Cryogenic deflashing apparatus and method of use

A cyrogenic deflashing apparatus for removing residual flash from molded articles comprising:

• a housing defining a deflashing chamber therein;
• a basket disposable within said deflashing chamber sized to receive a quantity of molded articles to be deflashed therein, wherein said basket is formed having a closed bottom end and an opened top end including means for forming a dynamic seal between said opened top and in said housing to prevent said molded articles from exiting said basket during deflashing of said molded articles, said dynamic seal means comprising a peripheral flange disposed adjacent the opened top end of said basket which is received within a complementary-shaped recess formed on a bearing block mounted to said housing within said deflashing chamber;
• means for rotating said basket within said deflashing chamber to tumble said quantity of molded articles within said basket;
• means for supplying a cryogen gas within said deflashing chamber;
• a fluidic-assisted throw wheel pump means for accelerating deflashing media into said basket to deflash said molded articles disposed within said basket, said fluidic-assisted throw wheel pump means comprising a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet, an impeller rotatably mounted within said pump chamber, a pneumatic motor coupled to said impeller for rotating said impeller within said pump chamber, and means for supplying the exhaust from said pneumatic motor to said inlet of said pump;
• and
• a conduit extending from said deflashing chamber to the inlet of said pump chamber for transporting deflashing media from said deflashing chamber to said impeller.

A cyrogenic deflashing apparatus for removing residual flash from molded articles comprising:

• a housing defining a deflashing chamber therein;
• a basket disposable within said deflashing chamber sized to receive a quantity of molded articles to be deflashed therein, wherein said basket is formed having a closed bottom end and an opened top end including means for forming a dynamic seal between said opened top end and in said housing to prevent said molded articles from exiting said basket during deflashing of said molded articles;
• means for rotating said basket within said deflashing chamber to tumble said quantity of molded articles within said basket, said means for rotating said basket comprising a motor disposed on the exterior of said housing, a drive shaft driven by said motor and extending through said housing into said deflashing chamber, and a hub mounted to said drive shaft and engageable with the closed bottom end of said basket;
• means for supplying a cryogen gas within said deflashing chamber;
• a fluidic-assisted throw wheel pump means for accelerating deflashing media into said basket to deflash said molded articles disposed within said basket, said fluidic-assisted throw wheel pump means comprising a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet, an impeller rotatably mounted within said pump chamber, a pneumatic motor coupled to said impeller for rotating said impeller within said pump chamber, and means for supplying the exhaust from said pneumatic motor to said inlet of said pump;
• and
• a conduit extending from said deflashing chamber to the inlet of said pump chamber for transporting deflashing media from said deflashing chamber to said impeller.