Abstract: A composite diffusion type nitriding method and a composite diffusion type nitriding apparatus of the present invention are effectively used for nitriding various materials, such as machine parts, as well as a material which is difficult for nitriding by a conventional method. The composite diffusion nitriding apparatus is formed of a container filled with solid granular materials, a furnace for housing the container therein, a nitriding gas introduction path for introducing the nitriding gas into the container, and an exhausting path for exhausting the gas from the container. In the method, the material to be nitrided is placed in the solid granular materials, and the nitriding gas is supplied to flow through the solid granular materials to thereby nitride the material.

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: A plant for separating substances from a gas flow, especially environmentally harmful heavy metals in gas form released in connection with incinerating batteries, the plant including in series connection in a gas flow circuit, a chamber for initially collecting the gas flow containing the substances to be separated; a compressor which pressurizes the gas flow; an expansion device through which the pressurized gas flow passes while rapidly lowering the pressure and temperature of the gas flow so that at least a part of the substances to be separated condense and are separated in solid or fluid state in a separation chamber, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the expansion device and which is provided with an outlet for the remaining gas flow which communicates with the inlet of the collecting chamber to form a closed gas-circulation circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for the physical vapor deposition of an alloy whose constituent ements have widely differing vapor pressures comprises an inner evaporation crucible (1) surrounded by a second evaporation crucible (2) having an array of nozzles (9) angled towards collector (5). In use of the apparatus, a charge (3) of relatively low volatility is evaporated from inner crucible (1) using an electron beam (7) focussed by magnet (8). Charge (4) in second crucible (2) is of much higher volatility and is evaporated by radiant heating. The nozzles (9) direct the vapor from charge (4) along pathways which intersect the vapor rising from charge (3) such that the combined vapor stream reaching collector (5) is an intimate mixture of constituents. The nozzles (9) may also serve to control the flow rate of vapor from the second crucible (2).

Abstract: An installation for the fusion of metal ingots so as to provide a continuous supply of the metal ingots to an electric furnace in a safe fashion. The installation includes a rail on which can be suspended several metal ingots one behind the other. The rail is inclined towards the surface of the bath of molten metal so that its lower end is situated above the surface of the bath and so that the ingots slide along the rail under their own weight towards the lower end. A means of suspension is controlled so as to move from its higher position to its lower position by a mechanism activated by a float.

Abstract: Apparatus is described that is particularly adapted for suppressing fume generated in the flow of molten metal through the runner system of a blast furnace cast house. Burners adapted for combusting fuel and air are disposed at longitudinally spaced locations along the runner system. Fuel and air in predetermined amounts are discharged from the burners to create flame and disperse it along the axis of the runners. The flame operates to consume ambient air in the combustion process thereby to starve the region over the metal streams of oxygen that would otherwise combine with metal vapors to create fume-producing metallic oxides.