Abstract: Casting apparatus which includes a dispenser (4,5) defining a dispensing chamber (21) of variable volume receiving molten metal (3) in use, a valve (8) having a housing (23) defining a valve chamber (24) and a passageway (7) communicating between the valve chamber and the dispensing chamber, the valve further defining an inlet port (8a) communicating with a supply (2) of molten metal and further defining an outlet port (8c) communicating with a die (9), a valve member (8d) located in the valve chamber, actuating mechanism (26) selectively operable to move the valve member into a first position closing the inlet port and a second position closing the outlet port whereby in the first position the valve connects the dispensing chamber with the die for casting metal and in the second position the valve connects the dispensing chamber with the supply of molten metal for recharging the dispensing chamber, the valve including first and second annular seats (41,42) surrounding the inlet and outlet ports respectively

Abstract: A flow valve comprising two valve members having contacting flat surfaces, one of the members containing spaced inlet and outlet fluid passages and the other of the valve members containing an intermediate passage, the valve members being mounted such that relative rotation of the flat surfaces can be effected to locate the intermediate passage either fully or partially in or out of communication with the inlet and outlet passages, and a channel is provided around at least part of the periphery of the contacting flat surfaces to receive molten metal and dross leaked between them.