Self-sealing, bottom pouring system

Abstract

A pouring system comprises a crucible having an opening formed on a bottom thereof, and a self-sealing member blocking the opening. The self-sealing member is made of material which is the same as the raw material received within the bottom of the crucible. The crucible is supported on an inner distributor supported on a driving rod. The self-sealing member, inner distributor, driving rod are substantially located in a mold heating zone above which a smelting zone is disposed. When the raw material in the crucible is heated in the smelting zone by a first heat source to melt, the driving rod pushes the bottom of the crucible upward into the smelting zone. The self-sealing member is thus molten in the bottom of the crucible, un-blocking the opening to allow the melt to flow therethrough. The melt then flows through an inner distributor and flow pipes into a turnport and reaches a level condition after about 10 seconds. The driving rod is then lowered down to open pouring holes formed on the bottom of the turnport to allow the melt to flow therethrough into molds located directly under the pouring holes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.