Patent ID: 6283839
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B24C

Abstract:
A cryogen shot blast apparatus for deflashing work pieces, said apparatus comprising:a treatment chamber for the work pieces;a throwing wheel adapted to propel particulate media into the treatment chamber to impact the work pieces in the treatment chamber;a cryogen supply system for introducing a flow of cryogen into the treatment chamber for embrittling at least selected portions of the work pieces in the treatment chamber;a recirculation system including a separator unit in communication with the treatment chamber, a media hopper in communication with said separator unit, a blower connected to said media hopper by a withdrawal conduit for withdrawing cryogen gas from the treatment chamber through said separator unit and said media hopper and pulling particulate media from said separator unit to said media hopper, and a supply conduit connecting said blower and said throwing wheel to return pressurized cryogen gas to said throwing wheel; anda particulate media supply system for introducing a metered flow of particulate media from said media hopper into flowing cryogen gas in said supply conduit to transport particulate media to said throwing wheel.