Externally replaceable metal casting nozzle

Claim 1

Metal filament forming apparatus comprising, in combination: (A) a crucible adapted to hold molten metal, having a tapered tapping orifice in the bottom and, seated in the tapping orifice (B) a casting nozzle for ejecting molten metal from said crucible into contact with a quench medium, said casting nozzle comprising: (a) a nozzle body providing a conduit for passing molten metal therethrough, having an externally tapered upper end adapted to be received by the tapered tapping orifice in sealing engagement, and an externally threaded and internally tapered lower end, (b) a replaceable orifice member being provided with at least one duct for passing molten metal therethrough, the duct of the replaceable orifice member being in communication with the conduit of said nozzle body, said replaceable orifice member having an externally tapered upper end which is seated in the internal taper of the lower end of the nozzle body in sealing engagement, said replaceable orifice member being further provided with a shoulder intermediate its upper and lower ends, said shoulder engaging, (c) a retaining nut which is screwed onto the external thread of the lower end of the nozzle body, and through which said replaceable orifice member extends, said retaining nut urging said replaceable orifice member into sealing engagement with said nozzle body.