1. food and drink
2. beverages
3. non alcoholic beverages
4. coffee and tea

Aug. 4, 1942.
J. H. FRIDÉN
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Aug. 4, 1942.
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J. H. FRIDÉN
SLUG CASTING APPARATUS AND METHOD
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Aug. 4, 1942.
‘
J. H. FRIDEN v '
2,292,266
SLUG’ CASTING APPARATUS AND METHOD
Filed Aug. 2, 1940
'
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11 sheets-shee3e` 11 À
Patented ~Äug. 4;, 1942
UNITED \' STATE s PATENT oFFlcE
azsazeo
SLUG CASTING APPARATUS AND METHOD
.lohn 1I. Frldén, Maplewood, N. J., assignor to
`The Sun Tube Corporation, Hillside, N. J., a
corporation ot New Jersey
,
»
Application August 2, 1940, Serial No.v 349,849
17 Claims.
This'invention relates to improvements- in ap
paratus i'or and methods of producing slugs ofA
the type employed for the exrusion oi shells, cups
or containers of various sorts. More particu
larly it has reference to- apparatus and methods
(Cl. 22-76)
^
„
formation of slugs of this character having the
desired uniformity and perfection. However, the
invention is also applicable to the production of
slugs of tin, lead, aluminum and similar metals.
Moreover, certain phases of the invention are ap
piicable to the production oi articles other than
individual slugs. For example, slabs may be
individual units.
cast and these may be subsequently rolled and
Heretofore it has been the common practice
punched to produce slugs, or bars constituting a`
to produce slugs for the extrusion or tin con
of slugs may be formed. Articles of any.
tainers, zinc cups and the like by stamping discs 10 multiple
appropriate shape might, in fact, be produced.
of the appropriate size from sheets of material
Other objects and advantages of the invention `
having the thickness of .the desired slugs. This
will appear from the detailed description of an
method> involves considerable waste, however,
by which slugs oi this character may be cast as
when, as is the common practice, the slugs are
stamped from the sheets at the plant where the
extrusion oi the slugs into lthe iinished article
takes place. There is necessarily. a great deal
of scrap left between'the openings from which
v the slug discs have been stamped and this waste
material, according to the usual practice, must
be sold at a very low figure and returned to the
concerns from whom the original iiat sheets are
illustrative form of the same which will now be
given in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a iur
nace and slug casting unit constructed in accord
ance with the invention.
,
l
Figure 2 is a top plan view lof the apparatus.
. Figure3 is 'a vertical section.- on an enlarged
- scale taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 2..
procured. This waste is eliminated through the
present invention by the provision of a small unit
Figure 4 is- an enlarged detail in section
through a safety valve employed in the appa
of the desired shape and size. The relatively
small vamount of scrap developed in the trimming
apparatus disclosing particularly the operating
' adapted to cast the material into individual slugs 25 ratus.
oi' the extruded tubes or cups ‘may be readily re
used in the unit so that there is no loss by way
Figure 5 is a rear elevation of 'a portion ci the I
means for the metal pouring and measuring de
vices.
'
Figure 5A is 4a detail view in section of a por
30
of scrap.
.
_
tion
of the devices illustrated in Figure 5 and is
A particular object of the invention has been to
taken along the line 5ft-5a of Figure 5.
Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view, on an
enlarged scale, through the auxiliary chamber
are free from defectasuch as cracks, surface im
purities and the like. `Toward'this end care is 35 and the measuring and pouring devices illus
trated in Figure 5.
'
'
exercised.' in accordance with the invention. to
Figure 7 is a >detail view in horizontal section
prevent the inclusion of scalev and other dirt
along the line 1-1 of Figure 6.
in the material from which- the slugs are formed
Figure 8 is a detail view in vertical section
and to eliminate the inclusion of gas bubbles
the line 8-8 of Figure 6.
.
<10. along
within the slugs as they solidify.
Figure 9 is an elevational view of a plunger
Another object of the invention has been to
used in the measuring device.
`
’
provide a continuously and automatically oper
Figure
l0
is
a
cross-sectional
view
of
the
ating unit for the production of the individual
plunger along the line Ill--Ill o'r Figure 9.
slugs. The arrangement is such that the slugsFigure 11 is av longitudinal, sectional view
are poured'and formed in a continuously moving
through a sleeve in which the plunger is oper-y
series of molds and are discharged from the
produce slugs of the character mentioned which
are uniform in thickness and grain structure and
molds when thoroughly solidìñed.
ated.
_
Figure 12 is a plan view, partly in section, i1
A speciall feature of the invention is the provi- ~
lustrating certain of the operating and control
sion of means for accurately measuring the mol
ten metal discharged into the molds for the for 50 devices.
Figure 13 is an elevational view of the devices
mation of each of the slugs. '
The invention is particularly adapted for the
illustrated in Figure 12.
. '
Figure 14 is an elevational view, partly in sec
production of zinc slugs employed in the extru
tion,
along the line Il--It‘of Figure 13,. illustrat-`
sion of cups for dry batteries. Various special
features are provided to enable the continuous 55 ing certain oi .the- operating devices for the meas
2,292,266,
uring and pouring means, a safety releaselin a
- connection provided between two levers-being il
lustrated in section within the circle on a mag
nified scale.
'
Figure 15 isv a vertical section on the same line
as Figure 14) but in the direction of the arrows
Figure 16 is an enlarged detail view, partly in -
plan and partly in horizontal section, illustrat
corresponding flange of the lire pot. Within the
annular chamber of the fire pot, and between the
walls ‘of the same and the walls of the crucible,
there is provided a mass o1' fusible metal 8, such
as lead. This metal should have 'a lower melting
point than that of the metal from which the
vslugs are formed, the latter being placed in the
chamber provided by the crucible 'I.v Through
the use of the Ilead or other metal in the fire pot
ing particularly a portion of the` driving means 10. the heat supplied to the metal,l such as zinc, in
for the mold-carrying conveyor.
the crucible is more readily controlled and over
Figure 17 is a fragmentary elevational view
` heating of all or a portion of the metal in the
taken along the line I1-I'l of _Figure 16.
crucible is avoided.
Figure 18 is a front elevational View, partly in
Metal transferring means
section, of a portion of the mold-carrying con
At one side of thefurnace I there is provided
veyor, cooling trough and associated devices.
Figure 19 is a transverse vertical section, on
an enlarged scale, along the line I9-I9 of Fig
an auxiliary chamber or pot 9 adapted to retain
a small quantity Iof the molten metal and from _
which the metal to form the slugs is poured or
ure 18.
Figure 20 is a transverse vertical section, on a 20 pumped in measured quantities. The metal is
similarly enlarged scale, along the 'line 20-20
of Figure 18.
Figure 21 is an end view of a portion of the
apparatus, showing in detail certain devices at
the point where the slugs are discharged from 25
the molds.
Figure 22 is avertical section along the line
transferred from the-crucible l to the auxiliary
chamber or p_ot 9 by a syphon, formed preferably
of silica or other refractory material, having a
vertical leg I0 and a downwardly sloping por
tion II terminating in a vertical extension I2.
The leg Il) is adapted to extend into the crucible
l to a point well below the surface of the molten
22-22 of Figure 21, and
metal therein and it extends upwardly a con
Figure 23 is a diagram indicating the relative
siderable distance. above the point at which the
timing o'f various operating devices embodied 30 downwardly sloping portion II branches oiI. The
>in the apparatus.
vertical extension I2 is disposed within the auxil
Furnace construction
Referring now to the drawings, particularly
Figures 1, 2 and 3, the furnace I,` for melting and
retaining the metal from which the slugs are to
be cast, is preferably of substantially cubical
iary chamber 9 and extends to a point-well below
the surface of the molten metal therein, when
the apparatus is in normal operation.
,
The upper end of the leg I0 of the syphon is
reduced in diameter and connected by means
of a tube or hose I3 and a pipe I4 with a T fitting
form. It may be of any suitable material but
I5 having one branch comunicating with a vac
preferably is of refractory material, such as ñre,
uum tank Il and its other branch communicat
brick. While only a single slug-producing unit 40 ing with a vacuum gauge I8. It will be under
is shown in association with the furnace I, its
stood that a vacuum .pump (not shown), of any
construction is such as to readily enable a plural
suitable construction, ,is connected with the vac
ity of slug-producing units to be associated with
uum tank Il tomaintain any desired degree of
it.
For example, two of these units might be~ vacuum therein. Such a pump may be connected
disposed on opposite sidesof the furnace or a
with the tank through a line I9 having inter
unitmight be disposed on each of the four sides 45 posed therein a vfilter 20.
of the furnace, if desired.
By means to -be later described, the molten
Heat may be supplied to the furnace in any
metal delivered by the Syphon to the auxiliary
convenient way, an oil burner 2 being illustrated
chamber 9 is in turn delivered from the latter
for this purpose. Preferably the inner wall of
in measured quantities to suitable molds. The
the furnace is of cylindrical form and around
syphon serves to maintain a constant supply of
the top of the cylinder' opening there is provided
the molten metal in the auxiliary chamber and
thus insures the proper delivery of the> metal to
the molds. To start the syphon, the lower end
a Iring 3, preferably formed of iron or steel.
This ring is` adapted to support a ñre pot 4, which
is preferably also formed of metal, such as iron
of the extension I2 may be closed off in any suit
or steel. As shown, the fire pot may be in the 55 able way or a small amount of the metal may be
form of a truncated cone open at its base, which
transferred by a suitable dipper or ladle from
faces upwardly. An annular flange, extending
the crucible 'I to the auxiliary chamber. When
laterally from the' open base, serves to support
the vacuum tank I-`| is `then made effective upon
the fire Apot from the ring 3. At the center of
the syphon, it will permit the atmospheric pres
60
,the ñre pot there is formed a ñue 5 in the form
sure to force the molten; metal to a suitable
of a truncated cone, communicating at its
height in the leg I0 above the point where the
smaller, upper end with a stack 6 adapted to
portion II branchesolî. The length of the leg
carry off the products of combustion from the
Il) and the degree of vacuum employed should
'
furnace I. Between its outer wall and the flue 65
be such in relation to lthe specific weight of the
portion 5, the fire pot 'forms an annular chamber
molten metal that there is no danger of forcing
adapted to receive a crucible 1, preferably formed
the metal into the tube I3 and into the vacuum
of some suitable refractory material capable of
tank l1. Preferably, the extent of the vacuum
being molded into the desired shape. This
is such as to' draw the metal merely to a point
crucible is of a shape similar to the ~fire pot but
well below the top of the leg I0 of the syphon,
it is somewhat smaller in its outer dimension and
If desired, a safety valve I5 (Fig. v4) may be con
has its hollow, central, upstanding portion sur
nected with the pipe I4 so that if the vacuum
rounding, but spaced from, the flue .5_ of the fire
in the tank I'I exceeds the desired amount, air
pot. A laterally extending flange, around the
will be drawn into the pipe I4 through the safety
top of the crucible, serves to support it from the 75 valve. By appropriate adjustment of the thumb
e
_
.y
l 3
' 2,292,266
in rig. 4, the point
at which the
v
- tained
in proper- position in relation to the sy->
'
phon
by means of one of the clamps 2|a.
tion ||, the syphon- will tend to maintain the
Turning now to the casting machine unit, only`
one ot which-is associated with the furnace in
Figure 2, this isv supported by a main frame pref
erably formed of a series of angle members. A
screw, 'shown
safety valve will open may be varied.
It will be understood that as the metal is
maintained by. the vacuum atan appropriate
height in the leg |||»of the syphon,v above the
point oi' -juncture between this leg and the por
. Casting unit frame construction '
e
metal in the erucible 1 and in the auxiliary cham
pair of longitudinally extending angle members
ber 9 at substantially the same level. Accord 10 3|, disposed at a convenient level above the floor
ingly, suiiicient metal for this purpose will be
and a similar pair of angle members 32 below .
transferred initially and as metal lis withdrawn
the angle members 3|, are supported and con
from the chamber 9, it will be replaced by a
nected by means of aseries of vertically dis
iiow of the metal from the crucible 1.
posed angle members 33, one at each corner of
Any appropriate means maybe provided for
the frame. To permit the height of the frame to
supporting the syphon. As best indicated in
be adjusted, and to enable the leveling of the
Figure 3, this may comprise a bracket 2| having
frameJ it is supported by a series of four ad
a vertical portion paralleling theleg I0 of the
justable bolts 34, which are loosely mounted at
syphon and another portion paralleling the hub
their lower'ends in lsockets in a series of blocks
part || of the syphon. The bracket may be pro 20 35 serving .as'feet adapted to rest on the floor.
vided with a suitable base 22' bolted or otherwise
vThese bolts are threaded through blocks carried
secured to the flange of the crucible 1. Clamps
or straps 2|a may be employed for retaining the
syphon in the appropriate position on the brack
et.
The downward slope of the portion || of the
syphon aids in the proper removal of any air,
or gas bubbles which may be entrapped in the
molten metal and which, if not removed, might
produce a defective slug.
This removal of oc- _
cluded gases is important since the presence of
a small bubble in a slug is likely to produceA a
pinhole in the extruded cup or tube. In the use
of the syphon any air or g’aîs bubbles in the
metal will readily rise and move along the upper
surface of the sloping portion || of the syphon
and vhence up the vertical leg |ll to the vac
by the angle' members 32 and are provided »with
lock nuts beneath these blocks. The bolts are
simply turned to effect the adjustment indicated, ` l
and. the lock nuts are then tightened. A series
of f; transversely -extending angle members 33,
supported by the angle members 3|, serve to com
plete the main frame and provide a rigid sup
port for the unit as a whole. Above the longi
tudinal angle members 3| there is another pair
of similar angle members 31 parallel with' the
members 3| but positioned more closely together.
One of the -members 31 is secured to and sup
ported by a pair of the vertical members 33 while
the other member 31 is carried by brackets 38
secured` to `the transverse members 36. Also,
above oneof the angle members 3| is a flat _bar
39 extending longitudinally of the frame and
uum tank. The parts ||i,r|| and I2 of the syphon
are preferably only about one inch in diameter,
securedÀ thereto in appropriately spaced relation
due to 'practical considerations, and it is this 40 by means of a number of C brackets 40.
relatively small gauge of the tubing that creates
A pair of fiat bars 4| is disposed transversely
dif?culty in the removal of air or gas bubbles
across the angle members 31 and is bolted there
and makes it important to have the shape of the
to '(as best shown in Fig. 19). These transverse
syphon such as to impose as small an obstacle to
the movement of the gas bubbles as possible.
Means are preferably provided for either indi
cating or recording the temperature of the metal
ly extending bars are arranged to support an
elongated tank or trough which extends longi
« tudinally of the unit for the major portion of
in the _crucible 1. For this purpose a pyrometer
"23, of any suitable construction, may be em
ployed, this being connected with a suitable gauge
its length. This tank is formed by a pair of side
plates 42 and 43, a bottom plate 44 and end
plates 45 and 46, all Aunited in an appropriate
manner to provide a water-tight reservoir. At
24 which will visually indicate the- temperature
an intermediate point (as best shown in Fig. 19) ,
of the metal. If zinc is being used in the pro
S duction of the slugs, its melting- point 1s about
the tank is `enlarged in cross section- by the
introduction of a box-like member -41 in lieu
787° F. and, therefore, the molten metal being
of a portion of the bottom plate ’44. -The box
41 may be secured to the plates 42 and 43 by
welding, or other suitablevmeans, and is arranged
to >form a water-tight connection with the lat
syphoned may range from 850° F. to 950° F.
Means are'provided for supplying heat to the
syphon to prevent the cooling of the metal in
transit from the crucible to the auxiliary cham
ber 9. For this purpose a burner 25 of suitable
construction may be employed. This burner is
preferably formed with two legsî adapted to par
allel the vertical leg I0 and the inclined portion
|| together with a part'of the vertical leg l2 of
ter as well as with the abutting ends of the bot
tom plate 44. At its top the boxv 41 is partially
closed by al channel 48 extending longitudinally
, along the- outer face of the plate .43.
An open- -
ing 49 into the- box at one side of the channel
48 provides ready access to the box for the pur
poses of inspection and the removal of any
l the syphon. Suitable ,apertures are provided in 65 metal which may be spilled or otherwise de
the side of the burner facing the syphon so that
posited therein during the operation of the unit.
a series of flames may be directed against the
syphon over the major portion- through which
Mold conveyor
_Two C brackets 50, secured to the bars 4|,
burner, gas or a mixture of gas and air may be 70 carry longitudinally extending angle member 5|
the molten metal flows. For the operation of the
led through a pipe 26 and a branch line 21 (Fig.
>3), the latter communicating with the top of
the burner. Valves 28 and 29 may be em-_
and bar 52 which assist in guiding and re
taining a mold conveyor, which will nowbe de
scribed. The molds 53, into which the molten
metal is poured to produce the slugs, are 'best
ployed in the branch 21 and line 26, respectively,
for regulating the flow. The burner may be re 75 shown in Figs. 2, 18, 19 and 20. Each mold is
4
2,292,266
carried by a‘plate 54 adapted to be supported by,> - >chine may be regulated as desired.~ The oppo
and to slide along, the upper edges’ of theV plates'> site end of the speed reducer is connected by a
42 and 43 during a portion of its travel. An angle '
member 55 extending longitudinally of the plate
42 and secured thereto, withv its horizontal leg
spaced slightly above the upper edge of the plate,
chain 13 with a sprocket 14 »(Eigs. 12`and 13)
secured to the shaft 6|. A jack shaft‘15, jour
naled in the same bearing blocks 62 and 63 which
carry the shaft 6|, is driven from the latter
serves to retain and guide one end of each of the
through a pinion 16 secured to shaft 6I and a
mold-supporting plates 54Í while the opposite ends
gear l1 secured to the jack shaft. At the op
of the plates 54 are guided and held in place by
posite end of the jack shaft a pinion 18 is secured
the angle member 5| and the bar 52. T'he plates 54 10 and this meshes with a gear 19 keyed to a sleeve
are connected together by an endless conveyor
8u rotatablymounted on the shaft 6|. It will be
chain through which the molds are shifted along
seen that through the connections indicated, the
a predetermined path. For this purpose, there
sleeve 8u will be driven by the shaft 6| but at
is secured beneath each plate 54 a pair of angle
a redi‘ßed speed.
,
»
brackets 56 between which is journaled a small 15
The sprocket 59, which drives the conveyor
roller 51. The pins carrying the rollers 51 are
chain, is mounted loosely upon the Asleev'e 80. It
connected by a series of links 58 (best shown in
is driven, however, by the sleeve 89 at the speed
Fig. 17) forming a continuous chain which passes
of rotation of this sleeve. For this purpose an
around a pair of sprocket wheels 59 and 60 ad
arm 8| (Figs. 12, 13, 16 and 17) is keyed to the
jacent the opposite ends of the main frame. 20 sleeve, this arm being adjustably connected with
The sprocket 59, which is driven, is carried by
the sprocket 59, in the manner now to be ex
a shaft 6| journaled in bearing blocks 62 and
plained. A swiveled stud 82 is carried lby the end
63 secured to the angle members 31 while the
of the arm 8| and another swiveled stud 83 is
sprocket 60 is carried by a shaft 64 journaled in
carried by the sprocket wheel 59. A bolt 84
bearings 65 secured to the angle members 31.
25 p-asses freely through the stud 82 and is threaded
As best shown in Figures 1 and 18, the shafts
in the stud 83. The stud 82 'is clamped between
Gl’and 64 are so positioned in relation to other
the head 85 of the bolt and a collar 86 pinned or
supportingV and guiding means for the conveyor
otherwise secured to the bolt. It will be-apparent
that the mold-carrying plates are brought some
that upon rotation of the bolt the stud 83 will be
what higher in their travel around the end 30 brought. closer to the ystud 82 or will be forced
sprockets than at intermediate portions of their
further away from the latter, depending upon
travel. The bar 52 (as shown in Fig. 18) is suit
the direction of adjustment of the bolt. This will
ably bent upwardly~ at its two ends to direct
in turn cause an adjustment of the sprocket
the plates downwardly from the sprocket 59 to
wheel 59 with respect to the driving mechanism.
the main plane of travel of the upper course of 35 The purpose of this adjustable connection, as will
the conveyor and upwardly adjacent the opposite
be made apparent later, is to enable the proper
end toward the top of sprocket 68. This ar
positioning of the molds on the conveyor in re
rangement is such that the molds are carried
lation to the means for supplying measured quan
into the elongated tank over the top of the
tities of molten metal to the molds as they move
end plate 45 vand are then carried through the 40 through a particular zone.
major portion of the length of the tank with
To enable the conveyor and molds to be shifted
their bottom portions immersed beneath the sur
manually whenever desired, as at the commence
face of the water carried by the tank. As the
ment of the operation of the unit, the shaft 6|
molds approach the opposite end of the tank they y `is provided with a reduced portion 81 (Fig.- 12)
will again be raised to clear'the end plate 46.
45 which is preferably square in cross~section and
Water is introduced into the elongated tank
adapted to receive a handle 88 indicated in dot
through an inlet 66 (Figs. 1 and 18), connected
and dash lines in Fig. 2.
in any suitable way with a source of water sup
Metal measuring and pouring means
ply. Preferably the water will be admitted con
tinuously during the operation of the unit. Ad 50
Returning now to the auxiliary chamber 9,
jacent the opposite end of the tank an adjust
from which the molten metal is supplied to the
able dam 61 may be employed, this dam being
molds of the conveyor, this chamber, as best
raised to an appropriate height to maintain a
shown in Figs. 6 and 8, is carried by a casting 89.
desired water level within the tank. As the
A plurality of ribs or cross-bars 90, integral with
water is continuously admitted into the tank, 55 the casting, provide a supporting surface for the
the surplus flows over the dam into a small
base of the auxiliary` chamber, these ribs having
upstanding lugs at their ends cooperating with
compartment 68 at the end of the tank, from
which it is withdrawn by an overflow pipe 69-
the sides of the chamber to asist in positioning
and passedeither to the sewer or to a storage
it. Clamping members 9|, attached to the cast
tank for re-circulation.
After the conveyor chain and the molds are
carried around the sprocket 60, they are al
lowed to drop to the surface of the bar 39 (Figs.
19 and 20), which serves to support them >on
their lower or return course of travel.
Conveyor drive
Themeans for continuously driving the mold
60 ing 89 by means of bolts 92, may be provided for
securing the chamber to the casting. A plate 93,
attached to the bottom of the casting, has a
downwardly extending sleeve adapted to surround
the upper end of a vertical shaft 94 to which the
The shaft 94 is journaled in
bearings carried by a bracket 95 which is secured
in any suitable way, as by means of screws 96, to
the angle members 91 of the main frame. The
lower end of the shaft 94 is supported by a thrust
65 lsleeve is pinned.
conveyor may comprise a motor 10 (Fig. l)
which, as will be later explained, supplies the 70 bearing 91 which rests upon the upper surface
motive power> for all of the operating portions,
of a plug 98 having screw-threaded engagement
of the-machine. _This motor is connected by a
with the bracket 95. Adjustment of the plug 98
belt 1| with a speed-reducing‘mechanism 12 of
any suitable character; it »may be a variable
will serve to raise or lower the shaft 94 and the ,
vconnected auxiliary chamber. As will be ex
speed reducer so that the operation of the ma 75 plained later, the chamber may be oscillated in
2,292,266
the course of operation of the machine so that a
spout portion t@ of the chamber (Figs. 2 and 6)
may follow the movement of a mold on the con
veyor as metal is being discharged into it. The I
mounting of the auxiliary chamber is such as to
permit this oscillation.
»
The spout portion of the chamber extends over
the cooling tank or trough and the mold-carrying
»
`
.
5
of the metal, determined by the stroke oi’ the
plunger, will thus be discharged through the
opening |02 into the mold which at that moment
happens to be beneath the opening |02.
The plunger and the sleeve |04, or at least
one of them, may be formed of a graphite com»
position. This material is capable of. withstand
ing~the heat of the molten metal, will not react
with zinc or the like and has other characteris
plates 5d of the conveyor, only a slight clear- ’
ance being provided between the mold-carrying 10 tics which render it suitable for the purpose.
It appears to have a self -lubricating action in the
plates and the underside of the spout. In line
reciprocation and oscillation of the plunger. If
with the spout there is an inward propection ißt
desired the sleeve and plunger may be formed of
into the interior of the chamber S, this projection
substantially pure tungsten, which has all of the.
terminating some distance below the top edge of
the chamber.> An inclined passage |0|, of suitable 15. required properties but is almost prohibitively
expensive. To minimize the expense the sleeve
diameter to permit the free flow of the molten
may be formed from soapstone and then ñred
metal, is provided from the inner end of the pro
at a suitable temperature. The resulting prod
jection |00 to the outer end of the spout 99.
uct has the desired characteristics'and works `
This passage is inclined upwardly from its inner
to its outer end at an angle of about 30° to the 20 well with a tungsten plunger. The graphitel
composition, while inexpensive. does not have
horizontal. A cylindrical opening |02 extends
vertically through the spout 99 adjacent its out
er end, this opening intersecting the pasage |0|
and being so disposed as to communicate with the
good Wear-resisting qualities and, therefore, if it
is used, the plunger and sleeve must be replaced
rather frequently. For this reason vthe means
centers of the molds on the conveyor as they pass 25 for operating the plunger should be so construct- '
beneath the spout.
,
lA projection |00 is provided with a cylindrical
ed as to enable the plunger and the sleeve |04 to
be replaced with a minimum of time and eiîort.
These operating means, furthermore, _should be
well w3 adapted to receive a sleeve |04. This
readily adjustable as to stroke to allow for wear
sleeve, preferably formed of some suitable re
fractory material, has an opening |05 communi 30 of the parts and also to enable the delivery of
variable amounts of metal for slugs of diiîerent
cating with the upper side of the passage |0| and
weights.
i
'
a similar opening |06 communicating with the
Preferably the plunger is built around a metal
lower side of this passage, which in turn com
core ||0 (Fig. 9) which extends above the re
municates with the main body of metal in the
chamber 9. A plunger |01, formed of some suit 35 fractory material. The upper end of the plunger
is adapted to be received and operated by a
»able refractory material similar to thatv of which
socket member |||. In the preferred construc
the sleeve |04 is formed, is adapted to be, both
tion the upper end of the plunger |01 is adapted
reciprocated and oscillated within the sleeve.
to be simply inserted in and frictionallyretained
The lower portion of the plunger has only a slight
clearance, suiilcient to provide a good working 40 by a split collar` ||2 (Figs- 5A, 6 and 8) inserted
' in an opening ||3 in the bottom of the member
ñt with the sleeve, while the upper portion of the
|| I. Set-screws | I4, passing through the wall of
plunger is of reduced diameter to minimize the
the member ||| into the opening in its ,lower
friction with the sleeve.A A groove |08 extending
end, are'adapted torengage the split collar to
upwardly from the lower end of the plunger to a
retain it and urge it under the proper tension
point above the passage |0| communicates with
against the inserted plunger. An aperture H5,
the latter through the opening |05 in the sleeve
communicating with the opening H3, is adapted
when the plunger is rotated to the proper position.
'
.to receive the extension ||0 of the metal core
Similarly, a groove |09 extending upwardly from
of the plunger.
.
the bottom of the plunger |01 is adapted to com
For the purpose of reciprocating the plunger,
municate with the opening |06 in the sleeve and 50
there is provided around a reduced upper por
the lower portion of the passage |0| when the
tion |||a of the member ||| a sleeve ||6 (Fig.
plunger is rotated into the proper position for
this purpose.
-
5A) having a laterally extending arm ||1 aper
As best indicated in Fig. 7 the grooves |08 and
|09 are located about 120° apart. In the opera
tion of the plunger one or the other of these
grooves will be placed in communication with the
passage |0I. Means, which will be described, are
tured to receive a rod H8. A collar illb, pinned
to the upper end oi’ the portion Ilia., serves to
tie the member ||| and sleeve ||6 together for
axial movement in unison', although these parts
may rotate relative to each other. Spaced col
|09 communicates with the lower portion of the
passage | 0|, thereby admitting molten metal be
parts together. The rod ||8 is slidably mount
ed in appropriate bearings -carried by a sleeve
|2|, preferably formed integral with a bar |22.`
lars'llS are provided on the‘rod ||8 at opposite _.
provided for reciprocating and oscillating the
plunger in such a way that, as the plunger rises it 60 sides of the arm ||1 and a nut |20, threaded
to the lower end of the rod, serves to hold the
will be turned into a position in which the groove
neath the plunger. At the same time the groove
The latter is bolted or otherwise secured to the
upper ends of a pair of brackets |23 and |24
attached to one of the angle members 31 of the
the plunger commences its downward movement,
main frame structure.
it is rotated to carry the groove |09 out of com
`'I'he rod ||8 is straddled by the forked end
munication with the opening |06 and to carry the
groove |08 into communication with the opening 70 |25 of one arm |26 of a bell crank pivotally
|08 is preferably carried out of communication
with the upper portion of the passage I0 |. f Before
|05. The plunger is then moved downwardly
and the molten metal beneath it is forced up
wardly through the groove |08 and through the'
passage |0| over the lip formed between this pas
' mounted on a pin |21, extending from the brack
et- |23. Arm |26 is adapted to actuate the rod
| I8 longitudinallyby virtue oi’ the engagement o1' the forked end between the upper. collar IIS and
sage and the opening |02. A measured quantity 75 a collar [25a pinned to the rod H8. A depend
6
/ aaaaaee
during the nrst 25° of the cycle and remains in
this condition for the next 90° while the inlet
remains closed throughout both of theser periods.
Following this the plunger is rotated in the op.
posite direction to partly and then fully close
ing arm |25 of the bell crank is connected by
means of a link §29 with a lever |50 pivotally
`mounted upon the jack shaft l5. 'Lever |90 has
a forwardly extending arm which carries a roller
|31 (Fig. le) cooperating with the periphery of
in two parts to facilitate its removal and the
theioutlet and to iinally open the inlet. 'The
inlet, however, does not open until after the
substitution of another cam of different form.
it may be secured by screws tothe ñange of a
ldownward movement of the plunger has ceased
and it is not fullyopened until about the 200°
hub 532:1. keyed to the shaft 5|.
point in the cycle.
a cam |52.
Preferably the cam |32 is formed
A spring
Following the initial 140° portion of the cycle,
the plunger is moved upwardly under the action
635 serves to draw the arm |30 in a counter-s
clockwise direction (Flg. 5) and retains the roller
|3| against the periphery of the cam. The ex
tent of movement of the rod H8, and hence of
the plunger, is made variable by adjusting the
position oi’ the end of the link |29 with respect
to the arm |28 of the bell crank. For this pur
pose the arm |28 ls provided with an elongated
15
of the spring |33, as permitted by cam |32. This
upward movement extends over about a 200° por-l
tion of the cycle. For approximately 20° of this
upward movement of the plunger, the outlet
remains partly open and, therefore, a slight suck
back action takes place which insures -a rela
tively sharp cutting off of the flow of metal '
slot in which a bolt |33 may be shifted to any
desired position and then tightened to clamp a 20 through the opening |02` into the mold. The
metal in the passage |0I, or at least a portion
yoke |35 at the end of the link H29. Similarly,
of it, returns to the well beneath the plunger.
at its opposite end the link |29 is provided with
During 4the major part of the upward movement
a block |35 adjustable in an elongated slot in
the lever |30 and adapted to be locked in any
of the plunger, however, the outlet will be closed
position of adjustment in said slot.
25 and the inlet either partially or fully open.
When the cycle is within about 60° of completion
The link |29 is preferably formed‘in two parts,
a rod |31 and a sleeve |38, which are in tele
and while the plunger is still moving upward, it y
is oscillated back toward the position in which
the inlet is closed and the outlet is partially
is mounted a ball |60 urged into a groove ME, 30 opened. By the time the outlet commences to
open, the plunger has stopped its „upward move
in the rod |31, by means of a spring |52. This
ment and is being held stationary by a slight
construction is shown on a magnified scale with- '
20° dwell in the cam |32. The same cycle is
in the circle in Fig. lli. A plug M3 serves to
then ready to be repeated.
retain the- spring in the cylinder and provides
a means of adjusting the tension of the spring. 35
Auxiliary heating means
it will be apparent that this type of connection
scoping relation.
The sleeve S5238 has a down
wardly extending cylinder |39 in which there
is releasable so that if there is excessive re
Means are provided for‘heating the metal in
the auxiliary chamber so as to maintain it in
sistance to the movement of the plunger and
the proper molten state until it is actually de
its connected parts, the rod |31 will simply slide
in the sleeve |38, urging the ball |00 outwardly 4.0 posited -in the molds. For this purpose, a ilex
ible hose, or similar connection, |56 ,is provided
against the action ofthe spring.
from the top of the gas line 2B (Figs. 1 and 2)
oscillatory movement is imparted to the plung
above the point at which the branch line 21 is
er by means similar to that provided for its
taken oiï. This nexible hose is attached at its
reciprocation. (See Figs. 5, 5A, 12, 13 and l5.)
other end to a burner element |51, which is in
¿i lever |44 pivoted at |55 upon a bracket |24a
serted in a passage in the bottom of the member
carries „a roller |56 at its lower end adapted to
89 and is retained therein by a set-screw |58.
engage the periphery of a cam |51 secured to
At the top of the burner |51 there is an opening the shaft 5|. A spring |48 urges the lever in a
|59 which communicates With a. tube or pipe |60.
counter-clockwise direction (Figs. 5 and l5) for
this purpose. At its upper end the lever is con 50 The pipe |60 extends upwardly along the side
of the auxiliary"chamber and over the top of the
nected by a link |59 with an arm H50 extending
chamber and is provided with a burner element
laterally from a sleeve |5| 'rotatably mounted
I6! at its free end directly over the passage |02
on the rod ||3 between the collar |25a and an
in the spout portion 99 of the chamber. (See
other collar |251). The link |69 is preferably
of a releasable type similar to the link |29. An 55 Fig. 6.) A flame is thus discharged downwardly
through the passage |02 at all times to insure
other arm |52, extending laterally from the _
maintenance of the proper molten state of the
sleeve |5| in a direction at about 90° to that of
metal until it _reaches the molds. The hot gases
the arm |50, is connected by a link |59 with an
developed by the burner |51 follow the courses
arm |54 integral with the collar |||b` secured
to the upper end of the extension |||a of the 60 indicated by the arrows in Fig. 8. These gases
in rising around the auxiliary chamber are con
member |||.
¿
ñned between the latter and an4 outer casing or
The timing of the cams |32 and M1 is such
shell |62 which directs the gases inwardly_at
as to bring about the ,previously explained move
vthe top of the chamber and then permits their
ments of the plunger. This timing is indicated
in the chart of Fig. 23. During the ñrst 140°4 65 free discharge into the atmosphere.
of the cycle indicated in the chart, the plunger
is moved downwardly, causing the metal to be
Spout oscillating meansA
Means may be provided for rocking the aux
pumped and discharged into the mold which hap
iliary chamber about the axis of the supporting
pens at the moment to «be beneath the opening
|02. At the beginning of this part of the cycle, 70 shaft 94. For this purpose (as best shown in Fig.
5) the casting 89 is provided with a rearwardly
the groove |09 will be in its closed position, i. e.,
extending arm |63 which has a swivel connection
out of register with the opening |06 in the sleeve.
at |64 with a link |65 pivotally attached at its
, The groove |08, on the other hand, will at this
opposite end to aflever |66. This lever is piv-y
time be :partly registered with the opening |05,
as indicated in Fig. '1. The outlet is fully opened 15 otally supported at |61 on one of the angle mem
I
bers 31 of the main frame and carries
aaeaaee
its
periphery of a heart-shaped cam- |68. A spring
lli) serves to draw the lever in a clockwise direc
tion (Fig. 5) to engage the roller with the cam.
It will be understood that the shape and timing
of the cam/|69 is such that the passage |02 of
the plunger _|01 isdescending to pump and dis
charge a measured quantity of the metal. After
the desired quantity of metal has been intro
duced into the mold, the spout will, of course,
swing back to a position centrally over the next
' mold and will follow that in the same way dur
,
l
ï
bearings 65, is adjustable to‘provide the desired amount of slack in the conveyor. Set-screws
|85 are provided for the adjustment of the bear
ings which are then clamped by the bolts shown.
Adjacent its outer end the lever |8| is bent
i upper free end a roller |68 adapted to engage the
the spout 99 will follow the movement of the
mold that happens to be beneath it at the time
`
wheel is secured and which is carried by the
upwardly in semi-circular form, as indicated at
|86, so as not to extend directly across'> the front
of a mold as it is brought into _its substantially
10 vertical position. This is to avoid interference
with the discharge of the slugfrom the mold at
this point. Beyond the curved portion of the
lever there is secured a hammer element, |81
which, upon each sudden inwardv movement ofA
15 the ‘lever as the finger |82 reaches the succes
sive shoulders of the ratchet wheel, strikes the
adjacent mold-supporting plate and causes it to
vibrate‘suñlciently to release the slug as the
ing the next ñlling operation. Oscillation of the
spout may be dispensed with, if desired, and the
action of the pump so timed, that the metal will
mold is carried into a vertical position. As the
be discharged into each mold between the times
slugs are so discharged they fall by gravity into
20
that its leadin-g and following edges reach the
a chute |88, from which they may be directed
pouring opening |82.
into a bucket or may be delivered to any other
Mold vibrating means
point.
J
‘
'
~
Summary of operation
To free any air'or gas bubbles from the metal
and to cause it to spread out evenly over the 25
Itis believed that the operation of the furnace
A bottom oí the mold, provision is made for vi
and molding unit will be clear from the forego
brating the mold while the metal is being intro
ing but abrief resumé will-now be given: ,
'
duced into it and before it sclidifles. This vi
Assuming that the furnace has been brought
brating means comprises a toothed wheel |1|
to the proper temperature, and the bodies of
(Fig. 1) secured to the shaft Si and cooperating 30 metal in the fire pot 4 and in the crucible'are
with a roller |12 carried .by one end of a lever
|13 pivoted at llt on a portion of the frame.
in a molten state, the mechanism is set in op
continuously vibrated by the toothed wheel |1| )
at a relatively rapid rate, will strike the sup- 45
porting plate of the mold. ~
As the molds are carried around the sprocket
metal is thus introduced into a mold and the
eration, the syphon being subjected to- a partial
Spring Ilâtends to rock the lever clockwise (Fig.
-vacuum and being started to maintain molten
l) and urges the roller |12 into engagement with
metal in the auxiliary chamber 9 at substan
the toothed wheel lll. At its opposite end the 35 tially the same lever as in the crucible 1._ The
lever |13 isprovided with a hammer element |16,
conveyor is set in operation and the pump
which is adapted to pass through an opening |11
plunger is caused to reciprocate while the aux
provided in the bar 52 at a point substantially
iliary chamber is rocked about its axis at the
in line with the spout of the auxiliary chamber.
appropriate speed and in the correct timing to
It will be understood that as metal is being 40 retain. the pouring passage |82 directly over one
poured into one of the _molds and for a short
of the molds during the'downward movement
~ time thereafter, the hammer |16, which is being
of the plunger. A measured quantity of molten
auxiliary chamber is then rocked back to its ini
tial position, in which the pouring passage |02
is placed over the next succeeding mold and is
caused to travel along with` this during the next
6|), the slugs, which will have been fully solid
iñed by this time due to the cooling action of the
downward movement of the plunger. Since the
water in >the trough, are discharged. To assist
50 metal delivered to the m'olds is taken from a
in their discharge as the molds areturned on
point well below the surface of the mass in cru
edge in passing around the sprocket,_means are
cible 1- and is also pumped from a point well
provided for vibrating or shaking the molds.
below the surface of the metal in the auxiliary
For this purpose a supporting bar |18 (Fig. 2l)
chamber, its purity andv cleanliness is insured.y
extends transversely across the tops of the angle
It is quite free of the dirt, slag, scale, oxidized
members 31 adjacent one end and is suitably se 55 metal and other impurities which form on or rise
to the surfacejin the crucible and auxiliary
cured thereto. The bar extends beyond the an
gle member on the right (Fig. 21) and is aper- _
As the metal is being poured into the molds
tured -to receive a bolt |19. vA spacer collar |88,
surrounding the bolt, supports, at its upper end, . and for a suitable period thereafter, the molds
one end of a lever I8! adapted to swing pivot 60 are` being carried alongr with their lower por
chamber.
ally about the bolt |19. About midway of the
‘length of _the lever |8I, it carries a finger |82
'
„
.
`
tions immersed in the water in the elongated
, trough. This causes the metal to quickly solid
having 4its end -slightly bent (as best shown- in
ify and cool after it has been deposited in the
Fig. 22) . This bent end of the finger cooperates
molds. During the pouring operation and im
65
edgewise with a ratchet wheel |83 secured to the
mediately subsequent thereto, the mold _is vi
shaft 64. As the latter rotates during the ad
brated by the operation of the hammer |16, thus
vance of the conveyor, the finger |82'will be
insuring the release of any gas that might other
cammed outwardly `until it reaches one ofthe
wise be retained and causing the surface of the
shoulders provided by the teeth of the ratchet ' metal to level on'. As the molds reach the end
70
wheel and it will then move suddenly inwardly.
of the trough, the metal slugs are well solidifiedv
A spring |84, connected with the lever |8| and
and the molds are carried upwardly over the
with a portion of the frame, serves to hold the
darn 61 and around the sprocket 60. Here the
iinger |82 against the ratchet wheel and causes
the latter to oscillate as the ratchet rotates. In»
cidentally, the shaft 84, to which the ratchet
mold plates are subjected to further vibration
by the hammer element I8] which causes the
slugs to become loosened and dropv by gravity
into the chute 53%.
While an illustrative form of apparatus, em
bodying the present invention, has been disclosed
mass of molten metal, auxiliaryv means for re
taining a smaller mass of molten metal, means
for delivering metal from said retaining means
to said auxiliary means and maintaining the
metal at substantially the same level in said
retaining and auxiliary means, a plurality of
molds, means for delivering the molten metal
`from said auxiliary means to said molds, and
in considerable detail, it will be understood that
numerous changes may be made in the construc
tion and arrangement of the several parts without
departing from the general spirit and scope of
the invention. rf'he terms employed herein are
means for heating said retaining means and aux
to be considered as terms of description and not 10 iliary. means.
of limitation.
6. Apparatus for casting slugs of the character
I claim:
'
»
described which comprises means for retaining
l. Apparatus for casting slugs of the charac
a mass of moltenmetal, auxiliary means for con
ter described which comprises means for melting
stantly retaining a. substantially uniform smaller
metal and for retaining a mass of molten metal,v
mass of molten metal, means for delivering metal
means for supporting a plurality of -slug form
from said retaining means to said auxiliary
ing molds, means for delivering a measured quan
means as it is being discharged from the latter,
tity of molten metal from said retaining means
a plurality of molds, means for delivering meas
to each of said molds successively, said delivering
ured quantities of the molten metal from said
means comprising an auxiliary chamber, means 20 auxiliary means to saidk molds, Vand means for
for transferring metal from beneath the surface
heating said retaining means and auxiliary
thereof in said retaining means to said auxiliary
means.
chamber and means for transferring measured
7. In apparatus of the class described a cham
quantities of said metal from beneath the sur
ber for retaining molten metal, a Well associated
face thereof in the auxiliary chamber and While
with said chamber and arranged to receive metal
out of substantial contact. with air to said molds,
therefrom, means communicating with said well
means for cooling said molds, and means for
for transferring metal discharged therefrom, a
discharging the solidiiied slugs from said molds.
plunger operable Within said well, and means for
.apparatus for casting slugs of the character
reciprocating and oscillating said plunger, said
described which comprises means for retaining 30 plunger having channels >rendered effective and
a mass of molten metal, means for supporting a
ineffective upon oscillation thereof to admit met
plurality of slug forming molds, means for deliv
al from said chamber to said Well and to enable
@ring a measured quantity of molten metal from
the discharge of the same from said well upon
said retaining means to each of said molds suc
the downward movement of the plunger.
cessively, means for shifting said molds and said
8. in apparatus of the class described a cham
delivering means in unison as the metal is being
ber for retaining molten metal, a well associated
delivered tc one of the molds and relative to each
with said chamber, the wall of said well having a
other at other times, means for vibrating said
passage communicating with said chamber to
_molds upon the delivery of molten metal thereto, '
deliver molten metal therefrom to said Well, a
and means for automatically discharging the 40 refractory sleeve fitted snugly Within said Well,
slugs from said molds after the slugs have solidi
said sleeve having an aperture alined with said
fled.
passage and also having a discharge aperture, a
3. Apparatus for casting slugs of the character
plunger formed of refractory material having a
described which comprises means for retaining
sliding fitwithin said sleeve, said plunger having
a mass of molten metal, means for supporting a channels therein adapted to be carried into and>
plurality of slug forming molds, means for deliv
out of registry with said apertures upon oscilla
ering a measured quantity of molten metal from
tion of the plunger, and means for oscillating and
said retaining means to each of said molds suc
reciprocating said plunger.
1
cessively, said delivering means comprising an
.9. ln apparatus of the class described a cham
auxiliary chamber, means for transferring metal '
ber for retaining molten metal, a well associated
from beneath the surface thereof in said retain
with said chamber, the Wall of said well having
ing means to said auxiliary chamber and means
’a passage communicating with said chamber to
for transferring measured quantities of said met
deliver molten metal therefrom to said well, a
al from beneath the surface thereof inthe aux
‘ refractory sleeve fitted snugly within said well,
iliary chamber and out of substantial contact
said sleeve having an aperture alined with said
with air to said molds, means for supplying- heat
passage and also having a discharge aperture, a
to said metal in said retaining means and aux
plunger formed of refractory material having a
iliary chamber, means for cooling said molds, and
sliding fit within said sleeve, said plunger having i
means for discharging the solidified slugs from
channels therein adapted to be carried into and
said molds.
out of registry with' said apertures upon oscilla
4. Apparatus for casting slugs of the character
tion of the plunger, an operating memberar
described which comprises means for retaining a
ranged to be reciprocated and oscillated, and
mass of molten metal, auxiliary means for re
readily detachable connections between said .
taining a smaller mass of molten metal, means
,member and plunger for imparting the move
for delivering metal from said retaining means
ments of said member to the plunger.
to said auxiliary means, a plurality of molds,
y 10. In apparatus of the class described a cham
means fordelivering the molten metal from said
ber for retaining molten metal, a well associated
auxiliary means to said molds, means for rocking'
_ with said chamber, the wall of said Well having a
said auxiliary means about an axis passing
passage communicating with said chamber to
through the same as- the metal is being delivered 70 deliver'-- molten metal therefrom to said well, a
therefrom, and' means for heating said retaining
refractory sleeve' fitted snugly within said well,
means, auxiliary means, and said several deliver
said sleeve having an aperture alined with said '
ing means.
.
’
passage and also having a discharge aperture, a
5. Apparatus for casting slugs of the character
plunger formed of refractory material having a
described which comprises means for retaining a. 75 sliding fit within said sleeve, said plunger having -
Y 2,292,360
channels therein adapted to be carried into and
out oi' registry with said apertures upon oscilla
tion of the plunger, an operating member havingl
by a plate, said plates
9
connected to provide
a continuous conveyor, means for shifting said
conveyor, means for delivering measured quanti
ties of molten material to said molds as they are
a socket portion adapted to receive and fric
in a predetermined zone, and means for striking
tionally~ retain a portion of said plunger, and 6 said plates to vibrate the same while in said zone
means for reciprocating and oscillating said mem
as the molten material is solidifying.
15. In apparatus of the class described a plu- I
11. In apparatus of the class described a cham- « rality of molds, each of said molds being carried
ber for retaining molten metal, a pump associated ,
by a plate, said plates being connected to provide
with said chamber, said pump having a well ar 10 a continuous conveyor, means for shifting said
ranged to receive molten metal from said cham-_
conveyor, means for delivering measured quanti
ber and having a plunger adapted to be recipro
l ties of molten material to said molds as they are
cated and oscillated within said well, said plung
in a predetermined zone, means for striking said
er being formed of refractory, self-lubricating
plates to vibrate the same while in said zone as
material, means for automatically reciprocating
the molten material is solidifying, and means
and oscillating said plunger, and readily accessi
for striking said plates after the material has
ble means for varying the reciprocatory stroke
solidified in the molds carried thereby to loosen
o'f said plunger.
said material.
.
f 12. In apparatus of the class described a reser
16. In apparatus of the class’described a reser
20
voir for molten metal, a well connected with
voir for molten metal, an auxiliary chamber ad
ber.
.
~
said reservoir and adapted to`receive metal there
jacent said reservoir, and means for continuously
from, a plunger >arranged to nt said well and
transferring molten metal from said reservoir
to be reciprocated and oscillated therein, oscilla
to said chamber which comprises a syphon, said
tion of said plunger being arranged to control the
syphon having a pair of legs connected by a
delivery of metal to and its discharge from said 25 cross member, one of said legs extending a sub
well, a spout connected with said well and ar
stantial distance above said cross member and
ranged to receive metal therefrom upon recipro
means connected with the extension'of said leg
cation of said plunger, means for reciprocating
for subjecting said syphon to a substantially fixed,
and' oscillating said plunger, a. mold arranged to
partial vacuum.
30
receive metal discharged from said spout, and
17. A method of casting a series of similar arti
means _synchronized with said reciprocating and
cles which comprises melting the material to be
oscillating means for shifting said mold and said
cast in a crucible, transferring the molten mate
spout in unison as metal is being discharged from
rial from a point beneath the surface thereof to
said spout.
13. In apparatus of the class described a reser 35 a pouring vessel adapted to retain sufficient metal
reservoir and arranged to receive metal there
for a plurality of molds, constantly maintaining
substantially the same amount of metal in said
from, a plunger formed of refractory material
fitting within said well, means 'for oscillating and
past the pouring outlet of said vessel, and inter
voir for molten metal, a well connected with said
vessel, continuously advancing a series of molds l
reciprocating said plunger, operating means, and 40 mittently discharging the molten material from.
a point beneath the surface thereof in said vessel
separate connections from said operating means
as the molds are successively carried past the
eachf releasable under excessive load for operat
ing said oscillating and reciprocating means.
pouring outlet.
14. In apparatus of the class describal a plu
JOHN H. FRDÉN.
rality of molds, each of said molds being carried 45