Abstract: A device for distributing materials in bulk comprises a first rotor (20) and a second rotor (30). The first rotor (20) carries two suspension bearings (44, 46) in which a distribution chute (42) is suspended so that it can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis. A gear transmission (52), carried by the first rotor (20), includes an input shaft (54) and an output shaft (60). The input shaft is provided with a pinion (56) which meshes with an annular gear (58) of the second rotor (30). The output shaft of the transmission is parallel to the pivoting axis of the chute (42) and incorporates two cranks (64, 66). The chute (42) is provided with a pivoting lever (48, 50) at the level of each of its two suspension bearings (44, 46). Each of these two pivoting levers (48, 50) is symmetrically connected to one of the two cranks (64, 66) of the gear transmission (52) by a connecting rod (68, 70).

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging device for creating superimposed layers of fine-grained bulk material on a rotating hearth (2). For each layer of bulk material to be charged, said charging device comprises a discharge hopper (22) having an outflow slot (36) and a discharge roller (42) positioned ahead of each outflow slot (26). Said outflow slot (36) and discharge roller (42) extend essentially at a right angle to the direction of rotation of the rotating hearth and the discharge roller (42) has a drive (44), the rotational frequency of which can be controlled.

Abstract: The patent describes an oscillating device for a continuous casting mould with a supporting structure (10), an oscillating lever (12), which has a forked first lever arm (30) and a second opposing lever arm (32), this oscillating lever (12) being mounted in the supporting structure by means of first swivel joints (26′, 26″) so as to be vibratable about an axis (28), and a stroke generator (14), which is connected to the second lever arm (32) of the oscillating lever (12). The oscillating device according to the invention comprises a supporting cage (18) for suspension of a continuous casting mould (20), this supporting cage (18) being connected via second swivel joints (40′, 40″) to the forked first lever arm (30) of the oscillating lever (12).

Abstract: A continuous casting die has a casting channel (10) formed by molding plates (12) and a self-carrying frame construction with lateral openings into which the molding plates (12) can be slidingly inserted perpendicularly to the casting channel. The frame construction preferably has a top frame (14) with a passage (16) which is slightly larger than the cross-section of the casting channel (10) at the entrance of the casting die, a bottom frame (18) with a passage (20) which is slightly larger than the cross-section of the casting channel (10) at the exit of the casting die, and corner sections (22) which link the top frame (14) to the bottom frame (18). The lateral passages are delimited at their sides by the two corner sections, above by the top frame (14) and below by the bottom frame (18).

Abstract: A device for the discharge of bulk material (96) from a pressure vessel (2) is proposed, which comprises at least one sluice bin (24, 26) with a bottom (42, 44) and a top (40) sluice gate. The sluice bin (24, 26) is arranged under a plate (76, 76'), into which it forms an orifice (28, 30) for the bulk material (96). The top sluice gate (40) has a sealing plate (66), which is arranged above this plate (76, 76') in such a way that it can be positioned above the orifice (28, 30) of the sluice bin (24, 26) and, after a sealing connection to the edge of the orifice (28, 30) has been made, can be forced against this edge by overpressure in the pressure vessel (2).

Abstract: A device for sealing a lance (12) in an opening in a container under pressure, in particular a shaft furnace, is described. The device comprises a first casing (46) with an end wall on the shaft furnace side and on the environment side, which are each provided axially with an opening for a lance (12), and a sealing element (14), which is arranged in the first casing (46). The sealing element (14) comprises at least one packing (50) and at least one axially movable annular piston (52), which are arranged coaxially with an axis (24) of the device, the packing (50) being arranged between the piston (52) and one of the end walls of the first casing (46) in the actuating direction of the piston (52). The packing (50) is pressed axially against one of the end walls of the casing (46) by actuation of the piston (52), the packing (50) extending radially and being laid around the lance (12) to form a seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tap-hole drilling machine comprising a separate guiding means for a tap-hole drill and a driving means to move this guiding means between a working position and a rest position. In the working position, the guiding means forms a guide for a tap-hole drill. In the rest position, the guiding means is in a protected position behind a protective shield. The guiding means and driving means are combined in compact cassette-form guiding and protection unit which is removably suspended at the front end of the mount. The protective shield is suspended on the front face of this cassette-form guiding and protection unit and has a through hole for a tap-hole drill.

Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace with a lower bell comprises lower means of blockage allowing an upper hopper to be isolated in a sealed manner from a lower hopper and allowing the retention of the charging material. In their open position, these lower means of blockage are positioned so that they unblock a free central passage for the flux of material. This flux is established in the form of a compact and focused flux. Means for moving the lower bell are positioned so as not to disturb the focusing of this flux. Positioned above the lower bell is a deflecting surface, which causes the focused flux to diverge with axial symmetry. Inter alia, a better symmetry in the filling of the lower hopper is obtained.

Abstract: A device for the distribution of materials in bulk comprises a chute (10) suspended from a first rotor (18) so as to be driven in rotation and to be capable of pivoting about a pivoting axis (33). A pivoting ring (38) is connected to the chute (10) so as to be capable of pivoting about an axis (36) perpendicular to the horizontal pivoting axis (33) of the chute (10). A guide means, preferably comprising a large diameter suspension bearing (52), is supported by a second rotor (40). It defines for the pivoting ring (38), in a reference frame attached to the second rotor (40), an inclined plane of rotation which makes an angle .alpha. with a horizontal reference plane. The pivoting ring (33) creates, during a relative rotation in this inclined plane of rotation, a pivoting of the chute (10) about the pivoting axis (33).

Abstract: A suspension device for a heavy body, such as a rotating hopper for a shaft furnace, is presented. The suspension device has an annular running surface, a number (n) of rollers greater than three, and an elastically compressible component to permit elastic deformations sufficient substantially to correct an unequal distribution of weight of the heavy body over the rollers resulting from slight defects in the coplanarity of the rollers.

Abstract: A shaft furnace charging device with rotating chute comprises a supporting structure (22) overhanging the shaft furnace (10), a mounting flange (18) fixed rigidly to the shaft furnace (10), a batch hopper (26, 28) supported by the supporting structure (22), a drive housing (30) for the chute (32) which is connected in a sealed manner at one end to the batch hopper (26, 28) and at the other end to the mounting flange (18), and at least one large diameter roller ring (40) mounted in the housing (30) in order to support the chute (32) with the ring (40). In order to increase the working life of the roller ring (40), at least one deformable linking element (70) is incorporated in the chain of rigid elements connecting the mounting flange (18) to the roller ring (40), in such a way that a rigid transmission of deformations of the mounting flange (18) to the roller ring (40) is largely prevented.

Abstract: A gastight isolation valve for solid materials is presented. The body of the valve has a lower edge which, defines, in the leaktight closed position, an air seal. The air seal is surrounded by a projecting element of the closure member which comprises, on the outer side, an outer peripheral flank having a first gradient. A peripheral sealing surface extends the outer peripheral flank. The sealing surface interacts with a sealing seat of the valve body to provide gastightness.

Abstract: A sealing ring of relatively large diameter made from an elastomer material, particularly for fitting into a gastight valve is presented for the purpose of preventing and/or alleviating stresses that cause tearings in and on the surface of the sealing ring. This is accomplished by modifying the cross-section of the sealing ring relative to the cross-section of a receiving channel such that the cross-section of the sealing ring forms a central foot which lies in bearing contact with a base surface of the receiving channel and is radially limited by two concave indentations. The two concave indentations are dimensioned so they form, with the corresponding boundary surfaces of the channel, a respective cavity, into which a substantial part of the elastomer material can yield whenever a surface load is applied to the exposed sealing surface without substantially altering the concave configuration of the indentations.

Abstract: A distributor chute for bulk material, in particular for use in a bell-less blast furnace top charging device, has several inclined transverse plates in the region of its impact zone. The transverse plates create retaining pockets between their inner faces and the surface of the distributor chute. Two adjacent transverse plates limit between the outer face of the first transverse plate and the inner face or the second transverse plate a retaining chamber. If the inclination of the chute is reduced, the bulk material moves from the retaining pocket to the retaining chamber.

Abstract: A distributing chute for installation in a furnace, particularly suitable for use in a bell-less charging system of a blast furnace, comprises heat-resistant ceramic tiles on its underside. These ceramic tiles are inserted between, and secured by, hollow sections which are attached to the chute body and through which a cooling medium is passed. The ceramic tiles preferably include lateral grooves; the hollow sections being fitted in the lateral grooves for securing the ceramic tiles.

Abstract: Device for plugging a tap hole comprising an expulsion piston fitted in a plugging chamber, a first double-acting hydraulic actuator positioned behind the piston and a first channel passing through the piston for the passage of a piercing rod, and the first actuator. The device further comprises a second double-acting hydraulic actuator positioned behind the first actuator, equipped with a second channel for the passage of a rod, a control means for imposing a to-and-fro movement on the second actuator, and a first gripping means movable by the second actuator. This first gripping means makes it possible to grip and release a rod in order to push it, by successive travels, through the two channels in the direction of the plugging nose-piece.

Abstract: A device is presented which equips an opening made in a pressurized container, in particular a blast furnace, for the axial insertion of a lance. This device comprises an axial sealing member, a casing, a first fixed seat, a second axially movable seat and a closure element. The closure element is fitted with a separation spring which produces an axial clearance with respect to the first seat. Closure springs apply the second seat onto the closure element and the closure element onto the first seat. Active opening members, for examples jacks, act against the closure springs. In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a spacer element which is identical to the closure element except that it is provided with a through opening for the lance.

Abstract: A machine is provided for piercing a taphole for a shaft furnace for applying the piercing rod method. The machine comprises a mounting (20), a drive means (42, 44), a clamp (34) for coupling the drive means to the rod (26) during its extraction. It is characterised by a push-member (34) transmitting the said thrust force to the rear end of the rod (26) during the insertion of the rod (26) into the taphole clay and by intermediate guides (55i) surrounding the rod (26) at several places during the insertion of the rod (26) into the taphole clay. The said guides (55i) being successively placed in a position in which they do not hinder the advance of the said push-member (34, 78) on the mounting (20).

Abstract: A device is presented for inserting, from a support structure a lance axially through a side opening in a pressurized container, in particular a blast furnace. This device comprises a support bench on which a support carriage can slide. A front elastic support for the lance is mounted so as to follow the level variations of the side opening. When the lance is inserted into the container, the front elastic support yields and the lance bears on an internal support.

Abstract: A device for distributing powdery materials comprises a suspension sleeve which extends a rotary cage axially upwards through a plate. A running ring is fixed using a first collar to a suspension sleeve and using a second collar to an annular flange supported by the support structure above the horizontal plate. A ring forms part of the supply channel and is coaxial with the suspension sleeve. Leaktightness is ensured by a first leaktight seal between the suspension sleeve and this ring, and by a second leaktight seal between the suspension sleeve and the horizontal plate.