Abstract: A system for creating a image of the surface contours of a metal workpiece, such as a continuous cast slab, is provided including a sheet of single frequency, planar light is directed to strike a surface of the workpiece, and a video camera positioned to view the surface where the light strikes, such that when the surface of the workpiece is flat, a straight line is sensed by the video camera, when the surface is irregular, the video camera senses a nonlinear line, the video camera creates a two dimensional image of the sensed light and supplies this signal to a processor, which then creates an image of the workpieces which is displayed by a video monitor and a printer. The processor extracts a variety of quantitative parameter values from the images.

Abstract: An insulating heat re-radiation - retention and infiltration air free system and method is provided for processing heated articles, including upper and lower heat shields to form, in combination with spaced apart rollers employed to support the articles, a substantial infiltration air-free enclosure, each of the heat shields are made-up of substantially high purity 100% ceramic fiber which is relatively non-porous and gap free and having fiber hot faces, the fiber of the heat shields being compressed and maintained in a high density condition, the fiber of the lower heat shield being formed to contact the circumferences of the rollers in a manner to prevent air from passing into the enclosure, the upper and lower heat shields being maintained in close proximity with the heated articles.

Abstract: A system for creating a image of the surface contours of a metal workpiece, such as a continuous cast slab, is provided including a sheet of single frequency, planar light is directed to strike a surface of the workpiece, and a video camera positioned to view the surface where the light strikes, such that when the surface of the workpiece is flat, a straight line is sensed by the video camera, when the surface is irregular, the video camera senses a nonlinear line, the video camera creates a two dimensional image of the sensed light and supplies this signal to a processor, which then creates an image of the workpieces which is displayed by a video monitor and a printer. The processor extracts a variety of quantitative parameter values from the images.

Abstract: A novel micrometer apparatus is provided which is capable of providing strip workpiece thickness measurements with high precision and without operator dependence, the apparatus including a fixed anvil mounted to a "C" frame, a movable shaft mounted opposite the fixed anvil at a separation distance from the fixed anvil which represents the thickness of material therebetween, the fixed anvil being held in position by the full weight of the apparatus and the center of gravity of the apparatus passes through the fixed anvil and solidly against the top surface of the essentially horizontal strip being measured, an indicator having a measuring head for carrying the movable shaft which contacts the bottom side of the strip opposite the fixed anvil, and a display head positioned atop the micrometer apparatus above the strip such that the thickness measurement is performed and displayed automatically while the apparatus sits unattended on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for locating and retrieving a randomly placed object, such as a steel coil, in a warehouse, such as a crane bay of a steel mill storage warehouse. The method comprises the steps of attaching an indicia identification to the object, recording the indicia of identification, determining the coordinates of the object, indexing the indicia to the coordinates, and retrieving the object with a transporting means.

Abstract: A plate hold-down device for use during the abrasive cutting of plates which includes an expansible and retractable member adapted to be filled with a liquid and placed onto the plate.