Patent ID: 8142145

Claim:
A transfer pump for pumping molten metal having a riser with a reusable socket comprising; a motor having a drive shaft; a support structure located above a bath of molten metal on which said motor is disposed; a shaft made of refractory material having a first end coupled to said drive shaft and a second end; an impeller made of refractory material connected to the second end of said shaft; a base made of refractory material having an impeller chamber in which said impeller is rotatably disposed and a transfer opening; an inlet opening leading from an exterior surface of said base into said impeller chamber; a riser made of refractory material extending from said transfer opening to said support structure, said riser having a passageway for molten metal along a length of said riser; a clamp having a first clamp portion fixedly connected to said support structure and a second clamp portion that is pivotable with respect to said first clamp portion, and a fastener for opening and closing said clamp; a split socket having a flange and a body portion, wherein said split socket is received in said clamp such that said flange is disposed above said clamp and when said clamp is closed said socket holds said riser.