Continuous mechanical iron pouring line

Abstract

A continuous mechanical iron pouring line for pouring molten metal into a moving conveyor line of abutting sand molds. A plurality of pouring ladles mounted on independently driven and controlled carriages move along a track in a closed-loop between: (1) a stationary ladle filling station wherein molten metal flows from a stationary holding vessel into the ladle; (2) a pouring station wherein the molten metal is conveyed from the ladle into an associated moving mold as the ladle and mold move together through the pouring station; and (3) back to the filling station. Control of each carriage is effected by interaction of that carriage with preceding and succeeding carriages. At the pouring station, the mold line parallels the track along which the carriages move and defines a sector wherein the metal may be poured. Within this sector, locating means carried by each carriage engage the associated mold so as to synchronize the movement of the carriage with that of the mold, such that the ladle pouring spout is located and maintained in registry with the moving mold during the pouring operation. At the beginning of the pouring station, each ladle is located with its associated mold when sensing and control means carried by the ladle carriage engage the preceding ladle carriage and activates a locating means. After emptying its contents, the preceding ladle carriage senses whether the following ladle carriage is engaged or not, and if engaged, the emptied ladle's locating means is disengaged and the ladle then driven to the filling station to be resupplied with molten metal.