Shot recovery system and method

Abstract

A shot-peening assembly for dispelling shot onto a workpiece includes a discharging device for dispelling shot onto the workpiece. The shot-peening assembly also includes a reservoir for collecting the shot dispelled from the discharging device. The assembly further includes a transfer tube defining a fluid passageway between the reservoir and the discharging device for recirculating the shot from the reservoir back to the discharging device. A fluid nozzle of the assembly is interposed between the reservoir and the transfer tube for conveying the shot through the fluid passageway.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A shot-peening assembly for dispelling shot onto a workpiece, said assembly comprising: 
       a discharging device for dispelling shot onto the workpiece;  
       a reservoir for collecting said shot dispelled from said discharging device;  
       a transfer tube defining a fluid passageway between said reservoir and said discharging device for recirculating said shot from said reservoir back to said discharging device; and  
       a fluid nozzle interposed between said reservoir and said transfer tube for conveying said shot through said fluid passageway.