Patent ID: 6513571
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: B22D

Abstract:
A low-pressure casting machine for casting wheel components, the machine comprising:a thermally insulated chamber adapted to retain a supply of molten metal; a mold having a cavity which communicates with said chamber; a pressurization device communicating with said chamber, said pressurization device being selectively operative to apply a pressure within said chamber to force molten metal from said chamber into said mold cavity; a vent communicating with said chamber, said vent being selectively operable to release said pressure from within said chamber after said mold cavity has filled and said mold has cooled sufficiently for the molten metal within said mold cavity to solidify; a fill line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said fill line communicating with said chamber; a central source of molten metal that is separated from said chamber, said source of molten metal communicating with said second end of said fill line, said source of molten metal and said fill line being positioned relative to said chamber such that gravity urges said molten metal through said fill line from said source of molten metal and directly into said chamber with a non-turbulent flow; a normally closed fill valve disposed in said fill line, said valve being selectively operative to control the flow of molten metal through said fill line and into said chamber; and a solenoid connected to said fill valve, said solenoid operative to open said fill valve while said vent is actuated to release said pressure from within said chamber and to close said fill valve while said pressurization device is actuated whereby the flow of molten metal into said thermally insulated chamber is controlled.