Abstract: Apparatus useful in forming a mold from a wax pattern in an investment casting process, the invention provides a loop element having arm elements which spiral downwardly from and inwardly of the loop element to a base element. Sprue pins mount wax patterns to the loop element in a casting process known as the "lost wax" technique, the apparatus of the invention being particularly useful in the environment of a dental laboratory for formation of crowns and the like of high density. The loop element and arm elements of the apparatus leave channels in the investment material on "burn out" which quickly accelerate a casting material, such as a metal alloy, into the formed mold or molds with a reduction of turbulence which results in fewer defective castings. The channel geometry provided by the apparatus provides benefits due to a lack of right angles or sharp corners which restrict the flow of casting material into the mold or molds.

Abstract: Molten metals or alloys are poured into a stationary plate mold from at least one elongated pouring device such that melt overflows the length of the mold. The pouring energy is dissipated by flowing the elongated flow from one stationary device against an energy dissipating plate adjacent the pouring device in proximity to either one of the mold center lines such that the flow forms two balanced streams on the bottom of the mold. Alternatively, an elongated flow is poured from each of two stationary pouring devices positioned in opposing directions along the opposite sidewalls of the mold. Alternatively, the two pouring devices may move from one of the mold center lines towards the sidewalls while pouring molten metal. The pouring energy is dissipated by flowing two of the balanced streams formed on the bottom of the mold towards each other. The dissipation of pouring energy results in the substantial elimination of wave action and flash whereby castings with an even thickness are produced.

Abstract: A method of melting and casting metal comprising the steps of melting metal in a melting vessel, transferring metal from the melting vessel into a casting vessel by flow of metal under gravity and pumping metal against gravity from the casting vessel into a mold. The level of the top surface of the metal as the metal leaves the melting vessel is above the top surface of the metal in the casting vessel by not more than a maximum distance above which excessive turbulence occurs. The maximum distance lies in the range 50-200 mm.

Abstract: A molten lead alloy is supplied from a melting furnace to a casting machine through a feed pipe having a pair of ends connected with the furnace and the machine, respectively, and an intermediate portion situated at a level which is higher than the higher of the two levels of the molten alloy located adjacent to the ends, respectively, of the feed pipe by a distance exceeding the height of a column of the molten alloy which atmospheric pressure can support. An apparatus for supplying the molten alloy in such a way is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous casting includes a tundish for containing molten metal and delivering the metal to a work zone where the metal solidifies as it is moved through the work zone in a continuous casting process. The tundish contains molten metal and includes an outlet and a pervious flow restricting element is positioned in the outlet. The element causes the flow of the metal to be distributed as it flows through the outlet and into the work zone to engage a growing shell of solid metal carried through the work zone by a chilled substrate. The molten metal acts to apply a pressure on the shell and to lubricate the moving shell. The arrangement minimizes exposure of liquid to air and minimizes opportunity for turbulence in the liquid contained in the work zone. A method of continuous casting is also described.

Abstract: The bottom of a solid metal charge melts to fill a form below the charge. During melting, usually, the metal that enters the form remains continuous with an unused solid part of the charge. After cooling, the formed metal is removed together with the unused part of the charge--and usually with the form too. They are separated later or in a different operation, and another charge is positioned immediately for melting into another form, so the useful duty cycle is very high. A preferred form of the invention uses an upper melting chamber and a lower forming chamber, separated by a horizontal wall but communicating by an aperture through the wall. The charge and form are placed against the wall from below to block the aperture. The charge preferably extends up through the aperture into or toward the melting chamber, where an arc electrode or other heater melts the top of the charge, particularly near its center.

Abstract: A gravity poured foundry mold having a gating system and at least one complete mold casting cavity, the gating system allowing castings to be made in more compact molds, using less metal at lower temperature, obtaining less solidification strained castings, and requiring less fettling work and less pattern work. The gating system combines the use of a strainer such as a skin-strainer with any of several fluid restraining devices including but not limited to skin-strainer covers, restraining floating pieces, non-floating restraining pieces and blind floating pieces. Also disclosed are applications in which a skin-strainer is omitted. There is disclosed apparatus which may be standardized, thereby greatly increasing the ease, accuracy and confidence with which the gating system may be used in foundries which would have available to them sets of different sizes of standardized, interchangeable and prefabricated elements as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a composite mixture of at least two materials, at least one of which is a metal or metal alloy. The materials in a molten state are supplied via inlet channels to a mixing region so as to indirectly impinge on each other and then to flow through an outlet channel to a cooling system, such as a casting or mold device or a device for providing rapid solidification thereof. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the outlet channel to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the inlet channels is arranged to be less than 32 and the ratio of the distance from the input side of the outlet channel to the input of the cooling system to the diameter of the outlet channel is arranged to be greater than 5.

Abstract: In this blocking apparatus, at least a portion of the pipe connecting the inlet orifice of the mold to the outlet orifice of the tank containing molten metal is in thermal contact with the mold, which mold includes at least one channel through which a cooling fluid can be caused to flow. Heater means are also associated with the pipe. Thus, the flow of molten metal from the tank into the mold can be stopped by allowing a plug of solidified metal to form in the pipe when the mold is cooled, and the flow of molten metal can be re-established by melting the plug of solidified metal by use of the heater means.

Abstract: A method of forming a fine grained equiaxed casting by melting metal and removing most of the superheat of the molten metal. The molten metal is placed in a mold and optionally subjected to turbulence whereupon it solidifies to form the casting of the desired microstructure.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production casting of molten metal. In such casting, the molten metal being poured into one cavity may be splashed or overflowed into another adjacent cavity. The invention provides a splash guard which defines a barrier to the molten metal and prevents such inadvertent introduction of the molten metal into an adjacent cavity. The splash guard preferably comprises a substantially solid object made of a material, such as graphite, that retains its structural integrity at high temperatures and upon contact with molten metal, but which does not strongly adhere or bond to the molten metal upon cooling. The invention can be embodied in both manual and automatic casting lines. In a manual casting line, the splash guard may physically contact a surface of the mold to create the molten metal barrier between the cavities.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved casting furnace for the casting of metal or the like comprising a crucible (1) having a primary casting chamber (2) which is interconnected with one or more secondary casting chambers (3,4) to allow the melt to flow from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber or chambers. Means are provided in each secondary chamber (3,4) for introducing additives to the melt preferably close to the solidification point.

Abstract: A casting method and an apparatus therefor are disclosed, in which a molten material in a retaining furnace is poured through a supplying conduit directly into a cavity of a mold at a low pressure. A portion of the conduit is provided with an electromagnetic induction pump while the furnace is provided movably therein with a level-detecting sensor for detecting a level of the molten material in the furnace and generating a signal which provides instructions of computing, commanding and controlling an excitation voltage of the electromagnetic induction pump, thereby to optimize the injection pressure and the amount of the molten material in the conduit when the molten material is poured into the cavity of the mold through the conduit.

Abstract: A sleeve formed of one or more parts of a size to fit closely around the depending shroud of a hot metal ladle through which the hot metal is delivered to a receptacle, such as a tundish, protects the shroud which is a tubular member formed of metal, ceramic or a composition including graphite or silica from the rapid erosion which occurs whenever the shroud is partially immersed in a pool of molten metal in the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement for producing solid metal with fine solidification structure from liquid metal including the steps of transferring liquid metal with a minimum flow through a hollow carrier; the minimum bulk velocity of the metal through the carrier being 50 cm/sec.

Abstract: To cast an article, a mold is lowered into a body of molten metal with an open end of the mold facing downwardly so that the molten metal fills a mold cavity. The mold is then withdrawn form the body of molten metal. As the mold is withdrawn, the molten metal in the mold cavity is solidified. During withdrawal of the mold from the body of molten metal, the level of the upper surface of the body of molten metal is maintained substantially constant. The economical production of castings is promoted by simultaneously lowering a plurality of molds into the molten metal and withdrawing them from the molten metal to simultaneously form a plurality of castings. A strengthening agent may be added to the molten metal by dispensing the strengthening agent to form a dispersoid a short distance beneath the surface of the molten metal as the mold is withdrawn from the molten metal.

Abstract: A casting is made from a low melting point alloy having a solidus temperature in the range of 35.degree.-300.degree. C. by subjecting a charge of molten alloy to pre-pressurization then delivering the charge at a flow rate of 0.1 to 1 kg/sec into a die and maintaining the metal in the die under pressure for a time in excess of that required to fill the die.

Abstract: An improved mold includes an upper mold section having a primary distribution system which is connected with a furnace and a lower mold section which is withdrawn from the furnace on a chill plate. A baffle plate is supported from the primary distribution system. The lower mold section includes a secondary distribution system which is connected in fluid communication with the primary distribution system at separable joints. The secondary distribution system is connected in fluid communication with article molds which are disposed in an annular array. During pouring of molten metal, reaction forces are transmitted to the chill plate from the pour cup through a support post and baffle plate. Once the article molds have been filled with molten metal, the chill plate is lowered. The primary distribution system which is connected to the furnace, remains stationary.

Abstract: A process is described for producing fiber-reinforced light-metal castings in which a loose fiber tangle is placed in a casting mold and is saturated with molten light-metal under low pressure. Subsequently, the excess of molten light-metal is squeezed off while the fiber tangle is compressed. The outflow of the molten light-metal is then stopped with the molten light-metal being solidified under high pressure. The process is especially suitable for utilizing the solution-spun inorganic fiber tangles that up to now had not been especially suitable for the reinforcing of light-metals.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making ductile iron castings having thin walls. Molten grey iron (preferably 3.5-4.2%C, 1.5-2.4% Si, and no greater than 0.65% carbide formers) is introduced to a mold assembly and nodularized/inoculated in such assembly prior to passing into the mold cavity of the assembly. The treated molten iron is fed into the mold cavity and into one extremity of a thin space thereof (0.2 inches thick or less and a length of at least 12 times the thickness). The treated molten metal is additionally mixed by vortical or turbulent flow immediately downstream of the treatment chamber as it is being conveyed to the mold cavity. While continuing to feed the treated molten iron to fill the mold cavity, a reservoir of the treated molten iron is created at a midstation of the thin space. The reservoir acts to conserve the heat of the molten metal and thus feed hotter molten metal to the remainder of the thin space and other connected cavity portions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a combination of several novel elements in combination with improved designs of existing elements, to provide a relatively simple means for delivering high melting molten metals, such as magnesium and its alloys, to a continuous caster without exposure of the metal to the ambient atmosphere, at reproducible pressures and quantities to enable the advanced casting technologies to be utilized to their fullest potential. Thus in accordance with the present invention there is described a molten metal handling system, particularly useful for delivering high melting temperature metals in their molten state from a melting pot or crucible to a casting machine, e.g. die caster, strip caster, sand molds and the like, remote from the melting pot or crucible without exposure to the ambient atmosphere. The essential elements of the present molten metal handling system are a pump and heated conduits to carry the molten metal to the casting station.

Abstract: A method for continuously casting strip material onto a casting surface moving past a nozzle in a molten metal holding tundish is disclosed comprising the steps of pouring molten metal into the tundish at a rate sufficient to establish a metallostatic head pressure of at least one-quarter pound per square inch at the nozzle within one second after pouring is initiated, and pouring additional molten metal into the tundish at a rate sufficient to maintain a substantially constant operating pressure at the nozzle throughout the casting operation. A tundish for holding molten metal to be cast into strip material onto a casting surface moving past a nozzle in the tundish, is also disclosed comprising a front wall having an inside surface, a rear wall having an inside surface and sidewalls enclosing a molten metal holding area defined between the inside surfaces of the front and rear walls.

Abstract: Chill-cast metal foil is produced by an apparatus having a flexible gas permeable valve which provides a means for retaining the molten metal prior to processing it into a chill-cast metal foil and simultaneously providing a gas purging of the reservoir and the orifice in the reservoir to prevent formation of detrimental oxides of the molten metal by the exposure of the molten metal to air or oxygen containing atmosphere.A method for producing the chill-cast foil is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a protective gas shroud around molten metal being teemed from a ladle having a slide gate secured to the bottom. The apparatus comprises a plenum box sealed to and extending downwardly from the sliding part of the slide gate. A hood is arranged to telescope over the plenum box and form a rough sliding seal therewith. The hood has a skirt flange at the bottom thereof. The width of said skirt flange in the direction of movement of the slide gate is greater than the maximum slide gate movement. Means are fixed relative to the plenum box to raise and lower the hood. Means are provided for introducing a protective gas into the plenum box. The method comprises aligning the ladle with the mold into which hot metal is to be teemed. The means for raising and lowering the hood is activated to lower the skirt flange to rest upon the top of the mold or hot top. Thereafter the slide gate is opened dragging the hood over the top of the mold or hot top into alignment with the mold.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for differential pressure, counter gravity, casting of metal in a gas-permeable mold having a vertical passage with a lower open end for introducing molten metal into its mold cavity means. A crucible is provided for holding molten metal with its surface positioned beneath the mold. The crucible and the mold are relatively movable toward and away from one another for introducing molten metal into the lower open end of the mold, and pressure means is provided for applying a differential pressure to the mold and crucible to cause molten metal to fill the mold cavity means through the vertical passage. A rigid, permanently crimpable fill pipe is sealingly connected to the lower open end of the vertical mold passage with its lower end extending vertically downwardly toward the crucible.

Abstract: A die-casting apparatus is used to carry out a die-casting method in which an injection plunger is moved forwardly at a lower speed and then is temporarily stopped at a forward stroke intermediate position in which a space defined by the injection plunger and an injection sleeve is substantially filled with an amount of molten metal. Then, evacuation of a product cavity and the injection sleeve is commenced and, after the lapse of a predetermined time period, the injection plunger is again moved forwardly at a higher speed to inject the molten metal from the injection sleeve into the product cavity. Compared with the prior art, the method provides an increased evacuation time period and assures a reduction in the volume to be evacuated. In addition, the higher injection stroke reduces possibility that air and gases are trapped in the molten metal to provide die-cast products of a high quality.

Abstract: In the ingot casting of killed-steel steels, insulative walled reservoirs known as hot-tops are employed at the top of the mold to maintain a source of molten steel which can feed the shrinkage cavity that forms during solidification of the ingot. Presently, these hot-tops are set to a predetermined height prior to the filling of the mold cavity. As a result of such controlled height pourings, variations in the volume of the mold cavity lead to significant losses in the ingot-to-product yield. To overcome such losses, the invention employs a floating hot-top. Rather than teeming to a prescribed height, the ingot is teemed to a prescribed weight and the floating hot-top is placed on the surface of the steel so teemed. Further pouring is delayed, at least until the hot top is welded to the surface by the freezing of the molten steel in contact therewith. Thereafter, the hollow center of hot-top is filled to provide a sufficient reservoir of molten metal for the resultant shrinkage cavity.

Abstract: A molten metal treatment apparatus comprising a passage of predetermined size and length for receiving superheated molten metal from a source thereof, and for supplying the molten metal for subsequent casting; a gas inlet and a control valve for controlling the velocity of the molten metal through the passage by exposing the molten metal to a source of pressurized gas; a cooling jacket at least partially surrounding the passage for controlling the temperature of the molten metal within the passage between predetermined upper and lower limits for forming a thin solidified shell having a molten metal core within the passage; the combination of the velocity of molten metal and the temperature of the molten metal within the passage for allowing dendrites to grow into the molten core from the solidified shell, and for breaking off portions of the dendrites and entraining them in the molten metal thereby producing a solids content within the molten metal for subsequent casting.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the pouring of a melt out of a crucible with a hole in the bottom which hole is blocked while the material is being melted with a closure plate that melts through locally as the result of heat transferred from the melt. To precisely establish the time at which the closure plate melts through, the plate is cooled from below while the starting material is being melted. Cooling is at least decreased and preferably terminated when it is time to pour out the melt. The plate can be cooled by a flow of a gas coolant directed against it or by contact with a cooling element that is raised into position against it from below.

Abstract: A machine for casting battery grids continuously includes a rotary, cylindrical drum in the outer peripheral surface of which the battery grid cavity is machined in the form of a plurality of intersecting axially and circumferentially extending grooves. A shoe is arranged in close fitting, mating engagement with an arcuate segment of the peripheral surface of the drum. The shoe has a molten lead passageway therein which communicates with the peripheral surface of the drum by means of an orifice slot extending lengthwise of the shoe and across the drum. Molten lead under superatmospheric pressure is directed into a tube extending lengthwise within the lead passageway in the shoe and provided with a plurality of openings spaced lengthwise of the tube. The lead is discharged through these openings into the lead passageway, through the orifice slot and against the surface of the drum.

Abstract: A machine for casting battery grids in a continuous manner includes a rotary cylindrical drum in the outer peripheral surface of which the battery grid pattern is machined as a cavity. A shoe is arranged against an arcuate segment of the peripheral surface of the drum. An orifice slot in the shoe has an opening at the peripheral surface of the drum. Molten lead under superatmospheric pressure is directed into the orifice slot in an amount in excess of that required to fill the grid cavity on the drum through the opening in the orifice slot as the drum rotates. Means are provided in the shoe for maintaining the molten lead in the orifice slot in a highly fluid condition and for causing the lead filling the grid cavity to solidify rapidly as it advanced beyond the opening of the orifice slot.

Abstract: During continuous casting, the stream of molten metal poured into the mold is acted on by a static magnetic field so as to split the stream into smaller streams stirring the unsolidified metal in the mold.

Abstract: Macrosegregation in metal alloy castings and other alloys having similar solidification behavior is reduced by slowly rotating a mold or the like containing the liquid alloy about an axis at an acute angle to the vertical from the time the liquid alloy is poured into the mold until substantially all of the alloy has solidified. The mold is rotated at a speed below that which produces a centrifuging effect or causes stirring or agitation of the interdendritic liquid.

Abstract: A method for forming metal articles, such as rods and tubes by aspiration casting is provided in which a hollow frangible mold, such as a glass tube, is immersed at one end in a molten metal bath, a vacuum is applied to the other end controlled with respect to temperature of the molten metal so as to substantially fill the mold with a minimum of turbulence, the filled mold is withdrawn from the metal and the frangible mold is shattered to remove it from the metal article formed within.

Abstract: In a method for forming shaped articles from molten metallic material the melt is caused to flow from a holding vessel therefor through a refractory duct having at least one static thermally-conducting element extending transversely within the duct so dimensioned and located to both cool and stir by shear the melt flowing therethrough. The melt is cooled to a temperature within its freezing range, if it is an alloy, or at its freezing point, if it is a metal, and is stirred to precipitate a solid phase as fragmented dendrites. The cooled and stirred metal outflow from the duct is cast into shaped articles. The invention has one specific application in producing the precipitating solid phase as non-degenerate micro-crystalline particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting molten metal into ingots or bars. The molten metal is first disintegrated (fragmented) by a gas, via a lance jet, the gas including a powdered material of the same material as the molten metal and/or another material, to obtain a mixture of disintegrated molten metal and powder which is collected in a collector. The molten metal from a container pressurized by the gas is caused to flow out of an outlet in the container, and the gas containing the powder of pre-determined quantity and composition is caused to flow out from the mouth of a lance-shaped tube, the outlet end of which is surrounded by molten metal and is situated in or at the container outlet at which stage the molten metal is disintegrated and mixed with the gas contained powder and the resultant disintegrated molten metal mixed with powder grains is collected as an ingot or bar in the collector (mould).

Abstract: A method of pouring molten steel into a container having a bottom made of material subject to damage by the falling stream includes providing a light weight tin free steel mat made from a plurality of thin sheets each having closely spaced holes therein over most of its area and the sheets being arranged in a plurality of layers arranged to define a honeycombed spongelike structure of considerable thickness having a plurality of discontinuous voids. Substantially flat individual thin sheets are arranged on the top and bottom of the spongelike structure to form an assembly with the top and bottom sheets being made from tin free steel. None of the discontinuous voids extend from the top sheet to the bottom sheet. The mat is lowered into the container and positioned on the bottom after which the molten steel is poured onto the mat which protects the bottom while it melts and is absorbed into the molten steel.

Abstract: Nozzle apparatus and method for controlling molten metal flow in a bottom pour casting system whereby a fluid passage is defined wherein the flow is controlled to minimize splashing of the molten metal in the molds and the flow distribution is better equalized among a plurality of molds which are being simultaneously charged.

Abstract: A light weight ingot mold mat for receiving molten metal is formed from sheets of metal compatible with the molten metal. The sheets have closely spaced holes therein throughout most of their area so that they are very light and easily crumbled to form a honeycombed structure. The mat is placed on the mold stool and absorbs the force of the molten metal and chills it so that it freezes sufficiently to seal the joint between the stool and mold. The mat is melted and absorbed into the ingot.

Abstract: Casting metal in rigid, self supporting, gas permeable molds with one or more mold cavities for molding one or more parts, in which the mold cavities have gate passages with their lower open ends at the lower surface of the mold, by submerging the lower ends of the gate passages beneath the surface of molten metal and applying a reduced pressure to the upper surface of the mold to fill the mold cavities with molten metal to produce unconnected metal parts or groups of parts.

Abstract: Metallurgical grade silicon is melted and the resulting impure molten metal is continuously flowed downwardly as a thin film through an atmosphere of impurity-reactive gas or gases directly into a crucible, wherein it is subjected to directional solidification. The preferred apparatus for carrying out the process comprises a heated reaction chamber fed peripherally from a superimposed melting chamber, the reaction chamber having horizontally rippled interior wall surfaces of a substantially non-reactive material, such as graphite, silicon carbide, or silicon nitride, so the descending film of molten metal will be agitated and spread laterally. Means are provided for introducing the reactive gas or gases near the bottom of the reaction chamber and for exhausting the spent gas at the top. The reaction chamber is superimposed above and in vertically spaced relationship with an electric furnace, which encircles a columnar crucible.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the rate at which molten metal is supplied from a receiving vessel, through a pouring tube, to the mold of a continuous casting apparatus or the like. The described apparatus is particularly adapted to overcome irregularities that occur in the molten metal as it flows through the pouring tube, such irregularities being known as "superspeed effect". A method is also described for effectively using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: The installation comprises a pressure tight casing with vacuum melting and casting chambers communicating with each other via a pressing chamber. The vacuum melting chamber accommodates an electrode holder arranged above a melting pot. Located under the melting pot is a pouring device with funnels, one of which is inserted into a hole in the shell of the pressing chamber. The vacuum melting chamber incorporates an appliance for cleaning the used funnels and a mechanism for moving the funnels. The pressing chamber communicates with the pressmould. One half of the pressmold is secured on an immovable vertical plate and the other half is mounted on a movable vertical plate. The movable vertical plate travels over horizontal guides.

Abstract: A gas release method in a metal mold comprising two split mold half portions which have opposite inner surfaces to define a gas release path for venting the mold, in which providing a plurality of inclined surface sections along which a charge of molten metal is advanced, in heat-exchange relationship to the inner surfaces whereby the molten metal is effectively cooled and solidified so that the cross-section area of the gas release path is increased without danger of spouting of molten metal out of the gas release path.

Abstract: Gas permeable shell molds and methods of using them for vacuum/inert gas casting of metal are disclosed. The single or multiple cavity gas permeable shell mold described has a riser passage with an open lower end and one or more mold cavities connected to the riser passage by gate passages each having a novel stabilizing screen member with a multiplicity of openings therein extending across it. The screen is preferably in a slanted plane with the bottom portion thereof nearer to the mold cavity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mold assembly for casting posts and plate connector straps onto stacks of plates of lead acid type batteries wherein molten metal is circulated through one or more channels in the assembly and selectively damned to overflow into adjacent mold cavities. Cycle time and properties of the posts and connector straps are improved by constructions which impart a large thermal mass to the channel walls and a small thermal mass to the mold cavity walls. Thermal isolation of the mold cavity walls from the channel walls further enhances these conditions whereby the molds can be elevated in temperature prior to the casting operation and rapidly cooled during that operation. Cooling of the post mold cavities earlier and at a faster rate than the strap mold cavities increases post strength. A mold frame construction containing the molten metal flow channel and one or more inserts for the frame provide the desirable thermal properties while lending flexibility to the apparatus.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting machine includes a plurality of split centrifugal molds which are successively brought to a casting station in which the molds are closed, clamped together and rotated rapidly while molten metal is fed through a central sprue to mold cavities therein. For feeding the molten metal, a vacuum chamber is provided at the casting station above the mold, and a feed pipe leading to a reservoir of molten metal extends into the vacuum chamber through a nozzle which discharges into a funnel communicating with the central sprue of the mold. Means are provided to create a vacuum condition within the vacuum chamber, the funnel, nozzle and the mold cavities when the mold is closed and clamped, whereby the molten metal is drawn by a siphoning action through the feed pipe and discharged from the nozzle into the mold cavities. The feed flow of the molten metal is accomplished solely by the vacuum condition which is timed to feed a selected charge of molten metal to the mold cavities.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a high density spray cast metal body from a highly energetic atomized metal stream by directing said atomized stream into the interior of a mold and causing said stream to scan and fill said mold interior by effecting relative movement between said atomized metal stream and said mold, thereby producing a fine grained spray cast metal body of high density.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for feeding a liquid alloyed metal under protective atmosphere into a high speed continuous casting machine for casting a strip of alloyed metal, preferably calcium lead which is subsequently formed into battery grids and the like. The arrangement includes atmosphere tight holding and melting pots constructed of steel plates with submerged electrical heating elements, a level control arrangement for the liquid baths therein and a skid ramp in the melting pot for charging metal hogs therein.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting a metal article in a mold at least as long as the article, utilizing a cooled mold of elongated form having top and bottom portions. The method includes the steps of introducing molten metal from a source through the bottom portion of the mold, flowing molten metal into the mold so as to form a solidifying casting shell which .Iadd.a .Iaddend.during casting occupies at least 40% of the cross-sectional mold area and .Iadd.a .Iaddend.has a molten core, and flowing molten metal from the source through the core towards the mold top .Iadd.at a filling rate, dependent on the mold cross sectional area, such that the product produced will have a relatively fine grained structure throughout the cross-section thereof.Iaddend..