Abstract: A vacuum degassing apparatus has first and second degassing vessels each separately mounted for independent horizontal movement from a first operative position to a second repair position. In addition, each vessel is independently mounted for vertical movement in each position so that a pair of nozzles extending from its lower end to be immersed into a ladle of hot metal when the vessel is at its operative position whereby a degassing operation may be performed. Also, when the vessel is in its repair position, it may be lowered to permit repair or replacement of the nozzles or the vessel bottom as may be required. A vacuum conduit is pivotally connected to each vessel and to a fixed vacuum conduit to maintain the vacuum connection while the vessel is being moved into and out of its various positions.

Abstract: An arc furnace electrode is suspended by means of a clamp assembly which includes contact shoes adapted to bear against the surface of the electrode. The contact shoes are pivotally mounted adjacent their upper ends and force producing means independent of the shoe support engages each contact shoe for forcing the same into high pressure engagement with the electrode.

Abstract: An electric arc furnace has a plurality of electrodes each supported at one end of an arm, the other ends of which are each coupled to a column supported for vertical movement by means of a cable assembly. A fail-safe assembly is mounted adjacent the column and is coupled to the cable assembly. While tension is maintained in the support cable a linkage assembly normally restrains a biasing spring from moving a clamping wedge into engagement with the column to prevent vertical movement thereof. When tension is lost in the cable assembly the biasing spring is released to move the wedge into engagement with the column.

Abstract: An electric arc furnace has a body mounted on a pivotable platform and electrodes which extend through a furnace cover. A gantry supports the cover and electrode and is mounted on a rail for swinging movement onto and off of the platform to move the cover and electrodes from above the furnace body to a remote position. A pair of support columns are mounted below the edge of the platform over which the gantry moves and each column is pivotal into and out of a vertical supporting position to permit the platform to pivot. Shock absorbers limit pivotal movement of the platform in each direction and cushion engagement between the platform and the columns.

Abstract: A refractory lined electric arc furnace has a hearth, sidewalls and an arched roof. Skewback refractories are disposed between the roof and the sidewalls and are pivotally coupled to vertical support posts which bear against the sidewalls so that the skewbacks may change their angular relation to the sidewalls without inducing undue stresses in the roof as the lower ends of the side walls move inwardly and outwardly as the result of unequal expansion of the hearth relative to the roof.

Abstract: An electric furnace electrode coupler comprises a power driven chain loop which wraps tightly around a new electrode section such that when the belt is translated the new section is turned and screwed onto an operating old electrode section. Means are provided for tensioning the chain for gripping. The drive mechanism for the chain is mounted on an extensible and swingable arm for enabling operation on several electrodes associated with one furnace.