Abstract: A pressure ring assembly (10) comprises at least first and second segments 12.1, 12.2 which are connected to one another in abutting relationship by a removable wedge connector 14 comprising first and second prongs 36, 38. Each segment comprises a body 20 extending arcuately between first and second side walls 22, 24 thereof. Each segment defines first and second elongate bores 26, 28. Each bore has a radiused wall section 30 facing the adjacent side wall, the radius being at least 15 mm. The first and second prongs diverge away from one another at an angle of less than 15 degrees. The first prong extends into the second bore of the first segment and the second prong extends into the first bore of the second segment. Mutually facing contact faces 46, 48 of the first and second prongs have profiles complementary to the radiused wall sections 30 of the bores.

Abstract: This invention relates to a payload delivery mechanism suitable for use with a drone. The mechanism includes a load carrying and release mechanism which is displaceable between a retaining position, in which at least part of the payload is retained by the load carrying and release mechanism, and a release position, in which the at least part of the payload is releasable from the load carrying and release mechanism. The mechanism has a first release mode in which the load carrying and release mechanism is displaced from the retaining position to the release position by an actuator that is in use electrically actuated, and a second release mode in which the load carrying and release mechanism is displaced, against the bias exerted by the biasing element, from the retaining position to the release position when a predetermined maximum external load is exerted on the load carrying and release mechanism.

Abstract: An electrode clamping device is suitable for use in an electrical arc furnace. The clamping device is used releasably to clamp an electrode of an electric arc furnace, and includes at least one elongate tension element configured in use to extend at least partially about a periphery of the electrode of the arc furnace in order for the tension element to define a tensionable loop about the electrode that is adapted to exert a clamping force on the electrode when tensioned. The clamping device also includes a tensioning mechanism including tensioning means adapted to exert a tensile force on end zones of the clamping element so as to tension the tension element, characterized in that the force exerted by the tensioning means is directed in a radial direction relative to the electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode clamping device suitable for use in an electrical arc furnace. The clamping device is used releasably to clamp an electrode of an electric arc furnace, and includes at least one elongate tension element configured in use to extend at least partially about a periphery of the electrode of the arc furnace in order for the tension element to define a tensionable loop about the electrode that is adapted to exert a clamping force on the electrode when tensioned. The clamping device also includes a tensioning mechanism including tensioning means adapted to exert a tensile force on end zones of the clamping element so as to tension the tension element, characterized in that the force exerted by the tensioning means is directed in a radial direction relative to the electrode.