Method for forming sand molds and matchplate molding machine for accomplishing same

Abstract

A method and automated matchplate molding machine for blowing sand horizontally into the horizontally spaced open ends of the cope and drag flasks with a perpendicular trajectory relative to a vertically aligned matchplate between the cope and drag flasks. Sand is pneumatically blown horizontally from sand magazines through opposing ends of the cope and drag flasks toward the matchplate. The cope and drag flask can be turned between upright and rotated positions. The machine disassembles the mold flask and removes the mold in the upright position and fills the mold with sand horizontally when in the rotated position. The molding machine includes a rotating turret that carries two mold flasks between a mold forming station and a draw station. The mold flasks may also be rotated about a horizontal axis relative to the turret to facilitate turning of the mold flasks between upright and rotated positions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.