Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for the precipitation of cement copper from a copper solution mixed with pieces of iron. The cement copper depositing on the iron pieces is loosened therefrom by means of constant movement of such pieces and then is separated and collected from the decopperized solution.

Abstract: A vacuum furnace in which work loads are periodically introduced and processed therein without breaking the vacuum within the furnace heating chamber and including spaced door assemblies between which chambers are defined for effectively isolating the work loads during the introduction and discharge therefrom, the apparatus further including transfer mechanisms that are sequentially operated in timed relation with the door assemblies and in accordance with the heat treating cycle of the furnace for moving work loads through the various stations in the furnace.

Abstract: A method of closing phosphorus furnace tapholes which comprises applying pneumatic pressure at the taphole opening to force molten material in the boretube back into the furnace and then introducing sand particles through the taphole to meet and effect solidification of incoming molten furnace material thereby sealing off the inner opening of the boretube and filling the remainder of the boretube with sand. Tapping is readily accomplished by blowing out the loose sand and breaking the inner seal of solidified furnace material.

Abstract: A wire annealing apparatus of the type in which an annealing current resistively heats the wire to soften it. The annealing current is caused to flow as a result of a potential difference applied to a section of wire through low friction-free running contact pulleys. Each of the contact pulleys is as friction-free as possible because it is rotatably supported by a ball bearing on a shaft which is rotatably driven at or near the rotational speed at which the pulley is rotated by the wire. The annealing current path between the shaft and the contact pulley is completed through a low friction electrical connector assembly. Annealing current is provided from flowing through the supporting ball bearing.

Abstract: A new and improved thermal torch or lance and method for boring, cutting, burning and the like of hard base materials which facilitates concentrating and intensifying the thermic reaction thereof. The arrangement includes an elongated hollow inner sleeve or casing generally coextensively received within an elongated hollow outer sleeve or casing with the two casings being dimensioned so that a first gas flow passage is defined therebetween over the cooperative lengths thereof. At least one elongated rod is received within the inner casing in a manner defining at least one second gas flow passage over the cooperative lengths thereof. In operation oxygen is passed under pressure through the first and second passages from the torch inlet end to and outwardly from the torch discharge end. Oxygen passing outwardly from the second passage cooperates in the thermic reaction as is conventional in prior thermal torches.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for melting pig-iron comprising a cupola furnace, a combustion chamber burning the waste gases leaving this cupola furnace. This installation comprises furthermore a heat exchanger between the flue gases leaving this combustion chamber and a thermodynamic fluid driving at least one rotary machine coupled to at least one electric generator, a superheating furnace for the pig-iron in the liquid state disposed between the cupola furnace and a casting station.

Abstract: An open-ended continuous sintering furnace and system including means for providing a countercurrent protective gas atmosphere through a portion of the furnace and system and a substantially contaminant-free exit atmosphere throughout the remainder of the system and a continuous conveyor means of substantially solid refractory metal with notched retaining walls. The countercurrent protective gas atmosphere is provided so as to purge volatilized impurities released from workpieces past non-sintered or partially sintered workpieces. Such a flow thereby helps to prevent contamination of more fully sintered workpieces as they are cooled and exit the system. The partial countercurrent protective gas atmosphere is accomplished by multiple gas ejection means for ejecting the protective gas or by multiple sintering chambers with gas ejection between the chambers.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for trimming side sill gussets comprises a trolley beam assembly mounted to roll longitudinally along the side sills of the car. A traveling beam is adjustable laterally on said trolley beam and includes side hanger frames on opposite ends thereof each of which supports a cutting torch arrangement including motor means for moving the cutting torch in a pre-determined pattern to trim portions of the side sill of a railway car.

Abstract: A machine for placing an insert having a main panel and a bottom panel into an article carrier cell comprises a frame and a reciprocably operable insertion blade mounted thereon. The cell of the article carrier is positioned directly below the insertion blade so that the blade is operable to fold and lower the insert into the cell.

Abstract: A worm is rotated while a cutting torch trims the edge of the worm. The torch is mounted on an arm along with a wheel which bears against the thrust surface of the worm. The arm is mounted on one part of a carriage, the carriage moving along a guide rail under the motive influence of the worm. A pattern corresponding to the desired contour of the worm acts as a cam for the part of the carriage which carries the torch.

Abstract: A salt reclamation system especially for use with molten salt baths used for treating articles by immersion of the articles in the bath and then withdrawal thereof, with resultant drag-out of salt. The salt removed from the bath on the surface of the articles is washed from the articles and the salt-laden wash water is returned to the surface of the molten salt bath, with consequent volatilization of the water, which is withdrawn or dissipated as steam, thereby returning the drag-out salt to the bath.

Abstract: A furnace for continuously heat treating metallic strip comprises a substantially flat horizontal entry floatation table having a trailing portion which inclines downwardly towards the base of a floatation trough. The trough extends along substantially the full length of the heating zone furnace. An exit table includes a leading portion which inclines upwardly from the base of the trough to a generally horizontal flat floatation surface. Entry and exit seals are positioned above the entry and exit tables respectively.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating ladles of the type commonly used in the foundry and steel industry is described whereby fluidized bed technology is employed to achieve greatly improved fuel efficiency. In the method, the particles forming the substance of the bed are drawn directly into the ladle from a mother fluidized bed unit wherein a flow balancing is effected to establish a relatively steady state, simultaneously as the flow to various ladles under treatment may be changed. The invention is particularly adapted to the use of coal as a fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a container having a rolled rim on the free end thereof. The apparatus includes means for forming a container blank having a bottom member secured in one end thereof wherein the formed container blank is suitably transferred to rim forming means wherein a rolled rim or bead is formed on the free end thereof by the forming means. The container blank forming means includes a bottom forming means and means for feeding side walls in a heated condition to the forming means. Also provided is means for wrapping a side wall blank to form the container blank side wall and means for securing the bottom member to the side wall. The means for forming the rim on the container blank includes a forming head which cooperates with a ring movably mounted on a container receiving receptacle to form the rolled rim on the container blank.

Abstract: A connector assembly for printed circuit boards and the like includes a housing having a cavity and an elongated slot communicating with the cavity through which a male connector or printed circuit board may be inserted. Disposed within the cavity are a plurality of electrical contacts each of which is adapted to engage and electrically contact a conductive strip located on the printed circuit board. Each electrical contact is adapted to maintain its electrical continuity independent of the printed circuit board until the circuit board is in electrical engagement therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing zirconium by reducing zirconium halides in the presence of a reducing agent and an inert gas. The zirconium halide is mostly reduced while being in the solid state. The apparatus permits successive reduction and vaccum distillation in one batch.

Abstract: A device for the flame treatment of a work-piece, includes upper and lower preheating blocks disposed to define a flame-oxygen duct, holding means operable for holding the blocks and including a gas distribution system communicating with said duct, and a separate nozzle communicating with the interior of the duct and operable for supplying oxygen to the duct.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing solids such as iron oxide pellets and fines from the rotating water seal trough of an annular material cooler by periodically operating an air ejector pump, which is suspended in the trough and operated at predetermined intervals and for a predetermined time; the ejector pump has associated with it a sensing apparatus both being pivotally mounted and suspended within the trough; an abnormal build-up of pellets and fines in the trough or large foreign bodies within the trough is sensed by the sensing means which actuates emergency means to override the normal pump operating cycle and maintain the pump operating and simultaneously alerting personnel to the emergency condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically heat treating a plurality of elongated articles, wherein only a portion of the articles are subjected to the heat treating operation, the remaining portion thereof being enveloped and prevented from reaching a temperature during the heat treating operation that produces a hardening action thereon. The articles are transferred from a magazine assembly to a pick-up station, wherein the portions thereof that are protected from the heat treating operation are clamped between a jaw assembly, the jaw assembly being elevated to locate the exposed portion of the articles in vertical position within an elevated heating chamber. Thereafter the articles are lowered from the heating chamber to a cooling station and after a predetermined cooling period are deposited on a belt by the jaw assembly for removal to a collection station.

Abstract: A rotatable horizontal metallurgical furnace for the production of iron or steel includes cooling means at an open discharge end of the furnace. The cooling means includes an annular cooling coil surrounding the discharge end through which cooling liquid is continuously impelled, under centrifugal forces of rotation, from an annular delivery trough to an annular collecting trough.