Patent ID: 6457512
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: B22C,B22D

Abstract:
An apparatus for producing ingots from a molten metal, said apparatus comprising:(a) A down pour pipe for receiving said molten metal, wherein said down pour pipe is comprised of an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion; (b) An ingot mold for receiving and molding said molten metal; wherein said ingot mold is comprised of a lower portion, a middle portion, and an upper portion; (c) A runner for distributing said molten metal from said down pour pipe to said ingot mold, said runner having two open ends, one end being connected to said down pour pipe and the other end being connected to said ingot mold, wherein said runner is proximate said lower portion of said down pour pipe and said lower portion of said ingot mold; (d) A first heating element inserted into said down pour pipe for pre-heating said upper to middle portions of said down pour pipe, wherein said first heating element is removed from said down pour pipe prior to the introduction of said molten metal into said down pour pipe; and (e) A second heating element inserted into said ingot mold for pre-heating said lower to middle portions of said ingot mold, wherein said second heating element is removed from said ingot mold prior to the introduction of said molten metal into said down pour pipe.