Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for centering and gripping a work piece (WP) having an internal cavity (60) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally longitudinal post shaft (11) in an internal chamber (21) that has a head portion (42) for supporting the cavity end wall (62) and a plurality of pivot bars (22) and clamp bars (31) for engaging the cavity side wall (61) and cavity throat (63). An air driven slidable push rod (41) disposed within the shaft (11) in an internal chamber (21) causes the bars (22,31) to move from a retracted position to an expanded position. The apparatus can be inserted into the work piece (WP) while the bars (22,31) are in the retracted position and then gripped and centered by activating the push rod (41) and expanding both sets of bars (22,31).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for centering and gripping a work piece (WP) having an internal cavity (60) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally longitudinal post shaft (11) in an internal chamber (21) that has a head portion (42) for supporting the cavity end wall (62) and a plurality of pivot bars (22) and clamp bars (31) for engaging the cavity side wall (61) and cavity throat (63). An air driven slidable push rod (41) disposed within the shaft (11) in an internal chamber (21) causes the bars (22,31) to move from a retracted position to an expanded position. The apparatus can be inserted into the work piece (WP) while the bars (22,31) are in the retracted position and then gripped and centered by activating the push rod (41) and expanding both sets of bars (22,31).

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming a passage haing a predetermined linear or non-linear shape in a ferrous casting, comprising four steps. First, a tube of a material compatible with the ferrous casting is secured to a generally cylindrical supporting ring to form a tube-containing ring. Second, this tube-containing ring is placed in a recess within a mold for the ferrous casting. Third, molten metal is poured into the mold to form the casting. Finally, the completed ferrous casting is removed from the mold when the molten metal has solidified.

Abstract: Cast iron selected from the group consisting of white iron, compacted graphite iron, malleable iron, gray iron, and ductile iron is cast in a mold in which steel or metal, such as a tube defines a portion of the mold form.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production casting of molten metal. In such casting, the molten metal being poured into one cavity may be splashed or overflowed into another adjacent cavity. The invention provides a splash guard which defines a barrier to the molten metal and prevents such inadvertent introduction of the molten metal into an adjacent cavity. The splash guard preferably comprises a substantially solid object made of a material, such as graphite, that retains its structural integrity at high temperatures and upon contact with molten metal, but which does not strongly adhere or bond to the molten metal upon cooling. The invention can be embodied in both manual and automatic casting lines. In a manual casting line, the splash guard may physically contact a surface of the mold to create the molten metal barrier between the cavities.