Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment, a molten metal transferring system is provided. The system includes a device capable of lifting molten metal from a bath to a launder at varying quantity per unit of time. The system includes a sensor, such as a laser, arranged to monitor molten metal flow in the launder. The launder further includes a removeable insert facilitating, reversible modification of a cross-sectional area of the launder.

Abstract: A molding machine for molding material is provided. The machine includes a cavity to be filled with molten metal and a conduit system leading to the cavity, thus forming a system of interconnected hollow spaces. At least one pressure member is moveable in at least part of the conduit system. A centrifugal pump in fluid communication with a reservoir of molten metal is provided, the pump providing molten metal to the hollow space receiving the at least one pressure member.

Abstract: A pump for transferring molten metal is provided. The pump includes a motor, a base having an impeller chamber, a shaft connected to the motor at one end, an impeller connected to the other end of the shaft and rotatable in the impeller chamber, and a riser disposed on an upper surface of the base. The base includes a shaft opening and an outlet opening in a top surface. The riser assembly has a first open end facing the base. The first open end is dimensioned to encompass the shaft opening and the outlet opening.

Abstract: A molten metal pump having a base member defining a pumping chamber is provided. The pumping chamber includes an opening in each of a top surface and a bottom surface of the base member. An impeller is disposed in the pumping chamber and is configured to draw molten metal through the opening in the bottom surface and expel the molten metal through an outlet in the base member. A flow diverter is disposed above the opening in the top surface.

Abstract: A method for delivering molten metal to a shot sleeve of a casting machine from a molten metal furnace. A molten metal pump is positioned within the furnace. The pump includes a molten metal outlet in fluid communication with the shot sleeve. A shaft and impeller or screw assembly of the pump is selectively rotated to introduce molten metal to the shot sleeve in a predetermined quantity. The predetermined quantity is determined by a controller that receives a signal from a trigger mechanism associated with the molten metal outlet.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.

Abstract: A molten metal pump comprised of a metal base defining a pumping chamber is provided. The pump further includes a motor mount adapted to receive a motor, at least one metal post extending between the base and the motor mount, and a metal shaft disposed between the motor and an impeller disposed in the pumping chamber. A bearing ring engages the impeller. The pumping chamber will include an inlet and an outlet. A steel riser tube in fluid communication the outlet is also provided.

Abstract: A method of fluxing or degassing a molten metal residing as a bath in a furnace. The bath of molten metal includes a bath surface height and the method provides at least one rotating impeller in the molten metal bath to initiate a flow of the molten metal. The flow in the molten metal results in elevating a portion of the molten metal above the bath surface height where at least one of a fluxing agent and an inert gas is introduced into the elevated portion of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method of fluxing or degassing a molten metal residing as a bath in a furnace. The bath of molten metal includes a bath surface height and the method provides at least one rotating impeller in the molten metal bath to initiate a flow of the molten metal. The flow in the molten metal results in elevating a portion of the molten metal above the bath surface height where at least one of a fluxing agent and an inert gas is introduced into the elevated portion of the molten metal.

Abstract: A molten metal pump comprised of a metal base defining a pumping chamber is provided. The pump further includes a motor mount adapted to receive a motor, at least one metal post extending between the base and the motor mount, and a metal shaft disposed between the motor and an impeller disposed in the pumping chamber. A bearing ring engages the impeller. The pumping chamber will include an inlet and an outlet. A steel riser tube in fluid communication the outlet is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for inspecting surfaces such as plates or pipe walls of magnetisable material using magnetic reluctance to gain data about the surfaces being inspected. In a preferred method, a magnetic circuit that passes through at least a magnetising unit and a portion of the surface to be inspected is created. The magnetic reluctance in the magnetic circuit is measured at one or more positions in the circuit. At least one of the measured magnetic reluctance values is incorporated into one or more algorithms. The result of the or each algorithm is recorded or displayed for each magnetic reluctance reading in association with information concerning the position of the or each magnetic reluctance reading on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a glazed door having a peripheral doorframe, and first and second door facings secured to opposing sides of the doorframe. Each door facing has an opening. A saddle is secured to the first and second door facings, and surrounds the opening. A first glazing bead is secured to a first receiving portion of the saddle. A second glazing bead is secured to a second receiving portion of the saddle. A glazing panel is secured within the opening between the first and second glazing beads. A method of forming the glazed door is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a door and a door skin. The door includes a peripheral doorframe and a window frame having opposed first and second sides. First and second door facings are secured to opposing sides of the peripheral doorframe. Each of the door facings has an opening. The door facings have adjacently disposed inner surfaces, and each of the opposing sides of the window frame is secured to an associated inner surface about the associated opening. A window is secured within the window frame. The present invention is also related to a method of making the door, and a panel component resulting from the disclosed door making process.

Abstract: The apparatus includes two somewhat convex shoes clampable along the adjacent sides of a pair of rails for engagement by the peripheries of wheel flanges so that the wheels are raised just clear of the rails, a load-sensing device at the highest portion of each shoe, and load-indicating means connected to the devices. The apparatus is sectional, the shoes being urged apart into rigidly clamped positions by two struts separable from the shoes to facilitate portability. Two spaced-apart support members are secured to each shoe to embrace its outer and lower faces, each support member being vertically adjustable relative to the shoe to suit different heights of rails. The shoes have replaceable wear-strips.

Abstract: A releasable fastening assembly for attachment of a boot to a snowboard comprises a mounting member which, in use, is fixed to the snowboard, and a support member which is rotatable relative to the mounting member. First and second jaws are mounted on the support member for engagement with co-operating formations on the boot. Means are provided for releasably holding the support member in a selected one of a plurality of possible angular positions relative to the mounting member and for disengaging at least one of the jaws from the cooperating formations on the boot.