Abstract: A sliding plate of a sliding closure unit is moved to selected throttling positions thereof to relatively restrict the size of a discharge passage through the sliding closure unit. The control of movement of the sliding plate is achieved in a level control operation by a processor. Periodically this level control operation is interrupted and the sliding plate is moved in a throttling position change operation from one throttling position through a completely open position of the discharge passage to another throttling position, such two throttling positions employing throttling surfaces of the sliding closure unit on opposite sides of the discharge passage. The throttling position change operation includes regulating at least the throttling position at which the sliding plate is located at the conclusion of the throttling position change operation by a sequence control program included in the processor that controls the level control operation.

Abstract: An assembly of refractory plates for a three-plate sliding closure unit includes an inlet stationary refractory plate having therethrough an outlet opening, an outlet stationary refractory plate having therethrough an outlet opening, and a movable refractory plate mounted between the inlet and outlet stationary plates and having an outlet opening. The movable plate is slidable relative to the stationary plates between closed, open and throttled positions. The axis of the outlet opening in the outlet stationary plate is offset in a closing direction of movement of the movable plate from the axis of the outlet opening in the inlet stationary plate. The inlet end of the outlet opening in the outlet stationary plate is widened.

Abstract: Molten metal is discharged from a metallurgical vessel through a discharge passage of a sliding closure unit into a continuous casting mold. The molten metal level in the mold is established within a predetermined range by throttling the passage by a sliding plate of the sliding closure unit, during which throttling operation deposits gradually form in the sliding closure unit to restrict the size of the throttle passage and thereby reduce the molten metal level. The molten metal level is maintained within the predetermined range by the controlled opening movement of the sliding plate to compensate for restriction of the throttle passage by the formation of the deposits.

Abstract: A filament winder of the automatic exchange type in which chucks are brought successively into winding positions relative to a friction drive roller and thread is transferred from a package on an outgoing chuck to a bobbin on an incomming chuck. Each chuck moves along its own predetermined path towards and away from the friction drive roller. A free thread length is created between the friction drive roller and the outgoing chuck and this free thread length is intercepted by thread catching means on the incoming chuck.

Abstract: A pair of refractory plates includes a stationary bottom plate having a discharge opening and a movable plate having two discharge openings. The movable plate is mounted for sliding movement with respect to the bottom plate about a center of rotation between a center closed position and opposite open positions. The discharge openings of the movable and bottom plates are centered on a common circular arc centered about the center of rotation, and the discharge openings of the movable plate are positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the discharge opening of the bottom plate in the closed position. The bottom plate has a second discharge opening at a position between the circular arc and the center of rotation. The discharge openings of the bottom plate are centered on a radial line extending from the center of rotation and intersecting the circular arc, such radial line corresponding to a radial center line between the discharge openings of the movable plate in the closed position.

Abstract: A discharge structure includes a refractory plate, a mounting frame supporting the refractory plate, an exchangeable refractory nozzle, a mounting sleeve surrounding and supporting the nozzle, a lock between the sleeve and frame for locking the sleeve and the nozzle to the frame in a position with an inner end face of the nozzle urged toward a confronting surface of the refractory plate, and a refractory joint forming a seal between the end face and surface. An abutment extends from the frame and abuts an inner end of the nozzle, thus forming an axial support for the nozzle upon the lock urging the nozzle toward the plate, thus ensuring spacing between the end face and the surface by a predetermined distance and the resultant formation of the joint at a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A swivelling sliding closure unit includes a stationary refractory plate having a discharge opening and supported by a stationary housing. A swivel pin is fixed to the stationary housing, and a swivel lever having first and second ends is mounted on the swivel pin by a gimbal bearing. A movable refractory plate has therethrough a discharge opening and is supported at the first end of the swivel lever by a movable housing to enable pivoting of the movable refractory plate with respect to the swivel lever. The swivel lever is rotated about the swivel pin to move the movable refractory plate between positions enabling and blocking discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel and also to a replacement position. A rolling element is mounted on the stationary housing, and a raceway formed on the second end of the swivel lever abuts the rolling element.

Abstract: The thread catching and severing ring structure includes a ring element which is press fit onto a second ring element. The first ring element has a plurality of projections which overlie a groove on the second ring element. The projections and groove are sized so that a thread can be guided into the groove and thereafter into a gap between a land on the second ring element and a projection on the first ring element.

Abstract: The winding machine is provided with a tension control means which is adjustable to vary the contact length over which a filament slides on a guide roller before being wound onto a mandrel. The guide roller and associated cam drum can be adjusted simultaneously via end plates which can be adjusted in templates fixed to the machine frame.

Abstract: The thread deflecting element is provided with an arcuate groove through which the thread passes as well as with compressed air ducts which deliver compressed air at the entrance of the groove on the side within the groove curvature and at a point downstream of the groove apex on the side outside the groove curvature. The air is delivered via ducts within the plate forming the deflecting element. The travelling thread is relieved of a degree of tension in the deflecting element so as to equalize the tension in the two lengths of the thread loop passing over the two heating paths of the heater.

Abstract: The deflecting element is positioned adajcent to a main heater in order to deflect the thread for two passes in the heater. The deflecting element includes a cylindrical surface which is disposed at an angle to the axis of rotation of the element as well as pair of flanges which define the cylindrical surface. A false twist device is located downstream of the heater to impart a false twist in the thread. The false twist is able to propagate through the thread from the false twist device to the heater and deflecting element back to the supply rolls.