Abstract: A method for the recycling of overspray powder during spray forming is provided. The method involves providing a refining vessel to contain an electroslag refining layer floating on a layer of molten refined metal. An ingot of unrefined metal is lowered into the vessel into contact with the molten electroslag layer. A current is passed through the slag layer to the ingot to cause surface melting at the interface between the ingot and the electroslag layer. As the ingot is surface melted at its point of contact with the slag, droplets of the unrefined metal are formed and these droplets pass down through the slag and are collected in a body of molten refined metal beneath the slag. The refined metal is held within a cold hearth. At the bottom of the cold hearth, a cold finger orifice permits the withdrawal of refined metal from the cold hearth apparatus. The refined metal passes from the cold finger orifice as a stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a standing instrument support assembly having selectively adjustable elements which substantially reduce the amount of force a musician must exert to support and balance the instrument while playing. The support assembly generally has three basic, interlocking elements which are: 1) an elongated, rigid crossbar having a clamp integrally extending from one end thereof; 2) an elongated endpin holder which pivotally and slidably connects within a longitudinally extending slot formed in the crossbar via a laterally extending screw; and 3) an elongated, rigid endpin which telescopically and slidably engages within a longitudinally extending bore in the end of the endpin holder opposite the end which engages the crossbar. The three elements may be positioned such that the endpin engages the floor at the position which is coincident with the line of action caused by the weight vector) which thereby substantially eliminates the tilting moment caused by the weight of the instrument.