Abstract: Molten metal is pumped from a furnace to a place where it is utilized using a gas-plunger pump having a container holding the chamber with an inlet for drawing metal from the furnace to the chamber, and with an outlet for forcing metal out of the chamber to the place of use. The inlet and outlet are disposed at the bottom of the chamber. A suction and pressure system includes a closed circuit containing a vacuum tank, a pressure tank, a vacuum pump/compressor unit connected between them, and a first valve. The closed circuit is connected to the chamber via a conduit. A control system alternately connects and disconnects the vacuum tank and pressure tank and substantially synchronously alternately opens and closes the inlet and outlet by actuation of valves associated with the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A spout for channeling smelt from a boiler through an opening in the walls of the boiler comprises a jacket having an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall is spaced a distance away from the inner wall and the jacket has one end insertable into the opening of the wall. The jacket defines a trough for carrying smelt from the boiler. An inlet communicates with the jacket for delivering a water flow to the jacket between the inner wall and the outer wall. An O-shaped tube communicates with the jacket at the inserted end of the jacket for receiving the water flow from between the inner wall and the outer wall of the jacket. An outlet communicates with the O-shaped tube near the inserted end for channeling the water flow from the O-shaped tube and out of the spout. A vacuum is used near the outlet for insuring a proper low pressure drop.

Abstract: A metering device for metal comprises a pump house (1) submerged in liquid metal in a container (6) with a supply device (4) for gas, an inlet (8,9) for the supply of liquid metal from the container (6) and an outlet pipe (5) designed as a siphon. The outlet end of this pipe is located at the same level as the level of the metal inside the crucible and the inlet end is fitted with a valve (13). It is preferable to use an outlet pipe designed with one part above the level of the metal in the crucible and one part below the level of the metal in the crucible. The pump house metal intake can be in the form of a valve or a riser pipe. It is preferable to use a valve in the form of a loose ball.

Abstract: An automatic molten metal supplying device capable of supplying the molten metal within a short period of time while maintaining accuracy in a supply amount and preventing dripping of the molten metal from a ladle and temperature decrease of the molten metal during its transferring state even if the transferred molten metal is of a small volume. A molten metal intake/discharge port is formed at a bottom portion of a ladle, and an atmosphere communication/blockage unit is provided which selectively communicates an internal space of the ladle with an atmosphere. After the molten metal is introduced into the ladle through the intake/discharge port, the space is shut off from the atmosphere. A cross-sectional area of the intake/discharge port is in a range of from 28 to 80 mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A pressure type automatic pouring furnace is formed with a molten metal outlet which has an opening end opening at a lower elevation than the general portion of the floor of a molten metal chamber. Preferably, the molten metal chamber communicates with a groove type induction heater section at a lower section thereof so that the molten metal in the chamber can be effectively heated. In addition, the bottom wall of the molten metal outlet is declined for a given angle, e.g. 3.degree. with respect to the horizontal plane so as to prevent the molten metal from accumulating within the outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing solidified solder balls and for ejecting generally spherical-shaped drops of liquid solder through a controlled atmosphere to impact on a surface to be wetted is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a preload reservoir to hold and maintain solder in a liquid state, an ejection chamber to hold and maintain the solder in a liquid state, a connection between the preload reservoir and the ejection chamber to allow liquid solder in the preload reservoir to be transferred to the ejection chamber while maintaining the oxides in the preload reservoir, a device to pressurize the ejection chamber with an inert gas and an ejection device operatively connected to receive liquid solder from the ejection chamber and to eject generally spherical-shaped drops of liquid solder to a specific location on a surface to be wetted. Structure is included to provide an atmosphere of inert gas between the ejection device and the specific location on a surface to be wetted.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the flow of molten metal from a holding vessel such as a tundish through a discharge orifice into a receptacle such as a mould; the method comprising (i) providing within the holding vessel a flow control chamber comprising a down-flow chamber separate from but in fluid communication with the interior of the holding vessel, the down-flow chamber having an outlet at its lower end, said outlet leading to or forming part of the discharge orifice, and an opening towards or at its upper end; (ii) creating a gas pressure within the flow control chamber sufficient to allow molten metal from the holding vessel to pass through the opening to establish in the lower end of the down-flow chamber a column of molten metal with a volume of gas occupying the upper end of the flow control chamber and serving to separate the column of molten metal from the opening, whereby an equilibrium is established between molten metal passing through the opening and molten metal passing out t

Abstract: A pouring system uses low pressure air to force molten lead into mold cavities. The pour spout is heated by the lead bath, and, preferably, a small gap is maintained between the pouring spout and a weir on the mold cavity to prevent stringers from being attached to the cast piece. At the completion of the lead pouring operation, excess metal is drained back through the spout and into the lead bath. Lead volume is controlled by adjusting pressure and timer settings, and a fill hole allows the pump to refill.

Abstract: A metal alloy, in particular a light alloy, is continuously cast in the semi-liquid state by bringing it up to conditions such as to cause segregation of a solid phase within the interior of the liquid alloy and making the alloy pass through a static mixer adapted to mix the solid phase uniformly upon formation, with the liquid alloy, so as to obtain at the output from the mixer a suspension which, once solidified, provides a material with valuable microstructural characteristics; the alloy is supplied continuously to the static mixer by introducing it in a discrete manner into a sealed furnace through an externally heated barometric column and, simultaneously, by pressurizing the interior of the furnace by the introduction into it of a flow of gas at a pressure value such as to cause the said alloy to flow through the static mixer in stationary laminar conditions.

Abstract: A pressurized holding furnace having an open feeding chamber is provided with a pressure chamber having a pressure device for pressurizing the pressure chamber and a discharge device for releasing the pressure. The pressure chamber is provided at a lower position than the lowest level of the molten metal in the pressure chamber with an inlet port of a feeding pipe and at a higher position than the highest level of the molten metal in the pressure chamber with an electromagnetic pump.

Abstract: A small, simple tool used to meter precise volumes of molten metal. It has been effectively utilized by the bullet caster to make expandable projectiles for hunting. This is accomplished by using the tool to meter a small volume of molten soft lead alloy into a bullet mould, the completing the cast with a molten lead alloy of higher strength. This creates a dual-alloy bullet with the structural strength necessary for high velocity shooting, but having a nose soft enough to effectively expand upon impact with a target.The tool consists of a long, hollow barrel with a short drop tube installed in one end. The drop tube is mounted in the nozzle end of the barrel and projects into its hollow interior. The vacant space inside the barrel adjacent to the drop tube forms a reservoir to hold molten metal. When the barrel unit is submerged into a pot of molten metal, the alloy enters the nozzle and flows up the drop tube, thereby filling the interior of the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an operation with molten solder, such as soldering or desoldering a component mounted on a substrate such as a PCB including an enclosed reservoir, the reservoir including a contained space above the molten solder; a hollow nozzle for receiving solder from the reservoir; an element for conveying the molten solder in the reservoir to the nozzle; and a source connected to the contained space for introducing a pressurized gas into the space to raise the solder through the conveying means to a predetermined level within the nozzle and maintaining said solder at said predetermined level to thus effect the operation with the molten solder and then removing the gas to return the solder to the reservoir. The gas is pulsed at least during the time the solder approaches and reaches the predetermined level. The apparatus includes a plurality of different size hollow nozzles for receiving solder from the reservoir where the nozzles are removably attachable with respect to the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control apparatus for an automatic pouring furnace. According to the invention, the control apparatus, for example, a microcomputer, reads from a memory to regulate shot pressure and time periods for application of the shot pressure to effect a pouring operation as a function of the particular mold to be filled. Thus, a single furnace can be regulated automatically to fill a plurality of molds which, while limited in number, are various in kind.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing amorphous metal ribbons by ejecting molten metal through a nozzle attached to a tundish onto a rapidly moving cooling body, the molten metal is suppled to the tundish by first pouring the molten metal from a ladle into an intermediate vessel and then by supplying the molten metal from the intermediate vessel to the tundish through a gas-lift pump. An apparatus for supplying molten metal to a tundish comprises an intermediate vessel adjacent to the tundish and a gas-lift pump to supply the molten metal from the intermediate vessel to the tundish. The molten metal is poured from a ladle into the intermediate vessel. The gas-lift pump has a pump proper that is placed over the intermediate vessel and tundish so that its inlet and outlet open in the intermediate vessel and tundish, respectively. Bubbles are suppled into the pump proper through its inlet.

Abstract: A teeming ladle with at least one tapping hole (3) formed in the bottom of its body (1). According to the invention, a sleeve (4) is arranged around each tapping hole (3) substantially coaxially therewith. The sleeve (4) has one of its ends tightly connected with the ladle bottom and the other end immersed in the melt during casting. The diameter of the sleeve (4) is so many times larger than that of the tapping hole that after being immersed in the melt, a space is left in the sleeve interior filled with a gas medium under a pressure ranging from 0.02 to 1.0 time the pressure under which the melt is discharged from the ladle.

Abstract: A holding or smelting furnace for discharging measured quantities of molten metal includes a furnace wall defining a furnace chamber adapted to contain molten metal having an upper free melt level, and at least one melt outlet channel extending from the furnace chamber through the furnace wall at a level below the free melt level. A sliding gate valve is mounted on the furnace wall at the outlet channel and is movable between a closed position blocking the outlet channel and an open position unblocking the outlet channel. Control structure maintains the free melt level at a constant level within the furnace chamber, and thereby maintains the hydrostatic pressure of the molten metal within the furnace chamber at a constant value during discharge of the molten metal. Regulating structure is operable independently of the operation of the control structure and moves the sliding gate valve between the closed and open positions thereof at a predetermined timed cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the extrusion of molten metal from a tundish through a nozzle onto a rotating quenching surface in the high speed continuous casting of glassy metal alloy continuous filaments. An inverted pressure bell is disposed in the tundish containing molten metal. A controller, in response to the sensing of the liquid level outside the pressure bell, regulates the gas pressure inside the pressure bell to maintain a constant liquid level outside the pressure bell as molten metal flows from the tundish through the nozzle and therefore to maintain a substantially constant pressure at the nozzle inlet. As the quantity of the molten metal in the tundish is depleted, the controller, in response to the sensing of the gas pressure inside the pressure bell, causes molten metal to be supplied to the tundish as a low liquid level limit is approached in the pressure bell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the pouring of molten metals in a pressure-type furnace is provided. The furnace includes a reservoir for storing the molten metal, a first passage for supplying the metal to the reservoir, and a second passage for supplying the metal stored in the reservoir to a pouring chamber where they are poured into a mold. A gas having a predetermined pressure is supplied to a pressure chamber disposed above the reservoir. An output signal from a load cell is generated representative of the amount of the metal contained in the furnace. The output signals are processed in a sampling circuit to obtain a rate of variation signal representative of variations in the amount of the metal stored in the furnace. The rate of variation signal is compared in a comparator circuit with a reference value to generate a replenishment signal indicating that the molten metal is being replenished.

Abstract: A device for transfer of critical liquids, such as molten metals, has a body member including a short leg inlet liquid conveying passage submergeable in a large storage vessel containing the critical liquid. An intermediate high level liquid conveying passage is disposed over the vessel and connected in fluid transferring relationship to the inlet portion at one end, and at its other end to a long down leg passage which is connected to a smaller liquid storing chamber positioned substantially lower than the liquid level in the storage vessel. A pouring outlet is connected to the lower chamber to conduct liquid out of the lower chamber. The flow of metal is controlled by a vacuum source selectively connectable to the high level passage which causes a siphon action through the device. The lower chamber is adapted in cooperation with its storage vessel, to maintain a vacuum in the system during start up and the transfer of liquid from the storage vessel to the outlet.

Abstract: Metal flow control for a continuous casting process is provided by providing a gas back pressure bubble to block the flow of molten metal above the casting nozzle. Pressurized gas is provided to a cap positioned upstream of the nozzle and including a depending skirt that cooperates with a dam. When the gas pressure offsets the head pressure of the molten metal, the flow of molten metal into the nozzle is blocked. By terminating the control pressure, the flow of metal over the dam may be reestablished. The cap including the skirt and the dam form a weir assembly defining a channel along one side or around the periphery of the nozzle. The cap may be supported and fed with gas pressure through a duct from the side, or along the center of the crucible.

Abstract: A high temperature pressure transducer for measuring the total pressure adjacent the exit orifice of a crucible containing molten metal used in a continuous casting operation is disclosed. The pressure sensed includes a pressure head of the molten metal as well as the gas gauge pressure in the crucible above the metal. The transducer includes a sensor rod assembly having an immersible sensor rod fabricated of fused quartz and having a sensing surface, a sensor rod extension, an intermediate shaft, and a load cell connected to the intermediate shaft. A bellows provides a gas tight seal for the internal gas pressure in the crucible. The bellows is characterized by folds projecting inwardly and outwardly and providing equal volume in the two directions.

Abstract: The invention covers a method as well as a device for controlling the discharge of molten material from a melter or an intermediate vessel containing such material, in which a primary outflow from the melter or intermediate vessel is fed to an overflow system the working level of which is regulated through the use of pneumatic pressure on a communicating chamber pertaining to the overflow system. Molten material may be led into a primary overflow through the use of a pneumatic lift.

Abstract: The immersible pneumatic weighing doser for molten metals comprises a measuring vessel communicating with a compressed gas source, and a weighing controller. The weighing controller is provided with a lever cantilevering said measuring vessel, and a stress pick-up acted upon by said lever. According to the invention, the measuring vessel is provided with a filling opening closing device comprising a drive disposed on the weighing controller lever.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in a liquid transferring device, in particular for molten metals, of the type comprising an inverted U-shaped siphon connected with a crucible to form a hydraulic circuit having one or more liquid inlet openings and connectable to at least one source of vacuum and at least one source of pneumatic pressure in order to suck the liquid into the crucible and then push the same through the hydraulic circuit and prime the siphon. The improvement comprises a degassing chamber located at the siphon bight and maintained under a pre-established negative pressure during the transferring operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately pouring measured amounts of molten metal using an electromagnetic elevator. The trough of the elevator obliquely ascends from a pool of molten metal to a pouring spout and controls are provided to maintain the pool level at approximately a constant level so that by accurately repeating the time of the electrical energization of the elevator, the same amount of metal may be poured each time.

Abstract: Apparatus for batching a metal melt such as steel from a pressure tapping furnace in which a level measuring device is provided for measuring the melt level in the tapping spout and using that level to calculate a signal for terminating the batching which is dependent on the integral of melt flow, and the rate of change of melt flow so as to take in to account the double draining which occurs after the termination of batching is initiated.

Abstract: An arrangement for the delivery of predetermined amounts from a sealed and heated storage vessel. The storage vessel has an overflow pipe and a closeable opening for insertion of a molten charge. An intermediate vessel, which is sealed, communicates with the overflow pipe of the storage vessel. The intermediate vessel has a delivery pipe for delivering measured quantities of the molten metal. The intermediate vessel also includes means for measuring the molten charge within the vessel. The flow of the molten metal is controlled by pressurized gas lines which are selectively turned on and off. The arrangement includes a throttle control and storage element for controlling the quantity of molten charge delivered as a function of time. Means for supplying an inoculant or seeding agent are disclosed.

Abstract: Molten metal is poured, in at least two successive operations, from a container having an interior closed off substantially gas-tightly and provided with a pour-out conduit which has an inlet communicating with the interior of the container and which has an outlet pouring opening located outside the container above the highest level to which molten metal in the container interior is permitted to rise. The metal in the conduit is established at a predetermined starting level prior to the start of the first pouring operation by feeding pressurized gas into the space above the molten metal in the container interior. Thereafter, each pouring operation is effected by boosting the gas pressure in such space by an amount requisite to effect pouring out through the pouring opening of the quantity of molten metal to be dispensed.