Patent ID: 6427756
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: B22D,B29C

Abstract:
An quick release holding mechanism to selectively fix a tie bar to a casting machine platen, the tie bar extending through an opening of the platen, comprising:a base defining a hole to align with the opening, said base being configured for coupling to the platen; a pair of rails connected to said base about said hole; a first bearing member and a second bearing member slidably engaging said rails, one of said first and second bearing members including a bridge portion crossing another of said first and second bearing members, said first bearing member defining a first collar portion and said second bearing member defining a second collar portion, said first and second collar portions being positioned opposite one another between said rails and being aligned with said hole; a pair of stops positioned opposite one another to limit travel of said first and second bearing members along said rails; a hydraulic cylinder actuator including a body coupled to said first bearing member to travel therewith and a rod coupled to said second bearing member to travel therewith, said rod being positioned between said rails and being extendable and retractable relative to said body along an axis generally parallel to said rails in response to activation of said actuator to move both of said first and second bearing members in opposite directions and adjust distance between said first and second collar portions; and wherein a first distance separates said first and second collar portions when said rod is in a first position and a second distance separates said first and second collar portions when said rod is in a second position, said second distance being greater than said first distance and said rod being extended further in said second position than said first position.