Pcc Airfoils, Inc.

James A Oti

Lawrence Donald Graham

During the casting of reactive metals, the depletion of reactive elements from molten metal in an article mold cavity is prevented by blocking a feeder passage after filling an article mold cavity with the molten metal. To block the feeder passage, a valve member is floated on the molten metal. As the level of the molten metal rises, the valve member moves into sealing engagement with a valve seat. To make a mold structure containing the valve member, the valve member is positioned in a pattern of the mold structure. After covering the pattern with ceramic mold material, the pattern is removed to leave the valve member in the mold structure.

Apparatus and method for use in casting

An improved method of casting provides for the blocking of the upper end portion of a mold structure during preheating of the mold structure in a furnace and/or withdrawal of the mold structure from the furnace. The mold structure is raised into a furnace chamber with a cover blocking the upper end portion of the mold structure. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the cover moves upwardly through the furnace chamber to a location immediately above an upper sidewall of the furnace chamber. When the mold has been preheated, the cover is removed and molten metal is pored into the mold structure. The cover is then replaced on the mold structure. The molten metal in the mold structure is solidified by slowly withdrawing the mold structure from the furnace chamber with the cover blocking the upper end portion of the mold structure. Once the mold structure has been completely withdrawn from the furnace chamber and the molten metal in the mold structure has solidified, the cover is removed.

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Richmond Heights, OH, United States of America

James A Oti