Abstract: A method and apparatus for pouring molten metal in a crucible over a pouring lip of the crucible and into an opening in a mold is disclosed. The crucible and the mold are inside a chamber under vacuum, and the crucible is supported on a holder which is rotatable about first and second, spaced-apart, parallel, horizontal axes. The location of the first axis is selected so that over a limited arc the pouring lip moves primarily horizontally over a preselected distance such as 12-18 inches. The second axis is located so that tilting of the crucible about it causes the molten liquid to flow over the pouring lip. When the molten metal is to be poured, the manually or computer controlled actuators tilt the crucible about the first and second axes to position the lip so that the stream of metal flows into the mold opening at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: In a lighting fixture including a lamp and a housing, a heat transfer structure is disclosed for reducing the minimum lamp wall temperature of a fluorescent light bulb. The heat transfer structure, constructed of thermally conductive material, extends from inside the housing to outside the housing, transferring heat energy generated from a fluorescent light bulb to outside the housing where the heat energy is dissipated to the ambient air outside the housing. Also disclosed is a method for reducing minimum lamp wall temperatures. Further disclosed is an improved lighting fixture including a lamp, a housing and the aforementioned heat transfer structure.

Abstract: In apparatus of the type having a shaft which moves axially or is rotated, a rotary seal on the shaft for eliminating the breakaway friction between the shaft and its mount. The seal includes an inner sleeve surrounding the shaft and rotatable thereon, the sleeve having one or more seals on the inner surface thereof and in engagement with the shaft. The inner sleeve is supported at its ends on a pair of bearings which mount the shaft for movement. An outer sleeve fixed relative to a reference surrounds the inner sleeve and is received within a tubular member forming part of a fixed support. A power device coupled through a driver spur gear and a driven spur gear rotates the inner sleeve relative to the shaft and the outer sleeve as the shaft moves in a particular direction, such as axially or rotationally. The inner sleeve thereby eliminates the axial component of breakaway friction between the inner sleeve and the shaft. The inner sleeve can rotate in one direction or back and forth in opposite directions.