Abstract: An apparatus for countergravity casting a metallic has: a crucible for holding melted metallic material; a casting chamber for containing a mold; a fill tube capable of extending into the crucible to communicate melted metallic material to the casting chamber; and a gas source coupled to a headspace of the melting vessel to allow the gas source to pressurize said headspace to establish a pressure differential to force the melted metallic material upwardly through said fill tube into the mold. Added sulfur-gettering particles subsequently filtered or sulfur-gettering material removes sulfur from the melted metallic material.

Abstract: A low-pressure casting apparatus includes a core that together with a mold forms a cavity and a reduced-pressure dryer configured to dry the core under reduced pressure. The core is disposed in the mold, the molded is closed, the core is dried under reduced pressure, and thereafter the cavity is filled with molten metal.

Abstract: A counter gravity casting apparatus includes a reusable metal mold having a plurality of mold cavities, a feed tube configured to feed molten alloy into the mold, and a vacuum fitting configured to permit a vacuum to be applied to the mold. The mold includes multiple metal sections configured such that adjacent metal sections mate to one another, the metal sections being separable from one another. The metal sections include recesses that form the mold cavities, and the mold includes a sprue and multiple runner passages. The sprue is configured to receive molten alloy from the feed tube, and the multiple runner passages are configured to feed molten alloy from the sprue to the mold cavities. Methods of casting bulk amorphous alloy articles or feedstock is described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed regarding a gas range and an integrated cooktop assembly. The integrated cooktop assembly may be formed as a single, continuous surface. Some embodiments of the cooktop assembly may include a bowl portion, a burner portion, a grate portion, and a cooktop portion.

Abstract: A method of die casting a component having an integral seal includes defining a first portion of a die cavity of a die to include an open cell structure. A second portion of the die is defined without the open cell structure. Molten metal is injected into the die cavity, and the molten metal is solidified within the die cavity to form the component having the integral seal.

Abstract: Countergravity casting of metals and metal alloys provides for melting of the metallic material under subambient pressure, evacuation of a gas permeable or impermeable mold under subambient pressure, and controlled, rapid filling of the mold while it is maintained under the subambient pressure by applying gas pressure locally on the molten metallic material in a sealed space defined by engagement of a mold base and a melting vessel with a seal therebetween. The gas pressure applied locally in the sealed space establishes a differential pressure on the molten metallic material to force it upwardly through the fill tube into the mold.

Abstract: A gravity pour vacuum casting method and apparatus providing uniform set-up provisions for gas permeable molds regardless of mold size, shape, or mold type employed in accordance with the present invention. Apparatus includes a sprue-forming device that when combined with a disposable foundry patter and subsequently invested together as a unit forms a gas permeable mold in accordance with the present invention, and further includes a vacuum chamber configured to match corresponding counterparts of said sprue-forming device.

Abstract: The first suction port is formed between a side die and the peripheral protrusion of an upper die. A release pin insertion hole is formed at the peripheral protrusion of the upper die which forms the upper end portion of the cavity. A release pin is inserted into the release pin insertion hole. The second suction port is formed between the insertion hole and the pin. Alternatively, a plurality of vent holes having permeable sintered metal arranged are formed instead of the release pin to serve as the second suction port. The suction negative pressure of the second suction port is set higher than that of the first suction port. High negative pressure from the second suction port inhibits air from remaining on the low temperature surface portion of the upper die.

Abstract: This invention relates to metal casting apparatus, methods and molds and more particularly to the casting of metal in refractory, gas-permeable, shell-type molds which are lighter and have thinner wall thicknesses than the refractory, gas-permeable, shell-type molds commonly used in the ceramic shell casting process for lost wax casting of ferrous and nonferrous alloys such as steel, aluminum, and bronze. As a result of the use of vacuum in the inventive apparatus and method, more complete mold fill out is achieved, resulting in better capture of exact detail and close tolerances in the finished cast object. Further advantage is derived from the fact that the casting of large objects is simplified and can be done more quickly. Also, there is an associated substantial savings in labor costs, materials costs and time. The inventive apparatus and method also can be used in the foam vaporization casting process of metal casting.

Abstract: A paper receptacle is disclosed designed to improve the investment casting process in vacuum machines. The paper acts as both a vacuum liner and splash guard. It is fabricated as a perforated paper sheet having hooks, which is inserted in a cylindrical manner into casting flasks in order to provide a liner for congealing islands of solid investment plaster onto the surface of the casting flask resulting from the plaster slurry entering the holes; and a splash guard for investment slurry. After burnout, the liner facilitates the production of high-density metal porosity free castings at lower temperatures and in less time and with easy break away of investment plaster from the flask. The splash guard feature eliminates congealed slurry cleanup and prevents vacuum slurry boilover. The space saving resulting from this prevention enables more wax modules to be inserted into flasks increasing production.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for casting metal in an evacuated mold cavity. The apparatus has a preferential suction zone through which a mold can be preferentially and effectively evacuated and a suction head sealingly fitting the upper surface of the mold. To the apparatus, is further provided a pressing means for pressing, in cooperation with the suction head, the mold against the inner bottom surface of a mold support chamber. By evacuating the mold through the preferential suction zone while pressing the mold to the bottom of the mold support chamber, a mold cavity is easily filled with a molten metal in such a manner to avoid casting defects such as insufficient filling, blow hole, surface fold, under fill, etc.

Abstract: A vacuum casting apparatus secures gas tightness of the die cavity without welding together a straight-tubular stalk and a flange or flanges, thus permitting an excellent quality casting. A flange is mounted on an outer periphery of a stalk, and secured between a gas-tight chamber and a die, forming a recess bounded by the die, a surface of the flange, and an outer surface of the stalk. The space inside the chamber is evacuated to a first degree of vacuum so that molten metal is withdrawn into the stalk and overflows the end of the stalk, and flows into the recess. Molten metal in the recess cools and solidifies to form a gas-tight seal between the stalk and the flange. Then, the space inside the chamber is evacuated to a second degree of vacuum and molten metal is withdrawn through the stalk and into the cavity of the die.

Abstract: A device for injection casting includes a furnace within which is position a crucible, a bell mounted atop a table into which a mold is positioned and a tube interconnecting the crucible and the mold. A device is provided to sense the level of metal within the crucible; piping is provided into the bell and the furnace for controlling the respective pressures therein and various sensors are provided in the bell, mold, tube and furnace which sense various pressures and temperatures experienced within the device during the casting operation. These sensors provide signals to a control apparatus which controls the pressure inside the furnace in order to fill the mold with metal inside the crucible and regulates the speed and pressure inside the mold. A method of operating the device is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum casting apparatus secures gas tightness of the die cavity without welding together a straight-tubular stalk and a flange or flanges, thus permitting an excellent quality casting. Two flanges are mounted in a mutually spaced-apart relation on an outer periphery of a stalk, and secured between a gas-tight chamber and a die. The gas-tight chamber is fitted on the die from above to form a gas-tight space between the two flanges. The space is evacuated to a pressure close to an inner pressure formed in a cavity of the die during vacuum casting. Thus, air that intrudes into the cavity of the die through small gaps between the flanges and the stalk is reduced, thereby preventing casting defects which might otherwise result. An end of the stalk inserted into the die is also spread to bring an outer periphery of the stalk into close contact with an inner periphery of a flange mounted on the stalk.

Abstract: A vacuum casting apparatus of the invention in which a melt is introduced into a mold cavity under vacuum, comprises (a) a vacuum vessel having at least one opening at its bottom; (b) a mold disposed within the vacuum vessel and having a mold cavity, a runner having an opening at a position under the opening of the vacuum vessel and extending along at least partially the side of the mold cavity, the mold cavity communicating with the runner through a plurality of filling passages, and a suction recess formed near a riser; and (c) a vacuum means communicating with the vacuum vessel. When the vacuum means evacuates the interior of the vacuum vessel, the mold cavity is rapidly evacuated to result in rapid filling of the cavity with a melt.

Abstract: The machine for filling moulds with metal to be cast, in which a casing is provided comprises a fixed body and a mobile body. The mobile body is driven by a cylinder. The casing can be provided with a vacuum chamber which when closed houses, with the ability to rotate, a sand mould clamped in a central turning body of a support which can be moved by another cylinder towards a lower injector which supplies the mould with the appropriate quantity of cast metal from a lower metering store. A pressure gas is inserted into the metering store through a connection. The metering store receives the cast metal from a larger tank with the assistance of a seal controlled by a level sensor. The machine also includes a metering ladle positioned between a filling plate and the mould itself. The metering ladle has heating elements.

Abstract: A vacuum casting apparatus includes a molten metal passage for delivering molten metal into a sprue of a casting die encapsulated in a enclosure, a cylindrical stoke for communicating the molten metal passage with a reservoir tank, a stoke connecting member for biasing the stoke to a member on which the molten metal passage is formed, an auxiliary flange positioned around the stoke connecting member and contacting a surface of said enclosure, and a flexible plate member for air tightly closing a space between the stoke connecting member and the auxiliary flange.

Abstract: A suction casting apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a ventilating casting die, a chamber box and a surface peat for supporting the casting die and chamber box. The surface plate has a a through hole for passing a stalk therethrough, and its surface is formed with grooves which extend from the through hole to an area outside a die mounting area and inside a chamber box mounting area. External air entering through a sealed clearance between the surface plate and the stalk and combustion gas generated from the casting die are quickly led through the grooves into the chamber inner space to be quickly exhausted to the outside.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing a cast steel article has a permeable mold having a cavity, a sprue and at least one rise/run-off portion, and a vacuum apparatus, the permeable mold being provided with a hole having an opening on a mold surface near the rise/run-off portion, the vacuum apparatus being provided with a suction pipe having an opening which is brought into contact with the hole of the permeable mold, wherein the air is sucked from the hole by the vacuum apparatus, in order to conduct the casting of the article at reduced pressure.

Abstract: A method for the countergravity casting of a melt involves placing a refractory mold in a vacuum chamber defined within a casting box where the mold may be optionally surrounded by support particulates in the vacuum chamber. The mold includes a mold cavity and a serpentine melt inlet passage formed by nested refractory members below the mold cavity and in melt flow communication therewith. The serpentine melt inlet passage is communicated with a fill tube extending from the casting chamber toward an underlying source of melt. The mold/chamber and the source are relatively moved to engage the fill tube and the source. A differential pressure is applied between the mold cavity and the source to urge the melt upwardly through the fill tube and serpentine melt inlet passage into the mold cavity. The mold/chamber and the source are then relatively moved to disengage the fill tube and the source after the mold cavity is filled with the melt.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for countergravity casting a melt employs a particulate mass disposed in a container about a mold having a mold cavity, an ingate passage communicated to the mold cavity for supplying the melt to the mold cavity, and a separate, preformed riser-forming member connected to the mold so as to communicate to an isolated and/or enlarged region of the mold cavity needing additional melt supply during solidification in the mold. The mold ingate passage and a source of the melt are communicated to conduct the melt through the ingate passage to the mold cavity to fill the mold cavity with the melt and form a riser of melt in the particulate mass. The riser of melt provides a source of additional melt for supply, as necessary, to the isolated and/or enlarged region during solidification of the melt in the mold cavity to accommodate melt shrinkage thereat.

Abstract: An inexpensive vacuum casting chamber is provided to considerable increase casting production in vacuum assist casting machines. This vacuum casting chamber will increase casting production in vacuum assist casting machines by allowing perforated flask to be casted in said machines.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted countergravity casting apparatus 10 includes a casting mold 14 disposed on a cheek mold member 28 and supported within a vacuum box 40. The mold 14 includes bottom feed gates 24 communicating with a cavity 22 within the mold 14. The cheek mold member 28 has distribution channels 30 formed in its upper surface 32 and includes a bottom ingate passage 34. A feed stalk 42 is connected to the ingate passage 34 for immersion into an underlying supply of molten metal 12. Actuation of vacuum pump 52 produces a vacuum within the vacuum chamber 46 and draws the molten metal upwardly to fill the cavity 22. Once filled, the mold 14 is pushed sideways on the cheek 28 by ram 68 causing the feed gates 24 to move out of registry with the distribution channels 30. The molten metal is thereby retained in the cavity 22 without assistance from the vacuum.

Abstract: Precision casting of titanium or titanium alloy includes establishing molten metal by induction heating in an assembly formed with water cooled copper segments disposed circlewise on the inside of an induction coil in a state insulated from each other and casting the molten metal into a permeable mold by vacuum casting. The precision casting method uses apparatus including an induction coil, an assembly formed with the aforementioned copper segments, an arrangement for feeding a base metal from the under side thereof and a permeable mold into which the molten base metal in the assembly is transferred by vacuum casting. It is possible to obtain precision castings of metal having high melting points and high actvitiy such as titanium, titanium alloy or the like.

Abstract: Casting apparatus for the vacuum-assisted casting of a melt includes a vacuum box defining a vacuum chamber and a gas permeable casting mold having a first mold portion confronted by the vacuum chamber and a second mold portion unconfronted by the vacuum chamber. The mold includes a mold cavity and a melt inlet that is disposed in the second mold portion for engaging a source of the melt and supplying the melt to the mold cavity. A refractory shield confronts the second mold portion and includes a melt-engaging portion having a melt inlet in melt flow communication with the melt inlet of the mold. A substantially gas impermeable seal is disposed between the refractory shield and the second mold portion for inhibiting ambient gas flow into the vacuum chamber when the vacuum chamber is evacuated during casting. The seal is protected by the refractory shield from heat from the melt when the melt-engaging portion of the refractory shield is engaged with the melt during casting.

Abstract: A casting mold includes an ingate for engaging an underlying source of the melt, an upstanding alloyant-containing reaction chamber having an upper region communicated to the ingate, and an exit gate communicating a lower region of the reaction chamber to a mold cavity. The mold and the source of a melt are relatively moved to engage the ingate and the source. A sufficient relative vacuum is applied to the mold cavity to draw the melt from the source upwardly through the ingate and into the reaction chamber where the melt reacts with alloyant therein. The melt is drawn upwardly to leave at least a portion of the volume of the mold cavity unfilled with melt and to provide a sufficient volume of melt in the reaction chamber to fill the unfilled volume of the mold cavity after disengagement of the mold and the source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the differential pressure, countergravity casting of molten metal in shortened cycle times into a casting mold having an inlet passage-forming collar that provides a dam to reduce runout of the melt from the mold during tilting of the mold from the casting position to an inverted solidification position.

Abstract: Casting apparatus for the vacuum-assisted, countergravity casting of a melt comprises a porous, gas permeable casting mold including a mold cavity and a melt inlet communicating the mold cavity to a lower mold portion adapted to engage an underlying source of melt and a vacuum box defining a vacuum chamber confronting the casting mold for evacuating the mold cavity when the lower mold portion and the underlying source of the melt are engaged. A valve member is disposed on the mold in an open position relative to the melt inlet to permit the melt to be drawn upwardly therethrough into the mold cavity when the lower mold portion and the source are engaged with the mold cavity evacuated and is movable to a closed position relative to the melt inlet after the mold cavity is filled with the melt to close off the melt inlet to prevent the melt from flowing out of the mold cavity when the lower mold portion and the source are subsequently disengaged.

Abstract: Casting apparatus comprises a casting mold including first and second elongated pick-up ledges on first and second upstanding mold sides and a mold pick-up mechanism having first and second elongated, pivotal pick-up feet for supportingly engaging the mold ledges to carry the mold through a casting cycle.

Abstract: An expendable pattern of an article to be cast comprises a meltable material that expands upon heating (e.g., a wax pattern). The pattern is invested with particulate mold material to form a thin, layered shell having a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.12 inch. The thin shell wall thickness unexpectedly reduces damage and distortion to the shell during removal of the pattern therefrom by steam autoclaving. After firing, the thin gas permeable shell mold is surrounded by a refractory particulate support media in a vacuum housing. The vacuum housing is then evacuated to evacuate the mold cavity defined by the thin shell and concurrently a pressure is applied to the support media so as to compress the support media about the thin shell to support the shell against casting stresses when molten metal is countergravity cast into the evacuated mold cavity.

Abstract: Vacuum countergravity casting apparatus and process employ a container having a peripheral wall defining an open bottom chamber that receives one or more molds or destructible patterns. A first inherently unstable mass of particulates (e.g., binderless sand) is disposed in the chamber about the molds/patterns and a second supportive mass of bonded particulates (e.g., resin-bonded sand) is disposed in the chamber about the molds/patterns beneath the first mass. The second supportive mass is strong enough to support the first mass and preferably the molds/patterns as well as castings ultimately formed as necessary during the casting operation in the event of intentional or unexpected interruption of a negative differential pressure established between the inside and outside of the container.

Abstract: The pattern is surrounded by packed unbound molding medium within a container. The gaseous material resulting from the evaporation of the pattern is removed from within the container as the gaseous material permeates through the packed unbound molding medium. The outflow of the gaseous material is regulated to control the rate of displacement of the pattern by the molten metal. The removed gaseous material is cleaned and cooled, thereby forming condensate and detoxified gas. Thereafter the condensate, and detoxified gas are discharged.

Abstract: In vacuum countergravity casting a melt into a mold sealingly engaged to a vacuum container by an elastomeric sealing gasket, the sealing gasket is isolated from the heat of an underlying source of the melt and from contact therewith during casting by substantially binderless refractory particulates, such as loose foundry sand, held in a particulate-receiving space in the container about a lower, melt-engaging portion of the mold by a negative differential pressure established between the inside and outside of the particulate-receiving space.

Abstract: A melt is cast into a gas permeable mold having an upstanding fill sprue that supplies melt to a mold cavity via a lateral ingate. Subambient pressure is applied to the mold fill sprue and to the mold cavity when a lower open end of the sprue and an underlying source of the melt are communicated to urge the melt upwardly to fill the sprue and the mold cavity. Thereafter, the pressure applied to the mold sprue is selectively raised relative to the subambient pressure applied to the mold cavity to cause the melt in the sprue to drain therefrom without siphoning the melt from the melt-filled mold cavity. Pressurized gas can be introduced into the mold sprue as the mold is communicated to the melt source to blow floating slag and other debris away from the region of communication between the sprue lower open end and the source to reduce entry of slag into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for countergravity casting of molten metal with exclusion of air in a gas-pervious mold sealed in an evacuable chamber having a free end of a fill pipe for the mold cavities projecting therefrom. The fill pipe is moved relative to an enclosed crucible containing the molten metal under an air-free atmosphere of inert gas to project the fill pipe free end into the crucible enclosure to a position below the molten metal so that evacuation of the chamber produces filling of the mold. Entry of air into the crucible enclosure is prevented by maintaining the surface of the molten metal and the ambient atmosphere a sufficient distance apart prior to insertion of the fill pipe to prevent circulating air currents from drawing air down to the metal or by blocking entry into the crucible enclosure. Entry of air can be further prevented by maintaining a sufficient pressure of inert gas in the crucible enclosure and by sealing the upper portion of the fill pipe between the chamber and the mold.

Abstract: A casting mold (e.g., a cope and drag) is disposed on a drag slab having a sprue and a reaction chamber containing an alloyant to be selectively introduced into the melt as it is drawn through the reaction chamber during differential pressure, countergravity casting. A rubber formed between the mold and the drag slab communicates the reaction chamber to a plurality of narrow mold ingates that supply the melt treated (alloyed) in the reaction chamber to the mold cavity during countergravity casting.

Abstract: Casting apparatus comprises a vacuum box having a pair of laterally spaced side walls sealingly engaged to a pair of pick-up members disposed along laterally spaced apart sides of a casting mold. The vacuum box also comprises a pair of spaced end walls sealingly engaged to the casting mold. Sealing engagement of the laterally spaced vacuum box side walls to the pick-up members, rather than to the mold, permits a substantial reduction in the lateral dimension of the mold, thereby substantially reducing the amount of costly mold material (e.g., resin-bonded sand) needed to fabricate the mold for casting and to be disposed of after casting.

Abstract: Differential pressure, countergravity casting apparatus includes a vertically-parted mold stack comprising a plurality of side-by-side mold members disposed on an underlying mold drag. First and second cam shafts are rotatably disposed inside a vacuum box confronting the mold stack and are rotated to engage respective first and second end mold members of the mold stack to clamp the mold stack sealingly together sans glue. Upper ends of the cam shafts extend above the ceiling of the vacuum box and are operatively connected to an actuator linkage for effecting cam shaft rotation in a manner to clamp the mold stack together or in a manner to release the mold stack after casting.

Abstract: A lost foam casting system (2) is provided with vacuum lift of molten metal (16) to an evaporative foam pattern assembly (8) surrounded by unbonded particulate media such as sand (6) in a flask (4). A gas permeable member (34, 70) formed of randomly oriented ceramic fibers is provided between the sand and a vertical fill passage (20) to apply vacuum from the sand to the fill passage such that molten metal is vacuum lifted through the fill passage to the foam pattern assembly. The foam material is vaporized by the heat of the molten metal as the metal advances upward and is replaced by the metal in the shape of the pattern assembly.

Abstract: Molten metal is differential pressure, countergravity cast into a casting mold having a heat conductive chill meter disposed in the ingate to the mold cavity. The chill member accelerates solidification of a plug of the metal in the ingate in the vicinity of the chill member after the mold cavity is filled with molten metal. The plug prevents run-out of molten metal from the mold cavity when the ingate and an underlying molten metal source are disengaged after casting. Accelerated solidification of the plug in the ingate permits early disengagement of the ingate and the molten metal source to shorten casting cycle time.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the differential pressure, countergravity casting of a melt of molten metal, such as nodular iron, containing a fugative alloyant, such as a magnesium nodularizing agent, susceptible to rapid loss from the melt over time wherein a source of the alloyant is so disposed on a lower portion of each mold as to contact the melt and replenish the alloyant content thereof when the lower mold portion of each mold is immersed in the melt for casting. An effective level of alloyant is thereby maintained in the melt throughout the casting of a plurality of molds in succession from the melt.

Abstract: A method for the differential pressure, countergravity casting of molten metal includes applying a differential pressure to urge molten metal through a constricted inlet passage into a mold cavity of a mold from an underlying molten metal pool, withdrawing the mold from the pool after the mold cavity is filled with the molten metal, holding the molten metal in the mold by combined differential pressure/molten metal surface tension holding action until the molten metal solidifies in the constricted inlet passage of the withdrawn mold or until the mold can be inverted. The differential pressure can be released after the metal solidifies in the inlet passage or after the mold is inverted to allow the molten metal to solidify under ambient pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum countergravity casting apparatus includes a vacuum chamber having a thermally conductive peripheral wall and a gas permeable mold sealed to the lower end of the peripheral wall by an elastomeric sealing gasket engaged therebetween. The peripheral wall is cooled at a location above and remote from the sealing gasket and an underlying molten metal pool when the mold is immersed in the pool during casting to maintain, by thermal conduction through the peripheral wall, the sealing gasket at a temperature to reduce thermal degradation thereof during casting; e.g., at a temperature below the gasket's thermal degradation temperature. Reduced thermal degradation of the sealing gasket during casting prolongs its useful life in casting successive molds.

Abstract: A charge of melt in an amount sufficient to cast only one mold is admitted to a casting basin from a melt-holding chamber. A casting mold is immersed in the freshly admitted charge and the charge is countergravity cast into the mold by establishing a suitable differential pressure between the mold and the charge. After casting, insufficient charge is left in the casting basin to cast the next mold whereupon the casting basin is supplied with the next fresh charge of the melt for casting the next mold. In this way, a fresh charge of melt is cast into each mold in a series of molds. Each charge of melt may be treated (e.g. nodularized) in-situ in the casting basin such that each mold is filled with a freshly treated (nodularized) charge of melt having an effective concentration of the alloyant therein.

Abstract: Particulate mold material, such as binderless foundry sand, is vacuumed upwardly from a particulate bed into an open bottom container about one or more gas permeable molds or destructible patterns in the container to form a casting assembly adapted for immersion in an underlying molten metal pool to effect countergravity casting of molten metal.

Abstract: The casting apparatus and method include a magnetically responsive valve disposed in the molten metal inlet passage of the mold for movement between an open position during mold filling and a closed position after mold filling and during removal of the mold from the underlying molten metal pool to prevent run-out of molten metal from the metal-filled mold cavity. The valve is moved to the closed position by a magnetic force exerted thereon by permanent magnets or an electromagnet disposed around the inlet passage below the valve.

Abstract: In an apparatus for vacuum countergravity casting of molten metal, a gas permeable, self-supporting mold is supported in an inverted casting position in an open bottom container with a particulate bed compacted about the mold. The mold may comprise a mold stack having a plurality of mold members stacked side-by side to form a plurality of mold cavities therebetween. The particulate bed may comprise loose, unbonded particulate compacted in-situ about the mold to support the mold stack in the container and press the mold members sealingly together before, during and after filling with molten metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for the vacuum, countergravity casting of metal in shell molds including a gas permeable shell mold secured to the mouth of a vacuum box by a plurality of keepers on the ends of rotatable shafts reciprocably slidable through the ceiling of the vacuum box, which keepers are adapted for insertion into and rotation within an anchoring cavity in the mold such that the keeper engages a portion of the mold overhanging the cavity to secure the mold to the box.

Abstract: A melt-holding vessel includes a melt-holding chamber defined by a bottom wall and upstanding side wall of refractory material. The side wall includes one or more insulating air pockets located in such a manner relative to the chamber as to substantially reduce heat loss from the melt in the chamber by conduction through the side wall.

Abstract: An integral casting flask/vacuum chamber combination is disclosed in which an inner tube forming the casting flask is disposed coaxially inside of an outer tube thus forming a vacuum chamber between the two tubes. The inner tube has holes formed in its circumference to provide for uniform evacuation of air from the investment for pulling the casting material into the mold. A shoulder portion integrally connects the inner tube with the outer tube in such a way that the bottom edge of the inner tube is suspended above the bottom edge of the outer tube and the top edge of the inner tube is suspended above the top edge of the outer tube. This device is used in combination with a vacuum table and does not require the complex and expensive conventional vacuum chamber.