Abstract: The device is adapted to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of pipe sections in a blast downpipe. It comprises two flanges defining frustoconical bearing surfaces and a collar comprising clamping jaws which engage on said bearing surfaces. The collar is suspended from a support constructed in two parts, one of which parts is fixed and the other pivotally mounted on the first part. The collar may be clamped or unclamped by means of two screw and nut units.

Abstract: The charging device for a blast-furnace is so constructed as to be lighter, smaller in overall size and cheaper than known devices. It is also more reliable and requires substantially less maintenance while it enables the charge distribution to be regulated.It comprises a rotating spout disposed in the blast-furnace and suspended from a tubular shaft. The spout carries a nose which is orientable in a vertical plane and has an actuating rod wich is mounted with a sealed joint to extend through the shaft. The drive and guide devices for this assembly are located outside the blast-furnace. The charge is fed to the device by two bins having a vertical axis so that there is less risk of the charge becoming excessively packed or jammed in the region of the discharge hoppers controlled by a shutter or like mechanism.