Abstract: A method of melting and refining copper in the combustion chamber of a vertical shaft furnace which includes a step of superheating the melt so that slag formed by oxidized impurities can flow freely from the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting soluble oil flow rates to control physical properties of continuously rolled rod including a nozzle for spraying the rod with fluid, a tank for providing the fluid to the nozzle, a valve means in series with the tank for regulating the fluid flow to the nozzle, a controller means connected to and for controlling the valve to ensure that the fluid flow reaches a desired predetermined rate, a computer means connected to and providing said controller with the desired predetermined fluid flow rate, a flowmeter in series with the valve means for measuring the actual fluid flow rate to the nozzle and providing this information to the controller means so that, if necessary, the valve means may be adjusted to achieve the desired predetermined fluid flow rate and an historical data generating means for automatically adjusting said desired predetermined fluid flow rate in accordance with actual measurements of at least one physical property of the rod whose value depen

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for simultaneously extruding a coating comprising a plurality of layers of dissimilar plastic compounds having substantially different melting points onto a moving electrical conductor wherein the plastic compounds are mechanically and thermally separated and the conductor is centered in the plastic jackets by a center trim guide, said trim guide having replacable guide tips. Separating the two plastics prevents thermal degradation of the two extrudates by causing their melt temperatures to remain substantially constant.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a conductor contact apparatus, a conductor defect detector, and a relay or equivalent added to the emergency stop circuit of a conductor insulation extruder apparatus in order to detect conductor defects and shut-down the extrusion apparatus before the conductor defect can cause the extruder to become blocked, interrupting normal production operations. The defect detector is especially adapted to detect variations in the cross-sectional area (or apparent cross-sectional area) of a conductor being insulated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for notching and removing the fin from a continuously cast metal bar, whereby the fin is broken into small pieces for easy handling by using a driven, blade carrying guide assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application of moisture blocking compound to the interstitial spaces of a stranded conductor. The application of the compound is accomplished through the use of a cone die which regulates the amount of compound applied to the conductor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high speed reshaping of round wire as it exits a drawing machine, but prior to its being collected on a bobbin or a stempack. The shape imparted to individual wires is such that as the preshaped wires are applied to a core by a stranding machine, a cable results in which there is substantially no interstitial space between the wires which add excessive bulk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus apply an insulating layer of carbon to individual faces of the continuously rotating mold surface of a wheel and belt type casting machine, utilizing separately controllable and directable soot applicators to selectively vary the heat transfer characteristics of the individual mold surfaces.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for simultaneously extruding a coating comprising a plurality of layers of dissimilar plastic compounds having substantially different melting points onto a moving electrical conductor wherein the plastic compounds are mechanically and thermally separated. Separating the two plastics prevents thermal degradation of the two extrudates by causing their melt temperatures to remain substantially constant.