Patent ID: 6425435
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: B22D

Abstract:
A modular casting system with shared controls comprising:a casting platform and at least one casting module removably disposed on the casting platform; the casting platform comprising a fluid pressure source and an electrical controller for selectively generating electrical control signals; the casting module comprising: an upper platen for supporting a cope of a mold and a lower platen for supporting a drag of a mold; a fluid operated lift cylinder having a cylinder rod connected to the upper platen and operative to selectively raise and lower the upper platen between an open position of the mold and a closed position of the mold; and an electrically operated fluid control valve having fluid connections connected to the fluid operated lift cylinder; the electrically operated fluid control valve further comprising electrical connections connected to the electrical controller via a quick disconnect electrical connector and fluid connections connected to the fluid pressure source via quick disconnect fluid connectors; the electrically operated fluid control valve responsive to said electrical control signals received from the electrical controller for selectively establishing fluid connections between fluid connections connected to the fluid pressure source and the fluid connections connected to the lift cylinder.