Abstract: The mold riding shot blocker comprises an apparatus and method for blocking the spillage of molten metal between adjacent molds in a conveyable string of closely juxtaposed molds as the mold string is advanced in a stepwise cycle in a metal casting process. The invention comprises a solid object having a configuration suitable for placement on the top surface of a mold string to cover at least one downsprue extending from the top surface, and a means for lowering the solid object onto the top surface of a mold string to cover at least one downsprue and raising the solid object from the top surface to uncover at least one downsprue. The method comprises the steps of positioning a solid object for placement on the top surface of a mold string, lowering the solid object into a protective position on a top surface of the mold and indexing the conveyable mold string with the solid object riding on the mold string in a protective position covering at least one downsprue.

Abstract: A method for compacting molding sand in a molding box in which a model is present, which model is embedded in molding sand. The molding box is vibrated by means of imbalance weights, which are each to be rotated about an axis of rotation during operation. At least four imbalance weights being rotatable about parallel axes of rotation are used, which can be shifted in phase relative to each other.

Abstract: An offset conveyor system utilizes a lower conveying section positioned adjacent a pouring station where molten metal is poured into weighted and jacketed sand molds. Molds are transported on carriers along the lower section from a mold loading station to a weight and jacket placement station to the pouring station. After pouring, the carrier with jacketed mold is moved up an incline to an upper conveying section parallel the lower section and may overlap the lower section partially. Molds are transported in an opposite linear direction relative to the lower section to a weight and jacket removal station and to a mold dump station, where the sand mold and casting are removed from the conveyor. The carrier is returned to the lower conveyor section to receive another mold. The weight and jacket removed from the upper section is placed on a mold on the lower section, therefore only a minimum number of weights and jackets are used.

Abstract: A predictive industrial control system for controlling individual cells of machines through multiple Programmable Logic Controllers in an investment casting processing and handling operation. An application server located in a remote, non-industrial environment executes an industrial control application (ICA) utilizing tagged reference names corresponding to individual machines and information input devices such as sensors on the production line. The ICA accesses local databases that hold casting shell part numbers and their associated recipe control words, and monitors the system for new shell part numbers as they appear on a load conveyor in the production line. Radio Frequency tags on the part signal the ICA to transfer the appropriate recipe control words and robot moves required to process the part in a primary processing cell's PLC. The PLC then controls each machine in the primary processing cell in accordance with the downloaded commands from the ICA.

Abstract: A sand level sensing and distribution apparatus for monitoring and controlling the quantity of sand distributed from a batch hopper into a mold flask includes a sensor assembly connected to a level actuating assembly via a carriage assembly. A window is mounted within one wall of the batch hopper such that the sensor assembly may be used to monitor the level of sand within the batch hopper. The level actuating assembly is proximate the batch hopper, and the sensor assembly is therefore proximately positioned by said window. A control unit is included to receive the monitored signal from the sensor assembly, and, using such information, to control the operation of the level actuating assembly in positioning the sensor assembly to distribute the desired amount of sand into the mold flask.

Abstract: A pouring conveyor in the form of a continuous loop receives sand molds on pallets or other mold carriers and conveys the empty molds to a pouring station wherein molten material is deposited therein to form castings. Each mold is provided with a supportive weight and jacket before pouring. Thereafter, the molds with the weight and jacket surrounding them, pass through a primary cooling line, at the end of which molds and weight and jacket are separated in a jacket transfer station. The weighted jacket is removed and transferred to an on-coming freshly made mold while the castings pass through a secondary cooling zone for further cooling and subsequently discharged said conveyor. The process allows for a substantially smaller number of weight jacket combinations and floor space than previously known molding processes.