Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aluminum alloy cylinder head includes providing a precision sand core and mold assembly, a liquid aluminum alloy delivery system, and a mold manipulator system. The precision sand core and mold assembly is disposed in the mold manipulator system and the liquid aluminum alloy delivery system includes an in-furnace ultrasonic actuator and a launder tube having at least an ultrasonic actuator. The liquid aluminum alloy delivery system is sealed to the precision sand core and mold assembly and provides liquid aluminum alloy into a gating system of the precision sand core and mold assembly. The precision sand core and mold assembly is rotated approximately 180°. The precision sand core and mold assembly is vibrated.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for producing castings using molds each having a sprue, comprising a mold-conveying means for conveying molds each containing a melt poured through the sprue; nozzles each having a gas-introducing opening attachable to and detachable from the sprue; nozzle-attaching/detaching means each moving each nozzle to attach and detach the gas-introducing opening to and from the sprue; moving means for moving the nozzle-attaching/detaching means, such that the nozzle-attaching/detaching means moves following a mold conveyed by the mold-conveying means, while keeping the connection of the gas-introducing opening to the sprue by the nozzle-attaching/detaching means; and a gas supply means connected to each nozzle for supplying a gas to the gas-introducing opening.

Abstract: A multi-arm hanging rail type casting cleaning robot comprises a traveling device, a rotating device, a lifting device, a working arm mounting seat, and four working arms mounted on an annular rail, wherein in addition to pneumatic grippers and magnetic cranes, cleaning tools such as pneumatic air picks and plasma cutters are further provided on end effecters of the working arms. The traveling device of the present invention adopts a four-point hanging supporting mode to realize long-distance stable traveling. Large arm adjusting cylinders and small arm adjusting cylinders are used to replace servo reducing motors to adjust postures of the working arms. The four working arms can jointly and synchronously work. The two pneumatic grippers, the two magnetic cranes, and the four cleaning tools can be flexibly transformed and replaced. The needs of cleaning operations can be satisfied.

Abstract: A system for transporting material is provided. The system includes a container and a robot having a material-handling device for inserting the material into the container and removing the material from the container. The system also includes a track assembly having a track and at least one platform on which the robot and the container are mounted such that the robot and the container are movable along the track via the at least one platform.

Abstract: A system for storage and retrieval of items includes a shelving rack configured to store the items. The shelving rack has a plurality of vertical levels. The system includes at least one robotic carriage operable to move horizontally. The robotic carriage includes an extendable arm that extends horizontally and vertically to lift the items from an input slot and to carry and place the items on the shelving rack. The robotic carriage is also operable to lift the items from the shelving rack and to carry and place the items on a workstation. The workstation is positioned in close proximity to the shelving rack. By locating the workstation in close proximity to the shelving rack, the items may be transferred from the shelving rack to the workstation without requiring conveyors and ram drives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of form parts from multi-component reactive plastic material, especially from polyurethane, wherein a plurality of moulds are moved by means of mould carriages (1) at least temporarily along a closed, preferably oval, production line (2).

Abstract: A casting system includes a core and a shell positioned relative to the core. A barrier coating is applied on at least one of the core and the shell, and may be applied to both the core and the shell. The barrier coating limits reaction between the casting system and a casting alloy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for additively fabricating a solid object from a series of components. The method utilizes additive fabrication with a programmed computer operating a machine to produce a solid object based on a three dimensional, computerized rendering of the solid object. Each component is produced from one or more molds which are filled with a fluid material that solidifies into a component that attaches to a previously manufactured component by way of the same process.

Abstract: An apparatus for cast-product production line includes a kneader for kneading casting sand for making mold; a mold maker for making a sand casting mold from the casting sand for making mold, the sand casting mold being provided with a molding cavity for forming a singular cast product or plural products; a molten-metal pourer for pouring molten metal into said molding cavity of the sand casting mold; and a mold disassembler for disassembling the sand casting mold having undergone molten-metal pouring. Upon disassembling the sand casting mold by the mold disassembler, the sand casting mold is disassembled in such a state that the cast product is supported by means of a cast-product supporter element.

Abstract: A plurality of molds are disposed on a rotatable base. The base is rotated to move each of the molds in turn through a pouring station to an article removing station and back to the pouring station. A molten nickel chrome super alloy is poured into each of the molds in turn at the pouring station. The molds are cooled by a flow of cooling fluid. The nickel chrome super alloy articles are removed from the molds at the article removal station. The base may be continuously or intermittently rotated relative to the pouring station. Molten metal may be continuously or intermittently poured at the pouring station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sand casting molding machine for double indexing molds in a mold string. The machine can include a shot chamber having sand, a swingable squeeze head, a lateral squeeze head, a core setter, a mold hold down, a mold retention device and a mold string conveyor.

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. Walking-beam conveyors are disposed in perpendicular directions with a junction therebetween that allows for a perpendicular change in direction. The method and apparatus of this invention allow multiple parallel walking-beam conveyors to feed sand molds to a single junction for transfer to a metal pouring station.

Abstract: A plurality of molds are disposed on a rotatable base. The base is rotated to move each of the molds in turn through a pouring station to an article removing station and back to the pouring station. A molten nickel chrome super alloy is poured into each of the molds in turn at the pouring station. The molds are cooled by a flow of cooling fluid. The nickel chrome super alloy articles are removed from the molds at the article removal station. The base may be continuously or intermittently rotated relative to the pouring station. Molten metal may be continuously or intermittently poured at the pouring station.

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. Walking-beam conveyors are disposed in perpendicular directions with a junction therebetween that allows for a perpendicular change in direction. The method and apparatus of this invention allow multiple parallel walking-beam conveyors to feed sand molds to a single junction for transfer to a metal pouring station.

Abstract: In a method for pouring several moulds in a mould-string plant in the pouring operation, the moulds are produced by compression of sand or similar mould material in a pressing chamber comprising pattern plates 3, 4 for providing impressions in the surfaces of the mould parts for forming the mould cavities 11 and inlet runners 8. The moulds are advanced to a pouring track or guideway, on which the casting moulds are formed by positioning the mould parts close together and the advancement of the casting moulds is stepwise through a pouring station, in which the moulds are filled with molten metal. By providing at least one runner 7 for mutually connecting at least two inlet runners 8 for consecutive mould cavities 11, the mutually connected mould cavities can be filled through a single pouring inlet 8, and unused pouring inlets 8 may be plugged by a suitable plug 14 in order to minimise the amount of molten metal needed to fill the mould cavities 11.

Abstract: In a transport system for a mould-string casting plant comprising a moulding machine (1) delivering a plurality of uniform mould parts (3) to a string of moulds on the transport system transporting the moulds from the moulding machine (1) to a pouring station (4) and further on to a solidification and cooling section (II, III, IV) and ending at a knock-out station in which the castings are taken out of the moulds (3), the transport system comprises in combination—a second section (II), in which the moulds (3) in the string are transported slidingly by means of movable longitudinal side rails (8) applying a positive lateral force on each side of the mould string (3) and moving in an advancing and longitudinal stepwise manner synchronised with the movement provided by the pressure plate (2) of the moulding machine (1), and—a third section (III), in which the transport is effected by means of a walling beam system (6, 7).

Abstract: The use of green sand is eliminated by replacing green sand molds with all core sand assemblies that provide, during casting, both the internal and external surfaces of a casting, such as a cylinder head or engine block. In the process, a mold is formed from the same core sand that is used to form the core elements defining the internal passageways of the casting. A mold-core carrier is constructed with downwardly converging sides that hold assembled mold and core elements together, without fasteners, during transportation and pouring of the molten iron alloy into the mold-core assembly and the cooling period to form the casting. After the casting is formed, the core sand from both the mold elements and core elements is recovered, and may be recycled and processed to form further mold elements or core elements or both.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the casting of metals comprising the steps of:

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the casting of metals comprising the steps of: indexing a mould (3) in series on a rotating carousel (2) to a pouring station (2.1), skimming station (2.2) and a mould transfer station (2.3) casting molten metal into the mould at the pouring station (2.1); skimming dross from the molten metal at the skimming station (2.2); transferring the mould (3) containing molten metal from the mould transfer station (2.3) to a cooling section (5) and replacing it at the mould transfer station (2.3) with an empty mould; transferring a cooled mould containing a solidified metal ingot (10) from the cooling section (5) to a demoulding station (7) remote from the rotating carousel (2); removing the solidified ingot (10) from the mould (3); removing the pin/hook members (11) from then ingot (10); returning the pin/hook members (11) to the empty mould (3); returning the empty mould (3) to the mould transfer station (2.3); and transferring the ingot (10) to the further processing.

Abstract: The use of green sand is eliminated by replacing green sand molds with all core sand assemblies that provide, during casting, both the internal and external surfaces of a casting, such as a cylinder head or engine block. In the process, a mold is formed from the same core sand that is used to form the core elements defining the internal passageways of the casting. A mold-core carrier is constructed with downwardly converging sides that hold assembled mold and core elements together, without fasteners, during transportation and pouring of the molten iron alloy into the mold-core assembly and the cooling period to form the casting. After the casting is formed, the core sand from both the mold elements and core elements is recovered, and may be recycled and processed to form further mold elements or core elements or both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing connecting straps and end terminals for lead batteries by filling selected cavities of the mold is disclosed. The mold has cavities for casting connecting straps and an end terminal. Molten lead is filled up to an amount of lead sufficient to fill the preselected cavities of the mold. The content of the mold is brought together with inverted plate lugs of grouped battery plates to fuse the plate lugs together with the content of the mold prior to solidification. The method and apparatus includes a first mold block having at least three mold cavities in an upper face thereof, whereby at least two preselected cavities of the at least three mold cavities are translationally aligned to be filled with lead.

Abstract: The use of green sand is eliminated by replacing green sand molds with all core sand assemblies that provide, during casting, both the internal and external surfaces of a casting, such as a cylinder head or engine block. In the process, a mold is formed from the same core sand that is used to form the core elements defining the internal passageways of the casting. A mold-core carrier is constructed with tapered sides that hold the assembled mold and core elements together during pouring of the molten iron alloy into the mold-core assembly and the cooling period to form the casting. Although the carrier sides can use a refractory liner, preferably the sides are made of replaceable sheet metal backed by an open structural framework to enhance cooling of the casting. After the casting is formed, the core sand from both the mold elements and the core elements is recovered, and may recycled and processed to form further mold elements or core elements or both.

Abstract: Mold filling and feeding device (400) and process including using refractory filter cloth (202) to seal a mold line (100), in continuous conveyance, to a multi-stage pressurized filling and feeding device. The mold line (100) consists of vertically parted or horizontally parted green sand molds (101), or an extruded bed of media carrying various types of molds, including green sand, nobake, lost foam, investment casting shells, etc. These molds are bottom or side filled while moving for increased production rates. Feeding under pressure, while moving, is a second operation that improves casting integrity. The process includes a new and more efficient method of treating iron with magnesium for compacted graphite or ductile iron. A stitch (242) of filter cloth (202) holds modifying alloy (630) to the molds (101). A vacuum and pressure controlled column (550) provides consistent flow to thin walled castings, and pressurized feeding for heavy castings. Radiant energy losses are contained in the automatic system.

Abstract: A two tiered mold handling system for use in a sand mold casting machine which comprises a two tiered conveyor for pouring and cooling, or a two tiered conveyor for cooling only. The two-tiered conveyor has an upper linear track and a lower linear track disposed at a lower vertical elevation. The tracks carry a plurality of mold pallets along an endless path around the upper and lower linear tracks. The application is directed toward several concepts including two tiered pouring conveyors in combination with two tiered cooling conveyors, two tiered combination pouring and cooling conveyors, and one tiered pouring conveyors in combination with two tiered cooling conveyors to provide a lower pouring elevation.

Abstract: A two tiered mold handling system for use in a sand mold casting machine which comprises a two tiered conveyor for pouring and cooling, or a two tiered conveyor for cooling only. The two-tiered conveyor has an upper linear track and a lower linear track disposed at a lower vertical elevation. The tracks carry a plurality of mold pallets along an endless path around the upper and lower linear tracks. The application is directed toward several concepts including two tiered pouring conveyors in combination with two tiered cooling conveyors, two tiered combination pouring and cooling conveyors, and one tiered pouring conveyors in combination with two tiered cooling conveyors to provide a lower pouring elevation.

Abstract: A process for molding a casting made of light alloy comprises the steps consisting in: preparing a mold with a print made of physically setting sand, incorporating a movable closure means in the mold near a feed runner of the mold, placing the mold in such a way that its feed runner is in the lower part, connecting the feed runner of the mold to a tube for feeding with a pressurized molten alloy, filling the mold with said alloy, before any substantial solidification of the casting, moving the closure means in order to close off the feed runner, then rotating the mold through approximately 180° in order to ensure solidification in gravity mode. Application especially to the manufacture of engine blocks for motor vehicles.

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: Mounted on plate (9), associated to the machine's compacting and ejection piston is pattern plate (10), which incorporates stops (11) restored by springs (12), with an ejection plate (13) placed between said pattern plate (10) and plate (9), aided by guiding elements (14) and complemented by hold down plates (15) which correspond to the holes of the pattern plate. Inside compacting rammer (6) are mounted four ejectors (17) embodied as hydraulic cylinders which, by means of hold down plates (15) attached to ejection plate (13) compact the sand in the holes to then eject the mote. Therefore, the ejection plate has a compacting stroke (Y) prior to the ejection stroke (Z). The machine is thus particularly well suited for efficient moulding of motes having round or otherwise shaped deep holes, without requiring the use of cores.

Abstract: Mold filling and feeding device (400) and process including using refractory filter cloth (202) to seal a mold line (100), in continuous conveyance, to a multi-stage pressurized filling and feeding device. The mold line (100) is the line formed of vertically parted green sand molds (101). These molds can be filled with molten metal which gradually solidifies under pressure. Feeding under pressure will assist shrinkage problems in the casting process. The process includes modes of treating ductile iron with magnesium for compacted graphite. A stitch (242) of filter cloth (202) holds modifying alloy (630) to the molds (101) at high speed. A vacuum and pressure controlled column (550) provides consistent flow to thin walled castings, and pressurized feeding for heavy castings. Radiant energy losses are contained in the automatic system.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a plurality of cast products includes a plurality of molds, and a casting apparatus which casts products in the molds. A multi-level pallet carries the molds containing the cast products on at least two vertical levels. A loading apparatus loads the molds onto the multi-level pallet. A conveyor moves the multi-level pallet through a cooling area which is sufficient to cool the cast products for removal from the molds. An unloading apparatus unloads the molds from the multi-level pallet. In a method of producing a plurality of cast products, the products are cast in a plurality of molds. The molds are loaded onto a multi-level pallet which carries the molds on at least two vertical levels. The multi-level pallet is conveyed through a cooling area which is sufficient to cool the cast products for removal from the molds. After cooling, the molds are unloaded from the multi-level pallet.

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 modular casting system includes a plurality of casting modules and, is provided with on-board systems such as a lubrication system, cooling system, etc., which operate independently from similar systems on other modules of the system. Each of the casting modules is connected by quick disconnect connections to a centrally disposed source of fluid pressure and electrical power and a control unit for controlling each of the modules independently. Each of the modules is readily removable from the system and replaced with a new module of a different type or with a different mold. Each of the modules is preferably provided with a filter removal unit which is operative to raise of the filter during the cooling operation and facilitates removal of the filter upon completion of the pouring operation. The casting modules are provided with a tilting launder tray which facilitates laundering of the mold after a casting operation.

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 two tiered mold handling system for use in a sand mold casting machine which comprises a two tiered conveyor for pouring and cooling, or a two tiered conveyor for cooling only. The two-tiered conveyor has an upper linear track and a lower linear track disposed at a lower vertical elevation. The tracks carry a plurality of mold pallets along an endless path around the upper and lower linear tracks. The application is directed toward several concepts including two tiered pouring conveyors in combination with two tiered cooling conveyors, two tiered combination pouring and cooling conveyors, and one tiered pouring conveyors in combination with two tiered cooling conveyors to provide a lower pouring elevation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for casting metal ingots comprises a series of ingot moulds (12) mounted along an endless conveyor (11) which is arranged to be driven around spaced-apart rotatable members (15) and (17). A molten metal supplying device (20) has a discharge member for supplying molten metal to empty moulds (12) moving along an upper run (14) of the conveyor (11) from a supply end (16) to a discharge end (18) of the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). A casting hood (13) overlies at least a portion of the moulds (12) on the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). Adjacent moulds (12) of the portion of moulds are closely contiguous during passage beneath the casting hood (13) whereby passage of protective gas between said adjacent moulds is minimized. The casting hood (13) and the portion of moulds (120) form a substantially gas-tight enclosure above the portion of moulds (12) into which gas can be introduced. The enclosure houses the discharge member of the molten metal supplying device (20).

Abstract: A method of advancing molds (5), after pouring to form castings (9) in the casting cavities (8), leaving a foundry plant comprising a mould-making station (A, 1-4) and a pouring station (B,7), the molds (5) leaving the plant in the form of closely juxtaposed mold parts (5) with the castings (9) in casting cavities (8) at the mainly vertical parting surfaces between successive molds (5), the latter constituting a mold string (F), in which each mold (5) occupies a given length (S) in the longitudinal direction of the mold string (F), the latter after having passed a precision conveyor (6, 16) being transferred to a second conveyor (10, 16, D).

Abstract: Method and simplified apparatus for manufacturing aluminum alloys castings, for example those cast aluminum parts utilized in the manufacture of automobile engines: cylinder heads, engine blocks and the like; whereby the castings are cast in a plurality of semi-permanent-type molds, said molds each being movable to a plurality of processing positions along one of a plurality of preferably straight line paths (five in the preferred embodiment), wherein the operations of cleaning, core setting, casting, and casting extraction are performed on each mold at predetermined positions along its respective path and alternating said operations among the molds in order to permit minimization of the number of robot equipment and to increase the aggregate productivity of said molds, since any one processing operation can be handled by only a few (and preferably only one) robot arm moving across a plurality of mold paths (preferably seriatim), so that a given process step is performed at any one time only at one (or at lea

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for continuously injecting molten solder into a plurality of molds for transfer of the formed solder mounds to electronic devices such as multilayer ceramic packages. A conventional injection molding apparatus is employed with a specially designed apparatus for forming the molds and preferably with a specially designed mold to provide a continuous molding process. The apparatus is preferably of a U-shaped configuration whereby molds are advanced under the molten solder reservoir and injection head by a preceding mold in the apparatus. The urging action of the preceding mold on the succeeding mold and, preferably in conjunction with the preferred mold design, enables a continuous method and apparatus for injecting molten solder into a plurality of molds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing cast steel railway wheels. After pouring and removal from the mold, the steel wheel is processed in various steps including processing in an annealing and a tempering furnace. The wheel is then passed through a wheel cooling tunnel where the wheel is cooled from approximately 900.degree. F. to about ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present relates to an method to produce a molding apparatus for molding plastic parts which comprises a cavity insert and a core insert wherein each insert has an open area on the shell or back side thereof. A device for circulating fluid through each chamber cools the inserts. In one preferred embodiment, the cavity and core inserts are made using a mold having a ceramic formulation including generally uniform size aggregate materials and carbon fibers. In certain embodiments, the apparatus further includes pressure bearing devices, for absorbing molding pressure during operation of the molding apparatus.

Abstract: The upper level of a pouring conveyor receives sand molds 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. After the castings have been poured, the molds are transferred to the lower level of the pouring conveyor for cooling purposes, and then back to the upper level to remove the weight and jacket. The sand molds are then transferred to the upper level of a cooling conveyor and are deposited into trays provided on the cooling conveyor. Each tray is adapted to receive a plurality of molds to enable the molds to move from serial to parallel movement. An indexable pusher arm is provided to accurately place each mold in a respective tray to insure proper spacing for uniform cooling. After each tray has traversed the upper and lower levels of the cooling conveyor, the molds are removed from the trays and the sand is broken away to reveal the castings for harvest.

Abstract: A movable pouring basin including a funnel-type sprue for use with a casting machine is aligned between a source of molten casting material and the downsprues of molds on an assembly line moving beneath the source of molten casting material.

Abstract: Method and simplified apparatus for manufacturing aluminum alloys castings, for example those cast aluminum parts utilized in the manufacture of automobile engines: cylinder heads, engine blocks and the like; whereby the castings are cast in a plurality of semi-permanent-type molds, said molds each being movable to a plurality of processing positions along one of a plurality of straight line paths (five in the preferred embodiment), wherein the operations of cleaning, core setting, casting, and casting extraction are performed on each mold at predetermined positions along its respective path and alternating said operations among the molds in order to permit minimization of the number of robot equipment and to increase the aggregate productivity of said molds, since any one processing operation is handled by only one robot arm moving between the plurality of lines seriatim, so that a given process step is performed at any one time only at one of the plurality of lines.

Abstract: Light alloy metal products are cast by introducing the molten metal into a sand mold having a vertical parting line, characterized in that the mold is bottom filled.

Abstract: A die casting apparatus having a die assembly with multiple die cavities that are filled with sequential shots of metal. The apparatus includes a slide that is movable to selectively define a flow path between the metal delivery system and the desired die cavity. By moving the slide between shots, the die cavities can be filled in sequence without opening the die assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the automated spin-casting production of molded articles. The system includes a casting turntable and a processing turntable which are rotatively mounted, immediately adjacent to one another. The casting turntable has several spin modules mounted thereon for rotatively supporting mold assemblies. Casting preparation and pouring mechanisms are mounted around the periphery of the casting turntable. The turntable indexes the mold assemblies and positions the assemblies for preparation, pouring and solidification of the cast products. The processing turntable receives the mold assemblies and solidified castings from the casting turntable. Multiple processing stations are mounted around the periphery of the processing table for the removal of the castings from the mold assemblies and preparation of the mold assemblies for additional casting operations. The mold assemblies are returned to the casting table from the processing table for additional casting processes.

Abstract: A mould assembly comprising mould segments of generally non-thermally conductive material which define a mould cavity is upwardly filled with liquid metal through at least one in-gate. A thermal extraction member of a high thermally conductive material contacts a portion of the mould cavity through which heat is extracted rapidly to establish positive thermal gradients in the casting and thereby promote directional solidification. The mould assembly is also provided with a seal to selectively isolate the mould assembly from the liquid metal source to allow the mould assembly to be removed from the casting station and transferred to the cooling station, providing a more efficient use of the casting station. In addition, once a shell has solidified then the mould segments and metal contained therein can be transferred to the cooling station.

Abstract: A metallurgically improved metal casting (10) is made with increased productivity, wherein molten metal is quiescently fed upwards into a molding chamber (14) which is then inverted. An assembly of refractory cores (12) is used that defines the molding chamber (14) with riser channels (16). A metal entrance (18) to the molding chamber (14) through a mold side wall (20) requires feeding molten metal against gravity to fill the molding chamber (14), and quiescently pressure feeding molten metal through a metal launder (26) to fill the molding chamber (14) and the riser channels (16). A mold/nozzle connection between the metal launder (26) and the source of molten metal delivered under pressure is rotationally flexible and axially compliant. The feeding of molten metal is interrupted and the assembly is rotated about an axis passing through the mold/nozzle connection (28) to invert the assembly while maintaining the mold/nozzle connection.

Abstract: Molds are conveyed from the delivery end (2) of a molding machine (1) to a cooling conveyor (3) or an extractor station. By this procedure the molds (4) are principally conveyed in a direction away from the molding machine in close contact with each other on the first conveyor (5), where the pouring takes place. Then the molds (4) are conveyed back in the direction of the molding machine (1) on a second conveyor (6) running parallel to the first conveyor, on which second conveyor the initial cooling and solidification takes place. The molds with the partially cooled castings are then pushed on to a cooling conveyor (3) or an extractor station by the action of a reciprocating ejector element (7).

Abstract: A system for pouring molds on a continuously moving conveyor by an automated process has an apparatus positioned over a moving conveyor including a plurality of molds. The apparatus includes a frame adapted to be positioned over the moving conveyor. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the frame in a reciprocating forward and reverse direction along a path defined by the conveyor. The apparatus includes a mechanism to pour molten metal into the plurality of molds on the conveyor. The pouring mechanism is associated with the frame such that the pouring mechanism moves at a speed substantially equal to the speed of the conveyor to enable filling of the plurality of molds as the molds continue to move on the conveyor.