US2631342A - Molding and casting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

March 17, 1953 H. ROMINE MOLDING AND CASTING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 2, 1948 v I A E E N N QN W mm m Q MW JV W slfifl Q A m A H A M 0 H Y B Nfi um March 17, 1953 H. 1.. ROMINE MOLDING AND CASTING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 2, 1948 INVENTOR. Han m Z flo/wm/i,

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Patented Mar. 17, 1953 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE MOLDING AND CASTING APPARATUS Homer L. Romine, Arcadia, Calif., assignor to Pacific Cast Iron Pipe .& Fitting Co southgate, Calif a corporation of California Application April 2, 1948, Serial No .:;18,fi2.,6

18 Claims.

"Ihe present inventionrelates to-the centrifugal casting of objects, particularly those of tubular shape.

In the centrifugal casting of objects of various types, it has heretofore been .necessary to maintain the cast objects in the molds and on the centrifugal casting equipment until the objects .had cooled sufficiently to permit their removal. As a result, the equipmenthas been utilized in the casting of each object for a relatively long period, which greatly limits the ra-teof production, with its attendant loss in efliciency and economy.

It is, accordingly, an object ofv the present invention to reduce the time required for centrifugally casting an object, which may be of tubular form.

Another object of the invention is to provide a closed, continuous system foroentrifugally casting tubular and other objects.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for centriiugally casting tubular objects, with their opposite ends possessing the desired configuration or configurations.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a system for centrifugally casting tubular objects in flasks, including aplurality of stations between which'the flasks arereadily transferable without the necessity formanual handling.

Yet a further object of theinvention is to provide a conveyor system capable of automatically and accurately "spacinga 'plurality of casting flasks, to enable their simultaneous transfer to a work station, such as one. at which sand is molded in the flasks.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for formi g a sand mold in one or more rotating flasks.

Still a further objectof the invention is to provide an apparatus for simultaneously forming the opposite ends of a sand .mold in a rotating flask.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for pouring moltenmetal into a rotating mold and for insuring production of the desired shape of the object in a rapid and facile manner.

Another object of theinventionis to centrifugally cast tubular objects inflasks and reduce the time during which the flasks are required to remain at the pouring station.

Another object of the invention-is to provide an apparatus capable of. removing. a rotating mold from the location atwhich molten metal is oured into it, afterrpouringhas been completed, but before themold has ceased; rotating.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved conveyor 'for transferring one or more flasks to and from a station at which molten metal is poured into a sand mold contained within the flask.

Another object vof the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for rotating a flask during the forming of a sand'mold therewithin. Another phase 'of this aspect of the invention reside in the provisionfof improved means for applying contact pressurebetween the flask and friction supporting and driving rollers to insure rotation of the flask and its maintenance in the desired operating position.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for rotating 2. flask and holding it in operativeposition during the pouring operation.

A further objectof the invention is to, provide improved apparatus for removing a cast object and sand from a flask.

Still a further [object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for removing the cast object and sand from a flask, and for disposing the empty flask in position for the forming therein of another mold.

This invention has other objects'that willbe apparent froma consideration of the method described herein and of the embodiment shown in the drawings accompanying and forming "part of the present specification. Such form will now be described in detail to illustrate the general principles of the invention, but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be'taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a diagrammatic top plan view of the general system employed in 'centrifugally casting pipe;

Fig. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic front elevation of thesystem shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an, enlarged side elevation of the mold forming station, takengenerally along the line 3.-3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation, as seen from the right of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a view similato. Fig. .3, with the flasks in position for receiving sand from a hopper;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through the forming portion, ofthe apparatus, dis-closing the forming tool in position for shaping the bell ends in the mold;

Fig. '2 isa 'transverseeview taken generally along the linefly-ll onFjig, 6;

3 Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial longitudinal section, illustrating the movement of the formi I bar within the sand in a flask;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8, disclosing the formation by the forming bar of a bell end in the sand disposed in the flask;

Fig. 10 is a partial isometric projection of one end of the forming tool;

Fig. 11 is a transverse view through the pouring station, taken along the line ll-II on Fig, 2;

Fig. 12 is a cross section taken along the line I2--l2 on Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a partial longitudinal sectional and elevational view through one of the flasks at the pouring station, with the parts in position for the pouring of the molten metal into the mold;

Fig. 14 is a partial view disclosing the actuating mechanism for moving the ladies to and from pouring positions;

Fig. 15 is an end view at the pouring station disclosing the ladle'me'chanism for pouring metal into the molds;

Fig. 16 is a transverse view through the shakeout station, taken generally along the line i8 16 on Fig.2;

Fig. 17 is a partial view, on a reduced scale, similar to Fig. 16, illustrating the swinging of the flasks through ninety degrees from the position shown in Fig. 16, to enable the cast objects and sand to be removed from the flasks;

Fig. 18 is a partial View similar to Fig. 16, disclosing the flasks after they have been swung through 180 degrees from the Fig. 16 position;

Fig. 19 is a View taken along the line Ill-l8 on Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 is a view taken along the line ZB2B on Fig. 16, with the clamp mechanism in open position;

Fig. 21 is a View similar to Fig. 20, with the clamp mechanism in closed position;

Fig. 22 is a front elevation of the transfer and car mechanism for moving the flasks between stations and for locating the flasks in appropriately spaced relation;

Fig. 23 is an enlarged section taken along the line 2323 on Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 is an enlarged front elevation of the portion of the roller conveyor for transferring the flasks to and from the pouring station, cooling station, and shakeout station; and

Fig. 25 is a section taken generally along the line 2525 on Fig. 24.

The system disclosed in the drawings has been designed specifically for the centrifugal casting of pipe having bell ends. It is to be understood that the system is generally applicable to the centrifugal casting of objects, and, particularly, tubular objects.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be noted that the system includes a flask transfer station A, where a plurality of cylindrical flasks it) may be conveyed in properly spaced relation to a molding station B, where sand is disposed in the flasks, which are then centrifugally actuated and operated upon by a forming device to provide the desired sand mold form in the flask. From the molding station, the flasks are transferred to a roller conveyor C, which is operated to place the flasks ill in operative position at a pouring station D, at which molten metal is poured into the molds While they are being rotated in order to produce the centrifugal casting.

From the pouring station, the roller conveyor C transports the flasks or molds, with the pipe cast therein, to a cooling zone E, where a cooling 4 medium is moved through the pipe to accelerate its cooling. Continued movement of the convey 0 places the flasks, with the pipe cast therein, at a shakeout station F, at which th pipe and sand are removed from the flasks and separated from one another. The empty flasks are deposited on a track or rollway G, to enable their conveyance back to the flask transfer station A. The cast pipe itself is removed from the shakeout station F in any suitable manner, and is placed at any desired location, remote from the casting apparatus.

The sand removed from the flasks at the shakeout station F drops upon a conveyor belt l l, which may extend under the rollway G, and which carries the sand on to another conveyor belt l2 that transports it to an elevator 13. This lastmentioned device raises the used sand to the top of a hopper I 5, through which the sand drops into a muller 15 that reconditions it and prepares it for reuse in the flasks. From the bottom of the muller, the reconditioned sand is carried by an elevator to a conveyor belt l6 that carries the sand to a point above a storage bin ll into which the sand is dumped. The sand may be fed from the bin on to a plate feeder is, which carries it to another conveyor belt 19 running to a point above a pair of adjacent hoppers 20 at the molding station 33. These hoppers feed the sand into the flasks upon their being disposed vertically at the molding station.

As above indicated, a plurality of empty flasks H3 are present on the track or rollway G, and it is desired to transport them in properly spaced relation to the molding station B. In the specific apparatus disclosed, two flasks iii are to be appropriately spaced at a time and conveyed to the molding station. The spacing is performed by a stop device mounted upon the sides 2| of the rollway G near its forward end (see Figs. 1, 2, 22 and 23). This stop device includes a lever 22 mounted upon a suitable fulcrum pin 23 attached to a rollway. The lever has an upwardly extending forward stop 24 projecting above the rollway on one side of the pin 23, and a rear stop 25 normally disposed below the upper surface of the rollway, but adapted to project thereabove. A tension spring 25 is secured to the lever 22 adjacent the rear stop and to the rollway G, tending to swing the rear stop 25 downwardly below the surface of the rollway.

As a flask l0 moves along the rollway into engagement with the forward stop 24, which always projects above the rollway, the force exerted by the flask on the forward stop rocks the lever 22 on its pivot pin 23 and swings the rear stop 25 above the rollway surface. The next succeeding flask upon the rollway then comes to rest against the rear stop 25. It is, accordingly, apparent that the stop device has arrested a pair of flasks 1n appropriately spaced relation with respect to one another upon the forward end of the rollway G.

The flasks are transferred or conveyed from the rollway G by a hoist and car mechanism 27 (Figs. 2, 22 and 23). The car includes a frame 28 carrying Wheels 29 on opposite sides for engagement with a bed or floor 39. A plurality of air hoists 3! are mounted upon the car frame 28 for elevating a pair of spaced. platforms 32 carrying cradles or saddles 33, in which the flasks it are receivable. As specifically shown in the drawings, each platform 32 may be raised or lowered by a pair of air hoists 3!, each of. which includes telescopingcylinders 34 and a piston 35 in the inner cylinder secured to a piston rod 36 attached to the platform 32. The introduction of air into the cylinders 35 in any suitable manner will effect elevation of the associated platform 32 disposed above the car frame 28. The use of telescope cylinders in the hoists permits collapsing of the latter to a relatively small vertical height.

The cradles 33 on each platform are spaced from one another the same distance as the flasks Ill when bearing against the forward and rearward stops 2%, 25. Accordingly, when the car 2! is disposed under the flasks at the end of the rollway G, actuation of the air hoists 3i elevates the platform 32 between the sides 2! of the rollway and causes the flasks Hi to become nested in the cradles 33, which move them upwardly above the stops 2%, 25. The car El may now be moved forwardly along the bed toward the molding station B.

As indicated, the car also has another platform, hoist and cradle structure similar to the one just described, to enable conveyance of the flasks Ill from the molding station B to the roller conveyor C, in the manner described hereinafter.

The car 27 is moved along the wheel bed or floor 3G by a monorail and wheel device 3?. A monorail 38 is secured to the rear portion of the car 28 and extends a substantial distance therefrom, generally parallel to the rollway G. The monorail has oppositely directed horizontal flanges 3G engageable with the rims Ml of flanged wheels 4! secured to axles 42, d3 rotatably mounted in a pair of arms i i carried by and depending from the rollway. The forward portions of the arms id are mounted on the forward flanged wheel axles 52 which are fulcrumed within a pair of hangers secured to and depend ing from the rollway G. The rear :pair of flanged wheels are mounted on axles 33 rotatable in the arms it. Such rear portions of the arms are urged downwardly, to force the rear pair of flanged wheels against the monorail 38, by a compression spring it bearing against the undersurface of the rollway G and against the arms M.

The spring arrangement d8 described insures the maintenance of the flanged wheels 6! in frictional engagement with the monorail flanges 39. It also insures frictional engagement of the under surface of the monorail with a drive roller ll secured to a drive shaft 48 rotatable in a support d9 depending from the rollway G. A re versible electric motor 58 is coupled to the drive shaft it, to rotate the drive roller d; in either direction, and, in view of its frictional engagement with the monorail 33, move the monorail and car 28 in a forward or rearward direction. The monorail 38 is suffloiently long to enable the car to travel from the transfer station A to a point between the members of the roller conveyor C, in order that the flasks it may be transferred from the rollway G to the molding station E, and from the latter station to the roller conveyor 0.

The empty flasks iii are picked up from the rollway G by the car 27 in the manner described, and are transported by suitable rotation of the drive motor 5S and movement of the monorail arrangement 3? in a forward direction to the molding station E. The wheels 29 of the car frame roll along the bed 353 on to the base 5! at the molding station, which is not connected with the other bed (see Fig. 2). As a matter of fact, the molding base 1 5| "forms partof the 'molding' 'machine, as will become apparent from an inspection of Fig. 3.

The apparatus at the molding station includes a main supporting frame 52 on which the base 5; is pivotally mounted through the agency of hinge pins 53, to enable swinging of the base between horizontal and vertical positions. A plurality of spaced rollers 54 are rotatably mounted on the base 5!, each roller having trunnions 55 rotatable in bearings 56 attached to the base. Three pairs of rollers are disclosed in the drawings in side by side adjacency, the rollers of each pair being coaxial, but spaced apart to permit movement of the car 21 therebetween. A pair of flasks it are adapted to be nested in the concavities between adjacent pairs of rollers 54, in the manner disclosed in Figs. 2 and 7, so that the rollers appropriately support the flasks.

One of the intermediate rollers 54a may be a drive roller for frictionally engaging both flasks it and insuring their rotation during the molding operation. As shown in Fig. 6, this roller is rotatable by a suitable electric motor 5'! secured to the underside of the base 5|, and having a driving connection with the drive roller 55a through a suitable drive pulley 58, belt 59 and driven pulley 5D fixed to one of the trunnions 55 for the drive roller.

Rotation of the drive motor 5'! will effect simultaneous rotation of the flasks ill nested between the rollers 54, 54a. In order to maintain the flasks in such nested positions and to insure heir proper frictional contact with the rollers, pressure is applied to the flasks from above. As disclosed most clearly in Figs. 3, 5, 6 and 7, a pair of aligned pressure rollers 5! is disposed centrally above each flask !9. Each pressure roller is rotatable in a bracket t2 fixed to a lever era whose outer end is mounted on a pivot rod 53 suitably supported in the frame 64 of the molding apparatus. The inner end of each lever is pivotally connected to the lower end of a link 55 whose upper end is mounted upon a pin Est received within a cross link 6? connected to the pin 66 of the link and lever arrangement 65,

' 62a for the pressure roller El bearing against the other flask. The link and lever arrangement for each flask is the same, the parts merely being oppositely disposed to one another, but movable conjointly through the cross link interconnection El (see Fig. 7).

The aligned pressure rollers 6| near one end of the flasks ii] are movable simultaneously with the aligned pressure rollers at the other ends of the flasks by a cylinder and piston arrangement, including a double-acting cylinder 63 suitably mounted on the frame 64 and having a piston lit slidable therein attached to a piston rod "iii extending upwardly from the cylinder for pivotal connection with a rod '1 I, parallel to the pressure roller axes, and connected to the cross links 61 (see Figs. 3, 5 and 6).

It is apparent that air under pressure entering the upper end of the cylinder 63 will move the piston downwardly and will urge all pressure rollers 65 simultaneously against the flasks it, pressing them downwardly into engagement with the rollers M, Ma. Similarly, air entering the lower end of the cylinder 38 will effect elevation of the pressure rollers ill from the flasks and permit them to be placed in the car frame cradles 33. for elevation from the rollers 54, Ma and transportation to the roller conveyor C.

When the flasks '10 have been'placed upon the rollers 54, fi ls at "the forming station B, their rear ends are each disposedin alignment with an end closure plate '12 rotatably mounted upon a bearing 13. This bearing is secured to the end portion of the frame 64 by a projecting stud I4 integral therewith and with a nut 15 mounted on the stud and bearing against the frame (see Figs. 6, 8, 9). Endwise movement of the closure plate 12 is prevented by the frame 64, and also by an outwardly extending flange 76 on the hearing whose forward surface is substantially flush with the forward surface of the closure plate. Each bearing 13 is also provided with an eccentrically disposed socket T! normally closed by a plug 18 urged outwardly of the bearing by a compression spring 19 located in the socket and bearing against the plug. Outward movement of the plug is limited by a chain 80 secured to it and to the bearing 13. This chain is of such length as to dispose the outer surface of the plug 18 in alignment with the outer surfaces of the bearing 13 and closure plate 12.

After the pair of flasks II! have been placed on the rollers 54, 54a, the entire frame BA is tilted to dispose the flasks l vertically with their open ends under the pair of sand hoppers 2! (see Fig. Tilting of the frame 64 in this manner carries the roller and drive mechanism with it, since all of those parts are mounted on the frame. Tilting of the frame is effected by an air cylinder 8! (see Fig. 6) whose forward end is pivotally secured to the base 52 by a suitable pin 82. A piston 83 is slidable in the cylinder and has a piston rod 84 extending rearwardly therefrom which is connected by a pin 85 to an actuating arm 86 depending from and secured to the base portion 5| of the frame 64. Air under pressure may be admitted to either end of the tilting cylinder 81. When admitted to its rod end, the piston 83 is moved forwardly and will tilt the frame to dispose the flasks [0 in a vertical position under the sand hoppers 20.

The hopper gates 81 are opened by air means, to allow sand to flow into the flasks l0 until they are substantially completely filled. Each gate 87 may be secured to a lever 88 pivoted on the hopper, with its other end connected to a rod 89 having a piston (not shown) slidable in an air cylinder 9e pivoted on the hopper. Air may be fed selectively to either end of the cylinder 90 to open or close the gate 81.

After the flasks [0 have been filled with sand, the hopper gates 81 are closed and the tilting air cylinder and piston mechanism 8| to B6 actuated to return the frame M to its horizontal position. Air is fed into the pressure cylinder 68 and the pressure rollers 6! caused to bear upon the sand laden flasks. The rear ends of the flasks are closed by the end closure plates 12 and bearings 13. The forward ends of the flasks are closed by forward closure plates 91 (see Figs. 6, 7), each of which is rotatably mounted upon the outer end of a lever arm 92 pivotally mounted on the frame 64. A cross rod 93 interconnects the lever arms 92 and has the outer end of a piston rod 94 mounted on it, whose piston 95 is slidable within a double-acting cylinder 9% pivotally mounted upon the tilting frame 64 of the molding apparatus. Air entering the head end of the cylinder 96 moves the piston 95 upwardly and swings both closure plates 9| against the outer ends of the flasks l0. Closing of the forward ends of the flasks preferably occurs before their return to the horizontal, to prevent loss of sand by spilling. The flasks are now closed at both ends, and the drive motor 57 is started to rotate them at'the desired speed. v 7

The centrifugal force incident to rotation of the flasks 10 about their axes causes the innitially loose sand that has been poured into the flasks to be compacted against their inner walls. Since the flasks are tubular or cylindrical in form, the sand will be compacted in the form of a hollow cylinder 91. It is, however, deszred to form the ends of the sand mold to a particular shape. More specifically, it is desired to form the ends of the sand mold to provide a bell shape therein.

The bell ends 98 are formed simultaneously by a forming device adapted to enter the flasks (Figs. 3 to 6). This device includes an elongate forming rod or bar 99 having opposed forming tools H integral therewith, or secured thereto, at spaced points corresponding to the distance between the ends of each flask. The forming bar is rotatable in a bearing Hill at the upper end of a support Hi2 slidable along guideways I93 on the bed 52 of the apparatus. There is one forming bar for each flask, but the support I02 and guideways Hi3 are common to both bars.

Each bar 99 is mounted for movement about an axis slightly eccentric to the axis of the companion flask iii. This axis is the axis of the bearing socket '11 containing the plug 78 (Fig. 8). The support N32 is moved toward the flasks Hi to shift the forming bars 99 thereinto pneumatically. For this purpose, an air cylinder its is secured to the bed 52 and contains a piston 595 having a rod Hi6 secured to the support 32 (Fig. 3). Entry of air into the rod end of the cylinder let will cause the support N12 to be advanced toward the flasks l0 and will dispose the forming bars 89 completely within the latter, with the inner end till of each bar piloted within the bearing socket Tl (Figs. 6 and 9). Entry of such end in the socket is permitted by retraction of the plug '58 against the force of the compression spring l9. Of course, prior to movement of the forming rods 99 into the flasks, the air cylinder and piston 95, 96 have been appropriately actuated to remove the closure plates 9! from the ends of the flasks.

When the forming bars 99 have been disposed completely within the flasks l U, the outer ends of the flasks are again closed by end closure plates H38, each of which is rotatably mounted on the bearing support ill! eccentric tothe axis of the forming bar 99, but concentric of the flask axis it. This disposition of the closure members I88 permits their rotation with the flasks.

The forming bars 99 are movable about their axes simultaneously in order to move the forming tools led into or out of engagement with the sand 9? that has been previously compressed centrifugally by rotation of the flasks. When moved into the flasks the forming tools Hill are disposed in such position as to be free from contact with the sand. However, upon being fully disposed within the flasks with their ends lfi'l piloted within the sockets Ti and the closure members E E8 closing the outer ends of the flasks, the forming bars are rotatable, or angularly movable, about their-axes to press the forming tool portions wand their intermediate portions against the compacted sand. This movement of the formin bars is undertaken while the drive motor 51 continues to rotate the flasks l0. During rotation, the forming bars Q9 are turned on their axes and the entire length of the bars 99, including the forming tools I90, pressed against the sand to further compress the sand and their end portions to form the desired bell shapes 98' therein, and the intervening cylindrical shapes, as disclosed in Figs. 6 and 9. Thereafter, the forming bars are moved angularly about their axes in the opposite direction to insure clearance of the cutting tools Hill with the sand and enable the bars 98 to be removed from the molds.

The forming bars are rotated about their axes simultaneously to and from mold-forming positions by any suitable mechanism. As disclosed most clearly in Figs. 3 and 4, the bars 953 extend outwardly of their bearing supports and have levers I89 attached thereto, which are interconnected by a suitable link ill). One of the levers has a handle I l l, which may be grasped by the operator and moved in either direction to effect simultaneous movement of the bars 9% about their axes.

Air is fed into the head end of the cylinder 04, in order to effect movement of the forming bars as from the flasks ill, after which air is also fed to the head end of the pressure cylinder 68 and the pressure rollers 6i elevated from the flasks. The car 2'! is then moved on to the frame or base at the forming station B, with the saddles 33 disposed under the flasks, the hoists 3i being actuated to elevate the flasks from the rollers 54, Etc. The car 21 is then rolled forwardly to transport the sand lined flasks to the roller conveyor C.

As described above, the car 2? has two platforms 32 arranged in tandem, each of which can cradle two flasks. Each platform is individually elevated and lowered by its own air hoists (ii. The platforms are so disposed along the car frame 23 as to enable the forward platform to be used in elevating the molds It from the rollers 54, 54a at the molding station 13 and move them to the roller conveyor C. The rear platform 32 is ordinarily used for transferring the empty flasks It from the rollway G to the forming station E.

Assuming that the sand lined flasks it are disposed on the rollers 53, 54s at the forming station 3, the car is moved back until the rear platform 32 is disposed under the empty flasks W on the rollway G. The hoists 82 are actuated to elevate these empty flasks from the rollway in the cradles 33. Following completion of the mold forming operation at station 33, the car 2?, with the empty flasks l9 disposed on the rear platform 32, is moved forwardly to place the forward platform 32 under the molds H) on the forming station rollers 5%, Etc. The air hoists 3I for the forward platform are then elevated to elevate the molds ill from the rollers 54, E ic, after which the car is moved forward to transport the forward platform to a position in which the molds Iii may be deposited on the roller conveyor C. When the molds are so disposed, -the empty flasks ill on the rear platform 32 are disposed above the forming station rollers 5%, 55a. The air hoists ti on both platforms may now be lowered to deposit the molds on the roller conveyor C and the empty flasks on the forming station rollers. The car 2'11 is now returned to its initial position, in which the rear platform 32 is disposed under the empty, spaced flasks on the rollway G. The foregoing cycle of operation is repeated in moving empty flasks from the rollway G to the forming station E, and molds from the forming station E to the roller conveyor C.

The roller conveyor C transports the flasks to the pouring, cooling and shakeout stations D, E,

F. The conveyor C includes a conveyor frame 5 I2 pivotally mounted on hinge pins i 63 at its lower forward portion, to enable tilting of the conveyor about the pivot pins upon introduction of air into a cylinder H4, which will elevate the piston l I5 therein that is connected to the rear portion of the frame through the agency of a connecting pin lid (see Figs. 2, 11, 24, 25). The side members I I? of the frame form guideways for a pair of endless chains IIB having rollers H9 adapted to ride upon the upper surfaces of the guides i ll. These chains each pass over a rear idler sprocket 12f} mounted on a stud I2 I journaled in the frame I12 and over a driving sprocket I22. Both sprockets it? are fixed to a shaft I23 journaled in the forward portion of the frame. An electric motor I24l transmits its rotation to the drive shaft !23 through a driving sprocket I25, endless chain I26, and driven sprocket I2'I affixed to the drive shaft I23. To insure the appropriate axial spacing between the driving and driven sprockets I25, I21, the electric motor 524 is mounted on the chain conveyor frame II2 itself, so that pivoting of the frame about the hinge pins H3 does not interfere with the drive.

As seen most clearly in Figs. 24 and 25, the links E28 of each roller chain H8 have shafts I25 secured to their upper portions on which rollers ltd are mounted, preferably on ball bearings (not shown). These rollers I36 may have rubber rims, or the equivalent, in order to prevent slippage against the flasks IIl mounted thereon. From Fig. 24, it i apparent that the side links I28 of the chain have pairs of rollers I3?! upon which a flask it] may rest, and that the pairs of rollers are spaced from one another lengthwise of the chain H8 a distance corresponding to the spacing of the flasks If! in the car saddles 33, and at the molding station B upon the rollers 5 3, 54a.

Upon operation of the electric conveyor motor 524, the lined flasks or molds placed upon the rollers I39 on the conveyor chain by the car 2'! are movable to the pouring station D, the conveyor passing through and under such station (see Figs. 11 and 13). The conveyor 0 is advanced an appropriate distance to carry a pair of molds it immediately above the rollers I3I, Mia, Itlb at the pouring station D, which are disposed in substantially the same manner as the rollers 54 at the molding station B. That is, three pairs of rollers are disposed in substantially the same forward and rearward planes, with the rollers of each pair being coaxial. The rollers ISI, I3ia, I3Ib are spaced from one another to form concavities therebetween for the reception of a pair of lined flasks It between the intermediate rollers itlb and the end rollers l3I, I3Ic. These rollers are secured to shafts I32 rotatably mounted in suitable bearings I33 carried on supports I34 bolted to a foundation I35. One of the intermediate rollers I3lb may be a driving roller, which is rotated by an electric motor I35, having a driving pulley or sheave I31 on its shaft I38. Rotation of this sheave is transmitted through belts 53% to one or more driven sheaves MU fixed to a shaft I32a ecured to the driving roller I3 Ib. Operation of the motor I36 will effect frictional rotation of the pair of molds I6 disposed on the rollers iti, I3Ia, I3lb.

In order to maintain the proper frictional contact between the rollers I35, I3 Ia, I3Ib and flasks if}, and to insure maintenance of the flasks in proper operative position on the rollers at the pouring station, pressure rollers I i! are engaged with the forward and rearward upper portions of each lined flask It. The rear pressure rollers l iI are rotatably supported on a frame M2 pivotally connected to the main frame I43 at the pouring station by a link I44. The pressure roller frame I42 is lowered and elevated by compressed air entering the head end or rod end of a doubleacting cylinder I45 having a piston therein (not shown) attached to a rod I46 connected to the frame. The rear pressure rollers are similarly mounted and actuated.

When the molds I9, which have been deposited on the roller conveyor C by the car 21, are to be moved on to the rollers I3I, I3Ia, I3Ib at the pouring station D, air is fed into the head end of the conveyor air cylinder H4 to tilt the conveyor frame IIZ about its hinge pins H3. The conveyor motor I24 is then started and the roller conveyor H8 moved a distance suiflcient to dispose these molds I9 immediately above the supporting and driving rollers I3I, I3Ia, Hill) at the pouring station. Thereafter, the conveyor cylinder and piston H4, H are actuated to lower the conveyor frame I I2, which moves the conveyor chain rollers I39 out of contact with the lined molds I9 and allows the latter to rest upon the pouring station rollers.

In order to prevent the outer rollers ISI from contacting adjacent flasks I9 in advance of and to the rear of the pouring station D, the diameters of the outer rollers I 3| are made slightly less than the diameters of the intermediate rollers I3Ia, I3 Ib since the spacing between the pairs of rollers I39 on the conveyor chain is uniform.

The molds I9 are then confined against endwise movement (Figs. 11, 13). To accomplish this purpose, the rear end of each mold is moved into engagement with the flange portion I41 of a cast iron, or similar, core I49, which is spaced laterally inward from the bell end 98 of the formed sand 91. The core I48 for each mold is fixed to a pin I49, the pins for both cores being rotatably mounted in a bearing bracket I59 slidable along a guideway I5I secured to the foundation I35 in any suitable manner. The bearing bracket I59 is moved to and from the molds I9 by leading air 'into either end of a double-acting cylinder I52 and piston I53 arrangement. This cylinder I52 is pivoted on the frame I5I by a pin I54, and the piston rod I55 is pivotally connected to the bearing bracket I59 by a pin I56. Air entering the head end of the cylinder I52 moves the piston rod I55 outwardly and shifts the bearing bracket I59 towards the flasks I9, to dispose the hub of the cores I48 within the ends of the lined flasks, and the flanges I41 in engagement with the rear flask ends, closing them completely (Fig. 13).

The other forward ends of the lined flasks or molds are also adapted to be closed by cores I51 of cast iron, or similar material, whose exterior is shaped to conform to the desired interior of the finished bell end of the pipe to be cast in the molds. Each core has an outwardly directed flange I58, and is rotatable in a bearing support I59 movable along guideways I69, to and from the flasks I 9, by an air cylinder I6! and piston I62 arrangement. The piston rod I63 is pivotally connected to the bearing bracket I59 and the cylinder I62 is pivotally connected to the frame portion I64 of the apparatus. Air may be led to either end of the cylinder IBI to move the bearing bracket I59 to and from the forward ends of the flasks I 9. When'air enters the rod end of the cylinder, the bracket I59 is moved toward the flasks I 9, to dispose the cores I51 therewithin and the flanges I58 in closed engagement with the flask ends.

The outer hub cores I51 each have a ce al passage I65 therethrough, through which the inner tubular portion I66 of a pouring spout I61 extends. This pouring spout I61 is suitably carried on the bearing bracket I59, and has its outer portion opening upwardly to facilitate pouring of molten metal thereinto. This metal is disposed in a ladle I68 for each pouring spout. The pair of ladles are secured to a rod I69 journaled in standards I 19 carried on the bearing bracket I59. The rod I69 is oscillatable, to swing the ladles through approximately ninety degrees, by an air cylinder and piston device I1I, I12, the air cylinder I1I being pivotally mounted on the bearing bracket I59, and the piston being secured to a piston rod I13, which is pin connected to a lever I14 affixed to the ladle rod. I69.

Introduction of air into the head end of the cylinder I1I will elevate the piston I12 and swing the ladles I68 to horizontal positions, in which their spouts I15 are disposed within the pouring spouts I61, in order that molten metal will flow into the latter and through the latter into the interior of the molds I9. Entry of air into the rod end of the cylinder I1I will swing the ladles to the vertical position, allowing them to be filled with the molten metal.

The ladles I68 are of such size as to contain the quantity of metal required to form a pipe: section within each mold. Thus, filling of each ladle to the top when in the vertical position, and

its pouring into the spout I61, after the bearing brackets I 59, I59 have been moved to dispose the cores I43, I51 in closed positions within and against the molds, insures the formation of a pipe section I15 of the desired Wall thickness during the casting operation.

After the pair of molds I9 ha been disposed on the rollers I3I, I3Ia, I3Ib and the bearing brackets I59, I59 moved toward each other to close the ends of the molds, air is admitted to the pressure roller cylinders I45 to force the pressure rollers I4I against the molds. The motor I 35 is then started to rotate the molds at the desired speed, the cores I48, I 51 rotating with the molds and the pressure rollers I4I insuring against displacement of the molds from their proper positions at the pouring station. The ladles I68, which have been filled with molten metal to the top, are then tilted to the horizontal position to pour the molten metal into the spouts I91, through which it flows into the interior of the molds I9. The centrifugal force incident to rotation of the latter distributes the molten metal along the length of each mold and into the bell end space between the ends 98 of the formed sand and the cores I 48, I51. Rotation is continued until the molten metal has cooled and solidified sufficiently to be form sustaining, after which the motor I36 can be shut off and the bearing brackets I59, I59 moved away from the flasks I9 through suitable direction of air into the cylinders I52, NH.

The molds I9, with the pipe sections I15 cast therein, may now be removed from the pouring station D, and such removal can occur while they are still rotating. Following removal of the cores I 48, I51 and pouring spouts I69, I61 from the molds, air is again led into the head end of the conveyor cylinder I I 4 and the conveyor frame II2 tilted to cause the conveyor rollers I39 to engage the flasks I9 and elevate them above the pouring station rollers I3I, I3Ia, Hill). The conveyor motor I24 is then started to move the flasks I9, wi h the pipe I15 cast therein, to the cooling station or zone E, and to dispose the next succeeding pair of lined molds on the pouring station rollers. The air cylinder H4 is then operated to lower the conveyor frame I I2 and place the empty, lined molds on the pouring station rollers I3I, I3Ia, I3Ib.

During removal of the molds Ii! (with pipe I15 therein) from the pouring station D, they can continue rotating because of their support upon the conveyor chain rollers I30. This allows the flasks II! to be removed from the pouring station before they come to rest, which saves considerable time in the production of cast pipe by the apparatus, and enables greater quantities to be produced in any given period.

At the cooling zone E, air is drawn through one end of the molds ID by suction, the air passing from the other end of the molds into ducts I16 disposed closely adjacent thereto. These ducts are spaced along the conveyor C a distance corresponding to the spacing of the molds It, and lead into a common header I'II that is evacuated by a suitable motor driven exhaust fan H8. The cooling equipment is not essential, since the casting will cool during its travel between the pouring and shakeout stations D and F. However, the passing of air through the molds I accelerates the cooling of the cast pipe il's, and insures that it will be in condition for appropriate handling after being removed from the flasks at the shakeout station F.

At the shakeout station, the cast pipe lit and sand are removed from the flasks it, and the latter started on their return trip along the rollway G to the spacing and flask transfer station A. Flasks Ill with the pipes H cast therein are adapted to be grasped and moved from the roller conveyor C to a vertical position, where suitable means is forced through the flasks to shake the pipe and sand therefrom.

In the form disclosed in the drawings (Figs. 16 to 21, inclusive), the shakeout device includes a frame I19 mounted for movement about an axis disposed to one side of the ends of the flasks I0. Specifically, one side of the frame is mounted upon a hinge pin I80 secured in a frame or standard IBI bolted to the foundation, while the other side of the frame is fixed to a coaxial shaft I82 journaled in another standard I33 secured to the foundation. This shaft has a sprocket I84 attached to it, engageable with an endless chain I85 encompassing a driving sprocket I86 fixed on the shaft It? of an electric motor I38.

The frame I19 is provided with clamping devices I89 for grasping a pair of flasks Ill and for holding them during swinging of the frame about the common axis of the shaft I82 and hinge pin axis I88. There is a set of clamps for each flask, each set comprising opposed forward and rearward clamp jaws I953 adapted to grasp the flask. The jaws to one side of a flask are fixed to a shaft I9I journaled in the frame I79, and the jaws on the other side of the same flask are similarly fixed to another parallel shaft I92 journaled in the frame. The shafts ISI, I92 are angularly movable in opposite directions at the same time by securing intermeshing gear sectors I93 thereto. One of the shafts I92 has an operating arm I94 fixed to it, provided with a slot I95 for receiving a pin piston rod I91 extending from a piston I93 slidable in a double-acting air cylinder Isa. entry of air under pressure into the head end of the cylinder I99 will rock the shafts ISI, I92 in such a direction as to swing the jaws I90 toward I98 attached to a Thus,

14 one another and clamp them around the flask ID. The clamping mechanism for the other flask of the pair is essentially the same as the one just described.

When the conveyor motor I24 has been rotated to dispose the flasks at the shakeout station F, the latter are arranged immediately under the clamps I89, as shown in Fig. 20. The inner ends of the flasks Iii are then disposed in alignment with stops 2% suitably secured to the frame I19. Air is fed into the clamp cylinders I99 to effect movement of the jaws I into clamping position around the flasks Ill, after which the shakeout motor I38 is rotated to swing the frame H9 through substantially ninety degrees about its pivot axis. This swinging movement removes the flasks Hi from the roller conveyor C and causes their inner, bottom ends to rest upon the stops 209 (see Fig. 1'7). When disposed in the vertical position, the flasks it! are in alignment with a pair of elongate, double-acting air cylinders 20 I. A plunger 2&2 is secured to the end of each piston rod 2&3 connected to a piston 264 in each cylinder ZilI. This plunger is adapted to slide through the flask.

Air is fed into the upper ends of the cylinders .255, forcing the plungers 202 downwardly and completely through the flasks Ill, which forcibly ejects the cast pipe Il5 from the flasks and also completely removes the sand therefrom. To accomplish this purpose most effectively, the plunger preferably has a sliding fit with the wall of the flask It. The cast pipe I15 may come to rest on a suitable screen 295 disposed in a pit 2%, through which the sand will drop on to the conveyor belt II leading back to the other conveyor belt i2 and sand reconditioning equipment 35. The pipe i'l itself may be removed manually, or otherwise, from the pit 206 for any required subsequent operation or storage.

The shakeout station F is disposed immediately behind the end of the track or rollway G. After the pipe and sand have been removed from the flasks, the motor i238 is started again and swinging of the frame in continued substantially another ninety degrees to dispose the empty flasks It in alignment with the rollway G. When in this position, the outer ends of the clamp jaws I863 are disposed upwardly (Fig. 18). The clamp cylinders its are appropriately actuated to open the jaws, which allows the flasks Iii to drop upon a table 2%! pivotally mounted on the frame 119. The free end of the table 26? comes to rest upon a flange or shoulder 258 projecting from the rollway G, in order to dispose the supporting surface of the table 287 in position in which it essentially forms a continuation of the rollway, tapering downwardly toward the latter so that the empty flasks will roll by gravity on to the rollway after the clamps I89 have been released from them. When the shakeout frame H9 and its clamps :88 are disposed over the roller conveyor (Fig. 20), downward movement of the table 21)! about its pivot is limited to a slight extent by its engagement with a suitable stop 28S attached to the frame.

The frame may be swung through degrees to its initial position over the roller conveyor (Fig. 2 3) for the purpose of grasping another pair of filled flasks iii, swinging them through ninety degrees the vertical position at which the pipe sections H5 and sand are removed. Swinging is continued through another ninety degrees to dispose the empty flasks in alignment 15 with the rollway G, on to which they will roll by gravity upon release of the clamps 139.

The operation of the entire system may be recapitulated. All of the foregoing operations at the various stations are taking place substantially simultaneously on different pairs of flasks. Thus, after the system has been in operation, a pair of flasks H) is disposed on the conveyor chain I 58 at the shakeout station F; one or several pairs may be disposed in the cooling zone E; a pair of flasks will be disposed at the pouring station D; one or several pairs may be disposed on the roller conveyor C between the pouring and forming stations D, B; a pair will be disposed at the forming station B; and another pair disposed against the stops 2 1, 25 at the flask transfer station A. The rollway G, of course, may have an adequate supply of empty flasks.

While the sand is being poured into the flasks at the molding station B and the molds formed at that station, the pouring operation is being conducted on a pair of molds or lined flasks at the pouring station D. Simultaneously therewith, the cast objects H are being cooled in the cooling zone E, and the pipe I and sand is being removed from a pair of flasks at the shakeout station F. After these operations have been performed at the various stations, the roller conveyor C is suitably manipulated to remove the flasks from the pouring station D and advance them to the cooling station E. During movement of the conveyor, a pair of flasks is also trans ported from the cooling zone E to the shakeout station F, and another pair of flasks, with the sand molded therein, is placed from the conveyor C in position at the pouring station D. This leaves conveyor space available for the reception of molds from the molding station B. Accordingly, the car 2? is moved to place the forward platform 3?. under the molds at the molding station, and, since the rear platform has already been elevated to receive the flasks in spaced position at the end of the rollway G, the car may be advanced to dispose the molds above the chain conveyor H8 and the empty flasks above the forming station rollers 5 54a. Both sets of hoists may now be lowered to place the molds on the chain conveyor H8 and the empty flasks on the forming station rollers. The car 2? is then returned to its initial position and another pair of empty flasks picked up from the rollway G upon the rear platform 32.

The foregoing cycle of operation can be repeated. Each station may have its own operator or operators to control the sequence of operation of the apparatus.

It is, accordingly, apparent that a closed continuous centrifugal casting system has been provided, in which the flasks are readily transferable from station to station. The flasks are arrested and spaced at the transfer station A, the sand is molded at the molding station B by means of a tool capable of forming both bell ends at the same time. At the pouring station D, the flasks may be rotated without fear of rotating other adjacent flasks, in view of the differences in diameters between the rollers [3| and rollers 13hr, iSib. During bringing of the molds into position at the pouring station D, the ladles IE8 can be filled, these operations not interfering with one another and saving considerable time in the cycle. After the molten metal has been poured into the molds, the latter may be removed from the pouring station D before their rotation ceases, which also saves considerable time in the cycle and enables the apparatus to have a high production rate. The cast objects I 75 are readily cooled and are removed with facility by novel mechanisms, which insure complete removal of the objects and sand from the flasks, allowing reuse of substantially all equipment and materials.

The inventor claims:

1. Apparatus for lining a cylindrical flask to form a mold, comprising a flask support pivoted to move a flask between horizontal and vertical positions; a plurality of rollers positioned to engage the periphery of a flask on the support; said rollers being rotatable on axes parallel to that of the flask and at least one of said rollers being power-operated for rotating the flask; means on the support for pressing the flask against the driving roller; means for feeding sand into the flask when in vertical position; means carried by the support for closing the ends of the flask; a forming tool, and means for moving the forming tool into and out of the flask when the flask is in horizontal position.

2. Apparatus for lining a cylindrical flask to form a mold, comprising a flask support pivoted to move a flask between horizontal and vertical positions; a plurality of rollers positioned to engage the periphery of a flask on the support; said rollers being rotatable on aXes parallel to that of the flask and at least one of said rollers being power-operated for rotating the flask; means on the support for pressing the flask against the driving roller; and means for feeding sand into the flask when in vertical position.

3. An apparatus for rotating a cylindrical flask, comprising a plurality of supporting rollers having axes parallel to that of the flask; power means driving one of said rollers to rotate the flask; pressure rollers bearing on said flask to hold it on the supporting rollers; a conveyor for moving a flask transversely of its axis into and out of said apparatus means for lifting the pressure rollers so as to permit said flask to pass them; a forming tool; and means for moving the formin tool into and out of the flask when the flask is in horizontal position.

4. Mechanism for cyclic centrifugal formation of castings comprising a support having spaced abutments for maintaining a pair of cylindrical flasks spaced apart in substantially horizontal position with their axes parallel to each other; a lining station having means for charging sand into said flasks simultaneously; friction roller-s at the lining station mounted on axes parallel to those of the flasks, said rollers having peripheral engagement with the flasks for rotating them and maintaining them in the same relative positions; an endless conveyor having means for supporting said flasks in the same relative positions; an elongated carriage having cradles at each end for supporting the flasks in the same relative positions, and means in the carriage for raising and lowering said cradles; means for reciprocating said carriage and operating said raising and lowering means to transfer said flasks pairwise from the carriage to the lining station and thence to said conveyor; a pouring station including means for spacing said flasks from said conveyor, means for charging molten metal into the flasks, friction rollers for rotating them simultaneously and means for returning them simultaneously to the conveyor; a shakeout station; means for transferring the flasks simultaneously to the shakeout station from said conveyor; a railway extension from the shakeout station to said support; and means for trans- 'ferring' the :tlaskssimultaneously from the shake-- outstation to saidirollway. v

5. A device as in claim 4 including means between said-pouring station; and saidshakeout stationfor passing a current of air throughsaid;

6. A- device as inclairnA, wherein the supporting means on said conveyor comprises, spaced rollers'extending transversely of the conveyor,

and wherein the flasks are returned to a position i for supporting a. pair of cylindrical flasks in 1 spaced relation in substantially horizontal position with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other,-; vertically movable cradles on said carriage: means for moving the carriage andcradles to transfer pairs of flasks f-rom the loading station tothe lining station and from the lining station to the conveyor; a pouring station to which flasks are carried by saidconveyor; spaced flask-rotating rollers at the pouring station on -axesparallelto those of flasks on the conveyor; means for causing a .pair f flasks on the. conveyor to be rotatedbythe rollers at the pourin station while maintaining their'relative position;

means forc'harging molten metal into said flasks; means for returning. the flasks to the conveyor; a flask shakeoutstation; means for transferring the pair of flasks simultaneously from the conveyor to theshakeout station; a rollway extend- ,ing from the shakeout station to the loading station; and means for transferring said pair of flasks simultaneously from the shakeout station to the rollway.

8. An apparatus as in claim '7, wherein the flask supporting means on the conveyor includes spaced rollers on parallel axes, and means for returning the flask to the rollers on the conveyor while the flask-s are still rotating.

9. An apparatus as in claim '7, wherein the rollers at the pouring station are located at a higher level than the adjacent part of the conveyor, and said apparatus includes means for raising and lowering a part of the conveyor to move the flasks into and out of driving engagement with the rollers at the pouring station.

10. Mechanism for continuous cyclic centrifugal formation of tubular objects comprising a support having abutments for maintaining a set of cylindrical flasks spaced apart in substantially horizontal position with their axes parallel to each other; a lining station including means for supporting said set of flasks in the same relative positions; means for charging sand into said flasks and means for rotating them; an endless conveyor having means for supporting said flasks in the same relative positions; an elongated carriage having elevating means at its ends and cradles on said elevating means spaced similarly to said abutments; means for reciprocating said carriage and actuating said elevating means to transfer said set of flasks successively from said support to said lining means and thence to said conveyor; a pouring station comprising means for charging molten metal into said flasks, means independent of the conveyor for rotating said flasks, means for moving the flasks from the conveyor into driving relation to said rollers and for returning them to the conveyor; a shakeout station; means for transferring said flasks simultaneously from. the: conveyor to the shakeout. station; arollway extending from said shakeout station to the support; and means for transferring the said flasks. simultaneously from, the shakeout station to the rollway. g I

, 11. In a centrifugal casting system for-making tubular objects, a rollway, abutments on therollway for holding a plurality of cylindricalflasks inspaced relation with their longitudinal axes horizontal and parallel to each other; a, lining station having rotary rollers for supportingsaid plurality flasksin the same relativelpositions and rotating them on their axes; means for feeding sand to said flasks at the, lining station; ,acasting station; rollers at the casting station arranged to maintain the relative positions of said plurality of flasks While rotating, them;.'means .for supplying, molten metal to the flasksat the casting station;' and conveyors fortransierring the spaced flasks from the rollway to thel g meansgandirom the lining means to the ,1casti rig meanS-Whilemaintaining the same relative position'sof the flasks. 12. A deviceas in claim 11, said conveyorsineluding an endless conveyor between 'thelining station and the casting station; a carriage havingcradles spaced to support said plu'ralitypf flasks while maintaining their said relative positi0n.S;- means for raisinsansi lower ne he-cj fadles and means for reciprocatingthecarriage-in coordination with the operation of the raising vand lowering meansso as to transfersaid phrrality of flasks from therollway to the lining means and thence to the endless conveyor while maintaining the said plurality of flasks in horizontal position with their axes in parallelism,

13. A device as in claim 12, including a shakeout station; and means for transferringsaid plurality of flasks simultaneously from the endless conveyor to the'shakeout station.

14. Mechanism for cyclic centrifugal casting of tubular articles comprising a flask support for holding a cylindrical flask in substantially horizontal position; a lining station having means for charging sand into the flask and means engaging the periphery of the flask to rotate it while in substantially horizontal position; an endless conveyor having rollers mounted on axes parallel to that of the flask for supporting the flask in horizontal position; an elongated carriage having a cradle; means for reciprocating the carriage and coordinated means for raising and lowering the cradle to transfer the flask successively from the support to the lining station and thence to the conveyor While maintaining it in horizontal position; a pouring station having means for spacing the flask from the conveyor while maintaining it in horizontal position; means for charging molten metal into the flask; means for rotating the flask and means for returning the flask to the conveyor; a shakeout station; a rollway leading from the shakeout station to said flask support; means for transferring a flask from the conveyor to the shakeout station; and means for transferring an empty flask from the shakeout station to the rollway.

15. A device as in claim 14, wherein the supporting means on the conveyor comprises pairs of rollers spaced to engage the under side of a flask, and means for returning said flask to the rollers on the conveyor while the flask is still rotating.

16. Apparatus for centrifugally forming tubular castings comprising lining means with spaced rollers for engaging and rotating a cylinsemis position and means for horizontal axes for supporting said flask in prone position; a carriage having means for lifting said flask from said lining means and depositing it on rollers of the conveyor; a pouring station with spaced rollers for engaging the periphery of a lined prone flask and rotating it; means for spacing the flask from the rollers of the conveyor and positioning it to be driven by the rollers at the pouring station, means for charging molten metal into the lined flask and means for returning the flask to a position on the conveyor where it is 1 supported by engagement of the outer face of the flask with those of the rollers.

17. In apparatus for lining a cylindrical flask to form a mold: a support; a plurality of rollers rotatable on axes parallel to that of a flask supported thereby, at least one of said rollers having driving engagement with said flask; power means to drive said roller, means carried by said support and bearing on said flask for pressing it against said rollers; means pivotally mounting said support for movement of the flask between substantially horizontal and vertical positions;

means for introducing sand into said flask when the flask'is in a vertical position; means carried by the support for closing the ends of the flask; a forming tool; and means supporting said tool for movement into and out of said flask when said'support is in a horizontal position to provide the desired contour in the sand.

18. In apparatus for lining a cylindrical flask to form a mold; a tiltable support; a plurality of rollers on said support, said flask resting upon said rollers; means on the support for positively driving one of said rollers; means for tilting the support to move the flask between substantially 20 horizontal and vertical positions; a member on the support engageable with the flask to prevent its endwise movement; means for introducing sand into the flask while said support is in a vertical position; a forming tool; and means for moving said tool into the flask while the support is in horizontal position, for providing the desired contour in the sand.

HOMER L. ROMINE.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 972,108 Herbert Oct. 4, 1910 1,131,743 Simms Mar. 16, 1915 1,377,372 Thompson May 10, 1921 1,386,269 McWane Aug. 2, 1921 1,499,621 Ladd July 1, 1924 1,634,150 Knocke June 28, 1927 1,634,914 Reichold July 5, 1927 1,758,883 Camerota May 13, 1930 1,825,302 Beatty Sept. 29, 1931 1,864,270 Eurich et al. June 21, 1932 1,911,106 Camerota May 23, 1933 1,912,361 Camerota June 6, 1933 1,936,376 Camerota Nov. 21, 1933 1,944,168 Camerota Jan; 23, 1934 1,970,779 Spikerman et a1. Aug; 21, 1934 2,026,457 Breitbart Dec. 31, 1935 2,068,835 Wurster Jan. 26, 1937 2,229,492 Christensen et al. Jan. 21, 1941 2,245,994 McWane June 17, 1941 2,292,821 Caulkins Aug. 11, 1942 2,412,368 Tascher Dec. 10, 1946 2,449,900 Johnston Sept. 21, 1948

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