Patent ID: 8066936

Claim:
A compliant fill-tube joint for a casting process, wherein the joint comprises: a fill-tube flange releasably connected to an inlet port of a casting mold using a non-rigid, pre-loaded clamping mechanism, wherein the fill-tube flange composes a portion of a fill tube for transferring a molten metal to the casting mold; wherein, the fill-tube flange has (i) an engaging surface that mates with the inlet port of the casting mold and (ii) a tapered non-engaging surface that contacts the pre-loaded clamping mechanism, wherein the engaging surface is adapted to provide a substantially leak-proof connection with the inlet port of the casting mold when pressure is applied to the non-engaging surface from the pre-loaded clamping mechanism; the tapered non-engaging surface functions to minimize stress concentrations; the pre-loaded clamping mechanism includes a pre-load gap that (i) facilitates a compensation and adjustment of pressure and (ii) maintains the substantially leak-proof connection despite a dimensional variation in the fill-tube joint; and, the pre-load gap facilitates application of a substantially uniform compressive load against the flange irrespective of the temperature of the clamping assembly.