Abstract: A metal flow system, for use in casting aluminium alloy using a pressure casting machine, is provided by a component of a die or mould assembly, for the machine, which defines a die cavity. The component defines at least part of an alloy flow path for the flow of aluminium alloy from a pressurized source of substantially molten aluminium alloy of the machine to the die cavity. The flow path includes at least one runner and a controlled expansion port, referred to also as a CEP, which has an inlet through which the CEP is able to receive aluminium alloy from the runner and an outlet through which aluminium alloy is able to flow from the CEP for filling the die cavity.

Abstract: The provision or use, for the pressure casting of magnesium alloy in a molten or thixotropic state with a pressure casting machine having a mould or die which defines a die cavity, of a metal flow system which includes a die or mould tool means which defines at least one runner from which molten magnesium alloy is able to be injected into the die cavity. The metal flow system is of a form providing for control of metal flow velocities within the flow system, whereby substantially all of the metal flowing throughout the die cavity is in a viscous or semi-solid state. Filling of the die cavity is able to proceed progressively by semi-solid fronts of metal moving away from a gate or other site of injection.

Abstract: A metal flow system, for high pressure die casting of alloys using a machine having a pressurized source of molten alloy and a mould defining at least one die cavity, defines a metal flow path by which alloy received from the pressurized source is able to flow into the die cavity. A first part of the length of the flow path includes a runner and a controlled expansion port (CEP) which increases in cross-sectional area, in the direction of alloy flow, from an inlet end of the CEP at an outlet end of the runner to an outlet end of the CEP. A CEP exit module (CEM) forms a second part of the length of the flow path from the outlet end of the CEP. The increase in cross-sectional area of the CEP is such that molten alloy, received at the CEP inlet end at a sufficient flow velocity, undergoes a reduction in flow velocity in its flow through the CEP whereby the alloy is caused to change from a molten state to a semi-solid state.

Abstract: A sprue system, for use in a pressure casting machine, such as a machine for hot chamber die casting, or for producing castings from a thixotropic alloy, or a cold chamber die casting machine, is provided, which includes a plurality of sprue dies which form a sprue housing, or bush, through which a sprue region extends longitudinally between inlet and outlet ends of the housing or bush. The sprue dies are relatively movable laterally with respect to the longitudinal extent of the sprue region, between an advanced position in which the sprue dies form the housing or bush and a retracted relative position.

Abstract: The provision or use, for the pressure casting of magnesium alloy in a molten or thixotropic state with a pressure casting machine having a mould or die which defines a die cavity, of a metal flow system which includes a die or mould tool means which defines at least one runner from which molten magnesium alloy is able to be injected into the die cavity. The metal flow system is of a form providing for control of metal flow velocities within the flow system, whereby substantially all of the metal flowing throughout the die cavity is in a viscous or semi-solid state. Filling of the die cavity is able to proceed progressively by semi-solid fronts of metal moving away from a gate or other site of injection.

Abstract: A metal flow system, for use in casting aluminium alloy using a pressure casting machine, is provided by a component of a die or mould assembly, for the machine, which defines a die cavity. The component defines at least part of an alloy flow path for the flow of aluminium alloy from a pressurized source of substantially molten aluminium alloy of the machine to the die cavity. The flow includes at least one runner and a controlled expansion port, referred to also as a CEP, which has an inlet through which the CEP is able to receive aluminium alloy from the runner and an outlet through which aluminium alloy is able to flow from the CEP for filling the die cavity.

Abstract: A seat backrest frame (10) having an integrally formed rigid peripheral frame structure which, relative to an in-use orientation, has a plurality of frame portions, namely a pair of side portions (20) and transverse portions (22 and 24). Each of the frame portions (20, 22 and 24) has an elongate channel form defined by respective side flanges (20a, 22a, 24a, 20b, 22b, 24b), and an interconnecting web (20c, 22c, 24c). Each web (20c, 22c, 24c) being disposed forwardly of the frame structure with the channel of each frame portion opening rearwardly. Each side portion (20) defines a forwardly projecting wing (36) over at least the lower half of its length, such that the depth of each side portion channel in at least the region of the wing (36) is substantially greater than the depth of the channels of the transverse portions (22 and 24).

Abstract: A seat mounting mechanism for mounting a seat for adjustable fore and aft movement, the mechanism having an elongate fixed rail which is adapted to be securable to a substructure, pan or floor, a movable rail which is engageable with the fixed rail and adapted to be securable to a seat, and at least one locking member mounted on a first one of the fixed rail and the movable rails. The locking member is pivotable between an engagement position in which it locks the movable rail relative to the fixed rail and a retracted position in which it frees the movable rail for adjustment along the fixed rail. The locking member is mounted on the first rail for pivotable movement, between the engagement and retracted positions, about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the rails. The locking member has an engagement mechanism by which it is selectively engageable with an engagement mechanism of, and disposed along, a second one of the rails when the locking member is in its engagement position.