Abstract: The die for the production of piston blanks having high dimensional accuracy comprises an integral body and crown forming part with separate internal and pin boss bore cores and a single runner and feeder. Metal utilisation is greatly increased and fettling costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method is described for the production of a porous ceramic body and the subsequent infiltration of the body with a molten metal to produce an article having a reinforced metallic matrix. The article may be further worked by known techniques such as extrusion or forging, for example.

Abstract: A squeeze casting press has a movable top die part (11) and movable side die parts (13). When these parts are in a die-forming position, the side die parts (13) are locked against movement by respective locking wedges (25) to prevent these die parts separating under the squeeze casting pressure. The provision of movable die side parts allows easy access to the cast article (which may be a piston for an engine or a compressor). It also allows easy location in the die of reinforcements or inserts to be cast into the article.

Abstract: A pipe repair bypass apparatus which enables residual water in pipes to flow without touching the area of the pipe to be repaired by soldering, is disclosed. The bypass apparatus includes a flexible disc slightly greater in its outer diameter than the inner diameter of the pipe to be repaired. The disc has a central opening which receives one end of elongated flexible tubing. A rigid tube is slideably arranged on the flexible tubing and serves to aid in inserting the disc and flexible tubing into the pipe to be repaired. When the apparatus is disposed inside a pipe, the disc acts as a dam for any water in the pipe with the water eventually flowing through the flexible tubing thereby avoiding the repair area.

Abstract: A process is provided for pressure casting a piston with a crown insert and a cavity. The process comprises casting crown down in a mould and, before casting, placing in the mould means for forming a crown insert and a soluble salt core forming a cavity in the piston. The salt core is held by the crown insert means to position the salt core in the mould so preventing the salt core moving during pressure casting.

Abstract: An automobile hitch coupler aid is provided for hitching together two vehicles wherein the complementary coupling members are not easily brought into exact registration. The device comprises a female hollow pyramidal member having structure for mounting this member on one of the vehicles with a male pyramidal member having an outer surface substantially complementary to the inner surface of the female pyramidal member adapted to move between a closely nested position in the female member and a separated position which permits movement of the male pyramidal member relative to the female pyramidal member in any direction.