Abstract: This invention relates to an electrode positioning mechanism of an electric, electric arc or reduction furnace, in particular for smelting steel, with a guide column, having a mast arm to hold the electrode and guided in a guide frame by front and lateral guide rollers, which are located in a nest, and which can be moved vertically, whereby there are mechanical damping elements to damp mechanical vibrations. To create an electrode positioning mechanism which uses simple means to achieve a vibrational isolation of the individual components of the electrode positioning mechanism, and which reduces the breakage of electrodes in comparison to the devices of the prior art which use complex damping means, the invention proposes that the damping elements 14 be located between the front and lateral guide rollers 6 and the guide frame 7.

Abstract: A measuring head for a vacuum gauge. An essentially cylindrical housing encloses a measuring cell which is sealed in a vacuum tight manner against the surrounding atmosphere and is connectable with an evacuatable cavity. A measuring filament for producing an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure in the measuring cell is disposed in the measuring cell. The measuring filament is disposed approximately perpendicularly to the axial direction of the housing.

Abstract: A switchboard booth structure having a unique arrangement of exteriorly accessible service and control devices and interiorly accessible switch devices for controlling low voltage elements of electrical apparatus, particularly metallurgic electric furnaces is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method is provided for lengthening the life of electric arc furnace linings in the production of steel from scrap, while at the same time introducing sponge iron pellets to shorten the melting time. This is achieved by predetermining the increase in power at the arc-molten bath interface upon introduction of the sponge iron and automatically reducing the power factor in the circuits feeding the electrodes according to the predetermination, upon each introduction of sponge iron.