Abstract: A feeder sleeve (1') for use in the casting of molten metal has a cavity (8) whose cross-sectional area at the bottom of the cavity (8) is greater than the cross-sectional area at the top of the cavity (8) such that a line joining a point (11.1) on the inner surface (11) of the sleeve at the bottom of the cavity (8) and the nearest point (11.2) on the inner surface (11) of the sleeve at the top of the cavity (8) is less than 80.degree. to the horizontal. The inner surface of the sleeve may taper from the bottom of the cavity to the top of the cavity uniformly or in at least one step (12).

Abstract: A method, apparatus and feeder sleeves are described for producing casting moulds having feeder sleeves incorporated therein in instances when the mould pattern plate or the cope mould are not accessible. Two part feeder patterns having a lower part and an upper part and feeder sleeves whose lateral surface tapers from the bottom and to the top end of the sleeve are used. For moulds having a side feeder the lower part of the pattern produces a depressed seating surface for the feeder sleeve in the drag mould and the upper part which has substantially the same taper as the taper of the feeder sleeve and dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of the lateral surface of the feeder sleeve produces a cavity in the cope mould. The cope and drag moulds are closed in such a manner that the central vertical axis of the cavity in the cope mould is in line with the central vertical axis of the feeder sleeve, and there is a gap between the wall of the cavity and the outer lateral surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cavity in a body of particulate moulding material has at least one rib-like formation for gripping an object received in the cavity. In the case of a metal casting mould a riser sleeve (1) is inserted into a cavity (9) in the top part of the mould and the cavity (9) is produced by means of a tapered former (5) the exterior of which has a plurality of radially spaced apart recesses (6) extending between the top and towards the bottom of the former and which has a negative taper from bottom to top. The depth of the recesses (6) is such that circles geometrically inscribed inside the base of the recesses (6) have diameters smaller than the corresponding mean outside diameters less three times the standard deviation of the riser sleeves (1) to be used. The recesses (6) form ribs (11) from the moulding sand and the ribs (11) grip the outer surface of the sleeve (1).

Abstract: A blind feeder sleeve for use in the casting of metals comprises a sleeve body and a cover having a Williams core, and optionally an opening for ventilation, the Williams core being formed integrally with the feeder sleeve and comprising a rib extending across the inner surface of the cover and projecting downwardly from that surface in a wedge like shape. Preferably the rib is formed integrally with the inner surface of the cover at each end of the rib, and when the feeder sleeve is circular in cross-section the rib preferably extends across a diameter of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cavity in a body of particulate moulding material has at least one rib-like formation for gripping an object received in the cavity. In the case of a metal casting mould a riser sleeve (1) is inserted into a cavity (9) in the top part of the mould and the cavity (9) is produced by means of a tapered former (5) the exterior of which has a plurality of radially spaced apart recesses (6) extending between the top and towards the bottom of the former and which has a negative taper from bottom to top. The depth of the recesses (6) is such that circles geometrically inscribed inside the base of the recesses (6) have diameters smaller than the corresponding mean outside diameters less three times the standard deviation of the riser sleeves (1) to be used. The recesses (6) form ribs (11) from the moulding sand and the ribs (11) grip the outer surface of the sleeve (1).