Abstract: A pivotal disc shut-off valve is disclosed wherein a disc is pressed against a peripheral seat within a valve body to halt the flow of fluid material in a flow line. The disc is operated by a system of linkage arranged so as to allow the disc to be linearly moved in relation to the seat as a separate and distinct motion from pivotation of the disc. In closing the valve, a provision is made by which the disc is rocked as it contacts the seat to insure full closure. All motions of the disc are positively directed, with no reliance on the force of gravity, thus allowing the valve to be used in all positions.

Abstract: A coke oven door has a primary seal that includes a first metal knife edge in contact with a door jamb first sealing surface, and a secondary seal that includes a second metal knife edge in contact with a door jamb second sealing surface. The plenum or space between the sealing knife edges is maintained at super atmospheric pressure by flowing coke oven gas into the plenum. In a modification of the invention, the secondary seal includes a metal strp in contact with an elastic material; the plenum between the sealing surfaces being also pressurized above atmospheric pressure and purged of coke oven gas.

Abstract: A method of generating electricity and fixing nitrogen oxides is disclosed in which coal is gasified at high pressure to produce a mixture of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, with a minimal amount of hydrogen and water, as a gas stream. This high pressure gas stream is mixed with an oxidant to introduce mixtures of nitrogen and oxygen and then completely combusted. The high temperature combustion gas is then further ionized to form a plasma and its velocity is increased, while its high pressure is maintained. The high pressure, high velocity plasma is fed into an MHD generator to produce electricity and where it is adiabatically expanded to fix the nitrogen oxides contained therein. The final gas stream, with the fixed nitrogen oxide compounds therein, is thereafter reacted to form nitric acid.

Abstract: The weight of a vessel having trunnion shafts supported by bearings fitted with pressure pads is determined as a function of the fluid pressure necessary to raise the shafts a constant distance and maintain the distance constant.

Abstract: Associated with a coke quenching car, preferably a one-spot car, is a coke guide that carries a distributor trough. The distributor trough is pivotably mounted so that when the coke guide is racked out to transfer coke into the quenching car, the distributor is positioned to transfer the coke further out into the car and to better distribute the coke in the car.

Abstract: An alignment bar is fixed relative to each coke oven chamber and a pivotable member mounted to apparatus movable relative to the battery engages the bar of a coke oven chamber and in so doing engages electrical contactors that regulate the movement of the apparatus. The apparatus is properly spotted within a preselected tolerance when the pivotable member breaks contact.

Abstract: An eccentric having a variable eccentricity that is adapted for use with drive units that oscillate a continuous casting mold is readily adjustable to suit the desired speed of withdrawal of cast strands of different cross sectional sizes.

Abstract: An elongate probe to obtain gas samples and temperature readings at selected locations in the burden of a furnace such as a blast furnace includes: an outer shell; an axially arranged inner shell; spaced apart baffles in the inner shell forming gas sample chambers; conduits communicating each with a respective chamber; sheathed thermocouples, each having a sensing end, arranged in a respective chamber; each sheathed thermocouple leading out of the inner shell; and means for flowing cooling fluid in the annulus between the inner and outer shells.

Abstract: An elongate rigid arcuate starting bar has a socket in a surface, and a dog that travels along a fixed arcuate track, under the influence of a fluid actuated cylinder-piston assembly, engages the starting bar socket and retracts the bar into a stowage therefor above a run-out table on which a continuous cast strand travels. The track is so shaped that the dog disengages from the starting bar, and also engages the starting bar automatically.

Abstract: An inclined track adjacent a dry coke cooler includes a counterweighted and pivoted hot coke container hoist that coacts with a hot coke container to raise it to a level above the coke cooler and then to lower it onto the open top of the coke cooler. After the hot coke has been discharged into the coke cooler, the hot coke container is returned to the car on which it travels alongside a coke oven battery to receive coke pushed from an oven chamber.