Molten metal pump with monolithic rotor
OwnerPaul V Cooperinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for pumping molten metal that eliminates rotor bearing members comprises a pump having a pump chamber including a first bearing surface, and a monolithic rotor having a second bearing surface that aligns with the first bearing surface. The second bearing surface is formed of and integral with the material forming the rotor. Preferably a rigid rotor shaft to motor shaft connection is utilized to rigidly center the rotor within the pump chamber and, hence, within the first bearing surface.
Claims19
A device for pumping or otherwise converting molten metal, said device comprising:
- a) a motor;
- b) a motor shaft extending from said motor, said motor shaft having a first end and a second end;
- c) a rigid coupling having a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said second coupling member having a fixed portion and a door connected to said fixed portion, said door having an open position and a closed position, said first coupling member connected to said second end of said motor shaft;
- d) a rotor shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said second coupling member;
- e) a pump casing having an inlet, a pump chamber in fluid communication with said inlet and a discharge in fluid communication with said pump chamber;
- g) a rotor attached to said second end of said rotor shaft and positioned within said pump chamber.
A rigid coupling member for use in a molten metal pump said coupling member including a first coupling member for connecting to a motor shaft and a second coupling member for connecting to a rotor shaft, said second coupling member including a fixed portion and a door connected to said fixed portion, said door having an open position and a closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.