US 5,997,801 A · Metal chip reclamation system

Abstract

An apparatus and method for reclaiming metal chips formed while machining metal castings to their finished shape. The apparatus includes a stationary charging tube extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the charge well of a reverbratory furnace. The lower end of the charging tube is attached to a box-shaped structure which has an open bottom. The sides of the structure extend into a pool of molten metal contained in the charge well. A variable rate feeder provides a continuous supply of metal chips to the charging tube at a rate which is essentially the same as the rate at which the chips are being produced. The chips form a column within the charging tube which extends through the box-shaped structure and into the pool of molten metal. As the chips at the bottom of the column are melted, additional chips are added to the top, forcing the bottom of the column of chips into the pool of molten metal.

Claims12

Dependent claims

An apparatus for charging chips of metal into a revebratory furnace charge well adapted to contain molten metal, the apparatus comprising:

a generally vertical hollow charging tube adapted to be supported over the furnace charge well, said charging tube having first and second ends with said first end being adjacent to the surface of the molten metal contained in the furnace charge well, said second end of said charging tube being adapted to receive metal chips to be loaded into said charging tube and collected therein to form a column of metal chips having a sufficient height whereby the resulting weight of said column of chips formed in said charging tube will be sufficient to force an end of said column of chips from said first end of said charging tube and into said mass of molten metal contained in the furnace charge well;
and
a generally horizontal plate mounted upon said first end of said charging tube, said plate having an aperture formed therethrough, said aperture being aligned with said first end of said charging tube.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Metal chip reclamation system

Life of this patent

Metal chip reclamation system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12