John J Connelly

US Patent:

59343575, Aug 10, 1999

Filed:

Nov 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/748668

Inventors:

Ralph R. Sawtell - Mars PA
Michael S. Cooper - Apollo PA
Thomas V. Pierce - Delmont PA
James E. Luzader - Pittsburgh PA
John J. Connelly - North Huntingdon PA
Donald P. Hill - Saltsburg PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B22D 1700
B22D 1900

US Classification:

164303

Abstract:

A system for manufacturing metal matrix composites, each including a porous preform infiltrated with molten metal, includes a programmable, automated arrangement for handling preforms for sequential introduction into a die caster of the system. A preform loader includes a reciprocable loading head which receives each preform from an associated stack, and delivers each preform to a horizontally reciprocable carrier of a preform shuttle. The preform shuttle effects indexed movement of each preform along a substantially horizontal path, through a preheating furnace, and into the die caster. Efficient operation of the system is promoted, while undesirable damage to the relatively brittle porous preforms is avoided.