Abstract: An apparatus and method for permitting long-term continuous casting provides a plurality of orifices. By temporarily casting simultaneously from two adjacent orifices, it becomes possible to replace orifices without interrupting the casting process. Thus, the duration of continuous casting is not limited by the useful lifetime of a single casting orifice. Among the applications of the invention is the long-term continuous casting of metallic ribbon, such as amorphous metal ribbon.

Abstract: Ferromagnetic compositions having intrinsic magnetic coercivities at room temperature of at least 1,000 Oersteds are formed by the controlled quench of molten rare earth-transition metal alloys. Hard magnets may be inexpensively formed from the lower atomic weight lanthanide elements and iron.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing lead fibers and radiation shielding materials using the lead fibers so manufactured as disclosed. The fibers contain 50 to 500 ppm of tin and preferably are below 60 microns in diameter. The fibers are produced by melt spinning through a spinneret. Radiation shielding materials can be made by dispersing the fibers homogeneously into a resin, which may be formed into sheets or which may be processed into woven, knitted or spin-bonded fabrics.

Abstract: A process for recrystallization of thin strip material includes a device for electromagnetically melting the thin strip material to provide a molten surface layer and a substantially solid core. Apparatus provides relative movement between the thin strip and the device for electromagnetically melting. Also, an apparatus resolidifies the molten surface layer to provide a preferred crystal structure in the thin strip material.

Abstract: In a process and installation for the manufacture of a metal wire from a jet of molten metal, the jet of metal which is in the course of solidification is supported by cooling fluid displaced by two cylinders rotating in opposite directions with a tangential velocity such that the wire is supported in stable equilibrium in the plane of vertical symmetry of the two cylinders above the level defined by the plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry and passing through the axes of rotation of the two cylinders, the space between the two cylinders being between about 0.15% and 3% of their common radius and their peripheral speed being between about 4 and 120 m/sec.

Abstract: In order to cool the jet coming from a crucible and then the wire as it starts solidifying, there is used a gaseous cooling fluid mixture having a base of gaseous hydrogen and at least one other component which is a compound of hydrogen capable of an endothermic chemical reaction in contact with the jet (wire) and of a chemical composition such that the product or products of this reaction have a high molecular content (mol %) of free hydrogen.