Abstract: A sampler for taking samples from multiple sources has a fixed, non-moving needle at a sampling station. A sample vial is lifted from a tray at the sampling station. The needle pierces the septum of the vial and enters the sample as the vial is lifted toward the needle. The sample vial is also rotated as it is lifted, and a bar code reader makes a number of spaced apart, helical reads on a bar code label attached to the vial for label identification of the sample. The needle includes an inner, sample needle and an outer, gas-pressurization needle. The sample is withdrawn by the positive displacement of a syringe connected to the sample needle. The combination of the gas pressurization within the vial and the positive displacement of the syringe insures movement of the sample and accurate control of the volume removed independent of the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: A pump for producing a substantially smooth and continuous outflow of liquid at relatively high pressure has two piston assemblies flow connected in series. The first piston assembly includes a pressure piston having a long suction stroke and a relatively short and abrupt expulsion stroke. A valve at the inlet of the pressurization piston allows flow to enter (but not exit), and a valve at the outlet of the pressurization piston allows flow to exit (but not enter). The second piston assembly includes a damper piston which functions as a mechanically driven damper to smooth the outflow from the pressure piston. This smoothing is accomplished by storing of the liquid displaced by the expulsion stroke of the pressure piston and then delivering the stored pressurized liquid to the pump outlet during the suction stroke of the pressure piston.

Abstract: An iron blast furnace casting cage is provided comprising an enclosure for substantially surrounding a blast furnace tap hole and auxiliary equipment and having means defining an upper wall portion disposed above said tap hole and auxiliary equipment and a side wall portion extending generally downwardly from said upper wall portion, an access means in said side wall, an exhaust opening formed in one of said wall portions, said upper and side wall portions adapted to be disposed in a closely surrounding relation to said tap hole, auxiliary equipment and the floor of the cast house, and exhaust means extending from said exhaust opening for withdrawing pollutants generated in said cage.

Abstract: The weight of a vessel having trunnion shafts supported by bearings fitted with pressure pads is determined as a function of the fluid pressure necessary to raise the shafts a constant distance and maintain the distance constant.

Abstract: A process for the regeneration of slag involves treating the slag after the steel has been removed from the steelmaking heat. Oxygen and a fluid hydrocarbon fuel are lanced into the molten slag to reduce metal oxides in the slag to their metallic state and to purify the slag. After the treatment, the metal constituents are removed from the slag treating vessel and the molten slag can be used for another steel heat.

Abstract: Nozzle means are disclosed that are particularly suited for use in combination with tuyeres of metallurgical reducing or refining vessels. The nozzle means is axially positionable within the tuyere to maintain a supersonic jet as the tuyere is consumed. Both axially divergent-convergent and convergent-divergent nozzle means are disclosed. Also disclosed is a combination of nozzle means to effect rapid shut-off of the tuyere by positioning a conforming convergent first portion into the convergent second portion of the nozzle means.