Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of baseball training devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a baseball training device that is comprised of a base, first and second frame member, horizontal frame member, and vertical frame member that is further comprised of a baseball on each end. The vertical frame member rotates around the horizontal frame member and is stopped by a plurality of bristles that are fastened to the interior of the first and second frame members. When the rotation is stopped, one baseball is securely held within the bristles while the other baseball is teed up at the top of the device, allowing a user to strike the device indefinitely. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of baseball training devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a baseball training device that is comprised of a base, first and second frame member, horizontal frame member, and vertical frame member that is further comprised of a baseball on each end. The vertical frame member rotates around the horizontal frame member and is stopped by a plurality of bristles that are fastened to the interior of the first and second frame members. When the rotation is stopped, one baseball is securely held within the bristles while the other baseball is teed up at the top of the device, allowing a user to strike the device indefinitely. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A road-marking device which sprays thick ribs of paint to a road surface, transversely to the road axis, to form rumble strips is disclosed.

Abstract: A road-marking device (1) is provided by means of which thick ribs (32) of water-based paint are applied to a road surface transversely to the road axis. Each rib is formed by a high-volume spray of paint from a nozzle (28) mounted on a horizontal carriage (8) mounted for reciprocal movement along a bar (6) supported by a vehicle carrying the device. Rotation of a road wheel (2) is caused to drive the carriage in both directions along the bar, while the spraying operation is controlled by the position of ‘on’ and ‘off’ switches (12) in the path of the carriage.

Abstract: A device for direct observation of the charging process inside a shaft furnace during its operation, in particular a blast furnace, with a measuring lance, which is arranged above the charge column in the shaft furnace in such a way that it is exposed to the charge material falling from a charging device during the charging process, and sensor means which detect the position of the falling charge material in relation to the measuring lance.

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: 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 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 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 charging device is provided for feeding an enclosure with a predetermined flow rate of a solid material. The device comprises a materials hopper, a pipe for feeding the enclosure, and a member for retaining and for regulating the flow rate of material. The member for retaining and for regulating the flow rate of material comprises a bell for closing off a discharge opening, and a central metering body which is oblong and distinctly more slender than the bell. The bell and the central metering body can be moved relative to one another so that the distance which separates the two of them can be freely adjusted.

Abstract: A device is provided for charging a pressurized enclosure, particularly a blast furnace. The device comprises a closing off bell which is movable inside a hopper and is used to close off a discharge opening. A lower sealing member encompasses a closing off element set out below the bell and is capable of moving axially with respect to the latter, and a seat is mounted below the discharge opening. The closing off element is equipped with an inflatable seal, and its seat is equipped with a first peripheral sealing surface which is substantially vertical or points downwardly. The inflatable seal interacts with the first sealing surface in order to ensure sealing of the pressurized enclosure with respect to the hopper.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for charging a shaft furnace is presented which ensures the vertical and symmetrical fall of charging material from a hopper onto a distribution spout. The discharge valve of the hopper and the valve of a chamber feeding material to the hopper are regulated in such a way as to form a barrage in the base of the hopper. To control the formation of this barrage, and ensure that it will be maintained throughout a charging phase, the hopper and the chamber are weighed separately, signals being produced for the control of dosing valves. In a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for performing this process, the hopper is rotated in order to reduce segregation of the charge material particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing charge material to a shaft furnace is presented which effectively reduces the segregation of the particles in a storage housing positioned above the shaft furnace. In the present invention, the storage hopper and the distribution device are movable about the vertical axis of the shaft furnace and are mounted inside a sealed chamber. Above the chamber are arranged at least two locks which are each provided with upper and lower sealing flaps. Preferably, the storage hopper and the bottom of each of the locks are in the configuration of tapered funnels, the conical wall of which forms an angle of less than or equal to about 30.degree. with respect to the vertical axis of the furnace. The storage hopper is preferably supported by support and guide rollers which move on a circular rail integral with the wall of the sealed chamber and is subjected to the action of a drive mechanism for rotation about the vertical axis of the furnace.

Abstract: A process for controlling the charging of a shaft furnace of the type utilizing a distribution spout and one or more storage hoppers with each hopper being provided with a dosing device for regulating the flow of charging material from the hopper to the spout. The shaft furnace also includes a weighing system to determine the contents (weight) of the hopper and to adjust the position of the dosing device wherein the dosing valve is opened whenever the real flow Q.sub.r is below the reference flow Q.sub.c and is held in position when the real flow Q.sub.r is above the reference flow Q.sub.c.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the feed or delivery of hot air in the tuyere stock of a shaft furnace, and a tuyere stock which incorporates such a regulating apparatus is presented. The regulating apparatus may be used in conjunction with a tuyere stock for a shaft furnace (the structure of which is well known) and consists of an articulated pipe connecting a large circular conduit to a nozzle and which is fitted internally with a refractory lining having an internal channel therethrough for the passage of air. The regulating apparatus of the present invention comprises a valve substantially in the form of a disc which is adapted to operate in a spherical portion of the internal channel described above. The disc is removably mounted on the end of a rod, the rod being rotatably and hermetically mounted in a tubular support integral with the wall of the tuyere stock and connected on the outside thereof to a mechanism which serves to pivot both the rod and the valve about the longitudinal axis 0 of the rod.

Abstract: A water cooling apparatus is presented for use in conjunction with a charging device of a shaft furnace, particularly a shaft furnace having a bell-less top charging apparatus. The cooling apparatus essentially comprises an annular feed vat which is attached to the upper portion of a rotary shell and is movable with the rotary shell. The vat is provided with at least one opening whereby water is gravity fed from the vat through plural cooling coils positioned about a rotary jacket. An annular collecting conduit receives the water flowing from the coils. The rotary jacket supports the suspension mechanism of a distribution spout and also acts as the separating structure between the furnace interior and the component parts of the charging device.