Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding sand molds laterally and/o between stations of differing heights. The method and apparatus of this invention utilize walking-beam-type conveyors having spaced apart fixed outboard rails and a central reciprocating rail. Walking-beam conveyors can be disposed in perpendicular directions with a junction therebetween that allows for a perpendicular change in direction. The method and apparatus of this invention include lift, leveling, and/or lateral transfer mechanisms for lateral placement of the stations relative to the conveyance path.

Abstract: An indexing transfer station for a sand mold conveyor system, and method of conveying. The indexing transfer station rotates between two or more angled conveyors to position the sand mold for further downstream movement. The indexing transfer station includes resting pads for the sand molds, spaced apart to allow a walking transfer rail of a first conveyor to place the sand mold and, upon rotation, to allow a walking transfer rail of a second conveyor each to position under the sand mold for lifting.

Abstract: A sand molding apparatus and method, whereby cope and drag portions of a sand mold are formed simultaneously via pressurized sand delivered to each side of a pattern in a perpendicular trajectory. Two opposing sand shooting passageways include a vertical inner side wall and a horizontal inner side wall extending at an angle from the vertical inner side wall. A sand shooting plate at the outlet of each sand shooting passageway includes removable and interchangeable port and cover inserts that can be arranged in custom arrays within the sand shooting plate.

Abstract: A sand molding apparatus and method, whereby cope and drag portions of a sand mold are formed simultaneously via pressurized sand delivered to each side of a pattern in a perpendicular trajectory. Two opposing sand shooting passageways include a vertical inner side wall and a horizontal inner side wall extending at an angle from the vertical inner side wall. A sand shooting plate at the outlet of each sand shooting passageway includes removable and interchangeable port and cover inserts that can be arranged in custom arrays within the sand shooting plate.

Abstract: A sand molding apparatus and method, whereby cope and drag portions of a sand mold are formed simultaneously via pressurized sand delivered to each side of a pattern in a perpendicular trajectory. Two opposing sand shooting passageways include a vertical inner side wall and a horizontal inner side wall extending at an angle from the vertical inner side wall. A sand shooting plate at the outlet of each sand shooting passageway includes removable and interchangeable port and cover inserts that can be arranged in custom arrays within the sand shooting plate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding said molds laterally and/or between stations of differing heights. The method and apparatus of this invention utilize walking-beam-type conveyors having spaced apart fixed outboard rails and a central reciprocating rail. Walking-beam conveyors can be disposed in perpendicular directions with a junction therebetween that allows for a perpendicular change in direction. The method and apparatus of this invention include lift, leveling, and/or lateral transfer mechanisms for lateral placement of the stations relative to the conveyance path.

Abstract: A sand molding apparatus and method, whereby cope and drag portions of a sand mold are formed simultaneously via pressurized sand delivered to each side of a pattern in a perpendicular trajectory. Two opposing sand shooting passageways include a vertical inner side wall and a horizontal inner side wall extending at an angle from the vertical inner side wall. A sand shooting plate at the outlet of each sand shooting passageway includes removable and interchangeable port and cover inserts that can be arranged in custom arrays within the sand shooting plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a mold in a molding machine, such as a matchplate molding machine. A lock element, preferably but not necessarily having at least 2 pieces, is movably mounted within a platen opening of a platen and within a pallet opening of a pallet. A second piece of the lock element can be fixed or secured with respect to the pallet, for example, to fix a position of a drag flask with respect to the pallet. An indexing device can be used to handle or move at least 2 molds with respect to the molding machine.

Abstract: An automated matchplate molding machine includes a cope flask, a pattern plate and a drag flask for creating formed sand molds. The mold machine incorporates linear-motion slides and/or rodless cylinders to move the cope flask, drag flask, sand hopper, and/or other components of the mold machine.

Abstract: An automated matchplate molding machine includes a cope flask, a pattern plate and a drag flask for creating formed sand molds. The mold machine incorporates linear-motion slides and/or rodless cylinders to move the cope flask, drag flask, sand hopper, and/or other components of the mold machine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding sand molds from multiple sand mold forming stations to a common metal pouring station. The method and apparatus of this invention utilize walking-beam-type conveyors having spaced apart fixed outboard rails and a central reciprocating rail. Transfer devices are provided for moving the sand molds onto and off of the conveyors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding sand molds from multiple sand mold forming stations to a common metal pouring station. The method and apparatus of this invention utilize walking-beam-type conveyors having spaced apart fixed outboard rails and a central reciprocating rail. Transfer devices are provided for moving the sand molds onto and off of the conveyors.

Abstract: An air amplifier apparatus and method for transferring or filling sand particles into a flask of a molding machine. A plurality of nozzles are each mounted with respect to the molding machine. A pressurized fluid, such as discharged from an air compressor or other pressure forming device, delivers pressurized fluid into each nozzle. The pressurized fluid flows through a passageway of each nozzle and can follow a Coanda profile as it accelerates the particles through the passageways. The accelerated particles are then discharged into a void formed by the flask of and pattern in the molding machine.

Abstract: An air amplifier apparatus and method for transferring or filling sand particles into a flask of a molding machine. A plurality of nozzles are each mounted with respect to the molding machine. A pressurized fluid, such as discharged from an air compressor or other pressure forming device, delivers pressurized fluid into each nozzle. The pressurized fluid flows through a passageway of each nozzle and can follow a Coanda profile as it accelerates the particles through the passageways. The accelerated particles are then discharged into a void formed by the flask of and pattern in the molding machine.