Abstract: A method for minimizing surface carbide formation during box annealing of DQSK steels includes as a first step treating the surface of an aluminum-killed steel suitable for production of DQSK product with an aqueous solution containing about 0.1 to 1.0 moles of phosphate ion per liter. This treatment is applied to provide a surface phosphorus concentration on the steel of at least about 10 mg P/ft.sup.2. The treated steel is then box annealed at a temperature of at least about 1250.degree. F. in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere which is non-oxidizing to steel.

Abstract: A "bank" cash card system for handling fund transfer transactions between a payor and a payee having a magnetic "hysteresis" security arrangement. A cash card has a magnetic stripe on which the available cash balance, the identification and security information are scramble recorded. A transaction register machine reads data from the card, carries out the transaction and records the new account balance on the card. The modified information is "restored" on the card is in the form of a rescrambled code. The transaction register machine also includes a magnetic tape of the cassette type or disk for storing each transaction thereon for further processing of the information at a remote data processing center. The transaction register machine further includes a main keyboard on the side of the payee for displaying the cash balance, entering the total amount of the sale and recording the new cash balance on the card.

Abstract: In the box annealing of steel sheet, the tendency for adjacent wraps of the sheet to pressure weld (stick) is decreased or eliminated by passing the sheet, prior to annealing, through a rinse containing from 1,500 to 10,000 ppm of the magnesium or calcium salts of soluble carboxylic acids--preferably formates. Further benefits are realized if the sheet is electro-cleaned with a silicate containing cleaning solution, and thereafter rinsed in the formate solution whereby the latter acts to fix the concentration of silicates remaining on the surface of the sheet.

Abstract: The discoloration or off-luster border area called "annealing border" which frequently forms on low carbon tin-mill gage steel coils during box annealing in commercial HNX atmospheres is prevented from forming by providing the steel with less than 0.25 wt. %, and preferably less than 0.20 wt. % free manganese in solid solution.

Abstract: The discoloration or off-luster border area known as "annealing border", which may form on low-carbon steel strip during box annealing of coils in commercial HNX atmospheres is eliminated by (a) subjecting the strip to oxidizing conditions such that the coil edges undergo a weight gain of 0.08 to 0.8 mg/cm.sup.2 of strip surface and (b) reducing the so-formed oxide during box annealing.

Abstract: To prevent galling during the drawing and ironing process, black plate is provided with an economical coating for improving surface lubricity. Cold-reduced strip is rinsed with a solution containing soluble salts of manganese and sulfur, e.g. MnSO.sub.4 ; the strip is dried and then heated to above 800.degree. F in a reducing atmosphere, such as HNX. Heating is conducted at a temperature sufficient to reduce the sulfates and provide a surface coating of MnS in which the surface sulfur concentration is in excess of 0.5%.

Abstract: Fluoboric acid is used to pickle steel, particularly hot rolled steel, in either a continuous strip or batch operation. The spent acid is recycled after treatment by electrolysis using compartmented cells separated by a membrane.