Abstract: A sleeve (10) allows flow against gravity of molten metal into a casting mold. The sleeve has a sleeve body (20) with a longitudinal axis that defines a flow conduit for the metal. A check valve (30) is positioned in the flow conduit, arranged for limited axial movement in the sleeve between a closed position and an open position, although it is operatively positioned to be in the closed position in the absence of the pressurized metal. The check valve has a spool (32) with an internal flow conduit, a top end of the conduit blocked by an end cap (40). Flanges (36, 38) on the spool provide the limited axial movement in the sleeve. When lifted into the open position, metal flows into the spool flow conduit and through a porous structure of the spool, causing laminar flow and filtering inclusions.

Abstract: A sleeve (110) for use in metal casting has a sleeve body, where a longitudinal axis (B) has a side wall (116) formed around it, defining a sleeve interior. The sleeve body is open at a first end (118). A core (120) is formed integrally along an interior surface extends into the sleeve interior. The sleeve body and the core are formed of a gas-permeable refractory material. At least the core contains material for generating heat when heated by a molten metal. The core extends along the side wall from the first end to a second end. The core has a width that is constant or decreases in a radial direction away from the side wall, especially with a triangular profile, with a base thereof in contact with the side wall. The sleeve body is cylindrical or frustoconical, with a diameter that decreases from the open first end.

Abstract: A sleeve (10) allows flow against gravity of molten metal into a casting mold. The sleeve has a sleeve body (20) with a longitudinal axis that defines a flow conduit for the metal. A check valve (30) is positioned in the flow conduit, arranged for limited axial movement in the sleeve between a closed position and an open position, although it is operatively positioned to be in the closed position in the absence of the pressurized metal. The check valve has a spool (32) with an internal flow conduit, a top end of the conduit blocked by an end cap (40). Flanges (36, 38) on the spool provide the limited axial movement in the sleeve. When lifted into the open position, metal flows into the spool flow conduit and through a porous structure of the spool, causing laminar flow and filtering inclusions.

Abstract: A riser sleeve (100) for use in a foundry molding operation has cylindrical body in which the side wall (14) that may be untapered or that may taper uniformly from the bottom to the top (12) of the body. The riser sleeve is characterized by a plurality of cavities (102) are formed on the side wall, extending from the top in an axial direction of the body. These cavities provide air gaps when the riser sleeve is inserted into a mold, decreasing heat loss at the interface between the riser sleeve and the mold.