Abstract: A self adjusting instrumented rolling bearing having an outer ring and an inner ring delimiting a rolling chamber and at least one row of rolling elements disposed therein, and a detection device including a sensor integral with the outer ring and a target integral with the inner ring, configured to detect a relative rotation between the outer ring and the inner ring around a central axis. The outer ring has an inner surface in the form of a spherical portion centered about a tilting center of the bearing and forming a rolling surface for the rolling elements. The radius of the inner surface of the outer ring is greater than a distance defined between the tilting center of the bearing and a specific position of the target that is the farthest from the tilting center.

Abstract: A melt furnace including a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a holding reservoir, and a control system including a controller is provided. The first reservoir and the second reservoir are in fluid communication with the holding reservoir to flow molten materials to the holding reservoir. The controller is in communication with a first material level sensor, a second material level sensor, a holding reservoir temperature sensor, and a molten material level sensor assembly. The controller is adapted to adjust an output level of at least one of the first reservoir melt burner and the second reservoir melt burner based, at least in part, on one or more received signals to control the flow of molten materials from the first reservoir and the second reservoir to maintain a level of molten material in the holding reservoir.

Abstract: A safety door automatic opening/closing device is capable of freely (arbitrarily) setting and controlling the opening/closing speed and the open position to shorten a waiting time required to open/close a safety door and capable of eliminating a touch switch; and a method of controlling the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting the casting of a continuous casting system has a mold (2) and a strand guide (10; 10?) comprising drive and guide rollers (11, 12; 11?, 12?). Moreover, a dummy bar (22) that can be introduced into the mold (2) by the strand guide (10; 10?) and be withdrawn from said mold is provided. A safety device (20; 20?) for the dummy bar (22) has an element (25) that can be engaged, with form fit, with the dummy bar (22) and limiting the speed of the cold bar (22). It is thus guaranteed that a predetermined maximum strand speed can not be exceeded and that the dummy bar does not slide through.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated reciprocator for applying lubricant in a die casting system. As a reciprocator is moved between two die halves and a fluid is applied to the dies with the reciprocator, a safety bar is moved ahead of the reciprocator. Any objects in the path of the reciprocator are detected by contact with the safety bar. If the safety bar contacts an object as the reciprocator is moving down, a sensor signals a control system and the reciprocator is stopped.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated reciprocator for applying lubricant in a die casting system. As a reciprocator is moved between two die halves and a fluid is applied to the dies with the reciprocator, a safety bar is moved ahead of the reciprocator. Any objects in the path of the reciprocator are detected by contact with the safety bar. If the safety bar contacts an object as the reciprocator is moving down, a sensor signals a control system and the reciprocator is stopped.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated reciprocator for applying lubricant in a die casting system. As a reciprocator is moved between two die halves and a fluid is applied to the dies with the reciprocator, a safety bar is moved ahead of the reciprocator. Any objects in the path of the reciprocator are detected by contact with the safety bar. If the safety bar contacts an object as the reciprocator is moving down, a sensor signals a control system and the reciprocator is stopped.

Abstract: An automated reciprocator for applying lubricant to the cavity of a die casting system having a safety bar for preventing the reciprocator from injuring a person or damaging equipment which may be present in the reciprocator travel path. The safety bar is movably carried on the lower side of the reciprocator and includes a sensor to detect relative movement between the safety bar and the reciprocator. The proximity sensor is coupled to a control system. If the safety bar contacts an object as the reciprocator is moving down, the sensor signals the control system and the reciprocator is stopped.

Abstract: A safety controller having a total worst case propagation delay, exceeding the required propagation delay required by a safety process, may be used to control the safety process by monitoring actual delays in signal processing in the safety controller and moving to a safety state if a signal delay exceeds an amount less than the total worst case propagation delay.

Abstract: An automatic molding machine has different operational molding stations in which at least two different safety zones are provided for the different molding stations. Such an automated machine includes a mold flask assembly including a drag flask, a cope flask and a pattern plate. An electronic controller controls the molding machine differently when different safety zones are breached.

Abstract: A die clamping apparatus including a movable plate which is in connection with a pushing-out pin which is projected from and retracted to a moving die and which is held movably with respect to a moving die plate, a clamp member for obtaining a constraint of the movable member, an air cylinder and a hook member. Only a movement of the movable member is constraint by the air cylinder with respect to the moving die plate when the latter is moved in a die opening direction from a die opening limit position, so that a resultant relative movement between the movable plate and the moving die plate, which causes the pushing-out pin to be projected from the moving die, resulting in a removal of a molded product, while the constraint of the movable member prevents the moving die plate from being moved in the die closing direction when the moving die plate in the die opening limit position is under non clamping condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for predicting precipitation kinetics in precipitation-hardenable alloys, such as the 7000 series aluminum alloys, and for optimizing conditions for thermal treatment thereof. The method includes the steps of measuring a real-time temperature of an alloy component during the thermal treatment process, and using a signal in dependence upon the real-time temperature to predict, using executable code, a current state of the alloy component. The executable code includes a series of rate equations and initial parameters for a particular alloy. Optionally, the initial parameters for the particular alloy are provided after the code is in execution. The thermal treatment process is terminated when a predetermined state of the alloy component is predicted.

Abstract: A metal die casting machine having a safety bar mechanism for cushioning the stopping action of a movable platen when it is stopped prior to reaching the closed position of the dies. One embodiment provides a two-part bar connected together by a cushioning means. A second embodiment mounts a cushioning means on one of the platens, preferably the movable platen.

Abstract: The machine has a main structure which supports, so that they can rotate about a substantially vertical rotation axis, a lower plate for supporting a centrifugal molding die and an upper plate. The plates face each other on a substantially horizontal plane and are mutually movable in a direction parallel to the rotation axis in order to ensure closure of the mold or to allow removal of the mold. The plates are accommodated in a chamber which is delimited by walls connected to the main structure and has, on the front side of the machine, an opening for access to the die. The opening is closed by a movable cover connected to at least one of the side walls delimiting the chamber by a pair of connecting rods. Each connecting rod has one end pivoted to the cover and another end pivoted to the related side wall with substantially horizontal pivoting axes to allow an opening movement of the cover along a vertical upward component and along a horizontal component toward the rear side of the machine.

Abstract: A device is described for collecting molten metal break-outs which may occur during direct chill casting of light metal, e.g. aluminum or aluminum alloy ingots. The device includes a water-cooled mould of the cross sectional shape of the ingot desired, this mould having a vertically moveable base portion to support the ingot formed and being disposed above a pit for receiving the resultant casting and means for applying water onto the freshly solidified surface of the ingot as it emerges from the mould downwardly into the pit. The novel feature consists of at least one hollow container adjacent the side or sides of the ingot being formed, each container being packed with dry, highly heat-absorptive, finely divided material having a large surface to volume ratio. Each container has an open top positioned a short distance below the mould such as to catch a break-out of molten metal at the exit of the mould.

Abstract: A contact sensing system senses the contact of two parts, such as the closure of two die parts in a molding machine, and controls a subsequent event such as the introduction of fluent molding material into the mold when closure of the die parts is sensed. One of the die parts is provided with an orifice which is covered by the other die part when the mold is closed. Sensing is achieved by delivering air through the orifice using an air line and sensing the pressure increase in the line when the orifice is closed by the other die part. A control module houses the components of the sensing system and protects the components in hostile environments.

Abstract: A prime mover for hot chamber die casting machines and the like, comprises a cylindrical housing with a piston slidably mounted therein for translation between extended and retracted positions. A rod connects the piston with an injection plunger portion of the casting machine. A closed reservoir, retaining high pressure gas therein, communicates with the power side of the piston, and urges the same toward the extended position. The piston is translated to the retracted position, and selectively released, whereby the high pressure gas contained in the reservoir quickly accelerates the piston to a fast speed portion of the shot stroke, and also facilitates substantially instantaneous deceleration of the piston at the end of the shot stroke without substantial backlash.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for monitoring the condition of a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) trunnion bearing. A shaft attached to a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) vessel is supported on either vessel side by a radial bearing which allows rotation of the shaft with respect to those bearings. One of the radial bearings is in turn mounted to a ladder bearing which allows shaft expansion and contraction with temperature. A Hall Effect transducer is mounted on both bearing sides to monitor the distance between the shaft and the transducer. If an output from the transducer deviates from a predetermined range the shaft position has shifted. This shift is an indication that either the radial or ladder bearing has or may in the near future fail. The apparatus therefore provides a warning that either replacement or repair of the BOF vessel trunnion bearing may be required.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a steam explosion, in a water discharge channel of a secondary cooling zone of a horizontal type continuous casting machine, caused by molten metal breaking out from said cast strand, which comprises: a metal net provided substantially horizontally between said secondary cooling zone and said water discharge channel for granulating said molten metal breaking out from said cast strand; a water flashing mechanism provided over the entire width of said water discharge channel above said water discharge channel, said water flashing mechanism comprising a plurality of water injection ports ejecting water on said molten metal granulated through said metal net for rapidly cooling and solidifying said molten metal and washing away the resultant soldified granulated metal toward the downstream of said water discharge channel; a tank, provided at the downstream end of said water discharge channel for receiving the water and the granulated metal discharged from said water discharge channel an

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a reciprocating liquid injection unit wherein charges of an injection liquid, such as molten metal, are injected one-by-one to a point of consumption, such as an injection molding die, by an injection plunger reciprocating in a sleeve and driven by a double acting hydraulic cylinder and fluctuations in the oil pressure on the return side of the hydraulic cylinder are monitored to detect abnormal increases in such pressure which indicate the occurrence of dragging between the injection sleeve and the plunger head.

Abstract: A die casting system comprises a machine of the balanced, dual movement type wherein the part is cast and trimmed without any lateral movement. Both halves of the molds or dies are moved equal distances to and from the part plane. The machine incorporates a system of metal injection on the mold parting line with a runner-drain provision; provision for supporting the part at a plurality of points after the die opening; hydraulic fluid volumetric flow reduction; various nozzle configuration options and a heat transfer system for the dies. In addition, a part trimming machine is disclosed together with a cable transfer for moving the part from the casting machine to the trimming machine.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the flow of molten metal of a hot chamber die casting machine from an outer surrounding melt crucible into the bore of a casting bushing which is located in the melt and which has a melt inlet opening disposed below the level of the melt in the crucible which is located upstream of a sprue runner leading to the mold cavity having a mold part maintained under closing pressure during the molding, includes a firing piston for moving a casting piston in the bore of the casting bushing so as to close the opening and to direct the melt into the mold cavity. After casting, the casting piston is moved backwardly to relieve the pressure on the mold slightly and the mold is partially opened. The casting position is locked against further movement, however, so as to prevent an inflow of the melt through the sprue runner to the mold immediately after casting.

Abstract: The casing is stationary and has at least one end a transverse end wall which defines an opening affording access to the end of the casting mould. A screen axially projects from the transverse end wall and extends at least partly around the opening for the purpose of screening the machine operators off from any splashes of molten metal which might be thrown out of the mould due to a faulty socket core.