Abstract: A particular dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing with particular refractory material into a gap between a furnace wall and a form includes a platform (12) removably engaging the upper end of an expendable metal form. A carriage (14) is pivotally coupled to the platform and is rotatable about a pivot point located generally at the center of the platform. A hopper (30) is coupled to the carriage. The hopper receives particulate refractory material via an inlet and dispenses the particulate refractory material through an outlet (36). A feeder (34) is coupled to the outlet of the hopper to move the particulate refractory material from the outlet to a dispenser (44). The dispenser is coupled to the carriage at a distal end of the feeder and is suspended above the lining gap to deliver particulate refractory material into the lining gap.

Abstract: An apparatus of this invention for dispensing particles into an annular pattern is preferably employed in relining a foundry furnace. The furnace relining operation comprises positioning an expendable steel form in the furnace spaced apart from an outer wall, filling the annular space with refractory particles, and sintering the particles into a continuous lining. The apparatus of this invention comprises a platform removably positioned atop the form and having a circular track. The apparatus further comprises a carriage rotatably mounted on the platform and riding on wheels that travel along the circular track. A supply of the refractory particles is loaded into a hopper carried by the carriage. A feeder conveys particles from the hopper for discharge into the space. During use, the carriage rotates while continuously dispensing particles to uniformly distribute the particles into the space.