Abstract: The device comprises a support (16) provided with a proximal end (16P) carrying first and second control buttons (22, 24) and a distal end (16D) carrying means forming an electrical contactor. The support (16) also carries at least a first control ring (1B) mounted to turn about a geometrical axis called longitudinal axis (X), and first and second control rods (40, 42) that are longitudinally displaceable through the first control ring (18), each having a proximal end connected to a corresponding control button (22, 24) and a distal end for actuating the electrical contactor means. The first and second control rods (40, 42) include mutual longitudinal guide means (44, 46, B). The invention is applicable to controlling windscreen wipers and a computer on board a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory plate (1) for a slide gate valve, having a pouring hole (3), circumscribed by a circle C of center (4), at least a portion of the edges (15, 16, 17, 18) of the plate (1) are angularly oriented so as to focus the clamping forces optimally in the throttling area and around the pouring hole.

Abstract: A metering gate for liquid metal flow control with reduced clogging with a top plate, having a first flow channel bore with an inlet having an inlet axis and an outlet having an outlet axis. The inlet axis and the outlet axis are offset. A throttle plate slidably mounted on the top plate selectably receives flow from the top plate. The metering gate provides a less tortuous and more symmetrical flow path when the gate is partially open, but provides a relatively straight downward flow channel allowing full flow when the gate is fully open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device including at least two assemblies each composed of a clamp (10) pivoting about a horizontal axis (11) and fitted with a groove (12) receiving a shoe (13) generally cylindrical in shape incorporating a flat surface (14) parallel to the axis of said cylinder, said shoe being capable of pivoting in the groove. The present invention also relates to a one-piece inner nozzle (2) particularly adapted for use with this clamping device. The one-piece inner nozzle according to the invention is thus composed of a tubular part (6) defining a pouring channel (4) and a flat part or plate (7) providing contact with the downstream component (8) of the pouring channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory bearing and in particular to a bearing for use in contact with molten metal, such as zinc and aluminum. The bearing includes a housing with a working surface and at least one wear-resistant insert secured to the working surface. The insert is secured to the housing by mechanically interlocking with a retainer assemblage. In one embodiment, the retainer assemblage engages a relief in the insert to secure the insert to the housing despite dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion. The insert preferably comprises sialon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter for generating a flame of controlled color, the lighter being of the type comprising a tank (20) adapted to receive a fuel (30) associated with flame coloring agents, expander means (40) suitable for expanding the fuel (30), means (50) suitable for conveying the fuel (30) to the expander means (40), and means (60) suitable for igniting the fuel (30) downstream from the expander means (40), the lighter being characterized by the fact that the expander means (40) are formed by an element that is hydrophobic, organophobic, and inorganophobic.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a refractory pouring tube including a contact face (15) capable of bearing against a contact face (11) of another refractory component (9), the said pouring tube being arranged to be displaced. The said pouring tube is characterised by the fact that its contact face (15) incorporates a cleaning groove (26, 27) delineated notably by a wall presenting an edge capable of exerting a scraping action, as the said pouring tube is displaced, at least partially on the determinate part of the contact face of the other refractory component. The cleaning groove makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the contact surface of the other refractory component and, consequently, the joint surface formed between the two components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grooved refractory pouring tube for pouring a molten metal between an upper metallurgical vessel and a lower metallurgical vessel, a refractory assembly incorporating such a pouring tube, and a casting installation incorporating such an assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite pressure-sintered material comprising a continuous phase of hexagonal boron nitride and, dispersed therein, a second material comprising (a) at least one metal nitride selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminium and titanium nitrides and (b) at least one stable metal oxide; wherein the amount of metal oxide is such that the second material does not contain more than 35% by weight of oxygen. This material possesses a low thermal expansion coefficient and therefore reveals good thermal shock resistance. Another characteristic of this material is its low wettability by molten steel which is thus responsible for excellent chemical resistance to liquid metal. Finally, this material is exceptionally mechanical wear resistant.

Abstract: A nozzle for transferring a flow of liquid metal between metallurgical vessels or molds comprising an entry portion for receiving the liquid metal. A flow regulator, such as a stopper rod, is movable from an open position to a closed position with respect to the entry portion for respectively permitting and prohibiting flow through the nozzle. The entry portion and the flow regulator define a control zone therebetween. A pressure modulator, downstream of the control zone, is adapted to minimize a pressure differential across the control zone. The pressure modulator constricts flow downstream of the control zone.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a clamp for clamping device for a refractory plate in a seating of a slide valve in a casting installation, the said clamp having on one hand a thrust zone whereon it can receive a clamping force tending to push the clamp against a refractory plate located in the seating and, on the other hand, two ends of which each is capable of being applied against one edge of the refractory plate. The clamp is characterised in that it is capable of being elastically deformed in that each of its two ends is conformed such that it bears against the corresponding edge of the refractory plate when a clamping force is applied to the clamp also bears against the wall of the seating under the effect of expansion of the plate or a greater clamping force.

Abstract: The invention includes an end cap that can be securely mounted to the end of a ceramic spool. The end cap comprises a locking plate adapted to fit into a groove in the ceramic spool. A plurality of angularly offset holes in the locking plate align with similar holes in the end cap. Screws or pins are placed in the holes and welded in place to prevent backing out or loosening. In use, the locking plate is secured by the pins, the groove and the inside surface of the end cap, the combination of which inhibits misalignment. Thermal cycling does not loosen the end cap, cause eccentric rotation or crack the ceramic spool.

Abstract: A thermal shock-resistant ceramic article and a method of manufacturing the article include alternating layers of a first material (2) comprising a fusible, particulate ceramic composition and a second material (3), typically comprising a porous, pyrolyzable material. The layered structure increases the article's work of fracture and toughness, and may lead to improved thermal shock-resistance. The method advantageously uses a sheet, film or sleeve to prepare the article for firing. The composition, thickness, and porosity of the second material (3) will affect the desired properties. The method is particularly adapted for manufacturing cylindrical articles, including stopper rods, nozzles, and pouring tubes for the metal casting industry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a crack-free insulating refractory material made from a composition comprising 20-80% by weight of a ceramic matrix, 5-40% by weight of insulating microspheres, 0.5-15% by weight of one more binders, 5-20% by weight of a metal or a metal alloy able to melt during the preheating or the first minute of use and 0-25% by weight of water. The ceramic matrix is preferably comprised of vitreous and non-vitreous grains.

Abstract: A refractory shape is described for transferring molten metal in a continuous casting operation. The shape includes an inner surface made from an unfired composition comprising a calcium rich grain, a hydration-resistant grain, 6-28 wt. % carbon, and a binder. The unfired composition may also include an antioxidant and silica. The inner surface resists spalling and alumina deposition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pouring tube of refractory material comprised of a tubular element and equipped at its upper end with a plane plate, the side faces and lower face of the said plate and the upper end of the tubular part being protected by a metallic case, said plate being reinforced in its lower face by mechanical means that increase its stiffness that is characterized in that these stiffening means are comprised of a plurality of U-shaped metallic pieces located on either side of the tube and attached fixedly to the part of the metal case protecting the lower face of the plate. These tubes present a greater resistance to the formation of cracks than conventional tubes.

Abstract: In the continuous casting of molten metal, the invention describes a refractory article for reducing deposition of inclusions on a surface contacting the stream of molten metal. The article comprises a first composition and a second composition on at least a portion of the contacting surface. The second composition includes a resin-bonded refractory composition comprising a refractory aggregate and a reactive metal. The resin-bonded refractory composition reduces deposition of inclusions relative to standard carbon-bonded or castable refractories. The second composition is particularly effective as a nose of a stopper rod or a liner for a nozzle, shroud or slide gate plate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a stopper rod whose gas tightness and rigidity are improved. In particular, the stopper rod of the present. invention has means for maintaining the compression of the sealing gasket (11, 11′) in contact with the annular sealing surface (10) of the body of refractory material when the stopper rod is brought to a high temperature. According to one embodiment of the invention, these means are furnished by a sleeve (12) comprised of a material with a high coefficient of thermal expansion, the dilatation of which maintains the sealing gasket under compression when the stopper rod is brought to a high temperature.

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.