Abstract: Portable inspection apparatus for determining the actual remaining thickness of the lining of a BOF vessel. The apparatus is mounted on a portable cart which can be wheeled into close proximity with the open top of a horizontally disposed furnace vessel. A laser transmitter directs a laser light beam toward the furnace lining. The light beam scattered from the vessel lining is received by a self-scanned linear array and correlated by means of a computer to provide a graphical representation of actual remaining lining thickness.Pneumatically operated locating members cooperate with positioning pads in the floor adjacent the vessel to accurately and repeatably position the cart with respect to the furnace coordinates. The inspection apparatus is also provided with computer processing to automatically scan a preselected area of the vessel lining less than the entire area in order to monitor lining locations of high potential wear.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and machining the roundness and concentricity of an outer surface of a roll having oppositely disposed ends spaced along a longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced roll supports for rotatably supporting the outer surface, and one or more drive wheels to rotate the roll about its longitudinal axis. An axial strut is provided for limiting the axial movement of the roll during rotation, and a pair of locators are individually mounted adjacent each of the ends of the roll and establish a reference line along the roll. A plurality of displacement monitoring devices using lasers simultaneously measure variations in the contour of the outer surface and movement of the reference line as the roll is rotated. The apparatus is further designed to determine the true axis of rotation of the roll, whereby a profile of the roll can be obtained by comparing roundness measurements taken at any point along the longitudinal axis to the true axis of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and maintaining a predetermined width in the gap between a casting nozzle and a casting wheel, wherein the gap is monitored by means of at least one pneumatic gap sensor. The pneumatic gap sensor is mounted on the casting nozzle in proximity to the casting surface and is connected by means of a tube to a regulator and a transducer. The regulator provides a flow of gas through a restictor to the pneumatic gap sensor, and the transducer translates the changes in the gas pressure caused by the proximity of the casting wheel to the pneumatic gap sensor outlet into a signal intelligible to a control device. The relative positions of the casting nozzle and casting wheel can thereby be selectively adjusted to continually maintain a predetermined distance between their adjacent surfaces. The apparatus and method enables accurate monitoring of the actual casting gap in a simple and reliable manner resistant to the extreme temperatures and otherwise hostile casting environment.

Abstract: Portable inspection apparatus for determining the actual remaining thickness of the lining of a BOF vessel. The apparatus is mounted on a portable cart which can be wheeled into close proximity with the open top of a horizontally disposed furnace vessel. A laser transmitter directs a laser light beam toward the furnace lining. The light beam scattered from the vessel lining is received by a self-scanned linear array and correlated by means of a computer to provide a graphical representation of actual remaining lining thickness.Pneumatically operated locating members cooperate with positioning pads in the floor adjacent the vessel to accurately and repeatably position the cart with respect to the furnace coordinates. The inspection apparatus is also provided with computer processing to automatically scan a preselected area of the vessel lining less than the entire area in order to monitor lining locations of high potential wear.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning a laser beam across a moving strip of material. The strip is temporarily shaped by formed rollers to a concave shape to maintain a constant focus of the laser beam on the strip surface. The scanning assembly includes a mounting platform rotatable about a central axis. Mounted on the platform are a reflecting mirror, an optical element positioned within the path of the laser beam between the laser transmitter and the mirror, and a focusing lens for focusing the laser beam reflected from the mirror to a relatively small spot on the object. As the optics rotate with the platform, the beam emerging from the focusing lens is scanned across the surface of the strip. The optical element of the rotating platform first encountered by the laser beam may be a plano-convex lens, a plane reflecting mirror or a beam splitter. Multiple lasers and optics assemblies may also be utilized.

Abstract: The surfaces of worn and ground rolls are profiled by an electronic processor based gauge which is easily mounted on a roll grinding machine. A fluidic sensor within the gauge determines the distance to the roll surface. The change in roll diameter is detected by changes of air gap between sensor and roll surface. The electronic processor automatically produces a linear scale of the roll profile on a chart recorder. Two fixed spherical elements are mounted on a V-shaped frame member which contact the roll.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for cleaning the discharge gap of a jet nozzle of a web coating line or the like. The cleaning device comprises a body member slidably mounted on or adjacent the jet nozzle in such a way as to be shiftable longitudinally of the jet nozzle between the ends thereof. A clean-out blade is mounted on the body member and has a free end extending into the jet nozzle discharge gap. Manually actuable or mechanical means are provided to shift the body member between the ends of the jet nozzle to cause the free end of the clean-out blade to clean the jet nozzle discharge gap.