Abstract: A pressing machine for reducing the width of a hot metal slab has a pair of platens which are caused to engage with opposite edges of the slab to apply forces which reduce the width of the slab. This pressing action may cause buckling of the slab and to prevent, or at least reduce, the buckling, one or both of the opposite faces of the slab has a restraint provided adjacent thereto. The restraint may be in two parts connected to respective platens and arranged to allow for movement of one platen with respect to the other platen.

Abstract: A method of treating hot metal slabs (6) aims to reduce the width of the slab (6) produced by a continuous casting process to avoid the need for the prolific number of moulds otherwise required to produce slabs of various widths. In order to achieve this the hot metal slab (6) is presented, with its width dimension vertically oriented, to a pressing machine (24) having a vertically movable top platen (26) and a fixed bottom platen (28). The slab (6) is incrementally displaced, longitudinally, through the pressing machine and pressing forces are applied to its opposing edges by the platens, to reduce its width. Subsequently, the slab (6) is turned so that its width dimension is oriented horizontally and rolled between the horizontal rolls of a rolling mill (22). An apparatus for performing the method is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for use when machining or applying a textured finish to a surface of a workpiece comprises a receptacle for containing dielectric fluid which is closed on all sides excepting that side which, in use of the apparatus, engages the adjoining surface of the workpiece. The open side of the receptacle carries a flexible structure which can be moved towards and away from the workpiece surface between a first position in which the open side of the receptacle is spaced from the workpiece and a second position in which the workpiece surface closes off the open side of the receptacle. The flexible structure carries at its edge surface a resilient member whose contour can be varied to match the contour of the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment the flexible structure comprises a bellows-like structure.

Abstract: Electrical discharge apparatus for producing on the surface of an electrically conductive workpiece a textured or matt finish comprises a plurality of electrodes each connectable to an electrical power source and each carried by a head which in use of the apparatus can be moved linearly of the workpiece with the electrodes each spaced at a predetermined distance from the workpiece surface. A characteristics of the voltage conditions present within the gap existing between the electrodes and the workpiece surface is monitored and, the head is moved towards and away from the workpiece surface to maintain the monitored characteristic within predetermined limits. Dielectric fluid is retained within the gap existing between the electrodes and the workpiece surface, and a series of discrete electrical discharges is promoted between each electrode and the adjacent workpiece surface to cause particles to be removed from the workpiece surface and produce a textured or matt finish thereto.

Abstract: A manipulator for manipulating metal ingots comprises a wheeled carriage with a peel assembly supported on it so that the peel assembly can move relative to the carriage. The peel assembly is supported adjacent one end of the carriage by at least one piston-cylinder device and a plurality of elongate links are pivotally coupled to the peel assembly and to a rigid support means on the carriage away from the end.

Abstract: A peel assembly for a manipulator comprises an outer housing (25) surrounding an inner housing (19) in which a shaft (1) is rotatably mounted. The inner housing (19) is slidable in the direction of its length relative to the outer housing (25) and the shaft (1) is rotatable with respect to the inner housing (19). The shaft (1) carries an enlarged head (3) having a pair of jaws (9) for gripping an ingot.

Abstract: An electrical discharge apparatus comprises a plurality of electrodes mounted on an electrode carrier and spaced from a workpiece surface to define a gap across which a train of electrical pulses are transmitted. Dielectric fluid is present within the gap and controlled additions of solid particles are made to the dielectric fluid, with the particles being of a material of different electrical conductivity and/or permittivity to that or those of the dielectric fluid. The concentration by volume of the particles within the dielectric fluid lies within the range 0.05% to 7.0% and the size of the majority of the added particles is in excess of 7 microns. The particles are of a material having a relatively high electrical conductivity, e.g., graphite or metallic particles. Alternatively, the particles are formed from a material having good electrical insulating properties, e.g., glass, ceramic or certain metallic oxides.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in substrates containing alumina and a Group IV-B oxide and in producing the same and in processes of producing hydrodesulfurizing catalysts based on Group VIII and Group VI-B in the catalysts employing such substrates, and hydrodesulfurizing process employing the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in substrates containing alumina and a Group IV-B oxide and in producing the same and in processes of producing hydrodesulfurizing catalysts based on Group VIII and Group VI in the catalysts employing such substrates, and hydrodesulfurizing process employing the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for weaving a plain or patterned Axminster pile carpet, wall carpet, floor rug, or mat in which the pile is produced by carrying selected tufts of pile yarn from a yarn feed position to the weaving point by a gripper, and in which at least two distinct heights of pile are produced in an infinitely variable pattern within the normal limitations of the loom.

Abstract: A method of making an Axminster carpet having different heights of pile in the same pile forming pick in which yarn carriers selected to supply high pile are given an additional lift to position the yarns drawn therefrom out of the general plane of yarns drawn-off nonselected carriers. Thereafter means, such as a finger mounted on the knife box, is traversed across the loom ahead of the knife to engage the selected yarns and lengthen them.

Abstract: A method for producing Axminster carpets having two different heights of pile in the same pile forming pick on an Axminster gripper loom. The method comprises engagement of selected yarn carriers on a lifting bar when said yarn carriers move for pile yarn draw-off whereafter the selected yarn carriers are raised and pile yarn drawn-off the selected carriers is raised out of the plane defined by pile yarn drawn-off non-selected carriers.

Abstract: A method of increasing the length of tuft to be woven into an Axminster carpet on a gripper loom. After the yarns have been drawn-off the yarn carriers by relative movement between the yarn carriers and the grippers, means, such as a finger mounted on the knife box, is caused to traverse the loom ahead of the knife and successively engage the drawn-off yarns thereby increasing the length of the tufts.