Abstract: A precision cast connecting rod which has an elongate tubular shank member defining a hollow section for producing desired stiffness to weight characteristics. Piston and crankpin connecting members are attached to opposite ends of the shank member. The connecting members are provided with passages which extend axially therewithin from the hollow section. Defined within the elongate tubular shank member is a radially extending central aperture.

Abstract: A precision cast connecting rod which has an elongate tubular shank member defining a hollow section for producing desired stiffness to weight characteristics. Piston and crankpin connecting members are attached to opposite ends of the shank member. The connecting members are provided with passages which extend axially therewithin from the hollow section. Defined within the elongate tubular shank member is a radially extending central aperture. A precision casting method for preparing the hollow connecting rod includes forming an elongate core with a locating member positioned at each end thereof and a disk-shaped protuberance extending radially therefrom. The core is secured in a die and defines a cavity therebetween for preparing a pattern of the connecting rod using a molding material which substantially encapsulates the core within the cavity. After removing the pattern from the die, coatings of refractory material are applied to form a shell mold which encrusts the pattern.

Abstract: A precision cast connecting rod which has an elongate tubular shank member defining a hollow section for producing desired stiffness to weight characteristics. Piston and crankpin connecting members are attached to opposite ends of the shank member. The connecting members are provided with passages which extend axially therewithin from the hollow section. Defined within the elongate tubular shank member is a radially extending central aperture. A precision casting method for preparing the hollow connecting rod includes forming an elongate core with a locating member positioned at each end thereof and a disk-shaped protuberance extending radially therefrom. The core is secured in a die and defines a cavity therebetween for preparing a pattern of the connecting rod using a molding material which substantially encapsulates the core within the cavity. After removing the pattern from the die, coatings of refractory material are applied to form a shell mold which encrusts the pattern.

Abstract: A method of fluxing and fluidizing the slag in a cupola by adding to the charge therein a fluxing material comprising, by weight percentage relative to the metal charge, 3-5% CaCo.sub.3 (limestone), 3-5% MgCO.sub.3 . CaCO.sub.3 (dolomite), and 1-2% Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (fused soda ash). This fluxing and fluidizing material is used for operating a basic cupola and is used in amounts ranging from about 7 to 12 by weight of the metal charge. The flux material serves to remove impurities from the metal, and improve the combustion efficiency of the coke. In an acid slag cupola, the flux will increase fluidity. In a basic slag, a fluidizer serves to improve the fluidity of the slag, while offering no injurious by-products that would interfere with emission control elements, and additionally insures a lower cost fluxing material as compared to current basic operated cupola practices.

Abstract: A composition and method is disclosed for fluxing and fluidizing the slag in an acid-operated cupola, the method comprising adding to the charge therein a fluxing material effective to provide, by weight analysis of the slag, 30-42% CaO, 41-44% SiO.sub.2, 7-15% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0.5-4.0 TiO.sub.2, 1.6-3.2% MnO, less than 0.05% P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and less than 1% sulfur. A fluxing composition is disclosed which is comprised by weight percentage of the metal charge comprising, when used with a limestone or a dolomitic limestone charge: 1.5-3.5% limestone or dolomitic limestone, 0.5-1.5% FeO . Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 . TiO.sub.2.

Abstract: A new high temperature as-cast austenitic stainless steel is disclosed which is particularly suited for exhaust valve applications in automotive engines. The austenitic steel has improved creep strength, fatigue resistance, ductility, hardness and tensile strength at a temperature level of at least 1700.degree.F. The new steel has a composition, by weight percentage, within the following limits: carbon 0.35-0.95, manganese 2.5-4.0, chromium 16.0-19.0, nickel 10.0-12.0, molybdenum 7.0-8.0, silicon 2.5 max., copper 1.0 max., cobalt 3.0 max., other elements each no greater than 0.2 max. and all other elements as a total no greater than 3.5 max., the remainder being iron.