Non-invasive real-time level sensing and feedback system for the precision sand casting process
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsBrian M. Foley, Scott W. Biederman, Reinhold Ludwig, Sergey Makarov
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Abstract
A level sensing system and method for determining the level of a conductive material in a casting mold are disclosed, wherein the level sensing system a drive circuit and an inductive component disposed adjacent to the casting mold, and a position of the conductive material in the casting mold may be determined by a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive circuit.
Claims20
A level sensing system comprising:
- a drive circuit;
- and
- an inductive component coupled to the drive circuit, wherein a magnetic field generated by the inductive component causes a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive circuit when a conductive material is caused to flow through the magnetic field.
A level sensing system for a casting mold comprising:
- a casting mold forming a mold cavity for receiving a conductive material therein;
- a drive circuit;
- and
- an inductive component coupled to the drive circuit, wherein a magnetic field generated by the inductive component causes a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive circuit when a conductive material is caused to flow through the magnetic field.
A method of determining the position of a conductive material in a casting mold, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a casting mold forming a mold cavity for receiving a conductive material therein;
- providing a drive circuit adapted to generate a magnetic field in the mold cavity disposed adjacent to said casting mold, wherein a flow of the conductive material through the magnetic field causes a change to an electrical characteristic of the drive circuit;
- introducing a conductive material into the mold cavity of the casting mold;
- and
- measuring a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive circuit as the conductive material fills the mold cavity, the change in the electrical characteristic indicating a position of the conductive material within the mold cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.