Abstract: A method continuously creates a bainite structure in a carbon steel, especially a strip steel by austenitizing the carbon steel; introducing the austenitized carbon steel into a bath containing a quenching agent; adjusting the carbon steel to the transformation temperature for bainite and maintaining the transformation temperature for a certain period of time; and then cooling the carbon steel. The carbon steel stays in the bath until a defined percentage of the bainite structure relative to the total structure of the carbon steel has formed. Residues of the quenching agent are removed from the surface of the carbon steel by blowing the same off when the carbon steel is discharged from the bath, and the remaining structure components of the carbon steel are then transformed into bainite in an isothermal tempering station without deflecting the carbon steel at all.

Abstract: System and method to harden rails by cooling, in a cooling medium, at least one part of a respective rail cross-section of a rail over an entire length of the rail. The system includes a cross displacement device arranged in an area of a roller table, at least one coolant container containing the cooling medium, a manipulation gripper structured and arranged to move the rail, and at least one positioning device comprising substantially horizontally aligned holding components having fittings structured and arranged to support a foot portion of the rail such that the rail hangs from the fittings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading and unloading a heat treatment furnace and to a corresponding method. Heat treatment furnaces are normally loaded and unloaded by means of a so-called elevator. During unloading, a removed workpiece is usually lowered by means of the elevator into an oil bath, in which it is then removed from the elevator. Oil is then transferred into the furnace chamber via the oil-covered elevator. Such an application of oil is avoided by means of a device comprising a frame rack having a first and a second level, which are disposed parallel above each other, and are connected to each other by means of a plurality of frame braces, wherein the first and the second levels have a plurality of openings and the frame braces have guide means.

Abstract: System and method for hardening rails by cooling, in a cooling medium, at least one part of a respective rail cross-section of a rail over an entire length of the rail. The system includes a cross displacement device arranged in an area of a roller table, at least one positioning device, at least one coolant container containing the cooling medium, a manipulation gripper comprising a plurality of pincers and being structured and arranged to move the rail. The method includes at least one of moving the rail from the roller table to the at least one coolant container positioning the rail into the at least one positioning device via the manipulation gripper, as well as moving the rail into the coolant medium with the at least one positioning device.

Abstract: A method continuously creates a bainite structure in a carbon steel, especially a strip steel by austenitizing the carbon steel; introducing the austenitized carbon steel into a bath containing a quenching agent; adjusting the carbon steel to the transformation temperature for bainite and maintaining the transformation temperature for a certain period of time; and then cooling the carbon steel. The carbon steel stays in the bath until a defined percentage of the bainite structure relative to the total structure of the carbon steel has formed. Residues of the quenching agent are removed from the surface of the carbon steel by blowing the same off when the carbon steel is discharged from the bath, and the remaining structure components of the carbon steel are then transformed into bainite in an isothermal tempering station without deflecting the carbon steel at all.

Abstract: A furnace for heat treating a metal workpiece is provided. A method and system for processing a workpiece also are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for the rolling and heat treatment of elongated metal product of relatively small cross section, such as rods and bars, is described in which the elements required for the conduct of a variety of heat treatments are arranged in in-line disposition whereby any of several heat treatment procedures can be performed on the product without need for transferring the product to remotely located heat treatment facilities. The methods of performing various heat treatments through use of the disclosed apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The liquid quenching system includes a method and apparatus for heat treating small parts discharged from a furnace. The apparatus includes a bearing and bearing support that provide cantilevered support to a rotary quenching drum. A rotatable joint that rotatably connects the rotary quenching drum to a transfer chute does not provide the majority of support for the rotary quenching drum. Accordingly, the rotatable joint can comprise no bearing at all or can be an inexpensive, easy to manufacture bearing or other juncture device. A protection member is connected to the output end of the transfer chute and protects the rotatable joint from damage from contact with metal parts that are being quenched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quench management system for cooling heat treated workpieces in an alkylene glycol solution. The system includes a quench tank adapted to contain a solution of alkylene glycol into which the heat treated workpieces are immersed for quenching and a rinse tank adapted to contain a solution of alkylene glycol into which the quenched workpieces are immersed. A mechanism for heating the alkylene glycol solution in the rinse tank is provided to thereby cause some of the alkylene glycol in solution to precipitate in the rinse tank. A fluid transport mechanism, such as a pump, is fluidly connected to each of the rinse tank and quench tank, for moving the precipitated alkylene glycol solution from the rinse tank into the quench tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heat treatment of aluminum and aluminum alloy components in the aircraft manufacturing industry is precisely controlled in accordance with manufacturing regulations that must be satisfied if the components are to meet regulation quality standards for use in manufacturing an aircraft. For this purpose, the apparatus has a compact arrangement of four stations cooperating with a transport system that moves the components to be treated sequentially through the stations including an annealing station, a quenching station, a cleaning station, and a drying station arranged in that order in the transport direction. The transport system and the stations are controlled by a central processing unit for providing the required control signals, including closed loop controls and monitoring of all parameters that are necessary for a fault-free precisely repeatable heat treatment of the aluminum and aluminum alloy components.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of forming a metal coated with a polymer is achieved through the provision of a reservoir containing a cooling liquid having a relative undisturbed upper surface. A metal coated with a polymer is introduced into the cooling liquid through the upper surface and is subject to quenching liquid at a temperature T.sub.q directed at the polymer coated metal substantially immediately below the cooling liquid upper surface and substantially along the entire predetermined width thereof. This achieves rapid and uniform cooling in the absence of bubble formation and/or quenching liquid surface agitation to assure desired crystalline formation of the polymer absent the polymer blemishes.

Abstract: A bubble-actuated pump is used for removing dross from the surface of a bath of molten metal. A modification of the pump is employed for delivering molten metal to the dross for diluting it.

Abstract: A facility for in-line heat treatment of hot-rolled products, for example, long rods (16) includes: a tank (11) suitable for containing a refrigerating liquid medium (12), a plate (13) with stationary rakes (14) and mobile rakes (15) suitable for receiving the products (16) and transporting them through the tank (11) and outside of it on heat treatment performed, and closure lids (27) arranged above the plate (13).

Abstract: A fabricated bubble operated pump for diluting dross in a steel treating bath.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and method for the manufacture of metallic shot for use in shotguns. The apparatus and method fractionate molten shot material within a reservoir system. Subsequent descent of the molten shot material is controlled through a temperature-regulated environment producing shot of superior sphericity and uniformity.

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: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the hardening of elongate workpieces by means of an inductor 19. The apparatus comprises a rotary ring 3 mounted to rotate around a horizontal axis in a hardening basin 1 and having a number of retaining devices 11 by means of which each of individual workpieces 16 is retained horizontally and rotatably around its longitudinal axis. To improve the hardening result and increase the degree of automation of the apparatus and process, associated with each retaining device 11 for connection to a central driving shaft 2 is an adjustable clutch-brake unit 7, and the retaining device 11 is drivable by the driving shaft 2 in a first position, is uncoupled from the driving shaft 2 and freely rotatable in a second position and is braked in relation to the rotary ring 3 in a third position. By these steps each of the workpieces 16 disposed on the rotary ring 3 can perform rotary movements independently of one another.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for guiding at least two steel wires from a furnace into a lead bath. The steel wires are kept separated, and, after leaving the furnace, guided over a cooled roller. The roller is turning at a peripheral speed that nearly equals the speed of the steel wires. After this, the steel wires disappear into the lead bath and are guided further under an immersed roller, the steel wires making an angle larger than 150.degree. over the cooled roller and under the immersed roller. The furnace-lead bath transition is sealed by a hood that lets through as little air as possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending leaf-spring blanks is combined with a vessel containing a bath of a hot treatment liquid and defining a longitudinal treatment path below a surface of the liquid, a center guide extending longitudinally along the path in the bath, and a pair of side guides extending longitudinally along the path and spacedly horizontally flanking the center guide. Each guide has an upper element and a lower element spaced therebelow. A loader engages the blank in the bending apparatus generally centrally for removing the engaged blank form the bending apparatus, and for depositing the blank in the bath between the upper and lower guide elements. In addition a conveyor including center and side pushers is displaceable longitudinally along each of the respective guides for engaging the blank engaged therein and displacing same along the path through the guides between the upper and lower elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous heat treatment of wire rod comprises a tank containing a water bath maintained at a temperature of at least 75.degree. C., at least one inlet conveyor having an emergent part and a immersed part which is immersed in the water bath, and at least one outfit conveyor having an immersed part immersed in the water bath and an emergent part, the inlet conveyor having a plurality of steps inside the tank which are lower than the maximum upper level of the water bath, and at least one of the steps of the inlet conveyor having a downward inclination not exceeding 3.degree. to horizontal in the direction of conveyor movement, successive steps of the inlet conveyor being interconnected by at least one conveyor section inclined downwardly in the direction of conveyor movement at an angle not exceeding 10.degree. to horizontal. The level of the water bath is varied so that one or more of the steps of the inlet conveyor can be immersed selectively and optionally.

Abstract: A metal product having at least one plane surface, e.g. steel strip, is cooled by means of an aqueous fluid as it moves along a predetermined path by apparatus comprising a wall disposed opposite the plane surface of the product and substantially parallel thereto so as to form a chamber of substantially constant thickness between the plane surface and the wall, at least one aperture in the wall communicating with the chamber for the passage of the aqueous fluid connected to the aperture through the wall. The aperture is connected to a source of the aqueous fluid. The rate of flow of the aqueous fluid and the spacing between the wall and the plane surface are both adjustable.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling sheet metal panels has an elongated channel bounded by two side walls, a longitudinally slotted top wall and a longitudinally slotted bottom wall. These walls are immersed in a liquid containing vessel and the latter contains sets of horizontal driven shafts above the top wall and below the bottom wall. The shafts carry disc-shaped transporting members, portions of which extend through the slots of the top and bottom walls to engage a panel which is introduced into the channel and to transport the panel toward the outlet of the channel. The top wall and the shafts above the top wall are movable up and down to provide room for panels of different thicknesses. Two nozzles discharge water into the inlet of the channel at a level above as well as at a level below the panel between the upper and lower transporting members.

Abstract: A continuous hardening device of steel plate of a type wherein steel plate is continuously cooled and hardened by cooling water. The cooling water is continuously supplied into and exhausted out of a water vessel (10) provided in the path of the steel plate for cooling the same. A plurality of rollers (16, 18) supporting the steel plate on the upper and lower sides thereof to feed the same and a plurality of paddle wheels (32, 34) having axial shafts disposed in parallel with the rollers (16, 18) are provided in the water vessel (10). Each paddle wheel (32, 34) is disposed between adjacent rollers and close to the steel plate, and stirs and causes the cooling water to flow along the surface of the steel plate with a predetermined relative speed maintained between the cooling water and the steel plate. The cooling and hardening efficiency of the steel plate is substantially improved by the relative movement of the cooling water and the steel plate.

Abstract: The device according to the present invention is an improvement on the conventional devices for quenching metal tubes (3) by immersion into a tank (4) of liquid at ambient temperature.This device comprises in particular a deflector (18) positioned below the tube at the time of its immersion. This deflector distributes the contact of the cooling fluid on the surface of the tube (3). It allows a more homogeneous cooling and avoids asymmetric deformations of the tube (3). An air injection system fastened to the end of the tube to be treated is associated with this deflector.This device will be particularly useful in installations for treating very long, thin tubes.

Abstract: Concave rails 17, upon which a pipe which is to be treated by at least partial immersion can be placed, are fixed in the bottom of a furnace 1 which contains a treatment bath M. In order to guarantee that the pipe is immersed over the whole of its cross section and in order to eliminate the risk of it becoming oval, the furnace is subjected to alternating rotation about its axis XX, which compels the pipe to turn on itself by rolling on the rails 17. The handling of the pipe is achieved by arms 12 which are assembled in a pivoting manner on the external wall of the furnace and controlled by an actuator 15.

Abstract: Hot pipes are tempered in an oil bath contained in a tapered, covered pan; a flap is temporarily opened for feeding, but closed when oil vapor develops, to be sucked off without contaminating the environment. Pan and cover structure are supplemented to prevent uncontrolled escape of vapor during treatment. Different handling devices for pipes in the interior of the pan are described.

Abstract: A process for effecting an annealing treatment of a spheroidal or lamellar graphite cast iron pipe. While the pipe is driven in rotation about the axis of the pipe, it is suspended substantially horizontally as it issues from the centrifugal casting machine and the pipe is partly immersed in a bath of metal at the desired temperature. An installation for carrying out this process comprises an elongate vessel having a horizontal axis and containing a bath of molten metal at the required temperature. A withdrawable device is provided outside the bath for suspending the pipe in a substantially horizontal position and plunging the pipe partly in the bath while driving the pipe in rotation about the axis of the pipe.

Abstract: A device for heating an elongated workpiece having a central axis which device comprises first and second axially spaced and axially aligned multiturn induction heating coils, each of which has a workpiece receiving passage extending therethrough. Means are provided for indexing a workpiece axially first into the passage of the first coil and then, after a time delay, axially into the passage of the second coil.

Abstract: A liquid quenching system for use with continuous furnaces for heat treating small parts wherein the quenchant is used to both quench and convey the parts. A supply conduit connects a quench liquid reservoir to a connector between the furnace and a quench chute providing an initial quantity of quench liquid in the quench chute. A feed conduit pumps additional quench liquid into the chute to convey the parts while they are being quenched to a segregating device comprising an inclined, rotating drum having an internal auger flight. The drum permits the return of clean quench liquid to the reservoir and moves the quenched parts substantially dry of quench fluid to a suitable receptacle or further conveying means. A portion of the quench chute forms a trunnion for rotatable support of the receiving end of the drum, the discharge end having a shaft mounted for rotation on the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for cooling rolled wire after rolling by the application of a liquid treatment medium, which apparatus requires substantially less space and retention time for treatment than previous devices utilizing liquid mediums, but which still accommodates the rolled product issuing from a high speed large capacity production line. This is achieved by coiling the wire and simultaneously continuously immersing it in the container holding the liquid treating medium, so that at the moment each coil of wire is completed, it is also properly treated. Also included are means for sequentially coiling and removing each coil of rolled wire from the liquid treatment container.

Abstract: Apparatus and method automatically for moving elongated objects into and out of a hot dip galvanizing kettle or the like includes a screw feed conveyor system that continually maintains control over the elongated objects while feeding and removing the objects at a uniform predetermined rate. The screw feed conveyor system includes at least two generally U-shape screws which are rotated about their axes to feed elongated objects horizontally placed thereon at opposed diametrical sides thereof through the galvanizing kettle, said screws, if desired, having flights with selectively varying pitches to tilt the objects for entry into the kettle and drag out from the kettle.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermally treating metal components. The metal components which are in a partially finished condition are annealed by being placed within a liquid bath which is at a temperature of between 200.degree. and 300.degree. C. The liquid bath is oil and is situated within an enclosure structure with which an inlet and outlet structure communicate for introducing and discharging the metal components from the treating bath. These inlet and outlet structures themselves contain liquid for sealing off the interior of the enclosure from the outer atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved hardening apparatus of the type having a main carrier shaft which mounts pairs of indexing spiders which hold workpieces during treatment which includes quenching in a bath. The shaft is developed hollow and provided with a spur gear near one end which functions as a sunwheel of planetary gears. The hollow shaft is provided with perforations in the area of the spur gear through which it extends to engage the tailstock gear which is flanged to the housing surrounding the shaft.