Abstract: Binding systems are described for applying compressive forces on the refractory hearth and/or refractory sidewall of a circular furnace having an outer metal shell which may be segmented. One preferred binding system comprises a tensioning band having one or more segments which extends around the furnace hearth and/or sidewall, with a resilient connection being provided between the opposite ends of the band and, where the band is segmented, resilient connections are also provided between the ends of adjacent segments. Another preferred binding system comprises a plurality of pivoting members provided around the circumference of the furnace. Each pivoting member is acted upon by a force-generating member which applies a controlled amount of force to the pivoting member and causes it to apply a compressive force to the hearth.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for lowering (“slipping”) and/or raising (“back slipping”) electrodes relative to an electrode column. The system includes an electrode column having at least one slipping sleeve and a power clamp, each of which apply a radial clamping force to the electrode. The magnitudes of the clamping forces are selected such that application of a downwardly directed axial force on the one or more slipping sleeves, in combination with the weight of the electrode, are sufficient to overcome the resistive force of the power clamp, resulting in downward movement of the electrode without release of the clamping forces. Electrode columns having two movable slipping sleeves are also capable of raising the electrode relative to the furnace without release of the clamping forces.

Abstract: An auditorium has a domed roof formed by a first part spherical portion covering, without intermediate support, most of an amphitheatre accommodating an audience, and a second part spherical portion covering a stage adjacent the amphitheatre, the first portion being supported only at its periphery, and the second portion consisting of segmental leaves which can open about a common pivot supported by the first portion to uncover the stage, the common pivot being at a vertical axis of the second portion of the roof and above the amphitheatre and the vertical axis of the first portion being above the stage. Wall panels behind the stage can be moved apart to open the rear of the stage to the exterior.

Abstract: A multipurpose arena has a platform providing a performing, playing or exhibition area which can be raised or lowered to allow for different configurations of banked seating. The raising and lowering is achieved by displacement of air in or out of an air vessel formed beneath the platform, either by a hull floating in a well which can be emptied of water by air pressure or scuttled, or by a skirt depending from the platform and sealed to underlying structure. If a skirt is used, space can be reclaimed within a structure inside the skirt which provides a reaction surface for the air pressure. The skirt may be sealed to the underlying structure by a water seal in a trough, or by sealing the lower edge of a telescoping skirt to the structure.

Abstract: A structure is provided having two opposing nested pairs of outwardly convex roof arches mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. Each pair of nested roof arches can be rotated about its axis from a lowered nested condition to a raised condition where the inner portion of one arch partially overlaps the other arch of the nested pair. In a preferred arrangement the arches extend between supports on diametrically opposing sides of a stadium building, which has an upper opening. The arches in their raised condition cover the stadium opening and in their lowered condition maintain the stadium substantially open to the elements. The turning moment exerted by the arches is sustained through struts by floats within liquid contained in caissons forming a foundation of the structure. The floats are shaped and guided to follow a path within the liquid as the associated arch rotates such as to substantially balance the turning moment of the latter as they move.

Abstract: A structure is provided having two opposing nested pairs of outwardly convex roof arches mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. Each pair of nested roof arches can be rotated about its axis from a lowered nested condition to a raised condition where the inner portion of one arch partially overlaps the other arch of the nested pair. In a preferred arrangemnt the arches extend between supports on diametrically opposing sides of a stadium building, which has an upper opening. The arches in their raised condition cover the stadium opening and in their lowered condition maintain the stadium substantially open to the elements. The turning moment exerted by the arches is sustained through struts by floats within liquid contained in caissons forming a foundation of the structure. The floats are shaped and guided to follow a path within the liquid as the associated arch rotates such as to substantially balance the turning moment of the latter as they move.

Abstract: A portable device is provided for turning billets supported on stands for inspection. The device has a frame, a crank arm mounted in the frame for movement through a quadrant by a hydraulic cylinder, a billet engaging bracket on the end of the crank, and further billet engaging frames extending from the frame to either side of the crank so as to sustain on adjacent billets the reaction from the crank arms as its bracket turns a billet. The turning action is improved by inclusion of a lost motion link between the crank arm and the cylinder. To make the device easier and lighter to handle, it is spring suspended from a movable stand which also supports a power pack for operating the cylinder.

Abstract: A continuous centrifugal casting machine employs a rotating water cooled mould in which a tubular mould cavity is formed by a number of pallet conveyors, each having an upper run defining a part cylinder. The conveyors are driven so that the tubular mould which they form moves with the casting, thus eliminating relative movement between the mould and the casting. The conveyors are housed inside a rotating drum so that centrifugal force causes molten metal such as steel poured against the wall of the mould cavity at one end to form a comparatively thin walled tube which is withdrawn from the other end of the mould cavity. The tube may be spirally slit to form sheet.