Shot blasting apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION This invention relates generally to shot blasting apparatus, and is more particularly concerned with an improved shot blasting apparatus having accurate timing means for minimum destruction of the apparatus with maximum efficiency and control of the shot.
The present invention provides a blast wheel having an exceptionally large impeller, and a control cage that easily receives the impeller.
Timing means are provided such that the impeller and the blast wheel are always properly set with respect to each other, and the control cage can be varied to change the location of the concentration of the blasting pattern.
The timing means is so constructed that the apparatus cannot be improperly assembled to yield improper timing, thereby assuring that the timing and efficiency of the wheel are always properly set.
Further, the timing arrangement renders assembly and disassembly of the apparatus very simple for servicing by one person.
The blast wheel blades, or vanes, are easily inserted from the center of the blast wheel, the vanes being held temporarily by friction means, but mechanically held by centrifugal locking means during operation.
Further, the vanes are symmetrically constructed so the vanes cannot be inserted improperly.
Another advantage to this construction is that the vanes can be reoriented within the blast wheel so that four different faces are presented to the shot for exceptionally long life of the vane.
The symmetry also allows the blast wheel to be driven in either direction with equal efficiency in operation.
The housing for the wheel is provided with a lining that is replaceable, and the lining comprises a minimum number of pieces.
The pieces of the lining are all interlocked for minimum destruction by the shot, and the pieces are arranged for easy removal and replacement.