Abstract: A safety block device for supporting a generally vertically movable component about a guide post of a press device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the safety block device includes a generally upright column (42) adapted to be disposed adjacent the guide post (18) and moveable between a retracted non-working position, wherein the column does not support the moveable component, and an extended working position, wherein the column is effective to support the moveable component and prevent movement thereof. The column includes an upper end portion and a lower end portion. According to one feature of the invention, the lower end portion of the column includes a generally rounded first portion (62a) and a generally second flat portion (62b) which is slightly offset with respect to the first portion.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for pouring molten metal into molds comprises a vessel having a molten metal-receiving chamber generally extending between a filling end and a pouring end. The vessel includes a nozzle disposed in a bottom surface of the chamber proximate to the pouring end. A stopper cooperates with the nozzle to control a downward gravity flow of molten metal through the nozzle. A first support pivotably supports the vessel to provide a horizontal tilt axis substantially coincident with the nozzle. A second support is connected to the vessel at a point away from the tilt axis and has a drive for controlling a pivot position of the vessel. A tilt angle controller detects a level of molten metal within the chamber and engages the drive to maintain the level at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for pouring molten metal into molds comprises a vessel having a molten metal-receiving chamber generally extending between a filling end and a pouring end. The vessel includes a nozzle disposed in a bottom surface of the chamber proximate to the pouring end. A stopper cooperates with the nozzle to control a downward gravity flow of molten metal through the nozzle. A first support pivotably supports the vessel to provide a horizontal tilt axis substantially coincident with the nozzle. A second support is connected to the vessel at a point away from the tilt axis and has a drive for controlling a pivot position of the vessel. A tilt angle controller detects a level of molten metal within the chamber and engages the drive to maintain the level at a predetermined level. A horizontal support rail slidably supports the vessel to provide a horizontal movement perpendicular to the tilt axis.

Abstract: A mold of a casting machine is filled to make a cast article. The method includes providing a molten metal to a casting chamber in fluid communication with the mold, the casting chamber having a supply conduit for introducing a gas into the casting chamber, and the casting chamber having an evacuation conduit for delivering the molten metal from the casting chamber to the mold. The method also includes controlling the filling of the mold during a first time interval by delivering the molten metal from the casting chamber to the mold at a first rate. The method further includes controlling the filling of the mold during a second time interval by delivering the molten metal from the casting chamber to the mold at a second rate. The filling of the mold decelerates from the first rate to the second rate and the second rate does not exceed the first rate.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast article comprising the steps of: (a)providing a casting apparatus having a mold, a casting chamber containing a molten metal under pressure and a fluid under pressure, the casting apparatus having a first supply port for supplying the molten metal to the casting chamber and a second supply port for supplying the fluid to the casting chamber; (b) supplying the molten metal to the first supply port; (c) supplying the fluid to the second supply port; (d) determining the amount of the molten metal in the casting chamber as a variable V1; (e) determining the amount of the fluid in the casting chamber as a variable V2; (f) determining the amount of humidity in the casting chamber as a variable V3; (g) determining the amount of the fluid entering the casting chamber as a variable V4; (h) determining the pressure of the fluid in the casting chamber as a variable V5; (i) determining the amount of the molten metal needed to produce a cast article in the mold as a variable V6; (j) determini

Abstract: A method for producing a sand core includes the following steps: (a) providing a casting mold having a mold cavity, the casting mold including at least one first conduit and at least one second conduit; (b) providing a sand core disposed in the mold cavity; (c) providing a supply of conditioning gas to the casting mold, the conditioning gas being supplied to the casting mold through at least one of the first and second conduits; (d) providing a controller connected to the first conduit and the second conduit to selectively control the supply of conditioning gas; (e) providing a gas exhaust unit operatively connected to the casting mold; (f) operating the gas exhaust unit to cause the conditioning gas to be moved through the sand core; and (g) removing the sand core from the casting mold.