Patent ID: 7407068

Claim:
A fill tube assembly comprising: a tubular member comprising a first end for receiving molten metal, a second end having a tapered flange for engaging the casting mold, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween; and a clamping assembly comprising: an annular ring disposed over the flange and having a surface engaging the tapered flange of the second end of the tubular member; and a clamping plate for fastening to the casting mold to and for biasing the annular ring against the flange when the clamping plate is fastened to the casting mold; wherein a dimension of the annular ring is such that when the clamping plate is biased against the ammular ring, a pre-load gap is formed between the clamping plate and the casting mold and the annular ring applies a substantially constant and substantially uniform compressive load against the flange irrespective of the temperature of the clamping assembly.