Abstract: A new and improved mixer apparatus is especially adapted for use in a program controlled system for making foundry molds and includes a mixing device for dispensing a mixture of molding sand and binder onto a mold forming pattern in a flask. The device includes a mixing chamber having an inlet for receiving sand adjacent an upper level and a discharge outlet for dispensing a mixture adjacent a lower level. A rotor is mounted on a central axis of the chamber and includes an elongated shaft extending between the inlet and outlet. A flow metering unit divides the chamber into upper and lower sections and is operable for controlling the flow rate of material toward the discharge outlet. The rotor includes upper and lower sets of blades pivotally mounted on axes parallel and spaced radially outwardly of the central axis of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus of the invention includes a dispenser for mixing an discharging layers of the molding material onto the mold forming pattern, and means for producing selectively controlled relative movement between the dispenser and the pattern including a control system for varying the ratio of sand and binder in the mixture being dispensed in accordance with the relative position of the dispenser and the pattern. The apparatus may thus be controlled to provide for selectively variable ratios of sand and binder in accordance with the strength required of the mold at a particular position. The system also provides a selectively variable control of the thickness of each layer of molding material as the mixing head or pattern moves on a three axis coordinate system.

Abstract: An impact scrubber for removing coating materials from the surfaces of particulate matter such as foundry sand and the like comprises a lift tube open adjacent upper and lower ends for containing a high velocity fluidized stream of said particulate matter. A fluid injector is mounted adjacent the lower end of the lift tube for moving the particulate matter into the lift tube to form an upwardly flowing, high velocity turbulent fluidized stream. An adjustable inlet valve is provided adjacent the fluid injector for regulating the flow of sand into the high velocity stream of fluid moving into the lift tube. A target is spaced above the open upper end of the lift tube providing an impact area for receiving the flow of high velocity fluidized particulate matter which impacts against the target. The coating material is loosened from the sand grains by the impact at the target and during the turbulent flow.

Abstract: A program controlled customized method for making molds comprises the steps of dispensing a layer of molding material including a mixture of sand and binder over a mold forming pattern by means of relative movement between a dispensing device and the pattern while selectively varying the ratio of sand and binder in the mixture dispensed in predetermined areas of the pattern or in successive layers to provide a mold of the desired strength in certain critical areas while conserving the amount of binder needed for the completed mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for making battery paste comprises a mixing chamber having a floor with a cylindrical upstanding side wall and a top cover. A mixing head is mounted for rotation in the chamber including at least one mulling wheel and at least one plow for moving the battery paste into the path of the mulling wheels. A cooling system is provided for the mixing chamber and its contents including a plenum chamber in direct contact with the underside of the mixing chamber floor for cooling the floor and a plurality of riser ducts extend upwardly from the plenum chamber in direct contact with the side wall. At the upper end of the risers deflectors are provided for directing a discharge of cooling air downwardly and inwardly of the upper end portion of the mixing chamber to cool the material. An exhaust system is provided for removing heat, moisture and fumes developed in the chamber and a liquid supply system is provided for additional material cooling and for washing the interior surfaces of the chamber.