Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.

Abstract: An impeller for use in a molten metal pump is provided. The impeller comprises (a) a body including a plurality of blades or passages and (b) a top portion having an inverted cup-shape. A top wall of the cup includes a bore configured to receive a shaft. A sidewall includes a plurality of openings. A rim of the cup is mated to the body.

Abstract: A molding machine for molding material is provided. The machine includes a cavity to be filled with molten metal and a conduit system leading to the cavity, thus forming a system of interconnected hollow spaces. At least one pressure member is moveable in at least part of the conduit system. A centrifugal pump in fluid communication with a reservoir of molten metal is provided, the pump providing molten metal to the hollow space receiving the at least one pressure member.

Abstract: A pump for transferring molten metal is provided. The pump includes a motor, a base having an impeller chamber, a shaft connected to the motor at one end, an impeller connected to the other end of the shaft and rotatable in the impeller chamber, and a riser disposed on an upper surface of the base. The base includes a shaft opening and an outlet opening in a top surface. The riser assembly has a first open end facing the base. The first open end is dimensioned to encompass the shaft opening and the outlet opening.

Abstract: A method for delivering molten metal to a shot sleeve of a casting machine from a molten metal furnace. A molten metal pump is positioned within the furnace. The pump includes a molten metal outlet in fluid communication with the shot sleeve. A shaft and impeller or screw assembly of the pump is selectively rotated to introduce molten metal to the shot sleeve in a predetermined quantity. The predetermined quantity is determined by a controller that receives a signal from a trigger mechanism associated with the molten metal outlet.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.

Abstract: A molten metal pumping apparatus. The apparatus has each of a circulation function and a transfer function. The apparatus includes a molten metal pump having an outlet. The outlet is moveable while submerged in molten metal between a first position engaged with a circulation passage in a furnace assembly and a second position engaged with a transfer passage in the furnace assembly.

Abstract: A pump for transferring molten metal is provided. The pump includes a motor, a base having an impeller chamber, a shaft connected to the motor at one end, an impeller connected to the other end of the shaft and rotatable in the impeller chamber, and a riser disposed on an upper surface of the base. The base includes a shaft opening and an outlet opening in a top surface. The riser assembly has a first open end facing the base. The first open end is dimensioned to encompass the shaft opening and the outlet opening.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in conjunction with a charge well of a furnace containing a molten metal pool into which metal chips are introduced for melting. The apparatus includes a sidewell having a pump well and a charge well. The pump well houses a molten metal pump. The charge well houses a scrap submergence device. The pump well and the charge well are in fluid communication via a passage in a bridge wall that divides the pump well from the charge well. The bridge wall defines a semi-circular end wall of the charge well. The scrap submergence device is capable of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation at variable speed.

Abstract: A method for delivering molten metal to a shot sleeve of a casting machine from a molten metal furnace. A molten metal pump is positioned within the furnace. The pump includes a molten metal outlet in fluid communication with the shot sleeve. A shaft and impeller or screw assembly of the pump is selectively rotated to introduce molten metal to the shot sleeve in a predetermined quantity. The predetermined quantity is determined by a controller that receives a signal from a trigger mechanism associated with the molten metal outlet.

Abstract: A molten metal pumping apparatus. The apparatus has each of a circulation function and a transfer function. The apparatus includes a molten metal pump having an outlet. The outlet is moveable while submerged in molten metal between a first position engaged with a circulation passage in a furnace assembly and a second position engaged with a transfer passage in the furnace assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal molten metal pump assembly and associated system for controlled delivery of molten metal to molds. The pump assembly comprises a shaft, an impeller coupled to the shaft, a controller to control a rotational speed of the impeller according to a programmable fill profile while delivering the molten metal to the mold. In some embodiments, the pump assembly further comprises a throttle to manipulate a flow rate or pressure of the molten metal relative to a rotational speed of the impeller. The associated system comprises a melting furnace and one or more holding furnaces, each holding furnace including at least one pump assembly therein. Each holding furnace may be of an open configuration to allow for uninterrupted flow of the molten metal from the melting furnace. The system may provide controlled delivery of the molten metal to the mold at a desired flow rate or pressure.

Abstract: A molten metal pump includes an impeller, a pump base housing at least partially enclosing the impeller, a shaft connected to the impeller, a motor connected to the shaft, a motor mount plate for supporting the motor; and a post for connecting the motor mount plate to the pump base housing. The molten metal pump can include a connector that connects the post to the motor mount plate. The molten metal pump can include a socket for connecting the shaft to the motor. The shaft can comprise an assembly including an elongated metal rod having a first end and a second end and a metal non-circular drive member attached at the second end of the elongated metal rod.

Abstract: A molten metal pump comprised of a metal base defining a pumping chamber is provided. The pump further includes a motor mount adapted to receive a motor, at least one metal post extending between the base and the motor mount, and a metal shaft disposed between the motor and an impeller disposed in the pumping chamber. A bearing ring engages the impeller. The pumping chamber will include an inlet and an outlet. A steel riser tube in fluid communication the outlet is also provided.

Abstract: A molten metal processing apparatus selected from a pump, a degasser, a flux injector, and a scrap submergence device constructed to include at least one element comprised of C/C composite.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill complex molds with molten metal, such as aluminum. The pump assembly includes an elongated shaft connecting a motor to an impeller. The impeller is housed within a chamber of a base member such that rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the chamber at an inlet and forces molten aluminum through an outlet. A first bearing is adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a first radial edge and a second bearing adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a second radial edge. A bypass gap is interposed between the second bearing and the second radial edge. Molten metal leaks through the bypass gap at a predetermined rate to manipulate a flow rate and a head pressure of the molten metal such that precise control of the flow rate is achieved.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill complex molds with molten metal, such as aluminum. The pump assembly includes an elongated shaft connecting a motor to an impeller. The impeller is housed within a chamber of a base member such that rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the chamber at an inlet and forces molten aluminum through an outlet. A first bearing is adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a first radial edge and a second bearing adapted to support the rotation of the impeller at a second radial edge. A bypass gap is interposed between the second bearing and the second radial edge. Molten metal leaks through the bypass gap at a predetermined rate to manipulate a flow rate and a head pressure of the molten metal such that precise control of the flow rate is achieved.

Abstract: A molten metal pump includes an impeller, a pump base housing at least partially enclosing the impeller, a shaft connected to the impeller, a motor connected to the shaft, a motor mount plate for supporting the motor; and a post for connecting the motor mount plate to the pump base housing. The molten metal pump can include a connector that connects the post to the motor mount plate. The molten metal pump can include a socket for connecting the shaft to the motor. The shaft can comprise an assembly including an elongated metal rod having a first end and a second end and a metal non-circular drive member attached at the second end of the elongated metal rod.