Abstract: A powder composition is used for the fabrication of casting inserts, designed to produce local composite zones resistant to abrasive wear. The composite zones are reinforced with carbides and borides or with mixtures thereof formed in situ in castings. The powder includes powder reactants of the formation of carbides and/or borides selected from the group of TiC, WC, ZrC, NbC, TaC, TiB2, ZrB2, or mixtures thereof. The carbides and/or borides forming after crystallization particles reinforces the composite zones in castings. The powder composition further includes moderator powders in the form of a mixture of metal powders, which after crystallization form matrix of the composite zone in casting. A casting insert is disclosed for the fabrication in casting of local composite zones resistant to abrasive wear. A method for the fabrication of local composite zones in castings uses for this purpose the reaction of the self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS).

Abstract: Disclosed is a handle clamp for an exothermic mold. The clamp includes a pair of legs, each having a plurality of rods that are shaped to fit into engagement holes on sections of the mold. The rods of each leg engage with one section of the mold. Engagement brackets are rotatably disposed on one or more or the rods. The brackets each have a thumb bolt that can be extended toward a mold section connected with the clamp. When engaged with the mold section, the thumb bolt stabilizes the mold section on the handle. A detent mechanism is provided between the bracket and the leg of the handle. The detent mechanism releaseably holds the bracket in one of a selected plurality of rotational positions with respect to the rod. By selecting different rotational positions for the brackets, the handle can be configured to engage with different configurations of mold. The thumb bolts that are biased toward the mold section by a spring. The bolts include a key that can be aligned or misaligned with a key slot on the bracket.

Abstract: A powder composition is used for the fabrication of casting inserts designed to produce local composite zones resistant to abrasive wear. The composite zones are reinforced with carbides and borides or with mixtures thereof formed in situ in castings. The powder includes powder reactants of the formation of carbides and/or borides selected from the group of TiC, WC, ZrC, NbC, TaC, TiB2, ZrB2, or mixtures thereof. The carbides and/or borides forming after crystallization particles reinforces the composite zones in castings. The powder composition further includes moderator powders in the form of a mixture of metal powders, which after crystallization form matrix of the composite zone in casting. A casting insert is disclosed for the fabrication in casting of local composite zones resistant to abrasive wear. A method for the fabrication of local composite zones in castings uses for this purpose the reaction of the self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS).

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for manufacturing exothermic ceramics for a microwave oven and exothermic ceramics for microwaves. In particular, provided is a method for manufacturing exothermic ceramics for a microwave oven, in which the exothermic ceramics are formed by mixing a ceramic body, such as clay, plastic clay or soil, with an exothermic element prepared by combining at least one selected from silicon carbide, carbon ferrite and iron oxide, which are exothermic components. Accordingly, the exothermic ceramics of the present invention can minimize a sense of difference between the exothermic element and the ceramic body component, which is raw material for ceramics, thereby being capable of emitting high-temperature heat in a short time by means of microwaves as well as maintaining stability in the shape. Furthermore, due to integral forming, the exothermic ceramics have an enhanced elegant design.

Abstract: A process produces a composite cast part containing an insert part and casting material. The insert part is integrally bonded to the casting material. The process includes: producing the insert part formed of an exothermic material; encapsulating or embedding the insert part; inserting the encapsulated/embedded insert part into a casting mold; filling the mold with molten mass; and flowing a casting material on the insert part. The exothermic material ignites through contact with the flowing casting material or as a result of the ignition temperature of the exothermic mass being reached, whereby a temperature gradient between the cast material solidifying molten mass the insert part is reduced.

Abstract: Method and use of abandoning a well (2) or removing a well element (10) which is arranged in a well (2) by melting surrounding materials or by melting the well element (10), the method comprising the steps of; providing an amount of a heat generating mixture (6), the amount (6) being adapted to perform one of the desired operations, positioning the heat generating mixture (6) at a melting position in the well (2), igniting the heat generating mixture (6), thereby melting the surrounding materials in the well (2) or melting the well element (10).

Abstract: A method for joining materials such as metal alloys that includes a first component, wherein the first component includes a first alloy having a known austenization temperature below which martensite forms when the component is heated and then cooled at a predetermined rate of cooling; a second component, wherein the second component includes a second alloy; and a welding apparatus operative to create a weld between the first and second components without crossing the austenization temperature of the first alloy.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the aluminothermic welding of rails, comprising the steps of: triggering an aluminothermic reaction in a crucible (2), casting the metal derived from said reaction into the mold (1), so as to fill the molding cavity starting from the foot of the rail, after filling of the molding cavity, triggering a second aluminothermic reaction above the rail head, and casting the metal derived from said reaction into said molding cavity in the region of the rail head. The invention also concerns a mold (1) adapted to fit over the two rail ends to form a molding cavity (10), comprising a crucible (4) arranged above the region of the rail head so that it is fed with molten metal from the molding cavity (10) via a secondary channel (42).

Abstract: A double inclined weld face structure for a jolt-and-vibration-free seamless rail with high bearing capacity relates to the welding of the seamless rail of the rail train, a weld seam of the rail according to the present application forms, at least partly, a double inclined weld face, forming an angle ? with the vertical direction of the rail and an angle ? with the transverse direction of the rail. The double inclined weld face can further improve the stress state in the weld face of the rail, enhance the bearing capacity of the weld face and eliminate upward and downward jolting and leftward and rightward shaking of a train. The double inclined weld faces of the two parallel rails (1) are arranged in a interleaving way and the interleaving length is greater than the length of a carriage, thus enhancing the running stability and durability of the train and more beneficial to use a simple existing Aluminothermic welding in the weld of the seamless rail.

Abstract: A method for interlocking structural steel components with a metal-filled interlock is disclosed herein. The method comprises placing a mold about aligned contoured portions of structural steel components and attaching a crucible and a spout to the mold. The crucible is charged with exothermic reactive metals which are ignited, forming a molten metal filler. The molten metal filler melts a metal plug in the crucible or spout and the molten metal filler flows into the mold and about the aligned contoured portions of the structural steel components. Cooling of the molten metal filler forms a metal-filled interlock. Molds for performing the disclosed method are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the aluminothermic welding of rails, comprising the steps of: triggering an aluminothermic reaction in a crucible (2), casting the metal derived from said reaction into the mould (1), so as to fill the moulding cavity starting from the foot of the rail, after filling of the moulding cavity, triggering a second aluminothermic reaction above the rail head, and casting the metal derived from said reaction into said moulding cavity in the region of the rail head. The invention also concerns a mould (1) adapted to fit over the two rail ends to form a moulding cavity (10), comprising a crucible (4) arranged above the region of the rail head so that it is fed with molten metal from the moulding cavity (10) via a secondary channel (42).

Abstract: The mold for aluminothermic welding of metal rails has two components made of identical rigid refractory material and suitable for fitting around two ends of rails to be welded, each component includes: a lower part having a face defining a mold cavity suitable for enveloping the foot and a core of the ends of the rails, and a channel opening at the bottom into a lower region of the mold cavity and having at the top an opening and an upper part including a cooling chamber connected to the mold cavity and capable of containing the heads of the rail ends, the cooling chamber forming a non-compartmentalized volume to which the channel is connected via the opening and which is bounded by an external wall of each mold component.

Abstract: A method for interlocking structural steel components with a metal-filled interlock is disclosed herein. The method comprises placing a mold about aligned contoured portions of structural steel components and attaching a crucible and a spout to the mold. The crucible is charged with exothermic reactive metals which are ignited, forming a molten metal filler. The molten metal filler melts a metal plug in the crucible or spout and the molten metal filler flows into the mold and about the aligned contoured portions of the structural steel components. Cooling of the molten metal filler forms a metal-filled interlock. Molds for performing the disclosed method are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An exothermal weld mold includes a mold section with an integral cover portion, made as part of a single piece of material with the rest of the mold section. The mold section may be a mold half of a vertically split mold, or may constitute most of a half of the mold. The cover portion may be part of an integral cover that covers substantially all of a reaction chamber or crucible of the mold. The cover may have one or more vent holes, in the top and/or side of the mold. The cover may have a baffled passage for expansion of gases produced by reaction of the weld material, before the gases are expelled from the mold at an opening in the top or side of the mold. The passage may be a serpentine passage. A filter may be placed in the passage.

Abstract: An ignition source system for an exothermic reaction mold device for welding conductors. The system includes a crucible in a block with an open top so that the crucible receives an exothermic weld material. The conductors to be welded exothermically are placed in the weld cavity of the mold. A lid covers the open top wherein the lid has an opening therethrough. An electronic thermal igniter assembly has an ignition component receivable through the opening in the lid so that the exothermic weld material may be ignited by the electronic thermal igniter assembly. The igniter plug rests on top of the lid and the ignition body is retained in a recess within the igniter plug.

Abstract: An exothermal weld mold includes a mold section with an integral cover portion, made as part of a single piece of material with the rest of the mold section. The mold section may be a mold half of a vertically split mold, or may constitute most of a half of the mold. The cover portion may be part of an integral cover that covers substantially all of a reaction chamber or crucible of the mold. The cover may have one or more vent holes, in the top and/or side of the mold. The cover may have a baffled passage for expansion of gases produced by reaction of the weld material, before the gases are expelled from the mold at an opening in the top or side of the mold. The passage may be a serpentine passage. A filter may be placed in the passage.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for exothermic welding comprising a mold which is formed of a material which withstands exothermic welding temperatures and includes a weld cavity therein for positioning at least two members which are to be exothermically welded together, and an ignition cavity communicating with the weld cavity. The mold is capable of accommodating any one of several exothermic welding procedures which may involve either a flint igniter or the use of an electrical igniter which is readily accommodated by the mold in the performance of several of the procedures. The electrical igniter is formed of a pair of flat, longitudinally extending conductor strips with a sheet of insulation laminated therebetween, a filament adjacent one end of the strips, and one or more positioning tabs adjacent one end of the strips. A cartridge is also provided which contains the weld metal and the electrical igniter and which may be positioned in the ignition cavity of the mold.

Abstract: An alternative ignition source system for an exothermic reaction mold device for welding conductors. The system includes a crucible in a block with an open top so that the crucible receives an exothermic weld material. The conductors to be welded exothermically are placed in the weld cavity of the mold. A lid covers the open top wherein the lid has a opening therethrough. An electronic thermal igniter assembly has an ignition component receivable through the opening in the lid so that the exothermic weld material may be ignited either by the electronic thermal igniter assembly or may be ignited by a spark.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a mold for the aluminothermic welding of railway rails. The compressible lining (58) used to seal the molding die in relation to leakages of the weld metal in the liquid state is limited to the parts of the contact surfaces (52) of the parts (19) of the mold on the rails to be welded, corresponding to the bottom, the sides and the top of the foot, to the sides of the web and below the head. The rigid refractory material of the parts (19) is exposed in the parts (67, 71) of the contact surfaces corresponding to the sides and the top of the head, and suitable to be removed selectively from the latter. This makes it easy to adapt the mold to rails with different degrees of wear.

Abstract: A multiple ignition source exothermic reaction mold device. The mold device includes a crucible in a block with an open top for receiving exothermic reaction powder. A lid covering the open top has an opening therethrough. A receptacle in the lid is in communication with the opening so that the receptacle receives starting powder. The starting powder and, in turn, the exothermic weld material is ignited by alternate sources, either by a spark from an ignitor device or by an electric supply sent through an ignitor element.

Abstract: The invention provides a termination for a wire rope made by a process of inserting one end of a wire rope into a mold and placing a crucible with a crucible opening over the mold. The mold opening is in fluid communication with the crucible opening. Exothermic metallic material is added to the crucible. The exothermic metallic material is ignited forming a molten material. The molten material flows into the mold around the wire rope forming a termination capable of sustaining a higher break force than the wire rope. The invention also provides a termination for a wire rope made by a process with an adhesive. The termination provides a socket for connecting wire rope to various types of equipment. The socket can include one or more frustroconical wedges for securely holding the wire rope and the termination in the connector. The socket body can also include a protection sled and various ways to connect to the equipment.

Abstract: The method for making a termination for a wire rope entails inserting a first end of the wire rope end into a mold, wherein the mold comprises a mold opening; placing a crucible on the mold, adding a separator to the crucible over an opening in the crucible, adding an exothermic metallic material to a crucible, igniting the exothermic metallic material to form a molten material that liquefies the separator; flowing the liquefied separator onto the end of the wire rope forming a termination capable of sustaining a higher break force than the wire rope. Other embodiments of the method entail using a liquid adhesive to form the termination.

Abstract: A weld mold assembly which includes a crucible section for exothermically reacting weld material to form a molten metal, a weld mold having a weld chamber with an opening for receiving the molten metal and a plurality of guide holes for receiving ground rods and wires, and a cylindrical or tapered conversion plug sealably inserted into at least one of the guide holes to provide a weld assembly with a variety of different configurations.

Abstract: A lid for an exothermic reaction mold device. The device includes an internal crucible in a block with an open top. The lid includes a lower face with an elongated opening therethrough. The lid also includes an upper face with a circular opening therethrough whereby an axis of the circular opening passes through the elongated opening. A space between the upper face and the lower face of the lid is vented through a vent between the upper and the lower face.

Abstract: A self-contained crucible assembly for forming a weld between a pair of metal articles, includes a container with side walls and a fusible bottom, a refractory material lining the side walls, an exothermic weld material within the container, an ignitor partially within or close to the weld material and partially external to the container, and a cover sealing the weld material. The ignitor may be stiffened to maintain its shape, and keep it in a desired position relative to the exothermic weld material. The crucible assembly is configured to be placed on mold having a chamber therein. Upon ignition of the weld material via actuation of the ignitor, the weld material reacts exothermically to produce molten weld metal and slag. The fusible bottom of the container is melted by the liquified molten metal, and the weld material flows into a weld chamber of the mold to produce the weld.

Abstract: An exothermic weld mold assembly for forming conductor to conductor welded connections. The exothermic weld mold assembly includes a crucible section having a U-shaped reaction chamber with exothermic material therein, and a mold section having a plurality of flat vertical exterior surfaces with holes drilled perpendicularly through the flat surfaces. A weld chamber is centrally located within the mold section, the weld chamber and the reaction chamber being communicably connected by a vertically extending tap hole. The holes are outfitted with guide sleeves projecting outwardly from the weld chamber. Conductors to be welded are inserted into the weld chamber through the guide sleeves.

Abstract: A weld mold assembly which includes a crucible section for exothermically reacting weld material to form a molten metal, a weld mold having a weld chamber with an opening for receiving the molten metal and a plurality of guide holes for receiving ground rods and wires, and a cylindrical or tapered conversion plug sealably inserted into at least one of the guide holes to provide a weld assembly with a variety of different configurations.

Abstract: Device for the alumino-thermic welding of two ends of a rail A device for the alumino-thermic welding of two ends of a rail, namely a casting mould (4) which is open on the upperside and which comprises a central casting chamber which is defined by the rail ends, which are spaced apart from each other by a welding groove (3), and also by the walls of the casting mould (4) and to the side of the casting chamber said casting mould comprises at least one riser (13) which is permeably connected to the casting chamber only in the region of the rail foot (11), and wherein a reaction pot (1) is provided on the base side with an outflow device which causes a steel melt to flow out of the reaction pot (1) and into the casting mould (4), is configured substantially to obviate turbulent flow conditions inside the casting mould and to homogenise the solidification of an intermediate cast structure between the ends of the rail such that the steel issuing out of the reaction pot (1) after the completion of an alumino-therm

Abstract: A single use, transportable reaction crucible for a metallothermic welding portion is provided. A separate cylindrical reaction vessel is disposed in the cylindrical casing of a non-metallic crucible shell, which has a flat base and a lid. The reaction vessel is supported on the base of the crucible shell and accommodates a welding portion. The outer diameter of the reaction vessel is less than an inner diameter of the cylindrical casing, with refractory material filling the annular intermediate space thereby formed between the reaction vessel and the cylindrical casing.

Abstract: An exothermic weld mold assembly for forming conductor to conductor welded connections. The exothermic weld mold assembly includes a crucible section having a U-shaped reaction chamber with exothermic material therein, and a mold section having a plurality of flat vertical exterior surfaces with holes drilled perpendicularly through the flat surfaces. A weld chamber is centrally located within the mold section, the weld chamber and the reaction chamber being communicably connected by a vertically extending tap hole. The holes are outfitted with guide sleeves projecting outwardly from the weld chamber. Conductors to be welded are inserted into the weld chamber through the guide sleeves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the aluminothermic welding of rails, the aluminothermically produced steel being poured into a refractory mold surrounding the rail ends which are to be joined, and alloying additives being contacted with that part of the steel which runs out of the reaction crucible and forms the weld in the rail head region, wherein the alloying with the alloying additives is carried out after the completion of the aluminothermic reaction and separation of the steel from the slag via the diverting plug in the mold, and the overflow in the is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the aluminothermic welding of rails, the aluminothermically produced steel being poured into a refractory mold surrounding the rail ends which are to be joined, and alloying additives being contacted with that part of the steel which runs out of the reaction crucible and forms the weld in the rail head region, wherein the alloying with the alloying additives is carried out after the completion of the aluminothermic reaction and separation of the steel from the slag during tapping and before the steel runs into the casting cavity formed by the mold, and the overflow in the casting mold is closed.

Abstract: A crucible for exothermic welding includes a frame and two semi-cylindrical or rectangular refractory blocks which include abutting planes through a reaction chamber and a sprue hole. One block is mounted for movement with respect to the other from an aligned mating position forming the chamber and sprue hole to an offset position which movement loosens slag formed during the welding process, and greatly facilitates cleaning. Adjustable spring ball rollers maintain the parting plane pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the aluminothermal production of molten steel for the aluminothermal welding of workpieces, wherein the aluminothermal reaction is carried out in a crucible made of porous or hollow spherical .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 with a density of 0.8-3.0 g/cm.sup.3 and a bulk density of 0.3-1.8 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: The mold includes a refractory body forming a weld chamber. Exothermic welding material in a crucible above forms molten metal which drops into the weld chamber through a tap hole or open top. The mold includes sleeving passages formed by projecting metal guide tubes extending upwardly at an angle from horizontal to a position above the level of molten metal forming the weld. In this manner, the molten metal is contained within the weld cavity of the mold without packing, adapter sleeves or shims. The guides extend upwardly at an angle from the weld chamber, or as a V with two symmetrical guides. The inside diameters of the guides are larger than normal passages and accordingly accommodate a wide variety of cable sizes without interference with or abrasion of the sleeving passages. This enables one mold to accommodate more sizes, avoids the use of packing, adapter sleeves or shims, and maintains the weld chamber well vented.

Abstract: A two part exothermic weld mold assembly is horizontally split through a weld cavity. The upper single mold port includes a crucible offset from the weld cavity. The tap hole from the crucible to the weld cavity includes a vertical section and a slanted or inclined section, the latter being a through-hole from the weld cavity to the exterior of the mold. The inclined through-hole serves to vent gasses during welding and also enables the tap hole and adjoining weld chamber more easily to be cleaned for reuse.

Abstract: A mold assembly and method for lap welding a conductor to a vertical bar or rod features two vertically split mold parts having a major parting surface in which are formed a crucible, tap hole, sleeving for the conductor and a weld chamber. An offset parting surface forms a sleeving passage for the vertical bar or rod, and a portion of the weld chamber. The offset parting surface is formed in an interfitting tongue and groove which assists in the assembly of the mold parts.

Abstract: An exothermic welding apparatus and method uses a crucible which can be used with a variety of exothermic weld metal material volumes to produce welds of different sizes while maintaining the desired diameter to height ratio for each volume of exothermic material. In one embodiment, the crucible includes a double or two stage cavity. The crucible includes a somewhat smaller lower stage which reduces the diameter for smaller volumes. This lower stage may have two disk seats to isolate the two stages from the tap hole. A disk seat is provided for a larger disk between the two stages. The crucible may include a volume of exothermic material in the smaller lower chamber, the larger upper chamber, or a combination of both. In a triple stage embodiment, a wider variety of exothermic material volumes or masses may be accommodated, all while maintaining the desired diameter to height ratio for each charge. Although the desired ratio is approximately one, the ratio range should be maintained from about 0.5 to about 1.

Abstract: A fixture for forming electrical connections to rail and the like includes a narrow elongated template plate operative to be positioned on and secured to a rail, and to locate an electrical connection with respect to the rail. The fixture has a parallel clamp plate spaced from the template plate forming an opening between the plates. A toggle on the clamp plate is connected to a plunger. The toggle when locked positions the plunger to enable a refractory mold to be positioned against the electrical connection, and when open permits a spring to press the plunger to press the mold against the connection, and the connection in turn against the rail. The fixture has two permanent magnets, one at each end of the template plate, which can quickly be released by applying a force to the top of the fixture from the side.

Abstract: Method for intermediate cast type welding of finely pearlitized rails by pouring steels produced by the Thermit fusion process into a casting mold, which surrounds the two rail ends 13 separated from each other by an intrinsic gap L1, wherein the actual rail gap L1 is increased across the entire rail head width 14 starting on both sides of the rolling surfaces 8 of each rail end 13 in longitudinal -h and vertical -v direction by a dimension of 1/10 to 10/10 of the dimension of the intrinsic rail gap L1 to a dimension of L2.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mold for aluminothermic welding without preheating of two metal parts, said mold being composed of two mold parts and two sets of cores and having internally employed a mold cavity and two mold channels with cross-sections of elongated shape, extending from underneath the base portion of said mold cavity to the upper side of said mold, said mold channels and the extremities of said base portion being connected together through two connecting ducts with cross-sections of elongated shape on the vertical, the rising channels being employed from recesses of mold channels or cores and complementary channel portions determined by positions of said cores inserted into said mold channels onto positioning means, said mold in which closing gates connecting the upper side of rising channels directly to the atmosphere or to the upper side of head portion of said mold cavity, the invention further relating to a process in which a liquid bath of constant height is created in the welding cavity,

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a multi-part mold for aluminothermic welding without preheating of metal parts, said mold having internally employed a welding cavity and two rising channels with variable cross-sections along their height, the central part of welding cavity being located below with respect to the lateral parts of welding cavity, said welding cavity having an increased moment of inertia of cross-section and an increased height from the lower side of base portion of welding cavity to the neutral axis of welding cavity, said rising channels extending from a region lower than said base portion, said welding cavity and said rising channels being connected together through two connecting ducts extending from the lower side of base portion to the head portion of welding cavity, the invention further relating to a process of reaching the metal parts by the liquid steel first underneath the lower side of base, a process of creating a liquid bath of constant height in an early stage of pouring operation and t

Abstract: A radiation-shielding storage/transport container has a cast-iron vessel having an open end defining an end face, a steel ring engaging the end face and forming at least one annular seat, a weld unitarily bonding the ring to the end face, and a cover secured to the steel ring in the seat thereof. The cast-iron vessel is formed at its open end with an annular seat having a shoulder surface forming the end face. The weld is an aluminothermic weld that extends over the entire surface of the interface between the ring and the vessel. The ring is formed with two such seats and the cover includes an inner plug cover and an outer cover each in a respective one of the seats. The outer cover is of steel and a second peripheral weld connects the outer cover to the respective seat.

Abstract: In the heat treatment in the field of a thermite weld between rail ends, the rail ends and the weld are enclosed within a containment filled with an aluminothermic material mixture. The mixture is ignited and the rail ends and the thermite weld are heat-treated for a given period. After the given period, the aluminothermic reaction products and the containment are removed, and an air quench unit is placed about the weld and rail ends and compressed air is directed at the weld and rail ends for a given time period. After the removal of the air quench unit, the weld is allowed to cool to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding storage/transport container has a cast-iron vessel having an open end defining an end face, a steel ring engaging the end face and forming at least one annular seat, a weld unitarily bonding the ring to the end face, and a cover secured to the steel ring in the seat thereof. The cast-iron vessel is formed at its open end with an annular seat having a shoulder surface forming the end face. The weld is an aluminothermic weld that extends over the entire surface of the interface between the ring and the vessel. The ring is formed with two such seats and the cover includes an inner plug cover and an outer cover each in a respective one of the seats. The outer cover is of steel and a second peripheral weld connects the outer cover to the respective seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a rigidized filler material or a rigidized preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the rigidized filler material or rigidized preform. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum.

Abstract: In forming an aluminothermic weld between adjoining rail ends, a sand mold is arranged around the rail ends disposed in spaced relation. The sand mold is formed at least in part of silica sand. The surface of the mold in contact with the rail ends and enclosing the space between the rail ends is formed of one of a combination of silica sand and zircon sand, a layer of zircon sand inwardly from a layer of silica sand, or a thin layer of a zircon mold wash on a surface formed of silica sand.

Abstract: An aluminothermic welding device. The device, which is for the butt welding of two metal members such as railroad rails, comprises a mould and a crucible the respective upper and lower faces of which are so formed with mutually complementary respective depressions and/or reliefs as to enable the crucible to be placed on the mould in a position in which the discharge aperture of the crucible and the pouring bush of the mould are coaxial and turned downwards and upwards respectively. This ensures the correct positioning of the crucible in relation to the mould. The crucible can also be constructed in a form enabling it to be used once and from a material selected for this purpose and advantageously differing from the material used for the mould.

Abstract: Aluminothermically produced steel is poured into a casting mold which surrounds the two rail ends. A cooling agent is applied to the surfaces of the rail heads of the rail portions adjacent the two casting mold halves. The cooling agent is applied after the molten steel has been poured into the casting mold until the steel has solidified. The cooling agent may be applied until the projecting material and the casting mold halves has been sheared off. A casting mold for carrying out the method includes two casting mold halves which each has a groove for receiving a sealing paste in the inner surfaces thereof facing the rail ends, wherein the groove extends along the outer contour of the casting mold halves.

Abstract: An improved thermite reaction containment vessel and method of using the same includes a crucible in which the exothermic material is contained and which is connected at its lower end via a tap hole to a weld chamber in which the parts to be welded are positioned. On top of the crucible is positioned a baffle assembly which includes a plurality of expansion chambers which allows the escaping gas to expand and be reduced in velocity. As the gases move from one expansion chamber to the next the gases change direction. The expansion, direction change and the large surface area of the baffle assembly allows the gases to slow and cool before being exhausted leaving behind molten metal spatter or flame and greatly reducing the amount of smoke exhausted since particulate matter is accumulated on the baffle interior surface. Several forms of baffle assembly are disclosed using inverted stacked metal cups.