Abstract: Provided is a gravity separation device wherein occurrences of shelving, flashing, and the like inside the device can be suppressed, variations in the flow rate of underflow obtained by gravity separation can be minimized and underflow can be stably extracted. This gravity separation device, which separates overflow and underflow using differences in specific gravity from mixed material, is provided with a separation section that has a supply pipe for supplying a slurry of the mixed material at the top and separates that slurry into overflow and underflow, and a deposition section that is positioned below the separation section and wherein the underflow that has been separated by precipitation is deposited. An extraction pipe for extracting the underflow is connected to the deposition section, and a valve for extracting the underflow and a metering pump for quantitatively extracting the underflow are provided in the extraction pipe.

Abstract: The flotation apparatus includes a flotation vessel and a cover for closing an upwards open opening of the flotation vessel, wherein the cover and the flotation vessel limits a vessel space for receiving fluid, and an agitating means having a rotatable axis extending through a first aperture in the cover. The rotatable shaft is rotatable supported at a bearing housing outside the vessel space. A connection arrangement surrounds the rotatable shaft between the bearing housing and the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator bowl (4) for a nozzle separator (1). It is primarily characterized in that the bowl (4) is manufactured from one single piece and has an interior comprising pyramidal wall openings (12) pointing to openings (10) for the nozzles (11). The invention further relates to a centrifugal separator (1) using such centrifugal separator bowl (4). With such design a treatment of suspensions with high specific gravity, including of up to 2.0 and beyond is possible.

Abstract: A nozzle for fast inflation and deflation includes a flexible plastic body, an air tube, and a sealing plug. The flexible plastic body is connected to a bottom of the air tube, and the sealing plug is flexibly connected to an outer port of the air tube. A valve sheet is in the flexible plastic body. For air inflation or deflation, a gap as an air channel is formed between the valve sheet and the air tube for inflation or deflation without pressing the flexible plastic body. To store air, the air tube is bent downward until the flexible plastic body is deformed to cause the valve sheet to contact the inner port of the air tube so as to avoid air leakage. Then, the air tube is allowed to be slowly plugged by the sealing plug. The problem of internal air leaking out is thus fully solved.

Abstract: A device for structuring the surface of a metal pressed sheet or of an endless strip, comprising a support device adapted to support the metal pressed sheet or endless strip during structuring, and a spray head and a slideway adapted to permit movement of the spray head into a desired position within a plane defined by an X and a Y coordinate. The spray head is further adapted to move in a Z direction with reference to a work surface which is spanned by the X and Y direction, and the spray head is guided by means of a digitalized template that is identical to the printed image of an impregnated paper used in a further pressing process. Independent drive elements are connected to a control unit and configured to move the spray head into the desired position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a nozzle, a deflector that receives fluid flow from the nozzle, and a friction or viscous brake assembly that controls rotation of a deflector. The friction or viscous brake assembly is releasably connected to the frame in order to enhance serviceability of the sprinkler. In another aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a frame, a deflector rotatably connected to the frame, a nozzle, and a nozzle socket of the frame. The nozzle and nozzle socket have interlocking portions that releasably connect the nozzle to the frame. The nozzle may be easily removed for servicing. Further, the nozzle socket can be configured to receive a plurality of nozzles having different flow characteristics. A nozzle can be selected and utilized with the sprinkler according to the desired application for the sprinkler.

Abstract: A lubricant dispensing system having particular utility for applying a tightly controlled thin line of lubricant about the perimeter of cans as they are processed. The lubricant dispensing system includes an electrostatic spray head having a nozzle body that defines a lubricant receiving chamber for electrically charging lubricant therein and a capillary tube supported by the nozzle body having an inlet end communicating with the lubricant receiving chamber and an outlet that defines a discharge orifice of the electrostatic spray head. The capillary tube has a diameter between about 0.2 and 0.3 inches for directing electrostatically charged lubricant onto an item to be lubricated in a controlled thin line having a width no greater than 0.125 inches. The electrode is adjustably positionable relative to the capillary tube for selectively controlling the rate of discharging lubricant, and the electrode is configured for enhancing electrostatic charging of lubricant through the capillary tube.

Abstract: Applicant discloses a two part polymer mix for use in the aircraft industry that is applied with pneumatic mix and spray gun. The two part cartridge is used in the mix and spray gun so the mix is applied immediately upon mixing, but the two components are kept separated unless the gun is applying the mix. The mix cures to form a clear sealant that allows for inspection of cracks and corrosion beneath the sealant. It cures quickly so that the coated part may be further processed, for example in the assembly line during aircraft build.

Abstract: Dispensing nozzles and systems for dispensing edible products include a nozzle sleeve and a nozzle insert. The nozzle sleeve defines an open interior and the nozzle insert is positioned within the nozzle sleeve. A base inlet and a flavoring inlet are defined in the nozzle insert. The nozzle sleeve and the nozzle insert are configured to mix a base substance with a flavoring substance.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a mist comprising a conduit having a mixing chamber and an exit; a transport nozzle in fluid communication with the said conduit, the transport nozzle being adapted to introduce a transport fluid into the mixing chamber; a working nozzle positioned adjacent the transport nozzle intermediate the transport nozzle and the exit, the working nozzle being adapted to introduce a working fluid into the mixing chamber; the transport and working nozzles having an angular orientation and internal geometry such that in use interaction of the transport fluid and working fluid in the mixing chamber causes the working fluid to atomize and form a dispersed vapor/droplet flow regime, which is discharged as a mist from the exit, the mist comprising working fluid droplets having a substantially uniform size.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods related to a fragrance bottle assembly are disclosed. The fragrance bottle assembly can include a bottle configured to retain an atomizable liquid, the bottle having an upper portion and an interior area, a nozzle head coupled to the upper portion and in communication with the interior area, and a tube coupled to the nozzle head and extending into an interior area for engagement with the liquid. The assembly can also include a cap assembly disposed over the upper portion of the bottle, the cap having an upper surface having an opening through which extends such that the nozzle head protrudes above the upper surface. The cap assembly can further include a nozzle cover connected to and slidably moveable along the second upper surface between a first position spaced away from the nozzle head and a second position covering the nozzle head.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed herein relates to a container for discharging powder, in particular, a container for discharging powder having a structure wherein a discharging hole of a button part and a connecting hole of a stem are connected or dislocated according to rotation directions, and an opening/closing member is inserted into the stem inside the button part and ascends/descends according to a rotation of the button part, and thereby opens/closes a movement hole of the stem, such that it will solve inconvenience problems such as attaching/detaching the opening/closing member whenever using as well as prevent a risk of losing the opening/closing member, thereby providing user convenience.

Abstract: A coating method for coating components, e.g. motor vehicle bodywork components in a painting installation, is provided. The coating method includes moving an application device over a component surface to be coated along a pre-determined coating path, and applying a coating medium stream onto the component surface by means of an application device. The coating medium stream is not rotationally symmetrical relative to its stream axis and therefore generates on the component surface an elongate spray pattern with a particular longitudinal direction. The method further includes rotation of the application device about the stream axis relative to the coating path during the movement of the application device so that the angular position of the longitudinal direction of the spray pattern relative to the path transverse direction changes along the coating path.

Abstract: Provided is a pump apparatus, having an upstream pump, a filter, and a downstream pump being inserted into a processing liquid flow path in this order. The downstream pump has an inlet higher in level than an outlet of the upstream pump and higher in level than an outlet of the filter. That is, the downstream pump is disposed higher in level than the upstream pump and the filter. Accordingly, this allows a processing liquid to flow upward. Even when air bubbles are generated in the processing liquid, buoyancy causes the air bubbles to move upward in the processing liquid flow path and collect the air bubbles on a downstream side. Consequently, the air bubbles are readily vented from the processing liquid flow path.

Abstract: A drying device that includes a series of hollow tube sections connected sequentially end-to-end to form a helical-shaped manifold. Each hollow tube section includes a plurality of apertures used for producing air jets. The apertures fluidly connect internal passages in the hollow tube sections to an external region surrounding the manifold. The apertures are oriented to direct the air jets toward a center region of the manifold. Each hollow tube section is oriented at an oblique angel relative to a respective reference plane to produce the helical-shaped manifold.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a component support device for supporting components when painting the components, the component support device including at least one support member for supporting one of the components and supported by a substantially vertical support mast. The support mast includes at least one lower portion and one upper portion which can be assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A cartridge usable in a viscous-material dispenser includes a cylinder, a plunger in the cylinder, and a plurality of ribs extending radially from an outer surface of the plunger to an inner surface of the cylinder. The ribs are circumferentially separated by a plurality of clearances, and the ribs and the clearances extend in an axial direction. Each of the plurality of clearances is defined by two adjacent ribs. The ribs and clearances are configured to allow the venting of gas through the clearances during a beginning of a cartridge filling operation and to impede the movement of the viscous material through the clearances during a remainder of the cartridge filling operation such that, at an end of the cartridge filling operation, the ribs and bodies of the viscous material in the clearances form an airtight seal between the plunger and the cylinder.

Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes a dome rotatable around the central axis; a loop chain surrounding the central axis on the dome; a power transmission shaft transmitting rotational motion of the dome; a first gear section transforming the rotational motion of the dome to rotational motion of the shaft; a second gear section provided with a chain-driving sprocket and configured to transform the rotational motion of the shaft to rotational motion of the sprocket; and a tray holder located beside the loop chain, the tray holder including a first internal power transmission shaft and a rotating portion holding a tray. The sprocket is rotated through the rotation of the dome to drive the loop chain, the first internal power transmission shaft of the tray holder is rotated by motion of the loop chain, and the rotating portion is rotated through rotation of the first internal power transmission shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a decorative construction plate, the method including subjecting a metal siding material including: a metallic substrate on which a recess-projection pattern having a height difference of 0.5 mm or more is formed and on which an ink receiving layer formed from a resin composition is provided; a core material; and a back-side material, to flame treatment by exposing the metal siding material to flame with an output of 250 kJ/h to 12000 kJ/h per 10-mm width of a flame port of a burner so that the surface temperature of the substrate does not exceed 300° C., followed by performing inkjet printing using an active ray curable ink.

Abstract: A light-curing oven (1; 100) comprising: a light-curing chamber (2) configured to contain one or more objects (A) to be light-cured; a source (3) of light-curing rays arranged inside the light-curing chamber (2); a vacuum pump (4) with a suction duct (5) communicating with the light-curing chamber (2) and a motorized structure (6; 106) for moving the objects (A) during the light-curing process. The motorized structure (6; 106) may comprise an electric motor (7; 107) with a drive shaft (8) mechanically associated with a support plate (9) for supporting the objects (A) to be light-cured. The electric motor (7; 107) and the drive shaft (8) being configured in such a way that they define for the objects (A) a horizontal rotation axis (X). The motorized structure (6; 106) may also comprise piezoelectric transducers (10; 110) for making the objects (A) vibrate during their rotation.

Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft that comprises a structural arrangement with at least one first fiber reinforced polymer component and at least one second fiber reinforced polymer component that are spaced apart from each other by an interspace and that are rigidly attached to an associated structural component, wherein the at least one first fiber reinforced polymer component and the at least one second fiber reinforced polymer component are at least partly interconnected by means of an electrically conductive connection, and wherein the electrically conductive connection comprises at least one sprayed layer of electrically conductive particles, the at least one sprayed layer of electrically conductive particles being provided in the interspace.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for dispensing a polyurethane mixture onto a substrate by generating a liquid mixture from reactive component resins; introducing the mixture in an inlet section of a dispensing device so as to advance it towards a planar-shaped outlet slit section, transversely to the advancement direction of the substrate; distributing the mixture along a gap chamber having a cross section diverging towards the outlet slit section; and dispensing the mixture through the outlet slit section, so as to deposit a thin, uniform film onto the substrate. Fractions of the mixture travel equal distances from the inlet section to the outlet slit section, in equal times, maintaining equal average speeds along each section having zones placed all at the same path distance either from the inlet section or from the outlet slit section.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to integrated modules for Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators (FIG. 125A). The modules provide physical interface, power and communication interfaces. Each module may include vibration actuators (FIG. 123A) which can be precisely attached and aligned to the module housing, a microcontroller or other microprocessor, and one or more sensors for closed loop control of actuators (FIG. 126G). Interleaved pairs of ERMs having a center of mass in the same plane eliminate parasitic torque. A single module can produce a vibration force that rotates at a specific frequency and magnitude, which on its own could cancel out some types of periodic vibrations (FIG. 125B). Two modules paired together and counter-rotating with respect to each other can produce a directional vibration at a specific frequency and magnitude, which could prove even more useful for canceling out a vibration. Such modules are also employed to produce beating patterns (FIGS. 131-133).

Abstract: A material processing vibrating screen with diverting systems configured to deliver material, via a plurality of material diverters, to locations closer to a feed end of the screen than would otherwise be done in the absence of the diverters. The diverters can be fixed to a cross member, the underside of a screen, and may be adjustable and easily replaceable. The materials for the deflectors can vary depending upon the material being screened. The screen may also be a variable sloped vibrating screen.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for cleaning a surface having multiple protruding studs. The apparatus includes a top plate portion and a bottom plate portion along with a drive assembly which assists in moving the bottom plate portion with respect to the top plate portion. The drive assembly also translates rotational forces applied by a rotary tool to linear forces which are then applied to the bottom plate portion to clean the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a cleaning apparatus having an adjustable exposed surface area, the cleaning apparatus including: a flexible body with a predetermined flexible body area, the flexible body having a flexible body collapsible portion; and a panel with a predetermined panel area which is lesser than the predetermined flexible body area, the panel coupled to the flexible body to form a receptacle sized to receive the flexible body collapsible portion when the flexible body collapsible portion disposes in a collapsed condition; wherein the cleaning apparatus is adjustable between a first configuration, in which the cleaning apparatus has a lesser exposed surface area, and a second configuration, in which the cleaning apparatus has a greater exposed surface area; and wherein the first configuration is generated by removably inserting the flexible body collapsible portion disposed in the collapsed condition into the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable and self-contained washing and sanitizing apparatus. The apparatus finds particular application in washing small baby items such as bottles, nipples, teething rings or toys. The apparatus includes a container with a lid, the container housing the items to be washed; an accessory holder connected to the lid for holding infant accessories during washing operations; a water reservoir for storing and collecting wash water; and a housing for interconnecting the container and reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a particle cleaning apparatus. The apparatus comprises an acoustic wave generator configured to apply an acoustic wave to particles external to the acoustic wave generator. The apparatus also includes a removing module configured to remove the applied particles.

Abstract: A rack includes a first and second substantially horizontal rail extending between a first and second substantially vertical rail. Upper portions of hangers used to suspend parts for powder coating, are suspended over an upper surface of the first substantially horizontal rail. A second substantially horizontal rail is moveably attached to the vertical rails so that it may be selectively moved into contact with the first substantially horizontal rail, thereby trapping the upper portion of the suspended hangers between the first and second substantially horizontal rails so they may be transported for cleaning.

Abstract: The biosafety cabinet has a frame, which defines an enclosed work area and a front access opening, and a work surface along the bottom of the work area. One or more intake openings are positioned along the front access opening adjacent the work surface, a recirculation duct is in fluid flow communication with the intake holes, a supply filter is in fluid flow communication with the recirculation duct, and a supply blower is positioned upstream from the supply filter in fluid flow communication with the recirculation duct. One or more exhaust openings extend along the work surface, wherein at least one exhaust opening is positioned adjacent the front access opening rearward of the intake holes. The exhaust openings are in fluid flow communication with an exhaust duct, an exhaust filter, and an integral exhaust blower.

Abstract: According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it provides a method of manufacturing a piston of a pump for brake system, the piston fabricated using a piercing process by press forming to have an inlet path communicating with a suction port through which oil is introduced.

Abstract: A forming machine, particularly a ring-rolling machine, which includes a hydraulically regulated linear axle, which is driven by way of an electro-hydrostatic actuator, can work precisely while having a simple mechanical-engineering structure. The machine may have at least one further hydraulically regulated linear axle, which is driven by way of an electro-hydrostatic actuator or by way of a drive other than an electro-hydrostatic actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for the applying of and removal by suction of operating fluids onto rolling stock (2) and off rolling stock (2) in the inlet (4) of cold rolling systems (6) and comprises at least one spray device (7) arranged above or below a rolling stock transport line (8), wherein at least one operating fluid can be placed by the spray device (7) onto a surface of the rolling stock (2) or onto a surface of a working roll (9) which makes contact with the rolling stock (2), and to at least one suction removal device (10) which can be arranged above or below the rolling stock transport line (8) and on the same side of the rolling stock transport line (8) as the spray device (7), wherein the suction removal device (10) acts in the vicinity of the surface of the rolling stock (2) or of the working roll (9). The spray device (7) and the suction removal device (10) are attached onto a common component frame (12) and therefore form a compact unit (14.1; 14.2).

Abstract: A hybrid extrusion press is provided with electric motors and hydraulic assist cylinders to cause a container holder to slide, wherein connecting rods are fastened to a container holder, the hydraulic assist cylinders have piston rods and gate devices connecting or disconnecting the connecting rods and the piston rods, and the gate devices are provided with hollow members fastened to the piston rods, enlarged diameter parts provided at single ends of the connecting rods and moving back and forth inside hollow parts of the hollow members, and locking parts provided at the hollow members and locking the enlarged diameter parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending press (1) and/or a loading device (2) for loading a bending press (1) with bending tools (5, 6), comprising: at least one tool holder (3, 4; 13, 14) with a rail (7) having an inner profile (8) for receiving and displacing a bending tool (5, 6), at least one internal wall (9) of the rail (7) forming a guide structure (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the rail (7); and at least one transfer device (15) drivable by a drive (21) for displacing a bending tool (5, 6) within the tool holder (3, 4; 13, 14) and/or between the tool holder (13, 14) of the loading device (2) and a tool holder (3, 4) of a bending press (1), wherein at least one portion of the transfer device (15) is guided by the guide structure (10) formed in the rail (7).

Abstract: A hydraulic drawing cushion (17) for a drawing press (10) includes at least one hydraulic cylinder (21) comprising a piston rod (27) that causes a total force (G) to act on the metal sheet holding ring (20). The hydraulic cylinder (21) comprises a hydraulic work circuit (37) to generate a hydraulic work force (A) in a work direction (Z) to act on a ring part (28) to which a force can be applied on both sides. Independently, a spring force (F) acts on the piston (26). The spring force (F) is neither controlled nor adjusted, but is preset. Preferably, the spring force (F) is exclusively a function of the position or location of the piston (26) relative to the cylinder housing (25). The total force (G) acting on the piston (26) results from the addition of the vectors of the work force (A) and the spring force (F).

Abstract: In order to widen the field of application of a stretcher-leveller having a minimum nominal width, at least one gripping head of the stretcher-leveller is connected to an adapter having clamping elements for clamping a plate to be stretched, the adapter having a nominal width that is smaller than the minimum nominal width of the stretcher-leveller, and a plate being stretched is connected to the gripping head via the adapter clamping elements and the adapter, before starting the stretching process.

Abstract: A punch press includes plural dies and plural punches, and punches a work by a punch and a die that are set at a work position. The punch press includes a lifter for lifting the die to be set at the work position up to a path line of the work, a die-support member movably provided on a die-side of the lifter, and a die supporter provided on the die-support member for supporting the die set at the work position in a state where the die has been selectively lifted up to the path line by the lifter. According to the punch press, contacts between a work and dies while conveying the work can be prevented.

Abstract: A pipe expanding device with a pipe-length fixing assembly is suitable for holding a pipe with a connecting end, and includes: a body including a first space and a second space; a clamping unit detachably disposed in the first space, and provided for insertion of the pipe, wherein the connecting end of the pipe is able to move back and forth within the second space; and the pipe-length fixing assembly is disposed in the second space and able to move back and forth toward the first space, and the connecting end of the pipe is stopped against the pipe-length fixing assembly. The pipe expanding device is capable of precisely fixing the expanding length, and improving the sealing of the joint between expanded pipes, and the pipe expanding operation is not limited by the user's experience.

Abstract: A metal strip holding device configured to be connected to the die of a stamping system is presented herein. The strip holding device includes a magnetic component and a non-magnetic bracket. The magnetic component has at least one pole shoe. The bracket is configured to be connected to the die. Moreover, the magnetic component is installed into a cavity in the metal bracket.

Abstract: Provided is a fin stacking apparatus, which is configured to stack a fin having a flat-plate shape and a plurality of holes formed therein. The fin stacking apparatus includes: a plurality of stacking pins to be inserted into the plurality of holes of the fin; a suction plate which is arranged above the plurality of stacking pins and is configured to suck the fin through a plurality of holes formed in the suction plate; and a roller arranged in a slide region on the suction plate where a flat surface portion of the fin moves.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a clip is assembled to an inner member in a state where the clip penetrates through a through-hole of the inner member. The through-hole penetrates between a bottom surface of a recessed part and an inner surface in the inner member, in other words, between front and rear surfaces of the inner member. This configuration enables a part where the inner member holds the clip to be formed relatively thicker. Thus, strength of a connection part of the clip and the inner member can be further enhanced.

Abstract: A servo-rotating all-function tool module is provided for use with a spring forming machine and includes an axle rotating tool module that is mounted, together with an axle, to a front wall board and includes a tool and an axle slide base mounted to the axle, so that the axle slide base is acted upon by a force to slide along the axle, the tool is caused to press downward or return upward. A servo transmission module assembly is mounted to the spring forming machine to provide a driving force for causing the axle slide base to slide along the axle. Since the tool module is mounted, together with the axle, to a front wall board of the spring forming machine, the direction in which the tool approaches a wire can be varied by rotating the axle in order to conduct operations of bending at different angles and twisting/looping.

Abstract: A fastener feed apparatus includes a mounting portion and a feed portion attached movably thereto. The feed portion includes a feed body having first and second ends and an internal track extending therethrough. The internal track is sized and shaped to convey a fastener through the feed body. The feed portion also includes a feeding block attached to the second end of the feed body and including a body and a pair of feed fingers, each of which includes a first end attached to the body and a second end. A track is formed between the feed fingers, is sized and shaped to convey the fastener from its first end to its second end, and is contiguous with the internal track of the feed body. The second end of the track includes a retention point. The feed fingers are sized and shaped to retain the fastener at the retention point.

Abstract: A casting ceramic core includes a ceramic structure having at least one through hole and a plurality of features extending from a main ceramic body. The ceramic body defines a negative space for a casting and a plurality of aligned fibers extending a substantial length of at least one casting feature.

Abstract: Purposes of the present invention are to provide a dry coated sand having a high degree of fluidity at the room temperature, a method of advantageously producing the coated sand, and a method of producing a casting mold having excellent properties, by using the coated sand. The dry coated sand is obtained by mixing an aqueous solution of a water glass used as a binder, with a heated refractory aggregate, whereby water in the aqueous solution is evaporated, and a coating layer of the binder is formed on surfaces of the refractory aggregate. A moisture percentage in the thus obtained dry coated sand is controlled so as to be not more than 0.5% by mass. The intended casting mold is obtained by filling a molding cavity of a forming mold, with the dry coated sand, and passing a steam through the coated sand, to solidify or cure the coated sand.

Abstract: A foundry media pellet includes a sintered ceramic material having a size from about 10 AFS GFN to about 110 AFS GFN, and a surface roughness of less than about 4 microns.

Abstract: A process for forming a component is provided. The process includes providing a cooling channel flow definition at least partially about a core including a ceramic matrix composite material. A metal material is cast about the core and the cooling channel flow definition to form an outer metal shell. In addition, a cooling channel is formed from the cooling channel flow definition in the component.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the centrifugal casting of spheres, particularly hollow spheres containing low air pressure. Molten or self-hardening casting material is introduced into a hollow spherical mold and the mold made to rotate about two axes intersecting at the center of the mold. The resulting centrifugal forces cause the casting material to be evenly distributed about the inner surface of the mold. The casting material is hardened and the resulting sphere is removed from the mold. One or more valves may be employed to transport fluent materials into and out of the mold. If gas is removed from a partially-filled mold prior to casting, the product will be a hollow sphere having an interior pressure less than ambient. Spheres made according to the present invention have a wide range of uses including insulation and bearing balls.

Abstract: Processes are provided that include providing a copper-manganese alloy containing copper and manganese and having an amount of manganese that is at least 32 weight percent and not more than 40 weight percent of a combined total amount of the copper and manganese in the copper-manganese alloy, and casting the copper-manganese alloy by multidirectional solidification to produce a product in the form of a casting. The copper-manganese alloy has a composition sufficiently near the congruent melting point of the Cu—Mn alloy system to sufficiently avoid dendritic growth during the multidirectional solidification of the copper-manganese alloy to avoid the formation of microporosity attributable to dendritic growth. The product has a cast microstructure having a cellular and/or planar solidification structure free of dendritic growth and having multidirectional columnar grains.