Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating molten metal by the use of a heater that can be immersed into the molten metal. This immersion heater includes an outer cover formed of one or more materials resistant to the molten metal in which the immersion heater is to be used, and a heating element inside of the outer cover, where the heating element is protected from contacting the molten metal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the production of shaped reactive alloys are disclosed. The shaped reactive alloys are obtained by controlled droplet casting in inert atmosphere, wherein the droplets are produced by using mechanical force on a metallic ampoule containing the molten alloy. The manufacture of gas sorbent and elements for vacuum systems according to the above method are also described.

Abstract: A molding apparatus (30) is configured so as to form a molten metal holding space (41a) by dividing the inside of a connecting portion (41) into the molten metal holding space (41a) and a molten metal supply port-side space (41b) by closing an on-off valve (42), and pump up molten metal (5) from a molten metal furnace (50) into the molten metal holding space (41a) of the connecting portion (41) with a pump (40). Then a pressure of the molten metal (5) that has been pumped up into the molten metal holding space (41a) is reduced by a pressure-reducing portion, and the molten metal holding space (41a) inside the connecting portion (41) is communicated with a molten metal supply port (6) of an injection sleeve (2) by opening the on-off valve (42), and the molten metal (5), the pressure of which has been reduced in the molten metal holding space (41a), is supplied into the injection sleeve (2).

Abstract: A control method for a target supply device may employ a target supply device, provided in an EUV light generation apparatus including an image sensor, that includes a target generator having a nozzle and configured to hold a target material and a pressure control unit configured to control a pressure within the target generator, and the method may include outputting the target material in the target generator from a nozzle hole in the nozzle by pressurizing the interior of the target generator using the pressure control unit, determining whether or not a difference between an output direction of the target material outputted from the nozzle hole that is detected by the image sensor and a set direction is within a predetermined range, and holding the pressure in the target generator using the pressure control unit until the difference falls within the predetermined range.

Abstract: Provided is a molten metal discharge nozzle capable of suppressing turbulence in a molten metal stream passing through an inner bore thereof, with a simple structure. A cross-sectional shape of a wall surface of the inner bore, taken along an axis of the inner bore, comprises a part or an entirety of a curved line expressed by the following formula: log(r(z))=(1/n)×log((Hc+L)/(Hc+z))+log(r(L)) (1), where: 6?n?1.

Abstract: A snorkel nozzle (10) having a double shell core (16, 26) that defines an annular gap (40) between the shells and that has an array of baffles (66) arranged in the annular gap to define a serpentine flow path for cooling gases that pass through the annular gap.

Abstract: A device for cleaning inside electrical-connection sockets, methods for constructing such cleaning devices, and methods for using such cleaning devices are illustrated herein. The device may be shaped like an electrical plug designed for coupling with the electrical-connection socket. The device includes a primary fluid-duct, ejection ducts, and ejection ports for allowing fluid to be injected into the chamber. A cleaning fluid is pushed through the device into the chamber. Air can then be pushed into the chamber.

Abstract: A stopper body of refractory material and cylindrical shape having a first end (10), a second end (14) and an intermediate zone (12) there between, with a bore (16) of circular cross section, extending from said first end (10) in an axial direction of the stopper body into said intermediate zone (12) towards the second end (14), wherein the said bore being provided with an enlarged cross section (at 16s) along at least part of said intermediate Zone (12).

Abstract: A method and a device for admixture of powder in a liquid, whereby the method comprises that the liquid in a supply (14), influenced by underpressure in a crucible (12) to which the liquid is to be transferred, flows through a drain tube (6) out of the supply (14), the powder is dosed from a powder receptacle (1) and is driven by a gas, and the mixture of powder and gas is added to the liquid in the drain tube (6) and mixed therewith, whereupon the mixture flows into the crucible (12). The device comprises a supply (14) from which the liquid may flow and a receptacle (1) with powder, whereby a drain tube (6) connects the supply (14) with a receiving receptacle (12) which can be held at an inner underpressure. A device (4) for supply of a driving gas for the powder is connected to a mixing chamber (3) at an outlet from the powder receptacle (1), while the mixing chamber (3) is connected to the drain tube (6) for supply of powder to the liquid flowing in the drain tube.

Abstract: The molten metal-transferring ladle including a ladle body having a storage space for melted metal, and an opening on the top; a large lid having an inlet in the middle, and covering an upper opening of the ladle body; an openable small lid covering the inlet; a tapping portion communicating the interior with the exterior of the storage space; and a pressurizing gas supplying means supplying a pressurizing gas to the storage space; the large lid having a supplying means installing hole communicating the interior with the exterior of the storage space; and the pressurizing gas supplying means being detachably mounted to the supplying means installing hole.

Abstract: This invention discloses a molten metal supply system that can supply molten metal to a downstream process at a constant pressure and molten metal flow rate. The molten metal supply system includes a molten metal supply source, a plurality of injectors, and a plurality of check valves.

Abstract: A liquid containing receptacle having a filter is disclosed that in one form includes a nozzle. The filter includes a passage having a portion with a size that restricts the flow of a liquid there through unless sufficient pressure is applied to overcome a liquid and filter property such as surface tension. The pressure in the liquid at the filter can be varied by changing a gas overpressure above a surface of the liquid, changing a head height of the liquid, and/or changing the liquid and filter property, among possible others. In one embodiment the liquid containing receptacle can be used to contain a molten metal that is used in an investment casting mold. The molten metal can be selectively poured into a mold by selectively changing pressure of the molten metal at the filter or by changing the pressure at which molten metal flows through the filter.

Abstract: A molten metal supplying container, comprising a container capable of storing a molten metal and loading the molten metal to the inside thereof or supplying the molten metal to the outside thereof by controlling a difference in pressure between inside and outside of the container, a passage allowing the inside and outside of the container to communicate with each other to have the molten metal flow therethrough, a lid disposed to cover the first opening having a second opening with a diameter smaller than the first opening and a hatch provided at the second opening capable of being opened and closed, having a passage communicating inside and outside the container. The passage is used, for example, to control inner pressure of the container and to insert the electrode for detecting the surface level of the molten metal.

Abstract: To provide a pressure-tapping type molten metal-transferring ladle that is safe and has excellent workability, and is capable of reliably introducing a pressurizing gas. The molten metal-transferring ladle including a ladle body having a storage space for melted metal, and an opening on the top; a large lid having an inlet in the middle, and covering an upper opening of the ladle body; an openable small lid covering the inlet; a tapping portion communicating the interior with the exterior of the storage space; and a pressuring gas supplying means supplying a pressurizing gas to the storage space; the large lid having a supplying means installing hole communicating the interior with the exterior of the storage space; and the pressuring gas supplying means being detachably mounted to the supplying means installing hole.

Abstract: A container capable of transferring molten metal from a factory that produces a molten metals such as molten aluminum alloys and so on to a factory that uses the molten metal while the molten metal being stored therein and supplying the molten metal to a use point using the pressure difference. The container comprises a frame 1a and a lining 2 having a passage for flowing the molten metal therein. The passage 34 is being provided at an inside of the frame and at least a part thereof is being surrounded by a member restricting a flow of a gas. The pipe 34 is, for example, made of a metal and inside thereof has a lining layer 34b formed with a refractory member. The pipe 34 may be structured with a ceramics. As such structure being adopted, even when a crack and the like is formed in the lining 2 of the container, the flow of a gas is shut off, resulting in stable supply of the molten metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for discharging a dose of a molten metal from a pressure pour furnace. A heating chamber of the furnace is used to keep the molten metal at a selected temperature. A sealing port between the heating chamber and a pressure chamber allows selectively filling of the pressure chamber with molten metal from the heating chamber by inserting or removing a sealing means from the sealing port. The sealing means inserted in the sealing port also provides a means for preventing back flow of the molten metal to the heating chamber when the pressure chamber is pressurized. Differential pressure sensing of the pressure of the molten metal in the pressure chamber and the pressure of the pressurizing gas in the pressure chamber can optionally be used to achieve an accurate measured discharge from the pressure chamber as the level of molten metal decreases from repeated discharges of doses from the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten metal transporting container having a long-reach-pouring spout connected to a pouring outlet of a pouring spout, and projects toward the outside of the container body, the molten metal transporting container further having a spout operating member for separating the long-reach-pouring spout from the pouring spout by raising the long-reach-pouring spout while it is projected from the container body, and a spout drawing member for drawing the long-reach-pouring spout that was separated from the pouring spout toward the container body.

Abstract: A pressure controlling apparatus controls a pressure in a container capable of storing a molten metal and supplying the molten metal to an outside using a pressure difference and includes: a supplying portion for supplying a compressed gas to be supplied to the container; a flow passage for supplying the compressed gas from the supplying portion to the container; a first switching valve, being inserted into the passage, capable of manually switching a first mode that enables the passage of the gas between the supplying portion side and the container side and a second mode that enables the passage of the gas between the container side and the outside; an exhausting portion for exhausting a gas from the container; and a second switching valve for switching a pressure applying mode for applying a pressure to the container and an exhausting mode for exhausting the gas from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding furnace comprising a metering device for molten metal, especially for precisely metering molten light metal during die casting, wherefore the holding furnace is provided with a dosing chamber encompassing a controlled discharge valve.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sealed type container body (50) capable of storing molten metal; a flow passage (57) capable of flowing the molten metal, the passage is formed extended to an outside of the container, and the passage is formed towards an upper portion (57b) from an opening (57a) provided at a position on an inner and near a bottom portion (50a) of the container body (50); and means (101, 0313) for controlling the pressure in the container body. This makes it possible to provide a container or the like requiring no replacement of parts such as a stoke and the like.

Abstract: A pressure tapping type ladle for transferring molten-metal includes a ladle body for containing molten metal, a top cover covering a top opening of the ladle body, and an openable working cover covering an opening formed in a part of the top cover. The ladle also includes a molten-metal tapping portion extending from a lower portion of the ladle body to above the ladle body, wherein the working cover is equipped with a cover body covering the opening of the top cover, a gas inlet formed in a top panel of the cover body, and a heat-resistant layer provided inside the cover body. The heat-resistant layer is comprised of a gas-permeable fireproof material layer, and gas for pressurizing inside the ladle body is introduced from the gas inlet via the gas-permeable fireproof layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for discharging a dose of a molten metal from a pressure pour furnace. A heating chamber of the furnace is used to keep the molten metal at a selected temperature. A sealing port between the heating chamber and a pressure chamber allows selectively filling of the pressure chamber with molten metal from the heating chamber by inserting or removing a sealing means from the sealing port. The sealing means inserted in the sealing port also provides a means for preventing back flow of the molten metal to the heating chamber when the pressure chamber is pressurized. Differential pressure sensing of the pressure of the molten metal in the pressure chamber and the pressure of the pressurizing gas in the pressure chamber can optionally be used to achieve an accurate measured discharge from the pressure chamber as the level of molten metal decreases from repeated discharges of doses from the furnace.

Abstract: A container does not need a member such as a stoke and the like that are exposed to the molten metal therein, thus the necessity to replace the parts such as the stoke and the like can be eliminated. In addition, there is no structure like the stoke in the container, the operability for the preheating is improved thus the preheating can be performed effectively. In addition, since a flow passage is formed inside the lining with high heat conductivity, inner heat of the container is easily conducted to the flow passage. Thus, the decrease in temperature of the molten metal that flows inside the flow passage can be suppressed to the utmost.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thixotropic metallic melt by simultaneously controlledly cooling and stirring the melt to form solid particles of a first phase suspended in a residual liquid second phase. Vigorous stirring of the metallic melt results in the formation of degenerate dendritic particles having substantially spheroidal shapes. The metallic melt is stirred to rapidly and efficiently circulate the forming semi-solid slurry. Circulation of the forming semi-solid slurry results in a substantially uniform temperature throughout. Through precision stirring and cooling, a semi-solid slurry is formed having a first solid phase of about 70–80 wt. % suspended in a second liquid phase.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thixotropic metallic melt by simultaneously controlledly cooling and stirring the melt to form solid particles of a first phase suspended in a residual liquid second phase. Vigorous stirring of the metallic melt results in the formation of degenerate dendritic particles having substantially spheroidal shapes. The metallic melt is stirred to rapidly and efficiently circulate the forming semi-solid slurry. Circulation of the forming semi-solid slurry results in a substantially uniform temperature throughout. Through precision stirring and cooling, a semi-solid slurry is formed having a first solid phase of about 70-80 wt. % suspended in a second liquid phase.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring liquid metals from a collection container (9) to a receiving container (1), comprising: a receiving container in the form of a ladle (1) provided with a mouth (4) for the introduction of the metal, means (8) for transferring the liquid metal from a collection container (9) to the ladle (1), the means comprising a cover (7) which can engage the mouth (4) of the ladle (1) in a leak-tight manner and which has a first opening (14) with which a liquid-transfer duct (11) is associated and at least one second opening (16) with which means (17, 18) for generating a reduced pressure are associated, and handling means (20) arranged for moving the transfer means (8) between a position in which the cover (7) engages the mouth (4) of the ladle (1) and the transfer duct (11) is immersed in the collection container (9) and a position of disengagement from the mouth (4) of the ladle (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring molten metal from a melting furnace to a casting furnace is provided. A sensing and control system for the transfer of molten metal from a transfer furnace to a casting furnace is also described. The combination of the transfer apparatus with the sensing and control system provides for the introduction of reduced oxide molten metal into a casting furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous or semi-continuous casting of molten aluminium to form an ingot in the mould (8) of a casting machine, including a launder (4), a casting mould and feed means (2) which is coupled to the launder and extends into the casting mould. The feed means is connected to the underside of a tundish (3), and the tundish is provided with an inlet member (10) for admitting molten aluminium from the launder (4) into the tundish. The tundish is also provided with pressure-reducing means (5) for lowering the absolute gas pressure in the part of the tundish which is above the molten aluminium admitted into the tundish.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a molten material from a reservoir of molten material includes a dispensing chamber in communication with the reservoir and a first valve adapted to regulate communication of the dispensing chamber with the reservoir. A riser communicates with the dispensing chamber for dispensing the molten material, and a second valve is adapted to regulate communication of the riser with the dispensing chamber. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the inclusion of oxides in a casting of a molten metal.

Abstract: A filling system includes a pressurized source of fill material and a pressure fill head wherein the fill head also includes a beating element positioned so as to transfer heat to fill material passing through the fill head. A method of filling holes using a fill material passing through a pressure fill head includes the steps of causing fill material to enter the fill head\, modifying the viscosity of the fill material while it is within the fill head, and causing the modified viscosity fill material to exit the fill head and enter at least one hole.

Abstract: New melt furnace for casting, of the kind that have a loading nozzle that connects to a liquid metal storage tank and from where an outlet nozzle opens out in the feed runner of the casts, and where, between the liquid metal storage tank and the feed runner of the casts, there is an additional heating chamber by means of a thermal plasma torch and a retaining wall submerged at least partially in the liquid metal between the additional heating chamber and the feed runner of the casts. For application in metallurgic foundry.

Abstract: A die casting system includes a vessel defining a reservoir with a controlled heater and an agitator for maintaining the bath of semi-solid metal in a homogeneous isothermal state, a transfer system capable of transferring a known quantity of metal in its semi-solid state to a mold cavity in a die casting machine, the transfer system including a heated suction tube, a vacuum source for vacuum ladling semi-solid metal from the bath to a die, and a plunger tip providing a path for free air flow to allow evacuation of the suction tube during casting and a metal replacement system for replacing the known quantity of transferred metal with a similar amount of liquid metal so that a stable homogeneous isothermal bath of semi-solid metal is controllably maintained to be available for die casting operations.

Abstract: A method of dispensing or pouring molten metal, e.g., aluminum, from a container or vessel, the flow rate controlled to minimize splashing of the molten aluminum exiting the container, the method comprising the steps of providing a container for containing molten metal, the container having an outlet for dispensing molten metal therefrom and providing a body of molten aluminum in the container, the body having a top surface. A pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is maintained on the surface of the body in the container vessel for purposes of controlling the flow of molten metal through said outlet. Molten metal is dispensed through the outlet by increasing the pressure maintained in the container towards atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous or semi-continuous casting of molten aluminium to form an ingot in the mould (8) of a casting machine, comprising a launder (4), a casting mould and feed means (2) which are coupled to the launder and extend into the casting mould, and wherein the feed means are connected to the underside of a tundish (3), said tundish is provided with an inlet member (10) for admitting molten aluminium from the launder (4) into the tundish and further with pressure-reducing means (5) for lowering the absolute gas pressure in that part of the tundish which is above the molten aluminium admitted into the tundish.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a stream of molten metal comprising a pumping member, a housing at least partially enclosing the pumping member, a power device seated on a support, and a shaft connecting the power device and the pumping member. At least one post is disposed between the support and the housing. The post includes an elongated rod comprising a metal alloy surrounded by an outer sheath. An inner member may surround the rod and provide a molten metal resistant barrier. The rod includes a first end connected to the support and a second end secured to the housing. A similar design for a shaft is also provided.

Abstract: A die casting system includes a vessel defining a reservoir with a controlled heater and an agitator for maintaining the bath of semi-solid metal in a homogeneous isothermal state, a transfer system capable of transferring a known quantity of metal in its semi-solid state to a mold cavity in a die casting machine, the transfer system including a heated suction tube, a vacuum source for vacuum ladling semi-solid metal from the bath to a die, and a plunger tip providing a path for free air flow to allow evacuation of the suction tube during casting and a metal replacement system for replacing the known quantity of transferred metal with a similar amount of liquid metal so that a stable homogeneous isothermal bath of semi-solid metal is controllably maintained to be available for die casting operations.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a disposable print head for ejecting controlled amounts of liquid (e.g., solder) at a high rate onto the surface (e.g., an integrated circuit) in close proximity to the ejecting source. The embodiment involves the use of a controlled burst of gas that is developed by rapidly heating a metallic hydride film with a laser to disassociate the hydrogen therefrom. The pressure created by the burst of hydrogen gas is used to eject an amount of a liquid (e.g., a solder) from an appropriate conduit that is fed liquid from a reservoir. The surfaces in the print head that contact the liquid are coated to assist in priming the print head for a subsequent ejection event.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thixotropic metallic melt by simultaneously controlledly cooling and stirring the melt to form solid particles of a first phase suspended in a residual liquid second phase. Vigorous stirring of the metallic melt results in the formation of degenerate dendritic particles having substantially spheroidal shapes. The metallic melt is stirred to rapidly and efficiently circulate the forming semi-solid slurry. Circulation of the forming semi-solid slurry results in a substantially uniform temperature throughout. Through precision stirring and cooling, a semi-solid slurry is formed having a first solid phase of about 70-80 wt. % suspended in a second liquid phase.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a liquid material from a reservoir (12), the apparatus comprising a first vessel (11) which forms an intermediate chamber and which is arranged to receive material from the reservoir (12), a second vessel (10) which forms a dispensing chamber and which is arranged to receive material from the intermediate chamber (11), first pressurizing means whereby the intermediate chamber (11) can be pressurized, second pressuring means whereby the dispensing chamber (10) can be pressurized, first valve means (13) operable to permit material to be admitted into the intermediate chamber (11) from the reservoir (12), second valve means (14) operable to permit material to be admitted into the dispensing chamber (10) from the intermediate chamber (11) and a duct (19) extending from within the dispensing chamber (10) whereby material can be dispensed through the duct (19) from the dispensing chamber (10) by pressurization of the dispensing chamber (10)

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator for use with a pump for dispensing molten solder on a surface, such as an integrated circuit substrate. The pump has a reservoir for containing molten solder, a nozzle for dispensing molten solder on the substrate, a diaphragm pump with a pump cavity situated in fluid communication with the reservoir and with a flow intake portion of the nozzle, and an adjustable throttle for controlling the flow of molten solder from the reservoir to the diaphragm pump. The throttle defines an annular throttle gap between the reservoir and the pump cavity to vary the effective throttle area. A spring-loaded diaphragm for adjusting the throttle defines in part a pneumatic chamber. A solenoid valve is situated in a compressed gas feed passage extending to the pneumatic chamber.

Abstract: A caster including a device for delivering a gas into a space created by the apparatus that define the mold of the caster and the nozzle of the caster. Introducing a gas into the space resists backflowing and freezing of the molten metal to the nozzle.

Abstract: A two-chamber furnace for the low pressure countergravity casting of metal wherein the first chamber is a molten metal supply chamber connected by a submerged orifice closable by a stopper rod valve to a sealed second chamber that is pressurizable to fill a superjacent mold. The stopper rod valve is readily replaceable from the top of the furnace without having to empty the melt from the furnace.

Abstract: Metal strip close to its final dimensions is cast using a strip-casting apparatus provided with a melt-holding vessel and a conveyor belt, in which a metal melt, in particular steel, flows out of a casting nozzle of a closable pouring chamber which can be put under vacuum and is connected via a siphon to a main chamber which can be put under pressure. The casting nozzle is inclined by about 45.degree. and is of trumpet-like configuration in the region of the orifice on the inside of the nozzle wall remote from the main chamber. Additionally, a shut-off element which can be opened in a slit-shaped manner is provided near the orifice of the casting nozzle.

Abstract: For charging casting machines with non-ferrous molten metals, melt (S) is supplied from a withdrawal chamber (6) of a melting furnace (1) having a gas atmosphere to the filling hole (18) of a casting machine. To achieve an economic, easily dosable charging of the melt, the metered melt (S) is pumped up inside the withdrawal chamer (6) via a metering pump (12) and is drained towards the filling hole (18) via a discharge pipe (15) extending through the furnace wall, where through inlet nozzles (11) opening into the withdrawal chamber (6) a pulsed supply of gas to the withdrawal chamber (6) is effected to support the melt flow.

Abstract: By a method that may be used for transferring molten metal by using pressurized gas, molten metal in a metal furnace is automatically sucked into a molten metal chamber installed within the metal furnace through a fluid suction pipe by a balanced pressure inside the chamber. Then, when the molten metal sucked into the chamber is transferred to a specified position through a fluid feed pipe by applying a pressurized gas from an upper part of the chamber, the flow rate of the molten metal at the junction part between the fluid suction pipe and feed pipe or at the opposed part of an open end of the fluid suction pipe against that of the fluid feed pipe is accelerated, creating a higher flow rate at other parts of the fluid feed pipe. A molten metal transfer apparatus includes a molten metal chamber installed in a metal furnace and having a tightly closed upper part.

Abstract: A solder pump includes a pump body having a solder reservoir and pump chamber formed therein in fluid communication with each other. A nozzle portion is provided in communication with the pump chamber for dispensing solder. A thin movable diaphragm is positioned adjacent the pump chamber and movable into the pump chamber for selectively pressurizing solder in the pump chamber for dispensing solder through the nozzle portion. A diaphragm clamp is secured to the body for supporting the diaphragm. The clamp includes an internal channel extending therein and enclosed by the diaphragm. The channel is provided in communication with a source of pressurized air for selectively forcing the diaphragm into the pump chamber. An adjustable stop is positioned within the pump chamber adjacent the diaphragm for limiting movement of the diaphragm into the pump chamber.

Abstract: A solder drop ejector is disclosed where a current through liquid solder in a channel flows in a direction opposite to the direction of current through a fixed conductor insulated from the channel. The magnetic fields generated repulse the solder toward an orifice to eject a droplet of solder. The dielectric layer separating the fixed conductor and the solder is formed of a film. The film may be made extremely thin, such as 0.1 microns, so that the necessary repulsion force generated by the oppositely flowing currents may be achieved with relatively low driving currents of 10-200 amperes. The thin dielectric film is not molded and is not required to provide mechanical support to a channel wall. Hence, the manufacturing of the resulting solder jet printhead is simplified and its reliability is improved.

Abstract: An airlock of integral one piece construction for the trough of a refining furnace, the airlock having opposed vertical walls with portions that fit snugly within the trough opposed vertical walls and downwardly angled extensions which, with a top wall that connects the side wall extensions, define a snout whose open part projects into the molten metal in the furnace chamber to dynamically seal the trough from entry of air.

Abstract: The machine has a holding pot containing molten magnesium in which a pumping chamber is submerged, a filling port is provided through a bottom wall of the pumping chamber, defined at least in part by a cylindrical wall surface, and an axially moveable control rod with a cylindrical shut-off part is moved between a position at which it is within the confines of the cylindrical wall surface and a position at which it is free of that wall surface. The clearance of the cylindrical wall surface and the cylindrical shut-off part of the control rod is such as to permit free movement of the rod part through the port, but, by virtue of the wetting of the surfaces by the molten magnesium, to seal the port against the pressures applied to it.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a metered shot of molten metal from a dispensing vessel through a shot tube comprises: a dispensing vessel for holding molten metal and having a shot tube for discharge of the molten metal, a reservoir of gas for pressurizing the dispensing vessel, a variable regulator for regulating the flow of gas. The regulator has a backload for varying the pressure at which the regulator regulates the flow of gas. An exhaust vent vents the dispensing vessel to the atmosphere. A supply valves opens and closes the delivery of gas to the holding vessel.