Abstract: A system for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the ends of two essentially-coaxial shafts (1 and 2), whereby each shaft end includes a groove (11, 12) close to an axial end extension (17 and 8; 18 and 9). Moreover, the aforementioned ends are connected inside a sleeve (10) including the following: a first annular shoulder (13) having a shape that is complementary to that of the groove of the first shaft, such that there is no clearance therebetween; a second annular shoulder (14) having a shape that is complementary to that of the groove (12) of the second shaft, but with a clearance therebetween; and a cavity (16) which is intended to receive the shaft ends, said cavity having an axial height which is greater than the sum of the axial heights of the axial end extensions (17 and 8; 18 and 9). Further, the axial end extensions (17 and 8; 18 and 9) of the two shafts are in permanent mechanical and electrical contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper (40) for a crust breaking member (33) such as a crust breaker, useable to form an opening in an alumina and solidified bath crust in a fused bath electrolytic cell by a back and forth motion of the said member along a translation axis T. The scraper (40) according to the invention comprises a plurality of fingers (42) arranged around a reference axis S intended to coincide with the said translation axis T during use, so as to leave a space (44) between the fingers and the crust breaking member, and each finger (42) comprises at least one scraping member (43) projecting towards the crust breaking member (33). The scraper according to the invention is used to prevent the formation of an envelope on the surface of the crust-breaking member that can block the member in the scraper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a chute to a powder-product-feed hopper of an electrolytic cell. According to the invention, the chute (4) is fixed to the base of a hopper (3) or a similar powder-product-feed apparatus. The hopper (3) comprises chute-support and fixing means consisting of at least one hook element (7) having an essentially-horizontal support area which is solidly connected to the hopper, while the body of the chute (4) is provided with at least one hook (9) which is articulated around a horizontal axis and which is intended to be hooked onto the hook element (7) of the hopper. The simple structure of the inventive device greatly improves on existing technology, enabling the rapid mounting and removal of powder-product-feed chutes in electrolytic cells during the operation thereof, in full safety for the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the ends of two essentially-coaxial shafts (1 and 2), whereby each shaft end comprises a groove (11, 12) close to an axial end extension (17 and 8; 18 and 9). Moreover, the aforementioned ends are connected inside a sleeve (10) comprising: a first annular shoulder (13) having a shape that is complementary to that of the groove of the first shaft, such that there is no clearance therebetween; a second annular shoulder (14) having a shape that is complementary to that of the groove (12) of the second shaft, but with a clearance therebetween; and a cavity (16) which is intended to receive the shaft ends, said cavity having an axial height which is greater than the sum of the axial heights of the axial end extensions (17 and 8; 18 and 9).