Abstract: A sprinkler includes a compartment that surrounds its riser portion in an offset or asymmetrical configuration. More specifically, the distance of the compartments walls from those of the riser vary (i.e., increase or decrease) at different locations surrounding the riser. Put another way, the riser is closer to one side of the compartment than other sides of the compartment. This non-concentric configuration allows larger components to fit inside the compartment than would otherwise fit if the riser was symmetrically surrounded by the compartment.

Abstract: A coating system for coating objects with a coating material includes at least one material source for a coating material which can be fluidically connected to an application device. A feed system can be used for feeding coating material back to its material source in a feeding-back direction over a feed path. It can be determined by means of a detection device whether coating material or some other material is present in a control portion of the feed path, the detection device generating a corresponding output signal. Also specified is a method for coating objects in which it is determined during the feeding back of coating material to its material source whether regions made up of material other than the coating material are being carried along by the coating material to be fed back.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film having durability at a low cost is provided. A film formation apparatus 1 is used in the film formation method. The apparatus 1 comprises a vacuum container 11, in which a substrate 100 is placed at a lower part, a vacuum pump 15 for exhaust inside the container 11, a storage container 23 for storing a coating agent 21 provided outside the container 11, a nozzle having an ejection part 19 capable of ejecting the coating agent 21 at its one end and a pressurizing means (a gas supply source 29, etc.) for pressurizing a liquid surface of a coating agent 21 stored in the storage container 23. A solution, which includes two or more kinds of materials including a first material (S1) and a second material (S2) having a higher vapor pressure (P2) than a vapor pressure (P1) of the S1 and has a concentration of the first material being 0.01 wt % or more, is used as the coating agent 21.

Abstract: A water output device having ultrasonic pulverizing function comprises a shower main body, which includes a decoration box, detachably embedded in the shower main body, or forming with the shower main body into a body; and an ultrasonic pulverizing device, disposed in the decoration box. The ultrasonic pulverizing device includes: a water box, with its upper portion provided with a water input port, and with its lower portion provided with a water output port; an ultrasonic wave generator, fixed to a water output port at a lower portion of the water box through a fixing block, and having a web-shape structure inside, for allowing small particles of water mist to pass through; and a control device, disposed at a side of the water box, and including a power source module, a charging module, a vibration circuit module.

Abstract: An ultrasonic aerosol generation apparatus preferably includes an aerosol generation case, a case cover, at least one outlet pipe, an air feed manifold, at least one, transducer, transducer power supply, and microprocessor based controller. The aerosol generation case preferably includes a fluid reservoir and a transducer chamber. The case cover is attached to a top of the aerosol generation case. Each outlet pipe preferably includes an outer base tube, an inner tube and an exhaust tube. The at least one outlet pipe is attached to the case cover over the at least one transducer. The air feed manifold includes an inlet tube, a supply tube and at least one exhaust pipe tube. The supply tube communicates with the transducer chamber and the at least one exhaust pipe communicates with the at least one outlet pipe. The microprocessor based controller is used to monitor, power, and/or control, the above mentioned components.

Abstract: An adhesive dispenser includes: a vessel has an open top and a closed bottom, and defines an interior cavity; a handle is affixed on one side of the vessel; a lid with an adhesive charge port closes the open top; a pour spout opens through the lid and is positioned on a side of the cavity opposite the handle, the pour spout includes a channel formed in the cavity and the channel extends from the pour spout to adjacent the bottom of the cavity; and a heater including a heating element for melting adhesive placed in the cavity, and a fin extending axially from the bottom of the cavity. The method for dispensing includes pouring a liquid adhesive from the dispenser.

Abstract: An application device and an application method capable of increasing the speed of a line-drawing application are provided. The application device includes a discharge device, a worktable, a drive device, and a control unit. A discharge member gives an inertial force to a liquid material inside a liquid chamber, thereby discharging the liquid material from a plurality of discharge ports at the same time and forming a plurality of droplets on an application object. The plurality of discharge ports are arranged in a nozzle along a straight nozzle arrangement line, and the nozzle arrangement line is aligned with a drawing direction in which a drawing line is to be drawn.

Abstract: A device (1) for introducing a plugging compound (20) into a borehole (21), the device having a sleeve (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving the plugging compound (20). On one side, the sleeve (2) has a discharge opening (5), corresponding to the cavity (3), for discharging the plugging compound (20), and a support section (7), projecting laterally from the sleeve, for providing a support option for the sleeve (2) during introduction of the plugging compound (20). On the opposite side of the sleeve (2), an upper opening (4) is provided, through which a piston (16) together with a feed plate (18) protrudes into the cavity (3). The piston (16) is movable relative to the sleeve (2) in such a way that the feed plate (18) can be displaced in the cavity (3), for example to allow the plugging compound (20) to be received and dispensed.

Abstract: A protective collar for temporarily protecting an item from paint on a surface that is being painted. The protective collar is formed as a band having a convex surface and a concave surface. The band has a uniform thickness between the convex surface and the concave surface in the primary areas that are not tapered. The band embodies a spring bias that biases the band into a circular configuration. The first end and the second end of the band are tapered. Additionally, the band is tapered along its length adjacent a first long edge. This causes the first long edge to be thinner than the opposite second long edge. The tapered regions minimize the footprint of the spring collar on a surface.

Abstract: A method for applying a polymer to a substrate having a first surface and a second surface (such as an inside surface and outside surface). One or more apertures are provided through the substrate, with the apertures linking the first and second surfaces. A polymer coating is applied to the first and second surfaces, with some of the polymer coating flowing into and remaining within the aperture(s). The polymer coating within the aperture(s) serves to link the polymer coating covering the first surface and the polymer coating covering the second surface. The invention also encompasses coated objects made using the inventive method.

Abstract: A method for coating metallic surfaces of substrates with surfaces of aqueous coating) compositions in the form of a dispersion and/or a suspension containing at least one stabilized binder and a gelling agent, the cations having been dissolved out of the metallic surface of the substrate in a pretreatment stage and/or during the contacting. The invention further relates to such a coating based on an ionogenic gel, in which the coating is formed by a process further described herein.

Abstract: An evaporator for evaporating a material onto a substrate is described. The evaporator includes a guiding means for guiding the material towards at least one opening nozzle. The guiding means includes a measurement outlet for a portion of the material. The evaporator further includes a first measurement system configured for generating a first signal correlated with a deposition rate of the evaporator and having a first detector positioned for being coated by the material and a second optical measurement system for generating a second signal correlated with the deposition rate of the evaporator and wherein the second signal is based on the portion of the material of the measurement outlet.

Abstract: Coatings for filling cracks within anodic films formed from, for example, a laser marking process are described. The cracks generally have widths of nanometers in scale and can extend from an external surface of an anodic film to an underlying metal substrate. The coatings fill the cracks to prevent liquid and contaminants from entering the cracks and reaching the metal substrate, thereby preventing corrosion of the underlying metal substrate. The coatings can be hydrophobic such that water is wicked away from the cracks. In some cases, the coatings are fluoropolymer coatings. Methods include spray-on techniques that provide a thin and uniform layer of the coating. The spray-on technique can be configured to spray on a fluoropolymer precursor onto the anodic film such that the fluoropolymer precursor diffuses into and polymerizes into the fluoropolymer coating within the cracks.

Abstract: A vehicle exhaust system includes a mixer having an inlet that receives engine exhaust gases and an outlet to direct swirling engine exhaust gas to a downstream exhaust component. The mixer has a plurality of internal surfaces that come into contact with the engine exhaust gases. At least one of the internal surfaces has a coating comprised of a low-coefficient of friction material.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a device which has one or more components housed in a housing. A liquid coating precursor is applied to at least part of the internal surface of the housing and/or at least part of the one or more components within the housing. Low pressure conditions are applied to the closed housing, sufficient to cause the liquid coating precursor to evaporate and initiation of the liquid coating precursor to thereby cause the coating to form on at least some of the internal surfaces of the device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for high density Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are presented. In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a micro-electro-mechanical device on a substrate can comprise etching a release via through a layer of the device. The method can further comprise creating a cavity in the layer of the device using the release via as a conduit to access the desired location of the cavity, the cavity enabling movement of a transducer of the device. The method can then comprise depositing low impedance, electrically conductive material into the release via to form an electrically conductive path through the layer. Finally, the method can comprise electrically coupling the electrically conductive material to an electrode of the transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles from a fluid stream includes a flow chamber that has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. At least one ultrasonic transducer is located on a wall of the flow chamber. The transducer includes a piezoelectric array with at least two piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric array includes a piezoelectric material to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the flow chamber. A reflector is located on the wall on the opposite side of the flow chamber from the at least one ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic transmitter includes a first enclosure, a second enclosure, a piezoelectric transducer, a first piston, and a second piston. The first enclosure has an opening for directing an output of the ultrasonic transmitter in a first direction and a wall opposite the opening. The second enclosure has a first opening aligned in the first direction and a second opening opposite the first opening. The second enclosure is positioned in the first enclosure with the second opening directed toward the wall. The piezoelectric transducer is positioned in the second enclosure and movable relative to the first enclosure. When an ultrasonic electric signal is applied to the piezoelectric transducer, the piezoelectric transducer expands and contracts pulsing the first and second pistons to produce ultrasonic sound waves from the first and second openings which combine and our output by the ultrasonic transmitter.

Abstract: A modular exciter beam fitted to a vibratory screen assembly. The exciter beam spans between opposing side walls of the screen assembly. The modular exciter beam provides mounting for a pair of exciter mechanisms which are located substantially inside the side walls of the screen assembly.

Abstract: For use in sieving machines where pluralities of products are classified by sieving, a sieving box is provided having at least one sieve frame having edge profiles whereon a sieve is fixed and having a brush pan with a brush movement surface and at least one product passage opening. At least one support frame is provided having at least one output module having at least one module passage opening in a manner matching with the product passage opening provided on the brush pan and at least one closing rod by being positioned between the sieve frame and at least one brush pan obtained by bending at least one bendable plate from the bending lines.

Abstract: A sorting device comprises a support member for supporting and transporting an article. The support member is drivable in a conveying direction. The sorting device also comprises a loading station at which at least an article can be loaded to the support member, and an unloading station at which at least an article can be removed from the support member. The unloading station is provided with a plurality of receivers for receiving an article that is removed from the support member. The receivers are arranged transversely with respect to the conveying direction and disposed such that they are below the support member when the support member is at the unloading station. Furthermore, the sorting device comprises a controller for directing an article that is supported and transported by the support member to a selected one of the receivers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing quantitative detection and analysis of cleanliness and cleanliness levels of components, or pieces of equipment, are disclosed. A cleaning system may have a cleanliness information acquisition module which may acquire, inter alia, optical information about a piece of equipment and a computer-based processing unit may determine a level of cleanliness, an extent to which the piece of equipment is contaminated with a contaminant, and an appropriate cleaning methodology to employ to clean the piece of equipment, using, for example, a cleaning composition which may include a cleaning agent. The cleaning system may execute the cleaning methodology, and once again determine the cleanliness level of the piece of equipment. The cleaning system may also detect the presence or the absence of defects in the piece of equipment. The information collected may also be stored in a database for future reference.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor cleaning system. The cleaning system includes a chamber to retain a cleaning solution, and a gigasonic frequency generator. The gigasonic frequency generator is configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to a range of gigahertz frequencies. A transducer is configured to transform the electrical signal to a mechanical wave of pressure and displacement that propagates through the cleaning solution with oscillations within the range of gigahertz frequencies.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for cleaning a near surface region of an alloy substrate (10) in the presence of a flux material (12). A flux material is melted on the surface of the alloy substrate to a temperature sufficient to permit a reaction of the flux material with at least one tramp element present within the alloy substrate. The alloy substrate may remain solid, but diffusion of the tramp element is facilitated by an elevated temperature of the substrate. Fluxes disclosed may include a metal oxalate and/or other compounds capable of forming tramp element containing compounds by reaction with the alloy substrate to be cleaned, wherein the compounds formed have a ?Hf lower than ?100 kcal/g-mol at 25° C.

Abstract: Device for cleaning the outer surface of the circumferential wall of plant pots, including: a frame; a pot track arranged on the frame, which track extends from an input end to an output end and forms a support surface for the plant pots; a movement device for moving the plant pots from the input end to the output end; a rotation device for rotating the plant pots about their pot axis; a brush for brushing the outer surface of the circumferential wall of the plant pots during the movement; a first brush drive for rotating the brush about a lying axis; and a second brush drive for moving the rotating brush up and down, while engaging the pot's circumferential wall, between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is situated at a lower level than the second position.

Abstract: A distortion correction tool corrects distortion in a workpiece held by a fixture. Sensors in the fixture determine the existence, extent, and location of distortions in the workpiece and a controller directs the application of the distortion correction tool to the workpiece based on the information received from the sensors. Particularly, a ram mounted to a quick-change tool head for a robotic arm is used as a distortion correction tool to correct distortions in a workpiece by inducing plastic deformation through use of compressive force, the extent and location of which is determined by a controller based on sensor measurements.

Abstract: A press brake has a lower table arranged at lower part of left and right side frames, an upper table arranged at upper part of the side frames and facing the lower table, one of the upper and lower tables serving as a ram to be moved vertically, and left and right vertical driving units arranged on the side frames, respectively, to move the ram vertically. Strain detecting sensors are arranged on inner and outer side faces, respectively, of each of the left and right side frames, to detect strain of the side frames in such a way as to cancel horizontal deflection of the side frames and detect vertical deflection thereof.

Abstract: A tube bending tool (1) comprising support surfaces (2, 2?, 2?), between said surfaces a tube (3), to be bent, is placed. A pressure exerting unit (6) with an extension (8) displaceable towards the tube (3), where a convex, bent bearing surface (10) is provided in order to press against the tube (3) when said extension (8) delivers a force from the pressure exerting unit (6). The front portion (9) comprises elongated elements (12, 12?). The outer ends of the elongated elements (12, 12?) comprise displaceable and movable support elements which press on the outer surface of the tube. The inner ends (13, 13?) of the elongated elements are cross-laid and movable, so that they during bending, press in a direction towards the center of the bending radius of the tube (3), at the same time as different radii of the bend (5) can be provided on different places. There is also an optional limiting means for bends over 90 degrees.

Abstract: A bending device for forming a corrugation in a metal sheet, the bending device having a frame, a die having two die elements, each having a concave half-impression, mounted able to slide on the frame; a punch having a head able to engage inside the impression of the die so as to press the metal sheet; and two side clamps mounted sliding and able to move vertically with respect to the lower frame so as to clamp the metal sheet against the bearing surfaces of the die elements. During the displacement of the punch into its bending position, the metal sheet transmits a traction force to the die elements and to the side clamps so as to displace them into their near position.

Abstract: A forming apparatus that forms a metal pipe includes: a heating unit which heats a metal pipe material; a gas supply unit which supplies gas into a heated metal pipe material, thereby expanding the metal pipe material; a die which forms the metal pipe by bringing the expanded metal pipe material into contact with the die; a cooling unit which cools the metal pipe after the forming by a cooling medium; and a control unit which controls an operation of the die, the gas supply unit, and the cooling unit, wherein the control unit makes cooling of the metal pipe by the cooling medium be performed, by controlling an operation of the die such that the die is opened and controlling the cooling unit such that the cooling unit brings the cooling medium into contact with the metal pipe, subsequently to completion of forming by the die.

Abstract: A shaping tool die for shaping components from sheet material includes two matching shaping tool die halves, each shaping tool die half having a plurality of spaced plate die shapes, each die shape having a rotatable curved surface mated with a curved recess in the free end of a base mounting plate such that each plate die shape is separately adjustable relative to a mated mounting plate. A position fixing plate is associated with each plate die shape and base mounting plate combination to adjustably fix the position of the plate die shape relative to the base mounting plate in a desired position. A base member is provided for receiving the base mounting plates for each tool die half, and at least one clamp plate member threaded through corresponding base mounting plates of each die half and removably fixed to a corresponding base member is provided to fix the base mounting plates in place.

Abstract: A hot forming line for producing hot formed and press hardened sheet metal products made from metal plates includes a heating station and a forming station. The heating station has a bottom tool and an top tool between which a metal plate is received. The metal plate is heated in the heating station by indirect resistance heating. The heat is generated outside the metal plate and is transmitted by heat conduction into the metal plate itself. For this the bottom tool and/or the top tool has an electric resistance heating with at least one surface heating element. The surface heating element is a heating plate with a plate body made of an electrically conductive material, wherein the plate body is configured as heat conductor. For this the plate body is slotted and is for example provided with a slot, which extends over the thickness of the plate body.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for forming a profiled article (46) comprises: a forming path (41) through which a blank of deformable material to be formed into the profiled article passes; a pair of complementary and opposing body forming die members (45, 45?) adapted to travel along the forming path (41); and a drive (44, 44?) that facilitates travel of the body forming die members (45, 45?) along the forming path (41), wherein the pair of body forming die members (45, 45?) is adapted to act on the blank of deformable material independently to form a desired profile on the blank. Locating elements (75) that locate the blanks may be provided. A method of forming material is also provided. Further, there is provided a length of deformable material for use with the apparatus.

Abstract: The device comprises a base (12), a mobile support (14), a contact member (16), a lever (34) which comprises a blocking arm (38) pivotally mounted around an axis (36). The device comprises retention means (40, 42) capable of opposing the pivoting of the lever. The device also comprises a reaction member (48A) fixed with respect to the base (12) and capable of cooperating with a reaction zone of the blocking arm (38) by defining a reaction surface inclined with respect to the translation direction X of the support on the base. The pivoting of the lever allowed by the release of the retention means allows the displacement of the contact member.

Abstract: Devices for separating two workpiece parts, e.g., metal sheets, from one another are described and include a workpiece mounting, a lifting device arranged on one side of the workpiece mounting, and a counter-holder arranged on the opposite side of the workpiece mounting. The counter-holder can be transferred into a fixing state and into a releasing state. One of the workpiece parts to be separated from one another is provided as a removal part, the other as a remaining part. For separating the two workpiece parts, the removal part, which is acted upon by the lifting device and supported by the counter-holder, can be moved by means of the lifting device perpendicular to the mounting in relation to the remaining part by a removal movement. At least in the releasing state, the counter-holder forms a rigid abutment in the lifting direction for the removal part. The rigid abutment has the effect that the removal part is aligned parallel to the mounting.

Abstract: An induction heating device of a blank is provided. The device includes an induction heating member that is disposed on a table while being spaced apart from an inducting heating target by a predetermined interval. Additionally, a power unit is configured to supply power to the induction heating member to cause the induction heating member to heat a part of the induction heating target and a cooling unit is configured to cool the induction heating member.

Abstract: Apparatuses configured to apply and methods for applying a lining element to an interior surface of a can and/or to a can end are provided.

Abstract: A method for the production of a closed hollow profile for a vehicle axle including the following steps: a) provision of a board made out of a sheet of metal, wherein the board has at least a length in a longitudinal direction and at least a width in a transverse direction, b) forming of the board, creating an open profile with a channel running in a longitudinal direction of the board, c) forming the lateral surfaces of the board, creating a hollow profile with a circumference and a longitudinal gap and d) joining together the longitudinal gap.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a bumper beam of a vehicle may include pipe making, producing a circular pipe by pipe molding a steel plate having a predetermined thickness between first and second molding rolls, heating the circular pipe to a set temperature in a heating furnace, pressurizing and molding the circular pipe heated in the heating furnace and having flexibility, while inserting the circular pipe between an upper mold and a lower mold to form a molding beam, and thereafter, rapidly cooling the molding beam to form the molding beam into a high-strength molding beam, and curvature-molding the high-strength molding beam at a predetermined curvature through a curvature molding machine.

Abstract: The preset invention relates to an apparatus for coupling arranged-reinforcement bars that can more precisely supply wires and bind and cut reinforcement bars, using a linkage member that longitudinally moves with rotation of a main shaft, and can stably operate by stably moving a guider for guiding wires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a die heating system that is developed for preheating and continuous heating of forging dies (12) internally. The dies (12) are provided with channels (13) in which electrical heating cartridges (15) are placed with built-in thermocouples (16) monitored by a PID thermostat. The channels are located optimally in a zone (C) close to the die cavity for efficient heating but outside the zones of high forging load (D) or of rework requirement (B) or of high forging load after rework (A).

Abstract: A radial compression mechanism includes a plurality of die, each of the plurality of die have a wedge shaped tip. The dies are arranged around a common central axis so that the wedge shaped tips form an elongated central cavity and move between an expanded position and a contracted position. Each die includes a fluid duct extending lengthwise through the die proximate the wedge-shaped tip. Each fluid duct includes an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The fluid ducts are connected in parallel by a fluid supply manifold connected to each inlet fluid port of each die by an inlet conduit, and a fluid return manifold connected to each outlet fluid port of each die by an outlet conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for texturing the surface of a brake plate has three die plates and spring supports therebetween. A toothed tooling mounts to the top die plate above an anvil on the centre die plate both of which ride on posts held by the lower die plate. The toothed tooling comprises multiple blades each with multiple replaceable toothed inserts are held in a cartridge arrangement. The anvil receives brake plates from a separately supported plate feed mechanism with greatly reduced reciprocating mass. The complete die set can be set up on the bench and inserted ready to use in any style of press where the press ram contacts the upper die plate.

Abstract: A method for fixing a plurality of workpieces via a hollow rivet element with an open setting end and a closed closing end. The method includes passing the rivet element through mutually aligned openings of the workpieces. The method also includes introducing a fluid, in particular air, under high pressure from the setting end of the rivet element in a hollow space of the rivet element. The method also includes plastically deforming and setting of the rivet element by the fluid at the closed closing end of the rivet element.

Abstract: A method for setting up a riveter comprising an electrical drive which is configured to place a blind riveting element in a location hole. The riveter applies a tensile force to a tensile element of the blind riveting element during a rivet placement process so that the tensile element tears away from a remainder of the blind riveting element at a predetermined breaking point at an end of the placement process. The tensile force used to place the blind riveting element is defined by an adjustable maximum value which is determined during the setting up. The method includes performing the placement process with the blind riveting element of the type to be used, acquiring a progression of the tensile force during the placement process, determining at least one characteristic value from the progression, and fixing the adjustable maximum value as a function comprising the at least one characteristic value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an assembly operation. A tool may be macro-positioned relative to an exterior of a fuselage assembly. The tool may be micro-positioned relative to a particular location on the exterior of the fuselage assembly. An end effector is removably associated with an external robotic device associated with an external mobile platform. The tool is removably associated with the end effector. An assembly operation may be performed at the particular location on the panel using the tool.

Abstract: A method for casting an internal feature within an object is provided. An internal mold is formed from a mold powder, comprising a base powder and an acid powder mixed into the base powder. A molten material is cast around the internal mold. The molten material is solidified. The internal mold is reacted with water, wherein the reacting causes the acid powder to neutralize the base powder.

Abstract: An up-drawing continuous casting method casts a casting having a bent portion. When an angle (?) (where, 0°???90°) between an up-drawing direction of molten metal and an upper surface of a shape determining member is reduced to a first angle, drawing up the molten metal while maintaining the angle (?) at the first angle, and casting a first casting, and casting a connecting portion adjacent to the cast first casting; interrupting the drawing up of the molten metal, and dipping the connecting portion into the molten metal while passing the connecting portion through the shape determining member, and melting the connecting portion; and setting the angle (?) to a second angle that is larger than the first angle, restarting the drawing up of the molten metal and casting a second casting adjacent to the first casting.

Abstract: A PISTON FOR COLD-CHAMBER INJECTION MACHINES comprising a support (2) and an external body (3) with a sealing ring (5), joined by a bayonet lock ring (6) independent of the external body (3) and divided into two parts (6a) fitted onto a groove (21) in the support (2) and connected by long screws (7) inserted into threaded holes (61). The piston preferably includes a spring bush (4) as a part that adjusts to the container, independent of the external body (3) and of the bayonet lock ring (6), under which a conical spring ring (8) is included which exerts pressure on the two parts that form the bush (4), tending to expand the same. The piston also includes alternating transverse grooves (81) along the edges thereof for receiving conical metal tips (9) inserted through holes (63) in the bayonet lock ring (6).

Abstract: A metal casting installation comprises a ladle comprising an inner nozzle in fluid communication with the through-opening of a top gate plate. The installation contains a ladle shroud coupling assembly comprising a support frame comprising a bottom gate plate and a passage. The support frame is slidingly coupled to a planar bottom surface of a top gate plate of the inner nozzle of the ladle, such that the opening of the bottom gate plate can be brought in or out of registry with the through-opening of the top gate plate. A drawer frame can be can be moved through the passage of the support frame. The bore of a specifically designed ladle shroud capable of being reversibly coupled to latches can be brought into or out of registry with the opening of the bottom gate plate.