Abstract: A device (100) for the heat treatment of at least one metal wire (1), chaterized by passing the wire (1) within at least one pair of thermal transfer plates (2, 2a, 2b) between two grooves (8, 8a, 8b) made in the two plates (2, 2a, 2b) of each of said pairs, the distance (E) between the plates being variable, the wire (1) being directly in contact with a gas (11) which is practically without forced ventilation and is disposed between the grooves (8, 8a, 8b).

Abstract: A method and for the heat treatment of at least one metal wire (1), chararized by passing the wire (1) within at least one pair of thermal transfer plates (2, 2a, 2b) between two grooves (8, 8a, 8b) made in the two plates (2, 2a, 2b) of each of said pairs, adjusting the variable distance (E) between the plates, so that the wire (1) is directly in contact with a gas (11) which is practically without forced ventilation and is disposed between the grooves (8, 8a, 8b).

Abstract: Process and device (1) for the heat treatment of at least one metal wire using capstans (2, 3) characterized by the following features: (a) the wire (4) is brought around at least two capstans (2, 3) which conduct the heat and which include recesses (11). The wire (4) is reeved and crossed in said recesses (11), the width of the recesses (11) being slightly greater than that of the wire (4); (b) the capstans (2, 3) are heated or cooled by means of at least one gas (27), which passes between the capstans and a part which is in contact with a heat exchanging fluid; (c) the thickness of the gas layer is chosen according to the heat treatment to be applied. Installations for the heat treatment of metal wires (4) include at least one device (1), metal wires (4) treated by the process and/or the device (1), and/or the installations according to the invention, as well as items reinforced by said wires (4), in particular tire treads.

Abstract: A method and device (100) for heat treating a metal strap (1), characteri by passing the strap (1) within an enclosure (2) containing a gas (3) which is practically free of forced ventilation, in such a manner that a transfer of heat takes place between the strap (1) and the walls (2a) of the enclosure (2) by means of the gas (3) contained in the enclosure (2). Metal straps (1) obtained by this method and this device (100).

Abstract: A method and device for thermally treating at least one carbon steel wire such a way as to obtain a homogenous austenite structure, characterized by the fact that the wire is heated in a tube containing a gas which has practically no forced ventilation, the gas being directly in contact with the wire and the time of heating of the wire being less than 4 seconds per millimeter of diameter of the wire. Pearlitization installation using such a method and device.

Abstract: Carbon steel wire, which has been maintained at a temperature above the Ac3 ransformation temperature, is heat-treated to obtain a fine pearlitic structure by passing it through a tube containing a gas practically without forced ventilation and surrounded by a heat-exchange fluid. Certain relationships between the diameter of the wire, the diameter of the tube and the conductivity of the gas are to be satisfied to ensure cooling of the wire to a temperature below the Acl transformation temperature in a time prior to the time of the pearlitic nose and to effect pearlitization to completion under a nearly isothermal state.

Abstract: A process for heat treating a carbon steel wire to obtain a fine pearlite structure is characterized by the following steps: (a) cooling the wire until the wire reaches a given temperature which is below the AC.sub.1 transformation temperature; (b) regulating the temperature of the wire to not more than 10.degree. C. above or below said given temperature by passing an electric current through the wire and effecting a modulated ventilation thereof; (c) cooling the wire.

Abstract: A process for heat treating a carbon steel wire to obtain a fine pearlite structure is characterized by the following steps: (a) cooling the wire until the wire reaches a given temperature which is below the AC.sub.1 transformation temperature; (b) regulating the temperature of the wire to not more than 10.degree. C. above or below said given temperature by passing an electric current through the wire and effecting a modulated ventilation thereof; (c) cooling the wire.

Abstract: In a process and installation for the manufacture of a metal wire from a jet of molten metal, the jet of metal which is in the course of solidification is supported by cooling fluid displaced by two cylinders rotating in opposite directions with a tangential velocity such that the wire is supported in stable equilibrium in the plane of vertical symmetry of the two cylinders above the level defined by the plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry and passing through the axes of rotation of the two cylinders, the space between the two cylinders being between about 0.15% and 3% of their common radius and their peripheral speed being between about 4 and 120 m/sec.

Abstract: In order to cool the jet coming from a crucible and then the wire as it starts solidifying, there is used a gaseous cooling fluid mixture having a base of gaseous hydrogen and at least one other component which is a compound of hydrogen capable of an endothermic chemical reaction in contact with the jet (wire) and of a chemical composition such that the product or products of this reaction have a high molecular content (mol %) of free hydrogen.

Abstract: Filiform elements, particularly of steel, intended for the reinforcement of agglomerates are improved due to the fact that these elements have a nearly rectangular cross-section and are undulated perpendicular to their longitudinal axis and parallel to the largest dimension of their cross-section.

Abstract: An improved cooling fluid for an apparatus for the manufacture of a wire by projecting a jet of liquid metal or metal alloy through a nozzle into a cooling enclosure containing the cooling fluid is characterized by the fact that the cooling fluid consists of a mixture of a gas and steam, the gas and the steam being compatible with the jet, the gas furthermore being at a temperature below the condensation point of the steam, so as to transform at least a part of the steam into liquid droplets.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of filiform reinforcement elements of steel in the form of ribbons is improved by projecting a jet of liquid steel onto a cylinder rotating in a cooling medium and imparting a relative reciprocating movement parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder between the jet of liquid steel and the cylinder in order to undulate the ribbon in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: An installation for the manufacture of wire by projecting a jet of liquid metal or metal alloy into a cooling fluid and having a crucible for containing the liquid metal or metal alloy and provided with at least one nozzle, means for exerting a pressure on the liquid metal or metal alloy sufficient to project it in the form of a jet through the nozzle into the cooling fluid, and a cooling enclosure for containing the cooling fluid and arranged at the outlet of the nozzle, is characterized by the fact that the cooling enclosure comprises, in the portion thereof adjacent to the nozzle, means for imparting to the cooling fluid a flow which is substantially transverse to the jet, at least over a length approximately equal to the length of the jet.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a strip with rounded edges, intended for tire reinforcements, by the rolling of a carbon steel wire of circular cross section between rolls of a rolling mill.In accordance with the invention, the wire is heated as it enters between the rolls of the rolling mill to a temperature above the AC 3 transformation point of the steel used, the heating and the rolling being conducted in a neutral atmosphere.

Abstract: A medium-hard to hard thin steel sheet and a strip cut or stamped therefrom, both having an increased fatigue strength, are prepared by cold rolling a soft steel sheet, carburizing or carbo-nitriding the soft thinned sheet until a medium-hard to hard thin steel sheet is obtained and subjecting the resulting sheet or strip cut or stamped therefrom to a three-part heat treatment, which heat treatment involves first and second different austenizing operations, each followed by an identical two-step cooling operation, and a third lesser reheating and cooling operation.