US3011626A - Type casting machine - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH TYPE CASTING mcmnz 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 2, 1960 INVENTOR ART U R ROTH Ma) Q F W ATTORNEYS Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH TYPE CASTING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 2, 1960 INVENTOR ARTUR ROTH Mwfl/pfww I ATTORNEYS Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH 3,011,626

TYPE CASTING MACHINE Filed Nev. 2, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.5.

IOO A INVENTOR ARTUR ROTH ATTORNEYS Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH TYPE CASTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENIOR ARTUR ROTH ATTORN Y) Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH 3,011,626

TYPE CASTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5v INVENTOR ARTUR ROTH BY g wmffiww ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,011,626 TYPE CASTING MACHINE Artur Roth, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to Lanston Industries, Incorporated, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Virginia Filed Nov. 2, 1960, Ser. No. 66,758 17 Claims. (Cl. 199-77) This invention relates to type casting machines.

In Patton et a1. Patent No. 2,883,038 and the pending applications of Roth and Thomas, Serial No. 10,981 and Roth, Serial No. 11,058, a system of type composing and casting is disclosed wherein positioning and dimensioning are divorced from or independent of one another, and a matrix case is utilized preferably having eighteen rows and eighteen columns of matrices wherein the matrices are arranged in these rows and columns in the most etficient manner, and not according to the width or unit size of the characters represented thereby. The patent referred to discloses a type casting machine designed in such manner that the matrix case is positionable over the mold cavity by means independent of the means for adjusting the mold blade to determine the width or set size of the type body to be cast. In the Roth and Thomas application, referred to, there is disclosed a type composing machine including a keyboard and adapted to produce a perforated control tape for use in the casting machine to control the operation thereof. The Roth application, referred to, relates to arrangements of matrices in the matrix case.

The principal object of the present invention is to pro vide improvements to type casting machines of the char-' acter disclosed in the Patton et al. patent. These improve ments are designed primarily to simplify the construction and operation of the machine, increase its speed and efiiciency, and reduce manufacturing costs.

In the Patton et al. patent, the positioning movements of the matrix case are controlled by two pin blocks, arranged at right angles to each other. One of these pin blocks controls the movement of the matrix case in one direction, while the other pin block controls the movement of the matrix case in a direction perpendicular thereto. Each pin block is shown as including eighteen pins, seventeen of these being movable, and one being fixed. These individual pins of the two pin blocks are adapted to be engaged by a movable pin jaw so as to define eighteen different stop positions in each pin block to represent the eighteen individual rows and columns in the 18 x 18 matrix case. A set wedge pin block is also provided for controlling the positioning of the mold blade. This pin block is shown as including seventeen pins, sixteen of them being movable and one being fixed. These pins provide seven-teen difierent stop positions for a movable piston whereby the mold blade is adjustable for seventeen different units of width.

Three decoding valves are also provided in the machine disclosed in the Patton et al. patent, one for the front pin block, one for the rear pin block, and one for the set wedge pin block whereby only nine difierent signals may be utilized for each of these blocks to individually actuate the movable pins in each block. According to the invention, novel means are provided in the three pin blocks referred to whereby the same number of signals (cg. nine) may be used for each pin block without requiring the use of decoding valves. In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, to be described in more detail hereinafter, each of the'three pin blocks is only provided with nine control pins, eight of these being movable and one being fixed. Additionally, each of the pin blocks is provided with a shifting mechanism designed to be actuated only when a predetermined signal is received. The shifting mechanism for each pin block is so con- 3,011,626 Patented Dec. 5, 1961 structed and arranged as to enable each of the nine pins in each pin block to define two different stop or control positions.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The novel features of the invention may be best made clear from the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic plan view of the top of a type casting machine embodying the invention and with some structures omitted for the sake of clarity and convenience of illustration;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the front pin block taken generally along line 22 of FIGURE 1, and on an enlarged scale;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged plan view of the front pin block shown in FIGURE 2 and with certain structures omitted for the sake of clarity and convenience of illustration;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an exem plary construction for the shifting mechanism for the front pin block shown in FIGURES 2 and 3;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged plan view of an exemplary construction for the set wedge pin block;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational View, partially in section, of the set wedge pin block of FIGURE 5 and showing fragmentarily structure designed for actuating the piston in this pin block;

FIGURE 7 is an end elevational view of the set wedge 7 pin block shown in FIGURE 5, and taken looking in a left-to-right direction in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 8 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along the line 8-8 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective view of a portion of the shifting mechanism of the set wedge pin block shown in FIGURES 5-8;

FIGURE 10 is a schematic view of an exemplary piping diagram connecting the three pin blocks to the air tower.

Referring to FIGURE 1, the numeral 20 designates the main stand or base plate of a type casting machine 22. Shown as being carried by the base plate are the front pin block 24, the rear pin block 26, and the set wedge pin block 28. It will be understood that numerous structures and mechanisms normally positioned above the base plate 20 have been omitted from FIGURE 1 for the sake of clarity and convenience of illustration. For purpose of this description, the casting machine 22 may be considered to be identical or substantially identical'to the machine disclosed in and contemplated by the Patton et a1. patent, referred to above, except for the omission of the decoding valves, and the changes in the construction of the pin blocks 24, 25, 28, and in the piping diagram shown in FIGURE 10 for connecting the air tower 31 to the movable pins in the pin blocks. Hence, the complete disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The front 24 and rear 26 pin blocks may be identical or substantially identical in construction, as will be understood. Hence, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same or corresponding parts thereof, and only the front pin block 24 has been shown in detail, it being understood that the rear pin block 26 may be similarly constructed.

Each of the pin blocks 24, 26 includes a pair of pin jaws 39, 32, and nine pins 34 are arranged in three parallel rows and three inclined files between the jaws 39, 32 when the latter are in their fully open position. These pins 34 are arranged so that each pin is transversely spaced from the others so as to define nine transversely spaced points. The pins 34 operate through the movable jaws 30, 32 to limit the movement of the pin jaw tongs (not shown) which arein turn operatively osition.

same in a retracted position.

connected to the matrix case (not shown) whereby the front pin block 24 will control the movements of the matrix case in one rectilinear direction, while the rear pin block 26 controls the movements of the matrix case in a direction perpendicular thereto, as is understood.

Referring to FIGURES 2, 3, and 4, the front pin block 24 is shown as including a horizontal guide rod 36 on which the jaws 30, 32 are slidably mounted. The jaw is shown as including a leading edge 38 having three semicircular recesses 40 therein arranged so as to be in alignment with the three rows of pins 34, as indicated. The movable pins 34 also identified by the letters a, b, c, a, e, g, h are vertically movable, while the ninth pin is arranged in a fixed, stationary raised position wherein it normally projects above the top plate 42 of the pin block to a level approxirnately at the height of the leading edge 38 of the jaw 30. This fixed pin 34, as best seen in FIGURE 2, is shown as being farther to the left than the other pins 34 and arranged in a bore 44 in the body of the pin block with a compression spring 46 normally retaining the pin in its projected Spring 46 abuts against the bottom of the fixed 'pin 34 and the bottom plate 48 of the pin block, and a shoulder 50 on this pin abuts against the top plate 42.

The movable pins 34 are also shown arranged in bores 44 in the body of the pin block 24, and compression springs 46 are provided in these bores, encircling the upper stem of the pins 34 and normally retaining the The springs 46 for the movable pins 34 are shown as abutting at one end against the top plate 42, and at the other end against a radial shoulder 50 on the pins, while the bottom cover plate 48 stops the movement of these pins under the action of their springs. 7

The bottom plate 48 is shown as being provided with a plurality of holes 52, one of these holes communicating with each of the bores 44 for the movable pins, and suitable fluid lines (not shown) will be associated with each ofthese holes 52 to provide for the selective delivery 7 of fluid vunder pressure to urge against the bottoms of each of the pins 34 and move them upwardly until an annular shoulder 55 thereon abuts against the top cover plate 42 whereby the pins will then be in position to be struck by the leading edge 38 of the pin jaw 30. The delivery of fluid under pressure through holes 52 to actuate the pins 34 will be regulated by a perforated control tape during operation of the machine, to provide for the actuation of the proper pin for positioning the matrix case, as will be understood. If all of the movable pins 34 are in their retracted positions, the pin jaw 30 will move to the leftuntil it strikes the fixed or stationary raised .pin 34. After the movement of the pin jaw 30 has been arrested by contact with one of the' pins 34, the other pin jaw 32 will be moved toward the jaw 30 until it, strikes same, and this will determine the location of the matrix case to the desired point in one direction. A similar operation in the rear pin jaw 26 will determine the location of the matrix case in a direction perpendicular to this first direction, whereby the matrix in the desired row and column in the matrix case will be positioned over the mold cavity for the casting of a body V i According "to the invention, a shifting mechanism is provided in each of the pin blocks 24, 26, as'referred to above. This shifting mechanism is shown in FIG- URES 2, 3 and 4- as including a shift plate 54 slidably mounted on the top cover plate 42 of the pin block.

Tracks or ways 56 are provided in the pin block for receiving the sides of the shift plate 54 to guide the reciprocating movements thereof. The shift plate- 54 normallyis in-a position between the pinsv 34 and the leading edge "38 of the .pin jaw'fitl when the latter is in its fully open position, as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3.

'ton et a1. patent.

Patton et al. patent.

The leading edge 58 of the shift plate 54 is shown as including three semicircular recesses 60, corresponding in position and size to the recesses 40 in the leading edge 38 of the pin jaw 30, while the rear edge 62 of the shift plate is formed with three semicircular protuberances 64 of a size and in position to mate with the recesses 49 in the pin jaw leading edge 38. c

A base member 66 is attached to the shift plate 54 and extends rearwardly therefrom to a point in back of the pin jaw 30. The rear portion of this base member 66 is shown as being bent forwardly and then terminating in a free upper end 68 engaging the rear end of the pin jaw 30. V a

The shift plate 54 normally is disposed below the bottom of the pin jaw '30 whereby that jaw is movable thereover for engagement against one of the pins 34. However, means are provided for elevating the shift plate 54 to the position wherein the rear edge 62 thereof will be disposed approximately at the same level as the leading edge 38 of the pin jaw 30 so that movements of the pin jaw to the left will cause the shift plate 54 also to he moved to the left until the shift plate leading edge 58 thereof encounters one of the pins 34. This means is shown in FIGURE 2 as including a movable pin 70 similar to the pins 34, and similarly arranged in the pin block below the base member 66 of the shifting mechanism. A compression spring 72 encircles this pin and V normally urges it against the bottom plate 48, and a fluid determine eighteen'diiferent stop positions for the pin jaw 30, nine when the shift plate 54 is in its normal unelevated position, and nine more when the shift'plate 54 is elevated.

In the event that the shift plate 54 had been elevated and moved to the left by pin jaw 30 for positioning movement of the matrix case, the engagement of the rear end of the pin jaw 30 with the free rear end 68 of the base member 66 of the shifting mechanism will provide for return movement of the shift plate 54 when the pin jaw 30 is returned to its fully open position, as will be evident. A suitable stationary stop 76 is arranged onthe pin block, to the right of this free end 68, and in alignment therewith, as indicated in FIGURES 2 and 3.

As previously stated, the rear pin'block 26 may be identical or substantially identical to the front pin block 24 whereby the nine pins 34 thereof will define eighteen different stop positions for the pin jaw 30, as in the case of the front pin block 24."

s The set wedge pin block 28, as best seen in FIGURES 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, includes a piston member 78 slidable in a complementarily-shaped chamber 80, as in the Pat- The piston 78 includes an upstanding projection or lug ;82 thereon, adjacent the rear end thereof, and a shoe having a depending boss 138 is adapted to move the piston 78 to the right, as viewed in FIGURE 6, at periodic intervals during the operation of the machine, in the same manner as that discussed in the The position 'of the mold blade will be determined by the amount of movement to the right of the shoe 130, as permitted by the piston 78, as will be understood.

The movement to the right .of the piston78 will be arrested by "any one of a plurality of movable pins 84 or a fixed raised pin 86. These pins 84 and 86 are arranged in three rows and three inclined or diagonal files s the illustrative embodiment, and each of these pins is shown as being defined by a tubular member having a closed upper end and an open lower end, as best seen in FIGURE 6. These pins are slidably mounted in bores 88 in the block 28, and holes 90 are provided in the bottom cover plate 92 for the block 28, respectively communicating with the open lower ends of each of the pins 84, as indicated. Fluid lines (not shown) will be connected to these holes 90 for delivery of pressurized fluid therethrough to selectively and individually raise the pins 84. The pins 84, when so raised by fluid pressure, will pass through the chamber 80 and into aligned holes 94 thereabove. A top plate 96 covers these holes 94, and a plurality of chambers 174 having an arcuate upper surface are provided in this plate 96, there being one of these chambers for each of the four rows of pins, in the manner disclosed in the Patton et al. patent. Each of these chambers spans all of the holes 94 in the row associated therewith and, as best seen in FIGURE 6, one of these chambers extends from the fixed pin 86 over the two holes 94 in the same row therewith. The purpose of these chambers 174 is to provide for the flow of pressurized fluid above the tops of the pins 84 for returning them to their retracted or lowermost position, during restoring operations, as described in the Patton et al patent.

The fixed tubular pin 86 is shown as extending between the top plate 96 and the bottom plate 92, and includes apertures 98 disposed in the chamber 80. The upper end of the pin 86 opens into the chamber 174 associated therewith, while the lower end of this pin communi cates through a hole 100 in the bottom plate 92 with a fluid line (not shown) for the flow of fluid under pressure through the pin and into the chambers 80, 174 during restoring operations.

The leading edge 102 of the piston 78 is shown in FIGURE as being formed with four semicircular recesses 104 corresponding to each of the four rows of pins 84, 86. Thus, movement of the piston 78 to the right, as viewed in FIGURES 5 and 6, when engaged by the shoe 130, will be arrested by the engagement of one of the recesses 104 with one of the pins 84 or the pin 86, as will be appreciated.

In accordance with the invention, a novel shifting mechanism is provided whereby the eight pins 84 and the fixed, raised pin 86 may each determine two different stop positions for the piston 78. This mechanism is shown as including a shift tongue 106 pivotally mounted on a stationary rod 108 carried by a bracket 118 attached to the left hand end of the block 28, as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6. The tongue 106 is of generally bell crank configuration including a projecting lug 112 at its upper end, and an elongated extension 114 at its lower end and extending parallel to the axis of the rod 108. A torsional spring 116 is shown as encircling the rod 108, having one of its ends fixed to the tongue 106, and the other end to rotate in a clockwise direction about the axis of the rod 108, as viewed in FIGURE 7. This tongue 106 will normally be in the solid line position thereof shown in FIGURE 7 whereby the upper projection 112 thereof will not be in the path of movement of the boss 138 of the shoe 130 toward the lug 82 on the set wedge piston 78.

Means are provided for actuating the shift tongue 106 to rotate it in a counterclockwise direction about the ads of rod 108, as viewed in FIGURE 7, whereby the projection 112 will be disposed between the boss 138 of the shoe 130, and the lug 82 of the set wedge piston 78. This means is shown as including a pin 118 reciprocably mounted in block 28 underneath and in engagement with the lower surface of the extension 114 on the tongue 166. This pin 118 will normally be in the position thereof shown in FIGURE 6 and a fluid passageway 120, 122 is formed in the block 28 communicating with the hollow interior of the lower end of the pin 118 and also with a vertical bore 124 in the block 28 at the other end thereof. This bore 124 communicates through a hole 126 in the bottom plate 92 with a suitable fluid line (not shown) for the introduction of fluid under pressure through the bore 124 and passageways 120, 122 to raise the pin 118 and eflect rotation of the tongue 106 in a counterclockwise direction about the axis of the rod 108 (as viewed in FIG- URE 7) at desired times. A shoulder 128 is shown as being formed on this pin 118 for engagement to the top wall 131 of the borein which the lower portion of the pin reciprocates, as shown in FIGURE 6. This will provide an upper limit position to the actuation of the pin 118, as will be evident.

The shifting mechanism includes a latch arrangement to provide that the shift tongue 106 will not be actuated unless the piston 78 is all the way to the left, as viewed in FIGURE 6, that is, in its fully restored position. This latching arrangement is shown as including a locking member 132 rotatably mounted on the rod 108 between the tongue 106 and the bracket 110. This locking member includes a cut-out portion 134 through which the extension 114 of tongue 106 projects, and a projecting arm 136 on the locking member 132 is shown as mounting a disc-like member 139 in engagement with the upper surface of the shift tongue extension 114. Thus, the extension 114 is engaged on its top and bottom sides by the disc 139 and the lower surface of the cutout portion 134, respectively, as best seen in FIGURE 9.

A latch 140 is arranged in the bracket 11!) and is pivotally mounted at its lower end thereof, as by means of a pin 142. This latch 140 is shown as being urged by a spring 144 to pivot in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 6, so that the tooth 146 thereof will be positioned to engage in a recess 148 in the locking member 132, when the piston 78 is not in its fully restored position, that is, in the extreme left hand position thereof, as viewed in FIGURE 6. The latch 140 is shown as including a protuberance 150 adapted to be disposed in the left hand end of the chamber 80, as viewed in FIGURE 6, for engagement by the left hand end of the set wedge piston 78 while the latter is being restored or moved to the left. Thus, when the piston 78 reaches its furly restored position to the extreme left, as viewed in FIGURE 6, the left hand surface 152 thereof will have engaged the protuberance 150 on the latch 140 and pivoted the latch in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 6, against the action of the spring 144 and until the tooth 146 thereof has been removed from the recess 148 in the locking member 132. At this time, the tongue 106 will be released so that it may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 7, in the event pressurized fluid acts on the pin 118 to raise it.

When the shift tongue 106 is in its actuated position so as to dispose the projection 112 thereon in position to be struck by the boss 138 on the shoe 130, the piston 78 will begin to move to the right at an earlier time than if the shift tongue 106 had not been actuated, as will be evident. As the shoe continues to move to the right, the extension 114 on the shift tongue 106 will remain in contact with the raised pin 118 and the leading edge 102 of the piston 78 will be moved into engagement either with the fixed pin 86 or one of the movable pins 84 in the event of actuation of one of those latter pins. During this movement, the shift tongue 106 will slide to the right along the rod 108, as viewed in FIGURES 5 and 6, to compress the spring 116. Thus, during a restoring operation, the compressed spring 116 will urge the tongue 106 to the left to return to its original position, and it will also rotate the tongue 106 (clockwise as viewed in FIGURE 7) back to its normal, unactuated position, as air pressure is relieved or vented from the passageways 120, 122 and bore 124. Air pressure will also be introduced into the chamber 80 through the fixed pin 86 and apertures 98 therein to return or restore the piston '78 to the left until it engages the protuberance 150 on the latch and releases same from the recess 148 in the locking member 132, at stated above. i

' cannot be actuated until after the piston 78 has been fully restored to the left, as viewed in FIGURE 6. Thus, if the stretcher valve 74, shown in FIGURE 10, operates to 7 send pressurized fluid to the pin 118 before the piston 78 has been fully restored to the left, the shit't tongue 1&6 will be prevented from being actuated.

I An exemplary piping diagram is shown in FIGURE 19. This diagram merely shows exemplary connections between air tower 31 and the front pin block 2 rear pin block "26, set wedge pin block 28 and stretcher valve 74.

. The stretcher valve 74 may be of the same construction asthc stretcher valve disclosed in the Patton et al. patent, referred to above, and including an inlet line 154 extending from a constant air interruption valve (not shown) to the manifold 156 of the stretcher valve. This constant air interruption valve may be of: the same construction as valve 60 of the Patton et al patentto provide for the introduction of pressurized fluid, such as air, into the manifold 156 at periodic or cyclic intervals. Lines 158 extend from signal linesindentified by the numbers 1 through 9 in the airtower 31 to the upper openings I in thestretcher valve. Lines 16!) extend from the openings 326 in the stretcher valve to the movable pins 34 andthe pin 118 in the set wedge pin block 28. The mov ablepins 8d'have' been also identified by the numerals 1 through 8, to correspond to the signal lines identified by the numerals 1 through 8 in the air tower 31, while the actuating pin 11% has also been identified by the numeral 9, to correspond to the signal line 9 in the air tower communicating therewith. I I

I, A line 162 is shown as extending from the hole 10% for the fixed pin 76 in the set wedge pin block 23 for delivering pressurized fluid thereto during restoring. This line will communicate with a restoring valve (not shown) such as the restoring valve 53 disclosed in the Patton et al. patent, as will be understood I I I I The eight movable pins- 34 in the rear pin block 26 have also been identified inFiGU RE 10 by the letters A through H, while the shift actuating pin 7ii' h as been identified by the letter i. Lines 164- are shown as extending from theseipins to signal lines in the airtower 31, correspondingly and respectively identified by the letters .A through 1; Likewise, the movable pins 34 and the shift actuator pin 70 in the front pin block 24 have also been identified in FIGURE Why the letters 4 through i and lines 166 are shown as connecting these pins tosignal lines identified as a through z respectively in the air tower. I Thus, it will be appreciated that the various movable pins in thethree blocks 24, 26, 23 will receive pressurized air for actuation thereof from the correspondingsignal lines in the air tower 31, in accordance with predetermined perforations in the control tape, and the pressurized t iuid for the movable pins in the set wedge pin block 28 will pass through the stretcher valve 74 in the same maner as that disclosed in the Patton et al. patent, referred to above. I II I I I The present invention will thus be seen completely and efiectively accomplish the objects enumerated hereinabove. It will be realized, however, that various changes and substitutions may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed herein for the purpose of illustrating the principles of this invention, without departing from these principles. Thereforethis invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is: I I I I l. '-ln a casting machine of the character described, means for positioning a matrix case including: a plurality of gauging pin-like members selectively operable by sig- 8 nals to be moved from an uiiactuated tonn actuated p sttion; a reciprocable element periodically moved toward said gauging members; and means shiftable' in'to an d out of operative engagement with said movable element whereby each of said gauging members, when actuated, defines two different stop positions forthe movements or said element toward said members.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said reciprocahle element includes a leading edge positioned to strike the gauging members when the latter are actuated and the shiftable means is out of engagement with said element, and further wherein said shiftable meansincludes a leading edge positioned to strike the gauging members when the latter are actuated and the shiftable means is in engagement with said element, I

3. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein said shittable means is normally disposed out of engagement with said element, and further wherein means are provided for actuating said shiftable means into engagement with said element in response to a predetermined signal.

4. In a casting machine of the character described, means for controlling the width of a mold cavity including: a plurality of gauging pin-like members selectively operable by signals to be moved from an unactuated to an actuated position; a reciprocable element periodically moved toward said gauging members; and means shiftable into and out of operative engagement with said theyable element whereby each ofsaid gauging members, when actuated, defines two different stoppositions for the movementsof said elements toward said members.

5. The machine defined in claim 4 wherein said element includes a leading edge positioned to strike the gauging members when the latter are actuated and irrespective of whether the shiftable means is iii or out of operative engagement with said element. 7 V I 6. The machine defined in claim 5 wherein driving means are provided for moving said element toward said gauging members, said last-named means including structure positioned to be drivingly engaged to said element when said shiftable means is out of operative engagement with said element, and said structure being drivingly engaged to said shiftable means when such means is in operative engagement with said element. I

7. The machine .as defined in claim 6 wherein said driving means and said shiftable means are disposed adjacent the rear or trailing edge of said element.

8. The machine as defined in claim 7 wherein said.

shiftable means is normally disposed out of operative engagement with said element, and means are provided for actuating said shiftable means into operative engagement with said element in response to a predetermined signal.

9. In a casting machine of the character described, first means for positioning a matrix case; second means for controlling the width of a mold cavity, said first and said second means each including: a plurality of gauging pin-like members selectively operable by signals to be moved from an unactuated to an actuated position; a reciprocable element'periodically moved toward said gauging members; and means shiftable into and out of operative engagement with said movable element whereby each of said gauging membersywh'en actuated, defines two different stop positions for the movements of said element toward said members. II 7 10. The structure definedin claim 9 wherein said first and said second means operate independently of each other.

11. The structure" defined in claim 10 wherein each of said shiftable means is normally disposed out of operative engagement withiits respective element, and further wherein means are provided for selectively actiiating each of said shiftable means into operative engagement with its respective element in response to predetermined signals. I t

- 12. In a machine of the character described, first means for positioning a matrix case and'includiiig two pin bloclis,

second means for controlling the width of a mold cavity and including one pin block, said pin blocks each comprising: a plurality of gauging pin-like members selectively operable by signals to be moved from an unactuated to an actuated position; a reciprocable element periodically moved toward said gauging members; and means shiftable into and out of operative engagement with said movable element whereby each of said gauging members, when actuated, defines two difierent stop positions for the movements of said element toward said members.

13. The machine defined in claim 12 wherein the reciprocable element of each of said pin blocks of said first means includes a leading edge positioned to strike against the gauging members when the latter are actuated and the shiftable means is out of engagement with said element, and further wherein the shiitable means or" each of said pin blocks of said first means includes a leading edge positioned to strike the gauging members when the latter are actuated and the shiftable means is in engagement with said element.

14. The machine defined in claim 12 wherein the reciprocable element of said pin block of said second means includes a leading edge pesition to strike the gauging members when the latter are actuated and irrespective of whether the shiftable means is in or out of operative engagement with said element.

15. The machine defined in claim 14 wherein driving means are provided for moving the reciprocable element of said pin block of said second means toward said gauging members, said driving means including structure positioned to be drivingly engaged to said element when the shiftable means of said pin block of said second means is out of operative engagement with its respective reciprocable element, and said structure being drivingly engaged to said shiftable means when the latter is in operative engagement with its respective element.

16. The machine as defined in claim 15 wherein said driving means and said shiftable means of said pin block of said second means are disposed adjacent the rear or trailing edge of the corresponding reciprocable element.

17. The machine defined in claim 12 wherein all of said shiftable means are normally disposed out of operative engagement with their respective reciprocable elements, and further wherein means are provided for selectively actuating all of said shiftable means into engagement with their respective reciprocable elements in response to predetermined signals.

No references cited.

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