Abstract: A method for melting and casting of metals and alloys and an apparatus using the method. The method consists of utilizing a compact assembly for melting and centrifugal casting of metals. The assembly includes a mold or chiller which is rotatable around a vertical axis. The mold communicates with a sealed lower housing containing an oven for the melting of the metal. The assembly is such that the interior chambers of both the oven and the mold are positioned in a vacuum during the entire time of the process of melting of the metal contained in the oven. The oven is movable vertically and is maintained in a position such that the lower extremity of a hollow vertical channel which feeds the mold, remains outside of the molten metal in the interior cavity of the oven when melting is occurring. Thus, the melting is accomplished entirely in a vacuum condition, thereby avoiding the formation of oxides or other chemical compounds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a hollow curved member, especially a curved pipe as well as the curved member or pipe produced by the method and apparatus. A blank is formed by rotating fluid material in a mold having a toroidal cavity about an axis displaced a predetermined distance from the mean longitudinal axis of the cavity and solidifying the fluid material. The blank is removed from the mold and a toroidal inner surface is machined into the blank so as to provide a passageway therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, the toroidal cavity is circular in cross-section and has a circular arcuate axis and the inner surface is machined into the blank coaxial with the outer surface of the blank.