Abstract:
Treatment of the inner surfaces of an open-cell porous mass which may be damaged by pressure waves generated by exothermic reaction of a gaseous material present in the cavities of the porous mass and in a confined space. Treatment comprises (a) a gaseous material that produces short-term heat-energy is introduced into the cavities of the porous mass and the confined space, the volume of the space being greater than that of the porous mass to be treated, so that an empty space exists between porous mass and the walls of the confined space; (b) a non-flammable and non-decomposible gaseous material is introduced into the space in amount such that the pressure wave is largely reduced but the gaseous material is not essentially removed from the cavities of the porous mass, and (c) a reaction is triggered off in the gaseous material in the cavities of the porous mass before a diffusion between the gaseous material and the non-flammable material occurs to an appreciable extent. The non-flammable material is nitrogen, and the gaseous material a mixture of natural gas (or hydrogen) and oxygen.
Abstract:
Apparatus for the elimination (destruction or removal) of superfluous projections, such as unwanted burrs and sharp edges, or shaped or fabricated articles of manufacture utilizing means for generating a transient thermal energy release in a compressed gaseous material provided in a sealed and confined space or chamber is described. In particular, the apparatus includes article-contacting shielding means within the chamber for allowing selected portions of the article to be exposed to the thermal energy release without substantially altering the configuration and working dimensions of the article. Preferably piston means connected by conduit means to the chamber is provided to compress a combustible gaseous material in the chamber prior to the ignition of the combustible gaseous material which generates the energy release.
Abstract:
A machine or apparatus for the rapid high energy (transient thermal) treatment of articles requiring removal of superfluous projections (burrs and the like) is described in which a closed chamber is formed by action of the device to contain the thermal energy and article. The closed chamber encloses void volumes adjacent to the surfaces of the articles having superfluous projections. Closure elements acting with an article support element are actuated in forming the closed chamber or vessel. At least one of the closure elements is movable for closure toward and away from the other closure element. Preferably the movable closure element actuates the article support element in a holder such that a closed chamber is formed around the article. The movable closure element moves the support element in the holder in forming the closed chamber such that when a transient thermal energy release is generated in the chamber the holder does not bear any direct loading from the energy release. Preferably, a combustible gaseous composition is injected under pressure into the chamber void space between the closed chamber cavity and articles and a rapid thermal energy release reaction is initiated after achievement of suitable charge pressure. The device of the present invention fully contains the shock of the rapid thermal energy release and the consequent pressure rise and the result of the confined chamber reaction is the removal of superfluous projections from the parts placed in the chamber. The device includes sealing means between the article support element and the closure element functioning to form the chamber. The sealing means is preferably a replaceable seal which is protected by a mated or precision fit of male and female parts between the seal and the chamber. Fuel passage means are also provided leading to the chamber cavity with valving securing the chamber against exhaust of the reaction products or residue during the reaction. The machine is adapted for sequential treatment of articles in tooling which forms the chambers and which tooling can be varied to accommodate different article space requirements. A coolant may be utilized for the tooling where required by the cycle rate of the device.