Patent ID: 6071074
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: F04D

Abstract:
Apparatus for moving a stream of molten metal in a bath of the molten metal comprising:a pumping member (32) adapted to be disposed in a bath of a heated molten metal, and to move a stream of the molten metal as the pumping member is driven in a path of motion;a pump housing (30) at least partially enclosing the pumping member;a power device adapted to be supported above the bath of molten metal, and to be actuated in a powered motion;a shielding means rotatably carried on the pump housing, and drivingly connected to the pumping member to rotate the pumping member when the power device is actuated, the shielding means having an internal shaft-receiving opening;means for connecting the power device to the pumping member to move the pumping member in said path of motion, comprising;a pumping shaft (24) having an upper end connected to the power device so as to be rotated when the power device is actuated, and a lower driving end drivingly connected to the shielding means, to rotate the pumping member in said path of motion when the power device is actuated;the shaft having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and the shielding means having a different coefficient of thermal expansion;the shaft being telescopically disposed in the shielding means out of contact with the molten metal, and forming a chamber between the shaft and the shielding means sufficient to permit thermal expansion of the shaft without imposing a radial thermal stress on the shielding means; andmeans connecting the shielding means to the shaft such that the shielding means and all internal components disposed therein rotate as a unit with the shaft.