Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing crop losses during slab and ingot rolling concerns the formation of a slab ingot having a specially configured or shaped butt end and optionally a head end as well. A special shape is formed by machining, forging or preferably by casting. The special shape at the butt end is imparted during casting by a specially shaped bottom block or starter block. The special shape of the bottom block is imparted to the cast ingot butt end. The specially shaped butt end of a slab shaped ingot is generally rectangular in shape and has longitudinally outwardly extending, enlarged portions, which slope downwardly toward a depressed central valley region. The lateral sides of the enlarged end portions and the depressed valley region carry transversely extending, tapered or curved edges. A similar shape may be imparted to the head end of the ingot at the conclusion of a casting run through the use of a specially shaped hot top mold or by way of machining or forging the cast head end.

Abstract: Aluminum alloy compositions are disclosed, which include small amounts of calcium that result in improved surface properties of the cast aluminum. The calcium, and up to 0.25% grain refiners, are added along with alkaline earth metals, transition metals and/or rare earth metals to the aluminum alloy as a melt. The addition results in improved appearance, substantially reduced surface imperfections and reduced surface oxidation in cast ingot aluminum and aluminum alloys. The addition of small amounts of these additives, surprisingly were found to substantially eliminate vertical folds, pits and ingot cracking in more than one ingot casting technique. The additions also improved the appearance of the ingots, including reflectance. As a result, the ingots could be reduced or worked essentially right out of the casting without first conditioning the surface by, for example, scalping.

Abstract: A high pressure relief valve for use in fluid systems, gas or liquid with zero leakage at pressures of 25,000 psi and above. The relief valve includes a valve body having an axial bore communicating with the high pressure fluid system with at least one, and preferably four, outlet orifices formed therethrough. A small diameter pilot hole is formed in the valve body communicating with the axial bore thereof and with a pilot seating area on an exterior surface thereof. A poppet member having an internal bore is slidably fitted over the valve body to seal off the outlet orifices when in a closed position and for uncovering the orifices when in an open position. A spring biases the poppet in the closed position. A pilot plunger is slidable mounted within the internal bore of the poppet to seal-off the pilot hole of the valve body when in a closed position. A spring biases the pilot plunger in the closed position.

Abstract: A pneumatically energized, pre-packaged, unit for selectively controlling the pressure, cycle and time duration of an air actuated work device includes a protective housing having an air pressure regulator, an air inlet orifice and a visably exposed pressure gauge adapted to communicate with an external source of pressurized air. The housing also contains a pair of three-way time delay valves and auxillary volume chambers, with integral time delay adjustment knobs protruding above the top surface of the housing. Also contained within the housing is a four-way valve means, either of the single or double piloted type, which is pneumatically piped, either in a parallel or series circuit array, to the three-way time delay valves and the air pressure regulator.