Abstract: A method and system for indexing moulds using a flaskless moulding machine and a mould conveyor are provided. The method comprises: (i) forming one or more moulds, each of the one or more moulds being added to the mould string while the mould string is stationary by being brought into contact with the mould string. Once the one or more moulds has been added to the mould string, the method continues (ii) by advancing the mould string, in a single continuous motion, a distance corresponding to the sum of the thicknesses of the one or more moulds, wherein (1) the moulding machine assists the mould conveyor in advancing the mould string during a first part of the distance, and (2) the mould conveyor advances the mould string a second part of the distance, corresponding to the remainder of the distance, without assistance from the moulding machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mote molding machine which comprises a molding chamber (3), a front plate (1) closing the molding chamber at a front end and a rear plate (2) closing the molding chamber (3) at a rear end, opposite the front end. The plates shift gradually during the mote compression and extraction phases. The machine comprises a first shifting system for shifting the front plate and which comprises at least one first electric motor (4), and a second shifting system for shifting the rear plate and which comprises at least one second electric motor (5).

Abstract: A method for squeezing foundry sand filled in an upper and a lower molding space, comprising: a step to squeeze the foundry sand by causing the upper and the lower squeeze plate to further approach each other, and a step to squeeze it by causing pattern portions of the match plate to move to each of the upper and the lower squeeze plate.

Abstract: The molding and transporting apparatus comprises a molding section for vertically blowing sand from above between a front die and a rear die that have vertically formed pattern faces, and thereafter, driving the front and rear dies and compacting the sand to produce a mold M, and for extruding the mold horizontally, a dividing mechanism for, before the sand is blown, vertically dividing the mold into front and rear portions, as needed, at the center of a molding space, a pouring port formation mechanism for forming a pouring port in the mold; and a form converter for selectively rendering an active operation for changing the form of the mold that is extruded from the molding section from the vertically split form to the horizontally split form, and a non-active operation for transporting the extruded mold to a pouring line, without changing the form of the mold.

Abstract: An automated matchplate molding machine includes a cope flask, a pattern plate and a drag flask for creating formed sand molds. A lock is provided to lock the drag flask to the platen table of the molding machine during desired stages of an individual sand molding sequence. The lock between the drag flask and the platen table may include actuated pins which engage corresponding detent structures such as tapered holes integral with the drag flask and prevent lateral migration of the drag flask relative to the platen table. Additionally, cope flask actuators are provided which vertically support and are operable to raise the cope flask relative to the squeeze head to facilitate release the cope mold from the cope flask.

Abstract: An automated matchplate molding machine includes a cope flask, a pattern plate and a drag flask for creating formed sand molds. A lock is provided to lock the drag flask to the platen table of the molding machine during desired stages of an individual sand molding sequence. The lock between the drag flask and the platen table may include actuated pins which engage corresponding detent structures such as tapered holes integral with the drag flask and prevent lateral migration of the drag flask relative to the platen table. Additionally, cope flask actuators are provided which vertically support and are operable to raise the cope flask relative to the squeeze head to facilitate release the cope mold from the cope flask.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing casting mould parts by compacting mould material between a first squeeze plate and a second squeeze plate forming movable end walls of a moulding chamber, which subsequent to the compacting can be opened by moving the second squeeze plate out of the way, after which the mould part can be pushed out of the moulding chamber by a further movement of the first squeeze plate in its compacting direction, the movement of the first squeeze plate being provided by a hydraulic drive unit comprising a movable cylinder member connected to the first squeeze plate and an associated stationary piston member having a piston rod extending tightly through an inner wall of the cylinder member and a piston. The movable cylinder member is guided in its linear movement by the piston and by the piston rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing mold parts (5) on a string molding apparatus comprising a molding chamber (1) between a squeeze plate (2) and a pivoted squeeze plate (3) in which both the squeeze plate (2) and the pivoted squeeze plate (3) can move in a direction towards each other and a direction away from one another comprising the steps of introducing a compressible particulate molding material (4) in the molding chamber (1) and then squeezing the molding material (4) by moving the squeeze plate (2) and the pivoted squeeze (3) towards one another wherein the velocity of the squeeze plate and the velocity of the pivoted squeeze plate are controlled independent from one another during the squeezing of the mold part (5).

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing casting mould parts by compacting sand or other like material between a vertical squeeze plate (1) and a vertical swingable plate (2) in a squeeze chamber (3), wherein the swingable plate (2) swings away after the compaction to allow passage of the mould part from squeeze chamber (3) by further forward movement of the squeeze plate (1) and the swingable plate is journaled on a front yoke (4) mounted on guide columns (5) for movement relative to the squeeze chamber (3), a pull yoke (6) is placed behind the squeeze chamber (3) and connected to the guide columns (5). At least two of the guide columns (5) are journalled in a number of guides (7) connected to a fixed part of the apparatus close to the position of the front yoke (4) in the compacting position and the pull yoke (6) is provided with at least one guide (8) journaled on guide columns (9) connected to fixed parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: In a mould-pressing machine, atomizing nozzles with a vortex chamber deliver atomized liquid mixed with air through outlet apertures. The atomizing air nozzle or nozzles are constantly supplied with compressed air through a pressure conduit while the liquid nozzle solely receives liquid under pressure through a liquid channel and a slave valve controlled by the liquid pressure in the periods during which injection of liquid mist is desired. A first (upstream) vortex chamber is provided upstream of a second (downstream) vortex chamber, and between these two vortex chambers a flow path is provided to interconnect the two vortex chambers, through which flow path the liquid mist having been formed in the first vortex chamber is forced to pass and change its direction and velocity of flow at least one, thus reducing the droplet size of the liquid mist.

Abstract: A shell molding apparatus includes a lower die and an upper die. The lower die includes a plurality of shell molding inserts, each having the shape of a halved cylinder, spiny insert receiving recesses which are formed in undercut portions formed by curved surfaces of adjacent shell molding inserts, and spiny inserts retractably provided in the spiny insert receiving recesses, each spiny insert having a curved surface of the same curvature as the curved surface of the shell molding insert and provided with many protrusions on the curved surface. The upper die has a plurality of continuously formed recesses corresponding to the plurality of shell molding inserts of the lower die.

Abstract: In a molding system a box has a pair of oppositely open ends has inner side faces and respective mold plates are engageable in the open ends to close same and have faces defining with the inner side faces a mold cavity. Sand is introduced into the cavity between the faces and is compressed in the cavity to form a mold part. An aerosol mist under superatmospheric pressure and comprised of air and finely divided droplets of a coating liquid is sprayed into the mold cavity when same is closed by the mold plates but before the sand is introduced into the cavity so that the droplets settle on the faces and coat same with the liquid.

Abstract: In a mold-pressing machine with liquid-mist injection, using atomizing nozzles (9) with a vortex chamber (27) delivering atomized liquid mixed with air through outlet apertures (26), compressed air constantly being supplied to the atomizing-air nozzle (29), while the liquid nozzle (28) receives liquid under pressure through a liquid conduit (19,25), a liquid duct (31) and a slave valve (32,33) controlled by the liquid pressure solely in those periods, during which the liquid mist is desired to be injected, the new feature is that the liquid conduit (19,25) comprises a fast-acting air-escape valve (13), possibly of the same kind as those being used with pneumatic cylinders, causing any air having penetrated into the liquid duct (31) during the rest intervals because of a leak in the slave valve (32,33) to flow to an escape conduit (21).

Abstract: An automatic matchplate molding machine, used to form sand cope and drag molds, includes a basin former to create a pouring basin in the cope mold. The basin former includes a two-piece liner, one of the pieces being a relatively short and inexpensive plastic sleeve which may be replaced at a relatively low cost when wear occurs. Air passages in the liner channel air into the center of the liner, creating a swirling air current, thereby blowing loose sand out of the liner.

Abstract: In producing casting molds or mold parts by compacting mold sand in a molding chamber between two pattern plates, the volume of the molding chamber is measured and/or computed, such as by using sensors and a timer/controller capable of computing, before and after the compacting step. The values obtained are used to calculate a compaction ratio which is compared with a desired compaction ratio as a basis for making adjustments to the starting conditions, before the next mold or mold part is produced. In this manner it is possible to achieve a continuous correction of the compacting ratio to form correctly sized molds or mold parts in a series.

Abstract: A press for pressing mold parts (not shown) for use in an automated foundry plant includes press plates (13,42) slidingly suspended on guides (20,-), which are fastened direct to the press stand (only suggested by 4) independently of the guides (19,31) for the press chambers (7,16). Thus, deformations of the press plate guides, which may be the result of for example an oblique load due to assymmetrical distribution in the mold part in question, are not transmitted to the guides for the press chamber. Therefore, the press chambers are held exactly in position in relation to the press stand, which is essential for obtaining the dimensional accuracy of the finished molds required by the automated foundry plant.

Abstract: A press in which a mold carrier (17) is moved into and out of the press on rails includes a pattern carrier trolley (8) which runs on rails (21). The pattern carrier (17) is releasably placed on the pattern carrier trolley. In this manner, the motor (22,23) by which the pattern carrier (17) is moved into and out of the press and the ejector (10) by which the finished molds are ejected from the press can be permanently connected with the trolley (8).

Abstract: A basin former on a squeeze plate coacts with a sprue former on a pattern plate to form a pouring basin and a sprue in a sand mold. Sand which enters the basin former during formation of the pouring basin is ejected upwardly therefrom by pressurized air which is introduced into the basin former through an opening in the side of a plastic liner located in the basin former. The squeeze plate is modular in nature in that the basin former may be attached to the squeeze plate at any selected one of several locations without need of disconnecting and re-connecting the source of pressurized air when the position of the basin former is changed.

Abstract: A lining plate for the molding space of a molding machine is provided with functional openings such as sand supply openings and air-exhaust openings traversing the lining plate, the latter openings optionally provided with nozzle inserts. The lining plate is subdivided into two plate layers detachably fastened to each other, namely into a wear plate bordering the molding space and a carrier plate supporting the back of the wear plate. The mutually facing larger surface areas of the wear--and carrier plate are kept fully adherent to each other by magnet clamps and are additionally insured, in a detachably form-locking manner, against relative displacement with respect to each other. The lining plate allows a problem-free and comparatively cost-efficient restoration afer wear.

Abstract: Green sand molds for use in casting operations are made automatically by a matchplate molding system. Features of the system include (1) pneumatic apparatus for filling the cope and drag flasks with sand, (2) a pusher on the drag flask for shifting molds of various shapes to a transfer conveyor, (3) a carriage supporting the drag flask for vertical and lateral movement (4) a lower sand magazine which moves laterally to open and close a sand chute gate while also being movable vertically relative to the gate, (5) a squeeze head movable between various positions enabling control over the volume of sand delivered to the cope and drag flasks, (6) a vibrator for directly vibrating the matchplates, (7) liners for releasably holding molds in the flasks, (8) an accumulating conveyor for transferring the newly formed molds and (9) a pusher for shoving the molds off of the accumulating conveyor.

Abstract: Green sand molds for use in casting operations are made automatically by a matchplate molding system. Features of the system include (1) pneumatic apparatus for filling the cope and drag flasks with sand, (2) a pusher on the drag flask for shifting molds of various shapes to a transfer conveyor, (3) a carriage supporting the drag flask for vertical and lateral movement, (4) a lower sand magazine which moves laterally to open and close a sand chute gate while also being movable vertically relative to the gate, (5) a squeeze head which moves between various positions enabling control over the volume of sand delivered to the cope and drag flasks, (6) a vibrator for directly vibrating the matchplates, (7) liners for releasably holding molds in the flasks, (8) an accumulating conveyor for transferring the newly formed molds and (9) a pusher for shoving the molds off of the accumulating conveyor.

Abstract: A method of producing a mold core from green sand, wherein green sand is blown into a mold cavity which is sized to be greater than the size of the mold core to be obtained, so that a preformed mold body is prepared. The preformed mold body is then compacted by a compacting die having a cavity recess which is sized in conformity with the size of the mold core to be obtained, until the preformed mold body size is reduced to the final stage. In consequence, the green sand is compacted to develop uniform distributions of strength and hardness over the entire portion of the mold core as the product.

Abstract: A moulding system for making mould parts by compacting sand or other like material between a vertical squeeze plate (12) and a vertical swingable plate (8), which form movable end walls in a squeeze chamber (6). The swingable plate is designed to swing away to allow the mould part to pass from the squeeze chamber (6) by advancing the squeeze plate (12) additionally after complete compaction. The swingable plate (8) is journalled in a foremost yoke (4), which connects with a pull yoke (2), placed behind squeeze chamber (6), by means of a rigid frame structure parallel with the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

Abstract: A system for making foundry molds comprising the combination of a platen assembly including a platen having a top surface for supporting a mold pattern, and a ram for raising and lowering the platen in response to a controllable pressurized fluid; a mold flask supported above the platen so that upward movement of the platen positions the mold pattern thereon within the flask and closes the bottom of the flask so that the flask can be filled with sand; a sand hopper located adjacent the mold flask, and a sand magazine mounted for lateral movement between a retracted position below the sand hopper where the magazine can be loaded with sand from the hopper, and an advanced position above the mold flask for filling the cavity defined by the flask and the platen assembly with sand from the magazine; a squeeze head located adjacent the mold flask and mounted for lateral movement so that the squeeze head can be positioned over the mold flask, after the flask has been filled with sand and the sand magazine has been r

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for replacing pattern plates in a moulding plant for making boxless mould parts of sand or other like material is characterized by the use of a revolving table (1), which is provided with e.g. four symmetrically placed arms (1), in which are suspended pattern plates (2,3). The revolving table is designed for sequential conveying of the pattern plates (2,3) for placing these on a squeeze plate (PP) and a counter-pressure plate (MTP), respectively, in the moulding chamber of a moulding plant (suggested only on the drawing). The pattern plates (2,3) are placed in the respective arms (1) when the latter are just opposite the changing position. From the changing position, the pattern plates (2,3) are conveyed into a moulding chamber by a transverse sliding movement in an essentially known manner.

Abstract: A foundry molding machine is provided with a pattern plate surrounded by and movable in a well form. In a preferred form springs bias the well form upwardly around the pattern plate to form a well. The pattern plate and well form are mounted on a squeeze table and cooperate with the underside of a conventional flask which in turn engages an upset to form a mold chamber for receiving molding sand. In such preferred form the sand is blown under very low pressure into the chamber through a slotted squeeze head. As the squeeze table moves upwardly, sand is initially squeezed from the top against the squeeze head while the flask, upset, well form and pattern plate move upwardly as a unit. When a selected level of the flask is reached, preferably when the top is flush with the squeeze head, upward movement of the upset is stopped while the table continues upwardly. The pattern plate then telescopes upwardly within the well form while the flask and well form are held fixed.

Abstract: The cope flask and drag platen of a matchplate molding machine are supported for up and down movement on vertical guide rails by sliding bearings or slippers located adjacent to corners of the flask and the platen. Each slipper includes a mounting block and a separate bearing pad connected to the mounting block by screws which may be independently adjusted to establish uniform face-to-face contact between the bearing pad and the rail. The screws also may be quickly released to enable removal and replacement of the bearing pad without disturbing the position of the mounting block.

Abstract: A plurality of molding boxes having a common center line are disposed in an aligned manner in a horizontal guideway located, in the direction in which pressure is exerted and expulsion is effected, between a pressure piston and an outwardly pivotable pressing device and the molding devices are displaceable in the guideway. One pattern carrier plate is provided between each of the individual molding boxes, and the pattern carrier plates can be moved in and out when the molding boxes are apart. A tilting device is disposed at the outlet of the machine, which selectively either allows pressed mold bodies to pass by it with the position of their seams unchanged, or tilts the mold bodies, pressed in pairs, by an angle of 90.degree..

Abstract: A molding machine for producing molds.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing casting mould parts and comprising a pressure or squeeze chamber with movable end walls formed by a pressure plate and a counter-pressure plate, the hydraulic drive units for the said plates are constituted by piston/cylinder devices, in which the piston members are stationary, while the cylinder members are connected with the plates and dimensioned so as to stand up to any bending stresses exerted by said plates.

Abstract: A machine for making molds in which cast welding rods can be formed includes a vertically movable pressure plate having a plurality of pointed depending rods thereon and apparatus including a hydraulically actuated piston and cylinder assembly for moving the pointed rods into and out of a sand filled flask to form cavities in which welding rods are subsequently cast. The machine includes a second pressure plate which is apertured and through which the rods move with the second pressure plate forming pouring buttons and runner configurations in the sand in the flask to facilitate pouring of the metal in the cavities formed by the rods.

Abstract: A molding machine is disclosed which has a parting line of the molds at an acute angle to the horizontal. A continuous molding machine is disclosed wherein particulate matter such as sand and a binder is used to provide a succession of molds with cavities therebetween into which molten metal is poured to make a casting. The sand mold is constructed using a molding chamber and first and second pattern plates carrying patterns which face in opposite directions relative to the molding chamber. The sand is invested and the mold cured or hardened, then the pattern plates are withdrawn along opposing paths which are non-coincident. The completed sand mold is moved from the molding machine into a core setting area whereat cores are moved along the axis of the cavity which is at an acute angle to the horizontal for easy setting of these cores in prints of the mold cavities. Sprue and vent openings may also be drilled in this core setting area.

Abstract: A foundry molding installation for producing boxless (or flaskless) sand molds comprises a molding machine having a pattern plate (or match plate) for simultaneous molding of upper and lower bodies (or mold halves) and a shifting device for transporting a molded lower body to a transfer station and simultaneously returning to the molding station, for assembly with the upper body therein, a lower body which has been provided with cores. The cores are inserted at core insertion stations along the sides of a rectangular, closed circulation, roller track which is mainly disposed outside the molding machine. At the molding-machine end the track comprises a tandem shifting apparatus having a transfer station in common with that of the shifting device of the molding machine and being movable back and forth, over the shifting device, so as to return a cored lower body from one side of the track to the transfer station while feeding a fresh lower body to the other side of the track.

Abstract: An automatic method and apparatus for producing molds using chemically bonded sands which consists of a molding machine adapted to produce either honeycomb (horizontally parted) or controlled contour (vertically parted) mold elements. The molding machine is provided with a venturi-type blow head having dual blow valves and an integral air chamber. Carriage means are provided to selectively move a sand magazine and catalyst manifold between their respective fill and work stations on the molding machine. A hydraulically actuated mold receiver, trunnion rollover and shuttle car means are provided to selectively receive the completed molds from the molding machine and transport them to associated mold finishing and closing means. A hydraulically actuated pattern clamp table is provided with an enclosed pattern and stripper pin stool having a separate hydraulically actuated stripper pin plate. The enclosed pattern and stripper pin stool is an integral catalyst exhaust manifold.

Abstract: In the production of foundry mold parts by the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,739,834, the production rate is increased by employing a foundry sand mix which can be cured by means of a gaseous curing agent and carrying out curing of the pressed mold part while the mold part is supported at the pressing station.

Abstract: A molding system comprising molding units mounted on a truck on rails laid at right angles to a plurality of equi-spaced, parallel pouring lines. Each molding unit consists of a flaskless molding machine and a pusher for the product molds. The molding machines are operated with different but coordinated fluid pressure settings for the drag, cope, and match plate in such a manner that those components do not put any restraint upon the movement of a squeeze table.

Abstract: Apparatus for molding, for example, a seamless brake drum female mold having a plurality of radially inwardly extending grooves and ridges. The apparatus includes a generally hollow one-piece distensible and flexible hollow male mold having an annular side wall having a plurality of radially extending projections and undercuts and includes an outer core box positioned around the flexible mold and defining an annular cavity with it. The apparatus further comprises a packing mandrel for supporting the hollow flexible mold while mold material is packed around it and a vacuum mandrel to be inserted within the flexible mold to cause the collapse of the flexible mold so that the molded article can be lifted off the flexible mold despite the radially extending projections.

Abstract: In an apparatus including a single pressure chamber for successively producing identical mould parts to be stacked closely together on a guideway, at least one carrier frame is provided for the transfer of the mould parts from the pressure chamber to the guideway.

Abstract: In a system for the production of molds for casting, a pair of pattern plates are disposed in an opposed facing relationship with a frame located therebetween in a manner whereby the opposing pattern surfaces of the plates, together with the frame, define an enclosed cavity within which a casting mold section may be formed. The frame is preferably provided with an opening through which the cavity may be filled with molding material which, after hardening, forms a mold section. After separation of the pattern plates and frame, the mold section is conveyed into assembled relationship with one or more other mold sections in order to form a mold for casting. Pattern plates and frames may be arranged in a mass production facility to continuously form mold sections which, when assembled, will provide a mold stack for producing multiple castings.

Abstract: A horizontal stack foundry molding machine having opposed high pressure horizontally aligned rams adapted to close and then move into the open ends of a mold box filled with sand to make a high quality sand mold, such box being formed by opposed L-shape parts, the L-shape part forming the lower side of the box being horizontally movable after the rams have been retracted to shift the mold formed in the box from between said rams to a position in alignment with a pouring conveyor, a pusher being provided to move such mold from the movable L-shape part onto the pouring conveyor into juxtaposition with previously formed molds to form the horizontal stack.