Abstract: A method and means for automating the design of a ducting system for a fluid is proposed. Boundary data identifying boundary conditions of the ducting system, which boundary data comprises positional information in a three dimensional installation space and magnitude of partial fluid flow for each of at least one component terminal connection, through which fluid is exchanged with the ducting system, and positional information of at least one main terminal connection, at which the partial fluid flows are converging, is entered into a data processing system. Design data is determined by applying an optmization algorithm to the boundary data using the data processing system, which design data comprises an optimum layout of said ducting system and an identification of all required ducting components for building the ducting system, selected from a collection of standard ductwork primitives, and the data processing system communicates the design data to an external recipient.

Abstract: In an automatically operating molding and casting plant comprising a molding station (01) for producing molds (not shown) by compressing mold sand, a pouring station (05) and an extraction station (10), the main new feature is one or a number of video cameras (03, 09) depicting one or a number of process steps and/or the results of same, transmitting the corresponding image information to central control means (13, 14, 15), in which the image information is compared to "ideal" image information, e.g. image information previously read-in and based on a process step proceeding correctly, and which on the basis of the results of the comparison controls the affected stations in such a manner that undesired operational states or defective castings are avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a plurality of moulds in a string system is provided by squeeze plates which compress the particulate mould material. One of the squeeze plates is pivotable so that when a pair of squeeze plates are compressed by particulate mould material, the pivotable squeeze plate may be pivoted out of the way to provide a string mould system. In another embodiment of the invention the pivotable squeeze plate is movable laterally to provide bilateral pressing of both of the squeeze plates.

Abstract: After casting a mould (1) through a bottom inlet (2) with liquid metal (4) under pressure through a mouthpiece (5) of a casting device, the inlet (2) is closed by a closing element (8) being pressed by the mouthpiece (5) into sealing abutment against a seat in the mould (1). Subsequently, an inert gas is introduced into a passage (6) in the casting mouthpiece from a source (9) through a pressure reducing valve (11), a shut-off valve (12) which is capable of being selectively opened, a gas chamber (13) and a bore (14) in the mouthpiece (5). The inert gas is introduced such that the casting device can suck the liquid metal (4) from the closing element (8) a distance backwards in the mouthpiece (5). The effect of this is that oxidation of the liquid metal in the mouthpiece (5) or in the nozzle (7) is avoided, and a faster suction of the metal back from the closing element (8) and the nozzle (7) into the passage (6) of the mouthpiece (5), is achieved.

Abstract: When compacting mold sand in a mold chamber (not shown) to form a mold or mold part (not shown) by using two co-operating squeeze plates with associated patterns (not shown), in which one squeeze plate is actuated before the other one, the second squeeze plate is not acuated until the pressure in the mold chamber (or a parameter depending on or derived from this pressure) has reached a predetermined value. By proceeding in this manner it is possible to manufacture molds or mold parts in series with practically the same hardness or solidity.

Abstract: The blowing-in of the sand into the mould is continued while the pressure in the mould chamber increases through a maximum mould pressure and the blowing-in is terminated at a predetermined time period subsequent to reaching maximum pressure. This method ensures that the mould chamber will be completely filled independently of its size or shape without having to keep the blowing-in mould sand active for a longer time than absolutely necessary.

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: A mould chamber including at least one pressing plate is filled by blowing mould sand in through a blowing-in tube ascending at high speed, in which at least some of the blowing-in apertures are adapted to blow the sand in substantially transversely to the ascending movement of the blowing-in tube.

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 step conveyor for fresh boxless sand moulds includes at least two sets of interdigitating parallel bars adapted to support and move the sand moulds. The top of each bar is covered or coated by a layer of a material with a considerably lower thermal conductivity than that of steel. In a specific embodiment, a top rail is secured to a base member by screws, and this top rail is made of a suitable synthetic resin, such as low-pressure polyethylene with ultra-high molecular weight. With this arrangement, the tendency for moisture from the fresh sand moulds to condense on the conveyor bars is considerably reduced or eliminated, thus reducing or eliminating the tendency for sand from the moulds to adhere to the conveyor bars.

Abstract: A locking and holding device holding and handling pattern plates, core masks and similar at molding machines in foundries. The device comprises a base plate (5) with a number of open grooves (6), which have parallel symmetry axes and are adapted to receive complementarily shaped locking studs (13), for example on a pattern plate (9). The base plate (5) is adapted to turn around a central, stationary bushing (8) projecting from the base plate, in which an upwards open recess has been made. The vertical symmetry axis of the recess is parallel to the vertical symmetry axes of the grooves in one turning position of the base plate (5). When the base plate (5) is turned away from this position, the pattern plate (9) cannot be removed from the base plate, because the wall of the recess secures the central stud (14) from the pattern plate.

Abstract: A core mask is mounted on a rear plate which is designed to establish a vacuum or a pressure for holding the core or cores in the mask. A unit including a mask and rear plate is stored in a magazine near a core setting system. The unit is transferred from the magazine to the core setting system, where it is positioned and fastened so that it can be released while at the same time a fluid connection is established between the unit and the core setting system. The unit is removed after use from the core setting system by release of a lock and the unit is returned to the magazine.

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: In an automatic foundry plant of the kind in which two or several sideways switchable switching conveyors (31,32) are placed between the pouring station (21) and the extraction station (41) in order to obtain the requisite cooling of the poured molds before these arrive to the extraction station (41) and at the same time to limit the length of the plant, the new feature consists in automatic equipment (51-53), which controls the crosswise movements of the switching conveyors (31, 32) to take place at times when the risk is as small as possible of damaging molds situated in the transition region between the mold conveyor (22) and the switching conveyor in question (31 or 32). When molds are used of the kind where two mold sections co-operate in forming a mold cavity between them, the automatic equipment (51-53) may also be adapted to control the function of the pouring station (21), thereby preventing pouring in the molds which at the conveyor switch happen to be situated in the transition region.

Abstract: The heat protective covering comprises at least two concentric and cylindrical plate layers (6, 7) fixedly mounted round for instance a gun barrel (1). Rows of holes (12, 13, 14, 15) are shaped along and in, respectively, the upper and lower lines of generatrix of each plate layer (6, 7). The heat protective covering ensures that the bore or the central axis of for instance the gun is completely parallel to the line of sight irrespective of wind and weather from one side, such as a strong sunlight, wind or a heavy shower from one side.

Abstract: Molds are conveyed from the delivery end (2) of a molding machine (1) to a cooling conveyor (3) or an extractor station. By this procedure the molds (4) are principally conveyed in a direction away from the molding machine in close contact with each other on the first conveyor (5), where the pouring takes place. Then the molds (4) are conveyed back in the direction of the molding machine (1) on a second conveyor (6) running parallel to the first conveyor, on which second conveyor the initial cooling and solidification takes place. The molds with the partially cooled castings are then pushed on to a cooling conveyor (3) or an extractor station by the action of a reciprocating ejector element (7).

Abstract: In an automatic foundry plant of the kind in which at an extraction station (41) water is dosed in (at 42) in order to maintain the correct moisture content in the molding sand, which is returned to the molding station (11), and in which new molding sand (at 43), new binder (at 44), and/or new additive (at 45) may be added in a sand treatment station (46), the new feature consists in that the dosing of water and possibly of the other agents mentioned is controlled by means of an automatic control system (51-53) in dependence of information collected upstream of the extraction station regarding the condition of the individual molds arriving at the extraction station, especially with regard to whether metal has been poured in them or not, a very important factor for the moisture content, because this is greatly reduced by the hot metal poured.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a weight iron (1) with a plane bottom face designed to rest on the top side (3) of the upper mold of a two part sand mold set (2,6), and a clamping plate (4, 5) located at either side of the closed mold parts (2, 6). The bottom face (7) of the lower mold (6) rests on a transport device (8). The apparatus also includes L-shaped arms (9, 10), which pivot with respect to the weight iron (1) and the two side clamping plates (4, 5). The two L-shaped arms (9, 10) are placed opposite to each other in a vertical plane through the mold parts (2, 6). The arms (9, 10) are laterally off-set and pivot with the weight iron (1) at points (16, 17).

Abstract: Drilling equipment, especially for offshore use, comprises a drill floor or platform (11) with a derrick (10) extending upwards therefrom. A first hoist (12) connected to the upper part of the derrick is used for passing a length of a tubular body (19), such as a drill string or a well casing, through a drilling opening (18) defined in and extending through the drill floor. The tubular length is connected to or disconnected from the drill string or well casing during the drilling operation, and such tubular lengths are strored in a storage area (31, 32) of the drill floor. The tubular lengths may be transported from the storage area to the first hoist (12) and vice versa by means of first transporting means (22). The drill floor or platform (11) also defines a preparation opening (21) extending therethrough at a location spaced from the drilling opening and from the storage area, and a second hoist or a preparation hoist (20) is connected to the upper part of the derrick above the preparation opening.