Abstract: An apparatus (10) and methods for testing the quality of foundry green sand. The apparatus includes three testing stations where filling (60), compaction (80), weighting (94), gas permeability testing (120), moisture testing (40), fracture testing (160), and shear testing (180) occur. Each station is automated and controlled by a computer programmed control system or controller (200). Known foundry sand testing formulas are entered into the system or controller which in turn receives input from each of the testing stations. The condition and quality of the foundry sand is output. A method for testing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process using an improved apparatus for mixing and cooling molding sand.

Abstract: A device for testing the quality of foundry green sand is described including a delivery structure with an invertible riddle, a testing structure with a compaction plunger, and sensors for measuring the compaction and moisture content of the sample, another testing structure with a sensor for measuring the green compressive strength of the sample, and a specimen tube mounted on carriage which traverses between delivery and testing structures. A strike off device levels the sample within the specimen tube. The floor of the specimen tube can be raised to eject the sample after testing and the same strike off device cleans the raised floor. A control panel activates and coordinates the operation of the device. A data processor analyzes the information yielded by the testing apparatus and automatically initiates the correct addition of any additives as needed.

Abstract: A device for testing the compactibility of a sample of granular material is described including a delivery structure with an invertible riddle, a testing structure with a plunger to compress the sample and an encoder to measure the compactibility of the sample, and a specimen tube mounted on a carriage which traverses between the delivery and testing structures. A wiper levels the sample within the specimen tube. The floor of the specimen tube can be raised to eject the sample after testing and the same wiper cleans the raised floor. A control panel activates and coordinates the operation of the device.

Abstract: A molding sand mixer comprises an elongated tub with a pug mill type agitator therein. The agitator comprises a series of paddles mounted an an oblique angle on a shaft. Blade portions of the paddles which sweep the wall of the tub have a greater circumferential extent than shank portions of the paddles. The aggregate circumferential extent of the paddle blade portions almost fills the space around the periphery of the tub, when viewed in end elevation. There are, however, substantial circumferential gaps between the shank portions of the paddles when viewed in end elevation. The blade portions will substantially completely sweep the tub wall but sand in the vicinity of the shanks will be partially bypassed through said gaps. The paddle agitator is rotated at relatively high speed so that the sand is slapped and batted to cause it to fly and bounce in the tub.

Abstract: A high level probe and a low level probe are mounted at corresponding locations within a container of dry granular or powdered material. The probes are selectively coupled via an input relay to the signal input of a multi-stage amplifier. An output relay is coupled in series with the D.C. power supply for the amplifier and is actuated when the amplifier's total current drain reaches a predetermined value, which occurs when the dry material contacts the high level probe and increases the capacitance thereof. The output relay is coupled to the input relay via a transfer relay to switch the input from the high level probe to the low level probe when the output relay is actuated. The output relay remains actuated until the material level drops below the low level probe, at which time the output relay de-actuates, which switches the high level probe back to the amplifier input, and activates means for refilling the container with dry material.