Abstract: A continuous sand muller for mixing foundry sand and binder additives includes a premixing tube and a primary mixing tube removably secured to a frame. The premixing tube includes a mixing auger and mixes sand and a catalyst. The primary mixing tube receives the mix from the premixing tube. A resin additive or other binder is fed to the primary mixing tube. A single, double shafted motor drives the primary mixing auger directly and the premixing auger through a timing belt drive. The mixed sand and binder is delivered by the primary mixing tube to an outlet. An access or cleanout cover is removably secured to the primary mixing tube.

Abstract: A material handling device for releasably gripping objects of various sizes is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of opposed gripping pads operable between a closed position in which the gripping pads engage opposite sides of the object and an open position in which at least one of the gripping pads is spaced from the object. Springs urge the gripping pads apart, and fluid motors apply a force opposed to the springs to move the gripping pads toward one another when fluid pressure is applied to the fluid motors. A fluid controller applies an adjustable minimum fluid pressure to the fluid motors to thereby adjustably limit the maximum distance between the grippers.

Abstract: A support table for foundry sand molding machines is elevated from a lowermost position to a sand supply position wherein sand is fed into a flask supported on the table. The table is then moved downwardly to a predetermined position slightly above the lowermost position while being vibrated to compact the sand. The table is then elevated to an upper position for squeezing the sand against a squeeze board carried by a head on the machine.

Abstract: Foundry sand molding apparatus includes a head and table between which sand molds are squeezed. The head is rotatably indexable about a horizontal axis above the table, and carries different cope and drag squeeze boards selectively alignable with the table for producing different cope and drag sand molds on the same apparatus. The head has a sand supply passage therethrough and is rotatably indexable to a sand supply position with the passage vertically aligned with the table for supplying sand therethrough to a flask supported on the table. The head is rotatable in either of opposite directions from its sand supply position for selectively aligning either the cope or drag squeeze board with the table. Baffles extending across the sand supply passage perpendicular to one another are individually adjustable for adjusting the distribution of sand supplied through the passage.

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 continuous sand muller for efficiently mixing foundry sand and resin/catalyst binder additives includes a pair of preblending tubes and a primary mixing tube. Sand and the resin binder are introduced into one of the premixing tubes where the resin binder is thoroughly mixed with the sand. A catalyst is added to the sand in the second premixing tube where it is also thoroughly mixed with the sand. Both of the premixing tubes simultaneously deposit the premixtures into the primary mixing tube. A high intensity auger combines the two premixes and delivers the final sand mix to an outlet. A sand supply system and a binder supply system are provided for instantaneous supply of sand and binder additives to the premix tubes.