Abstract: A control pin for controlling the flow of molten metal through a down spout in a casting process is provided. The control pin comprises a body having an elongated shape, a lower portion insertable in the down spout, and a terminal end, opposite the lower portion. The body includes a central core, preferably a hollow tube or a rod of alumina or mullite; a heating element disposed around the central core, and an intermediate layer surrounding the central core and encasing the heating element, the intermediate layer being made of a solidified ceramic putty. Finally, an outer shell, preferably made of woven fiber reinforcing fabric in a matrix of ceramic, surrounds the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A control pin for controlling the flow of molten metal through a down spout in a casting process is provided. The control pin comprises a body having an elongated shape, a lower portion insertable in the down spout, and a terminal end, opposite the lower portion. The body includes a central core, preferably a hollow tube or a rod of alumina or mullite; a heating element disposed around the central core, and an intermediate layer surrounding the central core and encasing the heating element, the intermediate layer being made of a solidified ceramic putty. Finally, an outer shell, preferably made of woven fiber reinforcing fabric in a matrix of ceramic, surrounds the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A receptacle for handling molten metal is provided. The receptacle has bottom and side walls and includes a refractory defining a cavity within which the molten metal is conveyed or contained. The receptacle has at least one channel extending within at least one of its walls. The channel has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connectable to a source for circulating a fluid within the channel. The outlet allows the fluid to be expelled from said channel. The channel allows, when the fluid is circulated in it, to regulate the temperature of the refractory and thereby of the metal conveyed or contained. A casting assembly and a method for casting the refractory are also provided.

Abstract: A receptacle for handling molten metal is provided. The receptacle has bottom and side walls and includes a refractory defining a cavity within which the molten metal is conveyed or contained. The receptacle has at least one channel extending within at least one of its walls. The channel has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connectable to a source for circulating a fluid within the channel. The outlet allows the fluid to be expelled from said channel. The channel allows, when the fluid is circulated in it, to regulate the temperature of the refractory and thereby of the metal conveyed or contained. A casting assembly and a method for casting the refractory are also provided.