GB604792A - An improved molten metal feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

604,792. Casting-machines. ARNOLD, J. C. (Lester Engineering Co.). Dec. 3, 1945, No. 32675. [Class 83 (i)] [Also in Groups XII and XXVIII] Pouring &c. apparatus.-A device for feeding molten metal comprises a reservoir 1, a pipe 2 with rising and falling parts, means for drawing up the metal into the pipe and contact means actuated by the metal to stop the drawing-up means. The melting pot 1 has a rising pipe 2 connected to a riser 10 which is connected by a downwardly inclined pipe 2b to a chargereceiving chamber 3. This has a spring-closed gate 16 which can be opened to deliver its charge to a casting machine 5 and a suction pipe 26 leading to a spring-opened valve 33 and suction pump 35. The pipe 26 is also connected to the riser 10. The valve 33 can be closed to the pump 35 by a solenoid 39 and then admits air to the pipe 26. With the parts in the position shown, the valve 33 causes the chamber 3 and riser 10 &c. to be evacuated so that metal is drawn up the pipe 2, flows into the chamber 3, and rises to level A, Fig. 2. Here it contacts an insulated electrode 32 connected by a line 53, Fig. 1, to a solenoid 52, the other end of which is connected to a supply line L2. The other supply line L1 is connected by a line 43 to the riser 10 so that the solenoid 52 is energized, thus closing a switch 47 to connect the lead L1 to a terminal 54, thus keeping the solenoid 52 in action, even when the metal in the riser 10 falls, and energizing the solenoids 39, 41. The former operates the valve 33 to admit air to the riser 10 and allow the metal to flow back instantly to the pot 1 until the level P, Fig. 2, is reached and the latter opens the gate 16 to discharge the chamber 3 into the pressure chamber 4 of the casting machine. To repeat the cycle of operations, the switch 46 is pressed to open the circuit to the solenoids 39, 41, 52. The amount of metal delivered can be varied by adjusting the position of the cylinder 20. In modifications, the metal may be pumped or forced into the pipe 2. In another modification, the electrode 32 is mounted in a tube 64, Fig. 3, adjustable in the chamber 3 to vary the charge of molten metal. Heating coils 11, 12, 13, Figs. 1 and 2, may be used to keep the metal molten.