Abstract: A hard surface roadbed profiler designed to perform a repetitive drill hole collaring cycle. By generating a series of interconnected collar holes, an extended flat surface is created. The profiler includes a movable percussive device mounted onto a chassis. A flat faced bit is attached to the percussive device to create the individual collars that are linked together to form a flat array.

Abstract: The invention produces a light metal alloy composite having a nickel coated graphite or carbon with a nickel-containing intermetallic phase within a portion of a casting. A mold is provided to cast a light metal into a predetermined shape. A nickel coated carbon phase structure is placed into a portion of the mold. The light metal is cast into the mold around the carbon structure to wet an interface between the light metal and the nickel coated carbon structure. A nickel-containing intermetallic phase is formed in the light metal proximate the nickel coated carbon to provide increased wear resistance. The light metal is then solidified to form the metal matrix composite.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of metals. In particular, an aqueous feed solution derived from acid leaching is provided. The aqueous feed solution contains nickel and/or cobalt ions. The pH of the solution is maintained at a level between about 2 and 6. The aqueous feed solution is contacted with a water-immiscible organic phase containing an extractant to load the nickel and/or cobalt metal ions to form a metal-bearing organic phase. The extractant has at least one organic soluble dithiophosphinic acid, alkali, alkaline earth metal or ammonium salt thereof. The aqueous feed solution has sufficiently low levels of chromium (VI) ions and copper ions to allow repeated use of the extractant. The metal-bearing organic phase is then separated from the metal-containing aqueous feed solution.

Abstract: A method and device for the measurement of rheological properties of high density slurry materials and in particular high density mill tailings. A sample of the tailings is placed within a mixing tub, with either a concentric paddle or a planetarily movable paddle used to effect the mixing. A digitally controlled electric motor is used to directly drive the paddle at a constant or predetermined speed or speeds. The tub is laterally pivotable against a load cell for a direct determination of reaction torque with correlation to viscosity and other rheological properties of the mill tailing.

Abstract: The invention relates to the smelting or converting of particulate sulfide material, such as nickel or copper sulfide. A molten seed bath of smelted or converted material is provided in a reaction vessel. Particulate sulfide material is injected into a reaction vessel below the surface of the melt. Top blowing with an oxygen-containing gas generates heat and brings about the oxidation of the sulfides with a significant decrease in the amount of dust generated. Optional bottom stirring with a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen may further increase efficiency.

Abstract: A novel process for the production of nickel hydroxide wherein particulate nickel is reacted with oxygen in the presence of liquid water at a temperature of at least 180.degree. C. The invention also includes the nickel hydroxide product so produced.

Abstract: A gas turbine having internally cooled thermal barrier coated turbine blades is disclosed. The turbine blades are made from an alloy substrate exhibiting a low coefficient of thermal expansion, an intermediate bond coating and an exterior ceramic coating. Cooling fluid is supplied from the shaft of the compressor where it flows into and out of the turbine blade. Thermal barrier coated turbine blades result in more efficient gas turbine designs.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for determining levelling power of an electrolyte. An anode and cathode are immersed in the electrolyte. The cathode has a plating surface for electrodeposition of a metal from the electrolyte. The plating surface has a peak region and a base region separated and electrically isolated by an insulator. The peak region has a greater tendency to electrodeposit the metal per unit surface area than the base region. The anode and cathode are placed in a test cell or suspended in a commercial electrodeposition cell. A means for applying current between said anode and said cathode is used for causing the metal from the electrolyte to electrodeposit on the plating surface of the cathode. The current from plating on the peak region and the base region are measured separately to determine levelling power of an electrolyte.

Abstract: A monitor (10) includes a transducer (20) registered with a pump (22) for generating electrical signals reflecting the status of the pump (22). The output of the transducer (20) is conditioned by a pump monitor circuit (16) to indicate the status (18) of the pump (22) and for subsequent delivery to an alarm processing unit (C) and alarm condition (D). The monitor (10) reports both normal and abnormal pump (22) conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for determining levelling power of an electrolyte. An anode and cathode are immersed in the electrolyte. The cathode has a plating surface for electrodeposition of a metal from the electrolyte. The plating surface has a peak region and a base region separated and electrically isolated by an insulator. The peak region has a greater tendency to electrodeposit the metal per unit surface area than the base region. The anode and cathode are placed in a test cell or suspended in a commercial electrodeposition cell. A means for applying current between said anode and said cathode is used for causing the metal from the electrolyte to electrodeposit on the plating surface of the cathode. The current from plating on the peak region and the base region are measured separately to determine levelling power of an electrolyte.

Abstract: A shaped secondary blasting charge including a frustoconical container and a viscous adhesive explosive overpacked into the container. A concave cover accommodates the overloaded explosive which is removed at the blasting site. The container with the explosive is pressed against the object to be blasted causing the viscous explosive to intimately bond to the surface.

Abstract: A non-ferrous matte conversion process is disclosed in which molten non-ferrous matte, essentially nickel and/or copper sulfide and iron sulfide, is provided in a suitable vessel, such as a modified Pierce-Smith converter. The bath is stirred from below with a non-reactive sparging gas, such as nitrogen, and surfaceblown from above with an oxygen-containing gas. A flux is added to the melt to raise a fluid slag. In addition, cold crushed matte is added to the bath. The cold matte acts to maintain the temperature of the bath, so as to prevent overheating which can damage the converter lining. The matte addition also serves as a source for additional converter feed. As the reaction progresses, the slag layer is periodically skimmed, and additions of flux and cold matte are made when necessary. When it is no longer possible to raise a slag, a non-ferrous sulfide matte is obtained having a greatly reduced iron content.

Abstract: A normally aspirated compounded, overcharged (supercharged) four stroke internal combustion engine, preferably diesel, which is particularly useful in adiabatic (low heat rejection) versions. An auxiliary expansion piston and compression piston reciprocate at least twice as fast as the combustion pistons to increase the volumetric efficiency of the engine as well as to overcharge the air charge within the combustion cylinders. Increased efficiency and simplified construction result.

Abstract: A dry, vertical shaft drilling system including an inverted raiseboring cutterhead fitted with air nozzles and vacuum pickups. Weights are detachably stacked above the cutterhead. Cuttings are extracted through the weights into a swivel circumscribing the drill string. The swivel is a transition from the rotating cutterhead to the stationary extraction riser pipes disposed above the swivel. Non-rotating stabilizers stabilize the drill string.

Abstract: A system for continuous smelting of sulfidic copper concentrate in which an oxygen flash furnace is operatively connected with a continuous converter and the continuous converter is operatively connected with a finishing furnace.

Abstract: The invention provides a converter for purifying molten nonferrous material. A converter body having a refractory lined chamber holds the nonferrous material. A gas injector means pierces a lower portion of the chamber for bottom sparging the nonferrous material. A lance pierces an upper portion of the converter body projecting minimally into the chamber for limited exposure to adverse conditions. While converting with top blowing of gas containing oxygen and bottom stirring solid nonferrous metal may be added to the converter to cool the molten nonferrous material and purified molten nonferrous metal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermal upgrading process whereby nickel-containing limonite or limonite/saprolite blends are pelletized with requisite amounts of solid carbon reductant and a sulfure-bearing concentrating agent. The pellets are fed to a reactor where they are gradually heated, causing reduction of the metal values. The reduced pellets are then held in a "metallics growth zone" of the reactor at a temperature high enough to allow for liquid-phase migration of the metallics within the pellets but below the point at which the pellets become sticky. The metallics growth zone is provided with a carefully controlled combustion gas atmosphere equivalent to about 60-65% aeration of partial combustion of natural gas which prevents further reduction or re-oxidation and thus provides a good environment for metallic particle growth. After a sufficient retention time, the pellets are then rapidly cooled to prevent the disproportionation of wustite to magnetite.

Abstract: The monitor allows for the non-destructive determination of the status of a liner disposed within a conduit. The conduit may, for example, be an elbow, valve, pipe. At least one wire is disposed within the liner in an area of concern. The wire is connected to a receptacle located on the conduit. A status display plugs into the receptacle and checks the continuity of the wire. If a wire is broken, this information is displayed, indicating a potential problem with the liner.

Abstract: A drill rod having an inner tube extending through the rod. The rod and the tube form a dead zone that reduces the time necesssary to compress air within the rod. By presenting a smaller internal cross-sectional flow area within the rod and, as a consequence throughout the drill string, the drill hammer disposed at the bottom of the hole will operate more efficiently.

Abstract: An injector for introducing particulate material into the bath of a pyrometallurgical vessel via existing tuyeres. An existing mechanical puncher may be removed and replaced with an injector adapted to be attached to the existing tuyere body so as not to disturb the existing blast air connections. The injector, including a housing spatially circumscribing an injector pipe and forming an annular space part way therewith, is inserted into the tuyere. A source of pressurized fluid is injected into the annular space keeping the tuyere open so the particulate material can be introduced through the pipe.