Abstract: In a die cast machine of the type wherein molten metal in a metal melting furnace is poured into an injection sleeve and the molten metal in the injection sleeve is injected into a die, a ladle having a molten metal discharge port is used to receive the molten metal from the furnace. The lower portion of the ladle is inserted into the injection sleeve. Then the port is opened to discharge the molten metal in the ladle into the injection sleeve and the ladle is continuously raised at such a speed that the level of the molten metal in the sleeve is always maintained at a level near the port.

Abstract: A computerized die-casting machine control includes a microcomputer and a programmable controller having presettable inputs to establish a desired machine operating sequence. Temperature sensors at the holding furnace, cover die, ejector die, gate and at the die impact bushing monitor the die casting variables and produce input signals to the shot-control micro-computer. The micro-computer is programmed to take pre-programmed actions to correct out of tolerance conditions in the machine on a continuous on-line basis during machine operation.

Abstract: A die casting machine has a hydraulic shot ram controlled by a servo system that includes pre-settable thumbwheel switches to establish a desired memory of shot speed values and shot position presets in a programmable computer. An analog output responsive to the control program in the programmable computer produces a direct current analog velocity command signal. A servo amplifier includes means for comparing the command analog signal and a feedback signal from transducers sensing velocity of the hydraulic ram and position of valve means to produce an on-off servo valve signal so that a servo valve will modulate flow from a third state Olmsted shot valve so as to compensate for shot speed changes produced by changes in operational conditions including wear and build-up on a cylinder and ram; hydraulic oil heat-up during operation of the machine; and changes in flow characteristics of a molten metal due to temperature variations thereof.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for inspecting the quality a casting produced by a die-casting machine, wherein a variety of the operating conditions are monitored in each casting process and thereby the quality of the casting can be judged immediately after the casting.

Abstract: A method for casting material melted by arc discharge and an arc melting apparatus useful with a precision casting machine, the invention is practiced by initiation of an arc discharge at an arc current lower than the steady state current normally used for arc melting, thereby to prevent starting shock. Current level is subsequently increased in a rapid and regular manner to a steady state current for melting in a stable manner the material which is to be cast. The apparatus of the invention includes a small and compact arc power source provided with apparatus for controlling the arc current which is applied to the material to be melted. When utilized with a precision casting apparatus, the invention improves the manufacture of artificial teeth, accessories, industrial mechanical parts and the like.

Abstract: A melting pot reservoir for non-ferrous metals and the like to be die cast in a cold chamber mold is provided with a pumping mechanism having a displacement plunger for metering out by displacement from the reservoir an exact volume of molten material into the mold. This same plunger is provided with a vernier adjustment and accompanying control circuit that automatically moves the plunger an increment into the molten material after each charge the precise amount to restore the molten material level to a predetermined optimum datum level for delivery of exactly the precise amount of charge into the cold chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the level of a molten metal surface in a continuous casting mould uses a probe located either in the molten or above the surface of the molten metal. The probe is connected to a high-frequency transmitter which is arranged to induce voltages in each of two secondary receiver-coils, the receiver-coils being in coupling relationship with a compensating coil and a further coil connected to the probe. The receiver-coils are connected in opposition to one another so that a difference voltage of zero is arranged to be produced when the molten metal surface is at the required level but that the difference voltage is used, when departing from zero, for control purposes of the height of the molten metal surface.

Abstract: A modified die casting process and machine utilizes a shaped and contained charge of molten metal which is formed and moved proximate the gate runner while the die halves are open. The charge is formed between the shot piston and an ejector side plunger which includes a slave driver rod projecting to engage the shot piston. By confining and compacting the charge, a charge more homogeneous and of uniform temperature is provided. When the die halves close, the shot piston further advances moving the plunger against a stop, retracting the slave driver rod and filling the cavity at the desired flow rate. The cavity is provided with one or more impact absorbing devices positioned in recesses on the parting plane of the die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating moist pulverulent material and is particularly useful for removing the moisture from such material. In one aspect of the invention, the material is hot foundry sand, where the sand is first moistened by the addition of water and then the moist sand is treated in a vibrating container under vacuum.

Abstract: A high temperature pressure transducer for measuring the total pressure adjacent the exit orifice of a crucible containing molten metal used in a continuous casting operation is disclosed. The pressure sensed includes a pressure head of the molten metal as well as the gas gauge pressure in the crucible above the metal. The transducer includes a sensor rod assembly having an immersible sensor rod fabricated of fused quartz and having a sensing surface, a sensor rod extension, an intermediate shaft, and a load cell connected to the intermediate shaft. A bellows provides a gas tight seal for the internal gas pressure in the crucible. The bellows is characterized by folds projecting inwardly and outwardly and providing equal volume in the two directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an injection process in cold-chamber die-casting machines which work on a three-phase system whereby an automatic initiation of the third phase without delay is possible. Beginning with the plunger of the apparatus in a certain starting position, the time is measured which elapses until a pressure in a working cylinder ahead of the plunger has reached a predetermined value. The time delay of the valve system which releases the pressure medium feed in the third phase is subtracted from the time measured so as to arrive at a time differential. At the end of the time differential, which elapses when the injection process begins with the plunger in its original or starting position, serves as a starting signal to trigger the valve system.

Abstract: In a centrifugal casting apparatus, the rate of flow of molten iron poured into the mold is controlled by varying the inclination of the feed channel. In particular, at the end of the casting operation, the supply of liquid to the feed channel is cut off and the upstream end of the feed channel is progressively raised. This can be controlled automatically by a cast iron level detector adjacent the pouring spout. In this manner, localized thickness defects in a series of pipes can be corrected. Furthermore, pipes of constant thickness throughout their length can be provided without the need to vary the translational speed of the feed channel or vary the rate of pivoting of the ladle of molten liquid.