Abstract: A taphole assembly (1) for arranging in a taphole assembly opening (2) extending through a shell (3) and a refractory lining (4) of a metallurgical furnace (5) such as a pyrometallurgical furnace and for leading melt from the inside of the metallurgical furnace (5) to the outside of the metallurgical furnace (5). The taphole assembly comprises: a frame section of metal (6) to be arranged in a taphole assembly opening (2) extending through a shell (3) and a refractory lining (4) of a of a metallurgical furnace (5), at least one refractory insert channel element (7) arranged in a seat (8) of the frame section of metal (6) and having a channel (9) for melt. The invention relates also to a method for manufacturing a taphole assembly and to a metallurgical furnace including a taphole assembly.

Abstract: A furnace for melting and/or gasifying material, comprising a housing for temporary enclosure of said material, a supply opening through said housing, heating means, a discharge opening through said housing, a gas outlet through said housing, wherein said housing is mounted tiltable around a horizontal axis, said supply opening extending coaxially with said horizontal axis, and the discharge opening being mounted in a wall of the housing so that said melted material can be removed from the housing by tilting the furnace about said axis.

Abstract: A method of automatically pouring molten metal from a ladle into a mold by tilting the ladle. In the method, the height of molten metal located above a molten metal outlet and the weight of molten metal flowing out of the ladle are estimated using an expanded Kalman filter on the basis of: the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle, said weight being measured using a load cell; the voltage inputted to a servo motor; the angle of tilt of the ladle measured by a rotary encoder; and the position of the ladle in the lifting and lowering direction thereof. The sum of the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle when the ladle is tilted rearward, said weight being estimated from the angle of tilt of the ladle and the height of the molten metal located above the molten metal outlet estimated by the expanded Kalman filter, and the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle estimated by the expanded Kalman filter are estimated as the final weight of outflowing molten metal.

Abstract: A ladle for a molten metal includes a main body having a hollow interior and an opening for receiving the molten metal. The main body has a sidewall with a nozzle formed therein. The nozzle defines an axis of rotation for the main body. The nozzle contacts, seals and is in fluid communication with the mold. The nozzle is configured to deliver the molten metal to a mold when the main body is rotated from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides pouring equipment of a tilting-type that can appropriately pour molten metal at a high speed corresponding to the speed of molding. It also provides a method of pouring the molten metal. The pouring equipment has a holding furnace supplying the molten metal by being tilted, a pouring ladle pouring the molten metal supplied from the holding furnace into molds that are intermittently transported, a device for measuring weight of the molten metal in the pouring ladle, and equipment for control that controls the tiltings of the holding furnace and the pouring ladle. The equipment for control has a device for storing results from measurements and devices for calculating the first and second flow rate. The equipment controls the tilting of the ladle so that the ladle pours the molten metal into the mold according to the flow pattern of the product.

Abstract: A furnace 1 for melting and/or gasifying material, comprising a housing 2 for temporary enclosure of said material, a supply opening 3 through said housing 2, heating means 10, a discharge opening 7 through said housing 2, a gas outlet 5 through said housing 2, wherein said housing 2 is mounted tiltable around a horizontal axis 3, said supply opening 4 extending coaxially with said horizontal axis 3, and the discharge opening 7 being mounted in a wall of the housing 2 so that said melted material can be removed from the housing 2 by tilting the furnace 1 about said axis 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system for tiltable metallurgical processing vessels, in particular converters, the processing vessel (1) being mounted in a carrier ring (2) connected to the jacket of the processing vessel by means of plate fm elements (11), each plate fin element consisting of a plate fm connected to the carrier ring (2) by means of a sheet metal connector (16) and a first fastening bracket (14) and connected to the jacket of the processing vessel by means of a further sheet metal connector (17) and a second fastening bracket (15). According to the invention, the sheet metal connector (16, 17) is clamped by a wedge (20) between the flanges (18, 18a and 19, 19a, respectively) of the fastening bracket (14 and 15, respectively) with zero clearance, said bracket in turn abutting a tab (22) welded to the flanges of the fastening bracket and bridging same. The wedge (20) is actively connected to the tab (22) by means of a bolted connection (21).

Abstract: A method for controlling a ladle to pour molten metal into a sprue of a mold. The method includes obtaining a mathematical model describing a locus of positions where the molten metal flowing from the ladle drops on an upper surface of the sprue. The method further includes solving an inverse problem of the mathematical model, estimating a position where the molten metal drops using a result of the solving of the inverse problem, and determining target voltages to be supplied to servomotors controlling the ladle. At least the target voltage to be supplied to one of the servomotors is determined based on the estimated position. The method also includes controlling the servomotors based on respective target voltages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for distributing a material in a molten state, said device comprising a swinging chute (16) supported so as to be capable of swinging about a substantially horizontal swinging axis (25), and a driving group (40). The latter comprises gear motor group (42), a drum winch (44) driven by the gear motor group (42), and at least one cable segment (50, 50?) that can be both wound on or unwound from said drum. One end of the cable segment (46, 50, 50?) is attached to the swinging chute (16) at a distance L from the swinging axis (25) thereof so as to apply a swinging momentum to said swinging chute (16).

Abstract: An automatic pouring method without using a servomotor having a vertical output shaft, establishing the pouring at a low level, eliminating the unstable pouring, sand inclusion, and gaseous defects. An automatic pouring method using a ladle to be tilted for pouring molten metal into a pouring cup of a flaskless or tight-flask mold in at least one pouring device movable along an X-axis parallel to a molding line in which the mold is transferred, wherein the ladle is moved along a Y-axis perpendicular to the molding line in a horizontal plane and is tilted about a first axis of rotation and further about a second axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to control automatic pouring equipment that can pour molten metal in a desired sequence, and it also provides the system therefor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tilting-type automatic pouring method wherein a very speedy and highly accurate pouring can be realized, which method pours molten metal into a mold by tilting a ladle that holds the molten metal, and the present invention also provides the storage medium for programs used for the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling a process for automatically pouring molten metal by a tilted ladle, wherein the pouring can be performed in a manner that is as close as possible to that of an experienced operator by using a computer that has programs installed for such purpose.

Abstract: (Problems to be Solved) This invention provides a method that enables molten metal that flows from ladles to drop precisely into a sprue of a mold.

Abstract: A method for pouring melt from a tiltable vessel into a receiving vessel is characterized for obtaining an optimum and automated pouring process by the combination of the following features:—determining the tilt position of the metallurgic vessel, in which the melt to be poured from the metallurgic vessel exits in the form of a poured stream, —determining the position of the poured stream resulting from the determined tilt position of the metallurgic vessel, bringing into position the receiving vessel for receiving the poured stream from the metallurgic vessel according to the determined tilt position, and after the beginning of the pouring—tracking of the receiving vessel according to the poured stream changing with the changing tilt angle of the metallurgic vessel as a function of the progressing pouring process.

Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery of molten metal includes a container that is pivotably supported by a transportable support structure. An actuator mounted upon the support structure and connected to the container is operable to pivot the container relative to the support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the emptying of melting vessels (1) by tipping. According to the invention, the melting vessel (1) is placed on column-shaped bases (6). During the tipping process, the melting vessel (1) is raised at the side and the base supports (7) of the opposite side are used as the pivot or axis of rotation. This ensures that the discharge opening (4) and the slag overflow edge (5) are not moved very far from their original position.

Abstract: An arrangement for pouring a pourable melt made up of a copper alloy, which comprises a melting furnace, pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis, having a pouring tube which discharges pourable melt and through which the pourable melt can be conveyed under a shielding gas atmosphere to a filling end of a launder and can be conveyed through an outlet of the launder to a mold. The filling end of the launder is coverable by a hood that seals off the pourable melt from the atmosphere, the pouring tube engaging, with interposition of a seal arrangement, in pivotably movable fashion into the hood. As a result, the pourable melt can be transferred into the launder under a shielding gas atmosphere upon pivoting of the melting furnace and the pouring tub.

Abstract: A tank for liquid metal processing tilting about an axis and fed by a fixed chute and pouring the liquid metal into a fixed evacuating chute. The tank includes at least a passage hole for supplying, discharging, or emptying the liquid metal arranged in one of its walls and extended by a mobile nozzle integral with the tank. At least the fixed evacuation chute merges with the tilting axis and the nozzle. Further, the fixed chute is assembled together by a linking device articulated in rotation about the tilting axis.

Abstract: A substantially constant resistive force is applied to the drive motor of an automated ladler arm to prevent jerky movement of the arm during a downward or descending portion of its travel from a furnace to a mold. The force may be applied through an air cylinder connected to a pivoting loader arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for pouring molten material, such as molten metal, into a casting mold so that the amount of melt can be weighed in connection with the pouring. In order to keep the pouring height of the molten material low and its motion as smooth as possible during the pouring step, the bottom of the ladle containing molten material is designed to be essentially curved, with such a radius of curvature that the thickness of the molten layer located in the ladle is, even at its thickest, only a fraction of the length of the radius of curvature of the bottom. The casting method of the invention is advantageously realized by means of a cradle arrangement of the ladle according to the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pouring molten metal in a crucible over a pouring lip of the crucible and into an opening in a mold is disclosed. The crucible and the mold are inside a chamber under vacuum, and the crucible is supported on a holder which is rotatable about first and second, spaced-apart, parallel, horizontal axes. The location of the first axis is selected so that over a limited arc the pouring lip moves primarily horizontally over a preselected distance such as 12-18 inches. The second axis is located so that tilting of the crucible about it causes the molten liquid to flow over the pouring lip. When the molten metal is to be poured, the manually or computer controlled actuators tilt the crucible about the first and second axes to position the lip so that the stream of metal flows into the mold opening at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: The pouring ladle can not only be tilted by a tilting drive and a cable around a permanent tilting axis in order to pour the molten metal in a mould, respectively to interrupt the pouring process, but the tilting axis can be lifted and lowered by a determined value by a lifting drive. By lifting and lowering the tilting axis, the tilting motion of the pouring ladle takes place approximately in the center of gravity of the molten metal. This permits to avoid compensating streams and wave motions of the molten metal when the pouring ladle tilts forward and backward and more definite and reliable processes are achieved, capable to be controlled, at the start of pouring and at the time of terminating the pouring. The lifting drive and the tilting drive can be utilized for further lifting the pouring ladle in order to advance the pouring ladle further toward the center of the mould at the first pouring process under holding a determined distance of security from the mould.

Abstract: A tap spout, particularly for allowing molten metal to be discharged from oxygen-steel converters, includes a replaceable unit including a tubular wear lining and a jointing layer secured thereto. An inner lining of the tap spout may thus be repaired with relatively simple maintenance work by removing the inner lining and subsequently inserting the replaceable unit into an outer lining of the tap spout to form a new inner lining of the tap spout. The replaceable unit is adapted to facilitate either a press fit, and in particular, a fit ensured by axial compression of the jointing layer, or an expansion fit with the outer lining to secure the replaceable unit therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for a tiltable ladle said cover having a pouring basin with at least one opening in its bottom communicating with the ladle. The cover is suspended in the horizontal beam of a ladle support frame by springs, said springs being intended to lift the cover away from the top of the ladle when the pouring basin is empty.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tiltable ladle having a cover and a suspension frame said suspension frame comprising two lifting arms rotatably connected to trunnions affixed to the outside of the wall of the ladle and a horizontal beam above the ladle equipped with a hook. The top of the ladle and the ladle cover are formed as segments of a cylinder, the focal axis at these cylinder segments being the pivotal axis at the ladle, and the cover being affixed to the suspension frame.According to another embodiment the focal axis of these cylinder segments are placed at one side of, above, at, or blow the pivot axis of the ladle, the ocover being affixed to the suspension frame, in such a way that the cover closes the ladle when the ladle and the suspension arms are in vertical position.

Abstract: In a process for continuously melting scrap (6) and/or pig iron within a converter (1), the converter (1) is heated in proximity of the bottom (3) with sub-stoichiometric burners (4), having their flames (5) essentially radially directed into the interior of the converter (1). In this case, secondary air or O.sub.2 is supplied at a distance above the burner plane for the purpose of completing the combustion. The melt is, optionally together with slag, discharged via a tapping means (9) laterally connected to the converter (1) into a mobile ladle (19). For the purpose of interchanging ladles (19), the converter (1) is swivelled into a position in which the level of the melt is located below the taphole (11).

Abstract: A side-pouring apparatus comprising a ladle tiltable about an axis of rotation and drive means for tilting said ladle, said ladle including molten-metal receptacle space, a molten-metal guide passage in communication with and extending sidewise from said molten-metal receptacle space, and a pouring spout in communication with said molten-metal guide passage and normal to said axis of rotation, said guide passage having a surface that forms a portion of said spout, said surface being curved so that the center of curvature of said surface substantially coincides with said axis of rotation.

Abstract: In automatic melting crucible tipping it is important that, starting from a certain angular position, the melting crucible (1) is tipped according to a predetermined model until emptying is complete. This model can be obtained, for example, by the so-called teach-in process and can be stored in an analog or digital memory (89). In order to prevent abrupt movement of the crucible (1) when the molten material touches the pouring lip (3) of the crucible (1) when the pour-lip angle has been reached, according to the invention a correction arrangement (108, 109, 37) is provided which enables the tipping process to proceed continuously and without abrupt movements even in the case of different pour-lip angles.

Abstract: Device to handle ladles in cooperation with the casting zone (45) in continuous casting, casting into ingot moulds or forms or mixed casting, such device providing independent, coaxial arms able to rotate by a continuous 360.degree. rotation and to support the ladle (14), such rotary arms (27) also handling the ladle (14) in a tapping station (43) in cooperation with a smelting furnace (11).

Abstract: An improved tilting lug assembly for a metallurgical ladle includes an elongated hooking link having one end portion pivotally mounted on the sidewall of the ladle by a rigid support bracket positioned substantially 90.degree. circumferentially from the ladle trunion axis, with an open eye on the other end of the hooking link. The hooking link is normally biased to a substantially horizontal position with the open eye projecting outwardly from the ladle sidewall in position to be easily engaged by the lifting hook of a crane for tilting the ladle, with the link being freely pivotable in an upward direction on application on an upwardly directed force and being pivoted downward from the normal horizontal position against the biasing means upon application of a downward force whereby engagement of the hooking link with an obstruction during raising or lowering the crane will not result in inadvertent tilting of the ladle.

Abstract: In a tiltable metallurgical furnace vessel having a completely closed lateral protrusion with a closable discharge opening on its underside, simplified furnace structure is achieved by configuring the protrusion as a removable, heatable fore-hearth that is constructed in the form of a casting spout. A particularly simple structure results due to the fact that the fore-hearth is flanged to the main furnace vessel and essentially has a box shape. The invention is particularly useful for electric arc furnaces.

Abstract: A tilting channel for guiding molten material includes a trough-shaped channel body provided with outlets at opposite ends thereof and a spot of impact for the jet of molten material between said outlets. The channel body is pivotable by means of a pivot drive about a tilting axle from a normal operation position into an emergency operation position, and vice versa. The channel body is formed by two channel parts enclosing an angle O<.phi.<180.degree., and the bottom of the first channel part is arranged at a lower level relative to the bottom of the second channel part. The spot of impact of the jet is located on the first channel part close to where the latter enters into the second channel part, and the vertical middle plane of the first channel part lies in the plane formed by the jet, when the first channel part is in its downwardly inclined normal operating position.

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: The removal of residual material from torpedo cars or the like is facilitated with use of apparatus including a generally open topped and a generally flat bottom heat resistant receiving container that permits molten pig iron to be removed from torpedo cars and allows it to go to a ladle while retaining slag to prevent the slag from being transferred to the ladle. Use of the invention permits the elimination of dekishing operations.

Abstract: A highly compact and efficient tilting crucible furnace and smelting method is disclosed for use in the direct smelting of a precious metal containing material. A furnace body having a refractory lined cavity which has a top opening is pivotally mounted on a support frame to allow tipping thereof. A cover having a first opening to receive a gas burner and a second multi-purpose opening therein is rigidly attached to the body. A gas burner attached to the cover provides a downwardly directed oxidizing flame into the cavity to oxidize iron which is added to the cavity and other impurities in the precious metal containing material. A flux is provided to provide a thoroughly liquid mixture and after heating, the molten mass is poured through the multi-purpose cover opening into a mold. As the mold cools, a dore button of precious metal settles to the bottom of the mold and slag containing impurities forms on the top.

Abstract: A treating ladle for use in a foundry in the production of ductile iron is disclosed wherein the treating ladle has a removable bottom portion and a detachably connected ladle carrier. The ladle carrier includes a bail carrier adapted for connection to a hoist and a retaining ring pivotally connected to the bail carrier to support the treating ladle for a tipping motion for emptying the contents thereof. Corresponding tabs mounted on the bottom portion and the body of the treating ladle permit the individual pieces to be bolted together to facilitate a disassembly of the treating ladle when maintenance and/or repair is desired. The treating ladle is adapted for connection to a separately attachable tundish cover.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for pouring molten metal into a mold or other cavity. The apparatus includes a tiltable pouring ladle having a pouring spout disposed coaxially with the axis of rotation or tilt of the ladle to permit pouring of metal in a direction coincident with such axis of rotation. The apparatus is further provided with a positionable pouring trough for directing molten metal from the pouring spout to a pouring cup located at any position on the mold surface. With this apparatus, a fixed relationship between the pouring spout, the pouring trough, and the mold surface at any phase of the pouring process may be maintained such that the trajectory of molten metal being poured through air is minimized. The ladle is shaped such that molten metal may be poured at a rate proportional to the tilting rate of the ladle. The ladle also includes apparatus for preventing impurities such as slag or dross inclusions introduced into the ladle with the molten metal from being poured into the casting.

Abstract: A suspension frame for supporting a nose-tilt molten metal ladle includes end-to-end vertically arranged hydraulic cylinders above the ladle and totally protected within an elongated hollow enclosure. One of these cylinders is connected to an overhead carriage and operates to raise the suspension frame and the ladle as a unit. The other cylinder is connected to the ladle such that it raises the ladle relative to the suspension frame, causing the ladle to tilt about a pivotal connection at the ladle spout. The pouring device is completely self-contained with the hydraulic fluid reservoir, the hydraulic pump and motor, and a rechargeable electric storage battery for powering the pump motor all being supported on the suspension frame. Adjustment is provided to permit selection of the basic vertical position of the ladle within the suspension frame.

Abstract: Automatic ladle systems adapted for use in metal die casting operations are disclosed herein. In a preferred form the invention comprises a rigid, supporting base on which a control platform is rotatably mounted for radially moving a ladle between a metal filling and metal pouring positions. The ladle is coupled to the platform by support arm structure extending from the platform which may be raised or lowered with a hydraulic cylinder. A parallelogram linkage system couples the ladle to the end of the support arm structure. Reach extension apparatus extending between the linkage and the platform moves the ladle outwardly with respect to the base during movement to a filling position. The reach extension apparatus and the parallelogram linkage allow the horizontal position of the ladle pour spout to remain substantially constant during raising and lowering of the ladle to prevent spillage. A tilting system interconnected with the linkage facilitates ladle draining.

Abstract: In casting apparatus, a device is provided for the rapid exchange of a ladle to be tilted during the casting operation about a horizontal axis situated at its lip. In this device, a carriage can be run up and down on a stationary guide support which is curved about the aforementioned axis. The carriage has supporting arms which cooperate with hooking members disposed at the rear of the ladle in order to hold the ladle fast during tilting. After the empty ladle has been replaced on a dolly upon which it was moved into position, the supporting arms make it possible to move this ladle immediately away to the side and simultaneously to move a full ladle into a position where it is ready for lifting and tilting.

Abstract: An arrangement at a continuous casting plant includes a liftable and lowerable tundish mounted on a movable carrier and a tilting device mounted on a tilting stand for emptying of the tundish. The tilting device includes a tilting beam rotatable about its longitudinal axis and the tundish possesses recesses at its lower side, corresponding to the cross section of the tilting beam. Thus the tundish is lowerable at the tilting stand so its recesses make a positive connection with the tilting beam.

Abstract: A car for transporting a ladle of hot metal and charging the metal to a furnace, commonly a BOP or Q-BOP used in steelmaking. The car includes a transversely movable trolley which carries a tiltable support for a ladle. Tilting of the ladle is independent of transverse movement of the trolley. Thus the car can be positioned adjacent the furnace, and the ladle moved tranversely and tilted to dump its contents into the furnace even though the furnace itself is not tilted to a precise position.

Abstract: A vessel for liquid, especially a ladle for molten metal, is constructed and arranged to facilitate pouring of the contents in a uniform stream along a predetermined path under a uniform pressure head, while facilitating starting and stopping of the stream. To this end, the vessel is supported for rotation about first and second generally horizontal, transverse, axes. The liquid is discharged from an outlet in the vessel located on the first axis when the vessel is rotated about the first axis. By controlling rotation, a constant head of liquid and uniform discharge trajectory is established. Flow is conveniently interrupted by rotation of the vessel about the second axis to tilt the first axis and raise the discharge outlet by an amount equal to the liquid head. Flow is restarted by lowering the discharge outlet to its original position. Preferably, the first axis is horizontal during discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a fusible material has a support on which is provided a row of melting burners and a parallel row of warming burners. A crucible holder on the support has a pair of bars forming a plurality of seats each above a respective one of the melting burners and each for a respective crucible. A slide having a plurality of mold holders is displaceable into a position with the mold holders above the warming burners. Once the material in the crucible holders has been melted by the melting burners the entire crucible-holding assembly may be agitated horizontally to homogenize this material. Thereafter the entire crucible-holding assembly is tipped up to pour the contents of the crucibles into the molds which have been preheated by the warming burners. The warming burners are then shut off and jets of compressed ambient-temperature gas are directed at the molds to cool the material therein and solidify same into a tablet or slug suitable for X-ray analysis.

Abstract: The invention deals with an intermediary tank truck for metal plants, particularly steel strand casting plants, whose frame consists of two beams and two crossbeams, with the intermediaary or transfer tank resting on the frame, and equipped with a hoisting device between the frame and the intermediary tank, a horizontal adjustment device, a tilting device, and a measuring scale.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pouring molten metal from a ladle to a mold. The ladle is titled about an axis of rotation extending through a point proximate the outlet of the ladle, whereby the relative positions of the point where molten metal from the ladle begins to fall and the pouring cup of the mold are kept constant and the molten metal is poured into the mold without varying the path of the streamline between the ladle outlet and the pouring cup of the mold. The vertical sectional contour of the ladle including the outlet is segmental.

Abstract: A car for carrying large vessels, such as a tundish used in continuous casting, wherein the vessel is raised and lowered while supported on the car, and also can tilt to dump its contents. The car includes a vessel-supporting cradle which tilts from an upright position about an off-center axis located near the bottom and adjacent the side toward which the cradle tilts. Thus the contents of the vessel can be dumped without shifting the car from the position it occupies for teeming metal from a tundish into a mold. Jack screws, which raise and lower the vessel and support the weight, are stressed in tension.

Abstract: Casting material is delivered to molds arranged along a casting line by a pouring ladle mounting mechanism which includes a vertical column rotating about a vertical axis and a cantilever mounted at one end on the vertical column for rotation about a horizontal axis, and have a free end, opposite to the mounted end, upon which the ladle is mounted by a fork engaging outriggers on the ladle. Tilting of the ladle is effected by rotation of the cantilever and movement of the ladle through a horizontal plane is effected by rotation of the vertical column. The mechanism is transported along the casting line by a wheeled car moving on rails and a hydrodynamic sliding bearing mechanism arranged at the bottom of the vertical column acts as a weighing device to effect dosed pouring from the ladle.

Abstract: A pouring ladle for pouring molten metal into molds or other containers, including wall structure forming a chamber for holding the molten metal, a spout having wall structure forming longitudinal passage means therein, the passage having an inlet end in fluid communication with a chamber and an outlet end through which molten metal can be discharged, a drive gear arrangement is provided for rotating the pouring ladle about an axis of rotation, positioned such that the axis of rotation passes through the center of the discharge end of the passage, and the pouring ladle and spout being constructed such that the lower outer surface of the wall structure forming the chamber and the lower outer surface of the wall structure of the spout lie in the same horizontal plane when the ladle is in its full, non-pouring position. Thus, the entire ladle can be positioned above the mold while it is being filled with molten metal, or while the ladle is being moved to the pouring position.