Abstract: A method of making sand molds, cores or the like for use in casting foundry pieces. First and second continuous conveyors are utilized, the first conveyor having a number of pattern pieces and flasks attached to it, and the second conveyor for transporting the sand molds, cores or the like from the flasks after deposition thereon by inverting the flasks over the second conveyor. Each flask is filled in turn with sand and binder mixture when in an upright position, the sand-binder mixture is compacted and partial curing thereof is allowed, the flasks are inverted in turn to bring the sand mold into contact with the second conveyor, and the sand mold is released from each flask while it is inverted. Each flask is then brought back into an upright position for receipt of further sand-binder mixture to repeat the process, the process being substantially continuous.

Abstract: An automatic mold and core forming machine is described wherein an endless chain conveyor is in engagement with a plurality of flasks carriers for movement therewith with a mold material retaining means positioned adjacent and end of the chain conveyor and arranged to contact the material in the flasks and retain it therein as the flasks are inverted in passage around the conveyor. A flask filling and compacting assembly is provided adjacent the opposite upper end of the chain conveyor for automatically filling and compacting the flasks as they pass thereunder and a mold draw station is provided at the underside of the chain conveyor.