Abstract: A feed system is provided for conveying molten metal to a thin section caster having mold surfaces moving exclusively in the direction of casting. The feed system has a passage of circular cross section adjacent to one end thereof for receiving molten metal and a rectangular cross section at the delivery end thereof adjacent to the caster. The feed system is designed for supplying molten metal to the caster at low pressure for "closed-pool" type caster operation. The point of highest elevation in the metal flow passage of the feed system is on the upper surface of a transition portion where the cross section changes from circular to rectangular adjacent to the nozzle. The level or height of the high point above the centerline of the nozzle exit is selected so as to be less than the pressure of the metal measured in inches at the nozzle exit. This feature enables the maintenance of positive pressure in the metal within the feed system so that ingress of air into the metal is prevented.

Abstract: In continuously casting molten metal into cast product by a twin-belt machine, it is desirable to achieve dramatic increases in speed (linear feet per minute) at which cast product exits the machine, particularly in installations where steel cast product is intended to feed a downstream regular rolling mill (as distinct from a planetary mill) operating in tandem with the twin-belt caster. Such high-speed casting produces product with a relatively thin shell and molten interior, and the shell tends to bulge outwardly due to metallostatic head pressure of the molten center. A number of cooperative features enable high-speed, twin-belt casting: (1) Each casting belt is slidably supported adjacent to the caster exit pulley for bulge control and enhanced cooling of cast product. (2) Lateral skew steering of each belt provides an effective increase in moving mold length plus a continuity of heat transfer not obtained with prior art belt steering apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for brushing the edges of electroplated metal strip to remove excess plating metal therefrom. In a first embodiment for brushing the narrow face edges of the strip, a cup brush is mounted on a carriage having a motor thereon for rotatably driving the brush. The carriage is slidably movable in a transverse direction of the strip. A device urges the carriage inwardly toward the strip so that the brush is maintained in constant contact with uniform pressure against the strip edge. In a second embodiment for brushing the broad surfaces of the strip adjacent to the strip edge, a disc brush is mounted on a carriage having a motor thereon for rotatably driving the brush. Again, the carriage is slidably movable in a transverse direction of the strip. A device urges the carriage inwardly toward the strip so that the brush is maintained in constant contact with a uniform portion of the width of the strip near the edge thereof.

Abstract: An energy and absorption and barrier device for automotive vehicles and a method manufacture thereof. The device includes a plurality of metal strips in stacked relation having sinusoidal shapes and devices for securing the ends of the strips together. The method involves forming the strips in dies having adjustable stroke lengths so as to successively form corrugations in the strip in sequence from the center to the outer ends of the strip.

Abstract: A compound elastomeric sleeve is provided for installation onto a segmented reel for preventing creases in metal strip wound into coil form thereon. A relatively thin, easily compressible outer sleeve is bonded to a thicker, more rigid inner sleeve. The dual hardness compound sleeve prevents creases yet retains its shape sufficiently for easy removal of a coil wound thereon from the reel. The invention includes a method for preventing creases from forming in metal strip which is to be wound into coil form on a segmented reel on which the compound sleeve is mounted.

Abstract: A pair of guide pins are mounted on sideplate extensions of the caster and mating roller pairs are mounted on the nozzle assembly. The nozzle is advanced toward the caster so that the roller pairs engage the guide pins. Both guide pins are remotely adjustable in the vertical direction by hydraulic cylinders acting through eccentrics. This moves the nozzle vertically. The guide pin on the inboard side of the caster is similarly horizontally adjustable. The nozzle roller pair which engage the inboard guide pin are flanged so that the nozzle moves horizontally with the inboard guide pin.

Abstract: A method is provided for eliminating a fern-like pattern on metal strip being electroplated with metal or metal-alloy coatings. The method includes contacting the to be plated surface of the strip with sufficient additional electrolyte solution to substantially eliminate non-uniformity of a film carried thereon from a prior treatment, such additional electrolyte being in contact with said surface for at least 0.1 second prior to and continuing until arrival of said surface at a point directly facing the adjacent edge of a first electrically energized anode within an electrolytic cell for the plating thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining level of molten metal in the input of a continuous metal casting machine having at least one endless, flexible, revolving casting belt with a surface which engages the molten metal to be cast and a reverse, cooled surface along which is directed high velocity liquid coolant includes the steps of predetermining the desired range of positions of the molten metal pool and positioning at least seven heat-sensing transducers in bearing contact with the moving reverse belt surface and spaced in upstream-downstream relationship relative to belt travel spanning the desired pool levels. A predetermined temperature threshold is set, somewhat above coolant temperature and the output signals of the transducer sensors are scanned regarding their output signals indicative of temperatures of the moving reverse belt surface.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for giving an early warning of the occurrence of breakout of molten metal from a partially solidified cast strand downstream from a continuous caster mold. The apparatus includes a hollow body (preferably tubing) located adjacent to the strand. A source of fluid connected to the body is adopted to maintain substantially constant pressure of the flue therein. A monitoring device provides a signal when a significant drop in fluid pressure occurs in the body, so that an early warning of the breakout of molten metal and resultant fusion and opening of a hole in the wall of said body is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for brushing the edges of electroplated metal strip to remove excess plating metal therefrom. In a first embodiment for brushing the narrow face edges of the strip, a cup brush is mounted on a carriage having a motor thereon for rotatably driving the brush. The carriage is slidably movable in a transverse direction of the strip. A device urges the carriage inwardly toward the strip so that the brush is maintained in constant contact with uniform pressure against the strip edge. In a second embodiment for brushing the broad surfaces of the strip adjacent to the strip edge, a disc brush is mounted on a carriage having a motor thereon for rotatably driving the brush. Again, the carriage is slidably movable in a transverse direction of the strip. A device urges the carriage inwardly toward the strip so that the brush is maintained in constant contact with a uniform portion of the width of the strip near the edge thereof.

Abstract: The invention is of a process for increasing the productivity and separation efficiency of a short-belt type dry magnetic separator such as is used for separation of magnetic iron ore from gangue. The process includes providing magnets extending in an arc within the pulley head which begins at a location spaced beyond the point where substantially all of the particles are thrown off of the belt surface in the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for obtaining a more accurate measure of friction forces on a continuous caster mold. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertical force indicating devices, each comprising a set of at least two horizontally spaced load cells forming the load bearing connection between the mold and a frame for support of the mold. A member bearing on the load cells in each set is slidably mounted in a track to reduce the effect of lateral forces on the load cells due to imbalance or tilting of the mold while the mold is oscillated during the casting operation.

Abstract: A coating composition is disclosed consisting essentially of sodium silicate, magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide, titanium oxide and mica. Coatings from this composition are useful as electrically insulating coatings, particularly as applied to electrical steel sheets for magnetic cores, or to other metal products or substrates. The coating may be cured at temperatures within the range of 400.degree. to 500.degree. F. and provides reduced die wear of electrical steel sheet during punching operations. It also is tightly adherent and retains excellent electrical insulating properties after annealing at temperatures within the range of 1350.degree. to 1550.degree. F.

Abstract: A method of making a composition suitable for application to metal products for anti-scaling purposes or to produce legible markings on said products, said method comprising; providing first and second soluble alkali metal silicate solutions, preferably soluble sodium silicate solutions having silicate ratios of about 2.0 to 2.8 and 3.0 to 3.9, respectively. The two starting solutions are mixed to form a third solution. The cross-linking binder material is added to one of the solutions prior to addition of the other solid materials or to the combined silicate solutions. Finally, the other solids and water as needed are added to provide the above-mentioned composition. Utilizing the two diverse starting solutions provides a final mixture having a lower viscosity than when a single soluble silicate starting solution of equivalent SiO.sub.2 ratio is used.

Abstract: A tundish is provided with a mixing zone below an entry station where a stream of molten metal from a ladle enters the tundish. The mixing zone utilizes the force from the ladle stream to create sufficient turbulence for mixing alloying elements, particularly alloying elements such as lead having density greater than that of the molten metal with the metal in the tundish. The invention also includes a process for uniformly mixing alloying element with molten metal in the tundish. The process is particularly suited to making lead-bearing free machining steels on a continuous caster.

Abstract: A pumping unit has a short base frame and interchangeable crank arms, while retaining a relatively low net peak torque requirement obtained through a slower upstroke and a faster downstroke.