Patent ID: 11020791

Abstract:
A pour cup assembly (10) includes a pour cup (12) of frusto-conical shape and which has an inlet end (14), of relatively larger diameter, and an outlet (16), of relatively smaller diameter. The assembly (10) also includes two yokes (18, 20) each including a body section (22) with a part frusto-conical internal profile and opposing arms (24, 26) extending laterally from the body section (22) and that lie in a common plan. Each arm (24, 26) has a bore or hole (30) therein. The body portion (22) has an external profile that is also part frusto-conical in shape and has one or more circumferential grooves (32) in its outer surface. The grooves (32) extend parallel to the arms (18, 20) and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the body portion (22). The grooves (32) in use accommodate a tie element disposed around the body portion (22) and cup (14) to hold the assembly together while the assembly (10) is subsequently coated with ceramic material to form the pour cup assembly. This is typically done at the same time as creating the investment cast around the invested pattern. The arrangement provides a pour cup assembly (10) that can be packaged and transported more efficiently and that can be handled with lifting assistance. The assembly also allows for the use of different sizes of pour cups with the same yokes, making the assembly more versatile.