A molten metal holding container 1 includes an extraction outer pipe 12, an extraction inner pipe 13 and a load receiving part 7 including a first protrusion 7a protruding from an outer circumference of the inner pipe 3 in the horizontal direction and a second protrusion 7b protruding from an inner circumference of the outer pipe 2 in the horizontal direction so as to be opposed to the first protrusion 7a in a vertical direction, the second protrusion 7b being configured to receive a load of the inner pipe 3 through the first protrusion 7a, in which a vertical position of the load receiving part 7 coincides with a vertical position of a central axis of the extraction inner pipe 13.

A molten metal holding container 1 includes an extraction outer pipe 12, an extraction inner pipe 13 and a load receiving part 7 including a first protrusion 7a protruding from an outer circumference of the inner pipe 3 in the horizontal direction and a second protrusion 7b protruding from an inner circumference of the outer pipe 2 in the horizontal direction so as to be opposed to the first protrusion 7a in a vertical direction, the second protrusion 7b being configured to receive a load of the inner pipe 3 through the first protrusion 7a, in which a vertical position of the load receiving part 7 coincides with a vertical position of a central axis of the extraction inner pipe 13.

Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path.

Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path.

A system, method, and apparatus are provided for electrically shielding heated components, and more particularly, to electrically shielding electrically heated components in such a way as to be compatible with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protected circuits. Examples include an electrically shielded heated component including: a conductor, where the conductor is a heating element connected between a power line and a neutral line of a circuit from a GFCI; and a shield proximate the conductor and connected to the GFCI, where the shield receives a portion of current from the conductor and returns the portion of the current received to the GFCI.

The three-dimensional printer head for printing metal articles, the printer comprises a nozzle that is cylindrical and manufactured from a heat-resistant material with low electric conductivity, an embedded channel within the nozzle and running along a longitudinal length of the nozzle; a receiving space at a first end of the embedded channel in which a solid metal material is received; an extrusion space at a second end of the embedded channel from which a continuous bead of liquid or semisolid metal material is extruded, a feeder mechanism that continuously drives the solid metal material into the embedded channel through the receiving space, an induction coil surrounding an outer surface of the nozzle and extending over a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of the nozzle.

The three-dimensional printer head for printing metal articles, the printer comprises a nozzle that is cylindrical and manufactured from a heat-resistant material with low electric conductivity, an embedded channel within the nozzle and running along a longitudinal length of the nozzle; a receiving space at a first end of the embedded channel in which a solid metal material is received; an extrusion space at a second end of the embedded channel from which a continuous bead of liquid or semisolid metal material is extruded, a feeder mechanism that continuously drives the solid metal material into the embedded channel through the receiving space, an induction coil surrounding an outer surface of the nozzle and extending over a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of the nozzle.

A process to hold molten aluminum alloy in a refractory lined vessel using heating elements disposed within ceramic immersion heating tubes to provide accurate temperature metal for the casting industry. The vessel is lined with multi thicknesses of high insulating refractory materials to minimize heat loss with contoured corners to allow smooth flow of circulating metal provided by a gear drive with rotary shaft and impeller. The heating elements are housed in a ceramic protection tube to prevent aluminum leakage which would result in element failure. The receiving and outlet wells are separated by refractory arches. An insulated inert gas purged cover is used over the heat chamber to reduce heat loss and allow for an inert purge gas to minimize surface oxidation. A thermocouple for temperature control is positioned in the exit chamber. A ceramic drain plug is provided to remove metal for maintenance.

A process to hold molten aluminum alloy in a refractory lined vessel using heating elements disposed within ceramic immersion heating tubes to provide accurate temperature metal for the casting industry. The vessel is lined with multi thicknesses of high insulating refractory materials to minimize heat loss with contoured corners to allow smooth flow of circulating metal provided by a gear drive with rotary shaft and impeller. The heating elements are housed in a ceramic protection tube to prevent aluminum leakage which would result in element failure. The receiving and outlet wells are separated by refractory arches. An insulated inert gas purged cover is used over the heat chamber to reduce heat loss and allow for an inert purge gas to minimize surface oxidation. A thermocouple for temperature control is positioned in the exit chamber. A ceramic drain plug is provided to remove metal for maintenance.

A system, method, and apparatus are provided for electrically shielding heated components, and more particularly, to electrically shielding electrically heated components in such a way as to be compatible with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protected circuits. Examples include an electrically shielded heated component including: a conductor, where the conductor is a heating element connected between a power line and a neutral line of a circuit from a GFCI; and a shield proximate the conductor and connected to the GFCI, where the shield receives a portion of current from the conductor and returns the portion of the current received to the GFCI.