Rotary stopper for molten metal pouring

Claim 1

A ladle valve unit for high temperature molten metals, comprising: a. a fixed rigid block of fire resistant material having a flat upper surface and at least two openings extending through the block from its top to its bottom; b. a slidable valve member positioned atop the solid rigid block of substantially uniform thickness having at least a flat bottom surface of substantially less width and thickness than the fixed rigid block; c. a rotatable shaft extending through one of the said openings in the fixed rigid block and having means at its upper end for fixedly engaging the slidable valve member adjacent one end thereof for operating said valve member; d. the opening in the rigid block, through which the shaft extends, being at right angles to the upper surface thereof; e. the lower end of the shaft extending beyond the lower surface of the fixed block having means fixed thereto for engagement with an operating member for rotating the shaft for positioning the opposite end of the said valve member on the upper surface of the fixed rigid block for shifting the slidable valve assembly to open and close the other said second opening in the fixed block; f. the area adjacent the upper surface of the fixed rigid block being provided with with a well for receiving a fire resistant material for sealing the shaft from the molten metals.