Abstract: A method of producing a hot-worked titanium product in which a minute quantity of a workability-enhancing agent is incorporated in the melting charge. The agent may be yttrium, a rare earth of atomic number 57 to 71, or combinations thereof, and may be in the form of the metal itself or a compound, such as the oxide. The agent has the effect of making bodies of the material more workable; that is, more drastic working is achieved without reheating of the material between hot-working steps, yet any significant surface-cracking is avoided in the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting short-length segments from a continuously-formed casting as it travels from the casting apparatus. The apparatus embodies conventional torches and carriages which are coupled together to perform two or more cutting operations simultaneously. The invention has particular utility for cutting segments which are too short to permit a single carriage to cut the casting and return to its starting position in time for the next cut.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slidable gate for controlling flow of liquid metal from a bottom pour vessel. The gate is springpressed against a top plate. The springs engage bolts, the heads of which have a large number of small projections contacting the underside of the gate, whereby less heat is transmitted from the gate to the bolts and springs, and their useful life is prolonged.

Abstract: Teeming of molten metal from a laden vessel into a receiving vessel such as an ingot mould or tundish is accomplished at a controlled rate by detecting the changing weight of one of the vessels and deriving a valve control signal by comparing a changing weight signal with a presettable reference signal, the valve control signal being employed to adjust the setting of a sliding gate valve through which molten metal passes as it is teemed into the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating improperly positioned or bent rolls among a set of rolls which define a confined path of travel for a workpiece, particularly useful for checking a straight or curved roll-rack of a continuous-casting machine. The apparatus may be propelled through the path defined by the rolls by any suitable mechanism. For example, as applied to a roll-rack, the apparatus may be attached to the upper end of a starter bar and propelled with the bar through the rack, or the apparatus may be suspended from a hoist and pulled through the rack. The apparatus includes a housing and means within the housing for measuring the gap between work-engaging faces of the rolls and/or, when used with a curved roll-rack, means for measuring the angular relation of adjacent bottom rolls. The latter measurement is used in determining whether the work-engaging faces lie on arcs of the intended radii.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flame-cutting cracked corner portions from continuously cast metal workpiece. The cutting torches are positioned adjacent the corners of the workpiece and are aimed downwardly at angles of about 35.degree. to 55.degree. with respect to the vertical and at angles of about 80.degree. to 100.degree. with respect to planes which bisect the corner angles of the workpiece. Preferably the torches are aimed downwardly at angles of about 45.degree. and approximately perpendicular to the bisecting planes. In this manner the depth of segment cut from the workpiece is closely controlled and the material removed from the workpiece is directed away from the surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A slidable gate mechanism for controlling flow of material from an outlet in the bottom wall of a vessel. The gate is mounted in a carrier which is supported for sliding movement under the bottom wall. Springs mounted on a side wall of the vessel act on the carrier to urge the gate upwardly toward the bottom wall. The springs are remote from the outlet and do not require air-cooling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flame-cutting segments from angle irons. The apparatus supports a torch for movement across the surface of an angle iron, the corner of which is directed upwardly. The torch moves horizontally and upwardly as it cuts the first leg and horizontally and downwardly as it cuts the second leg. The torch tip is directed at a constant 45.degree. angle to the surface of the angle iron and maintained at a constant distance therefrom and moves at a constant pre-set speed throughout any one cutting operation.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for operating the locking means for the chill plate of a rigid starter bar in a continuous-casting machine. The mechanism enables the starter bar to remain in contact with its hoist throughout the operating cycle and assures that the leading end of a casting always is at the same level when the starter bar is disconnected, and also assures that the chill plate is properly locked to the starter bar when the latter is lifted into position to begin a cast.