The casting of metals and of other substances by the same processes or machines. By "other substances" is meant basically the group of non-metals, e.g. silicon.

Treatment on reduced scale of the molten metal , whether in the ladle or in the supply runners.

Measuring devices for process parameters during casting, e.g. temperature or viscosity of the fused mass, thickness of a frozen shell.

If the measurement is part of a regulating process, then classification is also given in the relevant groups (e.g. B22D 11/16 - B22D 11/225).

Methods, machines or plants for casting pigs.

Equipment for conveying molten metal to the pig moulds is classified in B22D 35/00 - B22D 35/06.

Machines or plants for pig casting, e.g. devices for stacking pigs, rotary casting tables.

Casting processes, machines or plants for casting of ingots in definite lengths.

Equipment for conveying molten metal to the ingot moulds is classified in B22D 35/00 - B22D 35/06.

Machines or plants for top or bottom casting.

Methods and machines for casting metals in indefinite lengths.

B22D 11/0401 covers moulds provided at their top with a refractory heat insulating reservoir for feeding the mould.

B22D 11/0475 covers continuous casting processes wherein a ceramic ring is mounted between a molten metal holding vessel and the continuous casting mould, in order to provide a steady supply of liquid metal to the mould.

B22D 11/049 covers continuous metal casting where the cooling water flows from the underside of the mold cooling chamber and sprays directly on the ingot surface, thereby completing the solidification process.

B22D 11/1206 covers methods and machines for applying a light rolling reduction on a strand which is not completely solidified.

B22D 11/122 covers methods and machines for creating a magnetic field around a solidifying cast strand, emerged from the mould, in order to stir the molten core of the strand to obtain a homogeneous structure.

The composition of the specific alloys (B22D 11/001 - B22D 11/004) is also classified in C22C (alloys).

Centrifugal casting or casting by using a centrifugal force to produce shallow bodies or elongated bodies in definite lengths; the necessary accessory devices, processes and machines.

The accessories for the centrifugal casting apparatus (like moulds, linings, means for feeding molten metal, removing castings) are classified in B22D 13/10 - B22D 13/108; if it is clearly from the description that they could also be used for other particular casting processes then they are also classified in those relevant groups.

Casting using a mould or core with an insert of high thermal conductivity, to locally increase the rate of heat removal during solidification of the molten metal and thereby define the structure of the casting.

Casting in an injection casting mould, whereby the molten metal is injected into the mould under high pressure; the necessary accessory devices, processes and machines.

B22D 17/002 covers moulds which are moving outside the normal working position during each moulding cycle

B22D 17/005 covers moulds wherein two or more fixed mould parts are cooperating each with a moveable counterpart ; see WO238311-fig.1

B22D 17/007 covers a method wherein the injected metal is in a semi solid state

B22D 17/04 covers machines wherein the metal which is melted in a heated press chamber, is moved from this press chamber to the mould cavity by means of a plunger

B22D 17/06 covers machines wherein the metal which is melted in a heated press chamber, is moved from this press chamber to the mould cavity by means of air pressure

B22D 17/30 covers accessories for supplying the molten metal to the shot sleeve.

Methods and machines for injection moulding of plastics are classified in B29C.

If it is clearly stated in a document that the content also applies to injection die casting metals, then a class is also given in B22D 17/00.

All documents concerning mechanisms or devices for opening, closing or clamping pressure die casting moulds for casting metals , are also classified in the relevant groups B29C 45/64 - B29C 45/68.

B22D 17/2007 covers methods and apparatus for lubricating moulds.

If a composition is also included, then in addition a B22C 3/00 class is also given.

Casting whereby a low pressure or a vacuum is used to pressurize the molten metal; the necessary machines, processes and controlling.

B22D 18/02 covers processes and machines wherein an amount of liquid metal ,required for one casting part, being introduced in the cavity of a lower mould and thereafter a convex portion of an upper mould being advanced in the cavity filled with molten metal, which metal undergoes a compression during this forging step.

Processes and devices whereby a casting is done on, in or around a body part, which forms afterwards an essential part of the product.

Casting of products from non-ferrous metals wherein the metallurgical properties of the metal play an important role in the casting process.

Casting aluminium or magnesium is not classified in B22D 21/04 but in B22D 21/007.

The corresponding compositions of the metallic compounds or alloys have also to be classified in C22C.

Casting processes not provided for in groups B22D 1/00 - B22D 21/00, for example:

B22D 23/003 covers methods and devices for spraying molten metal on the surface of a pattern (or core); after solidification of the molten metal, the pattern (or core) is removed, leaving a cast piece.

B22D 23/02 covers methods and devices where the molten metal is poured from the top into the mould

B22D 23/04 covers methods and devices where

or

a core is immerged in a molten metal pool; after solidification of a predetermined layer of molten metal on the core surface, the core is removed, leaving a cast piece. B22D 23/06 covers melting-down metal in the mould

Casting methods and apparatuses where the nature of the obtained product is characteristic; this nature could be a specific shape (like pieces of art,metal foams,jewelry)or a specific physical property (like uniform hardness).

Documents classified in these groups need also to be classified according to their casting process (B22D 13/00 - B22D 23/00).

The treatment of the molten metal after its introduction in the mould and during its solidification.

The removing of castings and ingots from their moulds and the removing of cores from the cast pieces; the necessary processes, machines and accessory devices.

Cooling of castings when removed totally or partly from the moulds and where the surface of the casting is totally or partly in direct contact with a cooling fluid.

The removing of the gating systems from the castings and the subsequently cleaning of the castings, the removal of any parts of the casting/gating system, e.g. removal of risers

Specific constructions of machines for removing the gates from the casting or cleaning the casting are classified in the relevant groups (B23D, B24B).

Any equipment for handling moulds after their manufacture.

B22D 33/005 covers the transport of sand moulds which have been taken out from their flask

B22D 33/06 covers equipment for placing or removing weights on the cope and drag mould parts, to prevent shifting during casting.

Equipment for conveying molten metal into beds or moulds, in general; heating or cooling of the molten metal in an equipment for conveying the metal into moulds or beds.

Heating/cooling of moulds is classified in B22C 9/065

The control and the shielding of the molten metal stream issuing from a vessel.

All kind of equipment making it possible to deliver the amount of molten metal, necessary to produce a casting.

If the equipment is adapted for a particular casting machine (B22D 13/00-B22D 25/00) it is classified in the relevant group for that casting machine and in the relevant subgroup of B22D 39/00 - B22D 39/06.

Casting vessels (ladles, tundishes or cups);

Their constructionnal features like cooling or heating means, linings, pouring nozzles and closure means;

Working methods of these vessels.

Removing or holding back dirt or slag from the surface of the molten metal before or during casting.

Any kind of casting equipment for which no specific entry exists.

Any kind of controlling which is not associated with a single specific casting process.

The lay-out of a casting plant which may comprise a combination of machines used during the whole casting process, eventually together with the preceding moulding plant.