George E Spiller

US Patent:

20030102103, Jun 5, 2003

Filed:

Sep 3, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/234008

Inventors:

Patrick Lombard - Cedar Hill MO, US
Shaupoh Wang - Chesterfield MO, US
Walter Winterbottom - Jackson TN, US
George Spiller - Rome GA, US

International Classification:

B22D041/05
C21B007/02

US Classification:

164/335000, 164/338100, 266/275000, 266/286000

Abstract:

An apparatus for producing a metallic slurry material for use in semi-solid forming of a shaped part. The apparatus is generally comprised of a forming vessel and a thermal jacket. The forming vessel defines an inner volume for containing the metallic slurry material and has an outer surface. The thermal jacket has an inner surface disposed in thermal communication with the outer surface of the forming vessel to effectuate heat transfer therebetween. At least one of the forming vessel and the thermal jacket defines a number of grooves to limit the rate of heat transfer adjacent the grooves. In one embodiment, the forming vessel defines a plurality of axially-offset grooves extending about the entire periphery of the outer surface of the forming vessel. In another embodiment, a stator is disposed about the thermal jacket to impart an electromagnetic stirring force to the metallic slurry material contained within the forming vessel.

US Patent:

20040211545, Oct 28, 2004

Filed:

May 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/845311

Inventors:

Patrick Lombard - Cedar Hill MO, US
Shaupoh Wang - Chesterfield MO, US
Walter Winterbottom - Jackson TN, US
George Spiller - Rome GA, US

International Classification:

B22D041/015

US Classification:

164/335000

Abstract:

An apparatus for producing a metallic slurry material for use in semi-solid forming of a shaped part. The apparatus is generally comprised of a forming vessel and a thermal jacket. The forming vessel defines an inner volume for containing the metallic slurry material and has an outer surface. The thermal jacket has an inner surface disposed in thermal communication with the outer surface of the forming vessel to effectuate heat transfer therebetween. At least one of the forming vessel and the thermal jacket defines a number of grooves to limit the rate of heat transfer adjacent the grooves. In one embodiment, the forming vessel defines a plurality of axially-offset grooves extending about the entire periphery of the outer surface of the forming vessel. In another embodiment, a stator is disposed about the thermal jacket to impart an electromagnetic stirring force to the metallic slurry material contained within the forming vessel.