Abstract: A method and apparatus for spotting a pusher machine or other door-handling machine in relation to a coke oven. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for aligning a door extractor carrying a door with an open hot oven, but also may be used to align a pusher ram. The apparatus includes left and right heat or light sensitive detectors at opposite sides of the part to be aligned with the oven and aimed at oblique angles toward the extended center line of the part. When both detectors are actuated simultaneously, the part is aligned accurately with the oven.

Abstract: A stop means embodied in a rod-guiding apparatus for limiting the gap between a spring-loaded roll and a pulley. The stop means can be adjusted by turning a screw-threaded adjuster to vary the maximum gap.

Abstract: A method and means of insulating water-cooled pipes in a reheating furnace for metal workpieces. The pipes are wrapped with flexible ceramic fiber blankets held in place with an organic adhesive capable of withstanding temperatures up to about 500.degree. F.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching steel plates after they come from an austenitizing furnace. The plates are stopped and their surfaces flooded with large volumes of water applied almost instantaneously. The valves which control water application are operated by pneumatic operators so that they move from a closed position to a full open position almost instantaneously. The invention overcomes the tendency of plates to buckle during quenching and cools the plate at the maximum rate for the water pressure and volume available.

Abstract: A device for use in relining a refractory-lined cover of a large vessel, particularly a tundish used in continuous casting of metals. The device comprises a stationary table and a rectangular frame hingedly supported at one edge of the table to be turned between a first position alongside the table and a second position overlying the table. An upright cover is fixed temporarily to the frame in the first position. The frame and cover are turned to the second position and the old refractory chipped out. Next they are returned to the first position to dump the old refractory. They are turned back to the second position to install new refractory.

Abstract: A portable coke quenching apparatus for use when the regular quench tower at a coke oven battery is out of service. The apparatus includes two properly designed trailers positioned end-to-end and piping carried by the trailers to project over a quench car and spray water on coke carried by the car, and thus quench the coke in a similar manner to the regular quench tower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the gauge of metal strip rolled in a tandem strip mill. Load cells installed on a first stand generate signals representative of changes in the roll-separating force, and hence of gap error, at this stand. Such signals are fed-forward, with a delay to allow for transport time of the strip minus screw-reaction time, to a second stand to effect screw adjustment of the latter. Signals representative of gap error at the second stand, corrected for changes in the position of the screws at the second stand, are fed-forward to effect screw adjustment at a third stand, etc. The screws of the first stand are maintained at their original setting, while adjustments in the screws of succeeding stands made in response to changes in the roll-separating force are effected exclusively by signals fed-forward from a preceding stand.

Abstract: A method of adding trace elements to a base metal, particularly useful for adding yttrium or a rare earth metal to titanium. This method is especially useful for adding these and other trace elements which have low solubility in the base metal or a high melting point and tend to form undesirable segregates in the microstructure. The invention overcomes this difficulty by dispersing finely divided particles of trace element in a vehicle before adding the trace element to a melt charge. The vehicle may be finely divided base metal, or a solvent and diluent.

Abstract: A means for guiding a coke oven door as it is replaced on an oven. The guide means includes bars carried by the door frame for guiding the door accurately to a position in which the sealing members contact a flat surface on the jamb to effect a seal. The forward tips of the guide bars are closely adjacent the forward edges of the sealing members so that the guide bars serve also as stops to prevent overloading of the sealing members.

Abstract: A straightener for a multistrand continuous-casting machine. The straightener includes fulcrum rolls and reaction rolls which precede and follow the fulcrum rolls. The fulcrum rolls for all the strands are idlers and are coaxial, but the reaction rolls which follow the fulcrum rolls and engage intermediate strands are offset in a direction parallel to the length of the strands from the reaction rolls which engage the outer strands. The offset enable the drives for the bottom rolls opposite the intermediate reaction rolls to be connected directly to the bottom rolls.

Abstract: A fixture for use in positioning the walls of an adjustable continuous-casting mold. The fixture includes a frame which is inserted in the mold and keys for engaging keyways in the upper and lower edges of the side walls of the mold to center the fixture. The fixture has positioning rods to be abutted by the adjustable end walls of the mold. The positioning rods are adjustable but remain equidistant from the center of the fixture.

Abstract: A die and cooperating parts for forging and trepanning large diameter couplings and a method of forging and trepanning such couplings. A single die is used with a series of cooperating inserts and a riser in performing all the various steps necessary to forge and trepan the coupling. The same die and riser with appropriate inserts also can be used in forging and trepanning couplings of a range of sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleaning the movable parts of a displacement-type liquid level sensor while the sensor is maintained in continuous service. Alternatively, the sensor may be isolated from the process and cleaned without disassembly. In either use a cleaning fluid is introduced to the housing of the sensor containing the movable parts. The flow of the fluid flushes solid particles off of and away from the movable parts of sensor, thus providing reliable operation for measuring the level of chemical liquids such as Phosam solution (diammonium phosphate), that are likely to form solid materials during processing or storage.

Abstract: A walking beam conveying apparatus for handling elongated cylindrical articles and a handling method particularly applicable to a reheating furnace for pipes. Articles, such as pipes, are advanced in steps along the conveyor simply by raising and lowering movable beams without moving the beams axially as long as the articles are straight and can roll. The movable beams can move axially to advance bent articles incapable of rolling. The beams can be raised at one end only to introduce articles to the conveyor for storage without advancing articles already carried on the beams.

Abstract: A forging press and method of forging to enable workpieces of exceptionally large diameter to be forged. The invention is an improvement over a press and method disclosed in an earlier patent in which a rectangular set of top dies is used with a circular set of bottom dies, and the bottom dies are indexed through a pattern of arcs to move a workpiece successively to positions in which it is forged throughout its area. The present invention utilizes a set of bottom dies which is of larger diameter than that of the indexing means and has overhanging edge portions. These portions are additionally supported at diametrically opposed locations where the force of the top dies is absorbed.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for determining forces on a casting as it solidifies in a continuous-casting machine. A plurality of roll-pairs of an otherwise conventional curved roll-rack are equipped with means (e.g. load cells) which show the compressive load exerted by the different roll-pairs on the casting. The roll-pair beyond which no further upward trend in compressive load occurs marks the plane at which the casting first solidifies throughout its cross section, since beyond this plane the casting no longer has a liquid core tending to bulge the skin and separate the rolls. Whenever the load on a roll-pair departs substantially from the norm, the indication is that the rolls of this pair are improperly gapped (that is, the spacing between roll faces is either too great or too little).

Abstract: A gauge for aligning the mold of a continuous-casting machine with a guide roll-rack beneath the mold. The gauge includes elongated bars and connecting links pivoted to the bars forming a parallelogram. Brackets are pivoted to one or more of the links and carry dial indicators. The bars have portions which have straight side edges for abutting the rolls of the roll-rack, and portions of reduced width to lie within the mold. The dial indicators have plungers for abutting the mold walls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flushing the plunger of a positive displacement pump which handles a suspension of abrasive particles. Flush liquid is introduced at two or more locations to the packing surrounding the pump plunger. The larger volume of flush liquid is introduced in front of the packing to wash abrasive particles from the plunger in the usual manner. A smaller volume is introduced intermediate front and back sets of packing rings. Initially the back packing rings provide the seal for the plunger, but when they wear, flush liquid from between the two sets of packing rings leaks past the back packing rings to furnish an indication of the wear. The front packing rings now provide the seal, and it is known that the back packing rings should be replaced.

Abstract: A tool-clamping device especially for a pipe cutoff machine, and a method of setting up a pipe cutoff machine. The clamping device includes a base and an overlying cap between which the tool is clamped. Spring means within the base and cap urge the cap to a tool-releasing position. Hydraulic means within the base pull the cap to a tool-clamping position against the action of the spring means. In setting up the machine, a tool is lightly clamped in the device, moved into contact with a pipe chucked in the machine to adjust the overhang, and firmly clamped for cutting.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying patching or sealing compositions to the interior side walls and roof of a coke oven. In service the refractory of the side walls and roof develops cracks which need to be sealed. According to the invention, a gunning apparatus is mounted on the pusher machine. The head of the pusher ram carries a spray nozzle connected through pipes and a flexible hose with a gun tank mounted on the pusher machine chassis. The patching or sealing composition is applied immediately after coke is pushed from the oven by running the ram through the empty oven without waiting for the oven to cool.