
and accurately without possibility of upsetting
,preestablished operating conditions.
40 rates into tube N that conducts them into hol
low electrode i5. Electrode I5 is fed and formed
It is also one ofthe main objects of the in
by forming rolls mounted in casing 16. The
vention to Drovide novel ‘apparatus of the char
electrode forming and feeding rolls are driven by
acter mentioned which includes novel mold sup
motor l1. Motor ll may be controlled, as by
port arrangements by means of which the mold
means of arc control arrangement common in the
means may be placed into and out .of metal pro
electric furnace and electric welding arts, to form
ducing position and into and out of metal fin
and feed electrode l5 as required to maintain
ishing position quickly and accurately so that
a discharge of predetermined characteristics
interruptions in metal production are reduced to
from its end. It is at present, preferred, how
a minimum.
The further objects and advantages of the in 50 ever, especially when alternating current is dis
charged from the end of electrode I5, to operate
vention will become ‘apparent from the following
motor ll at a constant speed and adjust the cur
description of a present preferred embodiment
rent supply as required to fuse electrode 15 at
thereof taken with the accompanying drawings,
the rate supplied. Electrode I5 is formed by
in which
Fig. 1 is a front view, with parts broken away 65 shaping the flat strip 18 carried on reel [9,
2
2,885,136
The apparatus elements above referred to, are
completely described. and the manner of em
channels 35 are united to angle pieces 36which
span the space between vertical channels 35.
Angle pieces 36 are united to plates 31 which in
ploying them in the production of metal bodies of
desired analysis fully set forth in my prior Pat
ent No. 2,191,479. This patent also includes a
complete disclosure of the method by which the
turn are united to' verticalhchannels 35. Plates
31 are preferably machined on their major faces
so that the elements’united to them may be ac
desired metal is produced and solidi?ed, as well as
curately positioned.
a disclosure of the ?ux employed, the choice and
A pair of plates 31 and an ..
angle piece 36 are also provided on vertical chan
proportioning of the raw materials, etc. In view,
nels 35, between the pairs of plates 31 at the
of this prior disclosure no effort will be made 10 ends of angles 34, to further stiffen the frame
here to set out method and operational details
formed by vertical channels 35. The bottom ends
not directly concerning the novel features of the
of vertical channels 35 are united to a plate 33 to
present invention.
give further rigidity to the frame formed by the
The apparatus elements referred to above have,
channels. Angle pieces 39 are united to opposite
in Fig. 1, been shown on a smaller scale than the 15 ends of the angle pieces 34 on the same side of
remainder of the apparatus elements of the in
the frame to also increase the strength and rigid
vention, also, these elements have been moved
ity of the structure.
,
down somewhat from their true positions,~.this
To the face of each vertical channel 35 is united
has been done in order to better illustrate “the
a vertically disposed ships-channel 46 which is
apparatus elements with which the invention is 20 machined-as shown in Fig. 5 to provide smooth
primarily concerned.
‘
and straight guide-ways for rollers hereinafter
Electrode | 5 passes from the forming and feed
mentioned. To the top of channels 35 are united
.lng rolls through contact device 20 which termi~
angle pieces 4| which carry thereon and attached
nates in contact shoes 2| that bear on electrode
thereto a top plate 42. A reenforcing angle piece
l5 and conduct the electric current thereto. One 25 43 is carried across top plate 42. A hole is pro
side of the electric current supply is connected to
vided in angle piece 43 and top plate 42 to ac
contact device 20 through cable 22. Contact de
commodate an eye-bolt 44 which serves as the
vice 20 may be of any usable form, and'since per
anchor for a cable hereinafter mentioned.
se it does not form part of the invention, it will
A pair of angle pieces 45 are also attached to
not be described in detail here. Contact device 30 ‘the top of plate 42, Tothese angle pieces are
29 should be long enough to support electrode l5
united bearing plates in which are journalled the I
against pronounced lateral movement.
A pair of mold supporting arrangements 26 and
26' are provided below‘the level of the electrode
forming rolls. As best shown in Fig. 2, the ar
ends of the shaft of sheave 46. The projecting
ends of angle pieces 45 are united to vertically
disposed angle pieces 41 that carry bearing plates
in which the ends of the shaft of sheave 46 are
journalled. ‘ The ends of angle pieces 41 are bolted
rangements 26 and 26' are disposed one on each
side of electrode l5 and are supported from mem
to an angle piece 49 that is united to and straddles
bers ll of structure In for swinging movement
beneath electrode l5 and electrodes 93. Arrange
angle pieces 34.
ments 26 and 26' are identical and are identically
supported so that a description of one of them
will su?lce for both.
. To each of a pair of spaced horizontal mem
bers H ofstructure I0 is attached a pair of angle
pieces 215:"; Betweeneach pair of angle pieces 27
is fastened a'triangular support plate 23 having
_
To the bottom end of one of. channels 36 is
attached a locking device 56 which includes a
pin 5| and actuating handle 52.- Pin 5| is piv
oted to handle 52 and passes through guide
holes in the webs of short angle pieces forming
a part of the arrangement. The end of handle.
45 52 is pivoted to one end of a link 53, the other
end of link 53 is pivoted to a support piece car
a hole therethrough. The holes in plates 28 are
ried by one of the angle pieces. Pin 5| is moved
aligned. One end of a shaft 29 extends through
into a hole in channel 54 which is a?ixed to the
the hole in top plate 28. The other end of shaft
?oor to hold arrangement 26 immovable. As
29 is encircled by a half of a thrust bearing. 50 shown in Fig. 2, arrangement 26 has associated
The half of the bearing and the encircled end
therewith two channel pieces 54. Each of these
of the shaft 29 pass through the hole in the bot
pieces is accurately positioned and since they are
tom plate 28 to seat the half of the thrust bear
immovable arrangement 26 can be brought into
ing on bottom plate 26.
and locked in either operating position quickly
A hollow standard 39 concentrically encloses 55 and accurately. Arrangement 26' has also asso
shaft 29 and houses at its lower end the other
ciated therewith'two channel pieces 54.
half of the thrust-bearing above mentioned. A
The mold support arrangement 26 also includes
. radial bearing is also interposed between stand
a vertically movable mold carriage 55. This car
ard 30 and shaft 29 adjacent their lower ends.
riage includes a pair of parallel spaced rectangu
A short angle member 3|, united to foot plate 32, 80 lar plates 56 that are formed into a rigid box
“is attached to the bottom of plate 26 adjacent
‘frame by plates 51, plates 56 and plates 59 united
the hole therein and serves to support the weight
thereto. The top one of plates 59 is provided
of standard 30 and the apparatus carried by it.
with holes for bolting thereto the supports of
A radial bearing is positioned between stand
shaft 60. At the ends of shaft 60 are mounted,
ard 30 and shaft 29 adjacent their upperends. 65 through suitable roller bearings, rollers 6| that
A cap is positioned above this radial bearing and
ride on one set of the machined guide-ways of
a set collar provided above the cap. The set
channels 46. The bottom one of plates 59 has
collar provides a means which together with
attached to it a plate that carries rubbing plates
the bottom thrust bearing limits the longitudinal
62. Rubbing plates 62 are adapted to contact
movement of shaft 29.
,
70 the machined guide-ways of channels 40 if a
Attached adjacent the upper and lower ends of
movement is set up tending to carry rollers 6|
standard 30 are rectangular plates 33. Angle
pieces 34, are attached to plates 33 and extend
toward vertical channels 35.
The ends of angle pieces 34 adjacent vertical 75
away from the guide-ways. [Plates 57 extend
beyond the box frame and have holes therein to
accommodate the bolts that fasten plates 63 and
64 to them. Plates 63 are made of insulating
2,885,136
material and suitable insulation bushings and
washers are provided for insulating plates. 51
. 3
and prepared for the next metal producing oper
ation.
Above each of mold support arrangements 28
from the connecting bolts.
and 28’ is positioned on a suitable platform a
The top one of plates 58 is also provided with
‘hoist arrangement 83 for raising and lowering
holes therein. ‘These holes accommodate the
‘ bolts that fasten insulation plate 65 and angle - mold carriage 55. The hoist arrangement 83 in
eludes hoist motors 84 and 85. Each of these
piece 88 to it; suitable insulation bushings and
motors is reversible and may be driven at any»
washers are also provided for insulating the top
one of a plurality of speeds. With each mo
plate 58 from the connecting bolts. The bottom
one of plates 58 has united thereto bearing plates 10 tor is incorporated a reducing gear train. Re
ducing train 86 of motor 85 is such as to reduce
in which is mounted the shaft 61. Rollers 68 are
the speed of output shaft 81 to one sixtleth of
mounted through suitable roller hearings on the
that of the armature shaft of this motor. The
ends of shaft 61. Rollers 68 are adapted to ride
reducing gear train 88 of motor 84 is such‘ as to
on the other set of the machinedvguide-ways of
reduce the speed of the output shaft 88 to one
channels 48. In line with the supports for shaft
one hundred and fifty-fourths that of the arma
88 and on the outside faces of plates 58 are at
, tached angle pieces 68 which carry rubbing plates
18. Rubbing plates ~18 are adapted to contact
the guide-ways of channels 48 when forces are
set up tending to carry rollers 5| and 88 off 20
ture shaft of motor 84. These speed reducers are
chosen as satisfactory for an apparatus set up
designed to a particular set of conditions. It
is to be understood that these values are illus
trative only and that any required values may
equally well be employed. The output shaft 81
their guide-ways. Intermediate the ends of plates
58 are attached'angle pieces 1| that carry the
may be coupled. and uncoupled through magnetic
bearing supports for the roller bearing upon
clutch 88 to the armature shaft of motor 84.
which sheave 12 is mounted.
Plates 84 carry at their ends and attached 25 _ The Wiring circuit of motors 84 and 85 and
magnetic clutch 98 is such that when motor 84
thereto vertical angle pieces 15 to which is bolted
is energized to drive shaft 88 in either direction
the ‘arrangement 16 which supports the mold
motor 84 and magnetic clutch 88 are deenergized
forming elements. Any form of mold suitable
and shaft 81 is uncoupled from the armature
for the purpose in hand may be used and it may
be formed of any suitable materials. Thus, the 30 shaft of motor 84. Also, when motor 85 is ener
gized to drive in either direction, magnetic clutch
mold may be of metal or of ceramic material or
88 .is energized‘ and operates to couple output
of-a combination thereof and may or may not
shaft 81 with the armature shaft of motor 84
be cooled by a suitable cooling medium. At
while motor 84 is deenergized. The wiring dia
‘ present, molds having‘ their metal shaping walls
gram has not been shown nor will it be described
made of copper or similar metal of high heat
in detail here as the wiring of motors 84 and
conductivity are preferred. Also, the mold may
85 and clutch 88 to function as above described
be a one-piece structure or a multi-plece struc
is well within the skill of the ordinary mechanic.
ture. The full advantages of the invention are
By means of arrangement described above, shaft
better realized with a multi-piece mold which in
89, upon which is mounted cable drum 8| may
cludes a body portion split in a vertical plane.
be rotated in either direction solely under the
Such a mold has been shown. The mold and the
in?uence of motor 84 and gear train 88 or shaft
arrangement 16 for supporting it shown have
88 may be rotated in either direction under the
been disclosed at length in my copending appli
in?uence of motor 85, gear 86 and gear train
cation Serial No. 451,879 so that a brief descrip
88. It is to‘be noted that when drum 8| is ro
tion here will su?ice.
'
tated
by energizing motor 85 the speed reduction
The mold includes a bottom member 11 hav
is the product of the reductions obtained by each
ing a substantially hemi-spherical depression
gear train.
t
therein in which the metal producing operation is
A cable ‘82 is wound on drum 8| and passes
begun. Mold bottom member 11 is hollow and
under sheave 8, over sheave 46 and under\‘ sheave
is connected to conduits 18 for circulation of
12, its end being anchored to hook 44.‘ When
water, or other preferred cooling medium, there
cable drum 8| is rotated. in one direction the
through. Mold bottom member 1] is supported
length of the cable is increased and mold‘car
on members 18 that are ?xedly connected to
55 moves downwardly relative to channels
vertical angle pieces 15. A cable 88 connects I, riage
mold bottom 11 to one side of the electric cur-y 65 35, when cable drum 8| is rotated in the opposite
direction the length of the cable is shortened and
rent source, either A. C: or D. C., used in the‘
mold
carriage 55 is raised relative to channels
metal producing operations and to the positive
35. Hoist arrangement 83, drum 8| and sheave
side of the D. C. source used in the ?nishing oper
48 are so located that the vertical run of cable
ations.
82 between sheave 48 and cable drum Si is co
60
Mold body element 8| is formed of two com
run of I
axial
with shaft 28. With this vertical
V
plementary halves. The halves are hollow and
cable 82 so disposed, mold support arrangement
are also connected to conduits 18 for circulation
28imay be swung in either direction w‘thout
of the cooling medium therethrough; the ‘halves
lengthening or shortening cable 82 and affecting
may also connect to cable 88. The halves of
mold body element 8| are supported on frames 65 the position of mold carriage 55.
On a platform above the ‘path of mold car
82 which are swingably mounted to carry the
riage 55 is supported an electrode arrangement
halves into? and out of mold forming position.
83. As shown in Fig. 9 electrode arrangement 83
Mechanism is also associated with frames 82 so
includes va hollow body portion 84 to which is
that mold body element 8| may be lowered on '
or raised from mold bottom‘ element ‘ll. By 70 united a copper tip 85. Water, or other cooling
medium, enters body portion 94 through a cen
means of these mold elements and their support
tral tube to discharge against the inner wall of
arrangements the mold may be quickly prepared
‘tip 95. The water or other cooling medium leaves
for the metal producing operation and at its
through a tube at the top of body portion 84.
completion the metal body produced may be
Electrode arrangement 83 may be called the ?n
quickly and easily removed and the mold closed
a
l
4
2,885,186
I lshing electrode and is connected through cable
99 to the negative side of a source of direct cur
rent. Electrode arrangement 93 is located on
the arc de?ned by the center of the mold as it
is swung about shaft 29. Tip 95 is so vertically
positioned that when the mold is raised suil‘l
ciently it will enter the mold. As shown in Fig.
1 2, an electrode arrangement 93 is positioned above
each of mold supporting arrangements 26 and 29'.
As best shown in Fig. 6, on one of vertical
channels 35, adjacent the upper end thereof, is
mounted a switch arrangement 91 having a piv-_
oted arm’ 98 terminating in a roller. A similar
switch 91 is mounted adjacent the lower end of
the channel 35. Switches 91 are cut into the
electric circuits of motors 84 and 95 in such a
way that when arms 99 are moved to open the
the operations the circuit of motor I’! is opened
and cutting device 99 moved into cutting position
to sever the end of electrode ii. The severed end
of electrode l5 will thus be accurately located in
the position required at the start of the opera
tion. A wad of steel wool or other arc starter is
then inserted in the end of electrode 15.
,
Mold support arrangement 29 will be consid
ered as being in the dotted line position shown .
in Fig. 2. It will also be supposed that the mold
carried by molten'support arrangement 29 has
been prepared for the metal producing opera~
tion and that the water circulation through the
various jackets of the mold has been started. '
Moldsupport arrangement 29 is then moved to
the solid line position of Fig. 2 and lever 52 op
erated to move pin 5| into the hole in channel
54, thus fixing the mold in registry with elec- _
trode [5.
respective switches the circuits of the motors
are opened and the movement of carriage 55
stopped. Cam arrangements 99 are mounted ad 20
A quantity of granular metallic material, either
iacent the top and the bottom of the one of
of the desired metal or the constituents of
vertical angles 15 adjacent the vertical channel
the desired metal, is poured into the bottom
35 upon which switches 91 are mounted. The
of the mold. The quantity of granular material
top switch 91 and its cooperating cam arrange
employed should be su?lcient to start the op
ment 99 are so positioned on their respective 25 eration and rapidly form a molten metal pool of
members that when mold'carriage 55 is raised to
a depth su?icient to protect the metal shaping
a desired height the raising movement will auto
surface of mold bottom ‘H from the electric cur
matically be ended. The bottom switch 91 and
rent discharge. The circuit of motor 84 is then
its cooperating cam arrangement 99 are so po
closed to raise mold carriage 55 at a compara
sitioned on their respective support members that 30 tively rapid rate until the top one of cams 99 con
when carriage 55 is lowered to the lowest desired
tacts the top one of arms 99 to open the circuit
position the lowering movement will be ended.
of motor 94. When this happens the end of elec
A cutting device 99 is supported from a. con
trode l5 will be accurately spaced, as required,
venient member I I of supporting structure 19, see
from the bottom of the metal shaping surface of
Fig. 2, at such a level that its cutting element 35 mold bottom 11- A proper quantity of ?ux is
I99, an abrasive cutting disc, a metal saw disc,
then placed into the mold.
etc., may be brought into contact with electrode
The electric circuit of electrode [5 may then
ii to cut off the end thereof at a predetermined
be closed and the metal producing operation be
?xed distance below the lower end of contact
gun. The initial surge of current will destroy the
device 29. Cutting device 99 includes a suitable 40 arc starter to establish a discharge gap between
motor Hii, either air or electric, for drivingthe
the end of the electrode and the granular mate
cutting disc I99. As shown, device 99 isso mount
rial in themold bottom. As the operation pro
ed that the cutting element I99 is reciprocated
gresses the heat generated by the electric current
into and out of cutting position, if preferred, de
discharge across the gap mentioned will fuse the
vice 99 may be so mounted that the cutting ele 45 electrode and granular material as supplied to
ment I99 is swung into and out of cutting posi
form a pool of molten metal of the desired an
tion.
alysis. At the same time, or shortly after, that
The position of cutting disc I99 determines the
the circuit of electrode I5 is closed, the circuit of
position of the top switch 91 and its cooperating
motor 85 is likewise closed to lower mold carriage
cam 99. The cutting disc I90, the top switch 91 50 55 at a constant rate chosen to maintain the level
and the top cam 99 are so positioned on their re
of the liquid metal in the mold at a constant dis
spective supports that when mold carriage 58
tance from the bottom of contact device 29. By
is stopped in its upward movement by the action
reason of the water circulated through the mold,
of switch 91, the cut end of electrode I 5 will be
the produced metal is progressively solidi?ed as
spaced from the bottom of the metal shaping sur 55 explained in my prior Patent No. 2,191,479.
face of mold bottom element ‘I1 by the distance
When the required quantity of metal has been
required for starting the metal producing opera
produced the circuit of- motor 85 may be opened
tion.
to stop the further downward movement of mold
Prior to initiating the metal producing opera
carriage 55. At this time the circuit of electrode
tion, metering device I3, motor I‘! which drives 60 I5 is also opened.
the electrode forming and feeding rolls, and the
The circuit of motor 84 is then closed to rapidly
current supply which is carried to contact device
lower carriage 55 to such a position that the mold
29 by cable 22, are adjusted as set forth in my
may be swung from beneath the electrode to the
prior Patent No. 2,191,479 as required to pro-,
dotted line position of .Fig. 2. The circuit of
duce metal of the desired analysis at a desired 65 motor 84 will, of course, be reopened when this
rate. Motors 84 and 95 are set to raise and
' position of the mold has;been attained. When
lower carriage 55 at the desired rates; motor 94
the mold support arrangement 26 has been
being set to raise and lower carriage 55 at a
brought to the dotted line position, handle 52
rapid rate and motor 95 being set to lower car
will again be moved to insert pin 5| into the hole
riage 55 at a rate to maintain a constant spacing 70
in channel member 54 to ?rmly position the mold
‘ between the end of contact device 29 and the
surface of the molten metal. The circuit of mo
tor i‘? is closed to form and feed electrode i5.
when the end of electrode i5 extends well be
beneath the ?nishing electrode 93. The circuit
of motor 84 will then again be closed to raise the
mold at a rapid rate until the surface of the
yond the position required at the beginning of 75 molten ?ux approaches the discharge tip of elec
trode 93. The circuit of motor 84 will then be
opened‘andlthat-iof mater; A ‘
carriage 55 at a slow rate and im
charge tip :intdytheinowenf?wb?
. moton? ilisiopenedywhemthe :liqlt 1m
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16? fiisil put‘flin conditionifor (themnext: metal-z. pro
movement of said mold at a point to provide a
ducing‘ operation. When the metal producing
predetermined spacing between the bottom of said
operation. is completed in the mold carried by
and the severed end of said electrode.
mold support arrangement 26’, mold support ar 35 mold
4. In apparatus for producing metal bodies by
rangement 26' is swung to place its mold beneath
subjecting raw materials of the desired metal to
its ?nishing electrode 93 and the metal ?nish
the discharge of electric current through a gap, a
ing operation carried out therein. The end of
supporting structure, a fusible electrode, means
the electrode I5 is again severed and the mold
?xedly positioned on said structure for feeding
carried by mold support arrangement 26 swung 40 said
electrode along a substantially vertical path,
and positioned beneath electrode ii to begin an
a mold, swingable means supporting said mold
, other metal depositing operation. This sequence
adapted to move said mold into registry with said
is continued inde?nitely.
electrode path, means for raising and lowering
‘ It should be apparent that by reason of the
arrangement disclosedthe metal producing oper
45 said mold relative to said ?xedly positioned means
ation is carried on substantially continuously
with a minimum interruption andthat any ap
paratus adjustments necessary are carried out
automatically without chance of upsetting con
and said swingable means, and means for dis
charging electric current through a gap between
the end of said electrode and metal surface in
said mold to fuse said electrode, said means for
ditions which will affect the quality of the metal. 50 lowering and raising said mold including means
for lowering said mold as required to maintain
I claim:
_
said gap substantially ?xed in position.
1. In apparatus for producing metal bodies by
5. In apparatus for producing metal bodies by
subjecting raw materials of the desired metal to
subjecting raw materials of the desired metal to
the discharge of electric current through a gap,
the discharge of electric current through a gap,
55
a fusible electrode, a supporting structure, means
a supporting structure, means ?xedly positioned
?xedly positioned on said structure for feeding
on said structure for feeding said electrode along
said electrode along a substantially vertical path,
substantially _. , \ a substantially vertical path, means movable into
means movable into saidpath at a
said path at a substantially ?xed vertical dis
?xed vertical distance from said feeding means
for severing said electrode, a mold, swingable 60 tance from said feeding means for severing said
electrode to provide the end of the electrode at
' means supporting said mold adapted to mOVe said
mold into registry with said electrode path, I a ?xed distance‘from said feeding means, a mold,
swingable means supporting said mold adapted to
‘means for raising and lowering said mold rela
move said mold into registry with said electrode
" tive to said ?xedly positioned means, and means
for terminating the upward movement of said 65 path, means for raising and lowering said mold
relative to said. ?xedly positioned means, means
mold in a position in said path to provide a
for terminating the upward movement of said
‘mold at a point to provide a predetermined dis
of said electrode and the bottom or said mold.
2. In apparatus for producing metal bodies by
tance between the severed end of said electrode
subjecting raw materials of the desired metal to 70 and the bottom of said mold, and means for dis
predetermined spacing between the severed end
the discharge of electric current through a gap,
a supporting structure, a fusible electrode, means
fixedly positioned on said structure for feeding
charging electric current through a gap between
the end of said electrode and metal surface in
said mold to fuse said electrode, said means for
said electrode along a substantially vertical path,
lowering and raising said mold including means
75
means movable into a substantially ?xedpoint in
6
2,385,136
for lowering said mold as required to maintain
said gap substantially ?xed in position.
6. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
to carry said second mold from one to another
of said electrodes spaced on said second-men
tioned arc.
pair of electrodes spaced apart along an arc, one
of said electrodes being fusible and made of one
or more of the components of the desired metal to
10. In apparatus ‘for producing metal bodies,
a pair of electrodes spaced apart along an are,
one of said electrodes being fusible and made of
provide molten metal in said mold, the other of
one or more components of the desired metal to
said electrodes being substantially indestructible,
provide molten metal in said mold, the other of
a mold, means pivoted for swinging movement
said electrodes being substantially indestructible
about an axis aligned with the center of saidarc 10 and adapted to be used to supply heat only to the
adapted to carry said mold from one to another
metal in said mold, means pivoted for swing
, of said electrodes, means for ‘accurately deter
ing movement about an axis aligned with the
mining the position of alignment of said mold
center of said are adapted to carry said mold
with each of said electrodes, and means adapted
from one to another of said electrodes, means for
to engage said position determining means for 15 accurately determining the position of alignment
locking said pivoted means in each of the posi
of said mold with each of said electrodes, means
tions of alignment of said mold.
adapted to engage said position determining
7. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
means for locking said pivoted means in each of
.pair of electrodes spaced apart along an arc,
the positions of alignment of said mold, a third
a mold, means pivoted for swinging movement 20 electrode spaced along an are that intersects said
about an axis aligned with the center of said are
adapted to carry said mold from one to another
' ?rst-mentioned are at the location of said fusible
of said electrodes, a third electrode spaced along
indestructible and adapted to be used to supply
an are that intersects said ?rst-mentioned arc.
heat only, a second mold, means pivoted for
swinging movement about an axis aligned with
the center of said second-mentioned arc adapt
electrode, said third electrode being substantially
at the location of one of the electrodes of said
pair of electrodes, a second mold, and means piv
oted for swinging movement about an axis aligned
ed to carry said second mold from one to another
with the center of said second mentioned are
of said fusible electrode and said third electrode,
adapted to carry said second mold from one to
means for accurately determining the position of
another of said electrodes spaced on said second 30 alignment of said second mold with said fusible
mentioned are.
8. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
pair of electrodes spaced apart along an are, a
mold, means pivoted for swinging movement about
an axis aligned with the center of said are adapt 35
electrode and said third electrode, and means
said electrodes, means for accurately determining
adapted to engage said last-mentioned position
determining means for locking said pivoted means
carrying said second mold in each of the positions
of alignment of said second mold.
11. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
support structure, a frame pivotally mounted on
the position of alignment of said mold with each
of said electrodes, means adapted to engage said
said structure for swinging movement about a
vertical axis, a carriage supported on said frame
ed to carry said mold from one to another of
position determining means for locking said piv
40
for vertical movement relative thereto, a mold
oted means in each of the positions of alignment
mounted on said carriage for movement there
of said mold, a third electrode spaced along an are
with whereby said mold may be swung on an are
that intersects said ?rst-mentioned are at the lo
from one to another of several operating posi
cation of one of said electrodes of said pair of
tions, and means for raising and lowering said
electrodes, a second mold, means pivoted for 45 carriage relative to said frame whereby said car
swinging movement about an axis aligned with
riage may be raised and lowered relative to ap
the center of said second mentioned arcadapted
paratus elements employed at the several operat
ing positions. .
V
_
to carry said second mold from one to another of
said electrodes spaced on said second mentioned
12. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
arc, means for accurately determining the posi 50 support structure, a vertically disposed shaft can
tion of alignment of said second mold with each '
ried by said support structure, an elongated
of said electrodes spaced on said second men—
tioned are, and means adapted to engage said last
mentioned position determining means for look
member supported for rotation on vsaid shaft, 8
frame, means uniting said frame to said elongated
in each of the positions of alignment of said sec- '
on said frame for vertical movement relative
member whereby said frame may be swung about
ing said pivoted means carrying said second mold 65 said shaft as on axis, a carriage member mounted
thereto, a mold supported on said carriage, and
means for raising and lowering said carriage.
9. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
pair of electrodes spaced apart along an arc, one
13. In apparatus for producing metal bodies,
of said electrodes being fusible and made of one or 60 a support structure, a vertically disposed shaft
more ‘of the components of the desired metal to
carried by said support structure, an elongated
provide molten metal in said mold, the other of
member supported for rotation on said shaft, a
0nd mold.
,
said electrodes being substantially indestructible
frame including vertically disposed guide means,
and adapted to be used to supply heat only to the
means uniting said frame to said elongated mem
metal in said mold, means pivoted for swinging 65 ber whereby said frame may (be swung about said
movement about an axis aligned with the center
of said are adapted to carry said mold from one
to another of said electrodes, a third electrode
spaced along an arc that intersects said ?rst
mentioned are at the location of said fusible elec 70
trode, said third electrode being substantially
shaft as an axis, a carriage mounted on said
frame for vertical movement relative thereto, said
carriage including roller means adapted to bear
on said guide means, a mold supported on said
carriage, and means for raising and lowering said
carriage.
indestructible and adapted to be used to supply
'14. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
heat only, a second mold, and means pivoted for
support structure, a frame member supported
swinging movement about an axis aligned with
from said structure for swinging movement about
the center of said second-mentioned are adapted 75 a vertical ‘axis, said frame including’ a pair of
.1, 2,385,136“, j .
7
, ‘frame, means for guiding said carriage in its ver
._tical movement, a hoist arrangement including a
cable drum, positioned on said structure above
said frame, a hoist cable having one end anchored
spaced vertically disposed guide '. members, each
of said guide members provided with a pair of ver
tlcally disposed guldeways transversely spaced
from each other, the guideways of one of said
to said drum, a cable sheave mounted on said car
riage, a plurality of cable sheaves mounted on
guide members being in the same planes as the '
corresponding guideways of the other of said
guide members, a carriage vertically movable
relative to said guide members supported from
said frame, said carriage having rollers attached
said frame, one of said sheaves being positioned
adjacent the top of said frame, said cable having
its other end anchored to said frame adjacent the
10
top» thereof, said cable passing from its anchor
, thereto adjacent its top end adapted to contact
point under said sheave mounted on said carriage
the guideways in one plane and rollers attached
and over said sheave positioned adjacent the top
thereto adjacent its bottom end adapted to con
of said frame, another of said sheaves of said
tact the guideways in the other plane, a mold sup
plurality of sheaves and said cable drum being
ported on said ‘carriage and means for raising
and lowering said carriage.
'
'
15
15. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
positioned with their peripheries substantially
tangent to the extension of said vertical axis, said
cable passing from said drum under said latter
sheave whereby said frame may be swung about
from‘ said structure for swinging movement about
its axis without affecting the position of said car
a vertical axis, saidgframe including a pair of
‘
spaced vertically disposed guide members, each 20 riase.
18. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
of said guide members being provided with a pair
supporting structure, a frame supported from said
of vertically disposedv guideways transversely
structure
for swinging movement about a verti-_
spaced from each other, the guideways of one of
cal axis, a mold carriage vertically movable rela
said guide members being in the same planes as
tive to said frame, means for guiding said car
the corresponding guideways of the other of said
riage in its vertical movement, said guiding means
guide members, a carriage vertically movable rela
including vertical members, a hoist arrangement
' tive to said guide members supported from said
support structure, a frame member supported
including electrically operated motor means for
frame, said carriage having rollers attached there
vertically moving said carriage, a switch having
to adjacent its top end adaptedv to contact the
a pivoted operating arm extending therefrom po
guideways in one plane and rollers attached there 30 sitioned on one of said vertical members, said
to adjacent its bottom end adapted to contact the
switch being operatable to deenergize said electri
guideways in the other plane, rubbing members
cally, operated motor means, means mounted on
attached to said carriage adjacent its ends adapt
said mold carriage, adapted to contact said oper
ed to contact the guideways not contacted by the
ating arm to swing it about its pivot into circuit
rollers at the same end of said carriage when
opening position, said contact means and said
said carriage is canted to carry said rollers oil.
being positioned to deenergize said motor
switch
said car
said guideways, a mold supported on‘
_
means
when said mold carriage attains a prede
riage, and means for raising and lowering said
termined position in its path of movement.
carriage.
,
.
40
19. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
16. In apparatus for producing metal bodies, a
supporting structure, a frame supported from said
support structure, a frame member supported
structure forswinging movement about a vertical
from said structure for swinging movement about
axis, a mold carriage vertically movable relative
a vertical axis, said frame including a pair of
to said frame, means for guiding said carriage in
spaced vertically disposed guide members,- each
its vertical movement, said guidingl'means includ
of said guide members being provided with a pair
ing vertical members, a hoist arrangement includ
ing electrically operated motor means for verti
cally moving said carriage, a pair of switches each
having a pivoted operating arm extending there
of vertically disposed guideways transversely
spaced from each other, the guideways of one of
said guide members being in the same planes
as the corresponding guideways of the other of 50 from positioned on one of said vertical members,
said guide members, a carriage vertically mov
each of said switches being operatable to deer:
g‘able relative to said guide members supported
ergize said electrically operated motor means, one
' from said frame, said carriage having rollers at
of said switches being positioned adjacent the
tached thereto adjacent its top end adapted to
upper end and the other of said switches being po
contact'the guideways in one plane and rollers 55 sitioned adjacent the lower end of said one of
attached thereto adjacent its bottom end adapted
said vertical members, a pair of contact shoes '
to contact the guideways in the other plane, rub
mounted on said mold carriage, one of said con
bins membersattached to said carriage adjacent
tact shoes being positioned adjacent the upper
its ends adapted to contact the guideways not
end and the other of said shoes being positioned
contacted by the rollers at the same end of said 60 adjacent the lower end of said mold carriage, said '
carriage when said carriage is canted to carry
contact shoes being adapted to engage the pivoted
said rollers off said guideways, a sheave mounted
on said carriage intermediate the ends thereof, a
hoist arrangement including a cable supported on
said structure above said frame. said cable pass
ing over said sheave and having one end anchored
to the top of said frame, and aimold supported
on said carriage.
arm of said switches to swing them into position
to deenergize said electrically operated motor
means, the upper switch and the upper. contact
65
shoe being positioned to deenergize said motor
means when said mold carriage attains a prede
termined upper position, the lower switch and
lower contact shoe being positioned to deenergize
1'1. In apparatus for producing metal bodies a
said motor means when said mold carrlaige at
supporting structure, a frame supported from said 70 tains a predetermined lowerposition.
structure for swinging movement about a vertical
RQiiERT K. HOPIICINS.
axis, a carriage vertically movable relative to said