Abstract: Steel strip is continuously coated with molten metal by passing it through a plasma arc and projecting the molten metal thereon in an inert atmosphere, e.g. nitrogen. The projecting means reciprocates transversely of the strip. The strip is preheated prior to deposition and the surface of the coating is reheated for refusion of only the surface of the coating. An inert atmosphere is maintained in an enclosure surrounding the projecting apparatus, by directing inert gas against the coated strip in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the strip.

Abstract: A sealed joint between concentric inner and outer cylindrical members comprises an annular sleeve of flexible fluid impervious material of U-shaped cross section having the end of one leg secured to the inner surface of the outer cylindrical member and the end of the other leg secured to the outer surface of the inner cylindrical member. The sleeve can be a double sleeve, of closed configuration. The ends of the double sleeve can be spaced apart, or secured together, or integral. A fluid under pressure can be introduced into the confines of the double sleeve.