Integrally cast bearing, method and apparatus for making same

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for forming a part including a bore with a bearing integrally cast thereto, the thus formed part and apparatus for thus forming the part. The process includes hot machining a bore into a billet in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and introducing molten bearing material, e.g., molten bronze about a mandrel positioned in the bore while maintaining the billet, the mandrel and the bearing material in the non-oxidizing atmosphere. The mandrel is drawn from the bore while the bearing material is cooled by cooling and solidifying means therein adjacent an end of the mandrel which is last to exit the bore. The cooling is sufficient to progressively solidify the material as the mandrel is drawn through it and out of the bore. The mandrel further preferably includes heating means therein intermediate the cooling and solidifying means and the other end thereof to maintain the material in a liquid state until the cooling and solidifying means passes there adjacent as the mandrel is drawn out of the bore.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.