Close proximity pouring device

Abstract

There is disclosed herein a Close Proximity Pouring Device to automatically pour molten metal into a mold. The pouring device consists of a pour box equipped with a stopper rod and nozzle to dispense molten metal into a mold. This is accomplished by lowering the pour box so that a truncated conical pour nozzle, which extends below the pour box, is lowered into a truncated conical cavity in the mold without making contact with the mold. Then, when the stopper rod is opened, molten metal flows from the pour box through the nozzle and into the mold. As the molten metal fills the conical void between the nozzle and the mold, a seal is established preventing air from entering the mold. Oxidation and/or gassing of the molten metal entering the mold is minimized reducing the chance of producing defective castings. Once the molten metal seal is achieved between the nozzle and the mold, the metal head in the pouring vessel adds head pressure to improve filling the mold. Likewise, as the molten metal flows through the nozzle and fills the conical void between the nozzle and the mold, energy is transferred from the molten metal to the tip of the nozzle. By heating the tip of the nozzle during each pour, buildup of metal and metal oxides on the nozzle is eliminated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.