Abstract: An expendable pattern of an article to be cast comprises a meltable material that expands upon heating (e.g., a wax pattern). The pattern is invested with particulate mold material to form a thin, layered shell having a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.12 inch. The thin shell wall thickness unexpectedly reduces damage and distortion to the shell during removal of the pattern therefrom by steam autoclaving. After firing, the thin gas permeable shell mold is surrounded by a refractory particulate support media in a vacuum housing. The vacuum housing is then evacuated to evacuate the mold cavity defined by the thin shell and concurrently a pressure is applied to the support media so as to compress the support media about the thin shell to support the shell against casting stresses when molten metal is countergravity cast into the evacuated mold cavity.

Abstract: The conventional paint can is provided with a dispensing ring which protects the sealing groove and sides of the can from contamination with paint. The dispensing ring comprises a conical lip adapted to extend radially over the can sidewall and terminates inwardly with a downwardly extending conical skirt for compressive engagement by the innermost edge of the can opening.