Abstract: An improvement in a rail conveyor apparatus. The improvement is composed of a plurality of rail conveyor trucks coupled together and movably supported on a track with at least one foundry molding box being mounted on each rail conveyor truck. Each of the foundry molding boxes has a connector member thereon having first and second ends. A conduit connects the first ends of the connector members on each of the rail conveyor trucks. A vacuum source and another conduit is provided for coupling the vacuum source to a pair of coupling members. Valves are provided in the second-mentioned conduit for alternately connecting the coupling members to the vacuum source. Coupling devices are provided for effecting a coupling of at least one of the coupling members to the second end of one of the connector members on one of the conveyor trucks prior to an uncoupling of the other of the coupling members from the second end of another connector member on another rail conveyor truck.

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.

Abstract: A vacuum control valving apparatus for a vacuum sealed molding apparatus. The control valving apparatus is located between a pair of mold members, one stacked upon the other, and a mating surface on a rail conveyor truck. The valving apparatus provides a controlled communication of a first vacuum source to an evacuation chamber on the mold members. The valving arrangement also effects a connection of the evacuation chambers on each of the mold members to a second vacuum source connection of the rail conveyor truck when the mold members are vertically stacked one on the other and in the appropriate location on the rail conveyor truck.