Abstract: A process is described for the delivery of molten metal to a caterpillar type mold which is inclined slightly to the horizontal and is used for casting wide strip, especially non-ferromagnetic metals, such as aluminium of aluminium alloys. The metal is fed through a delivery nozzle made of fire resistant material to a head of liquid metal in the mold either under the free surface of this head of metal or through this free surface on the head of liquid metal. Premature contact with the mold wall is avoided and the molten metal is fed in an almost pressureless manner.

Abstract: A crucible, especially for containing melts, has multi-layered walls with an inner core of heat resistant material. A continuous coating layer of temperature resistant material is supported on the core. The coating layer at least partially defines a reservoir for melts to be contained in the crucible, and is composed of material resistant to attack by hot melts.

Abstract: Apparatus for heat treatment of metal pieces such as billets, ingots, bars and the like, by pre-heating using direct flame impingement in a pre-heating furnace and then transferance into a holding furnace using forced hot air circulation where the metal pieces are held for the time required at the desired heat treatment temperature.

Abstract: A weighing device for the automatic regulation of a crystal-growing operation includes an upright shaft on which a crucible for a crystal melt is supported. The shaft is journalled for rotation and has limited freedom of movement in downward direction under the weight of the crucible and the melt therein. Weight-responsive signal-generating devices are engaged by the shaft or components associated therewith, so that pressure is exerted upon these devices to different degrees, in dependence upon the weight of the melt in the crucible. These devices produce signals as a function of the weight acting upon them, and these signals in turn control the crystal-growing operation. The shaft is rotatable by a drive arrangement which does not require physical contact with the shaft to rotate the same.

Abstract: A crucible, especially for containing melts, has a multichamber construction wherein there is an outer chamber for containing a heat distribution medium and an inner chamber which acts as a receptacle for the melt.

Abstract: A crucible, for use in heating and/or retaining melts at elevated temperatures, includes a hollow holding member composed of a heat resistant material, and a thin-walled insert composed of a substance chemically resistant to oxygen and oxidizing substances and being removably supported in the holding member.

Abstract: A crucible, for use in connection with oxidizing melts on the interior at elevated temperatures includes a crucible body composed of a material selected from the group consisting of platinum metals and tungsten, and a continuous coating of a metal disposed on the inner surface of the body, the coating metal being substantially non-alloying with the material and having a low affinity for oxygen.

Abstract: For heat treatment metal pieces like billets, ingots, bars and the like are pre-heated by direct flame impingement in a pre-heating furnace and then transfered into a holding furnace with forced hot gas circulation where they are held for the time required at the desired heat treatment temperature.