Abstract: A method of melting and refining copper in the combustion chamber of a vertical shaft furnace which includes a step of superheating the melt so that slag formed by oxidized impurities can flow freely from the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting soluble oil flow rates to control physical properties of continuously rolled rod including a nozzle for spraying the rod with fluid, a tank for providing the fluid to the nozzle, a valve means in series with the tank for regulating the fluid flow to the nozzle, a controller means connected to and for controlling the valve to ensure that the fluid flow reaches a desired predetermined rate, a computer means connected to and providing said controller with the desired predetermined fluid flow rate, a flowmeter in series with the valve means for measuring the actual fluid flow rate to the nozzle and providing this information to the controller means so that, if necessary, the valve means may be adjusted to achieve the desired predetermined fluid flow rate and an historical data generating means for automatically adjusting said desired predetermined fluid flow rate in accordance with actual measurements of at least one physical property of the rod whose value depen

Abstract: In a continuous casting and rod rolling system, the production rate is generally limited by the capacity of the slowest element. The present invention is directed to changes in the rod coiling station portion of the system, and particularly to modifications to the flyer tube and loop forming portions which enable higher production capacity. According to these changes, the prior art flyer tube is shortened to eliminate the constant radius end portion thereof, and the circle forming function is performed by adding an annular cylinder coaxial with the flyer tube axis to shape the rod into a nearly perfect circle. The flyer tube according to the invention has a continuously changing angular relationship from its axis; the curved longitudinal path of the tube redirects rod from its vertical path to discharge the rod from the flyer tube in a generally horizontally direction. The circular loop forming cylinder forms the rod into circular loops which fall freely from the cylinder onto a turntable surface.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for simultaneously extruding a coating comprising a plurality of layers of dissimilar plastic compounds having substantially different melting points onto a moving electrical conductor wherein the plastic compounds are mechanically and thermally separated and the conductor is centered in the plastic jackets by a center trim guide, said trim guide having replacable guide tips. Separating the two plastics prevents thermal degradation of the two extrudates by causing their melt temperatures to remain substantially constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for notching and removing the fin from a continuously cast metal bar, whereby the fin is broken into small pieces for easy handling by using a driven, blade carrying guide assembly.

Abstract: A wiper for use in a high speed cable printer having a rotatably mounted high speed printing wheel includes a wiper blade holder and at least one wiper blade detachably mounted in the holder for wiping at least one of the side surfaces of the printing wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measuring device for determining both absolute and comparative depths of the countersunk portions of countersunk holes drilled in a workpiece, the measuring device being capable of centering itself within a hole being measured so that repetitive measurements can be made early and accurately; further the measuring device is capable of measuring the depth of a countersunk hole through a template.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for continuously reducing oxides which form on the surface of copper bar and rod during casting including means for collecting cleaning mixture vapors; means for raising the temperature and pressure of the collected vapor; means for lowering the temperature of the collected vapor below the temperature at which the vapor will condense without lowering the system pressure; and means for separating condensed cleaning mixture from uncondensed vapor as the uncondensed vapor is being conveyed to a furnace or other means for oxidizing residual vapor.

Abstract: A self-threading stitching device for joining uncured composite laminates which comprises a vertically mounted needle shaft adapted for reciprocal motion, a thread feeding means operating synchronously with the needle shaft and self-threading needle means adapted to pick up the thread from the thread feeding means and carry the thread through uncured composite laminate being penetrated by the needle and release the thread in the laminate as the needle withdraws therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application of moisture blocking compound to the interstitial spaces of a stranded conductor. The application of the compound is accomplished through the use of a cone die which regulates the amount of compound applied to the conductor.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the non-destructive evaluation of welds joining metal bodies employing infrared thermography; the method comprising the steps of applying thermal energy to a weld and observing temperature differentials that occur on the weld's surface. The apparatus comprises a device for applying thermal energy to welds being inspected; a device for scanning the weld surface for infrared radiation being emitted therefrom; a device for capturing the emitted radiation and converting it to a signal representative of the thermophysical characteristics of the weld; and a device for visually displaying the signal in a form suitable for interpretation.

Abstract: A novel rope tension damper device is adapted to be installed, for example, on the deck of a ship at a location between the winch that controls the effective length of the rope and the fairlead that guides the rope so that it does not snag or tangle as it is wound and unwound from the winch. The device comprises a co-planar pair of sheaves respectively mounted at opposite ends of a rotatable arm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high speed reshaping of round wire as it exits a drawing machine, but prior to its being collected on a bobbin or a stempack. The shape imparted to individual wires is such that as the preshaped wires are applied to a core by a stranding machine, a cable results in which there is substantially no interstitial space between the wires which add excessive bulk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus apply an insulating layer of carbon to individual faces of the continuously rotating mold surface of a wheel and belt type casting machine, utilizing separately controllable and directable soot applicators to selectively vary the heat transfer characteristics of the individual mold surfaces.

Abstract: A reusable indicating material for detecting leaks in sealed structures and other closed bodies comprises a fabric saturated with an indicator solution containing an acid-base indicator, a surfactant, a buffering system and a humectant. The indicator solution remains reactive when the fabric is dry to the touch and will indicate the presence of leaks in the structure being tested by changing color when a reactive gas escapes from the structure being tested. Upon removal from the tested structure the indicator material reverts to its original color and is available for subsequent tests.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for simultaneously extruding a coating comprising a plurality of layers of dissimilar plastic compounds having substantially different melting points onto a moving electrical conductor wherein the plastic compounds are mechanically and thermally separated. Separating the two plastics prevents thermal degradation of the two extrudates by causing their melt temperatures to remain substantially constant.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting fuel leaks employing color variable indicators are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing and applying a water soluble nonstaining indicator dye to a test surface, observing color changes indicative of hydrocarbon leaks and removing the indicator dye from the test surface. The apparatus comprises in combination means for preparing the indicator dye, means for applying the indicator dye to the test surface and means for removing the dye from the test surface. The indicator dye comprises a major portion of a dry inert mineral carrier and from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of a direct dye which is non-staining on painted surfaces and which does not migrate into or penetrate polyurethane or epoxy resin base painted surfaces.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for continuously casting a high impurity content molten metal in a casting means and the product formed thereby. The method includes the steps of cooling said metal while in said casting means to a temperature resulting in a sound cast bar, extracting the sound cast bar from said casting machine, advancing the sound cast bar to pre-heating means, heating the sound cast bar to a hot-forming temperature, passing the cast bar at a hot-forming temperature from the pre-heating means to a hot-forming means, and hot-forming the cast bar into a wrought product without the cat bar cracking, even when the cast bar has an impurity content of from about 20 to about 200 ppm.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for drilling, countersinking, inserting and forming the head of a rivet in a workpiece comprising a base which holds a lower anvil assembly in correct linear relationship with an upper ram assembly; a lower anvil body mounted on the base and a removable anvil insert having a common long axis with the anvil body, the upper ram assembly, and the rivet on which a head is being formed.

Abstract: Disclosed are method of and apparatus for continuously casting a compound metal bar, the bar comprising a core member encased in a clad member which in combination form a unitary metal matrix. Said compound metal bar is cast by continuously pouring a first molten metal into a casting mold and discharging a second molten metal beneath the surface of the first molten metal beneath the surface of the first molten metal and continuously solidifying both molten metals to form said compound metal bar.