Abstract: An injection nozzle (10) is installed in the wall (13) of a liquid containment vessel (14) and comprises an assembly of refractory component bodies (18, 19, 20): injection passages (22) for receiving longitudinally movable lances (11) are provided in the nozzle and before injection commences, the passages are closed by cup-shaped refractory shells (30) embedded in one of the component bodies (18) adjacent a discharge end of the nozzle. Each shell has its base (31) united through a frangible shell portion (34) with the sidewall (32) and when injection is to commence, an associated lance (11) is forcibly driven at the base (31) to detach it by fracture of the shell portion (34) and from an opening through which an injectant can exit into the liquid. A push-out bung (26) may be incorporated in the nozzle body (18) between the base of the shell (30) and the discharge end of the nozzle (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for in particular repairing the region of the pouring apertures of a blast-furnace which mainly comprises employing a support element (10) independent of the casing (3) and on which bear the blocks (17) of refractory material. The support element (10) is first of all positioned relative to these blocks and then fixed in the final position relative to the casing (3), after which there is welded around the support element (10) and to the casing a sheet of metal which provides the seal between the support element and the casing.

Abstract: Manipulator for guiding of devices for treatment of heats in furnaces, ladles and the like, e.g. lances for injection of oxygen through a door (3) of an electromelting furnace, consisting of a feed table (19), on which one or several devices (24,29) are arranged displaceable mechanically guided in its length direction by means of one or several feed devices, at which the feed table (19) is movable mechanically guided between an advanced position at a work point (14), where the feed table (19) is immediately in front of the furnace door (3) or the like, at which the devices (24,29) can be inserted into the furnace (2) and possibly lowered down into the heat, and a retracted position, where the feed table (19) is removed from the furnace door (3).

Abstract: The unplugging apparatus includes a conduit which extends through the wall of an annular member to a generally cylindrical lance housing disposed within the annular member. The upper end of the lance housing is disposed above and proximate the elevation of the conduit. A bushing is disposed within the housing at its upper end and guides upward movement of a tube which is partially disposed within the housing. The tube carries a charge of combustible material and has an upper end disposed outside the housing and a bottom flared portion disposed within the housing. The bushing defines a stop surface for the bottom flared portion of the tube. A combustible collar is mounted on the tube upper end and surrounds a portion of the charge of combustible material which extends past the tube upper end.

Abstract: A slide unit for use in a sliding closure unit includes two partial movable refractory plates having respective planar surfaces. Each partial plate is surrounded circumferentially by a respective metal band. The two plates are assembled together in a frame to abut along a butt joint so that the two partial plates can be moved together with the planar surfaces thereof contacting a stationary refractory plate of a sliding closure unit. The metal bands at the area of the butt joint between the two partial plates is spanned by a refractory shoulder extending integrally from at least one of the partial plates. Such shoulder thereby extends the planar surfaces of the two plates to the butt joint so that the two planar surfaces form a continuous sealing surface.

Abstract: An outlet valve for a melt-containing vessel includes a lower insert piece mounted in the base of the vessel having an outlet bore passing therethrough from the inside to the outside of the vessel, and an elongate shaft located above and pressed down upon the lower insert piece. The shaft has a lower face mating with an upper face of the lower insert piece and is rotatable relative to the lower insert piece about a generally vertical axis. The bore through the lower insert piece is offset, at least at its upper end, from the axis of rotation. The shaft has a side opening at the lower end thereof capable of aligning with the top of the bore through the lower insert piece in at least one rotational position.

Abstract: A gas rinsing stopper includes a stopper member having therethrough an axial gas passage, a mounting fixture extending into a first end of the gas passage, a gas feed opening at a second end of the passage, and a gas supply line extending into the gas passage. A seal member is positioned within the gas passage and forms a gas tight seal separating the gas passage into a first section including the mounting fixture and a second section leading to the gas feed opening. The gas supply line opens into the second section of the gas passage, such that rinsing gas supplied through the gas supply line is isolated from the first section of the gas passage. This prevents the supply of rinsing gas from creating a reduced pressure at the first end of the gas passage, and thereby prevents atmospheric air from being drawn into the gas passage and mixing with the rinsing gas.

Abstract: Method for controlling and opening casting holes in containers holding liquid metals, characterized by providing a pressure fluid supply conduit (6), which opens out at the base of a spout (3), a variable speed distributor (7) and a pressure tank (8) being arranged on the supply conduit, and by providing successive pulses to propel inside the container a solidified metal plug.

Abstract: A rod chucking device for a perforator for perforating a pig iron discharge opening being adapted to mount exchangeably perforating rods for perforation work, such as drill rods, blanking rods and the like to the tip end of an impact rod. The chucking device has a cotter movable between an engage position and disengage position in order to fix the perforating rod inserted into a rod insert hole of a socket. A spring is engaged with the cotter for urging the cotter toward the engage position. In order to prevent deterioration of the spring through vibration and heat during the operation, chilling air passage from the impact rod to the perforating rod is separated to form an air passage to chill the spring.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for tapping molten metal furnaces using a rotary percussion drill include a drilling rod assembly having a replaceable drilling section initially to drill the plugged tap hole to the furnace skull before being removed from the drill and being replaced by a one piece poking rod assembly to break the skull to tap the furnace. A cage assembly is pivotally mounted to the drive box of the drill to assist in alternately mounting the drilling rod assembly or poking rod assembly to the drive box and in cooperating with the drive box to provide the drive connection to the drill.

Abstract: A rocker arm/spring assembly which can be readily removed without the use of any tools whenever the refractory is removed from the valve is disclosed. Since the refractory is regularly removed from the valve, the rocker arm and spring assembly can be removed, and the springs replaced and tested readily. The rocker arm is provided with a keyhole mount including a bolt shank slot, a seat bore, a bolt head port, and a bolt spherical head seat. The rocker bolt is secured to the frame and has a spherical head which is slightly smaller than the bolt head port which permits the rocker arm to be passed over the fixed head of the rocker bolt, and then shifted laterally until the shank of the rocker bolt is nested within the bolt shank slot of the rocker arm, and the spherical head of the bolt engages the spherical head seat in the underportion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: This is a process for producing high quality zirconium or hafnium sponge. It is especially useful for producing the very high purity zirconium which may be used to line the inner surface zirconium of Zircaloy tubing for nuclear fuel rods. The process uses a combination reduction-distillation vessel which is directly fed with zirconium or hafnium tetrachloride from a molten salt sublimer. A precharge of magnesium chloride is used to prevent reduction of metal outside the inner liner, and thereby facilitate removal of the inner liner after reduction and distillation. The agitator for the molten salt sublimer preferably utilizes a molten metal seal around the agitator shaft.

Abstract: A sliding nozzle apparatus for a molten metal holding vessel including a fixed nozzle member and a fixed plate therefor which are supported by an upper or fixed bracket secured to the vessel, and a movable nozzle member and a slidable plate therefor which are supported by a lower or movable bracket having one edge hinged to the upper bracket, while its opposite edge remote from its hinged connection to the upper bracket is removably connectable to the upper bracket to bring the slidable plate into contact with the fixed plate. A first set of coil springs are located adjacent to the edge of the lower bracket at which it is hinged to the upper bracket, and a second set of coil springs are located adjacent to the opposite edge of the lower bracket. The first set of coil springs are deflected to a greater degree than the second set of coil springs, or are, in other words, preloaded differently from the second set of springs.

Abstract: A cold hearth melting system has confining side wall area made of high thermal conductivity material and has as its bottom a diaphragm containing an orifice through which metal melted in the cold hearth is discharged. The diaphragm is made, at least in the central portion thereof containing the orifice, of material selected from the group consisting of tungsten, an alloy containing tungsten and having a melting point of at least about 3000.degree. C., cemented tungsten carbide and tantalum carbide.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes an upper stationary refractory plate to be mounted on a metallurgical vessel, a movable refractory plate sealed against the upper stationary refractory plate, a slide unit for moving the movable refractory plate in a direction of movement between an open position with discharge openings in the movable refractory plate and the upper stationary refractory plate in alignment and a closed position with the discharge openings out of alignment, a lower stationary refractory plate mounted beneath the movable refractory plate, and tensioning devices for pressing the lower stationary refractory plate against the movable refractory plate. Guide members are provided for relieving the pressure of the tensioning devices on the lower stationary refractory plate upon movement of the movable refractory plate to the closed position, thereby enabling replacement of the lower stationary refractory plate. The guide members are provided on the slide unit and extend in the direction of movement.

Abstract: For the purposes of introducing filling material which is capable of flow into a tap hole which is disposed in the edge region of the bottom of a metallurgical vessel, in particular a smelting furnace, there is provided a filling pipe which is secured to an arm which is pivotable about a pivot means mounted to the wall of the vessel. The pipe can be pivoted from a position outside the vessel through an opening in the wall of the vessel into a filling position in which the intake opening of the pipe is in communication with a container for supplying the filling material and the discharge opening of the pipe is in opposite relationship to the tap hole. The pipe is of a circularly bent configuration around the pivot axis of the arm so that the opening in the wall of the vessel can be kept small.

Abstract: A molten metal discharging device comprising:a stationary plate adapted to be mounted at a bottom portion of a container accomodating molten metal, the stationary plate having a molten metal passage bore for permitting the molten metal from the container to be discharged therethrough, anda slide plate slidable along a lower face of the stationary plate and adapted to open or close the passage bore by being slidably displaced relative to the stationary plate, in whicha circumferential wall of the passage bore in the stationary plate is made of dense refractory material and the circumferential wall made of the dense refractory material has a plurality of gas supply holes therein for permitting a gas to be supplied into the passage borehas less fear that the passage bore thereof may be blocked by the solidification of the molten metal and/or deposition of metal oxides and has an improved resistance against corrosion by the molten metal.

Abstract: A refractory plate assembly for use in a sliding closure unit includes a plate-shaped refractory member having therethrough at least one discharge opening and a metal jacket surrounding the peripheral edge of the refractory member. Such assembly is constructed by providing the refractory member with at least one indentation extending inwardly from the peripheral edge of the refractory member. A metal ring is positioned to surround the peripheral edge of the refractory member such that a portion of the metal ring extends across the indentation. This portion of the metal ring is pressed into the indentation until an innermost external surface of such portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the external surface of the metal ring at a position at the peripheral edge of the refractory member opposite the indentation.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes a pair of spaced guide members and a discharge control member movable between the guide members. The control member has therethrough at least one discharge opening to be moved into or out of alignment with discharge openings through the guide members. The control member is formed of a ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: A swivelling sliding closure unit includes a stationary refractory plate having a discharge opening and supported by a stationary housing. A swivel pin is fixed to the stationary housing, and a swivel lever having first and second ends is mounted on the swivel pin by a gimbal bearing. A movable refractory plate has therethrough a discharge opening and is supported at the first end of the swivel lever by a movable housing to enable pivoting of the movable refractory plate with respect to the swivel lever. The swivel lever is rotated about the swivel pin to move the movable refractory plate between positions enabling and blocking discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel and also to a replacement position. A rolling element is mounted on the stationary housing, and a raceway formed on the second end of the swivel lever abuts the rolling element.

Abstract: A top plate and collector nozzle for use with a sliding gate valve, comprising, in combination, a frame retaining a refractory and having a central ring like portion defining an opening with a well nozzle seat thereabout, a well nozzle having one end proportioned to engage the well nozzle seat, a plurality of lock receiving recesses in the periphery of the well nozzle and in spaced relationship with the seat engaging end of the well nozzle, and a plurality of lock elements secured to the frame and proportioned to engage the lock receiving recesses in the well nozzle, whereby the nozzle can be secured to the top plate for combined insertion in a sliding gate valve.

Abstract: A taphole drilling device for shaft furnaces is presented which is controlled by hydraulic fluid means. The taphole drilling device is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with a drilling process wherein the opening and closing of the taphole comprises the positioning and extraction of a drill rod which is left inside the taphole between successive tappings. One embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises a bar, a uni-directional percussion instrument which slides along the bar under the action of a motor, a device for coupling the drill rod to the percussion instrument and a means provided at the front end of the bar for guiding and supporting the drill rod. It will be appreciated that the motor used to drive the percussion instrument is preferably a hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A housing of the grasping device is connected by way of a headpiece with a taphole drilling machine equipped with a counterblow hammer. A clamping mechanism which can be coupled in a force-locking fashion in the housing of the grasping device with the smooth-round end of the tapping rod by means of an operating device is provided, this mechanism being in operative connection with an installation enhancing the clamping force upon an increase in tensile force at the tapping rod. The clamping mechanism can be, for example, a tilting disk surrounding the smooth-round end of the tapping rod with a bore and being in operative connection on one side with a stop fixedly connected to the housing of the grasping device, this stop converting the tensile force at the tapping rod into a tilting moment at the tilting disk so that the clamping force is enhanced.

Abstract: A molten metal discharging device including a stationary plate of refractory material and adapted to be mounted at a bottom portion of a container for accommodating molten metal, the stationary plate having a molten metal passage bore for permitting the molten metal from the container to be discharged therethrough, and a slide plate of refractory material slidable along a lower face of the stationary plate and adapted to open or close the passage bore by being slidably displaced relative to the stationary plate, wherein the stationary plate includes a stationary plate main body having the passage bore therein, at least a major part of the main body being made of porous refractory material, the stationary plate main body having a chamber around a circumferential wall part of the passage bore and a gas introduction hole communicated with the chamber for introducing a gas from outside into the chamber, the circumferential wall part having gas supply hole elements for supplying the gas therethrough from the chamb

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding gate valve employed on the side of a furnace as a furnace valve, in which the mechanism is so structured that the shut off occurs by directing the slide gate to the up position rather than the down position. In addition, to facilitate a reduction in space at the slide gate, the slide gate is desirably configured to be asymmetrical, with the short end extending upwardly from the pour opening in the nozzle. A refractory lined heat shield protects the sliding gate carrier and also serves to mount a collector extension when used. More specifically, the slide gate is provided with a metallic frame which retains a monolithic refractory into which errosion resistant refractory inserts or preformed members are cast. Means are desirably provided to remove the spent refractory for remanufacture thereby reclaiming the casting.

Abstract: A lining apparatus provided with a foldable spray pipe comprising an elevatable vertical support strut supported by a frame, a bifurcated support strut having the upper end thereof connected to the lower end of the elevatable vertical support strut, the bifurcated strut comprising a pair of parallely extending strut elements which define an arm storing space therebetween opening at both sides, a pipe supporting arm foldably connected to the lower end of the bifurcated strut and encasing a spray pipe therein and a protective path formed in each strut element of the bifurcated strut allowing a plurality of lines including a material supply line to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A metal band is mounted about the periphery of a cover plate, particularly a ceramic sliding plate for use with a sliding gate nozzle for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a vessel, such that the cover plate can be mounted on a supporting frame by means of releasable clamps acting on the metal band. The peripheral surface of the cover plate is covered with a layer of thermally setting mortar, and a heated steel ring is positioned around the mortar layer. The steel ring is cooled, such that the steel ring shrinks about the mortar layer, while the mortar layer is heated and thereby set, such that the cooled steel ring is bonded about the peripheral surface by the mortar layer. Alternatively, the cover plate may be positioned within a mold having a peripheral rim such that there is defined between the mold rim and the peripheral surface a space surrounding the peripheral surface.

Abstract: A shaft furnace plugging apparatus is presented which occupies very little space and sweeps out a relatively low and comparatively flat continuous trajectory between an inoperative position and an operative position. The plugging apparatus includes a clay gun pivotably mounted on a first end of a jib, the jib being rotatable about a support column. The apparatus also includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders, the first hydraulic cylinder being pivotably attached between a second end of the jib and an intermediate pivotable frame and the second hydraulic cylinder which is operative between the intermediate pivotable frame and a fixed support frame.

Abstract: A spout-filling mass which is retained in place by a slider in the pouring spout of a metal-casting ladle consists essentially of 35 to 65% by weight chromite, (chromium ore with 42 to 45% Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3), 3 to 25% by weight carbon and the balance quartz sand. The mass, which fills the cylindrical portion of the spout, is formed into a pile on the floor of the ladle above the spout and upon contact with the molten metal fuses into a thin shell which, upon movement of the slider to bring its opening into registry with the spout, is ruptured by the molten metal after the underlying support for the shell is discharged through the spout.

Abstract: A linear sliding closure unit includes a stationary refractory plate, a closure casing adapted to be mounted on a molten metal container, a linearly movable sliding refractory plate, a sliding closure member mounting the sliding refractory plate for linear sliding movement relative to the casing and the stationary refractory plate, and structure for urging the sliding refractory plate toward the stationary refractory plate so that respective sliding surfaces thereof are in abutment. The closure casing includes an inner supporting surface supporting and defining the position of the stationary refractory plate. The closure casing has guide surfaces at positions outwardly of the support surface, the sliding closure member being guided by the guide surfaces during sliding movement. The closure casing fixedly connects and spaces the guide surfaces from the supporting surface.

Abstract: The invention resides in a fastening means for a closure plate on a sliding shutter for the outlet of a vessel containing molten metal, whereby the closure plate can be fixed within a supporting frame by the action of releasable gripping means which are provided on the supporting frame and which act on a metal sheath which at least encircles the periphery of the closure plate. The closure plate's external periphery is provided with at least one recess into which the sheath is pressed as a result of the deformation produced by the gripping means. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sheath encircles the exterior periphery of the closure plate as a narrow tension band and is provided with at least one tightener. The desired pretensioning of the sheath and the fixing of the closure plate and sheath to the supporting frame is effected in combination with the tightener.

Abstract: Multi-path rotatable fluid couplings are formed from modular elements so as to have one, two or three axes about which relative rotation of supply and discharge conduits may occur. These modular elements may be employed in an articulated delivery system for multiple fluids wherein, for example, six pivot axes are provided through a combination of two or more couplings with interconnecting rigid conduits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding gate valve employed on the side of a furnace as a furnace valve, in which the mechanism is so structured that the shut off occurs by directing the slide gate to the up position rather than the down position. In addition, to facilitate a reduction in space at the slide gate, the slide gate is desirably configured to be asymmetrical, with the short end extending upwardly from the pour opening in the nozzle. A refractory lined heat shield protects the sliding gate carrier and also serves to mount a collector extension when used. More specifically, the slide gate is provided with a metallic frame which retains a monolithic refractory into which errosion resistant refractory inserts or preformed members are cast. Means are desirably provided to remove the spent refractory for remanufacture thereby reclaiming the casting.

Abstract: A stopper plug for sealing the tap hole of a molten metal receptacle is formed of refractory materials, fibrous substances, and consumable-disintegrable materials in a hollow conical plug that is expandable in a tap hole by movement of a wedge-shaped member therein, the expanded stopper plug being capable of effectively sealing the tap hole for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An improvement upon the apparatus and method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,202. To avoid loss of the drilling bit, a quick-change coupling apparatus is provided between the striking bar, on the one hand, and either the drill rod or poking bar, on the other.

Abstract: Apparatus for tapping a wall of a metallurgical vessel wherein a drilling machine is carried by a mounting means for reversible displacement therealong on a track. The mounting means is suspended from a laterally extending boom which swings on a stationary support, and the boom is swung by a mechanism for selectively displacing the mounting means with its drill into an operative position for drilling a tap hole in a metallurgical vessel and an inoperative position. In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting means together with its guide track for carrying the drilling machine is pivotally connected to the boom and guide means are provided to guide the pivotal swinging of the mounting means relative to the boom to guide the mounting means over a predetermined path of movement when the boom is swinging.

Abstract: A taphole apparatus for a steel-making converter, which is comprised of a series of refractory blocks each defining a bore and the bores being aligned to define respective and successive sections of the taphole, the bore of a first one of the refractory blocks at a hot inlet end of the taphole being funnel-shaped and the bore of a last one of the refractory blocks at a cold outlet end of the tap hole having a smaller diameter than the funnel-shaped bore at the hot inlet end.

Abstract: A linear sliding closure unit includes a stationary refractory plate, a closure casing adapted to be mounted on a molten metal container, a linearly movable sliding refractory plate, a sliding closure member mounting the sliding refractory plate for linear sliding movement relative to the casing and the stationary refractory plate, and structure for urging the sliding refractory plate toward the stationary refractory plate so that respective sliding surfaces thereof are in abutment. The closure casing includes an inner supporting surface supporting and defining the position of the stationary refractory plate. The closure casing has guide surfaces at positions outwardly of the support surface, the sliding closure member being guided by the guide surfaces during sliding movement. The closure casing fixedly connects and spaces the guide surfaces from the supporting surface.

Abstract: A heated chamber having at least one opening; closure means for closing said at least one opening, said closure means having at least a closed and open position; said closure means and said opening having surfaces disposed for coming into proximity of one another in said closed position, said surfaces forming a primary sealing means for said heated chamber in said closed position, there being a substance applied to at least one of said proximate surfaces, said substance having a property of expanding upon the application of heat thereby forming a secondary sealing means between said proximate surfaces in said closed position.

Abstract: A metal pouring ladle furnished with a sliding gate valve has a bottom pour opening fitted with a well block and a nozzle seated in the lower portion thereof, the well block and nozzle forming a flow passage leading to the valve. For introducing gas to the melt, a pipe is cast in the well block, the pipe opening to the bore of the well block above the nozzle or into an annular space encircling the top end of the nozzle component. This permits gassing before teeming commences without recourse to the flow passage through the nozzle, and so gassing is possible without disturbing any particulate silicious filler which may have been placed in the nozzle passage.

Abstract: A drill rod, left in place in the plug of a taphole of a shaft furnace, is withdrawn by apparatus including a conventional percussive type taphole drill which is movable along a support bar. The support bar is provided, at the end which most closely approaches the furnace, with a guide and support head which engages and supports the drill rod as it is being withdrawn subsequent to loosening from the plugging material in the taphole.

Abstract: A blast furnace taphole plugging composition comprising a coal tar binder, a refractory filler and a very heavy aromatic petroleum oil which fails to polymerize at the high heating rates experienced during normal application of the taphole mix to the taphole. Preferred aromatic petroleum oils useful in the present invention have a minimum boiling temperature of 700.degree. F. and above and a boiling range between 700.degree. F. and 1000.degree. F. Methods of making and using such plasticized tar bonded blast furnace taphole mixes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ladle car opening is closed during the period between pouring and subsequent refilling of the car with molten metal by a closure plug comprised of an open wire mesh support and a lining of fibrous insulating material attached thereto. The plug has a tapered configuration providing for the outer end thereof to be larger than the opening into the ladle car, and the wire mesh support and lining provides for the plug to be flexible so as to conform to the peripheral contour of the opening and to engage a peripheral outer edge of the opening to close the opening and retain the plug therein.

Abstract: A mechanical punching apparatus for punching tuyeres in which the position of punching rods is varied in a one action in correspondence to movement of the tuyere and in which the mechanical puncher, a carriage and a puncher tilting device are readily accessible for overhaul and maintenance. A mechanical puncher including punching rods assemblies is mounted on a carriage which moves on rails along the longitudinal direction of a converter. A link structure is arranged between the puncher and the carriage for tilting and moving the puncher with the movement being restricted along a predetermined locus having a center at the center of rotation of the converter. The link includes first and second sets of levers disposed between the carriage and puncher with a coupling rod pivotally coupled between levers.

Abstract: A method and installation is disclosed for the replacement of a bottom closure of a track-mounted pugh-type transfer ladle having a transfer container supported by two longitudinally spaced-apart bogies which are pivotally attached to the transfer container for swinging movement about a vertical axis, the transfer container having a removable bottom closure located between said bogies. The ladle is moved longitudinally of itself and the two bogies are directed on to different tracks which are spaced from each other to thereby swing the bogies relative to the transfer container and increase the longitudinal space between the bogies; and thereafter the closure is replaced from below through the resulting increased space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppressing formation of pollutants in a blast furnace casting system by occluding oxidizing gases, including ambient air, from the molten iron and slag discharged from the furnace.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for punching the tuyeres of a converter with a mechanical puncher mounted upon a carriage running on rails. Light intercepting plates encoded by light transmission holes are disposed opposite each tuyere. Light is shone towards the light intercepting plates and detected on the opposite side thereof by photoelectric elements the outputs of which are coupled to a digital processor which controls the speed and position of the carriage. The mechanical puncher has two cylinders each of which drives two punching rods to successively punch the tuyeres. If it is impossible to punch a tuyere with the mechanical puncher were moving in one direction, the position of the puncher is shifted by one tuyere to start the punching again in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An electrode operating device for tapping an electric furnace provides remotely controllable motion of an electrode enabling the electrode to melt a fusible plug in the tap-hole of the furnace of an appropriate diameter to permit draining of material contained in the furnace.

Abstract: A taphole assembly comprises three refractory pieces: (1) a monolithic central block with a hole for the passage of molten metal and (2) upper and lower wedge supports for the central block. The purpose of the assembly is to position the taphole between parallel layers of lining brick with the metal conducting hole at an angle to the lining brick surfaces. The assembly is installed by supporting the central block on a counterweighted bar in position in the furnace, and constructing the furnace lining around the assembly.

Abstract: Hot pipes are tempered in an oil bath contained in a tapered, covered pan; a flap is temporarily opened for feeding, but closed when oil vapor develops, to be sucked off without contaminating the environment. Pan and cover structure are supplemented to prevent uncontrolled escape of vapor during treatment. Different handling devices for pipes in the interior of the pan are described.