Abstract: A bump forming apparatus includes a first tank storing fused solder, a cavity having an inlet for the fused solder, a nozzle arranged on a lower portion of the cavity, a pressure element formed by a diaphragm and a piezoelectric element, and a first heater heating the first tank, a pipe and the cavity. The bump forming apparatus further comprises a static pressure control part having a second tank storing solid solder, a second heater provided around a second opening, a level detector detecting the surface level of the fused solder in the first tank and a level control part controlling driving of the second heater on the basis of a detection signal from the level detector. Thus obtained are a bump forming apparatus and a bump forming method capable of properly avoiding defective discharge, increasing the speed of discharge, avoiding dispersion of an amount of discharge and stabilizing discharge.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the superheat of the stream of molten metal from an electroslag refining apparatus is taught. The systems include the introduction of unrefined metal into an electroslag refining process apparatus in which the unrefined metal is first melted at the upper surface of the refining slag. The molten metal is refined as it passes through the molten slag. The refined metal is collected in a cold hearth apparatus having a skull of refined metal formed on the surface of the cold hearth for protecting the cold hearth from the leaching action of the refined molten metal. A cold finger bottom pour spout or exit orifice is formed at the bottom of the cold hearth to permit dispensing of molten refined metal from the cold hearth.

Abstract: A nozzle for thin strip casting plants, especially for steel strip. In casting plants of this type, the liquid steel must be applied on a carrier from the nozzle forming a casting gap. At least one primary coil and a secondary coil are arranged at the nozzle, wherein the secondary coil is water-cooled and projects into the area of the casting gap.

Abstract: Uniform sized and shaped spheres are formed by applying a minute periodic disturbance to a low viscosity liquid material. Pressure forces the material through at least one orifice in a crucible as a steady laminar stream. The stream enters an enclosed controlled temperature solidification environment which contains at least one heat transfer medium. A charging means is applied to the stream as the stream exits the crucible and breaks into a plurality of spheres to deflect the spheres as they pass through an electric field. The enclosed controlled temperature solidification environment cools and substantially solidifies the spheres.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a glass stream comprising a first inner layer and a second outer layer, comprising a generally vertical orifice, and delivering glass from a second source such that the glass from said second source provides an outer layer about the glass from the first source as it flows through said orifice. A resistance heated tube assembly is made of platinum or material having similar resistance heating properties and extends from a glass source to an orifice through which the glass flows from a glass source for the inner layer. The tube assembly includes a tube portion having an inlet end that communicates with the source for the outer layer and an outlet end that communicates with the source. The tube portion has an axis positioned at any angle ranging between the horizontal and vertical but preferably has an axis which is more vertical than horizontal. Flanges are secured to the ends of said tube portion, and the flanges are connected to an electric power supply.

Abstract: In a hot chamber die-casting machine, inductively-operating heating devices are associated with the mouthpiece area of the casting container and the nozzle. All of these heating devices are operated with medium frequency. The inductors are cooled with air. The machine is useful for hot chamber die-casting machines that process magnesium.

Abstract: A system and process for decontaminating solder which includes a linking pipe with an internal heater in the path of solder flow into a skim tank and transfer pump and valves for moving decontaminated solder from the skim tank into a standby tank which in turn is able to provide decontaminated solder to a solder machine or back to the skim tank in order to test the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method relate to tapping a molten metal bath from a reactor. The apparatus includes a tapping pipe having a tapping pipe inlet and tapping pipe outlet for withdrawing a portion of the molten bath from the reactor. The molten bath can flow from the reactor through the tapping pipe inlet through tapping pipe to a tapping pipe exit. The tapping pipe is attached to the reactor at the tapping pipe inlet and the tapping pipe includes a susceptor, formed of a suitable material, such as graphite, which heats upon application of induction current. An induction coil assembly is annularly disposed about the tapping pipe, wherein the induction coil assembly can apply an induction current to heat the tapping pipe to a temperature that is higher than that of a solidified bath metal component within the tapping pipe. The induction current melts the solidified bath metal, whereby the molten metal bath can be tapped from the reactor.

Abstract: A method for fabricating bushings for lead-acid cells or batteries is provided which is amenable to automation and control and provides relatively porosity-free bushings comprising utilizing a mold having a cavity in the configuration of the bushing desired and a lead fill unit comprising a lead pot with the molten lead alloy for the bushing and a heated fill line and/or heated fill block wherein the mold and lead fill units are moved into alignment, heating such as induction heating to cause the solidified molten alloy at the end of the heated fill line or in the heated fill block orifice to become molten, gravity filling the mold and then moving the mold and lead fill unit out of alignment, the bushing preferably being cast in an upside-down orientation so as to minimize gas entrainment and/or particulate contamination.

Abstract: For charging casting machines with non-ferrous molten metals, melt (S) is supplied from a withdrawal chamber (6) of a melting furnace (1) having a gas atmosphere to the filling hole (18) of a casting machine. To achieve an economic, easily dosable charging of the melt, the metered melt (S) is pumped up inside the withdrawal chamer (6) via a metering pump (12) and is drained towards the filling hole (18) via a discharge pipe (15) extending through the furnace wall, where through inlet nozzles (11) opening into the withdrawal chamber (6) a pulsed supply of gas to the withdrawal chamber (6) is effected to support the melt flow.

Abstract: A refractory guide member and a method for heating the refractory guide member by use of an inductor, where at least one collateral electromagnetic field located in a region spaced apart from the inductor is generated by the inductor. The mold part is made of an electrically conductive layer with several insulating interrupting slots for the controlled deflection of eddy currents from a main field generated by the inductor into a region spaced apart from the inductor.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate comprising: a substrate support having structure for bearing a substrate on which one or more electronic components are to be mounted; a solder ejector that defines a cavity for containing molten solder and an orifice for ejecting a stream of molten solder; a heater for heating the solder to a temperature above the melting point of solder; a vibrator coupled to the solder ejector to form droplets in the stream at the desired frequency for deposition onto the substrate; and a cooler, adapted to receive a coolant, disposed between the heater and the vibrator to maintain the temperature of the vibrator below that which would detrimentally affect the performance of the vibrator.

Abstract: A pouring system comprises a crucible having an opening formed on a bottom thereof, and a self-sealing member blocking the opening. The self-sealing member is made of material which is the same as the raw material received within the bottom of the crucible. The crucible is supported on an inner distributor supported on a driving rod. The self-sealing member, inner distributor, driving rod are substantially located in a mold heating zone above which a smelting zone is disposed. When the raw material in the crucible is heated in the smelting zone by a first heat source to melt, the driving rod pushes the bottom of the crucible upward into the smelting zone. The self-sealing member is thus molten in the bottom of the crucible, un-blocking the opening to allow the melt to flow therethrough. The melt then flows through an inner distributor and flow pipes into a turnport and reaches a level condition after about 10 seconds.

Abstract: A die-casting apparatus has a pair of mold parts together defining a mold cavity and a feed sleeve set in one of the parts and defining a passage having a short inner portion opening into and flared toward the cavity, a long outer portion of uniform cross-sectional shape and having an outer end, and a restriction between the portions. Molten metal is fed to the outer end and through the passage to the cavity. A heater surrounds the sleeve at the outer portion for heating the sleeve substantially only at the outer portion and insulation surrounds the heater. The sleeve and any metal therein are cooled at a location in the sleeve downstream of the passage outer portion, normally at the restriction.

Abstract: The size and shape of molten solder droplets ejected from a nozzle of a droplet pump are stabilized using flux transported into the aperture region of the nozzle through which the droplets are ejected. The flux is periodically replenished as necessary to remove solder oxides and dross, as well as to lubricate the aperture. The flux may be deposited by spraying onto the nozzle, submersion of the nozzle, contact of the nozzle to a flux film, contact of the nozzle with an intermediate transfer medium, or through injection internal to the nozzle assembly. Fluxes exhibiting high activity and high thermal stability at elevated temperatures are preferred.

Abstract: A liquid metal casting conduit (1) is shaped as a partial torus and has an inductor (3) embedded in concrete and whose turns are asymmetrical with respect to the axes (XX') and (YY') of the conduit. It is used for to the homogenization of the metal temperature when the conduit is secured to a low pressure casting ladle (7).

Abstract: The assembly is designed for transferring molten metal from a molten metal reservoir to a mold for casting molten metal. The assembly comprises a casting nozzle having an electrically conductive top wall and bottom wall and two side walls joined to the top wall and the bottom wall to form a passage therebetween for flowing molten metal from the reservoir to the mold, the top wall having a first outside surface and the bottom wall having a second outside surface. An inductive heater is positioned on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, the inductive heater positioned to heat the top wall and bottom wall. A layer of insulation is provided between the inductive heater and the first and second surfaces. A magnetic shield is provided to partially surround the inductive heater, the shield positioned to direct magnetic flux into the nozzle.

Abstract: A heating element comprising:a body having a heating section;heating means inserted in or adjacent to said body, said means capable of generating heat, having a heat flux Q.sub.1 at a temperature T.sub.1 ; andheat transfer and concentration means capable of transferring said heat from said heating means to said heating section and concentrating said heat in said section such that said section has a heat flux Q.sub.2 at a temperature of T.sub.2, where Q.sub.2 is greater than Q.sub.1 and where T.sub.2 is equal to or less than T.sub.1.

Abstract: A liquid metal electromagnetic pump 17 operates by passing an electric current through the liquid metal in a direction transverse to an applied magnetic field and the longitudinal axis of the liquid metal flow pipe. The direction of the pump is reversible by reversing the electric current. It is used to transfer batches of contaminated solder from a reservoir 12 in a hot air solder leveller 11 to a treatment tank (TA or TB). Contamination of the solder is removed by a cleaning process and the liquid solder returned to the reservoir 12 after heating to the required process temperature.

Abstract: Thin cast sheets having an excellent quality are obtained by continuous casting in which a semi-solidified metal slurry is fed from a continuous production device of the semi-solidified metal slurry through a discharge nozzle provided with means for heating the nozzle itself into a twin roll type continuous strip caster, at where the slurry is rapidly quenched and solidified to fine a structure and dispersion of precipitate.

Abstract: A regulation and closure apparatus for a metallurgical vessel includes a stator to be disposed in a vessel wall and a rotor is rotatably supported in the stator for choking or blocking melt flow. A heating capability is provided in that the rotor is encompassed by an inductor to whose field melt in a through-passage channel in the rotor or the rotor can be coupled electromagnetically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tapping a reactor containing a molten fluid are disclosed. A conduit extending from the reactor is heated to a temperature which causes fluid extracted from the reactor to remain molten while in the conduit. Molten fluid is removed from the reactor by reducing the pressure in a receiving vessel attached to the conduit. As the pressure is reduced in the receiving vessel, molten fluid flows out of the reactor and into and through the conduit, discharging into the receiving vessel. The flow of molten fluid can be terminated by repressurizing the receiving vessel, thereby directing molten fluid in the conduit back into the reactor.

Abstract: A device is located between the outlet zone and the distribution zone of a tundish that is provided with a reheat system, such as a plasma torch, at one side of a heading chamber. The device includes a refractory unit pierced by at least a first conduit having the shape of a truncated cone curved towards the predefined zone of the heating chamber and preferably flared at this zone, so as to ensure that liquid steel flow coming from the outlet zone is guided unidirectionally towards the predefined zone of the heating chamber.

Abstract: Depoling and aging of a piezoelectric transducers used at elevated temperatures is controlled by poling the transducer, applying a bias voltage in the same direction as the transducer is poled to maintain the piezoelectric transducer at an elevated potential, and applying a drive voltage having a lesser magnitude than the bias voltage to induce elastic strain in the transducer.

Abstract: A method for shutting down and starting up a chemical recovery process of the type comprising burning concentrated black liquor in the furnace of a recovery boiler to produce a flue gas and a hot molten smelt in the bottom of said furnace and discharging the hot molten smelt in a continuous yet variable quantity via a smelt spout into a dissolving tank partially filled with an aqueous solution, said method comprising:inserting an elongated heating element into said spout;shutting down said boiler with said element in said spout such that on solidification of molten smelt in said spout said element is fixed in said solidified smelt; andstarting up said boiler by heating said element to a temperature equal to or greater than the melting point of said smelt to form molten smelt and removing said element from said spout to provide a substantially open spout for discharge of said molten smelt from said furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering molten lead or a lead alloy to the cast-on-strap molds used in the manufacture and assembly of lead-acid batteries is disclosed which comprises a lead delivery member having a lead reservoir of the molten lead or lead alloy, at least one nozzle communicating with the lead reservoir and having an outlet, a valve for each nozzle which controls the amount of lead delivered to the molds when the apparatus is in a lead delivery position, and a heater for maintaining the molten lead at a selected temperature, a frame structure for mounting the apparatus to allow the lead supply member to be rotated between the lead delivery position and a home or wait position about an axis of rotation, a stepper motor and a right angle gear reducer to rotate the lead supply member between the respective positions, the lead reservoir being positioned sufficiently close to the axis of rotation so as to allow movement of the lead delivery member at a selected rate between the lead delivery and wait positio

Abstract: An electrically heated nozzle for use in injection molding which is positioned between an injection apparatus and a die casting machine in an injection molding operation. The nozzle transfers molten material such as metal under pressure from the injection apparatus to the die. The nozzle has a refractive core, with a flow passage, surrounded by an intermediate metal core which is heated by a coil of electrical resistance wire to prevent heat loss in the molten metal. A metal sleeve surrounds the coil and the intermediate core. The heating coil is attached to a control box which energizes the coil and controls the temperature.

Abstract: A soldering tip overcomes the gravitational effects on molten solder and supplies a large molten solder sphere for contact with a surface to which solder is to be applied. A conical or cylindrical spiral or helix of solder-wettable material, preferably in the form of a compressional spring is attached to the soldering tip with the central axis of the helix aligned with the axis of the soldering tip, preferably by welding. Solder supplied to the soldering tip flows between the coils of the helix and forms a meniscus at the lower end of the helix so that only the molten solder meniscus touches the surface during application of solder. The increased surface tension acts to overcome gravitational effects and assures a more even flow of solder to the surface.

Abstract: A spray apparatus and method for injecting a heated, pressurized liquid in a first predetermined direction into a pressurized gas flow that is flowing in a second predetermined direction, to provide for atomizing and admixing the liquid with the gas to form a two-phase mixture. A valve is also disposed within the injected liquid conduit to provide for a pulsed injection of the liquid and timed deposit of the atomized gas phase. Preferred embodiments include multiple liquid feed ports and reservoirs to provide for multiphase mixtures of metals, ceramics, and polymers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method by which a channel-type induction heating apparatus is provided on a tundish, which comprises a steel receiving chamber and a steel discharging chamber separated by a refractory wall, each of which chambers is connected to the ground via molten steel flowing from a ladle, molten steel flowing into a mold, or a refractory, in such a manner that ground circulating current is prevented from being generated. An electromagnetic connection of an induction heating coil and an iron core of a two-leg type or a three-leg type to a loop current circuit in the molten steel is arranged symmetrically, thereby suppressing the generation of the ground circulating current. By thus suppressing the generation of the ground circulating current, it becomes unnecessary to insulate a ground circuit as required in conventional constructions, the maintenance of facilities becomes easier, besides any malfunction of the equipment due to the ground circulating current is totally eliminated.

Abstract: Microdroplets of liquids at elevated temperatures are formed by transferring the liquid to an electrostrictive ejection device and applying an electric field which induces a second order elastic strain in the ejection device. The ejection device responds by ejecting generally spherically-shaped microdroplets. The ejection device comprises an electrostrictive transducer having an orifice through which the liquid is ejected. Drive electronics apply an excitation electric field to the electrostrictive transducer which causes a second order elastic strain in the electrostrictive transducer independent of the polarity of the electric field.

Abstract: A process for heating a ceramic shaped part by providing a ceramic shaped part which at ambient temperature has a homogeneously distributed carbon skeleton, and heating the shaped part inductively.

Abstract: A method for improved atomization of molten metal having a melting point above 1000.degree. C. is taught. The atomization is carried out in close coupled atomizer. The melt to be atomized is supplied from a reservoir where it is heated to a temperature slightly above the melting point. The molten metal from the reservoir is guided to the atomization zone by a ceramic melt guide tube. The atomization is accomplished with the aid of a shallow draft atomizing nozzle. The melt in the melt guide tube is heated with the aid of an induction coil which is disposed thereabout and between the reservoir and the shallow draft gas nozzle.

Abstract: A valve combination is provided for controlling the flow of liquid metal through an orifice. The valve combination includes an electromagnetic flow control device and an on/off valve. The on/off valve includes an electrically conductive slider plate which is positioned sufficiently close to the electromagnetic flow control device to be inductively heated by the electromagnetic field generated thereby. The on/off valve permits the flow of liquid metal to be selectively stopped and started as desired. The valve combination is suitable for use with open pour and shrouded continuous casting or vessel pouring operations.

Abstract: A shallow vessel (50,52) for being horizontally disposed when containing a molten metal or metal alloy (66) for meniscus coating one side of a clean metal strip (34A) when the strip is moved vertically past one side of the vessel. The vessel includes a shell (68) such as austenitic stainless steel, a refractory lining (70), a molten metal departure lip (72) mounted on the upper surface of the side of the vessel, a spirally shaped induction coil (64) for maintaining the molten metal above its melting point and a flux concentrator (74). The induction coil is positioned below the refractory lining and the flux concentrator is positioned below the induction coil. The induction coil and the flux concentrator underlie the area occupied by the molten metal.

Abstract: An electrically heated nozzle for use in injection molding is positionable between an injection apparatus and a die in an injection molding operation. The disclosed nozzle is formed in three sections an end cap integrally formed with a sleeve, a housing surrounding the sleeve, and a nozzle tip also surrounding the sleeve forwardly of the housing. A coil of electrical resistance heating wire is wrapped around the sleeve inside the housing. A control box is provided for varying the current flow to the coil heater wire.

Abstract: A pouring ladle (12) includes a horizontal chamber (22) having an inlet (24) at one end thereof for admitting molten metal into the chamber (22) and a bottom-poured nozzle (28) at an opposite end for discharging the metal into an underlying mold (30). A coreless induction heater (56) surrounds the chamber (22) for heating metal as it flows from the inlet (24) to the outlet nozzle (28). The induction heater (56) may be operated simultaneously with the pouring of metal and be used to pour treated ductile iron without plugging the inductor (56).

Abstract: A teeming spout has on its inside a plurality of picket-like metal segments (1) separated from one another by slots (2) and is externally surrounded by an induction coil (3). The bottom turn (7) of this induction coil (3) has a downwardly directed pitch equalization piece (8) which provides such that the field acts uniformly on the teeming stream from all sides and therefore it is not deflected.

Abstract: Apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel casting rollers (16) via a tundish (18) and metal delivery nozzle (19). Casting rollers (16) are cooled so that shells solidify on the moving roller surfaces and are brought together at the nip between them to produce a solidified strip product (20) at the roller outlet. The tundish (18), delivery nozzle (19) and a pair of side closure plates (56) to confine the pool of metal on the casting rollers are separately preheated to working temperature and then rapidly brought into an operative assembly and casting is started before detrimental uneven or localized cooling of the preheated components can develop. To this end the casting rollers are mounted on a carriage (13) movable between a first station (14) at which the preheated components are fitted and a second station (15) at which casting is carried out.

Abstract: A pressure type automatic pouring furnace is formed with a molten metal outlet which has an opening end opening at a lower elevation than the general portion of the floor of a molten metal chamber. Preferably, the molten metal chamber communicates with a groove type induction heater section at a lower section thereof so that the molten metal in the chamber can be effectively heated. In addition, the bottom wall of the molten metal outlet is declined for a given angle, e.g. 3.degree. with respect to the horizontal plane so as to prevent the molten metal from accumulating within the outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing solidified solder balls and for ejecting generally spherical-shaped drops of liquid solder through a controlled atmosphere to impact on a surface to be wetted is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a preload reservoir to hold and maintain solder in a liquid state, an ejection chamber to hold and maintain the solder in a liquid state, a connection between the preload reservoir and the ejection chamber to allow liquid solder in the preload reservoir to be transferred to the ejection chamber while maintaining the oxides in the preload reservoir, a device to pressurize the ejection chamber with an inert gas and an ejection device operatively connected to receive liquid solder from the ejection chamber and to eject generally spherical-shaped drops of liquid solder to a specific location on a surface to be wetted. Structure is included to provide an atmosphere of inert gas between the ejection device and the specific location on a surface to be wetted.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus for casting a stream of rare earth element alloy against a quench wheel includes a tundish heated by a first induction heater; a flow nozzle of boron nitride material for directing molten metal through the outlet of the tundish for distribution against the quench wheel; the nozzle includes a jet forming orifice with a flow transition entrance configured to receive a moving charge of molten metal from the inlet of the nozzle through a large longitudinal bore in the nozzle so as to reduce erosion of the nozzle orifice and to smooth flow so as to produce a uniform casting stream.

Abstract: A ceramic part to be used in a high temperature environment and that is preheated prior to use is manufactured by a process including shaping the part and subjecting the part to a heat treatment operation. The heat treatment operation is performed at least partially on location at a position of use of the part in the high temperature environment by a heating device that also is operated to perform the preheating of the part.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel casting rollers (16) via a tundish (18) and metal delivery nozzle (19). Casting rollers (16) are cooled so that shells solidify on the moving roller surfaces and are brought together at the nip between them to produce a solidified strip product (20) at the roller outlet. The tundish (18), delivery nozzle (19) and a pair of side closure plates (56) to confine the pool of metal on the casting rollers are separately preheated to working temperature and then rapidly brought into an operative assembly and casting is started before detrimental uneven or localized cooling of the preheated components can develop. To this end the casting rollers are mounted on a carriage (13) movable between a first station (14) at which the preheated components are fitted and a second station (15) at which casting is carried out.

Abstract: A furnace system including a main furnace for melting and reducing material to form molten metal and slag which are to be continuously discharged therefrom and provided with an outlet port formed in an upper portion of the side wall thereof, and an auxiliary furnace connected to the main furnace and communicating with the interior of the main furnace through the outlet port. The molten metal and the slag are allowed to continuously flow from the main furnace into the auxiliary furnace while maintaining the melt level in the main furnace above the level of the outlet port so as to seal the outlet port. The molten metal and the slag are discharged from the auxiliary furnace at the same rate as the increase in the amount of the molten metal and the slag in the main furnace. The auxiliary furnace may be provided with temperature control device for independently controlling the temperatures of the molten metal and the slag in the auxiliary furnace.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus (1) for molten metal or the like comprising a vessel (2) receiving in use a main body (3) of liquid and having dispensing valve means (6, 7) operable to dispense a flow of liquid therefrom, a container (9) defining a chamber (15), means (24) for supporting the container such that an open mouth (16) thereof is immersed in the main body of liquid to define a head space (19) above the liquid in the chamber, suction means (13) connected to the container and operable to reduce pressure in the head space so as to draw liquid from the vessel into the chamber and an induction heating coil (21) operable to heat liquid in the chamber above the level (17) of the main body of liquid, including sensing means (20) sensing the level (17) of the main body of liquid, the sensing means being connected to regulating means (43, 14, 28) operable to regulate the pressure in the head space to thereby regulate the volume of liquid in the chamber such that the level of the main body of liquid is maintained substa

Abstract: A refractory member has therethrough a flow channel for the passage of molten metal. At least an inner wall portion of the refractory member defining the flow channel is at least partially formed of a material that at least partially includes a ceramic material having the properties of being capable of being heated inductively and to being electrically conductive at a temperature at least equal to the liquidus temperature of the molten metal. A primary induction coil, preferably formed of an electrically conductive ceramic material, surrounds the flow channel and inductively heats the material of the inner wall portion to prevent freezing of molten metal within the flow channel and the formation of deposits therein.

Abstract: In order to melt and discharge solid and highly viscous products from barrels, the barrels are opened and placed upside down on a foraminous frame. The frame with the barrels placed thereon is then inserted through the open top of a heated vessel defining a heating chamber therein. After covering the top of the vessel, the heating chamber is heated so that the product melts and flows out of the barrels, through the frame and is discharged from the vessel. The discharged product may be stored in a heated storage container.

Abstract: A refractory member has therethrough a flow channel for the passage of molten metal. At least an inner wall portion of the refractory member defining the flow channel is at least partially formed of a material that at least partially includes a ceramic material having the properties of being capable of being heated inductively and to being electrically conductive at a temperature at least equal to the liquidus temperature of the molten metal. A primary induction coil, preferably formed of an electrically conductive ceramic material, surrounds the flow channel and inductively heats the material of the inner wall portion to prevent freezing of molten metal within the flow channel and the formation of deposits therein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus with entry, filling and sealing, and exit chambers through which a carriage holding alkali metal containers may be transferred. The drive for the carriage in each chamber is cantilevered to facilitate transfer between chambers, and lateral movement of the carriage with the respect to the direction of transfer is restricted in the filling and sealing chamber. A method of filling containers with molten alkali metal is also disclosed in which the ambient gas pressure is reduced and then raised to reduce quantities of unwanted gas in the alkali metal.