John D Barry

US Patent:

40821013, Apr 4, 1978

Filed:

Jun 9, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/694340

Inventors:

Robert William Hazelett - Winooski VT
John Frederick Barry Wood - Burlington VT

Assignee:

Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation - Winooski VT

International Classification:

B08B 302

US Classification:

134127

Abstract:

Continuous casting apparatus is described wherein the temperature of the flexible casting belts in twin-belt machines having two or more main rolls in each belt carriage is controllably elevated prior to contact with the molten metal to improve the casting conditions and the operation of the thin flexible casting belts; the temperature elevation preferably being relatively gradual may be carried out while the travelling belts are approaching the nip rolls or while the belts are in contact with the nip rolls, or both. Zone control of belt pre-heating is disclosed, and control of the coolant streams issuing from the curved nip roll tubes by use of fingernail-like extenders may be provided to aid in pre-heating the belts and in controlling their operation. Intensive infra-red heaters are shown directed at close range toward the casting surfaces of the belts, these heaters serving also to cure and dry any coating material on the belts. Heating of the nip rolls by means of hot fluid, such as steam, is described, with the hot fluid being directed into the interior of the nip roll or being directed into the deep grooves in the nip roll beneath the rear surfaces of the casting belts.

US Patent:

40622355, Dec 13, 1977

Filed:

Jun 9, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/694378

Inventors:

Robert William Hazelett - Winooski VT
John Frederick Barry Wood - Burlington VT

Assignee:

Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation - Malletts Bay, Winooski VT

International Classification:

G01L 504

US Classification:

73159

Abstract:

Continuous casting methods and apparatus are described wherein the flexible casting belts in twin-belt machines having two or more main rolls in each belt carriage are sensed by mechanical probes, and belt temperatures are controllably elevated prior to contact with the molten metal to improve the casting conditions and the operation of the thin flexible casting belts; the temperature elevation preferably being relatively gradual may be carried out while the travelling belts are approaching the nip rolls or while the belts are in contact with the nip rolls, or both. Zone control of belt pre-heating is disclosed, and control of the coolant streams issuing from the curved nip roll tubes by use of fingernail-like extenders may be provided to aid in pre-heating the belts and in controlling their operation. Intensive infra-red heaters are shown directed at close range toward the casting surfaces of the belts, these heaters serving also to cure and dry any coating material on the belts. Heating by means of hot fluid, such as steam, is described, with the hot fluid being directed into the deep grooves in the nip roll beneath the rear surfaces of the casting belts.

US Patent:

39498050, Apr 13, 1976

Filed:

May 30, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/474617

Inventors:

Robert William Hazelett - Winooski VT
John Frederick Barry Wood - Burlington VT
Robert J. Carmichael - Colchester VT

Assignee:

Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation - Winooski VT

International Classification:

B22D 1106
B65G 3920
F16H 722

US Classification:

164278

Abstract:

A symmetrical belt tensioning system and apparatus for twin-belt continuous casting machines are disclosed. A rigid squaring shaft passes through a hollow tension roll and is rigidly secured to torque arms at opposite ends of the roll assuring that this roll remains parallel with the driving roll at the other end of the carriage throughout the range of tensioning travel, these arms each being associated with tension thrust means. The geometrical relationships assure that tension in the casting belts remains essentially directly proportional to the fluid pressure in the thrust cylinders, while a pre-loading arrangement removes back lash from the pivots to improve steering precision and also provides mechanical advantage. Independent adjustment of the displacement of each end of the tension-steering roll from the pass line is provided by sleeves associated with the squaring shaft and bearings in the interior of the hollow roll. A high belt tension force can be applied because there are two main large diameter rolls at opposite ends of each carriage defining the belt path as a symmetrical oval shape.

US Patent:

39630684, Jun 15, 1976

Filed:

Apr 21, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/570208

Inventors:

Robert William Hazelett - Winooski VT
John Frederick Barry Wood - Burlington VT
Robert J. Carmichael - Colchester VT

Assignee:

Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation - Winooski VT

International Classification:

B22D 1106

US Classification:

164278

Abstract:

A symmetrical belt-steering and tensioning system and apparatus for twin-belt continuous metal casting machines are disclosed. A rigid squaring shaft passes through a hollow tension and steering roll and is rigidly secured to torque arms at opposite ends of the roll assuring that this roll remains parallel with the driving roll at the other end of the carriage throughout the range of tensioning travel, these arms each being associated with tension thrust means and steering means. The geometrical relationships assure that tension in the casting belts remains essentially directly proportional to the fluid pressure in the thrust cylinders, while a pre-loading arrangement removes back lash from the pivots to improve steering precision and also provides mechanical advantage. A symmetrical synchronized steering action is applied to both ends of the tension-steering roll, and axial thrust control means operate to force the roll skewing movement to center at a predetermined point. Independent adjustment of the displacement of each end of the tension-steering roll from the pass line is provided by sleeves associated with the squaring shaft and bearings in the interior of the hollow roll.