Abstract: A device and method of making a cake includes a base wall and a cake form that has a size and shape for receiving the base wall. The cake form includes an outer wall having a shape corresponding to an outer perimeter of the base wall. A bottom edge of the outer wall has a peripheral flange attached thereto. The base wall is positioned into the cake form. Each of a plurality of ring portions is attached to the cake form. A lifting member includes a hand grip and a plurality of tines each having a first end attached to the hand grip and a second end comprising a hook. Each of the ring portions is simultaneously engaged by one of the hooks and the cake form lifted with the hand grip to lift the cake form from a cake after it has been formed in the cake form.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mold rollover apparatus including a wheel member defining an axis and selectively rotatable about the axis and at least one carrier member carried by the wheel member and adapted to carry at least one mold member having a cast part disposed therein. The at least one carrier member is selectively rotatable at least from a first position, wherein the cast part is generally retained in the at least one mold member, to a second position, wherein the cast part is generally free to fall or drop from the at least one mold member. According to the present invention, the at least one carrier member is selectively rotatable about the axis at least from the first position to the second position independent of the rotation of the wheel member about the axis.

Abstract: A casting rollover apparatus includes a cage supporting a casting mold and a slide coupled to the cage for advancing the mold into and out of engagement with a molten metal discharge nozzle. A spindle is carried on the slide and coupled to the cage for rotating the cage. A clamp cylinder is carried on the cage for clamping the mold in the closed position. A single transducer is mounted on one of a pair of pressurized fluid drive cylinders on the slide to detect the position of the slide. Electrical plug connectors are coupled to the transducer and the cylinder control elements. Thrust bearings are mounted on the spindle and apply a pre-load to the spindle. A digital proportional valve is coupled to a drive cylinder for controlling the deceleration of the spindle. A position detector switch is mounted in the path of angular rotation of the spindle to initiate spindle deceleration. The clamp cylinder carries a tubular member coupled to the piston and movable with respect to the clamp cylinder housing.

Abstract: A mechanism for inverting the cope of a molding flask which includes a frame and support arms pivotally supported by the frame. The cope of the molding flask is attachable to the support to thereby enable the cope to be inverted to permit safe and efficient cleaning and repair.

Abstract: A casting rollover apparatus includes a cage supporting a casting mold and a slide coupled to the cage for advancing the mold into and out of engagement with a molten metal discharge nozzle. A spindle is carried on the slide and coupled to the cage for rotating the cage. A clamp cylinder is carried on the cage for clamping the mold in the closed position. A single transducer is mounted on one of a pair of pressurized fluid drive cylinders on the slide to detect the position of the slide. Electrical plug connectors are coupled to the transducer and the cylinder control elements. Thrust bearings are mounted on the spindle and apply a pre-load to the spindle. A digital proportional valve is coupled to a drive cylinder for controlling the deceleration of the spindle. A position detector switch is mounted in the path of angular rotation of the spindle to initiate spindle deceleration. The clamp cylinder carries a tubular member coupled to the piston and movable with respect to the clamp cylinder housing.

Abstract: The present invention permits reliable lifting and inverting of one or more casting core elements and positioning the one or more casting core elements in a mold flask. The invention generally includes an outer frame and an inner frame assembly, which are coupled such that they may move vertically relative to each other. The invention further includes apparatus which engage the casting core and invert the casting core, and further align the casting core to a mold to which the core is transferred. The present invention also allows for simultaneous engaging, inverting and aligning of a plurality of core elements. The present invention allows cores to be inventoried and located for automatic handling in a position that permits visual inspection and reliable handling and placement at high production rates therefor.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically stripping the content from molds advanced on a conveying surface, comprising a mold turn-over means, which is located above the conveying surface and pivotal between two end positions in parallel with the conveying surface, for receiving in one end position one or more molds approaching on the conveying surface to the mold turn-over means, and in the other end position delivering the molds on a mold receiving means, by means of which the content of the molds can be delivered onto the conveying surface.

Abstract: A mold handler for flaskless foundry molds made up basically of a horizontal support beam and two clamping arms supported for movement along the beam toward and away from each other. Each clamping arm has rotationally mounted pads with gripping surfaces having serrations thereon. The pads are self-aligning. The clamping arms move via a fluid circuit operably connected thereto. The entire structure is suspended by apparatus lying substantially within a plane containing the center of gravity of the beam and the structure it supports. The clamping arms are maintained at equal and opposite distances from the center of gravity at all times during operation of the mold handler by means of an interconnecting synchronizing linage. The fluid circuit controls and actuates fluid cylinders to urge the clamping arms toward and away from one another selectively to engage and release the gripping surfaces with and from a flaskless mold positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A system for automatically assembling flaskless copes and drags, preparing them for metal pouring on an indexing conveyor belt. A cope is centered on the conveyor, lifted, and rotated 180.degree.. Thereafter, a drag is centered beneath the cope, and the cope is lowered onto the drag, to form a complete mold, ready for metal pouring. All of the above is accomplished automatically, with little or no supervision required.

Abstract: A manipulator for use in effecting separation of split coated permanent moulds and for cleaning air injection holes in one of the mould parts. The manipulator comprises a frame with a hoist mechanism accommodated in its bottomm portion to lift the metal moulds in position for separation. Clamping device and a turnover device are mounted on the frame above the hoist mechanism. The frame also carries a broaching mechanism mounted above the clamping devices adapted to push out a casting from one part of the mould into another one while concurrently removing the used coating from the air injection holes.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming flaskless sand molds, and preparing them for metal pouring. Cope and drag flasks are alternately filled with chemically bonded sand on an indexing turntable, and the sand is allowed to cure or set up while still on the turntable. The copes and drags are then automatically removed from their respective flasks and placed on a conveyor belt by a rollover draw machine. The above is accomplished automatically, with little or no supervision required.

Abstract: A roll-over transfer for foundry equipment is disclosed in which a "C" shaped frame rolls along a base combining translation and rotation between two end positions. The frame is powered by piston and cylinder actuator connected for a cycloidal operation to provide maximum acceleration and deceleration at the ends of the frame travel. Cables are connected between the frame and base to maintain a predetermined relationship between the translating movement and the rotating movement. Primary and supplemental stops cooperate to positively prevent over-travel in the event of a failure in the drive system. A single clamp and draw actuator is centrally mounted on the frame for clamping and drawing foundry equipment. The machine is flexible in use in that it can be loaded and unloaded from any one of three directions in each of its operated positions.

Abstract: A high melting temperature metal, casting mold is made of sheet metal embedded in a supporting mass of refractory particles preventing deformation of the sheet metal under the weight of the cast metal and conducting heat from the sheet metal at a rate preventing complete melting of the sheet metal.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and transferring casting moulds utilizing binderless sand subjected to a reduced pressure. The apparatus is comprised of a travelling gripper which is arranged to be raised and lowered and which is provided with two couplings to hold a moulding box. The couplings are rotatable about a horizontally extending axis with one coupling being connected to a vacuum pipe for evacuating the moulding box.