Abstract An improved machine or apparatus for forming member from a slurry of refractory material includes a pair of mold sections which cooperate to form a cavity. A flexible diaphragm extends around the mold sections and is movable to an inwardly and downwardly sloping position to form a trough connected in fluid communication with the mold cavity. The mold cavity is flooded by filling the trough with the slurry of refractory material. Water is then drawn from the slurry in the mold cavity to form a wetcake of refractory material. The water content of this wet-cake of refractory material is at least partially controlled with an adjustable timer which regulates the length of time for which water is drawn from the mold cavity. After sufficient refractory material has been deposited in the mold cavity to form a wet-cake having the shape of the member to be formed, the diaphragm is moved to an outwardly and downwardly sloping position to enable excess slurry to flow away from the mold sections and into a receptacle. While the diaphragm is in this outwardly and downwardly sloping position, a water and air spray or washdown is applied to the area around the upper mold section to remove any refractory material which may settle out of the excess slurry. The excess slurry is pumped from this receptacle to a main mixing or batch tank where it is mixed with a relatively large quantity of the slurry. Therefore, when this excess slurry is subsequently reused, it will have a water content or consistency corresponding to that of the main batch of slurry.
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including a press member operatively connected to said second mold section and movable relative to said second mold section between a first position spaced apart from the member being formed in the mold cavity and a second position engaging the member being formed in the mold cavity and spaced a predetermined distance from a mold surface on said first mold section to thereby form a portion of said member in the mold cavity with a thickness corresponding to the predetermined distance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further including control means for controlling the operation of said means for providing a flow of liquid under pressure, said control means including means for initiating the flow of liquid under pressure when said press member is in its second position and for interrupting the flow of liquid under pressure before said press member is moved to its first position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means for providing a flow of liquid under pressure includes manifold means mounted on said press member for directing a flow of liquid under pressure toward the area around the opening to the mold cavity, and conduit means for conducting liquid under pressure to said manifold means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 further including means for supplying air under pressure to said manifold means to thereby provide an air and liquid mixture for washing away any particles of refractory material which may remain in the area around the mold cavity.