Abstract: A method of finishing like castings wherein the exact dimensions of the casting are not known requires the steps of traversing the casting along a fixed path impinging excess material on a reduction apparatus such as grinder at a fixed location such that a defined witness is produced on the excess material, measuring the difference from the witness to the casting parent material and adjusting the fixed path to remove the excess material to within a specified tolerance.

Abstract: An apparatus for continually shifting an endless abrasive belt trained between a drive pulley and an idler wheel. The belt is trained around an idler wheel which is supported by an arm above a continually pivoting platform transverse to the travel direction of travel of the endless belt. The platform is pivotally supported by a fulcrum mechanism at a pivot axis bisecting the platform, and a resilient member urges one side of the platform down while an inflatable and deflatable bladder continually urges the other side of the platform up and down. A tensioning means biases the arm supporting the idler wheel away from the drive pulley to maintain tension on the endless belt between the idler wheel and the drive wheel while the idler wheel is reciprocating. The bladder is continually inflated and deflated per a preselected time period to selectively vary the shifting cycle.

Abstract: A conveyor system for use in a lost foam casting system connects a plurality of stations where operations necessary to the process are carried out. The system utilizes an interconnected train of open frame gondolas supported on a set of elevated parallel horizontal rails forming a closed loop. The gondolas each support a flask wherein molds are placed and sand molds are compacted, with the flasks being removable from the gondolas as necessary for the particular operation. A programmable controller senses the status of the system and provides signals to operate the conveyor and associated components.

Abstract: A mold weight for use with foundry sand molds comprises a frame assemblage including a pair of spaced frame members connected by rods. A plurality of segmental weight elements are disposed between the frame members and carried by the rods. The weight elements are further disposed to avoid the area of the mold surface that contains the down sprues. The frame members and weight elements are movable, within limits relative to the connecting rods and to each other. Weight elements are made available in a plurality of lengths so that the mold weight configuration can be varied in contemplation of sand molds requiring different down sprue locations.