Abstract: First and second arrays of alternately fixed and mobile, transversely spaced, elongated fire dogs are arranged in a furnace for heating iron and steel products, the fire dogs lying parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, the second array being transversely offset from the first array, whereby the fixed fire dogs of the first array extend therebeyond substantially to a line common with the ends of the fixed fire dogs of the second array, the mobile fire dogs of the second array extending therebeyond and overlapping the extended portions of the fixed fire dogs of the first array, one of the mobile fire dogs of each array lying midway between the fixed fire dogs thereof, and one of the fixed fire dogs of each array lying midway between the mobile fire dogs thereof.

Abstract: A treatment furnace having a longitudinally extending charging opening has a transversely extending furnace conveyor having an upstream end in the vicinity of the opening. A loading conveyor has an array of transversely extending approach rollers adjacent the charging opening so that a workpiece to be treated in the furnace can be rolled longitudinally along the approach rollers to a position transversely aligned with the charging opening. A loading apparatus for the furnace has at least two transversely extending arms each having an inner end pivoted inside the furnace about a longitudinal axis at the upstream end of the furnace conveyor and an outer end outside the furnace and an array of longitudinally extending loading rollers rotatable about horizontal and longitudinal axes is carried on the arms.

Abstract: A method for depositing composite metallic coatings on a metallic strip, involves bringing in contact with a metallic coating, deposited on the strip by using a continuous dip coating method, before setting of the metallic coating, an additive metal powder in suspension in a gaseous jet. The melting point of the additive metal powder is higher than that of the base coating metal, so that the additive metal powder particles penetrate into the coating in order to obtain a composite structure imparting to the strip an increased corrosion resistance, compared to that provided by a base coating free from additive metal.

Abstract: A walking-beam furnace in the heating of metal bodies without bending in which at least a pair of walking beams straddle a stationary beam whose width is greater than that of the walking beams. The stationary beam is formed with a plurality of rectangular recesses opening at a support surface of the stationary beam upon which the metal bodies come to rest and communicate from below with a source of combustion gases so that the hot gas rises to contact the bottom of the metal bodies and the bottom of the metal bodies is subject to heating by radiation from the walls of the recess which converges downwardly to a duct supplying the hot gas. The width of the recess is greater than the widths of the portions of the fixed beam laterally flanking, while the length of the recesses is greater than its width.

Abstract: An installation includes a first fixed return roller, positioned above the melted zinc bath level and along which passes the band to be galvanized, when exiting from a galvanization tromp. A second return roller is mounted on a mobile arm and guides the band, after galvanization to an excess metal removing device. A coating roller, mounted on a mobile arm is adapted to be brought to two positions, a first position where it dips into the zinc bath for coating a determined face of the band, and a second position where it is moved clear of the path followed by the band. A bottom roller is supported by a mobile arm so as to be movable to two positions, a working position at the bottom of the tank, so as to provide for the immersion of the band in contact with such roller for carrying out galvanization of both faces, and a rest position clear from the path followed by the band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for products in a steel-making furnace. This support comprises, over a notable part of its height, but not over the whole of its height, from its base, a peripheral recess in which is housed an insulating envelope, the outer diameter of this envelope being substantially equal to that of the upper part of the stud.

Abstract: An apparatus for reheating molten steel in a ladle under a shielded gaseous atmosphere comprises a vertically movable electrode housing, a lower portion of which extends through a tight passage formed in the ladle cover or in the cover of a ladle-containing vessel. This passage comprises a hollow water-cooled jacket or belt assembly surrounding the housing and provided with recesses for scraper rings and a packing and connected, through a flexible and vacuum-tight coupling, to a flanged collar rigid with the cover. Stacked refractory rings of insulating material are interposed between the belt and the flanged collar. The packing may be replaced by an inflated flexible tubular torus. A conduit is provided for supplying lubricant to the surfaces in mutual sliding contact.