US1599624A - Die-casting machine - Google Patents

Description

i Wm M. STERN DIE CASTING MACHINE Filed May 24 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTORNEYJ Sept. 14 1926.

M. STERN DIE CASTING MACHINE Sept. 14 1926.

Sept. 14 1926. 1,599,624

M. STERN DIE CASTING MACHINE Filed May 24, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TOR.

A TTORNE YJ Sept. 14 1926.

M. STERN DIE CASTING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 24, 1924 5 E 7, WW LIMP 8 5 |||l| M ATTORNEY.

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 14 1926.

M. STERN DIE CASTING MACHINE Filed May 24, 24

Sept. 14 1926. 1,599,624

M. STERN DIE CASTING MACHINE Filed May 24, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. M/mc arm/v Patented Sept. 14, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MARC STERN, OE DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO DOEHLER DIE-CASTING CO., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

DIE-CASTING MACHINE.

Application filed May 24, 1924. Serial No. 715,712.

My invention relates to die casting machines, and general objects of my invention are to reduce the cost of making die castings and to improve the quality thereof. More particular objects are to increase the output of a die casting machine and to reduce the amount of manual attention and manipulation required to a minimum. In this connection, the main object of my invention is to produce a completely automatic die casting machine, that is to say, a die casting machine which will perform automatically in proper sequence, or concomitantly, a series or a plurality, of operations forming a complete cycle in the complete casting operation. Other objects and advantages of my invention will hereinafter appear.

Commonly heretofore die casting machines have only been partly automatic or semi-automatic, requiring both constant attention during a casting operation and several manipulations to be performed at intermediate stages thereof. For example, commonly, in such semi-automatic machines, one manipulation is required to cause the die to be closed and clamped to the nozzle of the pressure chamber or casting pot, an-

other manipulation to cause the molten metal tobeforced-into the die, another manipulation (after an estimated interval of time to'permit the casting to harden) to cause the pressure to be released in the casting pot, and another manipulation to cause the die to be unclamped from the nozzle and opened; and commonly also several additional manipulations are required. Upon starting the machine of my present invention, all its operations are initiated and performed automatically; such operations including the closing of the die and'its clamping to the nozzle, provision being made for a die-charging period of rest of the die in its closed and clamped condition, the applying of pressure to the molten metal in the pressure chamber to force it into the die and hold it there, the releasing of the pressure in the pressure chamber, the unclamping and opening of the die, the withdrawing of cores from the casting, and the ejecting of the casting from the die to deliver it from the machine; and further including the feeding of ingots to the pressure chamber (which in the machine of my invention is also a melting pot) to replenish the metal therein.

My invention includes, in combination, mechanisms and devices adapted and arranged to initiate and perform all operations automatically. My invention also includes var ous features of construction and combinations of parts as will appear from the following description.

I shall now describe the die casting machine embodying my invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and shall thereafter point out my invention in claims.

Figure 1 is a front side elevation of a complete die casting machine embodying my invention, as it appears at rest in the idle condition, the lower partof a supporting standard being broken away.

.Figure 2 is a partial transverse section of the machine taken on the staggered line 22 of Fig. 1, showing in elevation the lower part of the furnace, the air pipes, and the valves in control of the supply of compressed air for the pressure chamber or casting pot.

v Figure 2* is a partial vertical section taken on-the line 2 a of Fig. 2, showing in end elevation the air-controlling valve appearing atthe left in Fig. 2.

Figure 3 is an inclined plan view on an enlarged scale of the left end of the machine as shown in Fig. 1, but with the machine in operation, showing the die sections in their die casting position of rest, just prior to the admission of compressed air into the pressure chamber to force the molten-metal into the die.

Figure 4 is a similar further enlarged view of what appears at the left in Fig. 3. showing a succeeding phase of operation of some of the controlling devices, after the molten metal hasbeen forced into the die and the opening movement of the die initiated.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detached view in elevation of a controlling device forming a part of the metal-replenishing feed mechanism appearing in Fig. 1 and showing that an ingot will be fed at the next casting operation, the parts being positioned to correspond to Fig. 1, inwhich the die is open and retracted.

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Figure 6 is a similar view. partly broken away, and showing the next succeeding casting operation as taking place, as in Fig. 3, at which an ingot will be fed when the die is retracted.

Figure 7 is a transverse section, more enlarged than Fig. 3 and taken on line 77 of Figs. 1 and 3, as seen in Fig. 1, but with the operating parts in the position shown in Fig. 3. I

Figure 8 is a partial vertical longitudinal section, somewhat less enlarged than Fig. 7. taken on line 8-8 of Figs. 3, 7 and 9. showing in section a reversing gearing and its clutch, and showing other parts in elevation, including a one-revolution clutch and devices operated thereby, the operating parts being in the position shown in Fig. 3.

Figure 9 is a transverse section taken on line 99 of Figs. 1, 3 and 8. showing the one-revolution clutch and its adjun'cts in section and other parts in elevation. the opcrating parts being in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 8. V

Figure 10 is a partial transverse section taken on line l0-1O of Fig. 8. showing the one-revolution clutch'and its adjuncts in elevation.

Figure 11 is a greatly enlarged transverse section taken on line 1111 of Fig. 1. showing the inner or gated die section in face view, its die carrier appearing in elevation.

Figure 12 is a further enlarged transverse section taken on line 12-12 of Figs. 3 and 13. and is more particularly illustrative of the devices for withdrawing the cores and for ejecting the castings. these devices being carried by the second or outer die carrier; this figure also showing. in broken lines. additional core-pulling means to be provided if needed.

Figure 13 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the staggered line 13-13 of Figs. 3 and 12. drawn to the scale of Fig. 12.

Figure 14 is a partial transverse section between the faces of the die sections. taken on line 14-14 of Fig. 13. and shows in elevation the face of the outer or second die section. v

Figure 15 is a partial longitudinal section looking downward from line 1515 of Figs. 13 and 14. including both die sections.

Figure 16 is a partial vertical longitudinal section taken on line 1616 of Figs. 14 and 15, as viewed in Fig. 14.

Figure 17 is a longitudinal section as viewed from above and talren on line 1 -17 of Figs. 1. 12 and 13. the outer die section "having been separated from the. inner die section, which latter does not appear in Fig. 17. also the cores having been withdrawn and the ejector pins projected. as in Fig. 1: Fig. 17 also showing. in broken lines. the additional core-pulling means appearing in Fig. 12.

Figure 18 is a further enlarged partial vertical longitudinal section similar to Fig. 13. showing the die as having been filled with molten metal to form a casting.

Figure 19 is an enlarged elevation of the completed casting. as it would appear when viewed from the left in Fig. 18.

Figure 20 is a similar view as viewed from the left in Fig. 19 and from the rear in Fig. 18

The automatically operated metal replenishing feed mechanism. for feeding ingots to the combined melting pot and casting pot or pressure chamber. illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and described and claimed herein as a feature of the die casting machine of my present invention. is in some respects and generally similar to that forming the subject of the application for patent of Charles Pack for die casting apparatus filed October 27. 1923. Serial No. 671.084 (Patent No. 1.592.125, dated July 13, 1926) and containing the broader claims for such mechanism: also the parts of the machine for supporting the die sections and for moving them relatively to each other. shown in the drawings. and described and claimed herein as a feature of my present invention, are of a construction substantially the same as that shown and described. but not claimed, in the above noted patent of Pack.

In the die casting machine illustrated in the accompanying drawings as an embodiment of my invention. a the box or furnace 1. mounted upon a base 2. is provided With an inclined cover plate 3. secured thereon, for example. by means of bolts, as shown. The interior of the furnace may be heated to the desired temperature by any suitable means, for example. by means of commonly employed gas burners (not shown). A vertically elongated melting pot 4. for the metal to be cast and which also constitutes a casting pot or pressure chamber. is supported by the cover 3 and extends for the most part down into the furnace-but at its upper end projects above the cover 3 and is provided with a cover cap 5. The combined pressure chamber and melting pot 4. which is general 1y of teapot shape. has an inclined delivery spout (3 extending upwardly and outwardly from adjacent its bottom and at its upper end at the outside of the cover 3 is provided with an inclined outwardlv and upwardly projecting discharge nozzle 7. Suitable means. such as adjusting screws. may be provided. for adjusting the position of the pressure chamber 4 on the cover 3. thereby to adjust the nozzle 7 to assure its alignment with the gate of the die. one such adjusting screw 8 being shown in Figure 1. and there may be as many such screws and variouslv located as desired around the flange 9 of the pressure chamber. which flange rests upon and may be further secured to the cover plate 3. In order to provide for easily lifting or removing the cover 3 and parts mounted thereon, counterbalancing weights 10 are hung to a cable 11 which passes over a pulley 11 and is secured to the upper edge of the cover plate 3. The inclination of the nozzle 7 and spout 6 prox ides for the draining of the molten metal from the nozzle 7 back into the pressure chamber 4 at the end of each casting operation.

The pressure-applying means for forcing out the molten metal from the pressure chamber 4 through its nozzle 7 into the die will now be described. and in carrying out my invention. a suitable pressure fluid, such as compressed air, is employed for this purpose. The metal-containing main body part of the combined melting pot and casting pot or pressure chamber 4 is contained Within the furnace 1 so as to be fully exposed to the heat therein, but at its upper end, which projects to the outside of the cover 3, the pressure chamber 4 has an interiorly reduced portion forming a small air chamber 12, it being desirable, both for economy and for speed'of operation, that the amount of pressure fluid used at each casting operation shall be reduced to a minimum. In this connection it is also to be noted that the comparatively small transverse or horizontal cross'sectional area of the vertically elongated pressure chamber 4 not only contributes to these desirable results but also results in only a small surface of molten metal to be exposed to the air, thereby reducing the formation of oxides and other dross. The compressed air, or other suitable pressure fluid, is admitted into and permitted to exhaust from the pressure chamber 4 through a pipe 13 connected to the upper end of the reduced portion 12 of the pressure chamber 4.

Automatically operated means are provided for controlling the .pressure fluid, such means including a valve device 14, which will now be described. Any suitable valve mechanism may be provided for controlling the pressure fluid, and the valve device 14 is a substantiallyusual form of three-way valve, which, for the sake of brevity, need not be illustrated or described as to all of its details. A supply pipe 15 is connected to the inlet .port of the valve device 14, the delivery port of the latter is connected to the pipe 13 leading to the pressure chamber 4, and the exhaust port thereof has connected thereto an exhaust pipe 1B" which may open to the atmosphere. The v'a'lvedevice 14 hasa depressible valve stem 17 which-is normally held at its upper position, or returned there to, by a coiled thrust spring 18. The valve stem 17 may be depressed by means of a small lever 19, of the firstforder, pivoted upon the valve body or casing. The construction and arrangement are. such that when the valve stem 17 is in the raised position shown in the drawings (Figs. 1, 2 and 2), the valve is closed, so that pressure fluid cannot pass from the supply pipe 15 throughthe valve device 14; and the pressure chamber pipe 13 is in communication,

through the valve device, With-the exhaust pipe 16, so that there will be no fluid pressure upon the molten metal in the pressure chamber 4. lVhen the valve stem 17 is de-' pressed, by lifting the outer end of the valve lever 1 the exhaust port, connected to the exhaust pipe 16, is closed and the supply pipe 15 is placed in communication, through the valve device, with the pressure chamber pipe 13, thereby admitting pressure fluid into the pressure chamber 4' to force the m'olten metal therefrom into the die. The means for automatically operating the valve device 14, to admit pressure fluid into or exhaust it from the pressure chamber 4, will be described hereinafter. A main supply pipe 20, which may be connected to any suitable source of pressure fluid, is adapted to communicate with the secondary supply pipe 15 through the intermediary of a second valve device 21 forming a part of an automatically opera-ted safety device to be hereinafter described and its purpose explained.

The die comprises two movable parts or sections 22 and 23, of a suitable contour on their inner faces so as, when closed together, to form between thein the die chamber or die cavity 24, (Figs. 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18), the shape of this cavity determining the shape of the casting, the die shown in the drawings being adapted to produce the casting shown in. Figs. 19 and 20 and referred to hereinafter. The first or inner die section 22 has centrally therethrough an inlet port or gate 25 communi-- eating with the die cavity 24 and termi-- nating outwardly at the back of-the die section in a recess 26 adapted to fit snugly over the end of the nozzle 7 when the die sections are closed together and brought to the casting position, as shown in Figs. 13 and 18. Y

The means for supporting the die sections 22 and 23 and for moving them relatively-to each other and to the nozzle 7 will now be described; according to my invention, autol'natically acting mechanism, hereinafterto be described, being provided for moving the die sect ons through a complete cycle, to and from the casting position, and

adapted to provide a die-charging period of rest of the die sections at the casting position.

A pair of inclined strong parallel supporting and guide ro' s 27 extend laterally outwardly and upwardly from the furnace 1. At their lower or inner ends the rods 27 are secured to the furnace 1 by means of a cross bar 28 bolted to the furnace 1 below the nozzle 7 and which is further supported and secured to the furnace by means of a pair of diagonal side rods 29 (Figs. 1, 2 and 3). The outer raised ends of the rods 27 are supported by means of brackets 30 upon the upper end of a supporting standard 31. Mounted upon the outer end portions of the rods 27 and adjustable hmgituiinally thereof is a mechanism-carrying frame or machine head For effecting adjustment of the frame 32, internally threaded worm wheels 33 are mounted to travel along screw-threaded portions-of the rods 27 between shoulder-forming portions of the frame 32 and shoulders formed by the rod-encircling ends of a transverse frame piece 34 bolted to the frame 32 to form a part thereof, the worm wheels 33 being engaged by worms 35 fixed on a transverse shaft 36 journaled in the ends of the frame piece 34 and having a squared end 37 for the application of a crank (Figs. 1, 3, 8 and 9). The frame 32 may be fixed in adjusted position by means of clamp nuts 38 on the rods 27 at the inner end of the frame. The above described adjusting means for the frame 32 provides for adjusting the inner die section 22 relatively to the nozzle 7, as will hereinafter appear.

The construction provided, as a part of my present invention, for supporting the die sections 22 and 23 and for moving them relatively to each other, and now to be described, is similar to that disclosed in the hereinbefore mentioned Pack patent. The inner die section 22, which is next to the nozzle 7, is supported by a first or inner die carrier 39, being secured to the outer side thereof from the nozzle 7, this die carrier having through it a central opening 40 large enough to receive freely the nozzle 7. The die carrier 39 is slidably mounted upon the rods 27, which form a guideway therefor and maintain the gate 25 of the die section 22 in alignment with the discharge port 41 of the nozzle 7. A plate-like die-carrieroperating member 42, forming a cross-head, is slidably mounted upon the rods 27 next to the frame part 32 and is rigidly connected to the die carrier 39 by four parallel guide rods 43. Outward from the first die carrier 39 from the nozzle 7 and slidab y mounted on the guide rods 43, which form a guideway therefor, is a second or outer die carrier 44, for the second or outer die section 23, which is supported thereon, at the inner side thereof, through the intermediary of an interposed U-shaped block 45 secured at its closed end to the die car rier 44, and a backing plate 46 secured to the open end of the block 45 and to which the die section 23 is secured (Figs. 1, 3, 12, 13 and 17), the interposed block 45 and plate 46 providing for the accommodation of parts of automatically operated corepulling and casting-ejecting devices to be hereinafter described.

In view of the fact that the inner die carrier 39, the slidable member or cross-head 42 and the connecting rods 43 form a rigid frame-work slidable as a unit, it is evident that by sliding the cross-head 42 in a forward direction, the inner die section 22 may be moved toward and clamped to the nozzle 7, and by sliding the cross-head 42 in the reverse or backward direction, the die section 22 will be retracted from the nozzle, and means involving my invention are to be hereinafter described for accomplishing this result. That part of the construction, hereinbefore referred toQfor moving the die carriers, and hence the die sections, relatively to each other will now be described. Two pairs of toggle links each comprise two toggle links 47 and 48 pivoted together, the link 48 being'considerably longer thanthe link 47 and being pivoted to the second or outer die carrier 44, while the shorter link 47 is pivoted to the slidable cross-head member 42, the two shorter links 47 being fixed, respectively, upon theends of a short horizontal rock shaft 49 extending transversely to the path of movement of the cross-head 42 and journaled in bearing lugs 50 thereon. A spur gear 51, having a radius less than that of the shorter toggle links 47, is fixed. upon the rock shaft 49 between the lugs 50 and at its lower side engages a stationary rack 52 carried by the central channel-shaped bar of a substantially I-shaped frame part which at one of its ends is bolted to the inner end of the header frame 32, and which at each of its ends is further supported upon the main supporting and guide rods 27 to partake of the sliding adjustment of the frame 32 thereon, hereinbefore described.

Upon movement being imparted to the first or inner die carrier 39, movement, in the same direction and at a multiplied rate, will be transmitted to thesecond or outer die carrier 44, through the coupling means including the toggle links 47 and 48 and the gear 51, these toggle links and the gear 51 forming operating means connecting together the two slidable die carriers 39 and 44 and the stationary frame 32, the outer die carrier 44 moving at a higher speed and through a greater distance than the inner die carrier 39, in the construction shown in the drawings, the outer die carrier 44 traveling, relatively to the nozzle 7, through about twice the distance traveled by the inner die carrier 39. The gear 51 in its travel along the rack 52 makes substantially a one-half rotation, so that when the die is open and retracted from the nozzle, as shown in Fig. 1, the shorter toggle links 47 will extend towards the frame 32, and when the die is closed and clamped to the nozzle, these shorter toggle links will extend in the opposite direction or towards the die carriers, as

shown in F ig. 3, so that the toggle is locked, thereby to lock or clamp the outer die section 23 firmly to the inner die section 22, the proportions'and arrangement of the parts being such that] this clamping together of the die sections takes'place at the same time that the inner die section is locked or clamped to the nozzle 7 by its operating means, next to be described. The inner die carrier. 39, together with its die section 22, may be adjusted relatively to the outer di carrier 44 and its die section 23, by means of nuts 54 on extended threaded end portions of the connecting guide rods 43 at the crosshead 42. It will now be seen that when the cross-head 42 ismoved in a forward direction the die sections will be closed together, and when it is moved in the reverse or backward direction the die sections will be separated. v

-The operating means for imparting sliding movement to the die-carrier-operating member" or cross-head 42, for thereby" imparting concomitant sliding movement to the die carriers 39 and 44, forms a part of thehereinbefore mentioned automatically acting mechanism for moving the die sec' tions through a complete cycle; as does also the above described means for moving the die sections relatively to each other. For sliding the cross-head 42, a secondset of toggle links is provided, comprising-two pairs, each having two tog le links 55 and 56 pivoted together, the hut 56 being con siderably longer than the link 55 and being pivoted to the cr0ss-head 42,- the shorter link 55 being ivoted to the stationary frame 32, the two shorter links 55 being fixed, respectively, upon the ends of a horizontal rock shaft 57, which extends transversely to the ath of movement of the cross-head and is ]ournaled inthe forward end of the frame '32. Means, presently to he described, are provided" for automatically rocking the rock shaft 57 through substantially one-halfrotations, first in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, andthen, after a diec-harging period of rest. of the die'at the casting position,-in a counter-clockwise direction. When the shaft 57 is thus rocked 1n the clockwise direction, it will turn the shorter toggle links 55 from their backwardly directed position} shown in Fig. 1,'

in which the die section 22 is retracted from the nozzle 7 and the die section 23 separated from the die section 22, to

their forwardly directed position shown in Fig. 3, in which the toggle is locked thereby to lock or clamp the inner die seetion 22 to the nozzle 7, also at the same time the outer die--section 23 being locked or clamped to the inner die section 22, so that the die will now be at the casting po ition,

shown in Figs. 3, 13, 15, 16 and 18. It will now be cleart-hat upon rocking the shaft 57 in the ciockwise direction, the die carriers will be moved in the forward direction and relatively to each other and to the nozzle,

open the die and retract it from the nozzle.

By adjusting the head or frame 32, as hereinbefore described, the inner die section 22 may be adjusted relatively to the nozzle 7, Without thereby disturbing the hereinbefore described adjustment of the die sections relatively toeach other.

Means for automatically operating the above described operating means for the cross-head 42 and forming a part of the complete automatically acting mechanism Will now be described. A worm wheel 58, fixed medially on the cross-head operating rock shaft 57, isengaged by aiworm 59 carried by the forward end of a reversible longitudinal shaft 60 journaled in the frame or head 32, it being evident that several rotaat the back of the machine the projecting end of the drive shaft 61 has fixed thereon a driving pulley 62 which may be driven from any suitable source of power, such as a line shaft or an electric motor.

- The drive shaft 61 may be connected to the reversible shaft 60 through the intermediary of-reversing gearing, including a double clutch or reversing clutch. Such clutchmay'be of any suitable construction,

and that employed in the present machine is of a well known construction, commonly used for various purposes and commonly 'known as the J ohnson clutch, and which therefore, has not been illustrated as to all its details; A bevel driving gear 63 fixed upon the inner end of the drive shaft 61 meshes at opposite sides with two aiigned bevel gears 64 and 65 fixed, respectively, upon the hub portions of a pair of similar op;

positely arranged cup-shaped clutch members 66 and 67 which are loosely mounted upon the reversible shaft 60 ig. 8), so that rotation of the drive shaft 61 will continuously rotate the clutch members 66 and 67 in opposite directions. A middle clutch member 68 isfixed upon the reversible shaft 60 and is shown as keyed thereto, and a clutch collar 69"is slidable longitudinally upon but (by means not shown) is rotative- 1y coupled' to the middle clutch member 68. lfixpan'sible split clutch bands 70 and 71 are carried by reduced end portions of the middle clutch member 68 to rotate therewith, the clutch bands 70 and 71 being located, respectively, within the cups formed by the respective cup-shaped outer clutch members 66 and 67, and being adapted to be expanded into frictional clutching engagement therewith so as to be driven thereby. When the slidable clutch element or collar 69 is at its middle position, shown in Fig. 8, the expansible clutchbands 70 and 71 are both free of or out of clutching engagement with the corresponding outer clutch members 66 and 67, so that both of the latter may free.y rotate idly, this being the neutral position of the clutch collar 69. Operating connections (not shown) are provided between the slidable clutch collar 69 and each of the expansible clutch bands 70 and 71, and these connections, in the construction shown, are adapted when the clutch collar 69 is slid to the left, as seen in Fig.8, to expand theleft-hand clutch band 70 into clutching or gripping relation with the rotating adjacent outer clutch member 66, the other crutch band 71 remairripg out of clutching engagement with the other outer clutch member 67; and when the clutch collar 69 is slid to the right, to expand the right-hand clutch band 71 into clutching engagement with the corresponding rotating outer clutch member 67, while the left-hand clutch. band 70 remains disengaged from the lefthand outer clutch member 66. Such operating connections commonly employed in this type of clutch comprise, for each clutch band 70, and 71, a cam wedge carried by the collar 69 and engageable between the adjacent ends of a pair of levers of'the secondorder fulcrumed at their other ends on an end of the middle clutch member 68 and engaging between the ends of the adjacent eigpansible split clutch band, 70 or 71, as the case may be. In the machine shown in the drawings, the construction and arrangement of the above described power-transmittin parts are suchthat the above noted left-ban position of the clutch collar 69 is the forward-drive position, for closing the die and clamping it to the nozzle, whi.e the righthand position of'the collar 69 is the backward-drive or reverse-drive, position, for opening the die and retracting it from the nozzle, the middle position of the collar 69 shown in Fig. 8 being, as above noted, a neutral or non-driving position.

A clutch shifter for the clutch collar 69 comprises a yoke 72 the arms of which have studs or pins 73 engaging in a circumferential groove in the collar 69, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the yoke 72 being fixed upon the lower portion of a rockable shaft 74 journaled in the front part of the frame 32 and having fixed upon its upper end a twoarmed clutch-controlling lever 75 overlying the frame and having a shorter forwardly extending arm provided at its end with a yoke-shaped head having short downwardly extending legs 76, and havingalong er rearwardly extending bent and offset arm provided with a downwardly spring pressed pin 77 which at its lower rounded end is yieldingiy engageable in any one of three recesses 78, 79 and 80 in the upper side of a lug 81 on the top of the frame 32. It will be evident that when the clutch-controlling lever 7 5 is in position for the pin 77 to occupy the first or lefthand recess 78 then the clutch collar 69 will be at the for w'ard-drive position; when the pin 77 is in the middle recess 79 as shown in Fig. 3 then the clutch collar 69 will occupy its middle or nondriving position shown in Fig. 8, and when the pin 77 is in the third or righthand recess 80 as shown in Fig. 4 then the clutch ooLar 69 will be at the reverse-drive position. For starting the machine in operation, a downwardly extending starting lever 82 is pivoted upon the front of the frame or head 32 and has an upstanding arm engaging at its end between bearing screws 83 in the legs 76 ofthe clutch-controlling lever 75.

Without necessity of again tracing out the complete operating connections, which have been hereinbefore described, by referring to Fig. 1, in which the operating parts of the machine are at rest with the die open and retracted from the nozzle, a.though it is assumed that the main drive shaft 61 is r0- tating, with the clutch in neutral condition, it will be evident that by moving the start ing lever 82 toward the left the clutch-controlling lever 75 Wizl be swung from its middle to its first position thereby to shift the clutch collar 69 from neutral to for w'arddrive or starting position, whereupon the die-carrier-operating rock shaft 57 will begin to rotate in a forward or clockwise di rection as viewed in Fig. 1. This rotative movement of the rock shaft 57 wi.l continue until the toggle links 55 thereon have reached a forwardly extending position with the toggle nearly locked at which time and during the final part of the forward traveling movement of the cross-head 42, a traveling tappct screw 84 moving towards the right (Figs. 1, 3 and 4) comes into con- 1 tact with the offset rear end of the clutchcontroling lever 75 and moves the latter from the forward-drive to the neutral position thereof as shown in Fig. 3, thereby automatically stopping the rotationof the die operating rock shaft 57 at substantially a half turn with the toggle locked and the die closed at the casting'position shown in Figs. 3, 13, 15, 16 and 18; the tappetscrew 84 being adjustably carried by a tappet :head 42 and adjustably secured thereto by means of nuts 87 and near its free end being guided at 88 in a part of the frame 32,

and being further similarly guided atits free end. The machine is nowin the condition hereinbefore referred to in which there is provided a die-charging period 0f rest of the die sections 22 and 23 at the cast ng position, and as is shown in Fig. 3. It 1s to be noted in this connection that the tappet screw 84 acts as a positive stop to prevent any possibility of the clutch-controlllng lever 7 5 being shifted from its neutral 'P OS1 tion back to its forward-drive position, while the die is at the casting position.

When the clutch collar 69 is at its middle or neutral position, either in the idle con-- dition' of the operating parts of the machine shown in Fig. 1 or in the casting posi- I worm gearing comprising the worm wheel 58 and the worm 59 plays an important part. In the non-operating condition of the machine shown in Fig. 1 this worm gearing w1ll prevent the die carriers 39 and 44 from sliding down towards the nozzle and will se-' curely hold them retracted from the nozzle and separated from each other, by reason of the fact that the worm 59 serves to lock the worm wheel 58 against rotation, as the low pitch of the worm 59 prevents it being driven or rotated by the worm wheel 58. Similarly, in the casting position of the parts of the machine shown in Fig. 3 this worm gearing serves to hold both sets of toggles, here- 'inbefore described, in securely locked condition, with the die closed and clamped to the nozzle in casting position, and prevents any possibility of the accidental breaking of the toggles, through back lash or otherwise.

As a part of the automatically acting mechanism, an automatic device, driven from the main shaft 61 and controlled by the die-carrier-operating member or cross-head 42, is provided for operating the valve device 14, to cause the molten metal to be shot into the die during its die-charging period of rest, and also for timing and terminating the die-charging period of rest of the die, such device operating to shift the clutch-controlling lever of the hcreinbefore described clutch shifter from its neutral to its reverse-drive position, whereby, after the molten metal has been shot into the ,die and the casting has sufliciently hardened, the die will be opened and retracted from the nozzle. as hereinbefore described. Such device includes a one-revolution clutch, which may be of any suitable'c-onstruction, and the particular clutch of this kind .shown in the drawings is of a well known construction, is commonly used in various relations, and is commonly known as the Adrian clutch. In carrying out my invention, this clutch is shown as built into the machine. It has a shaft 89 journaled in the outer and back part of the frame or head 32'and geared to the main drive shaft 61 to be continuously rotated thereby. For thus rotating the-clutch shaft 89, a spur gear 90 fixed on the drive shaft 61 at the back of the machine meshes with a larger spur, gear 91 fixed on the outer end of a short intermediate shaft 92 journaled in the frame 32 and which carries a worm 93 engaging a worm gear 94 fixed upon the lower end portion of the clutch shaft 89; the arrangement being such that the clutch shaft 89 will be rotated in a clock- Wise direction as viewedin Figs. 3 and 4. A clutch member 95, fixed on the clutch shaft 89 to rotate therewith, is provided with a plurality, shown as three, equidistantly circumferentially spaced upwardlyprojecting driving studs 96. 'A second clutch member 97, loosely mounted on the clutch shaft 89 above the rotating clutch member 95 and clearing the upper ends of .the driving studs 96, has extending therethrough and guided thereby parallel to the clutch shaft 89, a slidable clutch bolt 98, (Fig. 10) which at its upper end extends above the main or larger part of the clutch member 97 into a guide groove in an upper reduced portion or boss 99 formed on this clutch. member, and the bolt 98 is provided at its upper end with an outwardly projecting lug 100 whichis rounded on its lower side. Normally, or when the loosely mounted clutch member 97 is not to be driven by the rotating clutch member 95, the clutch bolt 98 is held at its upper and disengaged position by a sharpended bolt-disengaging wedge 101 which is engaged under the bolt lug 100, as shown in Fig. 10, this wedge being. pivoted on the frame 32 at 102 to be swung laterally out of engagement or into engagement with the bolt 98, a retractile spring 103 being provided to return the wedge 101 into position for engaging the bolt 98 and for yieldin'gly holding it there. IVhen the wedge 101 is disengaged from the bolt lug 100, the clutch inal position by its spring 103, whereupon,

. when the bolt lug 100 comes around it will override the wedge 101, whereby the bolt 98 will be withdrawn from en agement w th the driving studs 96 and, at the end of a single rotation, the uncoupled loose clutch member 97 will stop, by reason of fr ctional resistance, no special abutment-providing stopping means being required.

During the final part of the forward dieclosing and die-clamping movement of the die-carrier-operating member or cross-head 42 and substantially concurrently with the moving of the clutch-controlling lever 75 from its forward drive to its neutral position by the tappet screw 84 as hereinbefore described, the one-revolution clutch is set in operation by a forwardly extending upwardly yieldable finger or pawl 10a, pivoted on' the controlling rod 86 at 105, striking the upper end of an upstanding stud 100 on the. pivoted wedge 101 and moving the wedge out of engagement with the lug 100 of the clutch bolt 98. The pawl 10 1 as a whole is L-shaped, having an upstanding arm 107 yieldingly held against an abutment pin 108 on the rod 80 by a retractile spring 109 connected thereto and anchored to the rod (Fig. 1). A pair of cams 110 and 111, shown as formed in one piece (Fig. 9), are loosely mounted upon the upper end of the clutch shaft 89 and, by means of interengaging teeth (Figs. 9 and 10), are connected to the loosely mounted clutch member 97 to be rotated thereby, these interengaging teeth being formed, respectively, on the lower end of a reduced downward extension 1.12 from the lower cam 111, and on the up per end, of a similar reduced upward exten si'on 113 from the boss 99 of the clutch member 97, the clutch member extension 113 being journaled in the frame 32, so that the loose clutch member 97 forms a bearing for the clutch shaft 89. As the cams rotate with the coupled clutch member 97 a radially projecting pin 114 on the periphery of the upper cam 110 strikes the upstanding arm 107 of the pawl finger 104: and raises the latter out of engagement with the wedge stud 106, permitting the wedge 101 to be moved by its spring 103 into position for withdrawing the clutch bolt 98, thereby bringing the cams 110 and 111 to a stop at the end of a single rotation.

The clutch-driven upper cam 110 forms a part of acam device for automatically operating the valve device 11 to admit pressure fluid to the pressure chamber or melting pot 4 and exhaust it therefrom while the die is held at rest in the casting position, by reason of the clutch-controlling lever 75 remaining at its neutral position, thereby to eject the molten metal from the pressure chamber 4 through the nozzle 7 into the die. The cam 110 is shown as a double acting or double faced cam having in its upper side a continuous cam groove 115 having a long' inner circumferential portionand a short outer circumferential portion joined byinclined portions to provide a sloping cam projection 116 and an inclined cam shoulder 117. The cain groove 115 receives a cam roller 118 on the adjacent end of a slidable bar 119 guided at 120 in the frame 32 and pivoted at its other end to the inner and shorter arm of a straight lever 121 of the first order pivoted at 122 on the top and back part of the frame 32 and having a longer rearwardly projecting arm to which there is connected one end of a pull chain 123 which extends to the 'right and downward and has its other end'connected to the valve-operating lever 19 of the valve device 14:. lVhen the cam roller 118 is in the long inner circumferential portion of the cam groove 115 (Figs. 3 and 4) there will be no pull upon the chain 123, but the cam 110 is so timed that immediately after the die sections 22 and 23 have been locked together and the inner die section 22 locked to the nozzle 7, the-cam projection 116 will engage the cam roller 118 and will push the bar or link 119 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 3, thereby causing the lever 121 to exert a pull upon the chain 123 which will lift the outer end of the valve lever 19, so that the latter depresses the valve stem 17, whereby, in the manner hereinbefore described, pressure fluid is admitted into the pressure chamber 4 to force the molten metal therefrom into the die. After a short interval, during which the die is filled, with the cam roller 118 in the short outer circumferential portion of the cam groove 115, the continued rotation of the cam 110 causes the cam'shoul der 117 to engage the cam roller 118 and retract the bar 119, thereby causing the lever 121 to release its pull upon the valve-openating chain 123 and permitting the valveclosing spring 18 to lift the valve stem 17, thereby, in the manner hereiniefore described, shutting off the supply of pressure fluid to the pressure chamber 1 and exhausting the pressure fluid therefrom; the pressure fluid being exhausted from the pres sure chamber while the die is still in the closed condition and clamped to the nozzle in casting position; and the die is now left at the casting position for a further proper period of time for the casting to cool and harden to a safe extent, as will presently appear.

A second cam device, including the lower clutch-driven cam 111, is provided for automatically shifting the clutch-controlling lever 75 of the clutch shifter from its neutral position shown in Fig. 3 to its reversedrive position shown in Fig. 4, whereby, through the operation of the reversed reversing gearing, the die will be opened and retracted from the nozzle, as hereinbefore described. The cam 111 has a peripheral cam face made up of a long inner or depressed circumferential part and a shorter but comparatively long circumferentially faced cam rise or projection 124 which slopes gradually at its leading end and terminates abruptly (Fig. 4). The cam face of the cam'lll engages a cam roller 125 on the adjacent end of a diagonally arranged slidable push bar 126 which at its other end is engageable with the inclined or bent portion of the clutch-controlling lever 7 5, the push bar 126 being provided with a guide 127 on the frame 32 and being further guided in the latter adjacent the cam roller 125. The push bar 126 is of a length so that when its cam roller 125 is opposed to the inner or depressed part of the cam face of the cam 111,this push bar will not obstruct the movement of the clutch-controlling lever 75 to the starting or forward-drive position, but

*when the cam roller 125 rides onto the cam projection 124 the free end of the push bar 126 will engage the clutch-controlling lever 75 and push it from its neutral position shown in Fig. 3 to its reverse-drive position shown in Fig. 4, whereupon the die will be opened and retracted from the nozzle, as hereinbefore described. The cam 111 is so timed that the cam projection 124 will engage the cam roller 125 after the molten metal has been shot into the die and the fluid pressure thereon released, and also after a suitable redeterm'ined period of rest of the die at the casting position, for the hardening of the casting. It is to be noted that the cam projection 124 is of sutlicient circumferential length that it will positively hold the clutch-controlling lever 75 at the reverse-drive position substantially throughout the return movement of the die carriers 39 and 44. Immediately after the cam roller 125 escapes the abrupt end of the cam projection 124, a backwardly traveling tappet screw 128 carried by the clutch-controlling rod 86, and adjustable through a tappet block 129 which is adjustable along this rod, will engage the outer oflset end of the clutch-controlling lever and will shift the latter from the reverse-drive to the neutral position, thereby, in the manner hereinbefore described, stopping the reverse rotation of the die-earrier-operating rock shaft 57, with the die carriers 39 and 44 at rest in the open and retracted position of the die sections 22 and 23 shown in Fig. 1. the die carriers having now been moved through a complete cycle, and a'complete cycle of operations of all parts of the machine has now taken place, although some of these parts and operations are yet to be described. It is to be noted that the tappet screw 128 in engagement with the clutch-controlling lever 75 will now prevent the shifting of this lever from the neutral to the reverse drive position.

. An automatically operated safety device is PIOVIdBd to prevent the admission of pressure fluid to the pressure chamber 4 at any other time except when the die is closed and clam ed to the nozzle 7 in casting posit on. Ot erwise such admission might posslblyoccur accidentally, for example, by reason of a erson inadvertently coming into contact wit the valve-opening chain 123. This safety device includes the valve device 21, which forms a safety valve. The valve dev1ce ,21 is of substantially the same constructlon as the valve device 14, and has a corresponding depressible valve stem 130, and valve-closing spring 131. The main pressure fluid supply pipe 20 is connected to the inlet port of the valve device 21, its delivery port is connected to the pipe 15 leading to the valve device 14, and the ex haust port is connected to. an exhaust pipe 133. A long rockable valve-operating lever 134, pivoted at its lower end upon the valve body or casing, is pivotally connected at its upper end to a small downwardly extending rock arm 135 carried by the front end of a small transverse rock shaft 136 journaled in bearings 137 on the lower side of the cross bar 28. The rock shaft 136 has fixed medially thereon a small downwardly projectmg operating arm 138. The inner die carrier 39 is provided at its lower edge with a downwardly projecting bracket arm 139 which carries an adjustable tappet screw 140, the operating arm 138 being in the terminal part of the path of movement of this tappet screw, as the die carrier 39 moves toward the nozzle 7. Just before the die section 22 comes into contact with the nozzle 7,

the tappet screw 140 engages the operating retracted and the valve-operating lever 134 will be rocked in the opposite ,direction, thereby permitting the valve spring 131 to close the valve of the valve device 21, communication at the same time being opened between the secondary supply pipe 15 and the exhaust pipe 133; hence when the valve 21 is thus closed, the valve 14 has already been closed, in themanner hereinbefore described. It will now be evident that the valve 21 is open only substantially during the time that the valve 14 is open, and is closed at all other times.

Automatically operated core-pullin and casting-ejecting mechanisms are provi ed as features of my invention, and will now be described, such mechanisms being carried by the second or outer die carrier 44 and being arranged to be operated by the relative movement of the die carriers, through operating means connected to the first or inner die carrier 39 to move therewith. In the machine shown in the drawings as an embodiment of my invention, the core-pulling and the cast ing-ejecting mechanisms are to some extent combined in that they share or have some parts in common, as will presently appear; also in some respects these two mechanisms or devices bear a close resemblance, having similar features of construction; therefore the description of these mechanisms must to some extent be in common, although their different operations are performed at different times in timed relation, the cores being first withdrawn and then the casting ejected. The core-pulling mechanism will be first considered.

The operating means for the greater part of the core-pulling mechanism comprises a rack bar 141 which at one of its ends is adjustably connected by means of nuts 142, to

the lower and front part of the cross-head.

42, which latter, as hereinbefore described, is connected to the first or inner die carrier 39 by the rods 43. The other end portion of the rack bar 141 is guided in the outer die carrier 44, and the rack teeth thereon engage a spur gear 143 on its forward side, the relation in the construction shown, being such that this gear will be rotated through about a one-half turn, in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed from above (Fig. 17 as the die sections are separated and similarly in the opposite direction as the die sections are brought together. The gear 143 is connected to or carries an inner cam 144, and an outer second cam 145 is formed in one piece with the inner cam 144. The gear 143 and the cams 144 and 145 carried thereby are loosely journaled on a stub shaft 146 screwed at its upper end into the lower side of the die carrier 44 (Fig. 13)

The inner or upper cam 144 has in its upper side a cam groove 147 in which engages a cam roller 148 on the lower side of the adjacent end of a short rack member 149 slidably guided in the lower part of the die carrier. On its forward toothed side the rack member 149 engages the lower end of a toothed pinion-forming shaft 1550 (Figs. 12 and 17) journaled in and extending upward through the die carrier, as shown in dotted lines at theleft in Fig. 12, this pinion shaft being held in place by a screw pin 151 entering a circumferential groove in the upper end thereof. The pinion shaft or long pinion 150 engages rack teeth formed on the forward sides of a pair of similar plungers 152 guided in the die carrier to slide parallel with the carrier-guiding rods 43, each plunger including a forward extension 153 secured thereto by a longitudinal bolt 154 (Fig. 13) The forward ends of the plunger extensions 153 carry a core-operating plate 155; and the plate 155 has detachably affixed thereto a core-carrying plate 156- shown as provided with two large cores 157 and 158 and a small core 158 which extend through the backing plate 46 and die section 23, and which are adapted to be projected into the die cavity 24, as shown in Figs. 13, 15, 16 and 18, or to be withdrawn as in Figs. 1 and 17.

The outer or lower cam 145 has in itsperiphery, and extending a little more than half way around, a cam groove 159 in which. engages a cam roller 160 on the forward side of a comparatively short rockable lever arm 161 carried, at the back of and below the die carrier, upon the adjacent end of a squared transverse horizontal fulcrum-forming rock shaft 162 having round ends pivoted on the lower ends of downwardly extending lugs 163, on the die carrier 44, and held in place by detachable bearing caps 164 (Figs. 1, 12 and 13). A longer core-pulling lever 165 is fixed at one end on the rock shaft 162 to be adjustable therealong and is shown (Fig. 12) as just forward of the middle of this shaft. The core-pulling lever 165 projects forwardly beneath the die section 23 and at this end rigidly carries an upwardly extend-' ing rod 166 (Fig. 1) which is adjustable along the lever, to vary theeffec-tive length .of the latter, by means of nuts 167 and a toothed upper washer 168 engaging serrations on the upper side of the lever, the lower end of this rod passing through a slot in the end of the lever. By means of a short link 169, (Figs. 1, 14 and 16)-the upper end of the rod 166 is pivotally connected to a core head 170 to which is connected the lower end of a large core 171 which is guided in a lug on the face of the outer die section 23 and which is adapted to have its upper end projected upwardly into the die cavity 24, as shownin Figs. 14 and 16, or to be withdrawn downwardly therefrom, as in Fig. 1.

A. second rack bar 172, similar to the rack bar 141, operates more of the core-pulling mechanism and also operates the castingejecting mechanism, presently to be described. At its rear end the second rack bar 172 is adjustably connected, by means of nuts 173, to the back and upper part of the crosshead 42. The forward end of the rack bar 172 is guided in the outer die carrier 44. and its rack teeth engage a spur gear 174 at the back thereof, this gear forming a part of both the core-pulling and ejector mechanisms. The gear 174 is similar to the gear 143 and similarly has substantially one-half rotations. alternately in opposite directions, imparted thereto. so that when the die sections are separated the gear 174 will rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed from above in Fi 1 and as seen in plan in Fig. 3, and will o rotated in the opposite direction as the die sections are brought together, shown in Figs. 3 and 13. The gear 174 is connected to or carries an inner or lower cam 175, and an outer .or upper second cam 17.6 is formed in one piece with the lower cam175, the lower cam 175 forming a part of the casting-ejecting mechanism, while the upper cam 176 forms a part of the core-pulling mechanism. The gear 174 and the cams 175 and 176 carried-thereby are loosely jourround ends on the upper ends of lugs 182 Eprojecting up from the die carrier 44, and held in place by detachable bearing caps 183 (Figs. -1, 3, 12 and 13). A core-pulling lever 184, longer than the arm 180, has one end fixed on and adjustable along the square shaft 181, being shown (Figs. 3 and 12) as- .at the middle of this shaft. The core-pulling lever 184 projects at its forward end above the die section 23 and there rigidly carries a downwardly extending rod 185 (Figs. 1 and 13) which, by means of nuts 186 and a toothed lower washer 187 engaging serrations on the lower side of the lever, is adjustable along the lever, thereby to vary the efifective length of the latter, the upper end of thisrod passing through a slot in the end of the lever. A short link 188 (Figs. 13 and 14) pivotally connects thelower end of the rod 185 to a core head 189 to which is connected the upper end of a small core 190 which is guided in the die section 23 and is adapted to have its reduced lower end portion projected downwardly into the die cavity 24, as shown in Figs. 13, 14 and 18, or to be withdrawn upwardly therefrom, as in Fig. 1.

It is to be noted that the cores 157, 158 and 158*, carried by the core plate 156, have withdrawing and repositioning movement in the same direction or in line with the movement of the die carriers 39 and 44, while the movement of the oppositely moving cores 171'and 190, as they arewithdrawn or repositioned, is transverse to the direction 0r line of movement of the die carriers. It is of course to be understood that the several above noted cores are to be used only with the particular die shown, for producing the particular casting shown in Figs. 19' and 20, and that other cores differently located-may be employed when the die is changed for casting other objects.

The particular cast object shown in Figs. 19 and 20 comprises two independent castings 191 and 192 joined together by a tubular sprue193 having thin fins 194 and 194, from which-the two castings 191 and 192 may be easily broken oil, as an after operation. It is desirable of course to have as little metal as possible in the sprue while at the same time providing for freedom of fiow,

and therefore the large taper-ended central core 157is employed to extend into the die gate 25 and at its extreme tapered end into the port 41 of the nozzle 7, as shown in Figs. 13 and 18. The large central bore in the upper casting 191 is produced by the large upper core 158 on the core plate 156, and the smallcounterbore by the small upper transverse core 190; while the large bore in the head end of the lower casting 192 is produced by the lower large transverse core 171, and the small counterbore by the small lower core 158 carried by the core plate 156; as is clear from the drawings.

The contour of their cam grooves and the timing of the above described core-pulling cams 144, 145 and 176 are such that all the above described cores will be Withdrawn from the casting during the separating movement of the die sections, and sufliciently before the completion of this movement to allow for the ejector mechanism to, operate.

to eject the casting during the final or terminal part of this movement and after the cores have been withdrawn.

For use wit-h other dies, when the die is changed for making different kinds of castings, core-pulling levers 195 and 196, shown in broken lines in-Figs. 12 and 17, may be installed upon the front and backof the die carrier 44, on the supporting lugs 197 and 198 there provided, together with suitable lever- operating cam devices 199 and 200, indicated in outline by broken lines, and pro vided for by the transverse bores 201 and 202, in the die carrier, this mechanism being similar to that above described for operating the lower and upper core-pulling levers 165 and 184, and being similarly operated, and the core-pulling levers 195 and 196 being adapted to pull cores from the front and back, respectively, as shown in Fig. 17. Also it is to be understood that the lower and up per core-pulling levers, together with their operating devices may be detached and removed, and, if desired, may be installed at the front and back of the die carrier 44, the same as the outlined core-pulling levers 195 and 196 and their operating devices 199 and 200.

The casting-ejecting mechanism will now 174 and the adjacent ejector cam 175, and this ejector' mechanism is similar to that part of the above described core-pulling mechanism for operating the core-operating plate 155, for the cores which pass through the die section 23. The ejector cam 175 has in its lower side a cam groove 203 (Figs. 3, 12 and 13) in which engages a cam. roller 204 on the upper side of the adjacent end of a short rack member 205 slidably guided-1n theupper part of the die carrier 44. On its rear toothed side the rack member 205 ongages the upper end of a long pinion or pinion shaft 206 (Figs. 3, 12 and 17) ournaled in and extending downward through the die carrier at the rear of the core mechanism pinion shaft 150, as shown in dotted lines at the right in Figure 12, this plnion shaft 206 being held in place by a screw pm 207 entering a circumferential groove in the,

lower end thereof. The pinion shaft 206 engages rack teeth formed on the rear sides of a pair of similar ejector plungers 208 guided in the die carrier to slide parallel with the carrier-guiding rods 43. An ejector plate 209 is secured upon the forward ends of the ejector plungers 208 by means of long bolts 210 passing through the tubular plungers. The ejector plate has detachably affixed thereto a pin-carrying plate 211, and it is to be noted that the plunger extensions 153 of the core mechanism plungers 152 pass through the ejector plate 209 and the pin-carrying plate2l1. The pincarrying plate 211 is shown as provided with a plurality, shown as seven, of small ejector pins 212, and with two larger pins 213, all of which extend through the coreoperating plate 155 and core-carrying plate 156, and also extend through the backing plate 46 and die section 23. The smallerejector pins 212 may be projected beyond the face of the die section 23, as shown in Figs. 1 and 17, for ejecting the casting shown in Figs. 19 and 20, or may be retracted into the die section, as shown in Figs. 13, 15, 16 and 18. The larger and stronger pins 213 in the present case do not perform an ejecting function, but serve as rigid guides for the smaller ejecting pins 212, and also for the cores carried by the plate 156.

It is to be understood that other ejector pins, differently located, may be employed for ejecting castings other than that shown in Figs. 19 and 20, upon the die being changed.

The timing of the ejector cam 175 and the contour of its cam groove 203 are such that the ejector pins, such as 212, will be pro jected to eject the casting during the final part of the separating or die-opening movement of the die sections 22 and 23, and after the cores have been withdrawn, as hereinbefore described.

ment of the die sections at the casting position.

The automatically operated metal replenishing feed mechanism provided for automatically feeding ingots to the casting pot or pressure chamber 4, which also is a melting pot, will now be described. This mechanism, as has been hereinbefore noted,-is, in a general way, similar to that forming the subject of the hereinbefore mentioned patent to Pack. However, not only does this mechanism in a general way form a feature in combination in the complete machine of my present invention, but also such mechanism containsfeatures involving my invention and which more particularly adapt it for entering into such general combination.

Cylindrical ingots 216 are contained in a trough or open top chute 217 and in the upper end of a tubular feed chute 218 which extends downward from the bottom of the trough 217 and opens intothe upper end of the combined melting pot and pressure chamber 4 through its cap 5. The trough 217 is slightly inclined from the horizontal so that the ingots will roll down into the upper end of the tubular chute 218, their entry being assured by an abutment 219 1n the trough 217, and the tubular chute 218 is shown as slightly inclined from the vertical and as arranged at right angles to the trough 217. The trough 217 extends out towards the machine head'32 and is provided with braces 220 and 221 connected to the furnace 1.

An automatically operated ingot-feeding escapement device is provided to drop the ingots 216 one by one through the feed tube 218. A short lever 222 is pivotally fulcrumed at its middle on a lug 223 projecting from a bracket plate 224 mounted upon the upper end of the feed tube 218 at the right side thereof as viewed in Fig. 1, this lever extending along the feed tube 218 near the upper end thereof. The lower end of the lever 222 is pivoted to the outer end of an ingot-engaging finger 225 passing through and guided in an opening in the feed tube 218, and the upper end of the lever 222 is pivoted to a similar finger 226, this latter finger, however, being extended outward and having pivoted to its outer end the upper end of an operating lever 227 of the first order which below and outward from the lower end of the finger-connected lever 222 is pivotally fulcrumed on a lug or bracket 228 projecting from the lower end of the bracket plate 224, the lower and longer arm of the operating lever 227 being bent first outwardly and then downwardly. It is evident that by rocking the operating lever 227 in one direction and then in the other, the inner ends'of the fingers 225 and 226 will be alternately projected into the path of the ingots 216, and correspondingl withdrawn therefrom, in Fig. 1 the lower 'nger 225 being shown as thus projected, beneath the lowermost ingot, while the upper finger 226 is withdrawn. Upon outward movement of the lower end of the operating lever 227, the lower finger 225 will be withdrawn to permit the lowermost ingot to drop through the feed tube 218, while the upper finger 226 will be projected into the path of the next following ingot. Upon inward movement of the lower end of the operating lever 227, the upperfinger 226 will be withdrawn and the lower finger 225 will be projected into the feed tube 218, so that the lowermost ingot will escapepast the upper finger 226 and will now rest upon the lower finger 225, the condition now being again the same as shown in Fig. 1.

An automatically operated valve is provided in the feed tube 218 below the above described ingot-feeding device, to be kept closed when there is pressure of pressure fluid in the pressure chamber 4,to prevent the escape of the pressure fluid, and to be opened at a time when there is no pressure of pressure fluid in the pressure chamber 4, to provide for the dropping of an ingot 216 through the feed tube 218 into the pressure chamber 4 to replenish the metal therein. Such valve is shown as a gate valve con1- prising a valve casing 229 connected in the feed tube 218 and providing a seat for a wedge-shaped valve gate 230. The slidable valve gate 230 has connected thereto an operating rod 231 provided with spaced adjustable nuts 232 between which the lower end of the operating lever 227 of the ingot feeding device engages, so that thereby a connection is formed between the valve gate 230 and the above described ingot-feeding device to coordinate their movements so as to assure or compel their concurrent operation, the arrangement being such, as will be evident from Fig. 1, that when the valve gate 230 is opened the lowermost ingot will' be released by the lower finger 225, to drop through the feed tube 218 and unobstructed valve casing 229 of the open valve into the pressure chamber 4, the reserve supply of ingots then being held back by the upper finger 226, and then when the valve gate 230 is closed the ingots 216 will be released by the upper ingot-holding finger 226 and will descen upon the lower ingot-holding finger 225, as shown in Fig. 1.

Automatically controlled fluid pressure operated means are provided for effecting the above described concurrent operation of the chute-controlling gate valve and the ingot-feeding device. The operating rod 231, which is a piston rod, carries at its outer end from the valve gate 230 and is operated by a double-acting piston 232' in a cylinder 2233 supported at the rear of and upon the top of the fire box 1 by a bracket 234. A

suitable pressure fluid, such as compressed air, for operating the piston 232, is admitted to the cylinder 233 through pipes 235 and 236 connected to the opposite ends of this cylinder, and the used pressure fluid is' exhausted from the cylinder through the same pipes. When piston-operating pres-- sure fluidis admitted to the cylinder 233 through the pipe 235, at the left end thereof as viewed in Fig. 1, the valve gate 230 will be opened and an ingot dropped into the pressure chamber 4, and when the pressure fluid is admitted to the cylinder 233 through the pipe 236, at the other end thereof, the valve gate 230 will be closed and an ingot permitted to descend onto the lower finger 225.

Automatically operated fluid pressure controlling means are provided in control of the pressure fluid to cause the proper operation of the piston 232 in the cylinder 233. Such means may include any suitable valve mechanism in control of the pressure fluid, and the valve device 237 shown in Fig. 1 is a common form of four-way valve, of the rotary type, and therefore need not have all its details of construction shown. The pipes 235 and 236, connected to the opposite ends of the cylinder 233, arevconnected at their other ends to the valve device 237 also connected to the valve device 237 are a pressure fluid supply pipe or inlet pipe 238 and an exhaust pipe 239, the supply pipe 238 at its other or intake end being connected to the main supply pipe 20. The valve device 237 is shown as located in an inclined position at the rear of the fire box 1 and as supported by means of a bracket 240 mounted on the adjacent side rod 29. The valve device 237 has a rockable stem or spindle 241 which projects to the outside at its lower end, and the arrangement is such that when this valve stem is rocked in one direcion, for example, in a clockwise direction as viewed from below, pressure fluid will be admittedyto the left end of the cylinder 233 through the pipe 235 and will be exhausted from the other end of the cylinder through the pipe 236, thereby to open the valve gate 230 and to cause the ingot on the lower finger 225 to be dropped'thereby, and when the valve stem 241 is rocked in the opposite direction, the

valve gate 230 will be closed against escape;

of pressure fluid from the pressure chamber 4, an ingot will be let down upon the lower finger 225 in readiness to be dropped thereby, as shown in Fig. 1.

In carrying out my invention, operating means are provided and operated automatr cally from a suitably moving part of the machine, for automatically operating the fluid pressure controlling valve device 237 in proper timed relation with the operation of the hereinbefore described au. ;mat1cally operated valve device 14, so as thereby to assure the feeding of ingots to the pressure chamber 4 only at such times as there is no pressure of pressure fluid therein, such operating means embodying automatically acting selective controlling means. comprising a selector device, whereby the frequency of the ingot-feeding operations relatively to the casting operations may be varied as desired.

Such selective controlling means play an im' portant part by reason of the fact that commonly each ingot 216 contains enough metal for several casting operations, the number of such operations per ingot depending upon the size of the castings, which may vary considerably upon changing the die for the casting of different articles. By reason of the selectively operating controlling means employed, an ingot 216 may be fed to the pressure chamber 4 for each casting operation or only at intervals following a edeternuned number of casting operations, as may be desired. The above noted operating means, together with the controlling means therefor, will now be more particularly described.

A stationary stud or stub shaft 242 projecting backwardly at the back of the fire box 1 has loosely mounted thereon a ratchet wheel 243 which has ratchet teeth, shown as twelve in number, which are rather long-radially, and thereby provide correspondingly deep notches between the ratchet teeth. At

the successive casting operations, the ratchet wheel 243 is rotated step by step in the forward or a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 1, 5 and 6, one step or to the extent of one tooth at each casting operation, by means of a two-armed rocker 244 loosely pivoted or fulcrumed on the stud 242 at the rear of or outwardly from the ratchet wheel 243. The rocker 244 has a lower rock arm extending beyond the periphery of the ratchet wheel 243 and there provided with a pivoted spring-pressed pawl 245 engageable with the successive teeth of the ratchet wheel to rotate it as above described. The rocker 244 has an upper rock arm to which is pivoted one end of a link rod 246 the other end of which is pivoted to a short upwardly extending rock arm 247 fixed upon the rear end of the transverse rock shaft 136. This rock shaft and the means for rocking it have been hereinbefore described in connection with the hereinbefore described safety valve device 21, so that it now becomes apparent that this rock shaft and its operating means serve a double purpose.

When the tappet screw 140 carried by the inner die carrier 39, comes into contact with the operating arm 138, on the rock shaft 136, in the final part of the forward travel of this die carrier and before the die section 22 comes into contact with the nozzle 7, the rocking of the rock shaft 136, in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, will cause the ratchet pawl 245 to move back idly over one tooth of the ratchet wheel 243, while the latter remains stationary. When the tappet screw 140 is retracted by the backward movement of the die carrier 39 as it moves the die section 22 away from the nozzle 7, the pawl 245 engages a teeth of the ratchet wheel 243 and rotates the latter one step or one tooth, this movement for rotating the ratchet wheel-243 being imparted to the rocker 244 by a retractile spring 248 connected to its upper rock arm, a stud or pin 249 providing a stop for the rocker 244 when it is thus moved by the spring 248. A rockable finger 250 is loosely mounted to rock on the stud 242 at the other side of the ratchet wheel 243 from the rocker 244, the tip of this linger terminating outward from the bottoms of the ratchet wheel notches and inward from the ends of the ratchet wheel teeth, and shown as terminating at about one-third of the length of the teeth. The lower end of the finger 250 has therein a substantially radial slot 251 in which works a pin 252 on the adjacent end of a slidablc rack bar 253 provided with a guide 254 e. tending from the lower end of the valve device 237. The other end portion of the rack bar 253 has thereon rack teeth engaging a pinion 255 which is fixed upon the lower end of the rockable valve stem 241 of the valve device 237, the rack bar 253 passing to the rear of the pinion 255 as viewed in Fig. 1, as is indicated by the rack teeth appearing on the rack bar 253 in Figs. 5 and 6. The rack bar 253 is normally held at its right hand position, as viewed in Figs. 1, 5 and 6, by a retractile spring 256 shown' as connected to the rockable finger 250, to hold it against a stop pin 257, this position of the finger 250 and rack bar 253 corresponding to the closed condition of the chute-controlling valve gate 230 shown in Fig. 1. When the finger 250 is in this position, it overlies one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 243, but terminates short thereof, and also is not quite flush with the radial or abrupt side of the tooth. Means for causing the pawl 245 to engage and operate the finger 250, or to prevent such engagement and operation, as may be desired, will now be described.

The ratchet wheel 243 carries a complete circular series of twelve radially arranged

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