Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the enhanced production of iron sponge in an induction crucible furnace by reversing the usual flow pattern produced. Upwardly flowing magnetic fields are induced at the furnace walls, causing an upwarding flow of the furnace contents at the walls thereof. This upward flow induces, in turn, a downward flow centrally of the furnace. Thus, ores introduced adjacent the top surface of the furnace contents are impacted immediately by a rapidly moving radial flow pattern toward the furnace axis and drawn immediately downward into the central portions of the furnace. The initial impact causes immediate breakup of the ore to be smelted and the immediate exposure to the central portions of furnace contents causes enhanced comingling with the heated iron bath for enhanced reduction.

Abstract: The station, including access stairs and elevator systems are supported by a single vertical girder to reduce the space requirement for the station in a crowded inner city. Various components of the station may be prefabricated and then joined together at the site to standardize and reduce construction costs, and to reduce construction interference at the station site.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for producing steel of more uniform grade on a continuous basis by maintaining a comparatively thick slag layer and a larger quantity of molten steel product in an electric arc resistance furnace. This is achieved partially by including in or combined with a quantity of the charge a quantity of iron sponge, or by using a pre-reduced and/or agglomerated or otherwise pelleted ore charge. By using a charge which is comprised of comparatively small-sized particles in combination with a thick slag layer, the charge is readily assimilated into the thick slag layer. This reduces the exposure of large particle size charge material surfaces to hot spots caused by arcing at the charge-slag interface. The comparatively thick slag layer and the continuously maintained large metal bath balance and assimilate additional charge quantities to produce an ultimately more uniform product.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the longitudinal and transverse distance required between points of support for a freshly cast strand of steel, so that the hardened outer shell is maintained intact until such time as the thermal compressive stress on the shell exceeds the tensile stress caused by the ferrostatic pressure of the liquid core. The methods and apparatus herein reduce to a minimum, not only the distance between the points of support and the number of points, but also the extent of support required between the point of initial support and the point where support is no longer required.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for supporting load bearing, sharply curved girders, particularly for use in a transportation system. The sharply curved girders are supported only at their ends, even for those of substantial length, so as to reduce the number of vertical supports for the girders. This is achieved by providing a relatively short cross-support for the girder extending from the vertical support through the girder at each end thereof, with that cross-support or console having one end bearing on the vertical support and the other end forming a portion of a pivot bearing positioned on the inside of the curve of the girder. A crossbeam rigidly connected to the vertical support also extends transversely of each girder end and forms the opposite portion of the pivot bearing. Thus, torsional forces tending to twist the outside of the curve of the girder downwardly under load is compensated by the pivot bearing which provides a twisting force in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is railway apparatus or the like for mixing and transporting molten metals, particularly pig iron, which essentially comprises a longitudinal, refractory lined cylindrical vessel, provided at its opposite ends with removable cover members and also provided with a self-contained drive unit for rotating the vessel about its longitudinal axis. This vessel, with its associated self-contained drive unit, is removably supported beneath its ends upon two spaced railroad trucks, through ball joints associated therewith. The vessel and drive unit may be readily separated from the underlying trucks for installation, maintenance, and/or removal of the refractory lining in any desired vessel orientation, while the vessel is rotated by its self-contained drive unit.