Abstract: In the hot-dip coating of wire, a sinker assembly is utilized for guiding the wire during its travel through the molten metal bath. The outer perimeter or bearing surface around which the wire is wrapped is composed of alumina or other refractory segments housed within the sinker assembly. The discrete segments are provided with a small clearance to permit some movement, within the confines of the housing, along the locus of the wire travel. The outer surface of the discrete segments is grooved, so that the wire wrapped therearound bears solely on the internal sides of the groove.

Abstract: An adjustable spring latch for doors of coke ovens or the like. The latch includes springs which urge the door into tight engagement with the jamb. The force exerted by the springs can be adjusted by turning a spindle. The latch also includes sight pins which afford a visual indication of the force exerted by the springs.

Abstract: A seal for the offtake piping of a coke oven. The piping includes two communicating parts, such as an ascension pipe and a gooseneck, which move relatively to one another. A seal between these parts prevents escape of gases. The seal includes a trough fixed to one of the parts and receiving the other. The trough contains a body of a non-coking non-flammable liquid, preferably silicone, into which the other part extends. Optionally the trough may also contain a gasket of a closed cell sponge elastomer or a layer of granular material.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for coke-oven doors, which mechanism includes combination radial thrust bearings for the latch bars. These bearings afford adjustability in all directions for the latch bars to enable force to be applied uniformly to the sealing strips which extend around the perimeter of the door.

Abstract: A means for guiding a coke oven door as it is replaced on an oven. The guide means includes bars carried by the door frame for guiding the door accurately to a position in which the sealing members contact a flat surface on the jamb to effect a seal. The forward tips of the guide bars are closely adjacent the forward edges of the sealing members so that the guide bars serve also as stops to prevent overloading of the sealing members.