Abstract: The apparatus is used in die casting equipment of the type which utilizes a source of vacuum pressure in an internal die cavity for making a casting. The apparatus includes a valve body that has components that are separable along a split line that is positioned to enable easy cleaning of casting material from internal ports. The apparatus has a valve, a trap operatively connected to the valve body and a closed chamber with an inlet thereto. The chamber is adapted to receive and contain casting material that may enter the inlet thereof.

Abstract: The apparatus has a generally cylindrically shaped rotating collar for sealing the chamber after casting material has been poured into it. The apparatus has a slidable plunger mechanism with an enlarged tip for forcing casting material through a shot sleeve toward the die. A flat annular collar retainer plate is located at right end of the collar. A sleeve seal tube is attached to the collar retainer plate adapted to receive the plunger tip. A seal housing is carried by and is slidable on the plunger stem, has an enlarged left end portion in which a sleeve seal is located so that when the plunger mechanism is moved to the left, the plunger tip enters the chamber and the seal housing and plunger stem move to the left until the seal engages the seal tube during leftward movement of the plunger. Further movement of the plunger stem results in the stem sliding relative to the seal housing while the plunger tip forces material in the chamber toward the die cavity.