Automatic ladler

An automatic ladler machine comprising:

• a frame adapted to be secured to a stationary structure;
• ladle means for containing molten metal;
• support arm means pivotally coupled to said frame for operably suspending said ladle means from said frame;
• hydraulic cylinder means for raising and lowering said support arm means and said ladle means;
• and
• ladle fill depth control means for controlling ladle means loading, said depth control means comprising:
• hydraulic pressure sensing means adapted to be triggered in response to a predetermined reduction in hydraulic pressure in said hydraulic cylinder means;
• and
• timer means responsive to said hydraulic pressure sensing means for facilitating immersion of said ladle means in molten metal for a preselected time after actuation of said hydraulic pressure sensing means whereby to control filling of said ladle means.

A ladler system comprising:

• ladle means for containing and transferring molten metal, said ladle means having a pouring point;
• elongated support arm means for raising and lowering said ladle means;
• and
• linkage means for coupling said ladle means to said support arm means, said linkage means including:
• first pivot bracket means rotatably coupled to said support arm means;
• second pivot bracket means rigidly attached to said ladle means;
• first parallelogram linkage means pivotally coupled to and extending between said first and second pivot bracket means;
• said first parallelogram linkage means including an integral, upwardly extending portion;
• and
• second parallelogram linkage means pivotally coupled to and extending between said first and second pivot bracket means;
• and
• reach rod means coupled to said upwardly extending portion of said first parallelogram linkage means to move said ladle means inwardly or outwardly with respect to said system when said ladle means is respectively raised or lowered whereby to substantially maintain the horizontal position of said pouring point during raising and lowering of said ladle means.