Abstract: A reel for the storage of filamentary material which comprises a plurality of elements each made of a single piece of wire bent to form a sector of the reel and all secured together in a circular array, in which each element has two axially spaced circumferentially extending inner rim portions at the radially innermost regions thereof, all of the inner rim portions of the respective elements co-operating to define two axially spaced bearing rings for mounting the reel on a shaft. Each element is formed to provide two mutually opposed portions of respective rims of the reel, first and second side members extending radially inwardly from respective ends of each rim portion, and an axially extending transverse member between the first side members to form a supporting member for the filamentary material, and the inner rim portions extend from the radially innermost ends of the second side members.

Abstract: A refractory lining in a metallurgical vessel is produced by tamping and/or slinging crude sand. Upon drying of the sand, evaporation of water contained in the sand is ensured by means of drains formed by hollow elongate bodies placed in position according to a suitable arrangement before depositing sand.

Abstract: A metal container with thick walls, comprising various parts assembled and elded, and provided with at least one nozzle connecting it to a pipe and support means, each nozzle and the support means being manufactured integral with the part of the container on which they are located.

Abstract: A reel for the storage of wire or the like which comprises a number of elements each made of a single piece of metal wire bent to form a segment of the reel and all joined together in a circular array, particularly by being secured together by spot welding. The elements may be formed to provide (1) two mutually opposite portions of respective rims of the reel, (2) side members extending inwardly from the rims, and (3) at least one of a ring of bearing members extending transversely between the side members to receive the wire or the like to be wound on the reel.

Abstract: In the surface oxidisation of an aluminium coating deposited on a steel st there is provided a process in which the aluminium coated sheet is passed through an enclosure in which there is a vacuum of from 10.sup.-.sup.1 to 10.sup.-.sup.3 Torr and in which remains residual gas which is acted upon by an electrical field so as to form positive ions aimed at an aluminium target from which are removed aluminium atoms which combine with oxygen present in the enclosure so as to form alumina which is deposited in a layer on the surface of the aluminium coating.