Abstract: In order to convey granular material from an upstream processing location, a vibratory feeder includes a conveyor having an inlet end and an outlet end disposed in spaced apart relation. The conveyor has the inlet end disposed in a position to receive the material from an outlet of a source of the material by way of gravity. The vibratory feeder utilizes an unbalanced motor for vibrating the conveyor to apply a vibratory force causing the material to be conveyed from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof. The transfer of the material from the source to the conveyor is controlled by using a receptacle have a valve for dispensing the material in the receptacle at the inlet end of the conveyor. Specifically, the receptacle receives the material from the source by gravity and the valve opens and closes dependent upon accumulation of the material in the receptacle.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor arranged so that the vibrations have a substantially greater horizontal than vertical movement. More particularly, the vertical acceleration of material carried by the material-carrying member is less than the acceleration of gravity and therefore the material conveyed does not physically leave the surface of the material-carrying member. The result is a smooth flow of material from one end of the material-carrying member to the other.

Abstract: A computer program for the storage and retrieval to information texts is provided the ability to access and retrieve external text files created by other application programs. The program stores information as texts and creates a summary text associated with each external text file. Keywords associated with the external text can then be indexed to the summary text so that a keyword search of the information texts can use the summary text. If a search leads to the summary text, the user can use a hot link to immediately launch the external program to access the external text file.

Abstract: A continuous preheat charging method including the steps of transferring scrap from a receiving point to a discharge point, preheating scrap adjacent the discharge point prior to delivery of preheated scrap to one of a pair of melting furnaces, and alternately feeding preheated scrap to the pair of melting furnaces. A continuous preheat charging system is also disclosed which includes a scrap charge transfer conveyor having a scrap receiving end and a scrap discharge end together with a weigh feeder station at the scrap receiving end and a preheating station at the scrap discharge end. After scrap is weighed at the weigh feeder station and fed to the transfer conveyor, the scrap is preheated at the preheating station and delivered to a furnace feeder station to be fed on an alternating basis to one of a pair of melting furnaces.

Abstract: A vibratory conveying apparatus is provided with an improved V-shaped trough which conveys material up an inclined path. The angled walls of the trough enhance the frictional forces between the particles of material which, when combined with the frictional forces between the walls and the material, increases the ability of the material to be efficiently conveyed up an inclined path. The trough has a surface with a high coefficient of friction which aids in the conveying action. The higher coefficient of friction may be obtained by the type of material used for the surface of the trough or may be obtained by providing corrugating, ribbing or the like on the surface. The conveying action with the V-shaped trough also abraids the material so as to clean and process the material.

Abstract: According to the invention, a sand distribution structure is interposed between a sand supply hopper and a flask having an associated pattern. The sand distribution structure comprises juxtaposed, apertured plates, which are adjustable relative to each other to variably register the apertures in the separate plates. It is possible with variations in the dimensions and locations of the apertures in the plates to choose a desired flow rate and/or selectively disperse the sand over the pattern.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor arranged so that the vibrations have a substantially greater horizontal than vertical movement. More particularly, the vertical acceleration of material carried by the conveyor is less than the acceleration of gravity and therefore the material conveyed does not physically leave the surface of the conveyor. The result is a smooth flow of material from one end of the trough to the other.

Abstract: A method for distributing, drying and heating a selected mix and weight of metals prior to melting in a furnace, including the steps of placing weights of selected metals in a feeder car according to a predetermined distribution, locating the feeder car beneath the hood of a heater, closing the hood over the car, heating the enclosed metal and transferring the preheated metal from the car to a charge bucket for a furnace. An apparatus is disclosed which includes a feeder car movable between a loading station and a heating and dumping station. A weigh hopper is used for measuring and distributing the selected weights and mix of metals which are then loaded in the feeder car. A hood is adapted to close over the feeder car and seal thereto after which a heater is provided to inject heat through the hood into the enclosed car. A vibratory conveyor is provided which moves the preheated metals from the feeder car into a charge bucket for a furnace.

Abstract: A bin activator apparatus is provided for depiling or unpiling a mass of material from a bin or hopper. The activator apparatus is mounted below the bin or hopper on resilient supports and is adapted to arrest material flow when the apparatus is at rest. A unique structure is provided for producing a circular orbital vibratory motion substantially in the plane of the outlet opening of the activator apparatus which motion produces a steady flow of material from the bin or hopper through the apparatus and onto a conveyor or the like.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for forming a liner in an induction furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing particulate refractory material and a plurality of material delivery tubes communicating with the hopper and extending into the space between a form disposed in the furnace and a furnace wall. A compaction plate is also disposed in the space and includes a plurality of bores therethrough which communicate with the material delivery tubes. Vibrating means vibrate the hopper, material delivery tubes and the compaction plate so that the particulate refractory material is transferred from the hopper to the space between the form and the furnace wall through the material delivery tubes and the compaction plate bores and is compacted by the compaction plate to form the liner.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for conveying material. The vibratory conveyor has a conveyor with a conveyor frame and means for vibrating the conveyor relative to the base. The conveyor frame mounts a flexible trough which can flex and change its static shape as the conveyor frame is vibrated. The flexible trough is defined by a material-conveying flexible member attached along opposite edges thereof to side members of the conveyor frame and having a major part thereof extended therebetween which flexes and changes its static shape as the conveyor frame is vibrated.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vibratory conveyor arranged so that the vibrations have a substantially greater horizontal than vertical movement. More particularly, the vertical acceleration of material carried by the conveyor is less than the acceleration of gravity and therefore the material conveyed does not physically leave the surface of the conveyor. The result is a smooth flow of material from one end of the trough to the other.

Abstract: This apparatus provides a slag handling system wherein slag is transported directly from a cupola furnace to a tank of water. The bottom of the tank slopes upwardly from a lower end to an upper end, and the tank forms part of a vibratory conveyor. The water in the tank is maintained at a level below the upper end of the material-supporting surface of the conveyor so that slag exiting from the cupola is quenched by the water and then conveyed upwardly through and out of the water for discharge from the upper end of the material-carrying surface.