US2751647A - Continuous horizontal hot molten metal casting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

June 26, 1956 B. BROWNSTElN CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL. CASTING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 8, 1954 INVENTOR. Benjamin Brownstem T TORNE Y8 June 26, 1956 B. BROWNSTEIN CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL CASTING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 8, 1954 IN VEN TOR. Benjamin Brownsrein BY Z) HIS A ORNEYS June 26, 1956 a BROWNS-[Em 2,751,647

CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL CASTING APPARATUS Filed July 8, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 VIII/III. 5

INVENTOR. Benjamin Brownsfeln June 26, 1956 B. BROWNSTEIN CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL. CASTING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 8, 1954 NE Y5 B. BROWNSTEIN Jime 26, 1956 CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL CASTING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 8, 1954 R H Tm N T R m r 0 m5 June 26, 1956 B. BROWNSTEIN 2,751,647

CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL CASTING APPARATUS Filed July 8, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 a .1. I. r 79 67(66 =44: 62 8o 2 Fig.9

INVEN TOR. Benjamin Browns/em HIS A ORNEYS June 26, 1956 B. BROWNSTEIN CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL CASTING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed July 8, 1954 Lllllllbllll r lllllls llltllk QCGE @PC INVEN TOR. Benjamin Brownsfein W m l HIS AT ORNEYS June 26, 1956 B. BROWNSTEIN 2,751,647

CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL CASTING APPARATUS Filed July 8, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 it I To Crone .4 Motor 6';- 1:--- I n \Y r In All a u .4 I a To Ladle Motor 1 i 2 g- L. g v o) a:

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INVENTOR. j min Brownsrein BY A Z Z O) HIS A TOR/VEYS o1 United States Patent CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL HOT MOLTEN METAL CASTING APPARATUS Benjamin Brownstein, Ellwood City, Pa.

Application July 8, 1954, Serial No. 442,098

Claims. (Cl. 22-573) This invention relates to an improved method and 3 5-1 paratus for casting and particularly for casting molten metal in substantially horizontal open top molds.

Heretofore, the actual casting of molten metal in such molds has been accompanied with turbulence and agitation. Not only are the dangers of casting relatively large articles increased thereby, but there is appreciable overflow and resulting loss of metal.

Additionally, to cast relatively long articles, such as a channel beam, one practice has been to abut a series of molds endwise and then fiow the molten metal in the large recess formed by the molds which extends substantially the combined lengths of the molds. After solidification, the molds are singly stripped from the metal as by being pulled around a wheel while the solid integral cast beam continues on in a straight direction. As the molds are now built, there is an undesirable lifting or humping of the long cast beam each time a mold is stripped away.

With my method and apparatus, these objectionable features are entirely eliminated. Instead, casting the molten metal is accomplished smoothly with substantially no agitation or turbulence and with no overflow. In addition, the molds are readily stripped from the cast article without lifting, jarring, or similarly disturbing it.

In my method, I flow a molten metal or other liquid into a mold in a direction substantially parallel to the floor of the mold and simultaneously move the source of p stantially a laterally-disposed exit. This member is'lowered into the mold and moved relatively thereto. In one embodiment, I link-a number-of the molds end-to-end,

The molds may be butted endwise to form a large recess in which an article may be cast and which extend substantially throughout the combined lengths of the molds. After solidification of the casting, a conveyor joined to 2,751,647 Patented June 26, 1956 ice . A 2 Figure 5 is a section of Figure 4 on the line V--V; Figure 6 is an oifset section of Figure 5 on the line Vl-VI and illustrates the sprocket and apron attachment and their operating linkages;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5 and shows the spreader at the rear of the train of molds;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 and illustrates the sprocketand apron in a raised position;

Figure 9 is a section of Figure 1 on the line IXIX;

Figures 10 through 14 are transverse mold sections similar to the section shown in Figure 9 and indicate some showing the illustrating the stripping action;

Figure 19 is a side elevation of a modified apparatus and illustrates another method of obtaining relative movement between a source of the molten metal and the molds; and

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic electric circuit illustrating how the crane and ladle motors may be synchronized.

' Structure Referring to the drawings, the casting apparatus'in-.

cludes a crane and ladle for the molten metal, generally shown at 10, a spreader and apron at 11 to direct the metal,.molds 12 to receive the metal, and a conveyor 13 to carry the molds.

Considering these parts in the order named, a crane 14 (Figures 2 and 3) having an operators cab 15 conven:

'tionally travels rails 16. Forward of the cab, there is a V ladle 17 containing molten metal and vhaving trunnion shafts 1 8jand 19 journaled in bearings 20 which are supported from crane girders 21. A direct-current, ad-

justable speed motor 22 rotates the shaft 18' through a, gear reducer 23 and coupling 24. Motor-22 is connected,

for example, in series with a direct-current, adjustable speed motor 22a (Figure 20) which propels the crane in a conventional manner. In this way, one vmotor does not operate without the other. An adjustable gauge 25 may e be placed at a selected pivoted position with respect to the leading mold advances the train of molds. Each mold has a rearwardly extending member and is singly stripped from the cast article without lifting it by being pivoted about the rearwardly extending member as the conveyor moves out of its upper flight.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a presently-prefigure -4 is an-otiset section of Figure lonthe'line' with a forward sprocket removed;

5 .exit consisting of an upper lip 30 and a lower lip. 31. The exit extends across the width of a mold. When the f molds comprise a plurality of longitudinally disposed reits support arms 26 which also are' pivotally secured to the sides of the ladle 17. By this arrangement, the flow from the ladle can be restricted as desired by the gauge A funnel 27 receives the metal from the ladle and. f has a dial 28 toindicate to the operator in the cab 15 if f the ladle is being turned at a proper rate. The indicator dial 28 is electrically connected to the operating drive of in a conventional manner.

the ladle 17 and is controlled and operated ith the ladle A' spreader 29 (Figures 2, 4, 5,. and 6 receives the;

molten metal from the funnel 27 and conducts it directly into the molds 12. The spreader is also funnel-shapedl and has a spout of substantially rectangular crossrs'ection which curves as shown to provide a' laterally-disposed ce'sses as shown in Figure 9 the bottom lip 31 has a configuration conforming therewith so that the spout may... I ;assume at least a very close relation with the floor of the mold. Partitions 32 in the throat of the spout aid in sub dividing the flow of molten metal into the desired recesses. An apron 33 is stationed at the level of the upper lip 30 1 and preferably in contact therewith. To this end, lip

30 and the apron preferably have beveled edges. Crane is an olfset section of Figure 15 on the line A girders supportthespleadei'afidapron. Plates 34 project downwardly from such girders and" carry a-shaf-t- 3S=Whichis rotated by a reversible motor 36 through a gear reducer 37 and coupling 38. Outside" of each plate 34, shaft 35 V has a" fixed'lver 39. A link 4s compete each lever 39 to a lever 41 fined to a stub' shaft 42 also jotinialil in the plates 34? An arm" 43 fired to eacl'i' of the shafts 42 is pivotally joined to a side of the spreader 29 Ad di'tiodal arm's 44, pbsifioned above the arms 43, pivotalily connect at each end to" the plates 34' and the'sid'es" of the spreader-"2?anemsnitainthe spreader in a vertica'bposition when it is raised and iowerea. a The" apron 1s sup ported'by plates @515 each of which a bell crank layer 46 is i o'tallyjoined'; One leg 47 of each ever pivotaily' 'conn t6 arm ifig' hig's 50' on the spree. 1 ichain-51 joins't'h'e" other e'g 52 of each of the bell crank levers to a Iever'SStiiied" to are shaft 35: A stop 54, limits the lowerin of the apron. The ladle 17, funnel 27, adjustabl gaug'' 2'5,

spreaeer 29', and earns 33' may all cdrnprisemeralframes and 4? which similarly engage ups'fand having a liner 55 of molded asbestos, fire clay, earson, V

or the like t'c'i contact the moltenmetal;

The molds 12 may be compos asaesros, married season, er the I ures 1 and 9 through 17) communicates with ad acent niold'sso that "s'irigl, integral article may be cast which exteaas snestasasny are cdriibined leng'ths or the 7 Accordingly, molds intrmdiate the end rrrol'ds; u'su have no endwalls ata'll. The train of molds' be anemia 1 cast 2'! variet'y' of elongated articles by provid- 7 ing entrants-registering" recesses".- Thtis, substantially rec tangular or square beams may be cast with the mold shown figure 9, or a single fiat plate may be cast with iri to facilitate illustration of the area below. Other mfid ifiCaiidfiS ificlfid ailgl b53116 as shown Figtir 11; nan fauna beams, Figure 12; triangular beams, Figure 13; and channel beams, Figure near meld, regardless of internal structure, has letex anding flanges 56 and 57, transverse end ribs 7 and a longitudinal rib so joining the and ribs. At the center of theilongitudinal rib there is an anchoring mg 61. A name 62, carries ea'eh mold. Each name incI 'ides "longitudinal slot 63 to receive the anchoring lug II' S' the mold to e X paiild or (:Ontl'iitit ng conditions require. Each frame fig Side flanges 64 and 65 and Slight en: the side flafige's' in which a strip 67,

iece an freedom for the h nts to expand laterally by "an: H ssbears downiagaifist flanged-55 and is hated the asbestos strip 70. Gib 71 1s L-shap'edand has a V wager leg to ngagea keyway in. flange 69'tofiar1'ge64 from whichit s insulated 73 pas hroug started holes 74 in the gli insulation 75 to hold the gi b to the The positions of the cap screws 73 in then 7, sllciittied sales V'iK aiid therefore the position of the inold 1; as wen is df'tffi'iiiid by adjusting screws which pa thf ugh thradedholes :in the shorter leg of gib 7 1 'ag V ni', thr is an accurate controlofthe alignment of the ribs 7 nt achend, each of which has a "the names andfnolds in a desired longitudinal aligntr 7 rearwardly extending side arms 78- 1 on which rear rollers of Figure in, mission csastraaisn birig used thereby positively eenrerseaen rhold' over each 15mg beard fits. The 'fia'ng'es" 5 6 57 t on the insulating board and are 'field in I H r i "'meis ar carried rollers which are uniquely, spaced to aid ii sfripping the molds. from thesolidified 1 cast name as hereinafter described. Each frame has 4 a 82 are mounted. Front rollers 83 are spaced from the actual" front of each' frame toaccommodatethe rearwardly extending arm of a preceding mold. Each rear wheel of a frame which precedes another frame is connected to the front rollers of the succeeding frame by means allowing relative movement therebetween. Thus, link 83a having a forked end and link 84 which pivotally engages the legs of the fork both have slotted holes 85 to engage their respective a'X'l'c's 8'6" and 87' on: which. the rollers are mounted.

A conveyor is-used to support the train of molds below the spreader 29' and'als'o to strip the molds from the cast article and then return them 'to"thei rformen positions. Holding means is also provided to maintain the molds in abutting relation at the time of casting the molten metal. The conveyor (Figures 1, 2, 4, and 15) includes spaced-apart continuous ,link chains 88 and 89 which travel around forward sprockets 90 and rearwar sprdcli'et's' 9 1. The sprocketsare mounted respectively on v a'iifs' 9'2 and 93. Axle 92' is driven by a reversible motor 94 through a gear reducer 95 and coupling 96. The axles,

sprockets, and accessory equipment are supperted by a seriesof posts 97 which are reinforced by side beamsQ Sx andrrarisverse' beams 99. The transverse beams, in turn,

can-y a support 100' for the guiding walls 30, tracks" 101' on which the rollers 82 and 83' ride, and'plates Hi2 over which the link chains slide. The lower flight of the conveyar is similarly supported. .Tracks 101a carry the rollers, and plates 192a carry the chains. If desired, the tracks I01 and plates 102 may slope downwardly some what toward the forward sprockets 9Q to overcome the sluggish new of some molten meta-ls. The leading. mold ffairi' is connected-to the chains. A cross bar 103 fastoned to chains 83 and 89: has interconnecting. links 104 extending to an axle 105 of the leading frame-.- As shown, the are'c'onnected by pins Hi6 engaging slotted holes 107 to provide relative movement between the cross bar itiiiar dan:19's. V 7 Behind the forward sprockets 9 0 there is a fluid-actuated'cyI indr T08 trunnion mounted; on the side of a post 7 97. The piston 169 of the cylinder operates a lever J which pivots across arm 1'11.v This cross armbridges the molds and is journaled at opposite sides in bearings 112. The center portion of the cross arm 11 is offset so that the cross arm does not interfere with'the travel of the molds whenin a raised position. A base. .113, rearwar qly o'fthe conveyor (Figures 1, 2, and 7) supports we. fluid-actuated cylinders 114 and 115 on a level with 1 are molds; '12. The pistons lldand 117 of the cylinders i are joined by: a rear, cross head H8 and a forward cross had' 119 which engages the'last mold in the trains,

Cross head 1 15 has legs 12% on which rollers 121 are intimated; Tracls on the base 113 support the rollers and cross head H? when the pistons are retracted.

Tracks-112a support the rollers 121 and cross head 11 9 I when the pistons are thrust forwardly.

,- Figure l9 illustrates arnodificationz Some mill layg outs mayfnothave sufiicient room to permit a crane and ladle'aad auxiliary equipment to move along aborizontalj' unway due. to the location of converters, open hearth furnaces,.pouring platforms, and the like. Relative move-gv V menf-betweenthe source of the molten metal and-the t the side of the frame 52. in this man s The underside of each frame mclu'ds transverse" ating the meshing gears 129 21116130.-

Operation operatiomlthe molds are brought to the top of the conveyor and cylinder los operated to Iowa-me cross arm 111 from the position shown by'th dotted lines 131 in Figure 5 to a position in front of the leading mold. Cylinders 114 and 115 are then operated to bring the cross head 119 against the last mold in the train. This action pushes the leading mold against the cross arm 111 and rams the succeeding molds into the abutting relation illustrated in Figure 17. The molds are treated with hot tar, asbestos cement, or other commercial mold treating product, particularly along their abutting edges, and are then ready for the pouring.-

Ladle 17 is filled with metal preferably equal in volume to the combined volumes of the moldsas by weighing the charge from a main ladle in a conventional manner. The operator moves the ladle 17, funnel 27, and spreader 29 over the molds. Motor 36 is energized to rotate shaft so as to slacken the chains 51. This permits the bell crank levers 46 to lower the apron 33 until leg 52 hits the stop 54 when the apron is approximately at the level of the molds. Immediately after the apron starts to descend, levers 39 and 41 and links and 43 lower the spreader so that the bottom lip 31 of the curved spout is at least immediately adjacent the floor of the leading mold when motor 36 stops. If the mold has recesses, the lower lip 31 conforms thereto so that the spreader and molds fit together as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In some cases, particularly where warpage is not apt to occur, the spreader may actually contact the mold.

At this time, the adjustable gauge 25 may be positioned i to provide a slot of desired width between the pouring lip of the ladle 17 and the gauge. From his cab 15, the operator jointly energizes motors 22 and 22a. As shown in Figure 20, these motors may have their leads 135 and 136, respectively, connected in series through a main operating controller switch 137 having a manually-operated handle 138 and input leads 139. These motors are timed so that motor 22 continuously turns ladle 17 to maintain a level of molten metal over the slotted opening between the gauge 25 and ladle 17 and to empty the ladle at the time motor 22a brings the crane to the end of the mold train as shown in Figure 7. One way to do this is to incorporate conventional adjustable motor speed controllers 140 and 141, such as rheostats, in the leads 135 and 136, respectively. The correct setting may be determined for a given casting operation and usually is constant for that operation. While pouring from the ladle, the operator watches the indicator 28 and may, if desired, regulate the speed of motors 22 and 22a accordingly. The pouring operations, particularly at the first and last molds, are controlled by limit switches in a conventional manner. shown. As the spreader is moved along the molds, the latter receive the molten metal. When the mold has a number of recesses, the partitions and conforming shape of the spreader direct the molten metal into the proper channels and away from the tops of the intervening Walls. Particularly when the substantially uniform flow of metal, as controlled by the setting of gauge 25 and the synchronized action of the motors 22 and 22a, substantially equals the volume of mold traversed by the spreader per unit of time, there is what I term a volumetric displacement, and the casting step is especially quiescent and free of turbulence and overflow. The air in the molds is evenly-displaced by the inflowing metal. During this time, the apron 33-smooths the molten metal as it is discharged from the spreader and confines the upper level of the molten metal for at least'a portion of its horizontal travel. w'Theapron also counteracts any tendency of the molten metal to overflow or spill over the sides of a mold. Otherwise, when hot molten metal contacts the relatively cold metal of the apparatus, the molten metal solidifies and seriously interferes with the operation of the various machine parts.

If the embodiment of Figure 19 is used, truck 125 moves the conveyor and accessory parts in the direction of arrow 132 to obtain the same casting operation as described. Motor 128 can be similarly timed with motor 22 to provide substantially equal volume displacement of The switches, therefore, are notair in the molds withthe volume of metal received. in either case, when the spreader reaches the end of the train of molds, motor 36 is again operated but in a reverse direction. The spreader 29 is accordingly raised first by the described linkage. Shortly after the spreader. begins to rise, the apron 33 also rises so that these parts are above the molds in a noninterfering position, as shown in Figure 8; The longitudinal expansion of the mold and mold frames takes place toward the fluid-actuated cylinders 114 and 115. The cross head 119 can be moved backwardly as operating conditions require. The described lateral'movement of the molds in the frames accommodates expansion in that direction.

After the casting has solidified, cylinder 108 is operated to lift the cross arm 111 out of the path of travel of the molds. Motor 94 is started and by the chains 88 and 89 and cross arm 103 advances the molds 12 toward the right as viewed in Figure 2. This causes the molds to separate, as shown in Figure 16, when the axles 86 and 87 are pulled to the farthest ends of the slotted holes in links 83a and 84. The motion of the mold travel is guided by the guiding lugs 79 and walls 80. This motion also releases the casting from the gripping action of the molds. As the molds move around the forward sprockets 90, there is an accelerated front end movement which frees the bottom of any mold still adhering to a casting. A roller table 133 receives the elongated casting and carries it away from the molds. It is especially empasized that upon passing around the forward sprockets, each mold and mold frame are pivoted about the rear rollers 82 which are carried by the side arms 81 extending past the end of the mold frame. ment away from the casting at all points along the mold, and each mold is stripped away from the'casting as shown in Figure 18 without in any way lifting, jarring, or similarly disturbing it. The position of the molds in the lower flight of the conveyor is shown by dotted lines. Subsequently, motor 94 is reversed and the molds 12' are backed into their original positions in the top flight of the conveyor.

Thereafter, the operation as described is repeated.

While the foregoing disclosure describes a presently preferred embodiment and modifications thereoffit is understood that the invention may be: practiced in still other forms within the scope of the following claims."

Iclaim: 1. Casting apparatus including a conveyor, a pluralit of molds positioned end-to-end and adapted to be ad-- vanced longitudinally by the conveyor, each mold com+ municating with adjacent molds whereby a single, integral article may be cast which extends substantially the com-' bined lengths of the molds, means to center the molds 'for' their longitudinal travel, rearwardly extending side arms on each mold, a rear roller on each side arm, a front roller on each side of each mold but spaced from the front thereof to accommodate the rearwardly'exfending arm of a preceding mold, at least one side arm on each mold having a trailing link connected thereto and disposed adjacent the corresponding rear roller thereof and adja-' cent a front roller of the succeeding mold to link the molds together, said link having slotted holes to allow r'ela-" tive movement between said molds, means for pressing the molds together to eliminate the slack from the slotted holes in the links and hold the molds in fixed abutting contact to receive a molten charge, and means to move the conveyor whereby as the molds leave the upper flight Accordingly, there is a move-- agaaneaa to thelsucceeding mold; a rear roller on each side arm, a

hold the molds in fixed: abutting contact to receive a molten charge including a stop 'adapted to engage the leading mold; means to engage the rearmostmold and forc'e'the molds into endwise contact, and means to move the conveyor chains whereby as the molds :leave the upper flight they pivot abouttherear rollers and strip away from the solidified charge without lifting it at any point.

3; Qastingapparatus includingaplurality of molds positioned end-to-end and adapted. for'longitudinal travel, each mold communicating with adjacent moldswhereby a single article may be cast which extends substantially the combinedzleng ths of them'olds, a rearwardly extending arm on eaclr mold, a link. connecting eachv arm of a'mold preceding. another mold to the succeeding mold and. adapted to allowrelativei movement therebetween, means to hold the molds in abutting: relation to receive a charge, means to move the molds longitudinally, and. means to pivot each mold about the arm whereby the molds may be stripped from the'charge aftersolidifi'cation without lifting itat any point, and apparatus for introducing a liquid into the molds with a minimum of turbulence and. no overflow including afunnel to conduct the liquid, means to insert and Withdraw the funnel with respect to the molds, said funnel. having a curved exit spout extending substantially across an internal dimension of the mold and directed substantially toward a wall of the mold, an "apronisupported. adjacent-the upper lip of the curved spout on the side-of the iunnel. toward which thespout curves to smooththc liquid discharged from the funnel, and means to move thejfunnel and apron relatively with respect to the molds. I

4. Casting apparatus including a conveyor, a plurality of molds positioned end-to-end and adapted to be advanced longitudinally by the conveyor, each mold comm'unicating with adjacent molds whereby a single, integral article may be cast which extends substantially the combined lengths of the molds,;means to center the moldsfor their longitudinal travel, rearwardly extending side arms on-each mold, a rear roller on each side arm, a link. connecting each arm of a mold'preced-ing another mold to the succeeding mold, a front rol-l'eron each side of each mold and aspreader for casting the molten charge into the molds with a minimum of turbulence and agitation and no overflow including a funnelhaving a curved spout to 7 provide substantially a laterally-disposed exit, said spout having a configuration to conform with that of the floor of the molds, means to lower the funnel into the mold whereby the laterally-disposed exit is substantially directed tocentcr the molds for their lon'gitudinal travel, means to tome wall of a mold andsaid conforming.

dons-are brought at Ieasfi'intoailj'acent relation; and means to move the fnnnel and .moldsrelatively to each while the funnelis in the mold; V .5 Casting apparatus including a plurality of molds positioned cnd-to'-end having a p'lurality'of registering,

longitudinally disposed recesses in each of which a single, integral article maybe cast which extends substantially the combined lengths of'thc' molds, each mold having rear wardiy ext-ending sidearms, a link connecting each arm of a mold preceding another mold to the succeeding mold a rear roller on each sidearm, a front roller on *each'side' of each mold but spaced from thefrontthereof to accom modate the-rearwardly extending arm of a preceding mold, j

said links having slotted holes to allow relative movement between said connected molds-, a conveyor chain on'e'ach" side oi the molds, a connector joining the leading mold to the chains whereby the molds are advanced longitudinally, run-ways substantially paralleling the'bhainsto"- carry the rollers, a guide to center the molds for their longitudinaltravel, means to hold the moldsin fixed abut'-- ting-i Contact to receive a molten charge including a stop' adapted to engage the leading mold, and means to engage the rearmost mold and force themold's into endwise contact, and means to: move the conveyor chains whereby as the molds leave the upper flight of the conveyor they pivot I about therear rollers and strip away from the soiidiiied charge without lifting" it at any point, a spreader-fordi'rect j in gf the molten charge intothe recesses including a funnel having-a spout-of substantially rectangular cross-section,- saidtspout having a; curved end to provide asubstantially laterally-disposed. exit, said exit being adapted to extend across the width of the molds, the bottom lip of said curved end having a longitudinal configuration conforming with. thc fl oor oi the: molds, an apron supported adjacent the'upper lip of'the curved end on the side of the ,ftrnnel towar'd which the end curves to smooth the liquid discharged from. the funnel and confine its upper level, means to lower the funnel and apron into the mold to station therupper lip of thecurved end at substantially:

the height of the liquid level in the molds and to station the lower'lip in atv least adjacent relation with: the conforming configuration-of a mold fl'oor whereby the. later-' ally-disposed exit is directed toward a wall of a mold and the liquid is directed only into the recesses-,means to 'move the funnel and apron relatively to the. molds in a direction opposite to that in which the end of the funnel curves and ata ratewhereby the volume 'of the molds traversed by the movement is substantially equal to the volume of the charge received, and means. to raise the funneland apron from themold. I

References Cited in the fileiof this patent V UNITED STATES PATENTS Germany Mar; 10, 1952 Mme)

Claims (1)

1. CASTING APPARATUS INCLUDING A CONVEYOR, A PLURALITY OF MOLDS POSITIONED END-TO-END AND ADAPTED TO BE ADVANCED LONGITUDINALLY BY THE CONVEYOR, EACH MOLD COMMUNICATING WITH ADJACENT MOLDS WHEREBY A SINGLE, INTEGRAL ARTICLE MAY BE CAST WHICH EXTENDS SUBSTANTIALLY THE COMBINED LENGTHS OF THE MOLDS, MEANS TO CENTER THE MOLDS FOR THEIR LONGITUDINAL TRAVEL, REARWARDLY EXTENDING SIDE ARMS ON EACH MOLD, A REAR ROLLER ON EACH SIDE ARM, A FRONT ROLLER ON EACH SIDE OF EACH MOLD BUT SPACED FROM THE FRONT THEREOF TO ACCOMODATE THE REARWARDLY EXTENDING ARM OF A PRECEDING MOLD, AT LEAST ONE SIDE ARM ON EACH MOLD HAVING A TRAILING LINK CONNECTED THERETO AND DISPOSED ADJACENT THE CORRESPONDING REAR ROLLER THEREOF AND ADJACENT A FRONT ROLLER OF THE SUCCEEDING MOLD TO LINK THE MOLDS TOGETHER, SAID LINK HAVING SLOTTED HOLES TO ALLOW RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN SAID MOLDS, MEANS FOR PRESSURING THE MOLDS TOGETHER TO ELIMINATE THE SLACK FROM THE SLOTTED

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