Abstract: A molten metal flow controller (10) for a metal melt furnace having a tap hole (T) to release the molten metal from the furnace, where the controller (10) is configured to controllably release the flow of molten metal through the tap hole (T) using an actuator (14) that controllably moves a plunger (110) into and out of the tap hole (T) in response the increase or decrease in the molten metal flow rate through the tap hole (t) as measured by a sensor (130).

Abstract: In order to simplify work of applying and releasing a surface pressure in a slide valve device constructed of a fixed plate, a slide plate, a seal plate, and the like, provided is a slide valve device for automatic surface pressure application and a surface pressure application method therefor, the slide valve device including: a base frame (2) including a positioning member (51) for determining an arrangement location (X) of a seal case (21) and a stopper (52) for fixing the seal case (21) at the arrangement location (X); and a slide case (4) including a pusher (53) for sliding the seal case (21) together with the slide case (4) when sliding the slide case (4) in a surface pressure application direction.

Abstract: A stopper body of refractory material and cylindrical shape having a first end (10), a second end (14) and an intermediate zone (12) there between, with a bore (16) of circular cross section, extending from said first end (10) in an axial direction of the stopper body into said intermediate zone (12) towards the second end (14), wherein the said bore being provided with an enlarged cross section (at 16s) along at least part of said intermediate Zone (12).

Abstract: A slide valve device for automatic surface pressure application including a slide valve having a three-layer structure, in which the movable bodies of the seal case is slidable on a support surface of a spring holder. The slide case and the seal case are coupled with each other by means of a coupling device or a coupling stopper, and the cases are slid together by means of an actuator so as to apply and release a surface pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a nozzle unit for use in a bonding device in which bonding between a first member and a second member is effected by providing a bonding member that has been melted by heating at a bonding position where the first member and the second member are to be bonded to each other. The nozzle unit includes: a cylindrical nozzle assembly having an accommodating space accommodating the bonding member, and an opening which allows ejection of the bonding member accommodated in the accommodating space onto the bonding position, which has a diameter larger than the diameter of the bonding member, and which communicates with the accommodating space; and a holding/releasing member for releasably holding the bonding member within the accommodating space.

Abstract: To achieve increase in surface pressure application force and compactification of configuration in a slide valve device having a three-layer structure, in which a seal case is slid by means of a cam surface and movable bodies. The present invention provides a slide valve device for automatic surface pressure application including a slide valve having the three-layer structure, in which the movable bodies of the seal case is slidable on a support surface of a spring holder, the slide case and the seal case are coupled with each other by means of a coupling means or a coupling stopper, and the cases are slid together by means of an actuator so as to apply and release a surface pressure.

Abstract: A valve gate assembly is provided for regulating a flow of molten material through a gate and into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve having a closed position closing the gate to prevent molten material from entering the mold and an opened position opening the gate to allow molten material to enter the mold. The valve gate assembly further includes a biasing assembly operatively cooperating with the valve and providing a force to urge the valve in the closed position. The valve has a shoulder for cooperating with the molten material to create backpressure to move the valve against the force to the open position.

Abstract: A refractory article such as a stopper used in the casting of molten metals that consists of a refractory core coated with an electrically conductive layer of carbon and graphite materials such that the stopper withstands the mechanical, chemical and thermal rigors of the casting operation and provides an effective electrical contact during the molten metal casting process.

Abstract: A nozzle for a steel pouring ladle having upper and lower nozzle portions and a stopper rod attached to a lower nozzle portion. The upper nozzle portion includes an upper nozzle housing and an upper nozzle core positioned within the upper nozzle housing, the upper nozzle core having a bore therethrough. The lower nozzle portion includes a lower nozzle housing and a lower nozzle core positioned within the housing, the lower nozzle core having a flow chamber. A retaining ring secures the lower nozzle core to the lower nozzle housing. A stopper rod is positioned within the bore of the upper nozzle core and is threadedly attached to the lower nozzle core. The stopper rod selectively engages the upper nozzle core at an upper tapered surface of the bore to form a liquid tight seal and to control the flow of molten metal through the nozzle.

Abstract: A pouring system comprises a crucible having an opening formed on a bottom thereof, and a self-sealing member blocking the opening. The self-sealing member is made of material which is the same as the raw material received within the bottom of the crucible. The crucible is supported on an inner distributor supported on a driving rod. The self-sealing member, inner distributor, driving rod are substantially located in a mold heating zone above which a smelting zone is disposed. When the raw material in the crucible is heated in the smelting zone by a first heat source to melt, the driving rod pushes the bottom of the crucible upward into the smelting zone. The self-sealing member is thus molten in the bottom of the crucible, un-blocking the opening to allow the melt to flow therethrough. The melt then flows through an inner distributor and flow pipes into a turnport and reaches a level condition after about 10 seconds.

Abstract: A refractory nozzle assembly is provided that effectively prevents the accumulation of alumina deposits around its upper edge where it receives a stopper rod. The nozzle assembly includes a refractory nozzle body having an upper and a lower portion. A bore extends through both the upper and lower portions that has a receiving and a discharge end for receiving and discharging molten metal. An inert gas distributor circumscribes the upper portion of the nozzle body. A sleeve of gas-obstructing refractory material covers the walls of the bore, and defines a seat portion at an upper portion of the bore. A metal sheath substantially surrounds the outer surface of the upper portion. Pressurized inert gas conducted to the upper, gas permeable portion of the nozzle body by the gas-distributing assembly is guided by the gas-obstructing sleeve and the metal sheath so that it flows predominantly through the top edge of the upper portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a component for the pouring of steel that has a body (2) of a refractory material containing carbon. It has a layer (10) that covers the body partially or completely and is capable of forming a surface layer (10a) that is oxidized and densified and is impermeable to gases when it is brought to a temperature above 1000.degree. C. The layer (10) is comprised of a refractory material containing sintering precursors chosen in the group consisting of calcined alumina, reactive calcined alumina, silica fumes and clays.

Abstract: The apparatus for manually interrupting the flow of molten metal from the tundish includes a frame, and elements for removably securing the frame to the tundish adjacent the tundish orifice. The apparatus further includes a plug assembly for blocking the flow of the molten metal through the orifice. Linkage assembly is provided for moving the plug assembly between a flow permitting and a flow blocking position. The plug assembly is supported on the linkage assembly so that the plug assembly may seek a sealing seat in the orifice.

Abstract: A tiltable metallurgical vessel has a convexly curved bottom, and is supported on a cradle frame tiltably mounted on the base. In order to provide a metallurgical vessel of high operational safety in which the melt covers as short a path as possible during tapping, scumming is feasible in a simple way, the retention of a residual sump in the vessel is possible, at least one eccentrically arranged, closeable tap opening is provided in the bottom above a receptacle placeable into the tapping position. The tap opening is closeable by a closure flap pivotable by a lever. The lever is connected with a shaft for rotation therewith, a pressure medium cylinder is mounted on the cradle frame, and an actuation rod of sufficient length to reach beyond the radiation region of the receptacle enables the shaft to be rotatable by the cylinder through the actuation rod.

Abstract: A porous plug retainer which can be mounted in a hot metal ladle or similar vessel for locating, installing and retaining an argon porous plug so as to allow service and maintenance of the porous plug to be performed from outside the vessel. The porous plug retainer is comprised of two subassemblies with the first subassembly welded to the bottom of the hot metal ladle and machined to accept a female refractory block into which the porous plug is inserted. The porous plug is formed so that it fits and mates with the opening in the female refractory block and the second subassembly can be joined to the first subassembly so as to lock the members together. The second subassembly is mounted on a hinge to allow it to move linearly and then radially to clear the porous plug while opening. The invention allows the porous plug to be properly aligned in the refractory block and a threaded seat allows the porous plug to be firmly positioned in the refractory block.

Abstract: The flow of molten metal from the orifice of a tundish to a continuous casting mold is stopped by a chill plug. The chill plug is attached to an L-shaped arm which is connected to a pivotable arm. The pivotable arm is actuated by a piston-cylinder attached to a bracket on the tundish.

Abstract: A mounting chassis, fixed by locking pivots to the base plate of a tundish in a continuous casting plant, supports an upper nozzle seated in a refractory brick. A replaceable lower nozzle coaxial with the upper nozzle is held in contact with the upper nozzle by a quick-release ring.

Abstract: A discharging mechanism for molten metal and slag remaining in a tundish provided with at least one pouring nozzle for a continuous casting machine, which comprises: a discharging nozzle attached to the bottom wall of the tundish, the nozzle having a discharging bore flaring downwardly for discharging molten metal and slag remaining in the tundish; a frustoconical plug matching with the discharging bore of the discharging nozzle, releasably inserted from outside the bottom wall of the tundish into the discharging bore, a plug fitting being fixed to the lower end of the plug; and a plug engaging means connected with the plug fitting for inserting the plug into the discharging bore of the discharging nozzle, holding same therein and withdrawing same therefrom.

Abstract: A valve assembly for dispensing a predetermined amount of molten metal to a mold filling ladle of a battery grid casting machine. The valve assembly includes a substantially tubular body having an interior chamber therein. A discharge spout projects downwardly from the chamber. An upwardly opening dispenser cup is positioned within the chamber and is supported for limited sideward displacement. The dispenser cup has a substantially annular valve element positioned in the interior thereof. A supply nozzle projects downwardly through the upper end of the body into said chamber, and projects into the interior of the cup for engagement with the valve member. Relative vertical displacement between the body and the nozzle permits controlled flow of molten metal from the nozzle into the dispenser cup and then into the chamber for discharge through the spout.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing a predetermined amount of molten lead to the mold of a battery grid casting machine has two tubular housings arranged in telescoping relation with their axes extending vertically. The upper housing is fixed and has a feed line for molten metal connected thereto. The lower housing is vertically movable and has a molten metal discharge line extending therefrom. A ball valve member is retained on a pedestal in the lower housing and is arranged to seal with an annular valve seat in the upper housing to control the flow of metal in response to vertical movement of the lower housing. The ball valve is retained in axial alignment with the valve seat by a plurality of circumferentially arranged fingers on the upper housing which surround and extend downwardly beyond said seat.

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly for a hot metal ladle having a discharge opening in the bottom thereof includes a heat resistant stopper positioned in the ladle for movement toward and away from the discharge opening and a vertical portion extending through the bottom of the ladle for actuating the same.