Abstract: A system is provided for rapidly determining the flatness of a rolled sheet of aluminum which comprises placing a ruled lightweight flat bar across the sheet with portions of the bar in contact with adjacent high points on said sheet and measuring the distance between the high points. The height is then measured by inserting, between the bar and the lowest point on the sheet between the high points, a gauge having continuous measuring means comprising a conically shaped device tapering to a point. The gauge is inserted until both surfaces are in contact with the conical device. The thickness of the conical gauge is then measured at the point of contact to determine the distance between the surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for the receipt of a recyclable container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a manually rotatable carrier having a container receiving station. The recyclable container is inserted into the receiving station where the presence or absence of a container having a metallic sidewall is determined prior to any movement apparent to the user. If the object inserted into the receiving station is determined to be a container having a metallic sidewall, rotation of the carrier for further processing of the recyclable container is permitted. The initial passive screening may include detecting the orientation of the container, detection for the type of metal sidewall, and may also include optical scanning of the container for reading a product code thereon.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly is provided for use in a cell for the production of metal by electrolytic reduction comprising a nonmetallic conductive electrode, such as a carbon electrode, having a top surface and a central current carrying support shaft received in a central bore extending axially downwardly from the top surface. Conductive fin assemblies extend radially from the central support shaft in the electrode, the fin assemblies comprising a plurality of gate members extending radially from the central shaft adjacent a top surface of the electrode and wing members extending from the gate members downwardly into the electrode from the top surface. Metal conductive means, comprising a metal which will not contaminate the molten salt bath, extend downwardly in the electrode beyond the depth of the central shaft and fin assemblies.

Abstract: A continuous process for forming aluminum-lithium alloys is disclosed which comprises continuously monitoring the ingot casting rate and continuously adding a measured and controlled amount of molten lithium beneath the surface of a molten aluminum stream as it flows toward an ingot casting station. The amount of molten lithium to be added is based on the ingot casting rate, the ingot size and the lithium content of the alloy being cast.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly is disclosed for use in a cell for the production of metal by electrolytic reduction comprising a nonmetallic conductive electrode having a top surface and a central current carrying support shaft received in a central bore extending axially downward from the top surface. Conductive fin members extend radially from the central support shaft in the electrode, the fin members comprising a plurality of gate members extending radially from the central shaft adjacent a top surface of the electrode and wing members extending from the gate members downwardly into the electrode from the top surface. The gate members are provided with a width exceeding the depth at least adjacent the top surface of the electrode to provide better heat dissipation adjacent the top face of the electrode.

Abstract: An improved roll caster tip apparatus is disclosed comprising a molten metal reservoir having a bottom plate and at least one sidewall and a tip member attached to the sidewall having a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side riser members between the top wall and the bottom wall to form a passageway with the top and bottom walls and at least one spacer member between the top wall and the bottom wall spaced from the side riser members to provide support for the top wall and bottom wall, the spacer member having a curved leading portion facing the reservoir and a streamlined trailing portion extending in the direction away from the reservoir whereby interference with metal flow velocity by flow separation caused by the spacer is minimized.

Abstract: An improved roll caster tip apparatus is disclosed comprising a molten metal reservoir comprising a sidewall terminating in a bottom plate and a nozzle tip member attached to the sidewall having a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side riser members between the top wall and the bottom wall forming a passageway terminating in an exit port for molten metal to flow from the reservoir to a pair of rollers, an opening is provided in the reservoir sidewall extending along the entire width of the nozzle tip member, and a baffle member is mounted in the reservoir extending across the entire width of the sidewall opening to provide a uniform friction for the molten metal flowing from the reservoir into the nozzle tip member whereby metal flowing into the nozzle tip member from the reservoir will have a uniform entrance velocity across the entire width of the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the production of atomized metal comprising a containment vessel having a sidewall terminating in a bottom plate through which atomizing gas and molten metal from a molten metal source external to said vessel enter said vessel through nozzle means sealed thereto. An air ingress port is provided in the vessel spaced from said bottom plate; the sidewall and bottom plate cooperating with said nozzle means to seal off the interior of the vessel and the metal particles therein from the area adjacent the source of molten metal; thereby providing an essentially closed vessel, particularly with respect to the area in which the nozzle means are mounted.

Abstract: A three-stage combustion process is disclosed for burning a fuel containing sulfur characterized by low sulfur emission and good ash removal. The process comprises mixing the sulfur containing fuel with an additive capable of reacting with sulfur; burning the mixture in a first combustion stage with less than 75% theoretical air and at a temperature below the melting point of the ash but sufficiently high to cause reaction between the additive and any sulfur in the fuel to facilitate removal of the sulfur compounds formed; removing at least a portion of the sulfur compounds formed in the first stage; passing combustible gases from the first stage to a second stage; burning the gases in the second stage with less than 100% theoretical air at a temperature above the melting point of the ash to form a liquid slag which is removable from the second stage; and burning combustible gases from the second stage in a third stage with an excess of air to ensure complete combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: An improved and simplified device for removal of deposits on furnace walls is disclosed which can be operated by a single individual. The device is characterized by rotating scrapers driven by internally-contained air-powered motors. The horizontally opposed scrapers are journalled on each end to pairs of arms which are connected together at a pivot spaced from the journals. Air cylinders, powered from a common source with the air motors, spread the arms apart simultaneously with activation of the air motors to bring the rotating scrapers in contact with the furnace walls.

Abstract: An improved roll caster tip apparatus is disclosed capable of providing metal flow therein with a near Hele-Shaw profile comprising a molten metal reservoir having a bottom plate and at least one sidewall and a nozzle tip member attached to the sidewall and terminating in an exit port spaced from the sidewall, the nozzle tip member comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side riser members between the top wall and the bottom wall to form a passageway in cooperation with the top and bottom walls; and at least one spacer member between the top wall and the bottom wall spaced from the side risers to provide support for the top wall and bottom wall and having a chord length extending from the leading edge of the spcer facing the reservoir to the trailing edge of the spacer facing the exit port, the chord length of the spacer and the distance between the top wall and bottom wall of the nozzle tip being preselected with respect to the velocity and viscosity of the molten metal flowing through the nozzle tip

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and processing used containers including an enclosure with a rotatable carrier having one or more container receiving stations therein. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container inserted into the receiving station. Means are also provided for crushing a container accepted for processing by the apparatus comprising a fixed crushing jaw and a movable crushing jaw adapted for dual engagement with a container to provide two stages of crushing.

Abstract: An improved roll caster tip apparatus is disclosed comprising a molten metal reservoir having a bottom plate and at least one sidewall and a nozzle tip member attached to the sidewall having a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of converging side riser members between the top wall and the bottom wall forming a converging passageway terminating in an exit port for molten metal to flow from the reservoir to a pair of rollers. The side risers converge toward one another at the exit port by being spaced apart a shorter distance at the exit port than at the sidewall of the molten metal reservoir whereby metal flow separation along the side risers will be mitigated, thereby providing uniform metal velocity across the width of the nozzle tip member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a telescopic front-end suspension system suitable for a motorcycle or motorized tricycle or the like. The suspension comprises a front fork assembly having a pair of top tubes telescopically received in a pair of bottom tubes or sliders. Spring means are carried on or in the tubes and means for damping the spring action including liquid or oil are carried in the tubes. A gas chamber or space is provided in connection with the tubes for permitting gas or damping liquid to escape thereto when the top and bottom tubes are telescopically compressed, the compression raising the level of the liquid in the top tube. A control means is provided for restricting the flow of gas or damping liquid from the tubes to the chamber upon application of at least the front brake, the restriction of gas or damping liquid flow resulting in the telescopic compression of the tubes being restrained.

Abstract: Anodized aluminum is sealed in a one step process without the necessity of a further desmudging step. A metal acetate salt is mixed with soluble sulfate ion and a dispersing agent to provide a seal without leaving visible smudge on anodized aluminum.

Abstract: A process for recycling containers such as used aluminum beverage cans comprises sensing the presence of an acceptable container inserted into a receiving station in a rotatable carrier and unlatching a latching mechanism to permit the carrier to be rotated if the presence of an acceptable container is sensed. Rotation of the carrier conveys the container to a station where the container is crushed. A receipt is then issued for the crushed container. The process is controlled by a central control unit which may include a computer having a program to monitor and control the process steps.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the insertion of a recyclable container into a container receiving station in a manually operated rotatable carrier normally maintained in a non-rotatable condition; and for analysis and initial acceptance or rejection of the container for recycling without mechanical movement apparent to the user. The apparatus includes detecting means adjacent the receiving station to determine the presence of a container comprised of material acceptable for recycling and scanning means for reading code markings on the container. The information read from the code markings on the container may be recorded for subsequent use in determining amounts of deposits to be paid as well as sources of containers. Releasing means are provided for subsequently permitting movement of said rotatable carrier if said container comprises a material acceptable for recycling.

Abstract: An improved method of melting metal scrap in a molten melting media is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a body of molten melting media in a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion having a generally cylindrical wall section. A supply of metal scrap is added to the housing and a supply of molten melting media is introduced to the upper portion of the housing. Melting of the metal scrap is initiated by ingesting it and molten melting media downwardly in the housing by action of an impeller positioned in the lower portion, the impeller having a flat ring member having an opening in the center thereof and having blades extending from said ring member to a substantially circular disc member. The scrap and melting media enters the opening in the ring member in an axial direction and is propelled therefrom in a radial direction by use of the blades.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and crushing containers consisting essentially of recyclable material comprising an enclosure having a manually operated rotatable carrier with a first station comprising a pocket in the carrier to receive a container. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container in the pocket and for detecting the type of material comprising the wall of the container. The apparatus also contains latching means to prevent rotation of the rotatable carrier until a container inserted therein has passed all tests performed in the first station. Means are also provided for measuring the weight of the container and for crushing metallic containers having a predetermined acceptable weight.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and crushing containers consisting essentially of recyclable material comprising an enclosure having a manually operated rotatable carrier with one or more stations comprising pockets in the carrier to permit insertion of a container. Means are also provided to detect the presence of a container inserted into the pocket. Shock absorbing means are associated with the rotatable carrier to inhibit damage to the apparatus by rapid or jerking motions during rotation of the carrier to transport an inserted container to one or more subsequent stations for testing and eventual crushing of a container accepted for recycling.