Abstract: A countergravity low-pressure casting apparatus (10) includes a feedback control system (98) which continuously measures the actual pressure of metal being pumped into a mold (12) and controls the voltage applied to an electromagnetic pump (66) to conform the actual metal pressure with the ideal metal pressure versus casting cycle time fill schedule (96).

Abstract: A stroke-end position of an injection cylinder of the die cast machine is detected and a position of the injection cylinder for sending a boosting-signal is set. This position is a predetermined standard boost stroke distance from the stroke-end position. When the injection cylinder reaches the position for sending the boosting-signal in the casting cycle, an oil-pressure intensifier is advanced. In this method, before casting is performed, a value representing a stroke after slowing-down and a setting value of the plunger stopping position are determined and the start point for slowing-down is calculated by subtracting the value of the stroke after slowing down from the setting value.

Abstract: In a process for centrifugal casting metal pipe in a metal mold in which the mold is cooled by the application of cooling water to the external surface, the application of cooling water is interrupted for a time just prior to the pouring of molten metal to a time generally corresponding to the time of separation of the pipe being cast from the inner surface of the mold to thereby permit limited dilation of the mold and reduce tensile stress in the external portion of the mold.

Abstract: A counter-gravity metal casting apparatus (10) comprises a reservoir (14) having a casting chamber (46) therein. An electro-magnetic pump (66) is accommodated in the chamber (b 46) and is responsive to input voltage for pumping molten metal from the chamber (46) into an above-situated distribution vessel (78) and mold (12). The chamber 46) is enclosed by cover (40) and supplied with inert gas (60) for purging the space (62) above the metal or outside atmospheric contaminated gases. A feed back controller (98) is also provided for continuously measuring the actual pressure of the pumped metal of the casting cycle and then controlling the output of the pump (66) to conform the actual metal pressure with an ideal reference metal pressure versus casting cycle time schedule.

Abstract: A setting unit sets data indicative of a normal shot operation of the die casting machine and a detection unit detects the operational status of the machine. A distinction unit distinguishes the coincidence of both the setting data and detected data. If the detected data are substantially equal to the setting data then the distinction unit sends a coincidence signal. A counting unit counts the coincidence signals of an injection process.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for supplying a molten metal, a supplying operation of the molten metal is started after a molten metal discharge port formed in a lower end portion of a molten metal supply sleeve facing down on a bottom portion of a molten metal supply vessel is positioned right above a plunger chip located at a lower position within an injection sleeve of an injection apparatus. The injection sleeve and the plunger chip are simultaneously lowered in accordance with the supplying operation of the molten metal.

Abstract: In the casting of metal alloys with low melting temperatures, an improved control system for lowering an injection piston in an injection cylinder is provided to avoid porosity occurring in castings. There is a fluid operated drive cylinder with a drive piston connected to the injection piston. A transducer is linked to the injection piston to provide an indication of location, and a controller compares the position of the injection piston with a predetermined time/distance profile and produces an injection stroke signal which is used to control the drive cylinder and ensure the injection piston follows the time/distance profile.

Abstract: In an automatic foundry plant were the molds are made in a molding station (11), and the metal is poured into the molds while these are in a pouring station (21), information concerning the characteristics of the individual molds is sensed from the molds in the molding station (11), and possibly also in a core setter (13). This information is recorded by parameter recording units and control signals based thereon are transmitted to the pouring station (21), and used in controlling the function of the latter at the time when the mold to which the information in question relates is in the pouring station (21). This arrangement prevents, without human surveillance, the occurrence of faulty operations such as pouring of casting metal outside the mold or pouring into defective molds.

Abstract: A die casting vacuum valve has a cover die block and ejector die block. A cushion member is positioned in the cover die block and a reciprocating member is positioned in the ejector die block such that upon reciprocation of the reciprocating member, it contacts the cushion member and cover die block to seal the reciprocating member with the cover die block and the surrounding surface. A controller mechanism controls the reciprocation of the reciprocating member such that the reciprocating member contacts the cushion when the molten material enters the mold cavity and slot to prevent further flow of the molten material in the slot past the reciprocating member.

Abstract: This invention provides improved casting processes, equipment, and products. The invention is especially advantageous for die casting.

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

Abstract: A system for pouring molds on a continuously moving conveyor by an automated process has an apparatus positioned over a moving conveyor including a plurality of molds. The apparatus includes a frame adapted to be positioned over the moving conveyor. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the frame in a reciprocating forward and reverse direction along a path defined by the conveyor. The apparatus includes a mechanism to pour molten metal into the plurality of molds on the conveyor. The pouring mechanism is associated with the frame such that the pouring mechanism moves at a speed substantially equal to the speed of the conveyor to enable filling of the plurality of molds as the molds continue to move on the conveyor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming axially symmetrical bodies from molten metal droplets, where the droplets solidify to form the body on a rotating base, with the base moved in an extraction direction away from a spray plane of the metal droplets. The base is moved, the movement of the base and/or the quantitative flow of the metal droplets is controlled by a controller that communicates with a transmitter-receiver, preferably optical, that determines the position of the spray plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting molten material such as molten metal into a die cavity under pressure from a shot cylinder wherein a valve arrangement is provided which prevents undesirable pressure spikes in the die cavity during injection of molten material, and which effects rapid pressure buildup in the die cavity during solidification and curing of the molten material. The valve arrangement is operative to effect a regenerative or counterforce mode in the shot cylinder which limits the force applied during injection of molten material into the die cavity so as to substantially reduce pressure spikes, the regenerative mode being terminated in response to a predetermined pressure within the die cavity indicating that the die cavity is full.

Abstract: This invention relates to a casting control system of a die cast machine, and more particularly to a system for controlling a high speed injection real stroke of an injection plunger and controlling valve closing timing for degassing gas in a mold cavity. The high speed injection real stroke is measured by an arithmetic unit from a signal output from a position detector, and the high speed injection real stroke is then compared with a certain preset value. When arithmetic unit determines that the high speed injection real stroke and the preset value do not coincide with each other, a pretest action delay time of the injection plunger is .+-. incrementally or decrementally corrected until both values coincide.

Abstract: A method of controlling the position of liquid metal in a mould cavity comprising the steps of feeding molten metal to the mould cavity, sensing the position of a surface of the metal in the cavity by a managing means responsive to electrical capacitance between sadi surface and a signal plate disposed externally of the liquid metal and adjacent to said surface, controlling the rate at which the molten metal is fed into the cavity in accordance with a control signal produced by said managing means so as to achieve a predetermined filling regime (as herein defined) governed by the position of said surface in the cavity.

Abstract: A gas venting arrangement in a high speed injection molding apparatus such as a high speed die casting machine. The gas venting arrangement includes a gas vent control valve which is closable at an optimum timing and at high speed. This valve closure is achievable by providing an improved combination of a control circuit and a valve driving mechanism. The control circuit is connected to a molten metal sensor and sends a high voltage output drive signal to the valve driving mechanism when the sensor detects a first molten metal or a metal splash. The valve driving mechanism includes an electromagnetic valve connected to a pneumatic source and a pneumatically operated valve connected between the electromagnetic valve and the gas vent control valve. The pneumatically operated valve is also connected to the pneumatic source. The electromagnetic valve performs prompt change-over operation upon receiving the drive signal, and supplies driving pneumatic pressure to the pneumatically operated valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting a degassed state in a mold and a system therefor. A gas release opening is formed between a movable mold part and stationary mold part, and a diffuser block having a path for releasing the gas to atmosphere is disposed on the mold. A secondary flow path capable of generating a secondary flow when the gas is released is formed in this diffuser block, and a wind velocity sensor is disposed in this path. Wind velocities of the secondary flow, which are detected by the wind velocity sensor, serve as indications of a cast state and the like in a die cast machine or the like. The secondary flow path is suitably shut off by a shut-off mechanism, and connected to an air cleaner, so that the wind velocity sensor can be effectively protected from dust and the like.

Abstract: A metallic mold (1) comprises two mold halves (3,4) which define between them a mold cavity connected to blowing means (56). The mold (1) is vertically movably mounted on a chassis (18) rigidly supporting an aspiration channel (16). To aspirate the metal, the mold is sealingly applied against the channel which is immersed in the bath (62). After filling of the mold cavity, the material solidifies in a constriction (26) of the channel. This permits raising the chassis (18) without the mold cavity emptying. Then, the mold (1) is raised relative to the channel (16) to break the material in the constriction and to let fall back into the bath the material (68) which was in the channel. Demolding is effected by separating the mold halves from each other.

Abstract: In apparatus for measuring injection speed of a die cast machine, there are provided a pulse generator responsive to a movement of an injection plunger for producing a pulse signal, a detector for detecting a width of the pulse signal to produce pulse width data, a memory device successively storing the pulse width data between commencement and termination of injection, and an arithmetic operation circuit for calculating an average speed in a predetermined high speed section of a stroke of the injection plunger based on pulse width data stored in the memory device.

Abstract: A method of controlling die casting in which at least one of a pressure sensor which directly measures the internal pressure of a cavity continuously throughout the casting cycle and a temperature sensor which directly measures the temperature and heat flux of the cavity surface continuously throughout the casting cycle is mounted in a die and a measured value obtained through the direct measurement by the sensor mounted in the die is compared with a reference value, then casting conditions are controlled on the basis of the result of the comparison, the measured value compared with the reference value being a peak value thereof, a gradient of a certain time, a peak value generation time, a period of holding a value above a certain threshold level, or an integrated value up to a certain time, or it being the difference and/or the sum of peak values, gradients of a certain time, peak value generation times, time periods of holding a value above a certain threshold level, or integrated values up to a certain ti

Abstract: A low-pressure die casting process in which gaseous pressure is applied to molten metal in a bath (C) in three stages from three pressure applying circuits. The first circuit applies pressure to lift molten metal to the charging aperture of the die. When the presence of the metal at that die is detected by a sensor (8), a datum pressure is established and the further application of gaseous pressure to the molten metal is taken over by a second circuit. When the pressure applied to the molten metal differs from the datum pressure by a predetermined amount, an after pressure is applied to the molten metal by the third circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas venting arrangement in an injection molding apparatus, and a method for venting gas out of the injection molding apparatus. The gas venting arrangement includes mold halves formed with a gas vent passage in fluid communication with a mold cavity and positioned downstream thereof, a gas vent control valve disposed at a downstream end portion of the vent passage, a detection member disposed at the vent passage for detecting injected material exceeding over the mold cavity, a valve driving mechanism connected to the gas vent control valve, and an electric control means connected between the detection member and the valve driving mechanism. The detection member generates a detection signal upon contact with the injected material and the valve driving mechanism is operated in response to the detection signal through the electric control means to operate the vent control valve.

Abstract: A gas removal system for a mold cavity of a die casting or other molding machine includes a valve movable to an open position to interconnect the mold cavity to a gas venting or evacuating device or to a closed position. A portion of the valve is movable relative to a fluid pressure supply inlet port to establish a first pressure condition represented by back pressure in the supply line when the valve is in one of the open or closed positions and a second pressure condition represented by substantial absence of back pressure in the supply line when the valve is in the other of those positions. The presence or absence of back pressure in the supply line is sensed to determine valve position. A control unit compares the second valve position and a scheduled valve position and indicates when the valve is improperly positioned to prevent injection of a melt into the mold cavity.

Abstract: Molten metal is poured from a melt container to a mold cavity defined by a molding material wherein the molding material in the region of the runner gate is of a higher density with respect to the rest of the molding material. A pouring lip protruding from the melt container seals in the region of the runner gate for delivering molten metal from the melt container to the mold cavity.

Abstract: The variation with time of the temperature is analyzed during the heating-up of a melting charge in dental engineering. If the slope (d.theta./dt) of the temperature curve changes by a predetermined measure, this is used for detecting the liquidus point. Time and/or temperature for casting the melt are determined by a criterion (.DELTA..theta.; .DELTA.t) referring to the liquidus point determined in this manner. The values determined for the casting time and other casting parameters are stored and used as controlling variables for subsequent melting and casting processes. In addition, the entire temperature variations of successive processes can be stored. A subsequently measured temperature variation is compared with the stored temperature variations during the measurement (section by section). In the case of agreement (within predetermined tolerances) an identified stored temperature variation is used as nominal variation for the further melting and casting process.

Abstract: Metal material is melted by moving the magnetic flux of electromagnets virtually perpendicular to an arc column to apply Lorentz force to the arc column and the metal material so that the arc column can move over the metal material surface. The movement direction and speed of the arc column are determined by detecting the arc voltage of the arc column. Feed back control is performed by comparing the obtained detection data with preset data so that optimum control is performed, and the molten metal is poured into a casting mold.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method and an apparatus for forming disk wheel like formed parts, in a manner that the forming work is carried out by placing, in the vertical direction, the mold axis of a metal mold cavity, which corresponds to the axis of rotation of a disk wheel, thus to inject hot molten metal from the bottom in the mold axis direction, characterized in that the control mode of the injection speed comprises: a first phase to allow an injection speed when the hot molten metal has reached the inlet of the metal mold cavity to be low, a second phase to allow an injection speed from the time when the hot molten metal passes a disk wheel hub equivalent portion of the metal mold cavity until it passes the greater part of a disk wheel rim portion thereof via a disk wheel disk portion thereof to be, at the end portion of said rim equivalent portion, equal to a speed corresponding to a lower speed or less, which corresponds to a gas discharge ability of a degassing unit provided in association with the metal

Abstract: Sand molds stored in a prepour storage system are retrieved and conveyed to a pouring station with a total mold cavity capacity equal to the amount of molten metal to be poured. Despite the fact that the mold cavities vary in size they are delivered to the pouring station in a sequence that accomodates delivery of the molds having variable metal capacity to one of a plurality of cooling conveyor lines so that each cooling line conveys molds which require variable lengths of time to cool before such molds can be conveyed into a punchout where the cope flask is stripped and the sand mass and castings are pushed up from the drag flask and onto a shakeout which conveys sand to a reclaim system and castings to a processing area where the castings are shot blasted, gates and risers are removed, the castings are inspected, flame washed, welded (as needed), ground, chipped, heat treated and then blast cleaned a second time before final grinding, chipping, gauging, final inspection, assembly and storage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the pour of molten metal into individuals molds. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding molten metal to be poured into at least one mold having a sprue and a mold gating system, and a flow control device operatively associated with the reservoir for controlling the flow of molten metal from the reservoir into the mold. A sensor continuously senses the image of the surface of the molten metal in the mold and generates image area information representative of the surface area of the metal relative to the surface of the mold. A sampling circuit repetitively samples the image area information during a pour and generates sampled image area information at a preselected sampling rate. A comparator repetitively compares the sampled image area information to a preselected reference area value and generates a difference value representative of the difference between the image area information and the reference area value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and an apparatus for automatically controlling the pressure in a holding furnace incorporated in a low pressure die-casting system in accordance with a desired pattern. A proportional pressure control valve operated by a microcomputer is provided in a pressurized gas supply circuit for supplying pressurized gas into the holding furnace. The pressure in the holding furnace is changed in accordance with a pattern which is as close as possible to a desired pressurization pattern by sending to the proportional pressure control valve a command value obtained by adding to an input command value of the proportional pressure control valve a correction value calculated by a predetermined computing method.

Abstract: A process for producing pigs as finished products using molds equipped with at least one spout with a stairway-shaped profile having at least two steps. The molds are filled from a ladle containing molten metal via a movable runner equipped with a handling means. The steps of the spout or spouts during the filling of a mold, and the sudden movement of the runner are observed in order to direct the casting jet outside the mold, while acting on the handling means, as soon as the molten metal spreads over a specified step of the spout.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the production of metal blocks, castings or profile material (14) during which molten metal (S3) in a chill (K) is moved from a heating zone (HZ) into a cooling zone according to the solidification speed of the molten metal (S3) and during which cooling time hard material grains are continuously fed through the heating zone (HZ), preferably being electrical heated molten slag (12), the temperature of which is above the melting point of the hard material, into the molten metal (S3), the temperature of which is lower than the melting point of the hard material. The temperature of the molten slag, the height (h) of it and the height of the molten metal is controlled by the control device (ST) controlling the electrical current and dosing of the materials currents. Control methods and devices as well as material selections for matrix and doping materials are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring the surface level of a liquid, such as molten metal, by moving first and second sensing electrodes vertically with respect to the surface level of the liquid, positioning the lower portion of the second electrode vertically displaced upwardly with respect to the lower portion of the first electrode, such that the amount of vertical displacement is directly related to the accuracy of determining the liquid level, generating an electrical signal as a function of each electrode position, then moving the first and second electrode vertically with respect to the surface level of the liquid in response to the electrical signal corresponding to each electrode, and thereafter determining the liquid level when the first electrode is in contact with the liquid and the second electrode is in noncontacting position above the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the filling of mold sections with molten metal is disclosed.

Abstract: A casting method and an apparatus therefor are disclosed, in which a molten material in a retaining furnace is poured through a supplying conduit directly into a cavity of a mold at a low pressure. A portion of the conduit is provided with an electromagnetic induction pump while the furnace is provided movably therein with a level-detecting sensor for detecting a level of the molten material in the furnace and generating a signal which provides instructions of computing, commanding and controlling an excitation voltage of the electromagnetic induction pump, thereby to optimize the injection pressure and the amount of the molten material in the conduit when the molten material is poured into the cavity of the mold through the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating by electromagnetic means the level in metallurgical vessels means with transmitting and receiving coils which combined into a measuring unit having a transmitting coil which extends in the direction of the fill height and at least two receiving coils assigned thereto and staggered vertically. This simplifies and facilitates the assembly work.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a constant level of molten metal to a mold in gas permeable shell mold casting. The apparatus includes a furnace for melting and holding metal to be cast. Structure is provided for locating a mold to be filled in casting relationship with the molten metal in the furnace and for causing molten metal to be drawn from the furnace into the mold. Structure responsive to the sensor is provided for tilting the furnace relative to the mold causing the level of the molten metal to remain constant relative to the mold as the mold is being filled.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling an injection process for a die casting machine comprising an injection cylinder connecting to a plunger tip, a hydraulic circuit arrangement which supplies pressurized hydraulic oil to the cylinder at a plurality of rates of flow, and a control unit applying to the hydraulic circuit arrangement a plurality of signals when the plunger tip comes to a plurality of positions so as to change the middle speed of the plunger tip during one injection process, the hydraulic circuit arrangement providing with a plurality of combinations among a valve of the type of a pilot operated check valve which mounts a flow rate setting unit with a mechanical stopper and two position directional valve operated by the signals, and a method for operating the die casting machine comprising the steps of pouring melted metal into the injection cylinder, moving the plunger tip at a low speed to a position at which the level of the melted metal in the cylinder reches up to a portion near an entrance to a c

Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of a piston in an injection molding or die casting machine utilizing a flow rate change characteristic inherent in a hydraulic pressure circuit including a cylinder and a flow rate adjusting valve. The characteristic effects the operation delay due to the compressibility and inertia of the oil and other factors, in changing the speed or the flow rate of a operation oil from a lower value to a higher value. The characteristic is formulated in time or piston stroke expressed by a function of the speed or the flow rate between the lower and higher values under an actuation pattern of the valve in which the valve opening is forced to change at a constant velocity.

Abstract: In the vertical die casting device of this invention, the molten metal is poured from the gate into the sleeve with the cavity gate closed by the counter tip; and when filling the cavity with the molten metal, the plunger tip and the counter tip are lowered at the same speed so as not to pressurize the molten metal held between the tips to prevent the temperature reduction of molten metal so that when the counter tip opens the cavity gate with the plunger tip continuing to move down the molten metal can smoothly flow into the cavity.

Abstract: The time history of a molten metal casting charge being introduced into a mold cavity is recorded by an electrically operated recorder including a plurality of electrical circuits, each of which produces a timing signal upon being completed or closed and is connected to an electrical timing lead having an electrically bare, free end adapted to be located in the mold cavity. The free ends of the timing leads are positioned at predetermined locations of interest in the mold cavity and the molten metal serves as a common ground for completing the electrical circuits in the recorder. The timing cycle is started in response to the molten metal contacting the electrically bare, free end of an electrical trigger lead located near the inlet of the mold cavity and electrically connected to the recorder.

Abstract: A die-casting apparatus is used to carry out a die-casting method in which an injection plunger is moved forwardly at a lower speed and then is temporarily stopped at a forward stroke intermediate position in which a space defined by the injection plunger and an injection sleeve is substantially filled with an amount of molten metal. Then, evacuation of a product cavity and the injection sleeve is commenced and, after the lapse of a predetermined time period, the injection plunger is again moved forwardly at a higher speed to inject the molten metal from the injection sleeve into the product cavity. Compared with the prior art, the method provides an increased evacuation time period and assures a reduction in the volume to be evacuated. In addition, the higher injection stroke reduces possibility that air and gases are trapped in the molten metal to provide die-cast products of a high quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic process for regulating a casting cycle which uses a machine exerting a low pressure. It comprises controlling the level of discharge pressure introduced into a furnace in order to raise metal being cast according to precise dynamic and physical conditions. By using an ultrasonic sensor, random non-predetermined phenomena accompanying the casting, such as lowering the level of metal in the crucible and leakage of discharge fluid, are taken into account in regulating the casting cycle and casting or forming metal within a mold.

Abstract: A method of die casting using a plunger tip of a reciprocal plunger for forcibly injecting the molten metal supplied to the inner space of a sleeve into the mold cavity through a spool bush connected therebetween. The temperature of at least a portion of at least one of the plunger tip, the sleeve, and the spool bush is measured. Retracting of the plunger is commenced on the basis of the measured temperature after each shot of die casting. The measured temperatures of the plunger tip, the sleeve, and/or the spool bush is utilized for calculating the clearance at the peripheral surface of the plunger tip, and the retracting of the plunger is commenced at the time the clearance is calculated to reach a predetermined set value of clearance.

Abstract: A molten metal treatment apparatus comprising a passage of predetermined size and length for receiving superheated molten metal from a source thereof, and for supplying the molten metal for subsequent casting; a gas inlet and a control valve for controlling the velocity of the molten metal through the passage by exposing the molten metal to a source of pressurized gas; a cooling jacket at least partially surrounding the passage for controlling the temperature of the molten metal within the passage between predetermined upper and lower limits for forming a thin solidified shell having a molten metal core within the passage; the combination of the velocity of molten metal and the temperature of the molten metal within the passage for allowing dendrites to grow into the molten core from the solidified shell, and for breaking off portions of the dendrites and entraining them in the molten metal thereby producing a solids content within the molten metal for subsequent casting.

Abstract: A method for centrifugal casting involves mold rotation below the mean rotation speed during the casting and thereafter periodically varying the mold rotating speed so as to cause stirring throughout the wall thickness of the melt centrifugally held in the mold. This avoids the formation of snakes and blisters in the cast shape.

Abstract: In a method and system of controlling an injection molding machine in which molten metal in an injection cylinder is injected into a metal mold by an injection plunger operated by an oil pressure operator and in which pressurized oil is supplied to the oil pressure operator through adjustable valve means actuated by actuator means, various factors relating to an injection condition are measured and an injection command signal is calculated based on the measured factors for providing a predetermined injection pattern. The actuator means is operated by the injection command signal so as to adjust the adjustable valve means to a degree of opening necessary to establish an optimum injection condition.

Abstract: A control system operates an automatic ladling apparatus for conveying molten metal from a furnace to a die casting machine or the like. The control system includes a plurality of adjustable speed control settings so that the speed of the apparatus can be varied according to operating conditions. The rate at which molten metal is poured into the die casting machine may also be varied. The position of the apparatus is monitored so that speed is automatically varied according to the position, and these positions are programmable. The control system includes an abort sequence to pour molten metal back into the furnace automatically if the die casting machine is not ready to accept the pour.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous casting of metal from a substantially stationary vessel wherein molds having elongated pouring basins are filled in increments via a plurality of serially arranged and sequentially actuated pouring spouts.