Abstract: A shift control arrangement is provided for rail vehicles to bring about the simultaneous shifting of all directional guide wheels on the vehicle at the same time, including those in both the front and rear undercarriages of the vehicle. This is achieved by interconnecting the shift linkages of each undercarriage and, preferably, by placing the connection in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A switchboard booth structure having a unique arrangement of exteriorly accessible service and control devices and interiorly accessible switch devices for controlling low voltage elements of electrical apparatus, particularly metallurgic electric furnaces is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention deals with an intermediary tank truck for metal plants, particularly steel strand casting plants, whose frame consists of two beams and two crossbeams, with the intermediaary or transfer tank resting on the frame, and equipped with a hoisting device between the frame and the intermediary tank, a horizontal adjustment device, a tilting device, and a measuring scale.

Abstract: An emergency brake mechanism is provided, particularly for small railway cars such as those used for monorail systems, for braking a car released by failure of the motor and main braking system. The brake mechanism includes a brake shoe with tapered surfaces extending in opposite directions longitudinally of the path of movement of the car for wedging a brake pad between the shoe and the rail surface. The brake pad is pushed into engagement by a movable tappet, which in turn is released to move toward the rail surface by a centrifugal governor monitoring the speed of the car. The brake housing mounts the brake shoe on one side of the rail with a counter-brake surface on the opposite side.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing steel with a very low carbon content of as low as 0.015% by continuously maintaining a foaming slag layer at a particular volume, and using as the charge a pre-reduced sponge with a specified carbon/oxygen ratio. The process includes utilizing a slag with a specific content of iron and magnesium oxide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the longitudinal and transverse distance required between points of support for a freshly cast strand of steel, so that the hardened outer shell is maintained intact until such time as the thermal compressive stress on the shell exceeds the tensile stress caused by the ferrostatic pressure of the liquid core. The methods and apparatus herein reduce to a minimum, not only the distance between the points of support and the number of points, but also the extent of support required between the point of initial support and the point where support is no longer required.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for supporting load bearing, sharply curved girders, particularly for use in a transportation system. The sharply curved girders are supported only at their ends, even for those of substantial length, so as to reduce the number of vertical supports for the girders. This is achieved by providing a relatively short cross-support for the girder extending from the vertical support through the girder at each end thereof, with that cross-support or console having one end bearing on the vertical support and the other end forming a portion of a pivot bearing positioned on the inside of the curve of the girder. A crossbeam rigidly connected to the vertical support also extends transversely of each girder end and forms the opposite portion of the pivot bearing. Thus, torsional forces tending to twist the outside of the curve of the girder downwardly under load is compensated by the pivot bearing which provides a twisting force in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is railway apparatus or the like for mixing and transporting molten metals, particularly pig iron, which essentially comprises a longitudinal, refractory lined cylindrical vessel, provided at its opposite ends with removable cover members and also provided with a self-contained drive unit for rotating the vessel about its longitudinal axis. This vessel, with its associated self-contained drive unit, is removably supported beneath its ends upon two spaced railroad trucks, through ball joints associated therewith. The vessel and drive unit may be readily separated from the underlying trucks for installation, maintenance, and/or removal of the refractory lining in any desired vessel orientation, while the vessel is rotated by its self-contained drive unit.