Abstract: Spectral identification and optical sorting systems and methods are disclosed. The system can include a conveying roller having a conveying surface on its outer lateral periphery along which a flow of objects can be transported; an illumination unit to illuminate the objects on the conveying surface; a spectral detector to detect object light from the objects and output spectral data; and a processor to derive, from the measured spectral data, material-specific information associated with the objects. A sorting unit can be provided to sort the objects based on the material-specific information. An infrared emitter-detector assembly for measuring a mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) response of an object is also disclosed and includes an illumination unit having a blackbody-like source operated at a temperature of about at least 2000 kelvins; and a MWIR detector having a detection waveband including wavelengths between about 2.5 and 8 micrometers to detect object light from the object.

Abstract: A temporary placement device comprises a carrying member having a carrying surface on which a workpiece is placed and a drive device driving the carrying member. The carrying member is formed to be deformable. The drive device includes a connecting member connected to a center part of the carrying member and moving in an up-down direction. The drive device moves the connecting member between a top end position where the carrying surface of the carrying member becomes flat and a bottom end position where the carrying surface becomes recessed downward.

Abstract: A device for handling oil pipes and a method for workover includes a base, which includes an oil pipe bearing area extending in a longitudinal direction, the oil pipe bearing area being provided therein with at least one positioning member arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base, for positioning an oil pipe; and a movable oil pipe grasping assembly, which is located above the base and configured to grasp the oil pipe and place the oil pipe in the oil pipe bearing area, or grasp the oil pipe from the oil pipe bearing area and place the oil pipe in an area outside the oil pipe bearing area. The device for handling oil pipes provided by the present disclosure is able to achieve automatic handling of oil pipes, thereby decreasing labor intensity of operators, and improving working efficiency and safety factors of the work.

Abstract: A conveyor includes an endless belt, a boot end supporting a portion of the endless belt, a support structure, and a bridge. The endless belt includes a first run and a second run, and the first run extends along a conveyor axis. The support structure includes an end spaced apart from the boot end, a plurality of frames, and a plurality of idler rolls. The frames are spaced apart from one another and aligned with one another in a direction parallel to the conveyor axis. The idler rolls support another portion of the endless belt. The bridge extends between the boot end and the end of the support structure. The bridge is movable in a direction parallel to the conveyor axis relative to at least one of the boot end and the support structure.

Abstract: A refractory casting tube for a mould for continuously casting molten metal is provided with a top part (33) and a bottom part (35) which dips into the molten metal in the inner mould space (6) during the casting. A refractory deflection element (35) is integrated in the funnel-shaped or similarly shaped inlet (34) of the top part (33) and is shaped in such a manner that a fluid-dynamic dissipation is generated on the molten metal (21) during casting in said inlet (4, 34). The molten steel therefore flows into the mould roughly as a uniform flow with a homogeneous and stable distribution.

Abstract: A grain starter for use in solidification of molten metallic material forming an article having a directional grain structure and a method for solidifying an article having a directional grain structure with a substantial absence of stray grains. The grain starter comprises a grain-starting material that initiates grain growth in the molten metallic material in a preselected crystallographic direction. The grain-starting material has a melting temperature higher than the metallic material forming the article lest the grain starter be modified by contact with the molten material. The grain starter further includes a feature that modifies heat transfer characteristics of the metallic material in contact with it in order to produce an article having grains oriented in the preselected crystallographic orientation and modifies the profile of the advancing solidification front. The article is substantially free of stray grains not oriented in the preselected crystallographic direction.

Abstract: Equipment for the removal of billets (5) of aluminum after casting. The equipment lifts billets out of a casting pit (2) after the end of the casting cycle and transfers the billets to desired transport equipment (20) for transport on to a store or further treatment/processing. The equipment includes a lifting device (6) with a gripping device (21) to retain a number of billets. The lifting device is arranged so that it can move over the casting pit and lift and move the stated number of billets. A ramp (18) extends from the casting pit to transport equipment (20). The lifting device includes preferably a lifting frame that is U-shaped with legs (7, 8) that are connected to a step (11) and are arranged upright. Each leg is supported on its own wheeled chassis or wheeled bogie, while the step in the U-shaped frame connects the legs in a structure that is connected for strength.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for forming a component from a solidified fluid medium. The apparatus comprises a body defining a cavity into which the fluid medium may be introduced, the cavity optionally being shaped to define a shape of the component, and a carrier for supporting one or more elements to be embedded in the component. The carrier is arranged to be introduced into the cavity to support the one or more elements within the cavity whilst the fluid medium is introduced into the cavity. Embodiments of the invention are useful in a range of fabrication technologies including casting of metals and injection moulding operations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for flowing molten metal substantially vertically into a mold by means of a feeder tube while concurrently impeding the flow of oxides that collect at the perimeter of the head of the feeder tube. This reduces inclusions in the molten metal and improves the quality of a molded component as the molten metal solidifies.

Abstract: A mould for casting metal which allows solid impurities to be removed from the molten metal. The mould (50) has a cavity therein, said cavity having a casting portion and contiguous therewith a running system upstream of the casting portion, said running system comprising an upstream inlet portion (58), a downstream outlet portion (60) and a swirl chamber (54) disposed between the inlet and outlet portions (58, 60), wherein a filter (62) is provided at an interface between the swirl chamber (54) and the outlet portion (60). The application also relates to a method for preparing the mould, a pattern for preparing the mould, a housing for use in the mould and a method for casting employing the mould.

Abstract: A single-crystal seed, apparatus and process for producing a casting having a single-crystal (SX) microstructure. The seed has a geometry that includes a vertex capable of destabilizing an oxide film that forms at the interface between the seed and a molten metal during the casting process, and thereby promotes a continuous single-crystal grain growth and reduces grain misorientation defects that can initiate from the seed/metal interface.

Abstract: By blocking an angular extent of an annular skimming trap used for semi-solid injection, a notable reduction in lenticular defects and porosity are observed. The blocking can be performed by a ring having dimensions to completely occlude a prior art annular skimming trap throughout the angular extent, and providing complete and/or partial flow across the ring throughout the rest of the angular extent. Preferably an outlet to the ring trap includes a chamfered edge and/or a deflector for encouraging flow of the contaminated semi-solid material into the trap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of castings made of a copper alloy comprising silicon, nickel, chromium, and zirconium, and also inter-metal primary phases, wherein an ingot is drawn by means of hot forming in only one direction at a ratio of at least 4:1, wherein a casting surface of a casting produced from the drawn ingot, said surface coming into contact with a metal melt, is substantially selected perpendicular to the drawing direction of the ingot. A casting produced in this manner is characterized by high wear resistance and increased service life, particularly when used as a block of a side bank of a double strip casting system.

Abstract: A method of forming a gating fixture for a lost wax casting process includes determining an optimal orientation of a gate in relation to a part, and forming a fixture that can repeatably be used to consistently locate the gate relative to the part. In one example, stereolithography is used to form the fixture.

Abstract: A bearing structure for a curved continuous casting machine includes a monolithic and integrated structure, made of metal sheet, substantially closed and self-bearing, having at the upper part a seating or base suitable for the assembly of an ingot mold and accommodating along the casting curve both the rolls for containing and guiding the cast product, and also at least part of a secondary cooling system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for casting a composite ingot made of metals that are susceptible to surface oxide formation when molten. The method involves co-casting at least two metal layers from at least two molten metal pools formed within a direct chill casting apparatus. During the casting operation, movement of metal oxide formed on the upper surface of at least one of the pools towards an edge of the pool is restrained by an oxide skimmer positioned close to an edge of the pool above an external surface or metal-metal interface of the ingot. The apparatus provides a DC caster with at least one oxide skimmer that operates in this manner.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catalyst, a catalyst precursor, or a catalyst support comprising: (a) mixing a refractory metal oxide or precursor thereof with a liquid to form a paste; (b) adding said paste to an extruder, the extruder having a die plate comprising one or more dies, each die having a plurality of apertures, the outlet of each aperture having a cross sectional area of 6 mm2 or less; (c) extruding the paste through the apertures to form catalyst support extrudates; wherein the inlet of the apertures has a greater cross sectional area than the outlet of said apertures; and wherein for at least one die the combined cross sectional area of all apertures at the inlet relative to the total cross sectional area of the die at the inlet is higher than 50%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component (1) for a continuous casting mould, such as a water box, adapter plate etc., to which a copper plate is fixed. The component (1) is composed of at least two individual elements (2, 3, 4, 6, 7), consisting of different materials. The invention also relates to a method for producing a component for a continuous casting mould.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for forming flakes, especially metal flakes. The method comprises producing a heated stream of molten material, feeding the stream in a substantially vertically downward direction, receiving the downwardly directed stream and forming flakes therefrom, and effecting a change in the temperature of the stream subsequent to the production thereof whereby flakes of a desired thickness are obtained. The present invention is applicable to any metal which melts when heated and is capable of being formed into flakes. Examples of metals are Al, Cu, Mo, V, Ag, Cr, Zr, Nb, Ni, Fe, Co, Ti, Au, Pd, W, Hf, Rh, Ir, Pt, Cd or alloys thereof, such as chromium-nickel, iron-nickel, iron-chromium and nickel-cobalt, wherein Cu, Ag, Ti, or Al, or alloys thereof are preferred and Al, or Ag, or alloys thereof are most preferred.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal-molding conduit assembly, including a body being configured to withstand higher temperatures, from approximately 30 to approximately 40 degrees Centigrade above approximately 650 degrees Centigrade for processing a molding material, and the molding material includes a molten metallic alloy having a light-metal alloy.

Abstract: Articles for use with highly reactive alloys that include a graphite crucible having an interior, and at least a first protective layer applied to the interior of the graphite crucible in which the graphite crucible having the first protective layer is used for melting highly reactive alloys.

Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential.

Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential.

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 fibre cord core and an abrasion resistant flexible sheathing surrounding the core.

Abstract: An investment casting pattern is formed by forming a metallic first core element including at least one recess. The first core element is engaged to at least a mating one of an element of the die and a second core element. The recess serves to retain the first core element relative to the mating one. The die is assembled and a sacrificial material is introduced to the die to at least partially embed the first core element. The recess may be pre-formed prior to cutting the first core element from a larger sheet of material.

Abstract: At least one feed core and at least one wall cooling core are assembled with a number of elements of a die for forming a cooled turbine engine element investment casting pattern. A sacrificial material is molded in the die. The sacrificial material is removed from the die. The removing includes extracting a first of the die elements from a compartment in a second of the die elements before disengaging the second die element from the sacrificial material. The first element includes a compartment receiving an outlet end portion of a first of the wall cooling cores in the assembly and disengages therefrom in the extraction.

Abstract: An ingot mold for metals which is intended for the production of an ingot through the cooling and solidification of a liquid metal mass. The mold includes a wall which defines a base and an inner surface having a part S, known as the cooling surface, which can discharge all or part of the heat energy released by the metal mass during the cooling and solidification thereof. The cooling surface S includes at least one flat surface element Si which forms all or part of the base (4) of the ingot mold. There is also at least one point C on a plane Pi which is tangential to each surface element Si, such that all of the segments of a straight line D connecting every point R of the cooling surface S to point C are only located inside the mold. Further, the total area of surface elements Si is at least equal to 10% of the surface S. The ingot mold can be used to accelerate the production of ingots.

Abstract: A numbering device is disclosed for marking molded cast parts, the device including a plurality of concentric cylinders having indicia disposed on an end thereof, the cylinders being rotatingly indexable to cause the indicia to move as desired to form the desired mark, the mark is then impressed into a sand mold and subsequently reproduced on the cast part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing models layer by layer. The inventive device comprises a frame (1), a vertically adjustable and exchangeable workpiece platform (17)m and a device for feeding the material comprising a coating applicator (4). Said coating applicator (4) serves to feed material from a storage container to a process zone above the workpiece platform (17), said workpiece platform (17) being fixed in the device at least during manufacturing of a model. The workpiece platform (17) is introduced on the one side of the device and extracted on the other side of the device.

Abstract: A knife for heating the wax on the surface of a wax runner. The knife as a surface which is recessed in the center of the surface to permit melted wax to flow up into the recessed area and not flow away from the knife. Alternately, conformal heating surface which melts only that portion of the wax runner to which the pattern gate is affixed. Additionally an electrical circuit is provided which includes a heater and a temperature controller to limit the temperature at which wax is melted.

Abstract: An apparatus for vibratingly smashing sand masses, comprising a sand tank (30) elastically supported and having an inner tank (33) therein for holding sand masses; and vibrating means (21) having unbalanced weights for vibrating the sand tank, including the inner tank, by rotating the unbalanced weights, such that the vibrations of the sand tank draw a Lissajous's figure of approximately a circle. The inner tank (33) is defined by a wall (31) disposed in the sand tank apart from the inner surface (30A) of the sand tank (30), the wall (31) having a plurality of apertures (32).

Abstract: A device for preparing moulding sand. The device includes a mixer configured to operate under at least a partial vacuum and at least one feeder to introduce components to be mixed. An inlet in the mixer is of sufficient size to allow rapid introduction of the components into the mixer from the feeder. The combination of large inlet opening and a pressure differential between the mixer and the feeder significantly reduces the time required to fill the mixer. In addition, the presence of the pressure differential made possible by the vacuum in the mixer reduces the likelihood that airborne contaminants resident in the mixer will migrate outside the mixer. Optional moveable conveyor chutes minimize contact of airborne contaminants with adjacent equipment, while optional mixing tools facilitate the introduction of powdered additives into the mixer.

Abstract: A knife for heating the wax on the surface of a wax runner. The knife as a surface which is recessed in the center of the surface to permit melted wax to flow up into the recessed area and not flow away from the knife. Alternately, conformal heating surface which melts only that portion of the wax runner to which the pattern gate is affixed. Additionally an electrical circuit is provided which includes a heater and a temperature controller to limit the temperature at which wax is melted.

Abstract: A system and method for producing foundry quality sand from non-conventional starting materials through the combination of oolitization and classification. Incoming particulate matter is first directed into a controlled energy attrition unit where the particles are made to collide with one another. Such collisions clean and round the particles by chipping away surface projections and coatings without crushing the particles. The particle stream is then directed through a multi-fraction classifier where it is separated into two or more useable grades of foundry sand. An air classifier is preferred for the classification stage.

Abstract: A temperature control unit for raw molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold according to the present invention comprises a heat exchanger (A) consisting of a spiral hollow tube allowing heat carrier to flow, and a gas distribution tube assembly for making powder flow (B) for supplying gas to cause the flow of molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold. Furthermore, a temperature control apparatus according to the present invention comprises a reservoir for raw molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold, and said temperature control unit provided in said reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in reclaiming particulate material from bonded particulate material comprises an outer compartment arranged substantially concentrically about an inner compartment, means in one compartment for breaking up the bonded particulate material and means in the other compartment for removing the binder, and means for transferring broken up material from one compartment to the other.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for and a method of reclaiming molding sand capable of increasing a recycling efficiency of used molding sand and of highly enhancing the purity of a reclaimed molding sand. By crushing a lump of molding sand segregated from a molding box, used molding sand can be formed. In order to remove coking agents sticking on a surface of the used molding sand, an impeller disposed in a rotatable grinding drum is rotated after charging the used molding sand into a casing in which the rotatable grinding drum is disposed. The coking agents sticking on the surface of the used molding sand are removed due to collision and a mutual frictional rolling contact between the used molding sand and the rotatable grinding drum with the aid of rotational force of the impeller after having accomplished charging the used molding sand toward the impeller.

Abstract: A temperature control unit for raw molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold according to the present invention comprises a heat exchanger (A) consisting of a spiral hollow tube allowing heat carrier to flow, and a gas distribution tube assembly for making powder flow (B) for supplying gas to cause the flow of molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold. Furthermore, a temperature control apparatus according to the present invention comprises a reservoir for raw molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold, and said temperature control unit provided in said reservoir.

Abstract: A rotary drive system is provided that can rotate any object or a die holding assembly up to 270 degrees of rotation that uses both air and oil along with a oil/air pressure transferring device to smooth out each rotary cycle. The rotary drive system also utilizes a combination of air and oil in combination with a flow control device and an oil recovery reservoir to provide an impact cushion at the end of each rotational cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing models layer by layer. The inventive device comprises a frame (1), a vertically adjustable and exchangeable workpiece platform (17)m and a device for feeding the material comprising a coating applicator (4). Said coating applicator (4) serves to feed material from a storage container to a process zone above the workpiece platform (17), said workpiece platform (17) being fixed in the device at least during manufacturing of a model. The workpiece platform (17) is introduced on the one side of the device and extracted on the other side of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for producing foundry quality sand from non-conventional starting materials through the combination of oolitization and classification. Incoming particulate matter is first directed into a controlled energy attrition unit where the particles are made to collide with one another. Such collisions clean and round the particles by chipping away surface projections and coatings without crushing the particles. The particle stream is then directed through a multi-fraction classifier where it is separated into two or more useable grades of foundry sand. An air classifier is preferred for the classification stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of foundry sand by means of a mixing process which is carried out in a mixer (1), said preparation occurring at least partially in a vacuum. In order to provide a method and device for the preparation of low-cost foundry sand which can be used in an efficient manner, whereby said foundry sand has a uniform temperature and homogeneous quality in addition to being able to be charged more quickly and therefore economically in comparison with other mixers, the foundry sand is added, at least intermittently, in the form of a volume flow of at least 100 l/s through an opening in the mixer which has a cross-sectional area of at least 0.25 m2, preferably at least 0.4 m2, more preferably at least 0.5 m2.

Abstract: A machine for forming and fitting core support pins into wax (70) surrounding a core (68) prior to covering the wax (70) with a frit (76), includes one or more punch devices (30), (82) within its structure, so as to enable the forming of one or more indentations in each pin, intermediate its ends, thereby providing a designed weakness in the pin to cause it to more reliably follow slight relative movement which occurs between the pins and the part being cast, thus reducing stresses in the surface of the part.

Abstract: A rotary drive system is provided that can rotate any object or a die holding assembly up to 270 degrees of rotation that uses both air and oil along with a oil/air pressure transferring device to smooth out each rotary cycle. The rotary drive system also utilizes a combination of air and oil in combination with a flow control device and an oil recovery reservoir to provide an impact cushion at the end of each rotational cycle.

Abstract: Cooling and dust exhaustion plant for foundry sand, comprising:

Abstract: An apparatus for separating casting strainers and transferring each separated casting strainer to a predetermined position. The apparatus includes a casting strainer receiving member in which a plurality of casting strainers are stacked up, a slide member for horizontally sliding under the casting strainer receiving member, a separator projecting from the slide member towards the casting strainers, a casting strainer stopper formed at the lower end or vicinity of the casting strainer receiving member, a casting strainer passage formed in the slide member at an area immediately under a projecting end of the separator for receiving the separated casting strainer, and a shooter formed under the slide member for transferring the casting strainer to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A system and method for producing foundry quality sand from non-conventional starting materials through the combination of oolitization and classification. Incoming particulate matter is first directed into a controlled energy attrition unit where the particles are made to collide with one another. Such collisions clean and round the particles by chipping away surface projections and coatings without crushing the particles. The particle stream is then directed through a multi-fraction classifier where it is separated into two or more useable grades of foundry sand. An air classifier is preferred for the classification stage.

Abstract: A process for the assembly of wax trees in which a wax runner is placed in a flat position and a wax pattern is located adjacent the wax runner. Both the wax runner pattern and the wax runner are heated and then are placed in contact with one another where heated. Then the wax pattern and the wax runner are separated slightly to form a fillet weld between the wax pattern and the wax runner. An apparatus is also provided which, by robotics, brings a multiplicity of wax patterns to a wax runner and which automatically heats both the wax patterns and the wax runner before simultaneously pressing both the wax pattern and the wax runner together. Once a wax tree assembly is completed a new wax runner replaces the wax runner that has been formed into a wax tree and additional wax runners are affixed in the same manner.

Abstract: A holding structure for a continuous casting long stopper includes a continuous casting long stopper including a shaft insertion hole formed in an upper end thereof, a protrusion insertion groove contiguous to and axially opposed to the shaft insertion hole, and a horizontal engagement groove contiguous to a lower end of the protrusion insertion groove, and a holding rod including a shaft inserted into the shaft insertion hole, the shaft having a lower end on which a radially protruding locking protrusion is formed. In the structure, after the shaft of the holding rod is inserted into the shaft insertion hole such that the locking protrusion reaches the protrusion insertion groove, the locking protrusion is caused to engage the engagement groove by rotation of either the shaft of the holding rod or the long stopper relative to the other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing foundry sand mixes, using a pre-mix tank to pre-mix water and particulate bond material to make a water/bond slurry, then feeding the slurry to a mullor or other foundry sand mixer. The slurry is received in the mullor/mixer, mixed with return sand, and then discharged for use in making foundry molds. Preferably, the particulate bond material is added to the pre-mix tank as a falling stream of such particles, and a disperse spray of water is projected onto the particles with sufficient gentleness to not deleteriously distract the particles from their downward path.