Abstract: A conveyor transfer system is used in a foundry to transfer an article between first and second article-travel-paths. The system includes a first conveyor which has a pair of beams defining the first article-travel-path. One of the beams is movable in a vertical direction to lift an article from the other beam and for placing an article supported by the one beam on the other beam. One of the beams is movable in a horizontal direction to move an article supported thereby along the first article-travel-path. A second conveyor is provided having a pair of beams defining the second article-travel-path. The beams of the second conveyor function similar to the corresponding beams of the first conveyor. A shuttle conveyor is provided for transporting an article between the first and second conveyors. The shuttle conveyor has a first portion in alignment with the first article-travel-path to form a continuation thereof.

Abstract: Foundry sand molding apparatus for simultaneously forming cope and drag molds. The cope and drag molds are substantially simultaneously pre-jolted and jolt-squeezed to assure uniform density in the molds. Thereafter the apparatus laterally transfers the cope and drag molds into vertical alignment at an assembly station, with the drag mold being inverted and lowered during lateral transfer of same.

Abstract: A material handling device for releasably gripping objects of various sizes is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of opposed gripping pads operable between a closed position in which the gripping pads engage opposite sides of the object and an open position in which at least one of the gripping pads is spaced from the object. Springs urge the gripping pads apart, and fluid motors apply a force opposed to the springs to move the gripping pads toward one another when fluid pressure is applied to the fluid motors. A fluid controller applies an adjustable minimum fluid pressure to the fluid motors to thereby adjustably limit the maximum distance between the grippers.

Abstract: A support table for foundry sand molding machines is elevated from a lowermost position to a sand supply position wherein sand is fed into a flask supported on the table. The table is then moved downwardly to a predetermined position slightly above the lowermost position while being vibrated to compact the sand. The table is then elevated to an upper position for squeezing the sand against a squeeze board carried by a head on the machine.

Abstract: Foundry sand molding apparatus includes a head and table between which sand molds are squeezed. The head is rotatably indexable about a horizontal axis above the table, and carries different cope and drag squeeze boards selectively alignable with the table for producing different cope and drag sand molds on the same apparatus. The head has a sand supply passage therethrough and is rotatably indexable to a sand supply position with the passage vertically aligned with the table for supplying sand therethrough to a flask supported on the table. The head is rotatable in either of opposite directions from its sand supply position for selectively aligning either the cope or drag squeeze board with the table. Baffles extending across the sand supply passage perpendicular to one another are individually adjustable for adjusting the distribution of sand supplied through the passage.

Abstract: A roll-over transfer for foundry equipment is disclosed in which a "C" shaped frame rolls along a base combining translation and rotation between two end positions. The frame is powered by piston and cylinder actuator connected for a cycloidal operation to provide maximum acceleration and deceleration at the ends of the frame travel. Cables are connected between the frame and base to maintain a predetermined relationship between the translating movement and the rotating movement. Primary and supplemental stops cooperate to positively prevent over-travel in the event of a failure in the drive system. A single clamp and draw actuator is centrally mounted on the frame for clamping and drawing foundry equipment. The machine is flexible in use in that it can be loaded and unloaded from any one of three directions in each of its operated positions.

Abstract: A molding system includes apparatus for moving a flask from one portion of a mold car conveyor and for transferring it across the mold car conveyor loop and for depositing the mold at another portion of the mold car conveyor. The apparatus comprises a first structure for picking up the flask from the one portion of the mold car conveyor, a flask and mold feeder movable transverse of the mold car conveyor, and a second structure for picking up a mold from the flask and mold feeder at a mold removal station, and for moving the mold to the other portion of the mold car conveyor. A single fluid cylinder is provided for effecting the movement of the flask and mold feeder, as well as the first and second structures. A linkage means interconnects the single fluid motor with the first and second structures and the flask and mold feeder to effect these various movements.