Abstract: The apparatus has a measuring roller (10, 10i) which comprises independent peripheral regions deformable by compression. The sensors (13, 13i) are fixed to and associated with the deformable peripheral regions of the roller in order to detect the deformation thereof under the effect of the strip and to provide signals in dependence on the deformation. A utilization circuit receives the signals of the sensors in order to derive data and control signals therefrom.

Abstract: A method for forming supports for use in electronic components. A plate of copper-based alloy including from 0.1 to 1.0% by weight nickel, and from 0.005 to 0.1% by weight of phosphorus is melted and cast. The alloy includes fine precipitates of nickel phosphides throughout the copper matrix. The plate is subjected to a series of deformation operations including, rolling and intermediate annealing at a temperature in the range of 400.degree. to 600.degree. C., with the annealing temperature being maintained for two to four hours, thereby maximizing the production of fine precipitates of nickel phosphides within the alloy. After alloy formation, the plate is coated with a layer of nickel, cut into a desired shape, and secured to an electronic component.

Abstract: A method for the in-line homogenization and recrystallization of a continuous casting product by providing a continuous casting product including an alloy having a plurality of phases therein disposed proximate to the surface of the product and forming a plurality of voids at least near the surface by superficially cold-working the product. The surface is homogenized by heat treating and substantially reducing at least one of the phases whereby a portion of the voids assist in accelerating the diffusion of a portion of the voids into the alloy.

Abstract: A cold metal working process gradually changes the cross-section of a copper band to a wider band having one or more sections of reduced thickness. A hammering tool having a chevron-like protrusion, formed by two convergent elongate ridges with long and narrow flat crests, performs a succession of elemental hammered compressions on the band. The metal band, between blows of the hammering tool, is advanced toward the wider part of the chevron-like protrusion and enables the reduced thickness section to be progressively widened by hammering, with the long flat crests of the two ridges, on narrow strips of the portions of the band adjacent to the reduced thickness section. The material displaced from the hammered indentation at each elemental compression of the narrow strip is displaced substantially laterally and results in a widening of the band without an appreciable increase in the initial thickness of the other portions of the band's cross-section.

Abstract: The invention concerns the continuous casting of metals such as alloys of copper and is directed to the type of apparatus that uses a graphite die having a mold passage in which the casting is shaped as it passes through the die. In that type of apparatus, the die is disposed between cooling elements that conduct heat away from the die to cause the hot metal to cool as it passes through the die and because the die has a tendency to bend away from the cooling elements, the apparatus employs clamps to inhibit separation of the die from the cooling elements. In the invention, means are provided to apply compressive force to the ends of the die to cause bending moments to be set up in the die that counteract the tendency of the die to bend away from the cooling elements. In the invention the die is made of two graphite plates of uniform thickness separated by graphite spacers which form a generally rectangular mold passaage.

Abstract: Apparatus for discontinuously diluting a liquid in another liquid, to a predetermined level of concentration, comprising a metering container provided with a means for automatically limiting the filling thereof to a predetermined level, a tank for liquid to be diluted, whose lower part is connected to the upper part of the metering container by a conduit, a dilution vessel whose lower part is connected to the lower part of the metering container, a means for permitting transfer of the diluted liquid from the lower part of the dilution vessel to an assembly for using the diluted liquid, a conduit for passing the diluting liquid into the dilution vessel, a valve which is interposed on the conduit carrying the diluting liquid into the dilution vessel, an aspirator means which is disposed on the conduit carrying the diluting liquid to the dilution vessel and positioned downstream of the valve.