Abstract: A method for finishing cold-rolled stainless steel is disclosed, wherein the stainless steel is annealed and descaled. After descaling, the cold-rolled stainless steel is temper rolled, buffed and embossed. Line speed as fast as 75 fpm is used to produce an AISI #3 finish.

Abstract: A steel sheet having an embossed pattern of straight parallel grooves along the longitudinal axis of the sheet which replicate an abrasively polished surface. Furthermore, a working roll with the embossing pattern comprised of matching channels is disclosed along with methods for imparting the embossed pattern to the steel sheet. Finally, a method for fabricating the channels within the working roll is disclosed utilizing an abrasive element against the periphery of the roll.

Abstract: A method for producing bright stainless steel whereby a hot mill band having a dull oxide-free surface is first formed. The hot mill band is cold reduced to form a full hard coil having a shiny surface. The coil is subjected to continuous annealing at a temperature of 1500.degree.-1950.degree. F. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere sufficient to form a protective FeCr.sub.2 O.sub.3 scale. The annealed coil is subjected to a mild non-etching pickling process to remove the black scale. The coil is then rolled on a temper mill having specially finished rolls to impart a surface pattern that replicates an abrasively polished surface.

Abstract: A continuous process line for converting hot rolled stainless steel strip to final gauge product is provided. The stainless steel strip has a scale formed on the surface thereof. The steel strip is introduced to a rolling mill to reduce the thickness of the hot rolled stainless steel to a final gauge thickness and tolerance. The rolling mill also cracks the scale on the surface of the final gauge thickness strip. An annealing section anneals the final gauge thickness strip received from the rolling mill. A pickling section pickles the annealed strip from the annealing section and removes the scale from the surface. Preferably, a molten salt bath section provided between the annealing section and the pickling section conditions the scale cracked in the cold rolling section and passes the conditioned stainless steel to the pickling section.

Abstract: An austenitic steel alloy is provided having improved creep strength at high temperature. The improved creep strength performance is achieved by adding a limited amount of silicon to the steel alloy along with increased amounts of nitrogen and columbium, also known as niobium. The added columbium ties up the carbon in the alloy composition to prevent sensitization promotion and premature corrosion-fatigue failures. The resulting steel alloy provides improved strength, improved carburization resistance, and maintains good weldability.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule received within a ferrule holder. The ferrule holder is provided with venting to evacuate air from an adhesive receiving chamber to avoid air pocket formation in adhesive.