Abstract: A casting apparatus for pouring molten metal into molds comprises a vessel having a molten metal-receiving chamber generally extending between a filling end and a pouring end. The vessel includes a nozzle disposed in a bottom surface of the chamber proximate to the pouring end. A stopper cooperates with the nozzle to control a downward gravity flow of molten metal through the nozzle. A first support pivotably supports the vessel to provide a horizontal tilt axis substantially coincident with the nozzle. A second support is connected to the vessel at a point away from the tilt axis and has a drive for controlling a pivot position of the vessel. A tilt angle controller detects a level of molten metal within the chamber and engages the drive to maintain the level at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for pouring molten metal into molds comprises a vessel having a molten metal-receiving chamber generally extending between a filling end and a pouring end. The vessel includes a nozzle disposed in a bottom surface of the chamber proximate to the pouring end. A stopper cooperates with the nozzle to control a downward gravity flow of molten metal through the nozzle. A first support pivotably supports the vessel to provide a horizontal tilt axis substantially coincident with the nozzle. A second support is connected to the vessel at a point away from the tilt axis and has a drive for controlling a pivot position of the vessel. A tilt angle controller detects a level of molten metal within the chamber and engages the drive to maintain the level at a predetermined level. A horizontal support rail slidably supports the vessel to provide a horizontal movement perpendicular to the tilt axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a casting machine furnace apparatus including a casting machine furnace, a supply furnace in fluid communication with the machine furnace and operative to supply a molten metal to the machine furnace, and a stopper module device disposed in a fluid path between the casting machine furnace and the supply furnace. The stopper module device includes a block housing and a stopper assembly. The block housing includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and is disposed in the fluid path. The stopper assembly is supported for movement relative to the inlet opening of the block housing between a working position, wherein the molten metal flows from the supply furnace to the casting machine furnace, and a non-working position, wherein the flow of molten metal is prevented.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brake system adapted for use with a rotary turntable. The brake system includes a braking member secured to the rotary turntable, at least one brake band, and an actuator operatively connected to the brake band for selectively moving the brake band between a braking position and a non-braking position. The braking member has a generally annular shape and includes a generally annular outer braking surface. The brake band has a generally annular shape and includes a generally annular outer friction surface disposed adjacent the annular outer braking surface of the braking member. The brake band is movable between a first non-braking position, wherein the friction surface of the brake band is spaced apart from the braking surface of the braking member, and a second braking position, wherein the friction surface of the brake band contacts at least a portion of the braking surface of the braking member. The brake band includes a first end and an opposite second end.

Abstract: A bottom pour casting apparatus (100) includes a vessel (114) having a bottom nozzle (118). A stopper rod (112) is coupled to a programmable controller (250) by linkage mechanism (250) for controlling the movement of the stopper rod (112) according to a pouring schedule. An LDT position sensor (216) is coupled to the stopper rod (112) by a cable (238) and also electronically to the controller (250) for sensing the actual position of the stopper rod during a pouring cycle and conveying this information directly to the controller (250) thereby bypassing any backlash present in the linkage mechanism (116) to enable precise control of the stopper rod movement. A method includes rezeroing the position sensor (116) at the beginning of each pouring cycle to account for slag build-up on the nozzle (118).

Abstract: A pouring ladle (12) includes a horizontal chamber (22) having an inlet (24) at one end thereof for admitting molten metal into the chamber (22) and a bottom-poured nozzle (28) at an opposite end for discharging the metal into an underlying mold (30). A coreless induction heater (56) surrounds the chamber (22) for heating metal as it flows from the inlet (24) to the outlet nozzle (28). The induction heater (56) may be operated simultaneously with the pouring of metal and be used to pour treated ductile iron without plugging the inductor (56).

Abstract: A metallurgically improved metal casting (10) is made with increased productivity, wherein molten metal is quiescently fed upwards into a molding chamber (14) which is then inverted. An assembly of refractory cores (12) is used that defines the molding chamber (14) with riser channels (16). A metal entrance (18) to the molding chamber (14) through a mold side wall (20) requires feeding molten metal against gravity to fill the molding chamber (14), and quiescently pressure feeding molten metal through a metal launder (26) to fill the molding chamber (14) and the riser channels (16). A mold/nozzle connection between the metal launder (26) and the source of molten metal delivered under pressure is rotationally flexible and axially compliant. The feeding of molten metal is interrupted and the assembly is rotated about an axis passing through the mold/nozzle connection (28) to invert the assembly while maintaining the mold/nozzle connection.

Abstract: A system for pouring molds on a continuously moving conveyor by an automated process has an apparatus positioned over a moving conveyor including a plurality of molds. The apparatus includes a frame adapted to be positioned over the moving conveyor. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the frame in a reciprocating forward and reverse direction along a path defined by the conveyor. The apparatus includes a mechanism to pour molten metal into the plurality of molds on the conveyor. The pouring mechanism is associated with the frame such that the pouring mechanism moves at a speed substantially equal to the speed of the conveyor to enable filling of the plurality of molds as the molds continue to move on the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system having an intermediate roller conveyor section which is shiftable as a unit between an upper operative position and a lower inoperative position. An overhead conveyor extends transversely relative to the intermediate roller conveyor section and includes a plurality of carriers positionable over the intermediate roller conveyor section for receiving a part when the conveyor section is in its lowered or inoperative position.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning the stopper valve (14) with the seat (12) in a bottom pour ladle (10), including a locking arrangement (36) which can be loosened to permit the valve (14) to properly close on the seat (12). The locking arrangement (36) is then locked into position with the stopper valve (14) in true alignment with the seat (12).

Abstract: A stopper valve actuating mechanism for a bottom pour casting container including an adjustable limit motion connection within the lever train which allows for a finer control of the pour of the molten metal. The adjustable limit stop connection comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: An air cooled ceramic stopper valve and actuating rod for a bottom pouring ladle. Ceramic parts are assembled onto a metallic stopper rod which contains an enlarged head portion. The metallic stopper rod head is notched, so that refractory cement used to bond the ceramic parts forms a strong mechanical bond between the metal rod and the ceramic point of the valve. The notches provide enough strength in the joint between metal rod to ceramic point to permit shearing loose a frozen stopper valve by rotation (when the valve head [point] bonds to the ceramic orifice).

Abstract: The relative positions between a pair of moving objects and the velocity of one of such objects is controlled so as to synchronize the movements of the objects. Synchronization is achieved through the use of a novel sensor mechanism and a control circuit associated therewith. The sensor mechanism, which may be mounted on a molten metal pouring machine, includes a moving beam which carries a probe which describes the same circular arc regardless of where positioned on the beam. The probe contacts an object on a conveyor, for example a mold to be poured, and a signal generator mechanically coupled to the moving beam will provide an output signal commensurate with the relative position and velocity of the tool and workpiece.