Abstract: An active noise control system for effective control of higher order modes of noise propagation within a duct is disclosed. A plurality of error sensors is disposed within an error sensors plane, which plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct. The disclosed process and apparatus minimizes the mean square distance between the points of the area associated to each error sensor. The resulting arrangement of errors sensors optimizes the overall area that the error sensors can control and consequently the global efficiency of the controlling system.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for treating molten aluminum or aluminum alloys containing impurities, such as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and hydrogen, to reduce the amount of impurities contained therein by in-line rotor degassing. The process comprising the sequential steps of: (a) contacting said molten aluminum or aluminum alloy with chlorine gas by rotor injection; and (b) contacting the molten aluminum or aluminum alloy with a mixture of chlorine gas and sulfur hexafluoride gas by rotor injection, wherein the chlorine gas flow rate in step (a) is between approximately 0.005 to 0.025 scfm and the gas flow rate in step (b) is a combination of a sulfur hexafluoride gas flow rate of between approximately 0.012 and 0.032 scfm and a chlorine gas flow rate of between approximately 0.005 to 0.025 scfm and wherein the ratio of sulfur hexafluoride flow to chlorine gas flow in step (b) is between approximately 1.25 and 2.

Abstract: A splash block is disclosed of the type placed beneath downspouts to disperse and direct rain water away from buildings. The novel feature of the invention relates to means for coupling two or more splash blocks together to connect the splash blocks, such that the effective length of the splash block can be extended to carry water under force of gravity any desired distance from the building foundation. The splash blocks can be coupled in a straight configuration to extend their length, or they can be coupled in an angled configuration to direct water around obstacles, such as shrubbery.

Abstract: A method for changing a metal body, especially an aluminum alloy body, and, in particular, a method for producing a uniform metal body surface for use in achieving desired light reflectance characteristics and/or other useful attributes. The method comprises (a) preparing a metal body in a first solution by producing a first coating on at least a desired portion thereof with the first coating providing a substantially continuous outer surface on the metal body and (b) treating the metal body to achieve substantial uniformity throughout the desired portion of the metal body. In the treating step, substantially all of the first coating is removed in a second solution. The metal body has a substantially uniform roughened surface after the treating step which is sufficient to substantially optimize diffusive reflectance and reduce spectral reflectance of the metal body surface. The preparing step is preferably accomplished by anodizing.

Abstract: A gable ventilator comprising a vent member which holds and displaces an eaves panel and a bracket which positions and supports the vent member is disclosed. The vent member is provided with a plurality of apertures through which air may pass, is configured to extend the length of the gable wall.

Abstract: Ridge cap ventilators and roof constructions incorporating such ventilators are disclosed. The ridge cap ventilator is low in profile and comprises either two corrugated vertilating members and a cover member, or alternatively comprises of a single piece member which has a plurality of raised ribs. Both ridge caps have a plurality of channels through which air is educed from the roof cavity to the building exterior.

Abstract: A fascia ventilator which is low in profile and comprises a vent member and a cover member. The vent member is provided with either apertures or channels through which air may pass. The ventilator is further provided with a fiberglass mesh filter for excluding entry of insects and similar pests.

Abstract: Shaped metal parts are produced on a continuous basis from semi-solid metal preforms. Plurality of cans, each containing a metal preform, are sequentially heated in an induction heating zone to bring the preforms to a semi-solid level. The preforms can be transformed without loss of any metal or heat to a press where they are shaped in a semi-solid state into a metal part. The can can then be removed and recycled.

Abstract: A scaffolding plank is disclosed without interjacent gaps for use with a scaffolding frame. The scaffolding plank includes a support platform, a means for attaching said support platform to a horizontal bar of the scaffolding frame and a tongue member extending from an end of said platform and covering nearly one half of said bar. The tongue member is positioned so as not to interfere with the means for attaching.

Abstract: A process for shaping a metal alloy in which a semi-solid metal alloy charge is shaped under pressure in a closed die cavity. The metal alloy is vigorously agitated, while in the form of a liquid-solid mixture, to convert from 30% to 55% by volume to discrete degenerate dendritic solid particles. The liquid-solid mixture is then cooled to solidify the mixture and reheated to form a semi-solid slurry. The reheated metal alloy slurry contains discrete degenerate dendritic primary solid particles, in a concentration from about 70 to 90% by volume based upon the volume of the alloy, suspended homogeneously in a secondary liquid phase. The process is characterized by low pressure and very rapid shaping and solidification times. The process produces complex, close tolerance, high quality metal alloy parts.

Abstract: A slim seam roofing panel comprises a generally planar roofing panel section, a first, upstanding male section integrally connected to the panel section, and a second, upstanding female section integrally connected to the panel section at a location remote from and parallel with the male section for mounting over the male section of an identical adjoining roofing panel so as to form a slim seam. The male section includes a vertical portion that is received within the female section, a lower arcuate mounting portion and parallel upper and lower horizontal extension portions. The female section includes two parallel vertical spaced-apart portions that receive the male section vertical portion, and a horizontal extension portion that is received within the male section horizontal extension portions. The roofing panel also comprises an anchoring member that captures the male section arcuate mounting portion.

Abstract: A dual directional spent carbon anode cleaning apparatus for removing cryolite from a spent carbon anode, the spent carbon anode has longitudinally extending sides and transversely extending ends. The apparatus comprises side cleaning means, the side cleaning means including side hammer means that extends across one of the longitudinal sides of the spent carbon anode for pounding and loosening the cryolite. The apparatus also comprises end cleaning means, the end cleaning means including end hammer means that extends across one of the transverse ends of the spent carbon anode for pounding and loosening the cryolite, the end hammer means is oriented at a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the direction of travel of the side hammer means.

Abstract: A reinforced siding panel comprising, in combination, a metal sheet having interior and exterior surfaces and a contoured plastic sheet adhesively bonded to the interior surface of said metal sheet, wherein said plastic sheet includes a first regular pattern of protruding surfaces bonded to said interior surface of the metal sheet from said interior surface of the metal sheet. The plastic sheet provides greater rigidity to the panel while reducing the weight of the panel compared to a thicker metal sheet.

Abstract: Shaped metal parts are produced on a continuous basis from semi-solid metal preforms. The preforms are supported on pedestals which are surrounded by a ring of material which acts as a heat sink to absorb heat from the liquid portion of the preforms to substantially solidify the liquid portion and prevent the preforms from losing liquid to runoff.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is described for slurry casting an ingot having a non-dendritic structure across substantially its entire cross section. The casting mold has a first chamber for extracting heat from the molten material. The amount of heat extracted from the molten material and the cooling rate of the molten material is controlled to initiate growth of primary phase particles and to form a semi-solid slurry having a desired fraction solid. The mold also has a second chamber for casting the slurry into an ingot. Adjacent the exit portion of the first chamber and the inlet portion of the second chamber, a transition member is provided for delivering the slurry to the casting chamber and for preventing the ingot shell from extending back into the first chamber.

Abstract: A standing seam system includes parallel, elongate panels having first and second upstanding, interconnected edges forming a standing seam. The edges include spaced-apart upstanding portions and outer end portions. The outer end portions are folded together to form a lockseam. The outer surfaces of the lockseam and upstanding portions are generally coplanar to provide a uniform appearance and effectively conceal the lockseam. A portion of the panel between the pan section and the second edge is formed to create an upwardly extending bi-fold interior hem in the space between the first and second edges. This interior hem is engaged by brackets secured to the structure at appropriate positions to anchor the panel to the structure. Since the brackets only extend part way up the edges and do not extend into the lockseam, the lockseam is smoother and much more water tight than it would be otherwise.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing shaped metal parts of a semi-solid metal slurry. The metal slurry is introduced as a preform slug or ingot to a prechamber which is subjected to sufficient pressure to force a portion of the semi-solid metal slurry from the prechamber to a metal part shaping die cavity. The completed metal part, together with the portion of metal which remained in the prechamber during part formation, is removed and the metal which remained in the prechamber is detached from the final metal part.

Abstract: A fire resistant dual layer, bimetallic door frame that comprises a fire resistant inner layer and an aesthetic outer layer. The inner layer, which is comprised of a first metallic material, has two parallel side portions and an upper horizontal portion. The outer layer, which is comprised of a second metallic material, has two parallel side portions and an upper horizontal portion, wherein each of the outer parallel side portions and the outer upper portion snugly receives the corresponding one of the inner parallel portions and the inner horizontal portion, whereby the bimetallic door frame is capable of resisting fire for at least 90 minutes.

Abstract: A mold for use in an apparatus and process utilizing an electromagnetic field to stir a molten metal or metal alloy comprises a plurality of laminations of thermally and electrically conductive material separated by electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material is oriented to minimize at least some of the flow path lengths of currents induced in the mold whereby magnetic induction losses caused by the mold are substantially reduced and the stirring efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: Shaped metal parts are produced on a continuous basis from a semisolid metal preform. A plurality of freestanding metal preforms are sequentially heated in an induction heating zone to the semisolid level and transferred without substantial deformation or heat loss to a press where they are shaped in a semisolid state into a shaped metal part.