Abstract: Apparatus and method for degassing fine powders of metals are disclosed. A vertical shell having a series of baffle plates inclined at an angle of repose is used to induce a serpentine path for the powder. The shell is subjected to suitable conditions of vibration temperature and pressure to maintain the desired flow rate and gas separation. Conditions of mesh size, pressure temperature, angle of repose as well as equipment configuration are discussed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the recovery of combustible gases in an electrometallurgy furnace comprising an external metal casing (1) and an internal refractory lining (2), in which at least one oxidized compound is reduced by means of carbon, the various components being introduced into the furnace in the form of a divided charge (6) (A) which moves progressively downwardly towards the reaction region (C), passing through a sintering region (B). The combustible gases produced in the reaction region are collected by suction, by means of a plurality of apertures (8) provided in the external metal casing (1) and the internal refractory lining (2) and disposed at a level corresponding to the lower portion of the divided charge (A) and before it passes into the sintering region (B).

Abstract: Disclosed is a core for producing halves of cambered hollow articles, such as bonded turbine blades. The core has opposing flanges which differ in thickness, since the opposing contour surfaces are rotated relative to one another, compared to the relationship of the contour surfaces in the interior of the hollow article being produced. Thus, the core is made thicker and more sound in the area of high camber where it is otherwise prone to be thin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improved positioning of a strongback in a pattern mold for formation of expendable patterns thereon. Investment casting molds formed around the assembly of strongback and patterns are characterized as having the strongback precisely and reproducibly suspended therein. Articles, such as turbine blade halves, cast in such investment molds have mating surfaces in close dimensional relationship and can be bonded one to any mating other to form a finished product.In particular, improved positioning of the strongback in the pattern mold is achieved by suspending the strongback from the bonding locators by expendable locating means; that is, locating means which are incorporated into the patterns formed on the strongback surfaces. The use of expendable locating means enables the bonding locators to also serve as locators for positioning the strongback in the pattern mold and essentially eliminates errors in strongback positioning due to tolerances associated therewith.