Abstract: In a molding machine, foundry sand thrown into a molding space defined by a pattern plate and flask members is compressed in two steps. Namely, in the first step a lower subsidiary flask is stationary while in the second step the flask is movable. The pattern carrier molding machine comprises a molding base, flask-setting cylinders, a lift-support frame, and a segment-squeeze sand hopper. The auxiliary flask 62 of the compact pattern-plate carrier is installed movably up and down through a plurality of upward oil cylinders 63,63 that are expanded/contracted via special oil cylinders 64,65 operated by outside cylinders 68,69.

Abstract: A lost wax molding system has a re-usable, collapsible, chain-linked mesh exoskeleton, one or more inserts to be placed within the interior surface of the mesh exoskeleton to exert outward pressure on the mesh exoskeleton thereby creating a pre-formed, rigid, three-dimensional shape, a waterproof sleeve sized to cover the outer surface of the three-dimensional shape, and a base sized to seal said waterproof sleeve forming an investment mold container.

Abstract: A pattern carrier for a flask molding machine including a mount on which a pattern plate is mounted and a flask-shaped, molding flask-removing frame adapted to make contact with a lower end of a molding flask of a flask molding machine and moveable up and down around said pattern plate for removing a finished mold.

Abstract: A method for introducing and compacting molding sand S in a mold space defined by a pattern plate (10a), a lower auxiliary frame (16b), a flask (18), a filling frame (20), and multi-segmented squeeze feet (36a). First, the molding sand S is introduced into the mold space. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a first squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein at least the lower frame (16a) cannot be lowered. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a second squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein the lower frame (16a), the flask (18), and the filling frame (20) can be lowered.

Abstract: A method for introducing and compacting molding sand S in a mold space defined by a pattern plate (10a), a lower auxiliary frame (16b), a flask (18), a filling frame (20), and multi-segmented squeeze feet (36a). First, the molding sand S is introduced into the mold space. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a first squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein at least the lower frame (16a) cannot be lowered. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a second squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein the lower frame (16a), the flask (18), and the filling frame (20) can be lowered.

Abstract: The drag flask has at least two opposed sides which include recesses proximate the matchplate. Manifolds are provided in the recesses to communicate compressed air from a source of compressed air to air inlets provided in the manifold. The manifolds are separated from the recesses using an elastomeric seal which is contoured to direct the compressed air between an air passage disposed between the drag mold and the matchplate. When incorporated into a sand mold forming machine, sensors are positioned on the sand mold forming machine to detect when the drag flask has reached a releasing position to thereby cause the source of compressed air to inject air into the manifold and air passage for release of the drag mold from the drag flask.

Abstract: A cap for an investment vessel for receiving investment material comprises a platform having a contoured edge and an underside. A wedge is located on the underside of the platform and is frictionally engageable with at least a portion of an inner edge of the top of the vessel. When the cap is placed in frictional engagement with the vessel, the contoured edge provides a restricted opening to the vessel for controlling the flow of the investment material. A lip is provided on the platform at the contoured edge for channeling investment material to the opening.

Abstract: An automatic matchplate molding machine, used to form sand cope and drag molds, includes a basin former to create a pouring basin in the cope mold. The basin former includes a two-piece liner, one of the pieces being a relatively short and inexpensive plastic sleeve which may be replaced at a relatively low cost when wear occurs. Air passages in the liner channel air into the center of the liner, creating a swirling air current, thereby blowing loose sand out of the liner.

Abstract: The molding apparatus includes a pattern plate carrier for air-pressurized compaction processes. The carrier is equipped with air venting structure running along the inner contour of the mold box of the sand molding apparatus in the form of elongated slotted bars.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing sand mold employing compressed air comprises a sand molding apparatus for use in making sand molds by employing compressed air. The apparatus includes, in the preferred embodiment, a pattern plate carrier having a top surface for supporting a pattern plate thereon. A molding box is positioned on the top surface of the pattern plate carrier and surrounds the pattern plate so as to define between the pattern plate and the interior surface of the molding box a peripheral area on the top surface of the carrier. Vents are provided on either the peripheral area define above or the pattern plate or both and extend around the pattern plate for allowing compressed air which is injected into the molding box during compression of the molding sand to escape on the pattern side of the molding box. A chamber is defined within the carrier beneath the pattern plate and is communicated with the vent structure by means of bores.

Abstract: The pattern plate of a matchplate molding machine is attached to a drag flask by spring-loaded clamps which may be rapidly opened to enable the plate to be quickly and easily removed from the flask and replaced by another plate. Locating members are attached to the flask in laterally opposed relation with the clamps and coact with the clamps to fixture the pattern plate accurately on the flask. A removable operating handle is provided for opening the clamps and carries a latch for releasably holding the clamps in their open positions during changing of the pattern plates.

Abstract: A basin former on a squeeze plate coacts with a sprue former on a pattern plate to form a pouring basin and a sprue in a sand mold. Sand which enters the basin former during formation of the pouring basin is ejected upwardly therefrom by pressurized air which is introduced into the basin former through an opening in the side of a plastic liner located in the basin former. The squeeze plate is modular in nature in that the basin former may be attached to the squeeze plate at any selected one of several locations without need of disconnecting and re-connecting the source of pressurized air when the position of the basin former is changed.

Abstract: A molding appartus for use in the production of a casting mold from a granular molding material wherein the space between the pattern and the mold frame is provided with a plurality of orifices such that the sum of the area of the orifices is at least 1% the area of pattern plate between the pattern and the mold frame so as to allow for a flow through rate of air through the orifices of at least 0.005 kg/sec.

Abstract: Apertures are formed in the top surface of the platen assembly. A resilient diaphragm extends across each aperture and is extended upwardly through the aperture by a plunger. The extended diaphragm protrudes into sand within the flask and locks the sand mold against movement parallel to the top of the platen assembly.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a one piece interlock forming member used in metal casting, comprising a tapered member adapted to fit in the match plate, which is used in the core or mold forming process in such metal casting operations; the subject interlock forming member comprises a cylindrical member with a conically shaped upper portion, constituting the male member, with a conically shaped chamber inside the lower cylindrical portion, such chamber constituting the female portion, and which interlock forming member shapes corresponding male and female interlocks in the drag and cope sections of the flask used in metal casting.

Abstract: A pattern plate device for vacuum sealed molding, being applied with a negative pressure to the surfaces of said device, covered with a flexible film on said surfaces tightly, on which a molding flask having a reducing structure is set, and then being used for performing a vacuum sealed molding operation.