Patent ID: 7775257

Claim:
A casting apparatus comprising crucible support and induction heating means arranged to receive and support a crucible containing material which is to be melted and poured from an outlet of the crucible, with the outlet positioned on a vertical axis and on a horizontal axis which at all times intersects the vertical axis, the support and induction heating means furthermore being operable to apply induction heating to the material to melt it in the crucible; and translation means operable, while the support and induction heating means continuously supports the crucible and applies induction heating to material therein, to tilt the crucible about the horizontal axis while simultaneously moving the crucible and accordingly the horizontal axis and outlet positioned thereon, vertically downward with the horizontal axis remaining in intersection with the vertical axis, thereby causing molten material to pour from the outlet of the crucible substantially on the vertical axis, wherein the translation means comprises a rotatable and vertically movable support member which has circular periphery and means for constraining the support member to move vertically downward while simultaneously rotating the support member about the horizontal axis.