Abstract: A hot metal mixer has an elongate hollow vessel mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis adjacent each end on a cradle, each of which is supported on pairs of parallel trucks disposed on separate sets of rails. Each cradle extends transversely between the trucks of each pair and is coupled to one truck by a spherical bearing and to the other by spherical and roller bearings to permit thermal expansion and contraction, slight track misalignment and travel around curves. A pair of spouts for receiving or pouring metal are disposed in the upper side portion of the vessel and in spaced relation from the top center.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is railway apparatus or the like for mixing and transporting molten metals, particularly pig iron, which essentially comprises a longitudinal, refractory lined cylindrical vessel, provided at its opposite ends with removable cover members and also provided with a self-contained drive unit for rotating the vessel about its longitudinal axis. This vessel, with its associated self-contained drive unit, is removably supported beneath its ends upon two spaced railroad trucks, through ball joints associated therewith. The vessel and drive unit may be readily separated from the underlying trucks for installation, maintenance, and/or removal of the refractory lining in any desired vessel orientation, while the vessel is rotated by its self-contained drive unit.