Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal (M), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle (12) for the molten metal (M). A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle (12) or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal (M), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle (12) for the molten metal (M). A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle (12) or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal (M), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle (12) for the molten metal (M). A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle (12) or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle for the molten metal. A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle for the molten metal. A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

Abstract: A method of planning tasks to be performed in a machine derives a precedence graph by linking subsidiary tasks to a sequence of key tasks to create a scheduling problem that can be solved by an automated scheduler. In the event of a trigger, such as an order for new work or a machine exception, work can be retimed, rescheduled or replanned.

Abstract: Scheduling of tasks in a lithographic apparatus, track unit or lithocell is performed by maintaining a register of the state of the machine and a database of tasks performable by the machine, generating possible sequences of tasks based on pre- and post-conditions on the system state (rather than a precedence relation) and selecting a sequence from the generated sequences that meets a given beginning state of the machine and a desired end state. Embodiments of the invention also allow for automated recovery from exceptions.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating molten metal to achieve effective removal of such unwanted inclusions as gases, alkali metals, entrained solids, and the like. The method comprises continuously introducing molten metal into a container forming a trough or trough section, such as the trough provided between a melting furnace and a casting machine, providing at least one mechanically movable gas dispenser submerged within the metal in the container and introducing a gas into the metal adjacent to the gas disperser in a part of the trough forming a treatment zone such that the gas is broken into smaller bubbles by the gas dispenser and dispersed through the treatment zone. The trough or trough section is such that it exhibits a static to dynamic metal holdup of less than 50%.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating molten metal to achieve effective removal of such unwanted inclusions as gases, alkali metals, entrained solids, and the like. The method comprises introducing molten metal into a trough, such as the trough provided between a melting furnace and a casting machine, providing at least one mechanically movable gas injector submerged within the metal in the trough and injecting a gas into the metal in a part of the trough forming a treatment zone through the injector(s) to form gas bubbles in the metal while moving the injector(s) mechanically to minimize bubble size and maximize distribution of the gas within the metal.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating molten metal to achieve effective removal of such unwanted inclusions as gases, alkali metals, entrained solids, and the like. The method comprises introducing molten metal into a trough, such as the trough provided between a melting furnace and a casting machine, providing at least one mechanically movable gas injector submerged within the metal in the trough and injecting a gas into the metal in a part of the trough forming a treatment zone through the injector(s) to form gas bubbles in the metal while moving the injector(s) mechanically to minimize bubble size and maximize distribution of the gas within the metal.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating molten metal to achieve effective removal of such unwanted inclusions as gases, alkali metals, entrained solids, and the like. The method comprises introducing molten metal into a trough, such as the trough provided between a melting furnace and a casting machine, providing at least one mechanically movable gas injector submerged within the metal in the trough and injecting a gas into the metal in a part of the trough forming a treatment zone through the injector(s) to form gas bubbles in the metal while moving the injector(s) mechanically to minimize bubble size and maximize distribution of the gas within the metal.