Patent ID: 6394793
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: C21D,F27D

Abstract:
An apparatus for cooling a heat-treated metallic work piece, said work piece being of a circular shape and thereby having a radial cross-section that is uniform about its entire circumference, said radial cross-section also being of a complex geometry including a first portion that is substantially thicker and more massive than a second portion that is relatively thinner and less massive, said apparatus comprising:a. a fixture for supporting the work piece; b. a source compressed cooling gas for quenching the work piece; c. a set of tubes for delivering and directing the compressed cooling gas onto said work piece for cooling, said set of tubes including a first tube located on one side of the work piece and a second tube located on the other side of the work piece, each cooling gas delivery tube being circular in shape and located in close proximity to said first portion of the work piece that is substantially thicker and more massive, and each tube further comprising a multiplicity of bores aimed at the work piece so that said compressed cooling gas flows onto said first portion that is substantially thicker and more massive and away from said second portion that is relatively thinner and less massive.