Abstract: An assembly of slide gate valve plates are described for use in the casting of molten metal. The assembly includes a fixed plate and a sliding plate having a plurality of bores. The extremes of stroke available to the sliding plate produce at least two cutting edges and an emergency shut-off position that is independent of transducers, sensors, or operator judgment. The plate may include oval-shaped bores for increased shut-off margin or offset bores for improved flow of the molten metal through the pouring channel defined by the alignment of the fixed bore with a sliding bore.

Abstract: Improved particulate inorganic pigments and processes for preparing such inorganic pigments which have enhanced dispersibility in plastic materials are provided. The processes basically comprise coating the particulate inorganic pigment with a dispersibility improving agent comprised of a complex mixture of partially and totally polysaturated and unsaturated fatty acid esters and derivatives thereof.