Abstract: A system for controlling motion of a metering rod used to regulate the flow of metal from a holding furnace to a tap-out box which comprises a float floating on the surface of the molten metal in the tap-out box, and a metering rod actuator connected to the metering rod to move the metering rod into or out of a tap-out hole interconnecting the holding furnace to the tap-out box. A control valve assembly is mounted on a fixed support and has an inlet orifice connected to an air pressure supply and two outlet orifices, one connected to the metering rod actuator and the other to an exhaust. A blade is connected to the float and is adpated to be moved by it closer or further away from the exhaust orifice so as to control the air exhausted at the outlet orifice of the control valve in proportion to the spacing between the blade and exhaust orifice, resulting in variation in the air pressure at the outlet connected to the metering rod actuator depending upon the float and blade positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring temperatures of molten metal including a thermocouple unit (A) and an immersion protection tube unit (B), wherein the thermocouple unit (A) comprises a thermocouple (1) having an end equipped with a temperature sensing element (8) and an opposite end connected to terminals (2), an insulator (9) of substantially one piece containing the thermocouple (1), a porcelain protection tube (6) of high airtightness containing the insulator (9), and a terminal box (3) having an extension sleeve (5) with which the upper part of the porcelain protection tube (6) is held and having a housing (20) which contains the terminals (2). The immersion protection tube unit (B) comprises an alumina-graphite protection tube (21), a holding sleeve (22) with a flange which is connected to the upper part of the alumina-graphite protection tube (21), and a connecting sleeve (26) connected with the holding sleeve (22).

Abstract: An immersion sampler probe for the analysis of a molten metal bath in a BOF vessel. The probe is weighted to penetrate the slag and position a temperature sensor or oxygen sensor at an appropriate depth. A counterweight with a float ensures proper immersion depth. The float keeps the lead wires from contacting the molten metal.

Abstract: Lithium feed to an aluminum-lithium alloy production system is achieved at a highly controlled rate by advancing a plunger at a predetermined volumetric rate into a body of molten lithium retained in a holding vessel to displace the lithium toward an overflow port through which it is fed into a mixing vessel where it is combined with molten aluminum. Control of the aluminum feed rate is achieved by maintaining a constant head height upstream of an orifice. The thus metered streams of molten lithium and aluminum are then combined in a vortex bowl, whose outlet is then fed to a casting station.

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: A molten metal filter effectiveness indicator comprising means for detecting the molten metal level on at least one side of a molten metal filter, and method.

Abstract: A holding or smelting furnace for discharging measured quantities of molten metal includes a furnace wall defining a furnace chamber adapted to contain molten metal having an upper free melt level, and at least one melt outlet channel extending from the furnace chamber through the furnace wall at a level below the free melt level. A sliding gate valve is mounted on the furnace wall at the outlet channel and is movable between a closed position blocking the outlet channel and an open position unblocking the outlet channel. Control structure maintains the free melt level at a constant level within the furnace chamber, and thereby maintains the hydrostatic pressure of the molten metal within the furnace chamber at a constant value during discharge of the molten metal. Regulating structure is operable independently of the operation of the control structure and moves the sliding gate valve between the closed and open positions thereof at a predetermined timed cycle.

Abstract: An automatic pig-charging apparatus for hot-chamber pressure-diecasting machines is described, which enable small parts to be manufactured e.g., a Zamak alloy especially under mass production conditions. Excessive fluctuations of the level of the liquid metal melt have prove to have disadvantageous effects on the quality of small parts, and on the service lives of the pressure-diecasting machines and dies. The aim must accordingly be to minimize the fluctuations. The present invention provides a control system, which keeps the liquid metal level within narrow limits. A float switch automatically triggers a charging operation whenever the lower liquid metal level is reached. This operation involves the automatic replenishment of the liquid metal melt by addition of pigs supplied from a replenishing station.