Patent ID: 6179171
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B22C

Abstract:
An apparatus for distributing sand from a hopper into a mold flask in a foundry process, comprising:a first plate affixed to a lower portion of the hopper, wherein said first plate has a plurality of uniform apertures therethrough;a second plate slidably mounted subjacent said first plate and in abutment therewith, wherein said second plate has a repeating series of apertures therethrough with each of said aperture series corresponding to one of said uniform apertures through said first plate such that said second plate is movable between a closed position, wherein said apertures through said first and second plates do not overlap, and a plurality of open positions, wherein said apertures through said first and second plates overlap such that sand flows from the hopper, through the overlapping apertures through said first and second plates, and into the mold flask;wherein each of said aperture series through said second plate comprises a plurality of apertures having different diameters such that said plurality of open positions corresponds to different flow rates of sand;means operatively connected to said second plate for urging said second plate between said closed position and said plurality of open positions; andmeans for supporting said second plate, wherein said supporting means maintains said first and second plates in abutment.