Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure is a method of contactlessly urging, directly, or moving a substance on the surface of a substrate, the method employing a gas knife (300) configured to produce a gas curtain having parallelogram flow.

Abstract: Provided is a nozzle or a stopper having a gas blowing function, which is capable of preventing irregular breaking to be triggered by a gas outlet or a gas passage path communicated with the gas outlet, or, even in the event of breaking, preventing expansion of the breaking, and a combination of the nozzle and the stopper. The nozzle comprises: a fitting engagement region refractory material layer composed of a fitting engagement region refractory material; a nozzle body composed of a different refractory material from the fitting engagement region refractory material (main body refractory material); and a gas outlet provided in at least one boundary area between the fitting engagement region refractory material layer and the main body refractory material in a surface of the nozzle contactable with molten steel.

Abstract: A system and method for three-dimensionally printing high viscosity materials using electrohydrodynamics is provided. The system uses a relatively low voltage electric field to draw high viscosity polymers (not in solution) from a nozzle to form three-dimensional objects with lines less than 10 microns in width. Pressurized gas at the nozzle outlet can be used to print large size/dimension parts, instead of or in addition to the electric field to draw the polymers from the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a casting nozzle intended to suppress or prevent breaking of a nozzle body thereof. The casting nozzle comprises: a nozzle body; a metal casing disposed to surround an upper end of the nozzle body to form a gas pool between an outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the nozzle body and an inner peripheral surface of the metal casing; and a bridging segment provided in at least a part of the gas pool to bridge between the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the nozzle body and the inner peripheral surface of the metal casing.

Abstract: A nozzle structure for discharging molten steel with improved sealing performance. The nozzle structure comprises: a molten steel discharge path having an inner bore; and one or more joints through which the molten steel discharge path is divided at one or more positions in a orthogonal direction with respect to an upward-downward direction of discharge of molten steel, and which join the molten steel discharge path. An inner bore sleeve is formed of a refractory material, and provided on an inner bore surface of the nozzle structure to extend in the upward-downward direction across at least one of the joints.

Abstract: With a view to adding, to an upper nozzle formed with a bore having a shape capable of creating a less energy loss or smooth (constant) molten steel flow to suppress the occurrence of adhesion of inclusions and metals in molten steel, a gas injection function to thereby further suppress the occurrence of the adhesion, the present invention provides a method of using an upper nozzle configured to have a cross-sectional shape of a wall surface defining the bore, taken along an axis of the bore, comprising a curve represented by the following formula: log(r (z))=(1/n)×log((H+L)/(H+z))+log(r (L)) (n=1.5 to 6), where: L is a length of the upper nozzle; H is a calculational hydrostatic head height; and r (z) is an inner radius of the bore at a position downwardly away from an upper edge of the bore by a distance z. The method comprises using the upper nozzle in such a manner as to satisfy the following relationship: RG?4.

Abstract: The present invention includes a molten metal pump and associated components that enable gas to be released into a stream of molten metal. The gas may be released into the molten metal stream (preferably into the bottom of the stream) flowing through a passage. Such a stream may be within the pump discharge and/or within a metal-transfer conduit extending from the pump discharge. The gas is released by using a gas-transfer foot that is positioned next to and is preferably attachable to the pump base or to the metal-transfer conduit. Preferably, the conduit (and/or discharge) in which the gas is released comprises two sections: a first section having a first cross-sectional area and a second section downstream of the first section and having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the second cross sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area. Preferably, the gas is released into or near the second section so that the gas is released into an area of relatively lower pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle for guiding a metal melt from a first apparatus to a second apparatus, in particular it relates to a submerged entry nozzle for guiding a stream of a metal melt (steel melt) from a metallurgical melting vessel (like a tundish) into a mold (like an ingot), both of which may also be called “reservoir”.

Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods are described herein that provide an effective inert blanket over a metal surface (hot solid (charge) metal or molten metal) in a container such as an induction furnace. The system includes a container of metal and a system configured to delivery biphasic inert cryogen toward the metal. The delivery system may include a lance disposed at the top of the container. The lance has a hood that directs both a flow of liquid cryogen and a flow of vaporous gas toward the metal surface. The liquid cryogen contacts the metal surface, generating a volume of expanding gas over the metal surface. The vaporous cryogen creates a reinforcing vapor that slows the expansion rate of the expanding gas, localizing the expanding gas over the metal surface.

Abstract: A stopper rod having an elongate trunk with an upstream first end and a downstream second end, a continuous axial bore extending through the trunk from a stopper inlet in the upstream first end to a stopper outlet in the downstream second end, and a flow control device disposed within the bore to create a backpressure upstream thereof. The flow control device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet and a passageway therebetween, a wire positioned substantially axially in the passageway, and a retainer for maintaining the wire in the passageway. In one embodiment, the retainer is constituted by a portion of the wire itself, which is bent or crimped or configured as a loop; kink or spiral which prevents the wire from being dislodged from the passageway.

Abstract: Nozzle for guiding molten metal, including an inlet at an upstream first end, at least one outlet towards a downstream second end, and an inner surface between the inlet and the outlet defining a bore through the nozzle having a throat region adjacent the inlet. An annular channel is provided in the inner surface of the nozzle, and a fluid supply is arranged to introduce fluid into the bore via the annular channel or downstream thereof. The throat region has a convexly curved surface and the annular channel is located within or adjacent the convexly curved surface of the throat region.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a predetermined volume of lead to a mould includes a housing defining a lead reservoir having a lead outlet defined in its base and in communication with the reservoir. A runway is provided beneath the base, spaced from the base and generally parallel thereto. A block is provided slidably mounted between the base and the runway and defining a through cavity having the predetermined volume for receiving lead from the outlet in a first position and for releasing the lead in a second position. A mechanism is provided for reciprocating the block between the first and second positions. A cast on strap machine is also disclosed. A lead delivery apparatus comprising a delivery chute is also disclosed.

Abstract: A refractory product includes CaO component-containing refractory particles and MgO component-containing refractory particles. The refractory material contains, a chemical composition measured after it has undergone heating in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 1000° C., one or more of the following metal oxides B2O3, TiO2, V2O5, P2O5 and SiO2 in a total amount of 0.1 to 5.0 mass %, and free carbon in an amount of 2 to 35 mass %, with the remainder including CaO and MgO whose mass ratio (CaO/MgO) is in the range of 0.1 to 1.5. In microscopic observation performed at room temperature on the refractory material which has undergone the above heating, an inorganic film comprised of CaO and the one or more metal oxides is formed in at least each CaO surface of the refractory particles each containing either one or both of a CaO component and an MgO component, with a thickness of 0.1 to 25 ?m.

Abstract: A device for releasing gas into molten metal includes a base having a discharge. The discharge has a first section including a first cross-sectional area and a second section including a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first section is upstream of the second section and the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area. A gas-release opening is positioned so that it can release gas into one or more of the first section or the second section. As the molten metal moves from the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area gas is released into the molten metal and the molten metal flow helps to draw the gas into the flow, thereby lowering the pressure required to release gas into the molten metal. Metal-transfer conduits other than a discharge incorporated in a pump base are also disclosed, as are pumps including either a discharge or other metal-transfer conduit according to the invention.

Abstract: A system for delivering a fluid into a container includes a housing configured to be secured to the container. The housing includes a reservoir to receive and retain a fluid as a liquid, and the housing further includes an opening that provides fluid communication between the reservoir and an interior within the container so as to facilitate a flow of inert gas which is formed from vaporization of the liquid within the reservoir into the container interior.

Abstract: A snorkel nozzle (10) having a double shell core (16, 26) that defines an annular gap (40) between the shells and that has an array of baffles (66) arranged in the annular gap to define a serpentine flow path for cooling gases that pass through the annular gap.

Abstract: Rotary device for treating molten metal has a hollow shaft with a rotor having a roof and a base spaced apart and connected by a plurality of dividers. A passage extends between each adjacent pair of dividers and the roof and the base. A flow path extends through the shaft into inlets of the passages and out of outlets. A chamber in which mixing of the molten metal and gas can take place is located radially inwardly of the inlets, has an opening in the base of the rotor and is in the flowpath between the shaft and the inlets. Upon rotation of the device, molten metal is drawn into the chamber through the rotor base where it is mixed with gas passing into the chamber from the shaft. The metal/gas dispersion is pumped into the passages through the inlets before discharge from the rotor through the outlets.

Abstract: Regulation of the throughflow of metal melt is provided through a bottom nozzle of a metallurgical vessel having an upper nozzle arranged in the floor of the metallurgical vessel and a lower nozzle arranged below the upper nozzle. At least one inert gas inlet aperture is provided to the melt throughflow aperture, and a sensor is arranged on or in the lower nozzle for determining the layer thickness of metal clogging in the nozzle. The inert gas supply into the bottom nozzle is regulated using measurement signals of the sensor. A bottom nozzle for the metallurgical vessel is provided with a wall of the melt throughflow aperture through the nozzles being formed at least sealed against metal melt and the nozzles being at least partially surrounded by a gas-tight housing. The housing at its lower end encloses the lower nozzle at its periphery in a gas-tight manner and is arranged with a portion of its inner side abutting on the outer side of the nozzle.

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: Techniques for dispensing fusible material onto a surface, wherein the fusible material is in molten form, are provided. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a dispensing assembly dispenses the fusible material and a gas environment surrounding a portion of a seal structure of the dispensing assembly is controlled to regulate an oxidation rate of the fusible material.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fusible material onto a surface, wherein the fusible material is in molten form, is provided. The apparatus comprises a dispensing assembly comprising a seal structure. The seal structure controls dispensing of the fusible material. One or more gas injectors are coupled to the dispensing assembly. Each of the one or more gas injectors is adapted to inject at least one gas to the dispensing assembly for controlling a gas environment surrounding at least a portion of the seal structure. An oxidation rate of the fusible material is controlled as a function of at least one characteristic of the at least one gas.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a refractory pouring tube for pouring a molten metal from one metallurgical vessel to another metallurgical vessel. The invention as well relates to a corresponding assembly, comprising such a pouring tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stopper for a metallurgical melting pot with. Stoppers of this type serve to control the discharge of a molten metal in the area of an outlet of an associated melting pot, for example, a tundish.

Abstract: Techniques for dispensing fusible material onto a surface, wherein the fusible material is in molten form, are provided. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a dispensing assembly dispenses the fusible material and a gas environment surrounding a portion of a seal structure of the dispensing assembly is controlled to regulate an oxidation rate of the fusible material.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fusible material onto a surface, wherein the fusible material is in molten form, is provided. The apparatus comprises a dispensing assembly comprising a seal structure. The seal structure controls dispensing of the fusible material. One or more gas injectors are coupled to the dispensing assembly. Each of the one or more gas injectors is adapted to inject at least one gas to the dispensing assembly for controlling a gas environment surrounding at least a portion of the seal structure. An oxidation rate of the fusible material is controlled as a function of at least one characteristic of the at least one gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed in which ultrasonic vibration is used to assist the degassing of molten metals or metal alloys thereby reducing gas content in the molten metals or alloys. High-intensity ultrasonic vibration is applied to a radiator that creates cavitation bubbles, induces acoustic streaming in the melt, and breaks up purge gas (e.g., argon or nitrogen) which is intentionally introduced in a small amount into the melt in order to collect the cavitation bubbles and to make the cavitation bubbles survive in the melt. The molten metal or alloy in one version of the invention is an aluminum alloy. The ultrasonic vibrations create cavitation bubbles and break up the large purge gas bubbles into small bubbles and disperse the bubbles in the molten metal or alloy more uniformly, resulting in a fast and clean degassing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary device for dispersing a gas in a molten metal. The device comprises a hollow shaft at one end of which is attached a rotor. The rotor has a roof and a base which are spaced apart and connected by a plurality of vanes. A compartment is defined between each adjacent pair of vanes and the roof and the base, and each compartment has an inlet and first and second outlets. A flow path is defined through the shaft into the inlets of the compartments and out of the first and second outlets. Each first outlet is disposed radially outwardly of the respective inlet and arranged to disperse gas laterally of the rotor in use, and each second outlet is disposed in the roof of the rotor and arranged to disperse gas upwardly from the rotor in use.

Abstract: A gas purge device for a metallurgical melting vessel includes a conically shaped ceramic body (2) in contact at its top side with heat contained in the melting vessel. The ceramic body has a static external element and an internal element axially movable therein. A pneumatic drive axially moves the internal element to and fro relative to the external element between a closed position and an open position. The spring force of a spring retains the internal element in the closed position. The device furthermore includes a gas-tight enclosed volume arranged at the bottom side of the ceramic body the volume being connected to a gas supply duct for introduction of purge gas. A deformable membrane is connected to the internal element with the pressure difference between the purge gas pressure prevailing in the gas-tight enclosed volume and the ambient pressure acting upon the membrane.

Abstract: Molten steel is conducted by a tubular shroud interconnecting a slide gate at a bottom tap hole of a ladle with the molten steel in an underlying tundish of a continuous caster. The flow path is confirmed to be isolated from contaminants in atmospheric air by applying a source of partial vacuum to the internal cavity of tubular shroud to allow prevailing atmospheric pressure acting on molten steel in a tundish to push molten steel upwardly in the internal cavity of the tubular shroud. A measure of the partial vacuum in the cavity of the shroud is used to assess the integrity of the gas tight seal. Before and after the integrity of the gas tight seal is determined, a three way valve is used to apply an inert gas to the volume in the cavity of the shroud.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method, are provided to deposit conductive bonding material into cavities in a mold. A fill head is placed in substantial contact with a mold that includes cavities. The fill head includes a sealing member that substantially encompasses an entire area to be filled with conductive bonding material. The conductive bonding material is forced out of the fill head toward the mold. The conductive bonding material is provided into at least one cavity of the cavities contemporaneous with the at least one cavity being in proximity to the fill head.

Abstract: A system for producing a metal foam comprises a bath containing a molten metal, a rotating shaft or impeller extending through the base of the bath into, and submerged in the molten metal, and a gas discharge nozzle provided on the submerged end of the shaft. The opposite end of the shaft is connected to a gas supply line and the shaft is rotated with a motor. A seal is provided at the opening in the base of the bath for preventing leakage of the molten metal there-through.

Abstract: A molten metal pump including a pump base with an inlet and outlet, a mixing impeller chamber for mixing gas and molten metal, a pumping impeller chamber for pumping molten metal. First and second impeller members supported by a shaft are adapted to rotate in mixing and pumping chambers respectively. The impeller members may be integrally formed of a single impeller or separate impellers on one or more shafts. A gas passageway extends from a gas source to the mixing chamber in the base. A gas dispersement pump includes a base with an impeller chamber and inlet and an outlet. An impeller is mounted to a shaft and adapted to be rotated in the impeller chamber. A gas passageway extends from a gas source to a gas outlet proximate to the impeller chamber. A gas dispersement member of porous refractory material is adapted to disperse gas from the gas passageway.

Abstract: A pressure controlling apparatus controls a pressure in a container capable of storing a molten metal and supplying the molten metal to an outside using a pressure difference and includes: a supplying portion for supplying a compressed gas to be supplied to the container; a flow passage for supplying the compressed gas from the supplying portion to the container; a first switching valve, being inserted into the passage, capable of manually switching a first mode that enables the passage of the gas between the supplying portion side and the container side and a second mode that enables the passage of the gas between the container side and the outside; an exhausting portion for exhausting a gas from the container; and a second switching valve for switching a pressure applying mode for applying a pressure to the container and an exhausting mode for exhausting the gas from the container.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a refractory pouring tube for pouring a molten metal from one metallurgical vessel to another metallurgical vessel. The invention as well relates to a corresponding assembly, comprising such a pouring tube.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mono-block stopper adapted to deliver gas during pouring of molten metal comprising a stopper body having an internal chamber (1) and a gas discharge port (2), a bore (3) connecting the internal chamber (1) to the gas discharge port (2), calibrating means (4) being provided in the bore (3) to provide a restricted path. This stopper is characterised by the fact that the calibrating means comprise a rod (4) having at least one axially-extending gas passages therealong, the gas passage(s) having a section such as to offer a predetermined resistance to flow. The stopper of the invention is far more reliable and can be easily adapted to various operational parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing slag from flowing along when tapping a molten metal out of a metallurgical vessel, whereby the tap opening of the vessel is formed out of interchangeable pipes, which are located one above the other, made of wear-resistant refractory material, and enclosed by tap framing blocks, whereby the lower end of the tap interchangeable system, which is constructed as described, is formed by a cup block against which a slide that closes the opening rests. According to the invention, axially extending channels that are open at both ends of the pipe are provided in the pipe wall of at least the interchangeable pipe that leads into the interior of the vessel. Said channels are connected to a gas supply at the pipe end facing away from the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: Liquid aluminum is sprayed onto an iron article to produce a thin tenacious non-corrodible layer. In one embodiment, an iron article is heated to at least 400° F. or preferably until cherry red. It is sprayed with a fine aluminum mist generated by heating aluminum in a container and then passing a gas under pressure through the container and out through a heat resistant ceramic nozzle. In another embodiment, aluminum is heated to at least 2000° F. in a container to produce a pool of liquid aluminum. Pressure is applied to the container to project the liquid aluminum in the form of a fine mist through a ceramic nozzle onto the iron article. The aluminum mist produces a tenacious aluminum layer on the iron article that is workable, weldable and non-corrodible. The aluminum layer is a permanent part of the iron article and cannot be removed by conventional means, such as buffing with a wire wheel driven by a electric motor.

Abstract: A metal melting closed furnace which includes a main chamber, a circulation well connected to the main chamber by a communications passageway and a vortex well having a exit outlet for molten metal into the main chamber. A cover is emplaced over the vortex well. An inert gas bubble activated molten metal pump is provided in which there is an entry port in the circulation well and exit port into the vortex well. The exit port is positioned to lie at least partially or entirely above the maximum level of molten metal in the vortex well. This exit port will typically be at or near the top of the vortex well. In order to reduce oxidation, inert gas bubbles are captured from this molten metal pump and creating an inert gas atmosphere or blanket above the molten metal vortex.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas bubbler stone for metallurgical vessels having a porous, gas-permeable molded stone (1) made of a refractory material, a partial sheathing enclosing it in a gastight manner, the sheathing being made of a metal casing (2), which extends around the lateral peripheral surface of the molded stone, and a sheet metal cover (3) which covers the outer end face of the molded stone, and a gas delivery pipe (6) which extends from the under side of the sheet metal cover and is joined to the sheet metal cover in the area of a gas inlet opening (7) formed in the sheet metal cover, and which has a narrowed cross section (9) at a distance from the gas inlet opening of the sheet metal cover, and a closing body (10), which is movable at least in the axial direction of the gas delivery pipe, is situated in the pipe section between the sheet metal cover (3) and the narrowed cross section (9), its cross section being smaller than the inside diameter of the gas delivery pipe (6) and greater than the

Abstract: An atomizing apparatus for the production of powders or spray deposits, having an atomization device for receiving a liquid stream of molten metal or metal alloy to be atomized; at least two primary atomization gas jets for directing an atomization gas at an angle into the liquid stream in an atomization zone at an impinging point of the atomization jets to break the stream into atomized droplets; and at least two secondary jets for direction a controlling fluid at a pressure, flow rate and direction, the jets being aimed at the atomization gas jet or into the atomization zone, wherein said secondary jets control a backpressure generated by the primary atomization gas jets. The apparatus also includes means for in-situ controlling at least one of the relative positions among the primary atomization jets, the secondary jets, and the liquid delivery nozzle.

Abstract: A discharging apparatus has a substrate holding part 32 which holds a substrate S; an discharging head 34 which discharges a liquid material onto the substrate S; an ion producing device 38 which provides an ionized wind on the substrate S; an exhaust device 40 which is placed on a direction where the ionized wind from the ionized wind producing device 38 is blowing, and the ionized wind is provided toward the liquid material on the substrate S, at least, immediately after discharging the liquid material onto the substrate S.

Abstract: A process and apparatus prepares and collects metal nanoparticles by forming a vapor of a metal that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the metal being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the metal is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and metal material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the vaporized metal material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.

Abstract: A purge plug adapted to be replaceably attached to the bottom of a lable for purging gas through a heat in the ladle. The purge plug comprises a ceramic body having at least one through gap which extends between the end faces of the body and a casing which encloses the body. The gas is fed to the external end face of the body in order to flow, at a predetermined pressure, through said gap to the internal end face of the body and into the heat. The ceramic body comprises an external, essentially sleeve-shaped body portion and an internal, truncated cone-shaped body portion. Between them said gap is arranged. The internal body portion is movable in relation to the external body portion and is pretensioned by a resilient means in a direction towards the heat to close the gap. A gas supply pipe is connected to a space beneath the external end face to open the gap.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dynamic control system that maintains an inert gas feed at a constant target gas flow rate sufficient to prevent or reduce alumina or alloy plugging within a slide gate discharge opening. The dynamic control system includes a gas feed line extending between an inert gas supply and the slide gate discharge passageway, a gas flow regulator, a pressure gauge; and a gas feed flow control that detects an amount of incoming inert gas lost through leaks in the system and adjusts the gas flow regulator in response to the detected amount of incoming gas flow loss so that the adjusted incoming gas feed continues to deliver the target inert gas flow rate to the discharge passageway.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stopper rod with a cylindrical stopper rod body comprising a fire-resistant, carbon-containing material, having a base part and a nose-like section made of a different fire-resistant material than the base part, whereby an interface extends between the nose-like section and the base part over the entire cross-section of the stopper rod body, wherein the nose-like section comprises a fire-resistant material wherein the carbon content burns out under oxidic atmosphere above 90° C., at least close to a surface area.

Abstract: A permeable nozzle is made from MgO and MgO—Al2O3 spinel and has a nonservice backpressure of about 0.5-50 psi at gas flowrates of about 5-20 liters/minute. In one embodiment, the permeable nozzle comprises about 50%-80% of about a 20-48×100 mesh MgO, about 5%-20% of about a 325 mesh MgO and about 5%-40% of about a 48×200 mesh MgO—Al2O3 spinel. In another embodiment, the permeable nozzle comprises about 10%-20% of about a 20-48×100 mesh MgO, about 0%-10% of about a 325 mesh MgO, about 30%-60% of about a 28×48 mesh MgO—Al2O3 spinel, about 10%-40% of about a 48×200 mesh MgO—Al2O3 spinel, and about 10%-20% of about a 325 mesh MgO—Al2O3 spinel.

Abstract: A battery assembling method includes a lead dispenser/heater unit, cover positioner, container positioner, and lead feeder. A battery container with battery plates contained therein is retained by the container positioner. A battery cover is retained by the cover positioner. Molten lead is retained within the lead dispenser/heater unit. The exposed areas of the lead dispenser/heater unit are preferably flooded with an inert gas to prevent drossing of the molten lead. A container heating platen is disposed on a top of the lead dispenser/heater unit and a cover heating platen on a bottom thereof. The container positioner brings the battery container in contact with the container heating platen and the cover positioner brings the battery cover in contact with the cover heating platen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flowing liquid metal through a casting nozzle includes an elongated bore having at least one entry port, at least one upper exit port, and at least one lower exit port. A baffle is positioned proximate to the upper exit port to divide the flow of liquid metal through the bore into at least one outer stream and a central stream, the outer stream flowing through the upper exit port and the central stream flowing past the baffle and toward the lower exit port. The baffle is adapted to allocate the proportion of liquid metal divided between the outer stream and the central stream so that the effective discharge angle of the outer stream exiting through the upper exit port varies based on the flow throughput of liquid metal through the casting nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of refractory assemblies, which is capable of being used between an upstream container and a downstream container of a plant for transferring liquid metal, in particular steel, comprising: a tapping spout via which the metal flows from the upstream container into the downstream container, each refracotry assembly of the tapping spout having at least one surface forming a mating surface with a corresponding surface of an adjacent refractory assembly; a flow regulator for regulating the flow of liquid metal through the tapping spout; a shroud channel placed around the tapping spout near at least one mating surface between refractory assemblies and having an inlet capable of allowing the intake of a fluid; in which the shroud channel has an outlet capable of allowing the fluid to escape to the outside of the plant.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a disposable print head for ejecting controlled amounts of liquid (e.g., solder) at a high rate onto the surface (e.g., an integrated circuit) in close proximity to the ejecting source. The embodiment involves the use of a controlled burst of gas that is developed by rapidly heating a metallic hydride film with a laser to disassociate the hydrogen therefrom. The pressure created by the burst of hydrogen gas is used to eject an amount of a liquid (e.g., a solder) from an appropriate conduit that is fed liquid from a reservoir. The surfaces in the print head that contact the liquid are coated to assist in priming the print head for a subsequent ejection event.