Abstract: Steel alloys containing chromium may be hot dip aluminized in a bath having up to 15% silicon with improved wettability by using a bright preannealing practice in a box furnace having a substantially pure hydrogen atmosphere. The surfaces of the preannealed steel are easily coated if the box annealing furnace has a dew point of less than -60.degree. C. (-75.degree. F.). The preannealing should also include a minimum soak of at least 1 hour at a temperature of 675.degree. C. to 785.degree. C. (1250.degree. F. to 1450.degree. F.). It is important that the surfaces of the strip after preannealing are not removed prior to aluminizing. During the aluminizing operation, the strip temperature does not need to be heated to much above the bath temperature since the strip has already been preannealed. The furnace is maintained to avoid oxidation with an atmosphere which is typically a nitrogen, hydrogen or a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture.

Abstract: A process for obtaining Ni units from sulfur-bearing nickel concentrate during refining a nickel-alloyed steel or a stainless steel. Sulfur of the concentrate is transferred to and held within the slag by controlling slag composition and temperature, degree of mixing of the slag with the bath by an inert gas and aluminum level in the bath. The extent of desulfurization by the slag, the slag weight and the steel sulfur specification determine the amount of concentrate that can be added to the bath. The ratio of the slag weight to the iron bath weight should be in the range of 0.10-0.30 and the bath temperature is maintained between 1550.degree.-1700.degree. C. The slag basicity is controlled between 1.0 and 3.5, the composition of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the slag is maintained between 15-25 wt. % and the composition of MgO is maintained between 12-20 wt. %.

Abstract: Method of reducing metal oxide in a rotary hearth furnace (14) to make a feed stock for a refining vessel when manufacturing alloyed iron, alloyed steel or stainless steel. The rotary hearth furnace includes an annular inner refractory wall (32), an annular outer refractory wall (34), an annular refractory platform (33) between the two walls. Stationary fuel burners (36, 40) are mounted to walls (32, 34) at a position just above an upper surface of the platform. A mixture of a metal oxide and a carbonaceous reductant is placed onto the upper surface of the platform and rotated past the burners. The oxide is heated by an oxidizing flame. Thereafter, a second layer of a reductant is charged over the hot first layer, and both layers are heated for an additional period of time to a temperature of at least 1300.degree. C. to reduce the metal oxide. The metal oxide may be chromium ore, chromium ore concentrate, nickel ore, nickel ore concentrate and stainless steel flue dust. The reductant may be coal or coke.

Abstract: The present invention provides an annealing separator composition for coating grain oriented electrical steel prior to the final high temperature anneal for secondary grain growth. The magnesia based coating contains at least 20% silica on a water free basis. The large silica additions limit the interface between the coating and the base metal and results in a thick glass which is easily removed. The magnesia coating develops excellent magnetic properties and does not require the normal strong acid cleaning or special abrasive means to remove the glass film which forms. The bare electrical steel, which may be coated to enhance the punching properties, has improved the die life because the hard glass film has been substantially removed.

Abstract: This invention is a blended powder mixture including a thermosetting resin and a solid, non-hydrolyzed, functional low molecular weight organosilane coupling agent. The powder mixture may be used to form a composite coating to protect a steel substrate from corrosion. The composite coating is formed by coating the substrate with an inorganic layer such as a silicate, depositing the powder mixture over the inorganic layer, heating the substrate to a temperature at least equal to the curing temperature of the resin and maintaining the substrate at the curing temperature for sufficient time to crosslink the resin and to diffuse the organosilane to the substrate whereby the crosslinked layer is coupled to the inorganic layer by the organosilane. The powder mixture includes 0.01-10 wt. % organosilane having a melting point no greater than the curing temperature of the resin. Preferred thermosetting resins include epoxy, polyester, epoxy-polyester, acrylic, acrylic-urethane or fluorovinyl.

Abstract: The invention includes a vessel (24) for containing a bath (28) of molten coating metal such as zinc, a sink roll (30) submerged into the bath defining a path of travel for a metal strip (12) through the bath with the strip applying force to the roll as a result of tensile load on the strip and a pair of stabilizing rolls (32). Sink roll (30) is supported by a pair of spaced arms (36) and each stabilizing roll (32)is supported by a pair of spaced arms (44). Each roll has a cylindrical body (52) having an outer surface for being in contact with strip (12) and a trunnion (54) projecting axially from each end of the roll body. Each arm (36) has an upper end (38) and a lower end (40), the upper ends being mounted at positions (42) above the vessel and the lower ends for being submerged into the bath. Each lower end of the arms includes means (58) for supporting the roll and means (56) for restraining lateral thrust of the roll.

Abstract: This invention is a blended powder mixture including a thermosetting resin and a solid, non-hydrolyzed, functional low molecular weight organosilane coupling agent. The powder mixture may be used to form a composite coating to protect a steel substrate from corrosion. The composite coating is formed by coating the substrate with an inorganic layer such as a silicate, depositing the powder mixture over the inorganic layer, heating the substrate to a temperature at least equal to the curing temperature of the resin and maintaining the substrate at the curing temperature for sufficient time to crosslink the resin and to diffuse the organosilane to the substrate whereby the crosslinked layer is coupled to the inorganic layer by the organosilane. The powder mixture includes 0.01-10 wt. % organosilane having a melting point no greater than the curing temperature of the resin. Preferred thermosetting resins include epoxy, polyester, epoxy-polyester, acrylic, acrylic-urethane or fluorovinyl.

Abstract: Painted metal sheet pretreated with a composite coating including an insoluble, inorganic inner layer and an organic outer layer. The inorganic layer is formed by rinsing the sheet with an alkaline solution containing at least 0.005M of at least one of a dissolved silicate or a dissolved aluminate. The sheet is dried to form an inorganic layer having a thickness of at least 2 .ANG.. The inorganically coated sheet then is rinsed with a solution containing at least 0.1 vol.-% of a hydrolyzed silane and at least 0.02 vol.-% of a hydrolyzed crosslinking agent. The silane treated sheet is dried to form a siloxane layer having an average thickness at least 5 .ANG.. After being painted, the siloxane layer forms an adherent bond between the paint and the metal substrate. The metal preferably is a chromium alloyed steel and may be etched prior to being rinsed with the alkaline solution to remove chromium oxide to further enhance the paint adhesion.

Abstract: A shallow vessel (50,52) for being horizontally disposed when containing a molten metal or metal alloy (66) for meniscus coating one side of a clean metal strip (34A) when the strip is moved vertically past one side of the vessel. The vessel includes a shell (68) such as austenitic stainless steel, a refractory lining (70), a molten metal departure lip (72) mounted on the upper surface of the side of the vessel, a spirally shaped induction coil (64) for maintaining the molten metal above its melting point and a flux concentrator (74). The induction coil is positioned below the refractory lining and the flux concentrator is positioned below the induction coil. The induction coil and the flux concentrator underlie the area occupied by the molten metal.

Abstract: A bake hardenable steel sheet ready for deep drawing is coated on at least one side with a continuous chromium bearing epoxy coating. The sheet is roll coated with continuous liquid film containing at least 2 wt. % of a water dispersible or emulsifiable epoxy resin or a mixture of resins containing the epoxy resin, at least 0.5 wt. % of a chromium compound and 25-97 wt. % of water. The liquid coated sheet is induction heated at a temperature of 149-227.degree. C. for sufficient time to form a coating resistant to dissolution of chromium and a steel base metal having a yield point elongation no greater than 0.3% and retaining good bake hardenability characteristics. The chromium bearing epoxy coating is impervious to moisture, can readily be welded and possesses sufficient toughness and lubricity to allow deformation of the sheet without additional external lubricant. A deeply drawn article formed from the sheet has enhanced painting characteristics.

Abstract: This invention is a blended powder mixture including a thermosetting resin and a solid, non-hydrolyzed, functional low molecular weight organosilane coupling agent. The powder mixture may be used to form a composite coating to protect a steel substrate from corrosion. The composite coating is formed by coating the substrate with an inorganic layer such as a silicate, depositing the powder mixture over the inorganic layer, heating the substrate to a temperature at least equal to the curing temperature of the resin and maintaining the substrate at the curing temperature for sufficient time to crosslink the resin and to diffuse the organosilane to the substrate whereby the crosslinked layer is coupled to the inorganic layer by the organosilane. The powder mixture includes 0.01-10 wt. % organosilane having a melting point no greater than the curing temperature of the resin. Preferred thermosetting resins include epoxy, polyester, epoxy-polyester, acrylic, acrylic-urethane or fluorovinyl.

Abstract: This invention relates to a roller mounting system for use in a table (10) for conveying articles of manufacture through a production line. The mounting system includes a split frame for supporting an electric motor (26) for powering a roller (22) defining a generally horizontal path of travel along an upper surface of the roller table. The frame includes a fixed lower portion (30) connected to a structural member (34) of the roller table and an upper portion (32) adapted for longitudinal and vertical movement relative to the lower portion. Lower portion (30) includes a movable block (72) slidably mounted to a lower mounting plate (42) for cooperating with a threaded operator (74) mounted in a threaded bore in a block (70) for shifting the upper portion between an operating and a retracted position, a pair of spaced runners (44) and a block (62) having a stop surface (92).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for meniscus coating one or two sides of steel strip with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes a horizontally disposed coating tray for containing molten coating metal, gas heaters for maintaining the temperature of the coating metal above the melting point of the coating metal, stabilizing rollers for moving steel strip transversely past a departure lip positioned on one side of the coating tray and adding solid or molten metal to the coating tray for maintaining the level of the coating metal in the coating tray relative to the upper elevation of the departure lip so that an uninterrupted flow of the coating metal can be delivered over the departure lip to a surface of the strip. The coating tray may be rotatably mounted for adjusting the level of molten metal in the coating tray. The coating tray also may include a sled for lateral displacement for positioning the departure lip a predetermined distance away from the strip.

Abstract: Painted metal sheet pretreated with an insoluble, composite layer containing siloxane. The composite layer is formed by rinsing the sheet with an alkaline solution containing at least 0.005M of a dissolved silicate or a dissolved aluminate, at least 0.1 vol.-% of an organofunctional silane and at least 0.02 vol.-% of a crosslinking-agent having two or more trialkoxysilyl groups. After the sheet is dried, the composite layer has a thickness of at least 10 .ANG.. After being painted, the siloxane forms a tenacious covalent bond between the paint and the metal substrate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for meniscus coating one or two sides of steel strip with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes a horizontally disposed coating tray for containing molten coating metal, means for maintaining the temperature of the coating metal above the melting point of the coating metal, means for moving steel strip transversely past a departure lip positioned on one side of the coating tray and means for maintaining the level of the coating metal in the coating tray relative to the upper elevation of the departure lip so that an uninterrupted flow of the coating metal can be delivered over the departure lip to a surface of the strip. The coating tray may be rotatably mounted for adjusting the level of molten metal in the coating tray. The coating tray also may include means for lateral displacement for positioning the departure lip a predetermined distance away from the strip.

Abstract: Detachably connecting a snow plow assembly (20) to a vehicle (22). The snow plow assembly includes a vehicle mount frame (28) and a lift assembly (30). The mount frame is for connecting to a vehicle frame (26) behind a front bumper (24). The lift assembly includes an A-frame (42) and a lift frame (44) with the forward end (70) of the A-frame for supporting a snow blade (40). Means (75) is provided for pivotally connecting a rear end (74) of the A-frame to the lift frame so that the A-frame is free to rotate relative to the lift frame. Additional means (82) is provided for releasably connecting the lift frame to the mount frame whereby the lift assembly can be attached to or detached from the mount frame as a single unit while leaving the mount frame connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: A flow control valve such as a ball valve (12) for controlling fluid flow through a flow line (16). The control valve includes a flow chamber (18), an upstream passage (19), a downstream passage (20), a cylindrical body (24), a retainer (26) sealingly engaging the outer annular surface of the flow line and secured to the valve body by a pair of flanges (28), a flow control ball (32) rotatably disposed within the flow chamber for controlling fluid flow through the passages, an operating member (42) for rotating the ball between open and closed positions and means (70)for equalizing the pressure in the valve chamber. The ball includes a centrally bored flow passageway (36) for communicating fluid through the passages and is rotatably supported within the chamber by an annular upstream seat carrier (48) and an annular downstream seat carrier (50).

Abstract: A shallow vessel (50,52) for being horizontally disposed when containing a molten metal or metal alloy (66) for meniscus coating one side of a clean metal strip (34A) when the strip is moved vertically past one side of the vessel. The vessel includes a shell (68) such as austenitic stainless steel, a refractory lining (70), a molten metal departure lip (72) mounted on the upper surface of the side of the vessel, a spirally shaped induction coil (64) for maintaining the molten metal above its melting point and a flux concentrator (74). The induction coil is positioned below the refractory lining and the flux concentrator is positioned below the induction coil. The induction coil and the flux concentrator underlie the area occupied by the molten metal.

Abstract: Painted metal sheet pretreated with a composite coating including an insoluble, inorganic inner layer and an organic outer layer. The inorganic layer is formed by rinsing the sheet with an alkaline solution containing at least 0.005M of at least one of a dissolved silicate or a dissolved aluminate. The sheet is dried to form an inorganic layer having a thickness of at least 2 .ANG.. The inorganically coated sheet then is rinsed with a solution containing at least 0.1 vol.-% of a hydrolyzed silane and at least 0.02 vol.-% of a hydrolyzed crosslinking agent. The silane treated sheet is dried to form a siloxane layer having an average thickness at least 5 .ANG.. After being painted, the siloxane layer forms an adherent bond between the paint and the metal substrate. The metal preferably is a chromium alloyed steel and may be etched prior to being rinsed with the alkaline solution to remove chromium oxide to further enhance the paint adhesion.

Abstract: Metal sheet protected against corrosion by a silane treated inorganic aluminate coating. A thin aluminate coating was formed by immersing a galvanized steel sheet into an alkaline solution containing 0.005M dissolved aluminate for about 30 seconds. The sheet was dried to form an adherent aluminate coating having a thickness of at least 50 .ANG.. The aluminate coated sheet was immersed into a solution containing 1.0 vol.-% hydrolyzed organofunctional silane for about 5 seconds forming a silane film having a thickness of at least 20 .ANG. on the outer surface of the aluminate coating. Thereafter, the silane treated aluminate coated sheet was painted. The silane film formed a covalent bond between the outer paint layer and the inner aluminate layer. A steel sheet treated with the silane sealed aluminate coating had good corrosion protection, good paint chipping resistance and good paint formability.