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BELL SYSTEM TECHNICAL JOURNAL 



This design consists of control and power plugs located on the exterior of 

 the furnace and a floor stand with positions for electrical receptacles. Two 

 pins align these units, one of which opens the receptacle covers as the fur- 

 nace is lowered over the retort, Fig. 26. 



Features such as these make it possible to perform all the furnace and 

 crane operations, to deliver wire to the inspection area, to load skids for 

 shipment of wire with a minimum of effort on the part of the operator. He 

 attends these operations from a crane cab and as required, operates and 

 adjusts the gas, water and drain valves from floor positions. 



In the event of power, gas or generating equipment failure, automatic 

 indicating equipment summons the operator who then connects an 8% 



Fig 



Gas generator and Nj tanks used as standby equipment 



H2-92% N2 mixture into the annealing gas lines. This has provided 

 inexpensive stand-by equipment and constant production of bright annealed 

 copper wire. Fig. 27. 



Capacity and Results 



This mill is set up to produce wire on a three-shift basis. The equipment 

 of the type described, including space for rod and wire storage, occupies 

 an area of approximately 14,000 square feet. Training time was not ex- 

 cessive for the average operator — efficiencies of 80% to 90% being attained 

 in a few months. Rotation of operators to the next shift every two weeks 

 has worked out satisfactorily. 



