Abstract: A device for removing dross from the surface of molten metal in a furnace is disclosed which includes a dross pusher head and means for reciprocating the pusher head across the molten metal in the furnace from one side of the furnace to the other, in order to push the dross on the top surface of the molten metal towards one side of the furnace. A pivotally mounted scoop is mounted on or adjacent the furnace along the side to which dross is pushed by the pusher head, and has an open side which is normally positioned at least partly within the furnace opposite the pusher head to receive dross pushed by the head. Means are provided for pivoting the scoop from its normal position within the furnace through a predetermined angle to a tilted position above the upper edge of the furnace, thereby to discharge dross contained in the scoop into a receptacle or conveyor located outside of the furnace.

Abstract: A stoker feed system and method for supplying metal to a melting furnace is disclosed wherein a generally vertically extending feed tube is mounted with its lower end portion submerged below the upper surface of molten metal in the furnace. The feed tube is in communication with at least one feed chute at its upper end portion through which a metal charge is supplied to the feed tube. An additional feed chute is also provided in communication with the upper end portion of the feed tube for supplying carbon to the feed tube. A column of metal chips and carbon is thus formed in the feed tube, and a piston, reciprocally mounted in the feed tube, compresses this column while moving the charge downwardly into the molten metal mass of the furnace.