CA2180680A1 - Skimming device - Google Patents
Skimming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2180680A1 CA2180680A1 CA002180680A CA2180680A CA2180680A1 CA 2180680 A1 CA2180680 A1 CA 2180680A1 CA 002180680 A CA002180680 A CA 002180680A CA 2180680 A CA2180680 A CA 2180680A CA 2180680 A1 CA2180680 A1 CA 2180680A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- segment
- arm
- jaw
- skimming device
- peripheral edge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D43/00—Mechanical cleaning, e.g. skimming of molten metals
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/24—Feed or discharge mechanisms for settling tanks
- B01D21/2433—Discharge mechanisms for floating particles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
Abstract
A skimming device for skimming debris floating on the surface of a volume of liquid.
The skimming device includes a pair of jaw members pivotable relatively to one another.
Each jaw member has a base wall defining a free peripheral edge and a walled peripheral edge. A peripheral wall extends upwardly from the walled peripheral edge. The jaw members are adapted to pivot between a jaw open configuration wherein the peripheral walls are in abutting contact with one another and a jaw closed position wherein the free peripheral edges of the jaw members are in an abutting relationship relatively to one other and the jaw members form an open top container. The base wall free edge is thus adapted to skim the top surface of the liquid as the jaw members move between the jaw member open configuration and the jaw member closed configuration. A deflecting plate is mounted underneath each base wall. The deflecting plates are angled so as to bias the floating debris towards the base wall free edge as the jaw members are lowered in contact with the volume of water and as the jaw members pivot towards their closed configuration. The jaw members are pivotally mounted on a spacing arm. The spacing arm is pivotally mounted on a base member. A stabilizing device is provided for presenting tilting of the jaw members as the spacing arm is pivoted relatively to the base member. The spacing arm is also mounted so as to be rotatable about the base member.
In a second embodiment, the spacing arm is also telescopic so as to allow positioning of the jaw members over the top surface of the volume of liquid.
The skimming device includes a pair of jaw members pivotable relatively to one another.
Each jaw member has a base wall defining a free peripheral edge and a walled peripheral edge. A peripheral wall extends upwardly from the walled peripheral edge. The jaw members are adapted to pivot between a jaw open configuration wherein the peripheral walls are in abutting contact with one another and a jaw closed position wherein the free peripheral edges of the jaw members are in an abutting relationship relatively to one other and the jaw members form an open top container. The base wall free edge is thus adapted to skim the top surface of the liquid as the jaw members move between the jaw member open configuration and the jaw member closed configuration. A deflecting plate is mounted underneath each base wall. The deflecting plates are angled so as to bias the floating debris towards the base wall free edge as the jaw members are lowered in contact with the volume of water and as the jaw members pivot towards their closed configuration. The jaw members are pivotally mounted on a spacing arm. The spacing arm is pivotally mounted on a base member. A stabilizing device is provided for presenting tilting of the jaw members as the spacing arm is pivoted relatively to the base member. The spacing arm is also mounted so as to be rotatable about the base member.
In a second embodiment, the spacing arm is also telescopic so as to allow positioning of the jaw members over the top surface of the volume of liquid.
Description
218068~
PATENT APPLICATION OF MICHEL LESSARD
FOR A
SKIMMING DEVICB
FIELD OF THE INVBNTION
The present invention relates to the field of skimming devices and is p~ ul~ly concerned with a device for skimming impurities floating on top of a volume of liqnid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various situations exist wherein it is desirable to remove debris floating on the top surface of a volume of liquid. One example of such situation is ~ o...lL-,Icd in the industrial process leading to the formation of ingots made of aluminum.
The production of aluminium ingots typically requires three major steps, namely the formation of melted aluminum in so called electrolytic tanks, the casting of the melted aluminum into solid ingots at a casting site and the ~ I ;(." of the melted aluminum from the cl.,.ll~,lyli~. tanks to the casting site.
~ 2180~80 The melted aluminum is formed by a continuous process m the electrolytic tanks through the clc~llul.y~iD of am alumina bath or aluminum oxide bath containing dissolvedaluminum oxide. The aluminum onoe formed being more dense than the alumina bath,it sinks to the bottom of the electrolysis tank.
Since the melted aluminum is formed through the use of a continuous process and since the melted aluminum rests underneath a layer of alumina bath, the melted aluminum is cyclically transferred out of the electrolysis tank using a siphoning process that siphons the melted aluminum into so called crucibles.
Each crucible typically consists in a cylindrical open top container made of steel and lined with refractory bricks. These crucibles are mounted on conveyer belts amd act ascontainers for 11~ the newly formed melted aluminum from the electrolysis tank to the casting location and for allowing thc newly formed melted aluminum to cool down and attain an ideal cooling I . ~ before reaching the casting site.
During the siphoning process of the liquid aluminum from the electrolysis tank to a given crucible, some of the overlying electrolysis bath is also, r; ~ ~y siphoned into the crucible. The fusion i . ~i of the electrolysis bath being higher tham that of the newly formed melted aluminum, when the liquid content of a crucible cools down, the aluminum bath solidifies atop the newly formed melted aluminum thus forming a layer of froth. This layer of froth must, of course, be removed from the crucible prior to the 8 ~
aluminum being poured into the casting molds.
The traditional method of removing the layer of froth from the surface of the cooling melted aluminum consists in dipping a large perforated spoon into the liquid metal and manually retrieving the solidified pieces of electrolysis bath.
The spoons being heavy and the I . ~ in the vicinity of the crucible being elevated, the manual operation is non-ergonomic and may potentially lead to injury. Fu~ o~c;, dipping of the spoon into the crucible may cause splashing of its content on the operator lo again potentially causing serious injuries.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a device that could ~ / remove debris floating on top of a volume of liquid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a ' ~ I skimmmg device.
Advantages of the present invention include the fact that the ' ' skimming device in accordance with the present invention removes debris floating on top of a volume of liquid therefore reducing mamual labor and the associated health hazards.
~ ~180680 The skimming device in accordance with the present invention also provides means for ~ g the: of the liquid being skimmed by impurities.
The skimming device in accordance with the present invention provides efficient sealing meams so as to prevent the material being skimmed off the layer of liquid from L.~ till~;ly dripping out of the skimming device.
The skimming device in accordance with the present invention is provided with (Y~ . .a~ that are specifically designed to prevent jamming of the various moving , , when the device is used with solidifying material.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a skimming device for skimming debris floating on a volume of liquid, the skimming device . u . g a base member; a spacing arm, the spacing arm having a spacing arm proximal end and a spacing arm distal end, the spacing arm proximal end being attached to the base member;
a bucket component attached to the spacing arm distal end, the bucket component having a pair of jaw members; each of the jaw members having a jaw member base walls and a jaw member peripheral wall; the jaw member base wall defining a peripheral edge free segment and a peripheral edge walled segment, the jaw member peripheral wall extending from the peripheral edge walled segment; the jaw member peripheral wall having aperipheral wall proximal end and a peripheral wall distal end; the jaw members being pivotal relatively to one another about a jaw first pivoting axis between a jaw member ~ 218~680 first position and a jaw member second position, wherein when the jaw members are in the jaw member first position, they fonn an open top container with the peripheral edge free segment and the peripheral wall distal end of one jaw member contacting the peripheral edge free segment and peripheral wall distal end of the other jaw member, and wherein when the jaw members are in the jaw member second position, the peripheral edge free segment and the peripheral wall distal end of one of the jaw members are spaced from the peripheral edge free segment and peripheral wall distal end of the opposed jaw member.
Preferrably, the skimming device further comprises a jaw pivoting means for pivoting the jaw members between the jaw member first position and the jaw member second position.
IPi~l-tly, each of the jaw member base walls defines a base wall upper surface and a base wall lower surface, the jaw mcmbers further comprising a deflecting plate the deflecting plate being mounted undcrneath the base wall lower surface amd angled relatively to the latter.
Preferrably, the jaw member base wall has a substantially triangular . .,.,ri~ ", the peripheral edge free segment having a substamtially straight ~ r~ , the peripheral edge free segment extending between a free segment proximal end and a frcc scgmcnt distal end, the peripheral edge walled segment defining a walled side segment and a walled front segment, the walled side segment having a substantially straight ~ ' ~
~ 2180~80 and a length . ' 'Iy equal to that of the peripheral edge free segment, thc walled side segment having a side segment proximal end and a side segment distal end, the walled side segment being angled relatively to the peripheral edge free segment so lhat the free segment proximal end connects with the walled segment proximal end at an edge hlt~,l.,~ plil.g corner and the free segment distal end is spaced from the walled segment distal end, the walled front segment extendmg between the free segment distal end and the walled segment distal end.
Co.... - Iy, one of the walled segment distal end extends into a walled segment u~ ,uh.L lip, the walled segment overlapping lip being configured and sized so as to overlap the walled segment distal end of the other jaw member when the jaw members are in the jaw member closed, '~
Preferrably, the spacing arm proximal end is pivotally attached to the base member so as to allow the spacing arm to pivot about a spacing arm first pivoting axis, the spacing arm first pivoting axis having a: I - 'Iy horizontal orientation.
Cu ~ " the skimming device further includes a stabilizing means for preventing the tilting of the bucket compûnent when the arm is pivoted about the arm first pivoting axis.
In one , '.o.l: .1 ofthe invention, the stabilizing means takes the form of an auxiliary arm rotatably attached at one end thereof to the bucket cûmponent and rotatably attached at its opposed Inng;f U~ end to a spacing component extending from the base member, the au~iliary arm being in a parallel l~laliO..~h.~) relatively to the arm.
In another ' ' of the invention, the stabilizing means is a stabilizing piston attached at one of its l~.,,v~ end to the arm and at its opposed 1( ~ ' ' end tothe bucket ~ , G~llv~,lli.,lllly, the arm proximal end is mounted on a turntable component for allowing the arm pro~imal end to pivot about an arm second pivotal axis, the arm second pivotal o axis being in I - 'Iy vertical orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1: in an elevational view, illustrates a skimming device in accordance with an of the present invention, the skimming device being shown with its jaws dipped into a crucible, the crucible being shown in cross-section;
Figure 2: in a perspective view, illustrates a pair of jaw members part of a skimming device in accordance with am ' ~' of the present invention, the jaw members being shown in a partially opened, r~
Figure 3: in a perspective view, illustrates a pair of jaw members part of a skimming 218068~
device in accordance with an r.n ~- ~ of the present invention, the jaw members being shown in a partially opened ..-.. .r;v., -~ i.l hidden lines are sown in phamtom lines;
Figure 4: in a perspective view, illustrates the jaw members of Figure 2 in a fully opened c/~nfig~ ion;
Figure 5: in a perspective view, illustrates the jaw members of Figure 2 in a fully opened riV.~ " the hiden lines being shown in phamtom lines;
lo Figure 6: in an elevational view, illustrates the jaw members of Figure 2 in a fully opened "V the hiden lines being shown in phamtom lines;
Figure 7: in a side view, illustrates the jaw members of Figure 2 in a fully opened 'v the hiden lines being shown in phamtom lines;
Figure 8: in a side view, illustrates a skimming device m accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the skimming device being shown with its jaws in a partially opened ~r."riV ~ ., dipped into a crucible, the crucible being shown in cross-section;
Figure 9: in a top view, illustrates a skimming device in accordance with an, bo,' of the present invention, the skimming device being shown with its jaws moving between am open and a closed, '_ and its arm pivoting out of position relatively to the ~ 2~8068~
crucible;
Figure 10: in an elevational view illustrates a skimming device in accordance with a second cll.bodi...~ t of the present invention;
Figure 11: rn am elevational view illustrates a skimming device in accordance with a second ~,~b~: " of the present invention, the skimming device being shown in a working ~,llVil~ ' and with an enlarged detail view of a i . ~ display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a skimming device 10 in accordance with an of the present invention. The skimming device 10 includes a base member 12, a spacing arm 14 and a bucket component 16.
The spacing arm 14 has a spacing arm proximal end 18 and spacing distal end 20. The spacmg arm proximal end 18 is attached to the base member 12 while the bucket component 16 is attached to the spacing arm distal end 20.
Referring now more specifically to Figures 2 through 7, the bucket component 16 has a pair of jaw member 22. Each of the jaw members 22 has a jaw member base wall 24 and ~180680 a jaw member peripheral wall 26. The jaw membcrs 22 are mouneed to the spacing arm distal end 20 so as to be pivotable relatively to one another about a jaw member pivoting axis 28 as will be hereinafter disclosed.
The jaw member base wall 24 has a base wall peripheral edge defining a peripheral edge free segment 30 amd a peripheral edge walled segment 32. The peripheral wall 26 extends s ~ 'Iy upwardly from the peripheral edge walled segment 32. The jaw member peripheral wall 26 has a peripheral wall proximal end 34 and a peripheral wall distal end 36.
The jaw members 22 are pivotable relatively to one another about the jaw pivoting axis 28. The jaw pivoting axis 28 extends in a drrection substantially ~ Ji~,ulal to the jaw member base wall 24. The jaw members 22 are pivotable between a jaw member firstposition and a jaw member second position. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the jaw members 22 in a position close to the jaw member first position while figures 4 through 7 illustrate the jaw members 22 in the jaw member second position.
When the jaw members 22 are in the jaw member first position, they form an open top container with the peripheral edge free segment 30 and the peripheral wall distal end 36 of one jaw member 22 contacting the peripheral edge free segment 30 and the perip]heral wall distal end 36 of the other jaw member 22.
~ 2180680 As illustrated in Figures 4 through 7, when the jaw members 22 are in the jaw member open position, the peripheral edge free segments 30 and the ~Oll~ ~ ' g peripheral wall distal ends 36 are spaced relatively to one another and, preferably, for reason hereinafter disclosed, the outer surface of peripheral walls 26 abuttingly contact each other.
The buckct component 16 preferably further includes a deflecting means for deflecting the debris away from the bucket component 16 when the latter is put into contact with the top surface of a volume of liquid. The deflecting means typically takes the forrm of a pair of deflecting plates 38, each deflecting plate 38 being fixed underneath the lower surface of a COll~ r ' ~ base plate 24 and angled elatively to the latter.
The deflecting plates 38 are typically kept in a partially spaced apart and angled l~ Idiu~ J relatively to the ~ Ull~ ~t,ollJi,lg jaw member base wall 24 by a l~,h~ul~~ llt rib 40 extending Lh.,l~b.,h. ~ ~"1. Typically, each deflecting plate 38 is angled away from the ..o.,. ~ ",.~ g jaw member base wall in a direction leadmg from the ~II~.S~JUIId;ll~;
peripheral edge free segment 30 towards the peripheral edge walled segment 32.
The jaw member base wall 24 preferably has a ~ ~ ~Iy triangular ~ in.. In such instancel the peripheral edge free segment 30 has a ' 'Iy straight r;~ ,;"" The peripheral edge free segment extends between a frec segment proximal end 42 and a free segment distal end 44. When the jaw member base wall 24 ~ 218068Q
has a ' 'ly tdangular ~ r;~ the pcriphe}al edgc walled segment 32 defines a walled side segment 46 and a walled front segment 48.
The walled side segment has a substantially straight ~ onfi1 and a length $..h~ lly equal to that of the peripheral edge free segment 30. The walled side segment 46 has a side segment proximal end 50 and a side segment distal end 52. In fact, when, the jaw member base wall 24 has a substantially triangular, r~ the side segment proximal end 50 coincides with the peripheral wall proximal end 34.
The walled side segment 46 is angled relatively to the peripheral edge free segment 30 so that the free segment proximal end 42 connects with the walled segment proximal end 50 at an edge h-l~l~!JI;..~ corner. The free segment distal end 44 is spaced from the walled segment distal end 52.
The walled front segment 48 extends between the free segment distal end 44 and the walled segment distal end 52. The jaw pivoting axis 28 is typically located adjacent the edge ~-tillg corner. In an alternative e~ '' of the invention the walled front segment 44 has a generally arcuate, ~ .
The jaw members 22, as will be hereinafter disclosed, are adaptcd to act as a pair of scooping jaws for skimming the impurities floating on top of a volume of liquid and retaining these impurities until they can be dropped into an dl)~)10~ ' ' waste recepLIcle.
A sealing means is thus provided for preventing the debris having being scooped off the top surface of the volume of liquid from escaping the bucket component formed by the jaw members intheir closed position.
The sealing means typically takes the form of a walled segment o.~lla,u,uilJg lip 54 that extends integrally from the walled segment distal end 44 of one of the jaw mcmbers.
The walled segment uv. ' Il g lip is configured in size so as to overlap the walled segment distal end 44 of the opposing jaw members when the jaw members are in the jaw member closed position.
Preferably, the sealing means further includes a free segment u -~1 r I ~ ~ lip 56 extending integrally from the peripheral edge free segments 30. The free segment u.vlla~ lip 56 is configured in size so as to overlap the peripheral edge free segment 30 of the opposed jaw member 22 when both jaw membcrs 22 are in the jaw member closed position.
Typically, bûth the walled segments u . . ' 1 . ~ g lip 54 and the free segment u . ~ lla~J~;.Ig lip have a C.lh5f~ y "L"-shaped rr,nfiellr~tirr~ defining an outward spacing segment and an abutting segment. The abutting segment being adapted to abuttingly overlap the opposed structure when the jaw members 22 are in the jaw member closed position.
In order to facilitate both the scooping of debris floating on the top surface of a volume ~ 21806g~
of liquid and to facilitate the discharge of the debris from the bucket component to a suitable disposal site or container, the jaw member base wall 24 are preferable angled relatively to an horizontal plane with the peripheral edge walled segment 32 being located above the peripheral edge free segment 30.
As mentioned previously, the jaw members 22 are mounted on the distal end 20 of the arm 14 so as to allow their relative pivotal movement between the jaw open l-nnfigu~ ~ n and the jaw closed ~ ~,..r:".., ~i,-" In the preferred ~ o~ 1, one of the jaw members 22 is fixed while the opposed jaw member 22 is pivotable.
As illustrated more specifically in figure 8, the pivotable jaw member 22 is attached to a jaw shaft 58 that extends through a jaw sleeve 60 to which the fixed jaw member 22 is attached. The jaw shaft 58 is coupled by a . C~ liOIIal coupling sleeves 62 to a rotating power means such as a co.~, ' motor 64. The jaw shaft 58 and the jaw sleeve 60 are specifically designed so as to prevent jamming of the jaw membres 22 when the aluminium solidifies.
The jaws 22 are preferably attached to an auxiliary jaw shaft 66 mounted in an auxiliary jaw sleeves 68 so as to allow pivotal movement of the jaw members 22 about a second jaw member pivoting axis 70. The auxiliary jaw shaft 66 amd the auxiliary jaw slceve 68 are typically mounted on the distal end 20 of the arm 14 in a cnhS~nti~lly 1~ .I,.. l:. ~ '~ I~ ' ', relatively to the latter and are adapted to allow the jaw ~ 2180680 members 22 to remain in a s ~ ' 'ly constant horizontal orientation regardless of the angular p~ ~t; ~ ~ of the arm 14 as will be hereinafter disclosed.
As illustrated in figure 1, the proximal end 18 of the arm 14 is pivotally attached to an arm mounting structure 72. The arm mounting structure 72 is, in turn, mounted on a turn table ~ l 74. The proximal end 18 of the arm 14 is pivotally attached to arm mounting structure 72 so as to allow a pivotal movement of the arm 14 about an arm pivoting axis 76.
0 A pivoting means preferably taking the form of a Wllv~ piston component 78 is attached to both to the arm 14 and to the arm mounting structure 72. The piston component 78 is adapted to pivot the arm proximal end 18 about the arm pivoting axis 76 so as to allow the bucket component 16 to be raised or lowered as will be hereinafter disclosed.
A stabilizing means is provided for preventing the bucket component 16 from being tilted when raised or lowered by a pivotal action of the arm 14 above the arm pivoting axis 76.
In the first f~ml~~ ' ' of the invention, the stabilizing meams takes the form of an auxiliary arm 80. The auxiliary arm 80 is pivotally attached at a distal end thereof to a linkage arm 82.
The auxiliary arm 80 is attached at a proximal end thereof to an upwardly protuding ~ 2180~8~
scgment 84 of the arm mounting structure 72. The linkage arm 82 is attached to auxiliary jaw shaft 66 and adapted to transmit rotational movement to the latter.
The auxiliary arrn 80 is mounted in a parallel ll l ~ ' . to the arm 14 and pivotally attached at both ends so as to rcmain in a parallel ll l ' " with the arm 14 when the latter is pivoted about its arm pivoting axis 76. The parallelogram formed by the arm 14, the auxiliary arm 80 the linkage arm 82 and the protuding segment 84 of the arm mounting structure 72 is thus adapted to prevent tilting of the bucket component 16 when the latter is either raised or lowered by a rotational movement of the proximal end 1~ of o the shaft 14 about its shaft rotating axis 76.
In a second .,lllb. ' of the invention illustrated in Figure 10, the stabilizing means takes the form of a stabilizing cylinder 86 attached at a proximal end thereof to the arm 14 and at a distal end thereof to a bucket stabilizing arm 88.
Returning to figure 1, the turn table component 74 is rotatably mounted on the base component 12 so as to allow rotation of the arm 14 about an arm second pivoting axis 90. The turn table component 74 is l~lrrl~ lly coupled to a rotating means (not shown) such as a ~. ' motor.
The base component 12 preferably takes the form of a protective shell having a door 92.
The protective shell is adapted to u-uL~u~ y enclose the electronic circuitry and part ~ ~18068~
of the hydraulic circuitry required for the operation of the skimming device 10. The base member 12 includes a base mounting plate 94 for anchoring the device to a ground surface.
In use, the bucket component 16 is put into contact with the top surface of the volume of liquid, with the jaw members 22 in the jaw component open, '~ illustrated in Figures 4 through 7. As the deflecting plates 38 contact the top surf~e of the volume of liquid, their angled ~ tends to push the debris towards the peripheral edge free segments 30.
The deflecting plates 38 are thus adapted to optimize the scooping action of the jaw members 22 when they pivot towards their closed ..",r~ " and are also adaptecl to prevent the bucket component 16 from being ' by material that may have a tendency to stick to the bucket component 16 and to, other volumes of liquids into which the bucket component 16 will eventually be later dipped into.
It should be understood that although the present invention is shown used in the contcxt of skimming debris from a crucible containing melted aluminum, the present invention could also be used in other contexts without departing from thc scope of the present invention. Also, it should be understood that even in the context of aluminum containing crucibles, the volume of liquid could be put into contact with the bucket component 16 by various means without departing from the scope of the present invention.
PATENT APPLICATION OF MICHEL LESSARD
FOR A
SKIMMING DEVICB
FIELD OF THE INVBNTION
The present invention relates to the field of skimming devices and is p~ ul~ly concerned with a device for skimming impurities floating on top of a volume of liqnid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various situations exist wherein it is desirable to remove debris floating on the top surface of a volume of liquid. One example of such situation is ~ o...lL-,Icd in the industrial process leading to the formation of ingots made of aluminum.
The production of aluminium ingots typically requires three major steps, namely the formation of melted aluminum in so called electrolytic tanks, the casting of the melted aluminum into solid ingots at a casting site and the ~ I ;(." of the melted aluminum from the cl.,.ll~,lyli~. tanks to the casting site.
~ 2180~80 The melted aluminum is formed by a continuous process m the electrolytic tanks through the clc~llul.y~iD of am alumina bath or aluminum oxide bath containing dissolvedaluminum oxide. The aluminum onoe formed being more dense than the alumina bath,it sinks to the bottom of the electrolysis tank.
Since the melted aluminum is formed through the use of a continuous process and since the melted aluminum rests underneath a layer of alumina bath, the melted aluminum is cyclically transferred out of the electrolysis tank using a siphoning process that siphons the melted aluminum into so called crucibles.
Each crucible typically consists in a cylindrical open top container made of steel and lined with refractory bricks. These crucibles are mounted on conveyer belts amd act ascontainers for 11~ the newly formed melted aluminum from the electrolysis tank to the casting location and for allowing thc newly formed melted aluminum to cool down and attain an ideal cooling I . ~ before reaching the casting site.
During the siphoning process of the liquid aluminum from the electrolysis tank to a given crucible, some of the overlying electrolysis bath is also, r; ~ ~y siphoned into the crucible. The fusion i . ~i of the electrolysis bath being higher tham that of the newly formed melted aluminum, when the liquid content of a crucible cools down, the aluminum bath solidifies atop the newly formed melted aluminum thus forming a layer of froth. This layer of froth must, of course, be removed from the crucible prior to the 8 ~
aluminum being poured into the casting molds.
The traditional method of removing the layer of froth from the surface of the cooling melted aluminum consists in dipping a large perforated spoon into the liquid metal and manually retrieving the solidified pieces of electrolysis bath.
The spoons being heavy and the I . ~ in the vicinity of the crucible being elevated, the manual operation is non-ergonomic and may potentially lead to injury. Fu~ o~c;, dipping of the spoon into the crucible may cause splashing of its content on the operator lo again potentially causing serious injuries.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a device that could ~ / remove debris floating on top of a volume of liquid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a ' ~ I skimmmg device.
Advantages of the present invention include the fact that the ' ' skimming device in accordance with the present invention removes debris floating on top of a volume of liquid therefore reducing mamual labor and the associated health hazards.
~ ~180680 The skimming device in accordance with the present invention also provides means for ~ g the: of the liquid being skimmed by impurities.
The skimming device in accordance with the present invention provides efficient sealing meams so as to prevent the material being skimmed off the layer of liquid from L.~ till~;ly dripping out of the skimming device.
The skimming device in accordance with the present invention is provided with (Y~ . .a~ that are specifically designed to prevent jamming of the various moving , , when the device is used with solidifying material.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a skimming device for skimming debris floating on a volume of liquid, the skimming device . u . g a base member; a spacing arm, the spacing arm having a spacing arm proximal end and a spacing arm distal end, the spacing arm proximal end being attached to the base member;
a bucket component attached to the spacing arm distal end, the bucket component having a pair of jaw members; each of the jaw members having a jaw member base walls and a jaw member peripheral wall; the jaw member base wall defining a peripheral edge free segment and a peripheral edge walled segment, the jaw member peripheral wall extending from the peripheral edge walled segment; the jaw member peripheral wall having aperipheral wall proximal end and a peripheral wall distal end; the jaw members being pivotal relatively to one another about a jaw first pivoting axis between a jaw member ~ 218~680 first position and a jaw member second position, wherein when the jaw members are in the jaw member first position, they fonn an open top container with the peripheral edge free segment and the peripheral wall distal end of one jaw member contacting the peripheral edge free segment and peripheral wall distal end of the other jaw member, and wherein when the jaw members are in the jaw member second position, the peripheral edge free segment and the peripheral wall distal end of one of the jaw members are spaced from the peripheral edge free segment and peripheral wall distal end of the opposed jaw member.
Preferrably, the skimming device further comprises a jaw pivoting means for pivoting the jaw members between the jaw member first position and the jaw member second position.
IPi~l-tly, each of the jaw member base walls defines a base wall upper surface and a base wall lower surface, the jaw mcmbers further comprising a deflecting plate the deflecting plate being mounted undcrneath the base wall lower surface amd angled relatively to the latter.
Preferrably, the jaw member base wall has a substantially triangular . .,.,ri~ ", the peripheral edge free segment having a substamtially straight ~ r~ , the peripheral edge free segment extending between a free segment proximal end and a frcc scgmcnt distal end, the peripheral edge walled segment defining a walled side segment and a walled front segment, the walled side segment having a substantially straight ~ ' ~
~ 2180~80 and a length . ' 'Iy equal to that of the peripheral edge free segment, thc walled side segment having a side segment proximal end and a side segment distal end, the walled side segment being angled relatively to the peripheral edge free segment so lhat the free segment proximal end connects with the walled segment proximal end at an edge hlt~,l.,~ plil.g corner and the free segment distal end is spaced from the walled segment distal end, the walled front segment extendmg between the free segment distal end and the walled segment distal end.
Co.... - Iy, one of the walled segment distal end extends into a walled segment u~ ,uh.L lip, the walled segment overlapping lip being configured and sized so as to overlap the walled segment distal end of the other jaw member when the jaw members are in the jaw member closed, '~
Preferrably, the spacing arm proximal end is pivotally attached to the base member so as to allow the spacing arm to pivot about a spacing arm first pivoting axis, the spacing arm first pivoting axis having a: I - 'Iy horizontal orientation.
Cu ~ " the skimming device further includes a stabilizing means for preventing the tilting of the bucket compûnent when the arm is pivoted about the arm first pivoting axis.
In one , '.o.l: .1 ofthe invention, the stabilizing means takes the form of an auxiliary arm rotatably attached at one end thereof to the bucket cûmponent and rotatably attached at its opposed Inng;f U~ end to a spacing component extending from the base member, the au~iliary arm being in a parallel l~laliO..~h.~) relatively to the arm.
In another ' ' of the invention, the stabilizing means is a stabilizing piston attached at one of its l~.,,v~ end to the arm and at its opposed 1( ~ ' ' end tothe bucket ~ , G~llv~,lli.,lllly, the arm proximal end is mounted on a turntable component for allowing the arm pro~imal end to pivot about an arm second pivotal axis, the arm second pivotal o axis being in I - 'Iy vertical orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1: in an elevational view, illustrates a skimming device in accordance with an of the present invention, the skimming device being shown with its jaws dipped into a crucible, the crucible being shown in cross-section;
Figure 2: in a perspective view, illustrates a pair of jaw members part of a skimming device in accordance with am ' ~' of the present invention, the jaw members being shown in a partially opened, r~
Figure 3: in a perspective view, illustrates a pair of jaw members part of a skimming 218068~
device in accordance with an r.n ~- ~ of the present invention, the jaw members being shown in a partially opened ..-.. .r;v., -~ i.l hidden lines are sown in phamtom lines;
Figure 4: in a perspective view, illustrates the jaw members of Figure 2 in a fully opened c/~nfig~ ion;
Figure 5: in a perspective view, illustrates the jaw members of Figure 2 in a fully opened riV.~ " the hiden lines being shown in phamtom lines;
lo Figure 6: in an elevational view, illustrates the jaw members of Figure 2 in a fully opened "V the hiden lines being shown in phamtom lines;
Figure 7: in a side view, illustrates the jaw members of Figure 2 in a fully opened 'v the hiden lines being shown in phamtom lines;
Figure 8: in a side view, illustrates a skimming device m accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the skimming device being shown with its jaws in a partially opened ~r."riV ~ ., dipped into a crucible, the crucible being shown in cross-section;
Figure 9: in a top view, illustrates a skimming device in accordance with an, bo,' of the present invention, the skimming device being shown with its jaws moving between am open and a closed, '_ and its arm pivoting out of position relatively to the ~ 2~8068~
crucible;
Figure 10: in an elevational view illustrates a skimming device in accordance with a second cll.bodi...~ t of the present invention;
Figure 11: rn am elevational view illustrates a skimming device in accordance with a second ~,~b~: " of the present invention, the skimming device being shown in a working ~,llVil~ ' and with an enlarged detail view of a i . ~ display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a skimming device 10 in accordance with an of the present invention. The skimming device 10 includes a base member 12, a spacing arm 14 and a bucket component 16.
The spacing arm 14 has a spacing arm proximal end 18 and spacing distal end 20. The spacmg arm proximal end 18 is attached to the base member 12 while the bucket component 16 is attached to the spacing arm distal end 20.
Referring now more specifically to Figures 2 through 7, the bucket component 16 has a pair of jaw member 22. Each of the jaw members 22 has a jaw member base wall 24 and ~180680 a jaw member peripheral wall 26. The jaw membcrs 22 are mouneed to the spacing arm distal end 20 so as to be pivotable relatively to one another about a jaw member pivoting axis 28 as will be hereinafter disclosed.
The jaw member base wall 24 has a base wall peripheral edge defining a peripheral edge free segment 30 amd a peripheral edge walled segment 32. The peripheral wall 26 extends s ~ 'Iy upwardly from the peripheral edge walled segment 32. The jaw member peripheral wall 26 has a peripheral wall proximal end 34 and a peripheral wall distal end 36.
The jaw members 22 are pivotable relatively to one another about the jaw pivoting axis 28. The jaw pivoting axis 28 extends in a drrection substantially ~ Ji~,ulal to the jaw member base wall 24. The jaw members 22 are pivotable between a jaw member firstposition and a jaw member second position. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the jaw members 22 in a position close to the jaw member first position while figures 4 through 7 illustrate the jaw members 22 in the jaw member second position.
When the jaw members 22 are in the jaw member first position, they form an open top container with the peripheral edge free segment 30 and the peripheral wall distal end 36 of one jaw member 22 contacting the peripheral edge free segment 30 and the perip]heral wall distal end 36 of the other jaw member 22.
~ 2180680 As illustrated in Figures 4 through 7, when the jaw members 22 are in the jaw member open position, the peripheral edge free segments 30 and the ~Oll~ ~ ' g peripheral wall distal ends 36 are spaced relatively to one another and, preferably, for reason hereinafter disclosed, the outer surface of peripheral walls 26 abuttingly contact each other.
The buckct component 16 preferably further includes a deflecting means for deflecting the debris away from the bucket component 16 when the latter is put into contact with the top surface of a volume of liquid. The deflecting means typically takes the forrm of a pair of deflecting plates 38, each deflecting plate 38 being fixed underneath the lower surface of a COll~ r ' ~ base plate 24 and angled elatively to the latter.
The deflecting plates 38 are typically kept in a partially spaced apart and angled l~ Idiu~ J relatively to the ~ Ull~ ~t,ollJi,lg jaw member base wall 24 by a l~,h~ul~~ llt rib 40 extending Lh.,l~b.,h. ~ ~"1. Typically, each deflecting plate 38 is angled away from the ..o.,. ~ ",.~ g jaw member base wall in a direction leadmg from the ~II~.S~JUIId;ll~;
peripheral edge free segment 30 towards the peripheral edge walled segment 32.
The jaw member base wall 24 preferably has a ~ ~ ~Iy triangular ~ in.. In such instancel the peripheral edge free segment 30 has a ' 'Iy straight r;~ ,;"" The peripheral edge free segment extends between a frec segment proximal end 42 and a free segment distal end 44. When the jaw member base wall 24 ~ 218068Q
has a ' 'ly tdangular ~ r;~ the pcriphe}al edgc walled segment 32 defines a walled side segment 46 and a walled front segment 48.
The walled side segment has a substantially straight ~ onfi1 and a length $..h~ lly equal to that of the peripheral edge free segment 30. The walled side segment 46 has a side segment proximal end 50 and a side segment distal end 52. In fact, when, the jaw member base wall 24 has a substantially triangular, r~ the side segment proximal end 50 coincides with the peripheral wall proximal end 34.
The walled side segment 46 is angled relatively to the peripheral edge free segment 30 so that the free segment proximal end 42 connects with the walled segment proximal end 50 at an edge h-l~l~!JI;..~ corner. The free segment distal end 44 is spaced from the walled segment distal end 52.
The walled front segment 48 extends between the free segment distal end 44 and the walled segment distal end 52. The jaw pivoting axis 28 is typically located adjacent the edge ~-tillg corner. In an alternative e~ '' of the invention the walled front segment 44 has a generally arcuate, ~ .
The jaw members 22, as will be hereinafter disclosed, are adaptcd to act as a pair of scooping jaws for skimming the impurities floating on top of a volume of liquid and retaining these impurities until they can be dropped into an dl)~)10~ ' ' waste recepLIcle.
A sealing means is thus provided for preventing the debris having being scooped off the top surface of the volume of liquid from escaping the bucket component formed by the jaw members intheir closed position.
The sealing means typically takes the form of a walled segment o.~lla,u,uilJg lip 54 that extends integrally from the walled segment distal end 44 of one of the jaw mcmbers.
The walled segment uv. ' Il g lip is configured in size so as to overlap the walled segment distal end 44 of the opposing jaw members when the jaw members are in the jaw member closed position.
Preferably, the sealing means further includes a free segment u -~1 r I ~ ~ lip 56 extending integrally from the peripheral edge free segments 30. The free segment u.vlla~ lip 56 is configured in size so as to overlap the peripheral edge free segment 30 of the opposed jaw member 22 when both jaw membcrs 22 are in the jaw member closed position.
Typically, bûth the walled segments u . . ' 1 . ~ g lip 54 and the free segment u . ~ lla~J~;.Ig lip have a C.lh5f~ y "L"-shaped rr,nfiellr~tirr~ defining an outward spacing segment and an abutting segment. The abutting segment being adapted to abuttingly overlap the opposed structure when the jaw members 22 are in the jaw member closed position.
In order to facilitate both the scooping of debris floating on the top surface of a volume ~ 21806g~
of liquid and to facilitate the discharge of the debris from the bucket component to a suitable disposal site or container, the jaw member base wall 24 are preferable angled relatively to an horizontal plane with the peripheral edge walled segment 32 being located above the peripheral edge free segment 30.
As mentioned previously, the jaw members 22 are mounted on the distal end 20 of the arm 14 so as to allow their relative pivotal movement between the jaw open l-nnfigu~ ~ n and the jaw closed ~ ~,..r:".., ~i,-" In the preferred ~ o~ 1, one of the jaw members 22 is fixed while the opposed jaw member 22 is pivotable.
As illustrated more specifically in figure 8, the pivotable jaw member 22 is attached to a jaw shaft 58 that extends through a jaw sleeve 60 to which the fixed jaw member 22 is attached. The jaw shaft 58 is coupled by a . C~ liOIIal coupling sleeves 62 to a rotating power means such as a co.~, ' motor 64. The jaw shaft 58 and the jaw sleeve 60 are specifically designed so as to prevent jamming of the jaw membres 22 when the aluminium solidifies.
The jaws 22 are preferably attached to an auxiliary jaw shaft 66 mounted in an auxiliary jaw sleeves 68 so as to allow pivotal movement of the jaw members 22 about a second jaw member pivoting axis 70. The auxiliary jaw shaft 66 amd the auxiliary jaw slceve 68 are typically mounted on the distal end 20 of the arm 14 in a cnhS~nti~lly 1~ .I,.. l:. ~ '~ I~ ' ', relatively to the latter and are adapted to allow the jaw ~ 2180680 members 22 to remain in a s ~ ' 'ly constant horizontal orientation regardless of the angular p~ ~t; ~ ~ of the arm 14 as will be hereinafter disclosed.
As illustrated in figure 1, the proximal end 18 of the arm 14 is pivotally attached to an arm mounting structure 72. The arm mounting structure 72 is, in turn, mounted on a turn table ~ l 74. The proximal end 18 of the arm 14 is pivotally attached to arm mounting structure 72 so as to allow a pivotal movement of the arm 14 about an arm pivoting axis 76.
0 A pivoting means preferably taking the form of a Wllv~ piston component 78 is attached to both to the arm 14 and to the arm mounting structure 72. The piston component 78 is adapted to pivot the arm proximal end 18 about the arm pivoting axis 76 so as to allow the bucket component 16 to be raised or lowered as will be hereinafter disclosed.
A stabilizing means is provided for preventing the bucket component 16 from being tilted when raised or lowered by a pivotal action of the arm 14 above the arm pivoting axis 76.
In the first f~ml~~ ' ' of the invention, the stabilizing meams takes the form of an auxiliary arm 80. The auxiliary arm 80 is pivotally attached at a distal end thereof to a linkage arm 82.
The auxiliary arm 80 is attached at a proximal end thereof to an upwardly protuding ~ 2180~8~
scgment 84 of the arm mounting structure 72. The linkage arm 82 is attached to auxiliary jaw shaft 66 and adapted to transmit rotational movement to the latter.
The auxiliary arrn 80 is mounted in a parallel ll l ~ ' . to the arm 14 and pivotally attached at both ends so as to rcmain in a parallel ll l ' " with the arm 14 when the latter is pivoted about its arm pivoting axis 76. The parallelogram formed by the arm 14, the auxiliary arm 80 the linkage arm 82 and the protuding segment 84 of the arm mounting structure 72 is thus adapted to prevent tilting of the bucket component 16 when the latter is either raised or lowered by a rotational movement of the proximal end 1~ of o the shaft 14 about its shaft rotating axis 76.
In a second .,lllb. ' of the invention illustrated in Figure 10, the stabilizing means takes the form of a stabilizing cylinder 86 attached at a proximal end thereof to the arm 14 and at a distal end thereof to a bucket stabilizing arm 88.
Returning to figure 1, the turn table component 74 is rotatably mounted on the base component 12 so as to allow rotation of the arm 14 about an arm second pivoting axis 90. The turn table component 74 is l~lrrl~ lly coupled to a rotating means (not shown) such as a ~. ' motor.
The base component 12 preferably takes the form of a protective shell having a door 92.
The protective shell is adapted to u-uL~u~ y enclose the electronic circuitry and part ~ ~18068~
of the hydraulic circuitry required for the operation of the skimming device 10. The base member 12 includes a base mounting plate 94 for anchoring the device to a ground surface.
In use, the bucket component 16 is put into contact with the top surface of the volume of liquid, with the jaw members 22 in the jaw component open, '~ illustrated in Figures 4 through 7. As the deflecting plates 38 contact the top surf~e of the volume of liquid, their angled ~ tends to push the debris towards the peripheral edge free segments 30.
The deflecting plates 38 are thus adapted to optimize the scooping action of the jaw members 22 when they pivot towards their closed ..",r~ " and are also adaptecl to prevent the bucket component 16 from being ' by material that may have a tendency to stick to the bucket component 16 and to, other volumes of liquids into which the bucket component 16 will eventually be later dipped into.
It should be understood that although the present invention is shown used in the contcxt of skimming debris from a crucible containing melted aluminum, the present invention could also be used in other contexts without departing from thc scope of the present invention. Also, it should be understood that even in the context of aluminum containing crucibles, the volume of liquid could be put into contact with the bucket component 16 by various means without departing from the scope of the present invention.
2~80680 For example, instead of having the bucket component raised, lowered and pivoted, the bucket component could remain fixed while the crucible is brought in proximity with thc bucket component 16 and then lowered or raised so that the volume of liquid contacts bucket component 16. In other words, the present invention is not limited to a bucket component attached to a pivotable arm but could be used without movement of the bucket component other than the movement of the pivoting jaws without departing from thc scope of the present invention.
In the context illustrated in Figures 1 through 9, the arm 14 is first pivoted about the arm pivoting axis 76 so as to raise the bucket component 16. The crucible 96 containimg a volume of melted aluminum is then brought in a proximal l~ ' ' . to the bucket component 16 by ~ . ' conveyer belts. The arm 1~ is then pivoted about the arm pivoting axis 76 so as to lower the bucket component 16 until it contacts the upper surface of the volume of melted aluminum.
As iLlustrated in figure 9, one of the jaw members 22 is then pivoted relatively to the opposed fixed jaw member 22 thus skimming debris such as the solidifying alumina bath floating on top of the surface of melted aluminum. Rotation of the mobile jaw member 22 is indicated by arrow A in figure 9.
The jaw member base wall 24 being substantially triangular in shape, its gr~\mrtrir:~l crnFi~r~ti~n makes it particularly well adapted to scooping the floating debris. Indecd, 218068~
the larger volume of liquid is skimmed by the outer peripheral portion of the base wall 24. The outer peripheral portion of the base wall 24 is adapted to receive a larger volume of debris since the outer peripheral surface of the jaw member base wall 24 is larger than the inner surface adjacent to the jaw member pivoting axis 28.
As illustrated in Figures 9, the pivoting jaw member 22 skims the top surface of the volume of melted aluminum until it reaches the jaw closed, '~ Once in the jaw closed ~,ullrO the sealing means prevent the debris from falling out of the open top container formed by the bucket component 16.
Once the jaw members 22 are in the jaw closed rllnfigu~inn the arm 14 is pivoted above the arm pivotal axis 76 so as to raise the bucket component 16 out of the crucible 96. as illustrated in figure 9, the turntable component 74 is then pivoted above the second pivoting axis 90, according to arrow B so as to position the bucket component 16 over a waste discharge area or container (not shown).
The jaw members are then opened and the angled ~nnfi~ n of the jaw membcr Ibase wall 24 allows the debris to fall out of the bucket component 16. The operation is repeated cyclically as crucible 96 is brought into the proximity of the skimmmg device 10 by co,... ' conveyer belts.
In an alternative b. ' of the invention 10', illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the 218068~
arm 14 has a telescopic c~ L.u.,Lio,. and is thus adapted to extend or retract 1~ ~ ' 'ly. The telescopic segmcnt 98 is extracted and retracted by telescopic piston type component 100 fixed at one end to the arm 14 and at its other end to the telescopic segment 98.
In the second .,.I.bl " 10' illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the arm piston component 78 is assisted by an auxiliary arm piston component 102. The telescopic segment 98 allows for further adjustment of the positioning of the bucket component 16.
As illustrated more ~ ,ir~lly in fgure 11, the second ' " 10' is fur~her provided with a heat sensing and display means for sensing and displaying the L~ ,ldlulci of the bucket component 16. The heat sensing and display means preferably takes the form of an infrared emittcr and receptor ~,o~llb' ' 104 linked to an electronic circuitry and to a visual display screen 106 and optionally to an alarm system.
The display screen 106 is preferably mounted on a wall part of a protective cabin 108.
The crucible 96 is 1: ~ adjaccnt a protection ramp 108. The infrared emitter 104 is adapted to send an ifra-red beam 108 on the bucket component 16.
The heat sensing and display means is adapted to prevent the bucket component 16 fiom being dipped into the volume of melted aluminum when the i . ~.L~; differential between the bucket component 16 and the melted aluminum reaches a ~lc;Jc;L~
~ 2180680 value. The heat sensing and display means is thus adapted to prevent explosions that could occur when the bucket component 16 have a relatively low surface ' . ~ and the aullOullJ ..g ~ i., has a relative humidity ratio.
The heat sensing means may be optionally linked to an electronic circuitry that controls the speed at which the arm 14 pivots so as to lower the bucket component 16 into the melted aluminum. In the event that the bucket component 16 has a relatively low surface l~1U~ UI~;~ the lowering of the bucket component 16 into the melted aluminum may be slowed down so as to allow the bucket component 16 to be warmed by the hcat convicting out of the crucible 96. The electronic circuitry may be adapted to allow the lowering of the bucket component 16 at normal speeds when the surface I . clLule of the bucket component 16 reaches a ~ r~ d value.
Various ."~ r;~_l;.. ., variations and adaptations may be made to the speclfic ~,l.lb " of the invention L,l. ' rOI~ described without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
In the context illustrated in Figures 1 through 9, the arm 14 is first pivoted about the arm pivoting axis 76 so as to raise the bucket component 16. The crucible 96 containimg a volume of melted aluminum is then brought in a proximal l~ ' ' . to the bucket component 16 by ~ . ' conveyer belts. The arm 1~ is then pivoted about the arm pivoting axis 76 so as to lower the bucket component 16 until it contacts the upper surface of the volume of melted aluminum.
As iLlustrated in figure 9, one of the jaw members 22 is then pivoted relatively to the opposed fixed jaw member 22 thus skimming debris such as the solidifying alumina bath floating on top of the surface of melted aluminum. Rotation of the mobile jaw member 22 is indicated by arrow A in figure 9.
The jaw member base wall 24 being substantially triangular in shape, its gr~\mrtrir:~l crnFi~r~ti~n makes it particularly well adapted to scooping the floating debris. Indecd, 218068~
the larger volume of liquid is skimmed by the outer peripheral portion of the base wall 24. The outer peripheral portion of the base wall 24 is adapted to receive a larger volume of debris since the outer peripheral surface of the jaw member base wall 24 is larger than the inner surface adjacent to the jaw member pivoting axis 28.
As illustrated in Figures 9, the pivoting jaw member 22 skims the top surface of the volume of melted aluminum until it reaches the jaw closed, '~ Once in the jaw closed ~,ullrO the sealing means prevent the debris from falling out of the open top container formed by the bucket component 16.
Once the jaw members 22 are in the jaw closed rllnfigu~inn the arm 14 is pivoted above the arm pivotal axis 76 so as to raise the bucket component 16 out of the crucible 96. as illustrated in figure 9, the turntable component 74 is then pivoted above the second pivoting axis 90, according to arrow B so as to position the bucket component 16 over a waste discharge area or container (not shown).
The jaw members are then opened and the angled ~nnfi~ n of the jaw membcr Ibase wall 24 allows the debris to fall out of the bucket component 16. The operation is repeated cyclically as crucible 96 is brought into the proximity of the skimmmg device 10 by co,... ' conveyer belts.
In an alternative b. ' of the invention 10', illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the 218068~
arm 14 has a telescopic c~ L.u.,Lio,. and is thus adapted to extend or retract 1~ ~ ' 'ly. The telescopic segmcnt 98 is extracted and retracted by telescopic piston type component 100 fixed at one end to the arm 14 and at its other end to the telescopic segment 98.
In the second .,.I.bl " 10' illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the arm piston component 78 is assisted by an auxiliary arm piston component 102. The telescopic segment 98 allows for further adjustment of the positioning of the bucket component 16.
As illustrated more ~ ,ir~lly in fgure 11, the second ' " 10' is fur~her provided with a heat sensing and display means for sensing and displaying the L~ ,ldlulci of the bucket component 16. The heat sensing and display means preferably takes the form of an infrared emittcr and receptor ~,o~llb' ' 104 linked to an electronic circuitry and to a visual display screen 106 and optionally to an alarm system.
The display screen 106 is preferably mounted on a wall part of a protective cabin 108.
The crucible 96 is 1: ~ adjaccnt a protection ramp 108. The infrared emitter 104 is adapted to send an ifra-red beam 108 on the bucket component 16.
The heat sensing and display means is adapted to prevent the bucket component 16 fiom being dipped into the volume of melted aluminum when the i . ~.L~; differential between the bucket component 16 and the melted aluminum reaches a ~lc;Jc;L~
~ 2180680 value. The heat sensing and display means is thus adapted to prevent explosions that could occur when the bucket component 16 have a relatively low surface ' . ~ and the aullOullJ ..g ~ i., has a relative humidity ratio.
The heat sensing means may be optionally linked to an electronic circuitry that controls the speed at which the arm 14 pivots so as to lower the bucket component 16 into the melted aluminum. In the event that the bucket component 16 has a relatively low surface l~1U~ UI~;~ the lowering of the bucket component 16 into the melted aluminum may be slowed down so as to allow the bucket component 16 to be warmed by the hcat convicting out of the crucible 96. The electronic circuitry may be adapted to allow the lowering of the bucket component 16 at normal speeds when the surface I . clLule of the bucket component 16 reaches a ~ r~ d value.
Various ."~ r;~_l;.. ., variations and adaptations may be made to the speclfic ~,l.lb " of the invention L,l. ' rOI~ described without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A skimming device for skimming debris floating on a volume of liquid, said skimming device comprising:
a base member;
a spacing arm, said spacing arm having a spacing arm proximal end and a spacing arm distal end, said spacing arm proximal end being attached to said base member;
a bucket component attached to said spacing arm distal end, said bucket component having a pair of jaw members;
each of said jaw members having a jaw member base wall and a jaw member peripheral wall;
said jaw member base wall defining a peripheral edge free segment and a peripheral edge walled segment, said jaw member peripheral wall extending from said peripheral edge walled segment;
said jaw member peripheral wall having a peripheral wall proximal end and a peripheral wall distal end;
said jaw members being pivotal relatively to one another about a jaw first pivoting axis between a jaw member first position and a jaw member second position, wherein when said jaw members are in said jaw member first position, they form an open top container with said peripheral edge free segment and said peripheral wall distal end of one jaw member contacting the peripheral edge free segment and peripheral wall distal end of the other jaw member, and wherein when said jaw members are in said jaw member second position, said peripheral edge free segment and said peripheral wall distal end of one of said jaw members are spaced from the peripheral edge free segment and peripheral wall distal end of the opposed jaw member.
a base member;
a spacing arm, said spacing arm having a spacing arm proximal end and a spacing arm distal end, said spacing arm proximal end being attached to said base member;
a bucket component attached to said spacing arm distal end, said bucket component having a pair of jaw members;
each of said jaw members having a jaw member base wall and a jaw member peripheral wall;
said jaw member base wall defining a peripheral edge free segment and a peripheral edge walled segment, said jaw member peripheral wall extending from said peripheral edge walled segment;
said jaw member peripheral wall having a peripheral wall proximal end and a peripheral wall distal end;
said jaw members being pivotal relatively to one another about a jaw first pivoting axis between a jaw member first position and a jaw member second position, wherein when said jaw members are in said jaw member first position, they form an open top container with said peripheral edge free segment and said peripheral wall distal end of one jaw member contacting the peripheral edge free segment and peripheral wall distal end of the other jaw member, and wherein when said jaw members are in said jaw member second position, said peripheral edge free segment and said peripheral wall distal end of one of said jaw members are spaced from the peripheral edge free segment and peripheral wall distal end of the opposed jaw member.
2. A skimming device as recited in Claim 1 wherein said skimming device further comprises a jaw pivoting means for pivoting said jaw members between said jaw member first position and said jaw member second position.
3. A skimming device as recited in Claim 2 wherein said pivoting means is a motor having a driving shaft connected to one of said jaw members.
4. A skimming device as recited in Claim 1 wherein each of said jaw member base walls defines a base wall upper surface and a base wall lower surface, said jaw members further comprising a deflecting plate said deflecting plate being mounted underneath said base wall lower surface and angled relatively to the latter.
5. A skimming device as recited in Claim 4 wherein said deflecting plate is spaced and angled relatively to said base wall by a reinforcing rib extending between said deflecting plate and said base wall.
6. A skimming device as recited in Claim 5 wherein said deflecting plate is angled away from said jaw member base wall in a direction leading from said peripheral edge free segment to said peripheral edge walled segment.
7. A skimming device as recited in Claim 1 wherein said base wall is angled so that said peripheral edge walled segment is positioned above said peripheral edge free segment.
8. A skimming device as recited in Claim 1 wherein said jaw member base wall has a substantially triangular configuration, said peripheral edge free segment having a substantially straight configuration, said peripheral edge free segment extending between a free segment proximal end and a free segment distal end, said peripheral edge walled segment defining a walled side segment and a walled front segment, said walled side segment having a substantially straight configuration and a length substantially equal to that of said peripheral edge free segment, said walled side segment having a side segment proximal end and a side segment distal end, said walled side segment being angled relatively to said peripheral edge free segment so that said free segment proximal end connects with said walled segment proximal end at an edge intercepting corner and said free segment distal end is spaced from said walled segment distal end, said walled front segment extending between said free segment distal end and said walled segment distal end.
9. A skimming device as recited in Claim 8 wherein said jaw first pivoting axis is located adjacent said edge intercepting corner.
10. A skimming device as recited in Claim 8 wherein one of said walled segment distal end extends into a walled segment overlapping lip, said walled segment overlapping lip being configured and sized so as to overlap said walled segment distal end of the other jaw member when said jaw members are in the jaw member closed configuration.
11. A skimming device as recited in Claim 8 wherein one of said peripheral edge free segments extends into a free segment overlapping lip, said free segment overlapping lip being configured in size so as to overlap said peripheral edge free segment of the other jaw member when said jaw members are in the jaw member closed configuration.
12. A skimming device as recited in Claim 1 wherein said spacing arm proximal end is pivotally attached to said base member so as to allow said spacing arm to pivot about a spacing arm first pivoting axis, said spacing arm first pivoting axis having a substantially horizontal orientation.
13. A skimming device as recited in Claim 12 wherein said skimming device further includes an arm first pivoting means for pivoting said arm about said arm first pivoting axis.
14. A skimming device as recited in Claim 12 wherein said skimming device further includes a stabilizing means for preventing the tilting of said bucket component when said arm is pivoted about said arm first pivoting axis.
15. A skimming device as recited in Claim 14 wherein said stabilizing means takes the form of an auxiliary arm rotatably attached at one end thereof to said bucket component and rotatably attached at its opposed longitudinal end to a spacing component extending from said base member, said auxiliary arm being in a parallel relationship relatively to said arm.
16. A skimming device as recited in Claim 14 wherein stabilizing means is a stabilizing piston attached at one of its longitudinal end to said arm and at its opposed longitudinal end to said bucket component.
17. A stabilizing device as recited in Claim 1 wherein said arm proximal end is mounted on a turntable component for allowing said arm proximal end to pivot about an arm second pivotal axis, said arm second pivotal axis being in substantially vertical orientation.
18. A skimming device as recited in Claim 1 wherein said arm is telescopic so as to allow longitudinal extension and retraction of said arm, said skimming device being further provided with a telescopically extending and retracting said arm.
19. A skimming device as recited in Claim 1 further comprising a heat sensing means for sensing the temperature of said bucket component.
20. A skimming device as recited in Claim 19 further comprising an alarm means for activating an alarm when the temperature of said bucket component falls underneath a predetermined value.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002180680A CA2180680A1 (en) | 1996-07-08 | 1996-07-08 | Skimming device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002180680A CA2180680A1 (en) | 1996-07-08 | 1996-07-08 | Skimming device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2180680A1 true CA2180680A1 (en) | 1998-01-09 |
Family
ID=4158556
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002180680A Abandoned CA2180680A1 (en) | 1996-07-08 | 1996-07-08 | Skimming device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2180680A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020093777A1 (en) * | 2018-11-06 | 2020-05-14 | 烟台盛利达工程技术有限公司 | Molten iron slag dredger |
-
1996
- 1996-07-08 CA CA002180680A patent/CA2180680A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020093777A1 (en) * | 2018-11-06 | 2020-05-14 | 烟台盛利达工程技术有限公司 | Molten iron slag dredger |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |