Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and methods for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and methods use a flexible constraining means which surrounds at least a portion of the outer periphery of the elongated hollow metal section to constrain and support the walls of the elongated hollow metal section against the forces produced within the interior of the hollow metal section during the reshaping of the extrusion by the stretch forming operation. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein resist wrinkles, crimps and bulges being formed in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and a method for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and method uses one or more constraining means secured to the forming die and a die extension to constrain and support the walls of the elongated hollow metal section against the forces produced by air pressure within the interior of the hollow metal section. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein prevent the formation of wrinkles, crimps and bulges in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and a method for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and method of this invention uses a collapsible and expandable articulated mandrel positioned inside portions of the elongated hollow metal section to constrain and support the internal wall surfaces of the elongated hollow metal section against the reshaping forces imposed on the interior of the hollow metal section during the stretch forming operation. The mandrel disclosed herein prevents the formation of wrinkles and crimps being formed in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a metal sheet having a full-hard central portion extending between at least two softer side edge portions of the sheet. The method comprises the step of heating the side edge portions of the sheet portions of the sheet to a higher temperature than the central portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of coiling steel bars, especially hexagonal bars, with a twist free coil in a continuous rolling mill equipped with pouring reels. Disclosed is the use of pinch rolls to prevent the twisting of the bar as it is being coiled.

Abstract: Apparatus for retrieving a sample of slag from the surface of molten steel contained in a ladle. A hoist positioned above the ladle lowers and raises an elongated metal rod which has cardboard and metal sleeves surrounding the lower portion of the elongated metal rod. A clean sample of molten slag tightly adheres to the metal sleeve as it is raised from the molten slag layer. The metal sleeve and slag sample are easily removed from the elongated metal rod for analysis.

Abstract: A molten metal slide gate valve for use on a ladle or tundish. The slide gate valve uses a refractory plate or plates having a shallow groove all around the periphery of one or both surfaces of the plate. The groove surrounds the molten metal orifice in the plate. The base of the groove has a porous refractory insert connected to a source of nonoxidizing gas under pressure to provide a nonoxidizing gas seal all around the molten metal orifices in the slide gate valve and to prevent the aspiration of air into the molten metal orifices during discharge of the molten metal from the ladle or tundish.

Abstract: Apparatus for retaining slag in a tundish or a ladle or similar vessel containing molten metal such as used in the steel industry. A refractory nozzle member and a refractory retainer member are secured to the bottom of the vessel around the molten metal discharge orifice. A refractory plug member of a density between that of the molten metal and the slag is positioned laterally within the retainer member but free to move vertically during discharge of the molten metal from the vessel.

Abstract: A sidewall and top chord member for an open top gondola or hopper railway car. The top chord member is a lightweight rectangular tubular extrusion of aluminum having a pair of spaced wear pads on the top surface thereof to contact rotary or shaker type car unloading equipment.

Abstract: A railway car suitable for rotary or bottom dump unloading. The body bolster is fitted with vents to permit a heating of the slope floor at the ends of the car to thaw the lading prior to unloading.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layered zinc-manganese alloy coating electrodeposited on sheet steel. The alloy layer closest to the surface of the sheet steel has a composition of at least 50% manganese while the composition of the other alloy layers farther removed from the surface of the sheet steel have less than 50% manganese.

Abstract: A multipurpose railroad freight car suitable for carrying either bulk freight or granular freight. The floor of the freight car comprises a pair of opposed, reversible conveyors. Also disclosed is a transverse wiper bar to guide the granular freight along the floor of the freight car to a central discharge chute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the thickness of a metal strip cast by pouring molten metal between a pair of closely spaced, water-cooled rotating rolls. The temperature of at least one of the rolls is measured at a fixed position relative to the roll bite before and during the cast. The rotational speed of the rolls is adjusted in proportion to a measured roll separation or roll separating force corrected by the roll temperature measured during the cast such that a predetermined and substantially uniform thickness of the metal strip is produced.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrical flash butt welding the ends of metal sheet or strip including a pair of flat faced parallel welding electrodes extending across the full width of the metal sheet or strip, one on each side thereof, and an electrode cleaning device comprising a support assembly having mounted thereon an extendable electrode cleaning means including a cleaning head having a plurality of upward extending cleaning members and a plurality of downwardly extending cleaning members the cleaning head adapted to simultaneously remove dirt and contaminants from the contact surfaces of opposed welding electrodes.

Abstract: A process for conditioning basic oxygen steelmaking process dust and fume containing heavy metals for disposal. A sufficient quantity of solidified basic oxygen steelmaking process slag particles are added to the dust and fume to produce a mixture having an alkalinity substantially greater than that of the dust and fume alone. The dust and slag mixture tests as non-hazardous when tested using the toxicity test procedures for heavy metals promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling samples of hot rolled steel sections. A programmable controller directs a predetermined sequence of air and cooling water sprays against the sample while held in a closed container. The controlled cooling of the sample prevents dimensional distortion of the sample so that accurate measurements of the finished hot rolled steel section can be determined.

Abstract: A method for cooling samples of hot rolled steel sections. A programmable controller directs a predetermined sequence of air and cooling water sprays against the sample while held in a closed container. The controlled cooling of the sample prevents dimensional distortion of the sample so that accurate measurements of the finished hot rolled steel section can be determined.

Abstract: An air cooled refractory covered injection lance for introducing reactive gases below the surface of a molten metal bath where the lance is provided with means to surround the reactive gas conduit with a high velocity cooling fluid to prevent thermal decomposition of the reactive gas prior to its injection into the molten metal bath.

Abstract: A method for retaining slag in a ladle or similar vessel containing molten metal such as used in the steel industry. Lumps of a highly refractory material having a density between the density of the molten metal and the density of the slag are added to the vessel. As the molten metal is drained from the vessel, the lumps agglomerate around the drain orifice and block the discharge of the slag from the vessel.

Abstract: The hoisting hook assembly of this invention comprises a pair of parallel hook arms connected at their upper end to a bail with the hook arms each having an upper hook portion and a lower hook portion adapted to engage a single pair of ladle trunnion pins. This assembly permits existing cranes to transport and invert large ladles.