Abstract: A pipe conveying molten material upwards from a pressurized receptacle into the mold of a low pressure diecasting machine, positioned on and supported by the receptacle, is secured in a fluid-tight fit by an adjustable coupling device. One end of the pipe extends through the topmost wall of the receptacle to pick up the molten material and the other terminates in a head located externally of the receptacle and tightened together with a seal against the mold. The outer surface of the pipe head has at least one substantially frusto conical portion matched to the surfaces of a plurality of wedges disposed circumferentially around the pipe and mounted on slide ways which can be directed by suitable actuators from an at-rest position to an operating position in which the pipe is subjected to an axial force with the pipe head clamped together with the seal against the machine.

Abstract: A casting plant for low-pressure casting of molten metal with operatively and kinematically connected units in the form of linear or revolving conveying devices.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises at least one flowing furnace with which at least one handling unit cooperates, the handling unit being selectively connectable to a respective die. The at least one handling unit is associated with a guide for horizontal translatory motion between a casting position, which lies above the at least one furnace, and a discharge position. The at least one furnace can move vertically in order to couple and uncouple with respect to the corresponding die connected to the at least one handling unit.

Abstract: A low-pressure die-casting plant with improved production capacity, which comprises a first furnace and a second furnace with mutually independent operating pressures and metal levels. A station for unloading the cast parts and for performing graphitization of the dies is arranged between the furnaces. The furnaces can be selectively connected to respective dies which are associated with handling units which can be mutually detachably coupled for a synchronous translatory motion between a casting position and an unloading position and/or vice versa.

Abstract: In a low pressure die casting apparatus, the properties of the rising pipe of sintered ceramic material for light metal melts is improved by a covering of heat-resistant material surrounding the upper part of the rising pipe.

Abstract: The casting plant includes dual independent casting workstations which sequentially interact with a common core inserting station, the dual workstations include casting removal stations, cooling and blackwash stations, and casting die travelling and manipulating units. The several workstations are compactly arranged, whereby only one operator is needed for core inserting and cleaning of the die halves. Each set of workstations may operate independently of the other set.

Abstract: The casting apparatus has a holding furnace for holding a reservoir of molten material, at least one smaller pumping furnace also for holding a reservoir of molten material and a casting cavity connected to the pumping furnace by one or more feed pipes. The pumping furnace is provided with a pressurizing assembly for applying a pressure to force the molten material from the pumping furnace into the casting cavity. The pumping furnace and holding furnace are contiguous and are connected by a non-return valve which prevents the flow of molten material from the pumping furnace to the holding furnace during pressurization but which allows the flow of molten material from the holding furnace to the pumping furnace after pressurization.

Abstract: A mold for gravity casting vehicle wheels having reusable thermally insulative linings attached to the interior of the gate and ball riser cavities. After filling the mold with molten metal, the gate cavity can be pressurized to assure that the mold cavity is completely filled. The ball riser cavity also can be pressurized subsequent to the gate cavity pressurization. The pressure on the gate and ball riser cavities forces molten metal from the cavities into the mold cavity as the metal cools and solidifies.

Abstract: A one-piece cast metal heat-exchanging forming tool is prepared using an expendable porous preform that is cast in place within a cast metal forming tool. The expendable preform is thereafter extracted to leave behind a network of inter-connected pores and passages within the body of the tool through which a heat transferring fluid may be circulated to transfer heat to or from a substantially non-porous contoured shaping surface of the tool. Fluid distribution/collection lines and vacuum lines may be incorporated in the tool during casting.

Abstract: A pressure die-casting apparatus D for a vehicle wheel including a lateral die 30 slidably displaced and a molten metal feeding port 312 of said lateral die 30 of which center axis extends vertically relative to the slidable surface of said lateral die 30, characterized in that a strainer receiving chamber 72 is disposed at the contact surface between said molten metal feeding port 312 and said lateral die 30, and a trainer R is received in said strainer receiving chamber 72.

Abstract: A device for preheating a metal casting channel (3). The device is positioned in a rapidly removable manner by a frame (1) consisting of a stationary portion (12) and a movable portion (26). The channel (3) comprises a refractory part (5) surrounded by an insulating coating (7), an inductor (8) and refractory concrete (10) within a shell (11). The preheating device includes the inductor (8) and an element (2) made of a refractory and electrically conductive material. Said device is useful for evenly and uniformly preheating a metal casting channel (3).

Abstract: A low-pressure casting apparatus is provided wherein molten metal can be precisely cast even into a casting mold of a comparatively small capacity, not to mention a casting mold into which a large capacity of molten metal is to be cast, and wherein the casting mold is accurately pressurized. The casting mold, into which a large capacity of molten metal is to be cast, can be cast by connecting at least two crucibles to the casting mold via at least two stalks and at least two connection mechanisms, and by connecting at least two molten-metal holding furnaces to the pressurized-gas supply means via at least two connecting mechanisms, after the pressure chambers of the holding furnaces are made to communicate with each other via the communication mechanisms.

Abstract: A cylindrical element (14) with a through-going passage (15) is retained in the mold in such a manner that a part of the element (14) protrudes from the outside of the mold, and so that the passage (15) opens into a part of the runner (8) of the mold, the internal terminal surface of element (14) lying opposite a plane surface (16) in the runner (8). During casting, the nozzle (13) of a casting device is brought into tight-fitting abutment against the outer end of the element, and the molten metal alloy is cast into the mold through the nozzle (13), the passage (15) in the element (14) and the runner (8) of the mold.

Abstract: Molten metal is delivered from a master furnace to the molten metal holding chamber of a low pressure casting machine by a launder assembly having a unitary, quickly replaceable, valve assembly including a valve which, when closed, prevents flow of the molten metal from the master furnace to the holding vessel. The valve has a plug mounted for rotation in a valve body which may be made from graphite. In a modification, the valve has a port centered in a valve plate and a movable plug which may be made from aluminum titanate. In operation, the valve is opened to permit the molten metal within the master furnace and the holding vessel to seek a substantially uniform level and closed when the low pressure casting process is initiated. While the valve is closed, a pressurizing gas is introduced into the holding vessel above the level of the molten metal therein so that molten metal will rise up a riser tube into the cavity of a mold or other molten metal-receiving member.

Abstract: A hold-down mechanism (88) is provided for holding a base plate (32) of a casting assembly (20) in engagement with a crucible (28). The hold-down mechanism (88) includes a plurality of Belleville-type washers (89) for allowing relative movement while maintaining a predetermined force holding the base plate (32) in engagement with the crucible (28). The hold-down mechanism includes a plurality of tension rods (90) and a plurality of forks (91) each having a pair of spaced fingers (92), each of the rods (90) being paired with one of the forks (91). Each of the rods (90) has a threaded end (93) and the Belleville-type washers (89) are disposed about the threaded end (93) of each of the rods (90) with a threaded nut (94) engaging the threads (93) of each of the rods (90) for compressing the washers (89) against the fingers (92) of the forks (91).

Abstract: After casting a mould (1) through a bottom inlet (2) with liquid metal (4) under pressure through a mouthpiece (5) of a casting device, the inlet (2) is closed by a closing element (8) being pressed by the mouthpiece (5) into sealing abutment against a seat in the mould (1). Subsequently, an inert gas is introduced into a passage (6) in the casting mouthpiece from a source (9) through a pressure reducing valve (11), a shut-off valve (12) which is capable of being selectively opened, a gas chamber (13) and a bore (14) in the mouthpiece (5). The inert gas is introduced such that the casting device can suck the liquid metal (4) from the closing element (8) a distance backwards in the mouthpiece (5). The effect of this is that oxidation of the liquid metal in the mouthpiece (5) or in the nozzle (7) is avoided, and a faster suction of the metal back from the closing element (8) and the nozzle (7) into the passage (6) of the mouthpiece (5), is achieved.

Abstract: A transfer system for delivering molten metal against gravity from a pressurized furnace to a mold, comprising: a ceramic lined refractory metal gatebox adapted to sit on or above the furnace, the gatebox having one or more openings at its top for communicating with the mold and having a plurality of metal transfer openings along its bottom; a stalk tube depending from each of the gatebox bottom openings, each stalk tube being effective to extend into at least the upper region of the molten metal within the furnace; a sealing gasket between the stalk tube and gatebox; imposing a first fluid pressure on the molten metal in the furnace to gradually force the molten metal up through the stalk tubes into the gatebox to substantially fill same, said stalk tubes promoting a convection circulation of metal between molten metal between the furnace and gatebox to retain the temperature of the molten metal in the gatebox at a difference of no greater than 15.degree.-15.degree. F.

Abstract: A casting mold for a low-pressure casting apparatus can be opened and closed and is closed to form therein a cavity which is filled with molten metal to form a cast product. The casting mold includes an upper mold of metal, a lower mold of metal and a sand mold which is disposed between the upper and lower molds and forms a part of the cavity. A top wall of the cavity is formed by a lower surface of the upper mold, at least a part of a side wall of the cavity is formed by the sand mold so that the upper mold contacts with the molten metal filled in the cavity in a larger area than the lower mold.

Abstract: The subject invention is characterized by a mechanism for moving the tilt plate (45) laterally of the guide posts (38) to a loading position outside the operating area within the assembly so that the attachment surface faces sufficiently upwardly to allow a cope (36) and drag (34) defining a mold to rest thereon under the force of gravity. A plurality of crank arms (48) are fixed to and extend upwardly from one lateral edge of the tilt plate (45) to a distal end. A pair of hydraulic cylinders (51) are disposed above the movable platen (43) with a first connection (52) to the distal ends of the crank arms (48) and a second connection (53) to the movable platen (43) for rotating the crank arms (48) to thereby rotate the tilt plate (45) about a tilt axis (50) between an operating position within the assembly and the loading position outside the assembly and facing upwardly.

Abstract: The invention is characterized by a rack mechanism (60) interconnecting a fixed platen (41) and a movable platen (43) for preventing the movable platen (43) from cocking relative to its guide posts (38) during vertical movement thereof. The rack mechanism (60) includes a gear rack (61) paired with each of the guide posts (38) with the bottom end of each gear rack (61) secured to the movable platen (43), and a spur gear (71) in meshing engagement with each of the gear racks (61) and supported on the fixed platen. A box-like framework interconnects the gear racks (61) and a synchronizing drive system simultaneously rotates the spur gears (71) in unison and includes parallel shafts (72) on opposite sides of the framework with two of the spur gears (71) supported on each of the shafts (72) and in meshing engagement with two of the gear racks (61). The running tolerances between the spur gears (71) and the gear racks (61) can be adjusted by pillow blocks (76) supporting the shafts (72).

Abstract: The movable upper portion of a mould is positioned in a first position. Molten metal is forced upwardly into the mould cavity through an opening in a stationary lower mould portion. The upper portion is lowered to a position below the first position to force molten metal into all regions of the mould cavity and to force excess metal back into the furnace. A stop is moved downwardly through an upper opening defined in the upper mould portion to close the lower opening. The upper portion is lowered to a second position, and an external downward force is applied on the upper portion to compress the metal within the mould. The method is particularly suitable for forming vehicle wheel rim castings with reduced subsequent surface processing.

Abstract: The core of the stalk is a metallic cylindrical body 1, such as a steel pipe. On an inner surface of the cylindrical body are layered a boron nitride coating 4, a mica sheet 6 which is airtight and thermal insulating, and a thermal insulating layer 7. On the outer surface of metallic cylindrical body 1 are layered a boron nitride coating 5, a wire gauze 10, a thermal insulating layer 12, a ceramic paper 13, and another boron nitride coating 15. The cylindrical body can be formed by a steel pipe is easily corroded and eroded by molten metal.

Abstract: In a low-pressure casting in which molten metal is introduced into a cavity of a casting mold under a pressure applied to the surface of the molten metal according to a preset reference pressurizing pattern, the reference pressurizing pattern is corrected when that the cavity has been filled with molten metal is detected and the pressure applied to the molten metal surface is controlled according to the reference pressurizing pattern after the correction. The pressure difference between a set pressure at a predetermined time in the reference pressurizing pattern after the correction and a set pressure at the corresponding time in the reference pressurizing pattern before the correction, is calculated and a set pressure for the period up to the time the cavity is filled with molten metal in the reference pressurizing pattern for the next casting cycle is corrected on the basis of the calculated pressure difference.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a continuous supply of low volume fraction composite material that can be fed continuously into one or more molds. Composite inputs are fed into a mixing device such that a continuous supply of mixed composite material is available from the output side of the mixing device. The operation removes the step of creating master ingots and removes the need for a two step process in which the material is melted twice. This invention reduces the cost of producing composite components, reduces batch-to-batch variations, and allows for a continuous production flow. In addition, the invention allows for a much greater flexibility in the selection and optimization of material systems.

Abstract: A low-pressure casting apparatus includes a casting mold having upper and lower molds, a lower mold platen to which the lower mold is fixed, a molten metal holding furnace which holds molten metal to be supplied to a cavity in the casting mold and is disposed in a position offset from the casting mold, a cutaway portion which is formed in the lower mold platen to open toward the furnace and a molten metal supply pipe which extends obliquely upward through the cutaway portion from the furnace to the lower mold to connect the furnace to the cavity. The molten metal supply pipe is arranged to connect the casting mold and the furnace with the molten metal supply pipe supported on a support table and the support table is provided with a pressing mechanism which presses the pipe against the furnace to connect the furnace-side end of the pipe to the furnace.

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 in which a molding cavity is reduced in pressure substantially to a vacuum, and upon opening a gate, a molten metal which has been raised to a molten metal retaining dome is charged into the molding cavity via a runner at a high speed. The runner has a first portion making a pool of molten metal, a second portion connecting the molten metal retaining dome to the first portion, and a third portion connecting the first portion to the molding cavity. A pin is slidably provided in the first portion of the runner. An opening of the second portion of the runner to the first portion is located nearer to the pin than an opening of the third portion of the runner to the first portion. When the pin is moved into the first portion of the runner, the pin first closes the opening of the second portion and then begins to apply pressure the molten metal in the molding cavity.

Abstract: In a method of vacuum casting wherein when the molten metal previously introduced into a molten metal reservoir is fed into a cavity, the lowest head of the molten metal in the molten metal reservoir is held to be higher than the level of a sprue, so that the cycle time of casting may be shortened and the quality of cast products may be improved. To this end, the interior of the molten metal reservoir is held gas tight while the sprue is opened by a gate member of straight tubular shape.

Abstract: A vacuum casting apparatus includes a plurality of pressure pins arranged in a molding cavity, and at least one pressure pin is located in a portion of the molding cavity farthest from a gate. The pressure pins are operated to pressurize the molding cavity in an order from the pressure pin located farthest from the gate to a pressure pin located nearest to the gate. A cross-sectional area reduced portion can also be formed in a portion of a runner connecting the molding cavity and the molten metal retaining dome. A molten metal in the molding cavity is thereby suppressed from flowing backward into the molten metal retaining dome when being pressurized by the pressure pins, so that the quality of the cast products is improved.

Abstract: In a method of vacuum casting molten metal sucked from a molten metal reservoir into a cavity held under a reduced pressure by opening a gate having been blocking the communication between the molten metal reservoir and the cavity, the trapping of gas and foreign matter in the cavity is effectively prevented. To this end, an accommodation space for accommodating gas and foreign matter is provided in the molten metal reservoir. The accommodation space is provided at a position from which the accommodated matter is not sucked into the cavity.

Abstract: A crucible 2 for holding a molten metal 1 is stored in a crucible chamber 5 which comprises a lid 3 and a chamber body 4 connected airtightly to each other. In the lid 3, there are provided an openable/closable molten metal supply opening 6 through which a cold metal charge is thrown in and a molten metal is received from a melting furnace, and a pipe-shaped stoke 7 which extends through the lid 3 and rises from the bottom portion of the crucible 2. The stoke 7 includes on the top end portion thereof a joint 9 which can be connected to a metal mold 8. To the crucible chamber 5, there are connected a pressure pipe 10 which is used to apply pressure to the crucible chamber 5 to thereby pour the molten metal to a metal mold, and an exhaust pipe 11 which is used to discharge the air of the crucible chamber 5 therefrom to thereby stop the pouring of the molten metal.

Abstract: A vacuum casting apparatus of the type wherein a gate mechanism (12 and 10) is closed to form a seal. The interior of a cavity (6) is evacuated by a vacuum pump. The side of the gate mechanism (12 and 10) opposite to the cavity is filled with molten metal. The gate mechanism includes a ring-shaped groove (10e) having a V-shaped cross section positioned on the side opposite to the cavity which extends towards the sealing portion of the gate mechanism (12 and 10). With this arrangement, the molten metal in passage (8) fills the ring-shaped groove (10e) and enters the small clearance which exists in the sealing portion of the gate mechanism. The molten metal solidifies both within the ring-shaped groove (10) and this small clearance formed in the sealing portion. The resulting solidified metal piece has generally a ring shape that can be readily peeled off from the gate mechanism (12 and 10) following die release.

Abstract: A multi-stage sand mold 4 defines a plurality of casting impressions or cavities 31 fed with molten metal from a tubular central chamber 28 via a pair of parallel intermediate ducts 30A, 30B extending horizontally outwardly from opposite sides of the chamber, and ingates 32A, 32B extending between the ducts and the impressions. All of the ingates fed by a single intermediate duct open into the same impression, thus implementing a balanced and uniform distribution of molten metal to the impressions.

Abstract: The apparatus for casting comprises a pressure vessel and a device for pressurizing the vessel. The pressurizing device is in fluidic connection with the vessel. The apparatus is also comprised of a chamber disposed in the pressure vessel within which material is melted. There is a mold adapted to contain a preform disposed in the vessel and in fluidic connection with the chamber by a passage such that melted material in the chamber can be forced down into the mold through the passage as the pressurizing device pressurizes the vessel. A heating device is disposed in the vessel. There is also a device for directionally solidifying the material in the mold. Additionally, there is a method comprising the steps of loading the pressure vessel by disposing a material within the chamber whereby the material is in fluidic connection with the mold adapted to contain a preform through the passage. The passage has a filter disposed therein.

Abstract: A pressure-casting machine that contains a delivery system, which comprises: a molten metal pouring pipe made of a refractory, having a length of at least 4 m and an outside diameter of at least 350 mm, and arranged such that an upper end thereof is attached substantially vertically from below to an opening in a bottom wall of a mold for a pressure-casting machine, and a lower end thereof extends through a lid of a closed vessel arranged below the mold and is immersed into molten metal received in a ladle arranged in the closed vessel. The molten metal pouring pipe comprises at least two pipe sections connected to each other in series and in a liquid-tight manner by means of a threaded joint, tapered surfaces provided with screw threads of which have an inclination angle within a range of from 2.0.degree. to 15.0.degree. relative to the center axis of the molten metal pouring pipe.

Abstract: A metallic mold for casting a vehicle wheel having openings in a periphery of a disk portion of the wheel comprises a first mold for forming that external side of the wheel which faces an outside of a vehicle when mounted thereon and a second mold for forming an internal side of the wheel. The first mold has those projections for forming the openings which abut the second mold. A high-hardness coating material is coated by electric discharge coating on at least those base portions of the projections which extend diametrically inwards of the wheel, among outer surfaces of the projections. A coating of a mold coating agent is formed on portions of sharp draft in the projections. The coating has a three-layer construction comprising an under coat coated with a mold coating agent consisting essentially of ceramics, a middle coat coated with a mold coating agent consisting essentially of a mixture of boron nitride with ceramics, and a top coat coated with a mold coating agent consisting essentially of titania.

Abstract: A multi-stage sand mold 4 defines a plurality of casting impressions or cavities 31 fed with molten metal from a tubular central chamber 28 via intermediate ducts 30A, 30B extending horizontally outwardly from opposite sides of the chamber, and ingates 32A, 32B extending between the ducts and the impressions. At each stage the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the ducts at their inlets is substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the central chamber, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the ingates fed by a given duct is at least equal to its cross-sectional area. This results in delivery rate reductions at the entrances to the ducts and in pressure reductions at the entrances to the ingates, which enhances the uniformity and integrity of the castings.

Abstract: An aluminum-silicon alloy having excellent mechanical characteristics is formed by pressure casting of a molten material concurrently with modifying thereof by a flux which includes at least one element selected from the group of Na, Sb, Sr, and/or Ca, allowing a substantially fine grain of silicon to be dispersed in the alloy. Alternatively, the step of the pressure casting is replacable by substantial uniform cooling of the molten material regardless of a thickness thereof by cooling a die having a mold formed of a Cu-W type material, which mold corresponds to a substantially thick portion of the alloy.

Abstract: Lower structure of a mould for the pressure casting of flat products such as slabs and method for mount and removing the lower spacer of this mould is provided. The lower structure of the mould includes an intermediate beam (26) resting freely on a frame (3) whose upper surface opposite to its surface bearing on the frame (3) carries a lower spacer (4) which is fixed by clips (37) on the beam (26). At least one positioning pin (54) is engaged in a housing (55) at the front part of the frame (3). A plurality of members (47) for holding the intermediate beam (26) on the frame are distributed according to the length of the beam (26). These members each comprise a part (46) which can be engaged longitudinally in a coupling device (45) attached to the beam (26) and which can be actuated in order to hold the beam (26) on the frame (3) or, on the other hand, in order to release it.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for casting comprised of a pressure vessel and means for evacuating and pressurizing the vessel. The evacuating and pressurizing means is in fluidic connection with the vessel. The apparatus is also comprised of a crucible disposed in the pressure vessel within which material is melted. There is a mold disposed in the pressure vessel. Additionally, the apparatus is comprised of means for heating material in the crucible and the mold in the mold chamber such that material is melted in the crucible and stays melted as it is drawn up to the mold chamber while the evacuating and pressurizing means evacuates the vessel, and when it is forced into the mold while the evacuating and pressurizing means charges the vessel. The heating means is disposed in the vessel. The pressurizing means comprises at least one chill line which serves to chill the mold as the vessel is pressurized. The present invention also pertains to a method for casting.

Abstract: The sum of the areas of the sections of the operational ingates 30 of the mold 4 is, at least at the time of casting, greater than the area of the section of the vertical casting chamber 28, or at least approximately equal to it. This makes it possible to slow the molten metal as it flows into the ingates, and thus to obtain a non-turbulent filling of the impressions or cavities 29.

Abstract: A low pressure brass or bronze casting apparatus includes a pedestal, a low pressure casting furnace disposed in a spaced relation to the pedestal, a pair of immersion stations located in an equally spaced relation to the pedestal, a pair of arms mounted for rotary motion on the pedestal, a mold manipulator assembly mounted on each of the arms and being disposed for movement into operative engagement with the immersion station and the furnace, one of the arms being independently rotated between the furnace and one of the immersion stations and the other of the arms being independently rotated between the furnace and the other of the immersion stations.

Abstract: Flat metal products are pressure cast in a mould having two lateral walls each consisting of a support and of a graphite block as well as several spacers, including an upper spacer interposed between the blocks. The ends of the upper spacer and of the front spacer are inserted between two half-shells intended to receive a header of molten metal at the end of the cast. Elastic members carried by the supports exert during the cast, a clamping force of the half-sheels on the spacers. After the start of solidification of the slab, the clamping force is reduced by lateral jacks which eliminate any resistance to contraction of the slab and thus prevent the formation of cracks at the slab/header transition.

Abstract: The upper surface of an interconnecting wear device 3 is positioned in contact with the lower surface of a sand mold 1, and is centered under a molten metal feed shaft 12 which opens into the bottom of the mold. The bottom surface of the wear device rests on the upper surface of a vertically upstanding casting nose 4. The wear device comprises a hollow steel collar 7 surrounding a compressed concrete annulus 18, in turn surrounding a refractory clay sleeve 8, and is easily replaced when leakage develops due to thermal shocks, etc.

Abstract: Quickly dismountable foundry mold positioning and clamping equipment installation. The casting station, positioned on the molten metal feed spout 16 of a supply crucible or furnace, comprises a sand mold 2 supported by a frame 1 and having a melt passage 3 opening facing downwardly, a mechanism 4 for implementing side-travel transfer of the frame, a suspension jack 18 mounted in the transfer mechanism, and a clamping jack 12 for urging the mold against support ledges defined by rotatable tappets 8 carried by the frame.

Abstract: This device (27) for suspending the upper spacer (20) is carried by a longitudinal beam (40) for clamping the walls (25) of the mould (5), each wall (25) consisting of a support frame (30) and a graphite block (31); the spacer (20) and the other spacers are clamped between the blocks (31) by the beams (40) actuated by the jacks (45), the slabs being cast between the blocks (31) and the four spacers; the device (27) comprises levers (51) which are mounted, so as to rotate, on the beam (40) and which carry screw jacks (61) connected by a bar (67) and which support the upper spacer (20); the angular position of the levers (51), controlled by a dual-action jack, determines the transverse position of the spacer (20) and the screw jacks (61), each provided with a double pivot, provide the spacer (20) with free pendular suspension. This mounting facilitates handling and maintenance operations of the mould, (5), particularly the removal of the supports (30) of the blocks (31).

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: The frame of a mould comprises at least one rigid transverse structure element disposed in a zone which is substantially distant from the ends of the frame. The transverse element comprises two end parts between which are disposed support beams of the lateral moulding walls. Jacks each fixed on an end bearing part of the structure element are connected via their movable rod to the beam in zones which are distant from the longitudinal ends of the beam. The jacks make it possible to achieve both the displacement of the walls between their opening and closing positions and the clamping of the mould. Restriction of the clamping stresses is provided by the structure element. The bending moment of the beams remains low since the points of application of the stresses on the beams are distant from the ends of these beams and chosen as a function of the clamping conditions of the mould.

Abstract: The spacer comprises a body made from a single piece of metal of hollow form having a U-shaped transverse section. The concave part of this section faces towards the rear and the front face of the hollow body correspondiung to the base of the U forms the moulding wall of the spacer. A bent metal inner sleeve provides a free space of small thickness which has a U-shaped cross-section in which circulating water cools the moulding wall over its entire length. The space also comprises lateral parts in contact with the lateral walls of the hollow body.

Abstract: A body frame for a motor bicycle includes a main frame, a head tube provided at a front end of the main frame and down tubes extending rearward from the main frame. The main frame, head tube and down tubes are cast with a light alloy into an integral form of a hollow and thin-wall structure. A production process of the body frame, wherein an integrally-formed core, which is formed into a shape similar to that of the body frame, is hollow and has good permeability. A molten metal is charged into the mold and a vacuum is applied to the interior of the core.