Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a hydrogen-storing alloy based on the Laves phases AB.sub.2, where A is titanium and/or zirconium, and B is one or more elements from the remainder of the transition metal series, wherewith the ratio of the atomic radii of A and B, r.sub.A /r.sub.B, is between 1.05 and 1.68. This is run by melting in vacuum or under a protective gas.

Abstract: A device for sampling molten steel is provided with a mold cavity and an inlet path which includes a floatation-type slag separation chamber. A ceramic sieve is disposed at the outlet of the separation chamber to prevent large slag particles from passing through while trapping small slag droplets by adhesion.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing in a single method low-carbon steel, while at the same time selectively obtaining a slag high in vanadium content for separate applications. Moreover, the method allows for the separate production of a slag high in titanium content if the starting materials contain titanium. The above is achieved by introducing the pre-reduced ore directly to an electro slag resistance furnace which is lined with a refractory in accordance with the slag composition being used. The resulting smelted steel is tapped and the slag is tapped separately. The slag, containing the vanadium and small quantities of iron oxides, is then introduced into a reduction furnace. Slag, high in titanium dioxide, if present originally, is then tapped separately from the smelted crude iron, which is tapped with a high vanadium content. Subsequently, the crude iron may be separated from the vanadium in a shaking pan in the presence of oxygen, if so required, depending upon the desired product.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing steel in an economically acceptable fashion from iron sponge with less than 66% Fe and with high acid slag formers. This is achieved by first determining the acid slag forming composition of the iron sponge, and, thereafter, lining an electro-slag-resistance furnace with a lining compatible with the iron sponge composition. Then, the iron sponge is charged to the furnace and the liquid metal formed is withdrawn to a conventional arc furnace, for example, for further processing.

Abstract: A ceramic body has an inlet duct, a mixing chamber for mixing the sampled steel with a steel killing agent; an outlet duct beginning next to the inlet duct port in the lower half of the mixing chamber, leads to a sampling chamber for a pin-shaped sample and is, in turn, connected to a vented chamber for a disk sample.

Abstract: A single piece ceramic body has an inlet chamber, an inlet duct and a disc-shaped cavity, that latter cavity is, as far as the body is concerned, of open construction but the opening is closed by a plug. That plug may contain one or two thermo elements, and the inlet chamber may be constructed as an opening with a partitioning sheet or as a duct system with a lateral port and a slag trapping dome. The mold cavity has also venting opening.

Abstract: A two-part ceramic probe has a cavity duct pattern of a U, one leg leading to an entrance, the other one being enlarged to define a cavity for a sample proper. A thermo feeler is disposed above that cavity and protected by structure contour of the probe. A second cavity may be disposed above the first one and being filled after the first one.