Abstract: A look ahead state saving device for maintaining an audit trail of a plurality of discrete, sequential operating states in an electronic machine, such as a gaming machine. Each such state include accompanying operational data. A nonvolatile solid state memory maintains the audio trail. Game operation is initially interrupted and, thereafter, current state data is frozen in the memory when power source unreliability is detected and reliable machine operation cannot be maintained. The device retrieves the most recent game states and operational data from the memory upon restoration of power source reliability. Memory nonvolatility is maintained by a back-up battery source that includes a battery low detection circuit for interrupting machine operation in the event of battery failure, and that also includes a battery charging circuit.

Abstract: Solid carbon and solid metal materials, preferably scrap, which are to be melted, are introduced into a crucible which accommodates a molten metal bath, and oxygen is blown into the molten metal through nozzles or lances. Better utilisation of the carbon is achieved by the carbon being charged into the crucible in the condition of being packed in sheet metal containers, the sheet metal containers being pressed into the molten bath by solid metal materials lying thereupon when the oxygen is injected.

Abstract: Provided for the tap hole in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel is a closure apparatus comprising a shut-off member which can close off the tap hole from below, and a pipe which is displaceable from above through the molten bath into a lowered blocking position in which it bears against the upper edge of the tap hole. An axially displaceable lance may be disposed in the pipe so that the pipe can be used for burning open the tap hole, by means of oxygen. Filling material which is capable of flow can also be introduced into the tap hole, through the pipe. The closure apparatus makes it possible to carry out a sump mode of operation, without tilting the vessel.

Abstract: In order to be able to heat the charging material (3) of a charging material preheater (1) in a more uniform fashion and to higher temperatures, while enjoying short flow paths, the charging material preheater (1) is in the form of a container (2) having a bottom opening (4) which can be closed by an axially displaceable hollow cylinder (13), the interior of the container is subdivided by a grid (6) which falls away in an inclined configuration towards the bottom opening (4), into a receiving space (7) for the charging material and a free lower annular space (8) into which opens an opening (9) for the heating gas, and the hollow cylinder (13) is incorporated into the flow path, by way of gas orifices (16, 17). In addition the heating gases are passed through the charging material (3) alternately in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating molten metal in a bottom pour vessel through a pouring opening controlled by a slidable gate closure member. A dual concentric tuyere having a central conduit and an outer annular conduit is positioned in the pouring opening of the vessel. Treating material is injected into the molten metal through the central conduit of the tuyere and a coolant is passed through the outer annular conduit of the tuyere. After completion of the treatment, oxygen is blown through both the central conduit and the annular conduit to burn back the tuyere, opening the nozzle well for pouring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating molten metal in a bottom pour vessel through a pouring opening controlled by a slidable gate closure member. A dual concentric tuyere having a central conduit and an outer annular conduit is positioned in the pouring opening of the vessel. Treating material is injected into the molten metal through the central conduit of the tuyere and a coolant is passed through the outer annular conduit of the tuyere. After completion of the treatment, oxygen is blown through both the central conduit and the annular conduit to burn back the tuyere, opening the nozzle well for pouring.

Abstract: A process for protecting oxygen injection nozzles and the surrounding refractory lining of a molten metal refining vessel having such oxygen injection nozzles beneath the bath surface. The injection nozzle comprises at least three concentric pipes, the central conduit thereof being connected to a source of oxygen, the outer annular conduits thereof each being supplied with a protective fluid, said protective fluid containing at least one hydroxyl compound or water or a mixture thereof. The protective hydroxyl compounds are selected from the gaseous or liquid alcohol group and preferably from the aliphatic alcohol group. Methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol are preferred alcohols.Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Oxygen is blown into an open hearth furnace beneath the surface of the molten metal through a jacketed tuyere, each tuyere angled toward the center of the furnace. A high volume of jacketing coolant is injected through two separate annular passageways around the oxygen to form a large skull around the tuyere. Apparatus is also disclosed for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Metallurgical melting and refining unit (21) with which scrap steel, sponge iron, solid and molten pig iron can be processed in any desired ratio of admixture, and coal, oil, gases or electrical power can be used as energy source. For this purpose, and with an eye to low investment costs, the furnace vessel (22) is made in the form of a round hearth furnace with a ratio of the inside dimensions diameter (d) to height (h) of the furnace vessel between 0.8 and 2.5, and one tuyere bench (33) is provided on each side of the tap hole (10), for primary tuyeres which discharge below the melt surface. Furthermore, two tuyeres (25) discharge into the furnace vessel above the melt surface and are constructed as burners. The charge material can be preheated and charged in a controlled manner by a scrap preheater (27) whose floor consists of gas-permeable grate parts (30, 31) which can be opened from the center. (FIG.

Abstract: Oxygen is blown into an open hearth furnace beneath the surface of the molten metal through a jacketed tuyere, each tuyere angled toward the center of the furnace. A high volume of jacketing coolant is injected through two separate annular passageways around the oxygen to form a large skull around the tuyere. Apparatus is also disclosed for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A mop bucket connector comprising a clip of inverted U-shape the arms of which may be inserted downwardly respectively into a pair of wheeled mop buckets to assemble them into a unitary relationship, a spacer fixed to the clip and adapted to be disposed between the buckets, the clip arms being resiliently biased to urge the buckets against the spacer, and a handle connected to the spacer by means of which the bucket assembly may be propelled in the manner of a cart.

Abstract: A tuyere assembly for use in metallurgical vessels includes a tubular metallic tuyere housing which is cast in a book of refractory material. When the tuyere block is installed in a metallurgical vessel, a tuyere is inserted within the tubular tuyere housing and the space between the tuyere assembly and the housing sealed with a suitable refractory material. After a significant portion of the tuyere assembly has burned away during metallurgical operations, the tuyere may be withdrawn from the tuyere housing and a new tuyere substituted. Any refractory lining which has burned away in the vicinity of the new tuyere may be built up with a chemically bonded gunning mixture which sets to form a dense refractory material around the tuyere assembly.

Abstract: A tuyere assembly for use in metallurgical vessels includes a tubular metallic tuyere housing which is cast in a block of refractory material. When the tuyere block is installed in a metallurgical vessel, a tuyere is inserted within the tubular tuyere housing and the space between the tuyere assembly and the housing sealed with a suitable refractory material. After a significant portion of the tuyere assembly has burned away during metallurgical operations, the tuyere may be withdrawn from the tuyere housing and a new tuyere substituted. Any refractory lining which has burned away in the vicinity of the new tuyere may be built up with a chemically bonded gunning mixture which sets to form a dense refractory material around the tuyere assembly.