Abstract: A clean cell environment for a continuous roll-over electric induction batch casting furnace system is provided where each combination of batch charge, for example an ingot, induction melting (ingot-melt) process and mold-pour process are performed in a clean cell environment and each combination ingot-melt and mold-pour process is traceable as to the identity of the specific ingot, or other charge form (composition) and the mold (fabrication identifier).

Abstract: A clean cell environment for a continuous roll-over electric induction batch casting furnace system is provided where each combination of batch charge, for example an ingot, induction melting (ingot-melt) process and mold-pour process are performed in a clean cell environment and each combination ingot-melt and mold-pour process is traceable as to the identity of the specific ingot, or other charge form (composition) and the mold (fabrication identifier).

Abstract: An integrated process control installation is provided for electric induction metal melting furnaces with variable furnace states. The integrated process control installation can include supporting charge delivery and slag removal installations, and furnace process operations for process control of melting metal in the furnaces. The variable furnace states, supporting installations, and furnace process operations are controlled by a supporting processing installation, while a robotic apparatus performs the furnace process operations.

Abstract: An integrated process control installation is provided for electric induction metal melting furnaces with variable furnace states. The integrated process control installation can include supporting charge delivery and slag removal installations, and furnace process operations for process control of melting metal in the furnaces. The variable furnace states, supporting installations, and furnace process operations are controlled by a supporting processing installation, while a robotic apparatus performs the furnace process operations.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump has a supply section and a magnetic force pumping section wherein flow of an electrically conductive material through the supply section is opposite to the flow of the material in the magnetic force pumping section in some examples. Multiple coils surround the supply and magnetic force pumping sections. Current flowing through the multiple coils creates magnetic fields that magnetically couple with a magnetic material disposed between the supply and magnetic force pumping sections so that the fields penetrate the electrically conductive material in the magnetic force pumping section substantially perpendicular to the desired flow direction which maximizes the magnitudes of magnetic forces applied to the electrically conductive material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump has a supply section and a magnetic force pumping section wherein flow of a electrically conductive material through the supply section is opposite to the flow of the material in the magnetic force pumping section in some examples. Multiple coils surround the supply and magnetic force pumping sections. Current flowing through the multiple coils creates magnetic fields that magnetically couple with a magnetic material disposed between the supply and magnetic force pumping sections so that the fields penetrate the electrically conductive material in the magnetic force pumping section substantially perpendicular to the desired flow direction which maximizes the magnitudes of magnetic forces applied to the electrically conductive material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump has a supply section and a magnetic force pumping section wherein flow of a electrically conductive material through the supply section is opposite to the flow of the material in the magnetic force pumping section in some examples. Multiple coils surround the supply and magnetic force pumping sections. Current flowing through the multiple coils creates magnetic fields that magnetically couple with a magnetic material disposed between the supply and magnetic force pumping sections so that the fields penetrate the electrically conductive material in the magnetic force pumping section substantially perpendicular to the desired flow direction which maximizes the magnitudes of magnetic forces applied to the electrically conductive material.

Abstract: Apparatus for pouring of molten metal from a vessel onto the gating system of a mold includes a shield assembly that diverts any abnormal flow of molten metal occurring between normal flow of molten metal onto the gating system when molds are indexed for pouring. The shield assembly protects sensitive components of the mold, such as the gating and casting patterns in a lost foam casting process, from abnormal flow of molten metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for pouring of molten metal from a vessel onto the gating system of a mold includes a shield assembly that diverts any abnormal flow of molten metal occurring between normal flow of molten metal onto the gating system when molds are indexed for pouring. The shield assembly protects sensitive components of the mold, such as the gating and casting patterns in a lost foam casting process, from abnormal flow of molten metal.

Abstract: A video positioning system for positioning a pouring vessel over a mold sprue cup comprising one or more light fixtures for illuminating a notch on a pouring mold, an image sensor for sensing the position of the notch on the mold by producing a video notch image, a vision interface unit connected to the image sensor for converting the video notch image to digital information, and a processor connected to said vision interface unit for determining the relative position of the notch image compared to a reference position for the notch. Position correction information is sent to a position controller connected to the processor. The position controller causes the position of the pouring vessel to be adjusted by a positioning subsystem comprising a positioning driver for converting the positioning control signals to actuating signals for a positioning actuator, a positioning actuator, and at least one position sensor for sensing the position of the pouring vessel.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a stopper rod spatial control mechanism for use in combination with a bottom discharge holding reservoir for molten metal having a nozzle. The mechanism comprises a base, an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube has a longitudinal axis which is perpendicular to the base. The outer tube is swingably mounted about an axis parallel to and spaced away from the longitudinal axis. The inner tube is telescopically mounted within the outer tube. The inner tube is reciprocally movable along the longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A servomotor is mounted at a lower end of the outer tube. A ball screw is connected to and rotated by the motor. A ball nut is affixed to the inner tube and cooperates with the ball screw. A boom having a first end and a second end is affixed to the inner tube adjacent its first end and rotates with the inner tube about the longitudinal axis. A stopper rod depends from the second end of the boom.