Abstract: An integrally cast, non-welded coal spreader for a furnace or boiler burner has integrally cast swirl vanes. A shaft of the spreader extends into the hollow interior of a cap of the spreader and the vanes extend outwardly of the cap and are cast as one piece with the cap.

Abstract: A cast abrasion resistant hollow ball is formed with a hollow ceramic core that generates no gas during the casting operation. Solid ceramic bars or supports hold the hollow ceramic core in a fixed location at the center of the cast ball during the casting process. There are no open holes or openings in the ceramic supports due to the fact that the hollow ceramic sphere is composed of an inert refractory material which eliminates any gases being generated during the pouring and solidification of the liquid metal in the casting process.

Abstract: A cast abrasion resistant hollow ball is formed with a hollow ceramic core that generates no gas during the casting operation. Solid ceramic bars or supports hold the hollow ceramic core in a fixed location at the center of the cast ball during the casting process. There are no open holes or openings in the ceramic supports due to the fact that the hollow ceramic sphere is composed of an inert refractory material which eliminates any gases being generated during the pouring and solidification of the liquid metal in the casting process.

Abstract: A plurality of lost foam cast materials that are integrally connected with a controlled spacing between the cast materials are heated to a predetermined temperature for a preset time to improve through hardness of the lost foam cast materials.

Abstract: Low carbon stainless steel parts are formed utilizing a high vacuum of 20" to 29" of mercury during the pouring stage of the lost foam process.

Abstract: Reinforcement sections are provided at an outer surface and at an inner surface of a tire for a roll wheel assembly used in a pulverizer for crushing a material such as coal. These reinforcing sections cause the tire to be asymmetrical and are located on the tire only at areas where the wearing of the tire is highly predictable. The reinforcing sections provided on the inner surfaces of the tire are provided directly opposite of the reinforcing sections on the outer surface for preventing the localized thinning of the tire and extending the time interval between rotation and/or replacement of the tires.