Abstract: A roof drilling apparatus is provided for drilling a plurality of equally spaced holes in a mine roof. The apparatus includes a rotatable base upon which is mounted a drilling mechanism, thereby effecting a circular locus of travel to the drilling mechanism. Assuming equal angular separation between successive positions, the drilling mechanism may conveniently bore a multitude of equally distanced mine roof holes for accepting conventional roof bolts and supporting the roof without dislocative movement of the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured as a single or double unit or may be formed as an attachment to almost any conventional mining vehicle.

Abstract: A water-filled cutting table for a plasma-arc torch cutting arrangement is configured having a plurality of self-extinguishing and combustibly non-supportive slats oriented on edge and transverse to the direction of travel of the torch arrangement. Magnetic grounding elements are also provided for electrically grounding each piece of product to be cut. The use of self-extinguishing and combustibly non-supportive materials for the product support slats drastically reduces the amount of undesirable slag build-up on the slats which had heretofore created problems of proper product support and, consequently, decreased product quality.

Abstract: An apparatus employed in the alignment of various components of a continuous-casting machine. The apparatus may be used relative to the continuous-casting machine per se, or it may be employed at a location removed from the continuous-casting machine. The apparatus insures a more accurate alignment of the components with a substantial minimization of downtime during such alignment.

Abstract: Fluid-driven air-pumping and mixing apparatus for pumping air into a high methane environment and mixing ambient airborne impurities with such fluid for diluting the same. The apparatus includes a divergent mixing chamber proximate the outlet of the apparatus and a fluid dispersing nozzle having a configuration and location relative to the mixing chamber for maximizing air flow through the apparatus as well as providing a subsidiary advantage of increasing mixing of the driving fluid with the airborne impurities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employed in the spacing and gapping the product containing rollers contained within a plurality of continuous casting discharge racks. Both the method, and apparatus with which the method is employed, insure the accurate gapping of the discharge rack rollers from a specific centerline, the latter being in a given spacial relationship with a given benchmark located upon the rack per se such that the centerlines of a plurality of such racks are collinearly aligned when positioned using their respective benchmarks within a continuous casting machine.

Abstract: A torch cutoff table and arrangement is provided for the cutting of steel product and the like. The cutoff table arrangement is employed with a torch which is movable in a first direction parallel to the direction of movement of the product across the table and in a second direction to effect a cutting of the product perpendicular to the direction of movement of the product across the cutoff table. The cutoff table arrangement provides for the support of the product as it is moved across the table without interference with the torch as the latter is moved in the two directions simultaneously.

Abstract: A hydraulic flow dividing and proportioning system is provided for use in conjunction with a multi-function mining vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic system is employed for powering a roof bolting vehicle having the power requiring functions of drill rotation, drill thrusting and vehicle tramming. The system, utilizing a single hydraulic pump, provides for the efficient and selective pumping of hydraulic fluid to those power requiring elements when necessary. The system additionally includes a hydraulic flow proportioner which provides for a smooth and even tramming transition from a stop condition to full drive condition.

Abstract: An irrigation system employing, in part, a coarse screen or grid of flexible material having internal interconnecting passages for the flow of water or the like therethrough, the grid beng interred under the area of ground which is to be watered. Orifices are distributed along the interconnecting passages to release the water by gravity feed from a source or reservoir.

Abstract: A unitized insulating element for use with a steel cross tie is provided. The insulating element is operative to electrically insulate the rail from the steel tie, from retaining elements associated with the tie which prevent lateral movement of the rail relative to the tie and from rail anchors which prevent longitudinal movement of the rail relative to the tie. The insulating element permits use of the rail as an on-line signal control conveying device when steel ties are used and is configured as a tie plate substitute from providing an inwardly-directed cant for the rail to be retained thereon.

Abstract: Method for the repair of water-filled cooling tubes of a gas hood for a basic oxygen process steelmaking furnace. The method provides for an increase in the efficiency with which repairs are made to the cooling tubes located substantially throughout the entire circumference and length of the gas hood.

Abstract: A sectional door assembly, of the variety having a plurality of interconnected sections which are movable between a closed position and an open position. A flexible guide track is included on both sides of the door for guiding and supporting the plurality of sections between their respective open and closed positions. The flexible nature of the guide track, as well as the incorporation of a relatively quick release mechanism for retaining the guide track on the door's frame, allows for both minimization of damage to the door sections themselves and the time required to repair the door sections if they are accidentally damaged.

Abstract: A latch ring, chock and drive pod retainer assembly ideally suited for use with a finishing stand roll having a chock located at each of its ends, a drive pod at one of its ends, and a circumferal groove formed at each of its ends. The latch ring assembly is employed for retaining the chocks and the drive pod on their respective ends of the roll. The latch ring assembly includes a plurality of latching arms pivotally mounted within a generally toroidal shaped housing, the latching arms being movable between a latched position, in which the latching arms engage the circumferal groove of the roll, and an unlatched position, in which the latching arms are retracted within the assembly housing to a position in which they are out of engagement with the finishing roll circumferal groove.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing swage sleeves upon a wire rope having a sling spliced thereon. The apparatus includes semi-automatic mechanisms for insuring the full and efficient fastening of the swage sleeve upon the splice in preparation for swaging, thereby effecting a stronger wire rope sling.

Abstract: A method employed in the alignment of various components of a continuous-casting machine. The method may be followed relative to the continuous-casting machine per se, or it may be employed in conjunction with an alignment apparatus at a location removed from the continuous-casting machine. Both the method and apparatus insure a more accurate alignment of the components with a substantial minimization of downtime during such alignment.

Abstract: An electrical switching arrangement is provided for use with a photographic camera having a plurality of electrically responsive operational functions necessary for its proper operation. The switching arrangement includes an actuator member which sequentially actuates two switches, supported by a supporting member, formed as a part of the switching arrangement, in precise timed relationship to each other for automatically providing operational functions to the camera. The arrangement includes mechanisms which provide for precision adjustment of the two switches relative to the actuator member such that proper sequencing and precise actuation occurs at both switches.