Patent ID: 6241001
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: B22D,Y10S

Abstract:
An injection molding system for producing a metal alloy, comprising:an accumulation chamber which stores therein the metal alloy in a thixotropic state, said chamber having an exit port through which the metal alloy in the thixotropic state is injected;a barrel which feeds said accumulation chamber with the metal alloy in the thixotropic state, said barrel positioned to gravity feed said metal alloy to said accumulation chamber;means for drawing in by suction comprising a piston-cylinder assembly having a piston and a cylinder wherein movement of said piston outwardly from the accumulation chamber in said cylinder draws at least a portion of said metal alloy in the thixotropic state into said accumulation chamber from said barrel, where a volume created by movement of said piston outwardly is substantially filled by the metal alloy drawn in from the barrel, and movement of said piston inwardly toward the accumulation chamber in said cylinder injects said metal alloy in the thixotropic state from said accumulation chamber into a mold; anda valve disposed in an opening between said barrel and said accumulation chamber, said valve selectively opening and closing said opening in response to one of (a) a pressure differential between said accumulation chamber and said barrel caused by movement of said piston, and (b) movement of said piston.