Abstract: Fastening device designed to fasten a collecting container including: at least one pivot-member assembled so as to swivel around an axis on a mobile arm and including at least one first transverse arm provided with a first fixing structure and at least one second transverse arm provided with axial bores, at least two fasteners fixed onto the collecting container, the first fastener being provided with a second fixing structure working in conjunction with the first fixing structure, the second fastener, provided with axial bores, and a pin, designed to be inserted and to slide inside the axial bores when they are aligned. There exists at least one bore of a group, called the “central bore”, which is conical and which is surrounded by two bores of the other group, called “peripheral bores” which are cylindrical. The pin has a conical shoulder complementary to the central bore.

Abstract: Pot tending machine for a series of electrolysis cells designed for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis including: a) an overhead traveling crane which can be relocated above said electrolysis cells, b) a tool carriage onto which is fixed a service module comprising tools; c) a tapping winch, interdependent of said overhead traveling crane, designed to grasp and position near cell a tapping assembly including a ladle, a tapping tube and a vacuum device; d) a freestanding device able to generate compressed air; characterized in that said compressed air generating device of includes a first compressor, able to provide a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum air flow necessary for operations other than tapping, and at least one second compressor mounted in such a way that, when operating simultaneously with said first compressor, the unit provides a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum output of air necessary during tapping.

Abstract: Bucket shovel type collection unit, used in an aluminum production cell, comprising: a) a means of fixing onto a mobile support; b) a connection actuated by a first actuator moving in relation to said mobile support in the vertical direction; c) a frame interdependent of said connection; d) at least one articulated bucket, swiveling around an axis assembled on said frame, having a blade and swiveling around said substantially horizontal axis. Said first actuator is connected to a programmable control system able to determine the altitude of said axis and the difference in altitude between said blade and said axis, define the vertical movement to be imposed on said collection unit, and define and transmit to said first actuator the appropriate control flow to impose said vertical movement. The control flow may be control current transmitted by a variable speed transmission to an electrical motor or an oil flow feeding the chamber of a hydraulic actuating cylinder, controlled by a servo-distributor.

Abstract: Collection unit, in particular a crust shovel designed to clean the anode holes, including a mobile vertical mast actuated by a first actuator, a frame fixed onto said mobile vertical mast and at least one articulated bucket, characterized in that said first actuator is at least one hydraulic jack fed by an hydraulic system arranged so that, at least when a second actuator actuates said bucket, the oil pressure in the chamber on the rod side is maintained at a substantially constant value making it possible to support a load corresponding to the weight of said collection unit, less a load of predetermined value, preferably lower than 1000 daN, and typically ranging between 200 and 600 daN. Advantageously, the portion of circuit feeding said chamber on the rod side is provided with a pressure regulator. With such a device, the debris may be collected by scraping the bottom of the cell without damaging it.

Abstract: Fastening device designed to fasten a collecting container comprising: a. at least one pivot-member assembled so as to swivel around an axis on a mobile arm and including at least one first transverse arm provided with a first fixing means and at least one second transverse arm provided with axial bores; b. at least two fasteners fixed onto said collecting container: the first fastener being provided with a second fixing means working in conjunction with said first fixing means; the second fastener, provided with axial bores; c. a pin, designed to be inserted and to slide inside said axial bores when they are aligned. There exists at least one bore of a group, called the “central bore”, which is conical and which is surrounded by two bores of the other group, called “peripheral bores” which are cylindrical. Said pin has a conical shoulder complementary to the central bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a service machine (3) for a series of electrolysis cells (2) for the production of aluminium by igneous electrolysis, which includes: a) a bridge crane (4) capable of translation above said electrolysis cells; a tool-bearing carriage (6) on which is attached a service module including tools (10); c) a casting winch (13) connected to said bridge crane and for gripping and positioning near the cell (2) a casting assembly including a ladle (40), a casting tube (41) and a pressure reduction device; and an independent device (50, 50?) capable of generating pressurised air.