Abstract: Apparatus for straightening and orientating the deformed nipples of an anode employs framework through which each anode suspended by its anode rod is passed. A hollow casing with openings for receiving the nipples is raised relative to the framework to locate the nipples in the openings. A yoke of the anode is supported by pressure-pieces driven by self-locking spindle drives to engage the yoke from the outside and by support members engaging the yoke from the underside. The casing carries mechanisms each composed of piston and cylinder units with the piston rods and cylinders interconnected by yokes. One of these yokes has recesses for applying force to a central nipple and the other of these yokes carries a force-applying element with a socket for receiving the outermost nipples. The yokes and force applying elements are guided within the casing and serve to bend the nipples back into the desired orientation. Stops serve to control and limit the displacement of the piston and cylinder units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for aligning the stubs disposed on the yoke of an anode rod used in an aluminum electrolytic extraction cell, the anode rod having a yoke portion to which are secured two outer and an inner stub and a rod portion, the apparatus comprising a platform, first and second receiving elements for grasping the two outer stubs, which are slideably mounted on the platform, and equipment attached to the platform for driving the first receiver element in a direction directly opposite the movement of the second receiver element.

Abstract: For the purpose of cooling anode rods carrying hot spent anodes removed from electrolytic furnaces, a separate cooling chamber is provided through which the anode rods to be cooled are conveyed by means of a through conveyor, preferably on pallets. The cooling chamber possesses, in its bottom region, a cooling air feed and, in its top region, a waste air extraction duct. At both ends, the cooling chamber is closable by means of doors.

Abstract: A machine for straightening anode rods has a portal-like frame through which the rods are transported in succession with the aid of a suspended rail conveyor. Jaws which engage on the sides of the rods are used to squeeze the rods. Beneath the jaws there is a rotatable fork which can engage and entrain with a shaped end piece on the lower end of one of the anode rods. The fork and its rotary drive is raised and lowered and guided for this reciprocal movement. An anode rod can thus be transposed through 90.degree. enabling the jaws to squeeze against all the sides of the rod.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for aligning and locating the nipples of an anode rod with the blind bores formed in one surface of an anode block. The apparatus includes a support table mounted for vertical movement on a stand. Alignment means are mounted on the stand above the support table. The alignment means is constituted by a plurality of alignment elements, each of which has the shape of a segment of a funnel. In use, the narrow ends of the alignment elements are introduced into respective bores in the anode block as the support table is moved upwardly. As the support table moves further upwards, carrying the alignment elements therewith, at least some of the nipples of the anode rod engage within the wider ends of the alignment elements, thereby directing the nipples into the bores in the anode block.