Patent ID: 6443217
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: B22C,B22D

Abstract:
Molten metal casting apparatus comprising:a vertically movable head configured to have a top core mold segment affixed thereto; a stationary bed configured to have a bottom core mold segment affixed thereto; at least three side mold segment connecting heads, each connecting head connected by a respective linkage to said vertically movable head to cause said connecting heads to move vertically upwardly and downwardly with the movable head while permitting pivotal movement inward and outward for each of the side mold segments; actuators for each of said connecting heads controlled to provide inward pivotal movement of each of said connecting heads and an associated side mold segment in conjunction with downward movement of said vertically movable head to cause said side mold segments to form a closed cavity while said vertically movable head is above a fully lowered position; said actuators being controllable to reverse said inward pivotal movement and said downward movement to pivot said connecting heads and side mold segments outward upon separation of said bottom core mold segment and said top core mold segment during raising of the movable head, thereby releasing a cast article formed in the casting mold.