Abstract: An apparatus for promoting desired sand distribution into a mold flask in a foundry process, comprising a proximal distribution plate mounted subjacent a hopper, a distal distribution plate slidably mounted subjacent the proximal distribution plate, and a masking plate assembly mounted subjacent to the distal distribution plate. The proximal distribution plate includes a series of primary apertures, while the distal distribution plate includes a series of repeating secondary apertures therethrough, with each series of secondary apertures corresponding to one primary aperture. The masking plate assembly includes a masking plate having a series of masking plate bores traversing therethrough, with each masking plate bore corresponding to each secondary aperture. Each masking plate bore includes a principal diameter extending through the masking plate, with the principal diameter determining the flow rate of sand through the masking plate.

Abstract: A sand level sensing and distribution apparatus for monitoring and controlling the quantity of sand distributed from a batch hopper into a mold flask includes a sensor assembly connected to a level actuating assembly via a carriage assembly. A window is mounted within one wall of the batch hopper such that the sensor assembly may be used to monitor the level of sand within the batch hopper. The level actuating assembly is proximate the batch hopper, and the sensor assembly is therefore proximately positioned by said window. A control unit is included to receive the monitored signal from the sensor assembly, and, using such information, to control the operation of the level actuating assembly in positioning the sensor assembly to distribute the desired amount of sand into the mold flask.