Abstract: Telomers and cotelomers with at least one sequence which can be cross-linked by light, and a method of preparing them.They are of the general formula ##STR1## wherein the taxogen links --(X.sub.i)-- belong to the group made up of 2-hydroxy ethyl acrylate and methacrylate, acrylic or methacrylic acid, vinyl alcohol and allyl alcohol; the ##STR2## links emanate from the same taxogen X.sub.i, esterified by means of a group with at least one photo-crosslinkable double bond in its molecule; and where 1<x+y.ltoreq.1000, Z being chosen from the group --H, --Cl, --Br; and where R may be a simple or macromolecular radical, in the latter case leading to the formation of dual sequence cotelomers.The manufacturing process comprises telomerisation by redox or radical catalysis, followed by grafting on the photo-cross-linkable group, the first phase of telomerisation being duplicated in the case of a cotelomer.The main application for the products is in coating metals.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for vertical continuous casting at speeds which are close to a meter per minute. The process is characterized in that the use of a top feeder head and an electromagnetic field are combined and that, by controlling the position in respect of height of the top feeder head and the cooling system relative to the field generating means, the distances between certain parameters such as the solidification front and the base plane of the top feeder head are maintained constant in the course of the casting operation. This process makes it possible to cast aluminium and alloys thereof in the form of billets or plates, the smallest dimension of which does not exceed 150 mm and which have a surface that does not require any scalping treatment.

Abstract: Telomers and cotelomers with at least one sequence which can be cross-linked by light, and a method of preparing them.They are of the general formula ##STR1## wherein the taxogen links --(X.sub.i)-- belong to the group made up of 2-hydroxy ethyl acrylate and methacrylate, acrylic or methacrylic acid, vinyl alcohol and allyl alcohol; the ##STR2## links emanate from the same taxogen X.sub.i, esterified by means of a group with at least one photo-crosslinkable double bond in its molecule; and where 1<x+y.ltoreq.1000, Z being chosen form the group --H, --Cl, --Br; and where R may be a simple or macromolecular radical, in the latter case leading to the formation of dual sequence cotelomers.The manufacturing process comprises telomerization by redox or radical catalysis, followed by grafting on the photo-crosslinkable group, the first phase of telomerization being duplicated in the case of a cotelomer.The main application for the products is in coating metals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for interrupted quenching of aluminum alloys with structural hardening.It comprises, starting from solution annealing:(a) rapid cooling by quenching until the product reaches a temperature of from 150.degree. to 260.degree. C.;(b) stopping the quenching operation for a period of from a few seconds to some tens of minutes (air cooling), and(c) resuming quenching to ambient temperature.Under these conditions, the result is quenched and tempered products which have mechanical characteristics close to state T6 and better than those of conventional state T73, with a very good degree of resistance to corrosion (flaking corrosion or stress corrosion) and a level of internal stresses which is substantially halved in comparison with conventional state T6.This treatment can be applied to all aluminum alloys of the 2000, 6000 and 7000 series (in accordance with the A.A.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the treatment of a stream of aluminum or magnesium-based liquid metal or alloy during its passage, comprising a ladle formed by an external metal casing, a refractory lining, a channel for the admission of the crude liquid metal at the rear, a nozzle for the casting of the treated liquid metal at the front, at least one internal partition leaving, with the bottom of the ladle, a space for the circulation of the liquid metal and defining a first rear compartment and at least one second front compartment opening into the casting nozzle. The ladle is fixed on a supporting cradle connected to an articulated frame relative to which the said cradle can rock forwards about a first horizontal axis passing through the casting nozzle, the articulated frame itself being connected to a fixed frame relative to which it can rock about the second horizontal axis. The first horizontal axis is approximately perpendicular to the stream of liquid metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary gas dispersion device for the treatment of a bath of liquid metal such as aluminum and its alloys, comprising a cylindrical rotor equipped with blades immersed in the bath, connected to a hollow control shaft for the supply of gas, and is characterized in that the rotor is pierced by oblique ducts coupled to radial ducts in which the metal and the gas circulate respectively before being mixed at the point where these ducts join up, emerging in the bath so as to form a fine dispersion which is then distributed in the said bath by means of blades.

Abstract: The invention relates to elements of aluminum, such as bars, sections or apparatus components for forming electrical contacts capable of withstanding mechanical and thermal stressing.The method by which these elements are produced consists in depositing a firmly adhering layer of nickel to the aluminum substrate at least in the contact zone. The quality of the contact is further improved when the nickel-plated element is in contact with a silver-plated element.The elements according to the invention may be used for the production of pin-type contacts and any other devices for making or breaking electrical circuits, such as isolators, circuit breakers and contactors.

Abstract: The invention relates to elements of aluminium, such as bars, sections or apparatus components for forming electrical contacts capable of withstanding mechanical and thermal stressing. The method by which these elements are produced consists in depositing a firmly adhering layer of nickel to the aluminium substrate at least in the contact zone. The quality of the contact is further improved when the nickel-plated element is in contact with a silver-plated element. The elements according to the invention may be used for the production of pin-type contacts and any other devices for making or breaking electrical circuits, such as isolators, circuit breakers, and contactors.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for treating a molten metal or alloy using liquid and solid flux, the invention comprising apparatus for passing the metal or alloy through a column provided with an outlet siphon lined with solid granules and liquid flux, at least a proportion of the granules comprising a solid flux having a melting point which is higher than that of the liquid flux and which is higher than the temperature of the metal to be treated. The solid granules can be introduced in a removable interchangeable cartridge. The invention finds utility in the advanced purification of aluminum-based alloys by elimination of ultimate inclusions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for hydro-mechanical stamping wherein hollow products are formed from flat blanks by the cooperation of a punch and a liquid female tool. The present method particularly provides for submerging in the liquid the blank which is to be stamped, the level of the liquid being also maintained above the usual stamping ring. The invention further provides apparatus which acts to center the blank relative to the stamping ring, the present apparatus comprising an additional ring rigidly connected to the stamping ring and having radial apertures therein which form portions of circuitous liquid paths through which liquid flows on stamping, the paths acting to prevent localized rupture during stamping. The present method and apparatus find particular application to the high-speed manufacture of hollow, thin-walled articles of non-cylindrical shape.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for treating a molten metal or alloy using liquid and solid flux, the invention comprising passing the metal or alloy through a column provided with an outlet syphon lined with solid granules and liquid flux, at least a proportion of the granules comprising a solid flux having a melting point which is higher than that of the liquid flux and which is higher than the temperature of the metal to be treated. The solid granules can be introduced in a removable interchangeable cartridge. The invention finds utility in the advanced purification of aluminum-based alloys by elimination of ultimate inclusions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for improving the operation for low pressure casting of components such as aluminum and magnesium alloys by controlling the pressure of the inert gas used to cause the metal to flow downwards into the injection tube after the casting of a component at a value higher than that prevailing in the interior of the furnace, the difference between the two pressures being adjustable to a constant value, and enabling two different rates of flow of the inert gas to be established.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for assembling aluminum-based members and steel members.This process is characterized by:covering the steel member with a metal film on the part of the surface to be assembled,disposing grains of silicon at the aluminium-steel interface,providing protection from oxidation for the faces to be assembled,heating the members so as to achieve an interface temeperature of from 500.degree. C. to 650.degree. C. and applying a pressure which is sufficient to totally or partially expel the liquid eutectic which is thus formed,cooling the assembly.The assembly which is produced in this way is used in particular in so-called `clad` connecting members for igneous electrolysis vessels, in armour plating requiring high mechanical strength and in all cases where connections are to be made, which have good electrical and mechanical properties, for continuous use in a temperature range from at least -200.degree. C. to at least +450.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new process for quenching metallic pieces and intended to limit the stresses engendered by quenching without essentially affecting the characteristics.This process consists of quenching the pieces by immersion in a binder of the clay type suspended in water and with a mineral component such as magnetite, ferrosilicon, baryte. Products to inhibit corrosion, antifoam, or antiflocculant agents can be added to this suspension.The invention is applied to metallic pieces, but particularly to high resistance aluminum alloy pieces which are made subject to faults caused by the stresses of excessive quenching because of their form or their dimensions.

Abstract: A process for the thermal treatment of a relatively thick product made of a copper-containing aluminum alloy of the 7000 series, the invention involving a solution heat treatment, quenching and tempering in three steps:(1) preliminary tempering at between 100.degree. and 150.degree. C. for five minutes to 24 hours;(2) intermediate tempering; and,(3) final tempering for 2 to 48 hours at between 100.degree. and 160.degree. C.The intermediate tempering step comprises a rapid rise in temperature in the zone at 150.degree. to 190.degree. C. followed by an evolution .theta.(t) above 190.degree. C. for a period T, such that: ##EQU1## is between 1 and 4, K=1.5 except for certain alloys where K=3. T and t are expressed in seconds, .theta.(t) is expressed in .degree.K. and is between 463.degree. and 523.degree. K. The present process provides increased mechanical strength to the product as well as a high resistance to stress corrosion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating aluminum electrical conductors with an oxide of a controlled thickness to minimize the subsequent in situ deposition of an insulating layer of an electrically resistive oxide at the junction of the aluminum conductor and another electrical conductor.

Abstract: A piston made of aluminum alloy with its surface treated by anodization in a phosphoric medium, onto which a layer of an anti-friction metal is deposited by electrolysis, so that the piston does not seize on contact with a cylinder with its internal wall made of aluminum alloy.

Abstract: This invention concerns production by extrusion of hollow cylindrical bodies starting with granulated alloys of aluminum containing silicon. It consists of preparing the composition of the alloy in a liquid form, producing granules by centrifugal pulverization or atomization, introducing the granulated material into an extrusion press to obtain the hollow profile by extrusion and extruding the granular material within to form a cylindrical body. This invention is applicable to form hollow bodies and particularly sleeves of motors of high content silicon aluminum alloy through which size and distribution of primary silicon is improved over traditional casting methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting and rolling and heat treatment for aluminum alloys with structural hardening, which are continuously cast and rolled to produce machine wire, comprising, carrying out a first rolling operation at a reduction rate of 20 to 85% on discharge from the casting machine, continuously reheating the already rolled blank to bring it to a temperature between 450.degree. and 550.degree. C., then carrying out final hot rolling to the definitive section of the machine wire. The method applies particularly to the production of wire made of aluminum alloy Al-Mg-Si for the manufacture of electrical conductors.

Abstract: A valve for use in an apparatus for supplying molten metal by means of a siphon to a furnace. A valve formed by a tube provided with two flanges is placed at the upper part of the siphon, this tube extending by a certain length below the level of the flanges, so as to form an annular space with each of the branches of the siphon in which the gas is trapped during decanting, which prevents the gaskets from being in contact with the molten metal.