Patent ID: 6575224
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: B22D

Abstract:
Apparatus for controlling the flow of material, such as molten metal, from a container, the apparatus comprising:a first closing clement for the outlet from the container, a support system for the first element, an actuator system for moving the support system and first element, a fixed support frame for mounting the support system and first element, and a bearing system between the fixed support framework and the support system to facilitate movement of the support system relative to the fixed support framework, wherein the bearing system comprises a plurality contact surfaces between a component of the support framework and a component of the support system, at least one of the components providing a contact surface capable of rotation, wherein the bearing system is formed of: a first set of opposing contact surfaces, each of the opposing contact surfaces including a contact surface capable of rotation contacting one of a pair of surfaces provided by a geometric form, the first set of opposing contact surfaces including a first contact surface capable of rotation which contacts a first surface provided by the geometric form and a second contact surface capable of rotation which contacts a second surface provided by the geometric form; and a second set of opposing contact surfaces, each of the opposing contact surfaces including a contact surface capable of rotation contacting one of another pair of surfaces provided by the geometric form, the second set of opposing contact surfaces including a first contact surface capable of rotation which contacts a third surface of the geometric form and a second contact surface capable of rotation which contacts a fourth surface provided by the geometric form; the contact surfaces capable of rotation being provided by the fixed support framework or being provided by the support system, the geometric form providing the pairs of contact surfaces being provided by the other of the support system or the fixed support framework.