Abstract: An electrode adding apparatus which adds a new electrode to an electrode held by the electrode holder of an electric furnace by screwing the lower end of the new electrode in the upper end of the electrode held by the electrode holder, when the electrode held by the electrode holder is consumed. In adding the new electrode to the consumed electrode, the new electrode is gripped by a clamping device rotatably held by a casing, then the casing is transported by a crane to bring the new electrode directly above the consumed electrode, and following which the casing is lowered to position the new electrode in alignment with the consumed electrode. Then, the clamping device is driven for rotation to screw the lower end of the new electrode in the upper end of the consumed electrode. In adding the new electrode to the consumed electrode, the rotative reaction force of the casing is received by the electrode holder so that the casing is restrained from rotation.

Abstract: The present invention mainly relates to improvements in the head construction of a lifting hook, wherein the hook head has an annular recess over its certain axial length, the upper portion of said recess forming a double curvature profile, and the surface of said recess being pressurized by a rolling roller to develop a compressive residual stress. An external half sleeve is fitted on said annular recess and seated on a thrust bearing, the sleeve being surrounded with a collar nut.