Patent ID: 6216362
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: C21D

Abstract:
A method for controlled cooling of cast metal railroad wheels, said wheels positioned on a conveying apparatus for transfer along a predetermined path through a cooling, processing and heat treating facility, said apparatus having means for sensing movement of said apparatus and means for controlling said apparatus, said method comprising:providing a plurality of generally hemispherical reflective caps above said wheels, said caps suspended by means for positioning;positioning one of said reflective caps above each said wheel to control its rate of radiant heat transfer, said reflective caps adjustable by means for positioning coupled to said controlling means;monitoring movement of said conveying apparatus with said sensing means;communicating said sensed movement of said apparatus from said sensing means to said controlling means for comparison of said sensed rate of movement to empirical data to provide a control signal from said control means to said positioning means;moving said reflective caps by said positioning means to one of closer to said wheel for reducing said rate of heat transfer and further from said wheel for accelerating said rate of heat transfer from said wheels;raising and lowering said caps in response to said sensed rate of movement for one of acceleration and reduction of the rate of heat transfer from said wheels along said path.