Abstract: A mold assembly cell for sand mold production comprising a turntable wherein sand cores and other mold parts (which together cooperate to define the casting cavity of the sand mold) are automatically and progressively assembled following a sequential pre-programmed schedule by programmable robots located in proximal relationship with the turntable and a core shooting machine. The assembly turntable rotates clockwise or counterclockwise to permit placement of progressively more-complete mold packages in each of at least three assembly stations to allow the robots to reach the molds being assembled at different angles for simultaneously setting the sand cores and other parts of the mold according to said pre-programmed assembly schedule. Also a mold assembly line comprising a plurality of the foregoing assembly cells to form sand molds for casting complex-geometry aluminum parts, such as aluminum engine blocks and cylinder heads, with greater flexibility, efficiency and productivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curing die for manufacturing a gel polymer electrolyte, and a method for manufacturing a gel polymer battery cell by using the same, the curing die comprising: a first die having a recessed part, which is formed inside a battery case and has a processing battery cell mounted therein and including an electrode assembly and a composition for forming the gel polymer electrolyte; and a second die coupled to the first die so as to seal the processing battery cell mounted in the recessed part.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating plastics material pre-forms, with a movable carrier on which a plurality of heating devices is arranged; wherein the heating devices are controllable independently of one another and have in each case a heating element as well as at least one regulating element for regulating the heating output; and wherein the heating devices have in each case one heating area inside which the plastics material pre-forms are capable of being heated, as well as a movement device which introduces the plastics material pre-forms into this heating area. Each heating device has associated with it in each case one control device for controlling a heating procedure.

Abstract: Improvements in a reusable polyurethane projectile are presented. The reusable polyurethane projectile performs like a bullet or projectile because the projectile is essentially the same size and shape of a bullet and can be fed through a normal bullet clip into the breach of a gun, fired and ejected. The reusable polyurethane projectile conforms to the rifling of the barrel of the firearm to spin the projectile and provide equivalent accuracy to a metallic bullet. Upon impact the projectile will flatten and then rebound to the original shape. Standard re-loading mechanisms can be used to install the projectile back into a prepared cartridge. The reusable projectile is fabricated from a casting process that increases the resistance of the polyurethane from melting when the hot gun gunpowder pushes the reusable projectile out of the barrel of the gun.

Abstract: Improvements in a reusable polyurethane projectile are presented. The reusable polyurethane projectile performs like a bullet or projectile because the projectile is essentially the same size and shape of a bullet and can be fed through a normal bullet clip into the breach of a gun, fired and ejected. The reusable polyurethane projectile conforms to the rifling of the barrel of the firearm to spin the projectile and provide equivalent accuracy to a metallic bullet. Upon impact the projectile will flatten and then rebound to the original shape. Standard re-loading mechanisms can be used to install the projectile back into a prepared cartridge. The reusable projectile is fabricated from a casting process that increases the resistance of the polyurethane from melting when the hot gun gunpowder pushes the reusable projectile out of the barrel of the gun.

Abstract: A metal mold casting machine for a casting apparatus with which the worker can easily carry out his or her work, such as setting a core, cleaning a mold, taking out castings, etc. The casting apparatus includes a turntable 1 that is rotatable in a horizontal plane, and a number of metal mold casting machines 4, 4 that are placed on an upper side at the periphery of the turntable 1. Each of the machines 4, 4 has an opening and closing mechanism 3 for a mold 2. A pouring basin 9, from which molten metal is poured into the mold 2, is mounted on the casting machine, and moves over the mechanism 3 between the peripheral side and the side toward the rotation axis of the turntable 1. The pouring basin 9 is moved to the peripheral side when molten metal is poured into the mold. It is then moved to the side toward the rotation axis of the turntable 1 when work such as taking out of a casting from the mold is carried out.

Abstract: A plurality of molds are disposed on a rotatable base. The base is rotated to move each of the molds in turn through a pouring station to an article removing station and back to the pouring station. A molten nickel chrome super alloy is poured into each of the molds in turn at the pouring station. The molds are cooled by a flow of cooling fluid. The nickel chrome super alloy articles are removed from the molds at the article removal station. The base may be continuously or intermittently rotated relative to the pouring station. Molten metal may be continuously or intermittently poured at the pouring station.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a metal mold casting machine of a casting apparatus with which the worker can easily carry out his or her work, such as setting a core, cleaning a mold, taking out castings, etc. The casting apparatus comprises a turntable 1 that is rotatable in a horizontal plane, and a number of metal mold casting machines 4, 4 that are placed on the upper side at the periphery of the turntable 1. Each of the machines 4, 4 has an opening and closing mechanism 3 for a mold 2. The pouring basin 9, from which molten metal is poured into the mold 2, is mounted on the opening and closing mechanism 3, and moves over the mechanism 3 between the peripheral side and the side toward the rotation axis of the turntable 1. The pouring basin 9 is moved to the peripheral side when molten metal is poured into the mold. It is moved to the side toward the rotation axis of the turntable 1 when the work such as taking out the castings from the mold is carried out.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a die casting apparatus and method evidencing increased apparatus output including the ability of using multiple die tools. The invention includes an indexing assembly removably engaged with at least one die block assembly for transporting between four stations, including an injection station, a cooling station, an ejection station, and a recovery station. The injection station includes a frame, a clamp assembly attached to the frame for clamping and releasing the die block assembly, a shot sleeve assembly engaged with the die block assembly for receiving molten material, such as metal, from a furnace means and injecting the molten material into the die block assembly, and a shot cylinder releasably coupled with the shot sleeve assembly for controlling the injection of molten material.

Abstract: An aluminum ingot casting machine having a source of molten metal, a rotatable annular ring, carrying ingot casting moulds and a drive member for indexing the moulds. The machine includes a vacuum demoulder having a vacuum seal arrangement having a sealing element having a flexible core which can deform to form a vacuum seal against an ingot and a flexible abrasion resistant outer layer on the core, and retaining elements located on a lower face of the vacuum lifting head for releasably retaining the sealing element onto the lifting head. The vacuum seal has a flexible ring shaped body, being rounded in cross section, having a fibre cord core and an abrasion resistant flexible sheathing surrounding the core.

Abstract: An aluminum ingot casting machine comprising a source of molten metal, a rotatable annular ring, carrying ingot casting moulds and a drive means for indexing the moulds. The machine includes a vacuum demoulder having a vacuum seal arrangement comprising a sealing element having a flexible core which can deform to form a vacuum seal against an ingot and a flexible abrasion resistant outer layer on said core, and retaining elements located on a lower face of the vacuum lifting head for releasably retaining the sealing element onto the lifting head. The vacuum seal comprises a flexible ring shaped body, being rounded in cross section, having a fiber cord core and an abrasion resistant flexible sheathing surrounding the core.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a die casting apparatus and method evidencing increased apparatus output including the ability of using multiple die tools. The invention includes an indexing assembly removably engaged with at least one die block assembly for transporting between four stations, including an injection station, a cooling station, an ejection station, and a recovery station. The injection station includes a frame, a clamp assembly attached to the frame for clamping and releasing the die block assembly, a shot sleeve assembly engaged with the die block assembly for receiving molten material, such as metal, from a furnace means and injecting the molten material into the die block assembly, and a shot cylinder releasably coupled with the shot sleeve assembly for controlling the injection of molten material.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a die casting apparatus and method evidencing increased apparatus output including the ability of using multiple die tools. The invention includes an indexing assembly removably engaged with at least one die block assembly for transporting between four stations, including an injection station, a cooling station, an ejection station, and a recovery station. The injection station includes a frame, a clamp assembly attached to the frame for clamping and releasing the die block assembly, a shot sleeve assembly engaged with the die block assembly for receiving molten material, such as metal, from a furnace means and injecting the molten material into the die block assembly, and a shot cylinder releasably coupled with the shot sleeve assembly for controlling the injection of molten material.

Abstract: A core assembly apparatus includes a rotating table having a plurality of operation positions. A plurality of fixtures for assembling cores are carried by the rotating table adjacent its periphery, preferably one core assembly fixture for each operation position. The core assembly fixtures are inclined toward the central portion of the rotating table. In one of the operation positions, a completed core assembly is transferred from a core assembly fixture to a horizontal conveyor. A pick-and-place assembly engages a core assembly and removes it from an inclined core assembly fixture of a rotating table and placement on a horizontal conveyor. Alternatively, the fixtures may be pivotally attached to the rotating table and include core assembly gripping mechanisms so that the core assembly fixtures can pivot to lower assembled cores onto a horizontal conveyor.

Abstract: A permanent mold casting system has a modularized architecture and remote placement of certain portions of the casting system. The casting system has a frame and a casting module supported on the frame is adapted to receive a plurality of molds for casting articles from a fill material according to a casting process. The casting module includes first motive actuators for moving at least portions of the molds during the casting process. An accessories module is supported on the frame and comprises at least one accessory device and second motive actuators for selectably positioning the accessory device in relation to the casting module. A utility module is located remotely from the frame and comprises motive power supplies coupled to the first and second actuators. The utility module also comprises a programmable controller coupled to the motive power supplies for controlling the casting process.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a cast article includes a rotary table with a drive for indexing the rotary table to a plurality of rotational positions. A molten metal supply apparatus is placed at a first fixed location adjacent to said rotary table. A plurality of casting machines are supported at predetermined spacings on the rotary table, each respective casting machine having a respective holding furnace feeding a respective stalk tube and having a molten metal inlet port for receiving molten metal from the molten metal supply apparatus when the respective casting machine is indexed to a fill position adjacent the first fixed location. Each respective casting machine is adapted to receive one or more molds and has an open mold configuration and a closed mold configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to casting and more particularly to an improved apparatus and method of aluminum casting. The casting system 10 includes a furnace 12, a pump 14 and a mold 16. A semi-permanent mold cope 30 is mounted to the top of the mold 16 to quickly cool the adjacent portion of the casting 20. The semi-permanent mold cope 30 is movable with respect to the mold so that it can be moved between an open and closed position. The mold 16 can be brought to the semi-permanent mold cope 30 when the semi-permanent mold cope 30 is open and the semi-permanent mold cope 30 can then be closed onto the casting 20. The molten metal is then pumped into the mold 16 with the semi-permanent mold cope 30 in place. A laser 34 monitors the rate of mold fill by monitoring the fill rate of the riser 28.

Abstract: A modular casting system includes a plurality of casting modules and, is provided with on-board systems such as a lubrication system, cooling system, etc., which operate independently from similar systems on other modules of the system. Each of the casting modules is connected by quick disconnect connections to a centrally disposed source of fluid pressure and electrical power and a control unit for controlling each of the modules independently. Each of the modules is readily removable from the system and replaced with a new module of a different type or with a different mold. Each of the modules is preferably provided with a filter removal unit which is operative to raise of the filter during the cooling operation and facilitates removal of the filter upon completion of the pouring operation. The casting modules are provided with a tilting launder tray which facilitates laundering of the mold after a casting operation.

Abstract: A number of strap-forming metal molds 12 corresponding to the number of steps are arranged on a circumferential track and are fed to the devices of the respective steps A.about.F together with electrode plate groups 10. Position A is an electrode plate group 10 introduction position; position B is a flux coating position in which electrode plate leads 6 are coated with flux; position C is an auxiliary heating position in which a mold 8 is heated to the temperature of the molten lead; position D is a molten lead pouring position in which molten lead is poured into a mold 8; position E is a strap-forming position in which electrode plate leads 6 are inserted into the molten lead, fused and cooled and the molten lead is solidified; position F is a discharge position in which a completed electrode plate assembly is discharged. Heating of a mold 8 is commenced by inductive heating from position F and is continued to position E.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the automated spin-casting production of molded articles. The system includes a casting turntable and a processing turntable which are rotatively mounted, immediately adjacent to one another. The casting turntable has several spin modules mounted thereon for rotatively supporting mold assemblies. Casting preparation and pouring mechanisms are mounted around the periphery of the casting turntable. The turntable indexes the mold assemblies and positions the assemblies for preparation, pouring and solidification of the cast products. The processing turntable receives the mold assemblies and solidified castings from the casting turntable. Multiple processing stations are mounted around the periphery of the processing table for the removal of the castings from the mold assemblies and preparation of the mold assemblies for additional casting operations. The mold assemblies are returned to the casting table from the processing table for additional casting processes.

Abstract: A method of application of finning preventive agent in an apparatus for casting anodes for electrolyzing copper by pouring molten copper into the molds, in which the inner planes of the molds can be coated with the finning preventive agent in a reliable and efficient manner, is provided. Before pouring molten copper into the molds, silicon oil is automatically applied to the inner planes 2a.sub.1, to 2a.sub.10 of the molds M dividedly in three applications by industrial robots 24, 25 of a vertical multi-articulate type having brushes 30. An amount of silicon oil consumed is 4 to 10 cc for one mold.

Abstract: Foundry equipment (1) has a plurality of moulding tables (2) arranged radially on a carousel (3). A central work station (5) is provided for a machine operator (6) having access to control means (17, 10-12) to rotate the carousel (3), and hence the tables (2), in a selective manner beneath a discharge head (13) of a resin and sand mixing machine (14).

Abstract: In a die casting apparatus, mold opening/closing units are mounted on carriers and the carriers are freely moved in/out from a mold clamping unit in a lateral direction. The mold clamping unit includes at least two guides for guiding each of the carriers from a standby position to a predetermined position in the mold clamping unit and a stationary board having a higher portion formed at a portion sandwiched by the guides. Each of the carriers includes a lift unit for moving upward/downward the mold opening/closing unit. When each of the carriers is to be moved, the lift unit positions the mold opening/closing unit at a height at which the mold opening/closing unit can freely move without colliding against the higher portion, moves the mold opening/closing unit into the mold clamping unit, and then moves downward and places the mold opening/closing unit on the higher portion of the stationary board.

Abstract: This invention relates to a die casting machine in which a plurality of mold opening and closing units each having a pair of metal molds are positioned in suitable positions in the outer periphery of a rotary table and the rotary table is intermittently rotated so as to stop the mold opening and closing units in positions in alignment with associated operation stations.

Abstract: A lost foam sand casting system wherein patterns supported by holding rings in sand filled molds vaporize, when molten metal is poured into the molds and fills the voids created, to thereby form castings. The system includes an indexable turntable surrounded by a series of adjacent processing stations. The processing stations include a sand depositing and compacting mechanism for filling a mold in which a foam pattern has been placed, a pouring station with a ladle for pouring a measured volume of metal into each mold while a suction is applied to the bottom of the mold, cooling stations, and a mold emptying station. The turntable is supported for rotary travel by a series of floor mounted rollers and a hydraulic cylinder mechanism extends below the upper level of the rollers into engagement with pins depending at intervals from the turntable to index the turntable from station to station.

Abstract: A rotary take-off system comprising an apparatus for removing manufactured objects such as cast metal anodes from a first work station and transporting these objects to a second work station. The first station, at which the object is manufactured, may preferably be a mold located upon a rotatable casting wheel, while the second work station is preferably a quenching medium for cooling and temporarily holding the manufactured object. After the object is manufactured at the first work station it is then transported through an arc of approximately 180.degree. by a pair of rotatable arms to the second work station for further processing. The arms are coupled to a motor which is operated in order to cause the rotation thereof. Within the quenching medium, a pair of pivotably connected hydraulic push arms is positioned, which accept the anode as it drops from the rotatable arms and which thereafter facilitate the sliding and stacking of the completed anodes to a rear portion of the quenching medium.

Abstract: Discloses the use of an invertable, double-cavity mould for use in casting anodes to be electro-processed.

Abstract: A mold handling system comprising an indexing turntable for carrying a multiplicity of molds in concentric inner and outer rings with the outer ring located at a lower elevation than the inner ring, a conveyor for transporting a multiplicity of molds to a mold transfer station adjacent the turntable, the transfer station including a mold transfer shuttle having a tandem pair of pusher plates for simultaneously (1) transferring a mold from the radial location of the outer ring of molds to the radial location of the inner ring of molds on the turntable, and (2) transferring a new mold from the conveyor to the radial location of the outer ring of molds, the pusher plates directly engaging the respective molds transferred thereby, an elevator mechanism for transporting molds back and forth between the different elevations, the upward movement of the elevator mechanism lifting a mold from the outer ring to the elevation of the inner ring so that the shuttle mechanism transfers the lifted mold directly from the ele

Abstract: A method of casting metal straps on lugs of battery cell elements utilizes an electrically heatable mold having a strap cavity section and comprises introducing strap metal into the cavity section, conducting electrical current through the mold for heating the mold to a predetermined temperature in excess of the melting temperature of the strap metal, immersing the element lugs into the cavity, cooling the mold to a temperature below the solidification temperature of the strap metal and removing the element lugs from the cavity with straps cast thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting parts comprising an open-faced mold which is displaced under a ladle. As the mold cavities, defined in the face of the mold, pass beneath the ladle, each is filled with molten material via a sprue in the bottom of the ladle. The ladle includes a venting conduit positioned within the sprue so that as the molten material empties into a mold cavity from the ladle, the air trapped within the mold cavity is vented through the sprue via the venting conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting straps onto the plate lugs of battery cell elements. The apparatus includes a rotatably indexable table having a plurality of mold and element carrying stations which each are successively indexed through a plurality of operating stations, including an element loading station, an element lug alignment station, a molten-metal pouring station, a lug fluxing station, a casting station, a plurality of mold cooling stations, and an element unloading station. The mold of each table station is adapted for efficient and precisely controlled electrical resistance heating and forced-air cooling during each cycle of operation. In the illustrated embodiment, each table-station mold is successively heated from electrical sources at a plurality of operating stations upon indexing of the respective table station to such operating stations and is cooled by directing air through air-direction tubes mounted on each table station in close proximity to the respective mold.

Abstract: A low pressure casting process using a furnace of the channel-type induction for heating, the furnace power being automatically controlled by direct temperature measuring of the molten metal bath according to the desired casting temperature. The feeding chamber of the furnace is of pressure-type and has a protective gas with a slight over-pressure. The furnace is filled via a syphon-shaped feeding chamber whereby metal is inserted below the level of molten metal in the feeding chamber and the protective gas therein is not affected. An operator starts the casting process whereby a casting mold is closed and assumes a casting position over the casting nozzle from the furnace and metal is forced into the mold. The mold, one of several on a carousel is moved to a station wherein the casting is automatically discharged to a conveyor belt. The mold next moves to an immersion bath where it is treated, and then to a preparation station wherein it may be cleaned and cores inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming metal articles, such as rods and tubes by aspiration casting is provided in which a hollow frangible mold, such as a glass tube, is immersed at one end in a molten metal bath, a vacuum is applied to the other end controlled with respect to temperature of the molten metal so as to substantially fill the mold with a minimum of turbulence, the filled mold is withdrawn from the metal and the frangible mold is shattered to remove it from the metal article formed within.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous casting of an anode plate into low-rimmed, open molds at the periphery of a rotating wheel, which apparatus comprises a casting ladle fitted adjacent to the molds for pouring molten metal into the molds, a feeding member for filling the casting ladle with molten metal between castings, measuring devices for determining the total weight of the casting ladle before and during casting, and control members for regulating the casting cycle on the basis of the measured total weight of the casting ladle, the casting ladle being fitted to swivel around a substantially vertical shaft between two positions so that the spout of the casting ladle moves with the mold below during the casting cycle and then back to a position above the next mold before the next casting cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for centrifugal casting in which the support for the rotating permanent or semi-permanent molds is so constructed and arranged as to insure long life for the bearings which support the rotating parts of the mechanism. Also, the construction permits the rotating molds to be substantially enclosed by a housing so that water may be sprayed down onto the units during the casting operation without at the same time spraying the bearings or otherwise wetting the portions of the machinery required to be kept dry. Still further, the improved casting device comprises essentially three supporting shafts, one of which may be driven, so relatively located as to simultaneously support for rotating two molds, whereby two castings may be made from a supporting and driving shaft system powered by a single motor or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus useful in foundry moulding or casting embodying a turret having a lurality of arms rotatably mounted on and extending radially from a hub or drum rotatable about a vertical axis. The arms comprise a base, an inclined intermediate portion and an end portion parallel with the base. A fixed rack is disposed horizontally on the turret frame and extends along the arc of a circle in part of the zone swept by the arms during rotation of the hub. Each of the arms carries a pinion, whose teeth mesh with the teeth of the rack to induce rotation of each arm by 180.degree. to invert the mould or die carried on the end of the arm.

Abstract: A novel "cast-on" method and apparatus are disclosed wherein in the preferred embodiment only one major moving part is provided which is indexed through various positions to cast a group or element from a battery plate stack engaged thereby. In the preferred embodiment, a mold carriage block having a plurality of mold voids formed therethrough slidingly reciprocates along a base plate on which are defined fluxing (loading), casting and part-release positions. In the casting position, lead gravitationally siphons into the mold voids defined in the mold carriage through molten lead supply orifices defined in the base plate along which the carriage slides. Once the casting operation is completed, sliding the carriage out of the casting position effectively seals the molten lead supply orifices. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use by a single operator who manually loads stacks into the apparatus and subsequently unloads completed groups or elements from the apparatus.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting machine includes a plurality of split centrifugal molds which are successively brought to a casting station in which the molds are closed, clamped together and rotated rapidly while molten metal is fed through a central sprue to mold cavities therein. For feeding the molten metal, a vacuum chamber is provided at the casting station above the mold, and a feed pipe leading to a reservoir of molten metal extends into the vacuum chamber through a nozzle which discharges into a funnel communicating with the central sprue of the mold. Means are provided to create a vacuum condition within the vacuum chamber, the funnel, nozzle and the mold cavities when the mold is closed and clamped, whereby the molten metal is drawn by a siphoning action through the feed pipe and discharged from the nozzle into the mold cavities. The feed flow of the molten metal is accomplished solely by the vacuum condition which is timed to feed a selected charge of molten metal to the mold cavities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a casting machine which includes a truck driven horizontally in an advancing direction. A plurality of molds are carried on the truck. The molds are aligned in the advancing direction and are rotatable about axes extending perpendicular to the advancing direction. Each mold has a rearwardly extending lip which overlaps the forward edge of the next succeeding mold when the molds are horizontally arranged. Arms are connected to each of the molds for rotation therewith. The arms have wheels thereon which cooperate with guides adjacent to the path of travel of the truck in the advancing direction to control the rotational attitude of the molds. The aforesaid guides have horizontal sections which maintain the molds in a horizontal attitude, and curved sections which rotate the molds about their respective axes in order to discharge the contents thereof at a casting discharge position.

Abstract: A vacuum casting machine has a rotary table obtaining motion from a self-contained drive and accommodating chambers with casting molds. In turning, the rotary table causes each of the chambers to register in succession with an opening in a melting chamber through which metal is being poured. This arrangement of mold chambers enables partial overlapping in time of such processes as preparing a mold for pouring, the melting of charge and accumulating melt in the melting chamber in a requisite amount, and the cooling of each mold with the casting. This all considerably increases the production rate of the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting steel slugs which utilizes a measured charge of molten steel discharged centrally of a rotating table having radial channels to distribute the metal rapidly to circumferentially-spaced, individual, trunnion-mounted receptacles at the end of each channel. The receptacles are designed to have a center of gravity outside the trunnion axis when empty, and inside the trunnion axis when charged. After a predetermined cooling period, a mechanical latch release allows the rotating, loaded receptacles to dump radially to a suitable conveyor and the cycle may be repeated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a die casting machine with a rotating frame carrying several molds. These molds are arranged to advance consecutively by stepwise rotation to a common station where removal of the castings takes place. The machine is especially suited for casting objects of ceramic and similar materials, and for this reason the molds are enclosed in separable, bi-sectional flasks designed to facilitate removal of the castings.