Electrode Patents (Class 373/88)
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Patent number: 11678412Abstract: A system and method for monitoring consumption of graphite electrodes during the operation of an electric arc furnace (EAF) uses machine vision cameras operatively communicating with a computer processor. The system can determine, track, manage, and optimize the consumption of the graphite electrodes in real time. Electrode consumption is determined for each EAF heat by measuring the length and tip diameter of the electrode. The length and tip diameter are used to determine the electrode consumption amount using a consumption model. Measured hydraulic pressure within the EAF correlating with a known electrode weight can also be used to determine electrode consumption and correlated with the model calculation. Butt loss can also be determined based on the machine vision measured lengths of the electrode and/or based on the hydraulic pressure. The calculated electrode consumption amounts are also stored in a database and correlated to other measured EAF parameters for multiple EAFs.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: AMI International, S. De R.L. De C.VInventors: James Jesse Hansen, Jr., Eric Garza Sanchez, Mariana Viale
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Patent number: 11499779Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for monitoring graphite electrodes for use in an electric arc furnace includes receiving an electrode identifiers from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader configured to interrogate RFID tags in the vicinity of an electric arc furnace (EAF), wherein the RFID tags are attached to electrodes. The electrode identifier is associated with EAF data collected from the EAF and the association is stored in a memory. The association is used for generating current and past operating parameters of the electric arc furnace for specific electrodes. Data for each specific electrode used in the EAF can also be collected for determining performance parameters for specific electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.Inventors: Pablo Toniolo, Ronald Gerhan, Ryan Paul, James Merzlak, Frank Andrew Messineo, Jr.
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Patent number: 9497804Abstract: A graphite electrode exhibits oxidation resistance by modifying the outer radial surface characteristics. The outer radial surface may be modified by providing a textured portion which improves water flow while minimizing water absorbtion. Alternately, a layer of flexible graphite or plurality of particles of exfoliated graphite may be disposed on the outer radial surface of the electrode body.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.Inventors: Philip D. Coleman, Greg E. Murray, Marco Napolitano, Aaron Tomasek, Brian Bowman, Daniel W. Krassowski, Michael Frastaci
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Patent number: 9330175Abstract: Techniques for identifying knowledge use a graphical user interface for inputting one or more terms to be explored for additional knowledge. Then a search is conducted across one or more sources of information to identify resources containing information about or information associated with said terms. The resources are decomposed into elemental units of information and stored in a data structures called nodes. A group of nodes are stored in a node pool and, from the node pool, correlations of nodes are constructed that represent knowledge using information about relation types. Information about relations types is determined using a relation classifier.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: MAKE SENCE, INC.Inventors: Mark Bobick, Carl Wimmer
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Patent number: 9311601Abstract: Techniques for identifying knowledge use an graphical user interface for inputting one or more terms to be explored for additional knowledge. Then a search is conducted across one or more sources of information to identify resources containing information about or information associated with said terms. The resources are decomposed into elemental units of information and stored in a data structures called nodes. A group of nodes are stored in a node pool and, from the node pool, correlations of nodes are constructed that represent knowledge.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: MAKE SENCE, INC.Inventors: Mark Bobick, Carl Wimmer
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Patent number: 9213689Abstract: Text is extracted from and information resource such as documents, emails, relational database tables and other digitized information sources. The extracted text is processed using a decomposition function to create. Nodes are a particular data structure that stores elemental units of information. The nodes can convey meaning because they relate a subject term or phrase to an attribute term or phrase. Removed from the node data structure, the node contents are or can become a text fragment which conveys meaning, i.e., a note. The notes generated from each digital resource are associated with the digital resource from which they are captured. The notes are then stored, organized and presented in several ways which facilitate knowledge acquisition and utilization by a user.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: MAKE SENCE, INC.Inventors: Mark Bobick, Carl Wimmer
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Patent number: 8923360Abstract: A graphite electrode exhibits oxidation resistance by modifying the outer radial surface characteristics. The outer radial surface may be modified by providing a textured portion which improves water flow while minimizing water absorbtion. Alternately, a layer of flexible graphite or plurality of particles of exfoliated graphite may be disposed on the outer radial surface of the electrode body.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.Inventors: Philip Dennis Coleman, Michael Frastaci, Gregory E. Murray, Marco Napolitano, Aaron Tomasek, Brian Bowman, Daniel W. Krassowski
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Publication number: 20140355642Abstract: The invention relates to an electric arc furnace and a method for operating same. The electric arc furnace comprises a lower vessel and a lid 120 placed on said lower vessel. The lower vessel has a tapping device for tapping molten metal. At least one electrode protrudes through the lid into the interior of the electric arc furnace, said electrode being held by an electrode holding device. A supply voltage device 150 is provided for supplying an electric direct current or alternating current to the electrode 130. The aim of the invention is to allow a continuous operation of the electric arc furnace. This is achieved in that the electrode holding device has an electrode adjusting device for adjusting the electrode dependent on the wear of the electrode and an electrode nippling device for nippling the electrode during the operation of the electric arc furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Guido Kleinschmidt, Jan Bader, Klaus Schmale, Rolf Best, Alexander Bergs, Thomas Henkel, Detlef Strieder, Peter Starke, Markus Ertl, Juergen Kunze
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Patent number: 8887374Abstract: Method of manufacturing a fused silica crucible, including manufacturing a plurality of carbon electrodes for melting a vitreous silica object to be melted by arc discharge by rubbing the surface of a carbon electrode of the electrodes with a vitreous silica of the same type as the vitreous silica object to be melted, by at least one of: inserting a front end of the carbon electrode into a storage tank storing powdered vitreous silica, by at least one of rotating and reciprocating in an axial direction the storage tank and the carbon electrode relative to each other; rubbing the surface of the carbon electrode by ejecting powdered vitreous silica from a nozzle onto the surface of the electrode; rubbing the surface of the electrode with a vitreous silica grinder; and rubbing the surface of the electrode against a rotating surface of a portion of a fused vitreous silica crucible.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Japan Super Quartz CorporationInventors: Takeshi Fujita, Masaki Morikawa
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Publication number: 20140301423Abstract: A material is melted in an arc furnace by a plasma arc produced by at least one electrode. The plasma arc is regulated by one or more additional substances which influence the plasma composition introduced into the plasma, increasing the efficiency and output of the arc furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventors: Arno Döbbeler, Klaus Krüger, Thomas Matschullat
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Patent number: 8837552Abstract: A sealing device is arranged around a rod electrode extending vertically through an aperture made in the ceiling of an arc furnace and being vertically movable inside the furnace to prevent the access of gases from the furnace through the aperture to the atmosphere, and on the other hand to prevent air from flowing from the atmosphere into the furnace. The sealing device comprises a gas distribution chamber provided with an inlet channel for feeding essentially passive gas, such as nitrogen or air, into the gas distribution chamber. The sealing device also includes a slit nozzle encasing the electrode, through which nozzle a gas jet is arranged to be discharged from the gas distribution chamber towards the electrode in a direction that is at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane and has a slightly upwards inclined orientation, and that is, with respect to the furnace interior, pointed outwardly, so that the sealing is carried out owing to the effect of the created stagnation pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Outotec OyjInventors: Jiliang Xia, Tapio Ahokainen, Risto Saarinen
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Patent number: 8780952Abstract: A roof system for an electric arc furnace includes a skew removably attached to the electric arc furnace, a lining of refractory material affixed to the skew, and a delta composed of a refractory material. The delta has at least one aperture capable of receiving an electrode. The delta fits onto and is supported by the refractory lining that is affixed to the skew.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: John W. Schwer, Thomas J. Schwer
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Patent number: 8743926Abstract: In various embodiments, an electrode has a shaft extending from an electrode head and a cooling passage extending from an open end disposed at an attachment end of the shaft to a closed end disposed within the electrode head.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: H.C. Starck Inc.Inventors: Joseph Hirt, John Eiler
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Patent number: 8693519Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring and controlling the performance of the bottom electrode and the deflection of an electric arc in an electric steel making furnace includes an organized matrix of anode pins interspersed with refractory material and extending toward an electrically conductive plate secured to distal ends of the anode pins. A sensing device includes two temperature sensors at spaced apart locations along each of a distributed select group of anode pins for providing corresponding electrical signals and a current sensor responsive to electrical current flowing through the anode pins of the distributed select group of anode pins for providing a corresponding electrical signal. A controller responsive to the electrical signals derived at the anode pins of the select group operates the power supply and a display for monitoring the electrical performance of the elongated anode pins for heating by the electric arc in the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Michael J. Kaltenbach
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Publication number: 20130279534Abstract: A graphite electrode exhibits oxidation resistance by modifying the outer radial surface characteristics. The outer radial surface may be modified by providing a textured portion which improves water flow while minimizing water absorbtion. Alternately, a layer of flexible graphite or plurality of particles of exfoliated graphite may be disposed on the outer radial surface of the electrode body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC.Inventors: Philip Dennis Coleman, Michael Frastaci, Gregory E. Murray, Marco Napolitano, Aaron Tomasek, Brian Bowman, Daniel W. Krassowski
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Publication number: 20130148686Abstract: A graphite electrode exhibits oxidation resistance by modifying the outer radial surface characteristics. The outer radial surface may be modified by providing a textured portion which improves water flow while minimizing water absorbtion. Alternately, a layer of flexible graphite or plurality of particles of exfoliated graphite may be disposed on the outer radial surface of the electrode body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: Philip Dennis Coleman, Michael Frastaci, Gregory E. Murray, Marco Napolitano, Aaron Tomasek, Brian Bowman, Daniel W. Krassowski
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Patent number: 8395070Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an electrical contact assembly for a plasma torch tip, and may include an electrical contact portion, a compressible portion in mechanical communication with the contact, and a mounting portion in mechanical communication with the compressible portion. Some embodiments may be adapted to maintain contact with an uneven substrate during translation of the torch tip.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: American Torch TipInventors: Matt Merrill, Jeffrey Walters, Sr.
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Patent number: 8350190Abstract: A ceramic electrode for a gliding electric arc system. The ceramic electrode includes a ceramic fin defining a spine, a heel, and a tip. A discharge edge of the ceramic fin defines a diverging profile approximately from the heel of the ceramic fin to the tip of the ceramic fin. A mounting surface coupled to the ceramic fin facilitates mounting the ceramic fin within the gliding electric arc system. One or more ceramic electrodes may be used in the gliding electric arc system or other systems which at least partially oxidize a combustible material.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, Michele Hollist, S. Elangovan, Piotr Czernichowski, Merrill Wilson
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Publication number: 20120327968Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode arm (1) of a metallurgical melting furnace, especially an arc furnace, the electrode arm (1) having at least one measuring element (2) for measuring a physical variable. To allow improved and more precise measurement of the physical variable required for operation of the furnace, the measuring element (2) is designed to measure the temperature and/or the mechanical elongation of the electrode arm (1), the measuring element (2) comprising at least one optical waveguide (3) which extends along the longitudinal extension (L) of the electrode arm (1) in at least some sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: SMS SIEMAG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Gereon Fehlemann, Dirk Lieftucht
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Publication number: 20120269225Abstract: Bottom electrode or anode for continuous direct current arc furnaces, provided with a cooling system which allows to improve the effectiveness of the cooling action of the bottom electrode, made in the shape of bimetallic billet, for the purpose of ensuring a sufficient height of the portion of said electrode which remains solid during the operation of the furnace, also when there is a very high electric load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Maurizio Picciotto, Marco Ansoldi, Stefano Morsut, Alfredo Poloni
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Publication number: 20120106588Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vacuum remelting furnace comprising a controller capable of adjusting electrical current to an electrode and a controller capable of adjusting the electrode's drive speed. The controllers adjust the current and drive speed based on a predetermined pool power reference value. The apparatus may also comprise a third controller that receives the adjusted current and drive speed as inputs and sends estimated electrode drive speed bias as output to the drive speed controller and estimated current bias as output to the current controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Rodney L. Williamson, David K. Melgaard, Joseph J. Beaman
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Patent number: 8165183Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrode joint having a first carbon body having at least one end portion that includes a male tang with a convex tip and a second carbon body having a female socket with a concave base.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Bill Varela, Michael Frastaci
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Publication number: 20110280275Abstract: A reduced puffing needle coke is formed, which includes a reduced nitrogen content within the coke so that the coke particles do not experience as much puffing during the formation of graphitized carbon articles produced from such coke upon heating to graphitization temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: GrafTech International Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Douglas J. Miller, Ching-Feng Chang, Irwin C. Lewis, Richard T. Lewis, Aaron Tomasek, Richard L. Shao
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Publication number: 20110280274Abstract: A reduced puffing needle coke is formed from decant oil, which includes a lesser amount of nitrogen within the coke so that carbon articles produced from such coke experience minimal expansion upon heating to graphitization temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: GrafTech International Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Douglas J. Miller, Ching-Feng Chang, Irwin C. Lewis, Aaron Tomasek, Richard L. Shao
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Publication number: 20110274136Abstract: A reduced puffing needle coke is formed, which includes a lesser amount of nitrogen within the coke so that carbon articles produced from such coke experience minimal expansion upon heating to graphitization temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: GrafTech International Holdings, IncInventors: Douglas J. Miller, Ching-Feng Chang, Irwin C. Lewis, Aaron Tomasek, Richard L. Shao
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Publication number: 20110268146Abstract: The invention relates to a graphite electrode with an electrical connecting element as well as to a furnace for graphitizing carbon-containing materials by means of such graphite electrodes. According to the invention, it was found that the drawbacks known from the prior art are eliminated by establishing an electrical connection between the graphite electrode and the connecting element by means of wedge-shaped contacting elements. The contact pressure between the contact element and the wedge-shaped surface on the graphite electrode required for electrical conductivity of the interface can be influenced by means of the wedge angle and the contact surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: EMS ELEKTRO METALL SCHWANENMUHLE GMBHInventors: Wolfgang Reiser, Stefan Huwer
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Patent number: 7966715Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon electrode for melting an object to be melted by arc discharge, includes: a rubbing step of rubbing the surface of the carbon electrode before power is supplied with a rubbing material of the same type as the object to be melted.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Japan Super Quartz CorporationInventors: Takeshi Fujita, Masaki Morikawa
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Publication number: 20100315098Abstract: In a method for determining a state variable of an electric arc furnace, especially for determining the level of the foamed slag (15) in a furnace, the energy supplied to the furnace is determined with the aid of at least one electric sensor while solid-borne noise is measured in the form of oscillations on the furnace. The state variable is determined by a transfer function which is determined by evaluating the measured oscillations and evaluating measured data of the electric sensor. The state of the foamed slag level can thus be reliably recognized and be monitored over time. The foamed slag level is decisive for the effectiveness with which energy is fed into the furnace. Furthermore, losses caused by radiation are reduced by covering the arc with the foamed slag. The improved measuring method allows the foamed slag level to be automatically controlled or regulated in a reliable manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Dieter Fink, Detlef Gerhard, Thomas Matschullat, Detlef Rieger, Reinhard Sesselmann
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Patent number: 7835419Abstract: A pin for use in connecting graphite electrodes into a joint, where the pin has at least one male tang having a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to diameter of the electrode into which hit is to be threaded, of at least about 0.60.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Smith, Lionel D. Burton Batty, Philip D. Coleman
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Patent number: 7704443Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for carbothermically producing aluminum are disclosed. The systems may include a reactor and an electrical supply. The reactor may include a plurality of side-entering electrodes and a top-entering electrode. The electrical supply may be operable to supply multiphase current to the side-entering electrodes and/or the top-entering electrodes. The electrodes may be in communication with a molten bath of the reactor, and the multiphase current supplied thereto may be passed through the bath to heat the reactor. The amount of current supplied to various electrode sets may be adjusted to facilitate tailored heating of the molten bath.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignees: Alcoa, Inc., Elkem ASInventors: Joseph A. Lepish, Gerald E. Carkin
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Publication number: 20100095880Abstract: An arc melting high-purity carbon electrode is capable of forming stable arc at the time of arc discharge, and it is possible to produce a vitreous silica crucible with good properties, which does not cause local lack of the electrode and does not create black foreign materials or concave portions on the inner surface of the crucible. The arc melting high-purity carbon electrode is a carbon electrode used to heat and melt silica powder by arc discharge, in which the density of the carbon electrode is equal to or more than 1.60 g/cm3 and equal to or less than 1.80 g/cm3, and is formed of high-purity carbon particles having a diameter of 0.05 mm or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicants: JAPAN SUPER QUARTZ CORPORATION, SUMCO CORPORATIONInventors: Masanori FUKUI, Koichi SUZUKI, Takeshi FUJITA
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Patent number: 7606285Abstract: A chuck device for electrical discharge machine includes a mold fixed to the machine and a connector connected to the discharge head. The connector has a connection rod having a neck and the connection rod is connected to the mold. A plurality of protrusions extend from the top of the connector and each protrusion has a groove which is defined by two facing inclined surfaces. The mold has a plurality of positioning bars fixed to an underside thereof and each positioning bar has a taper-shaped body with two inclined sides. The positioning bars are engaged with the grooves and the two inclined sides of the positioning bar are in contact with the inclined surfaces of the groove. A distance is defined between the flanges and a top of the protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Inventor: Chien-Chih Lin
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Publication number: 20090180512Abstract: A graphite electrode having an end face having an integral structure which is compressible when exposed to a torque of at least about 390 Nm which, when employed in an electrode joint, can reduce the tendency of the electrode joint of which it is an element to come unscrewed during furnace operation, and impede oxidation of the joint, without a significant reduction in electrode performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventor: Michael Frastaci
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Publication number: 20080247440Abstract: An embodiment disclosed herein includes a monolithic graphite electrode. The electrode has a main body having a length of more than 3050 mm. Another embodiment disclosed herein includes an electrode column comprising a plurality of monolithic graphite electrodes. The column has a length of more than 3050 mm of electrode per joint. A further embodiment discussed herein is the practice of increasing the length of the electrode to minimize the occurrence of an electrode joint in the electrode column for a given length. This practice will improve efficiencies for both electrode manufacturers as well as electric arc furnace operators.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Diane Artman, Philip Dennis Coleman, Juan Morales
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Patent number: 7386369Abstract: A system is provided for recording information relating to the condition of electrodes in an electric arc furnace. An imaging apparatus is provided in a consistent position relative to an imaging station. Periodically, the electrode columns are removed from the furnace and moved to a position such that the electrode column is placed at the imaging station. Then an image of the electrode column is created with the imaging apparatus, and the images are stored in a memory of a computer for subsequent analysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.Inventor: Ronald Eric Gerhan
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Patent number: 7301982Abstract: A graphite electrode joint, where the male tang has a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter, of at least about 0.60.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Smith
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Patent number: 7230969Abstract: An electrode joint having first and second complementary elements capable of being joined together to form the joint, wherein one of the threaded elements has at least one slot at least partially along its length; and wherein one of the threaded elements includes a source of a flowable adhesive in fluid communication with the slot.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: UCAR Carbon Company Inc.Inventors: Mark Segger, James J. Pavlisin
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Patent number: 7103083Abstract: A pin for use in connecting graphite electrodes into a joint, where the pin has at least one male tang having a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to diameter of the electrode into which hit is to be threaded, of at least about 0.60.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: UCAR Carbon Company Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Smith, Lionel D. Burton Batty, Philip D. Coleman
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Patent number: 7016394Abstract: A graphite electrode joint, where the male tang has a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to electrode diameter, of at least about 0.60.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Ucar Carbon Company Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Smith
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Patent number: 6873641Abstract: A electrode and method for periodic elongation of the electrode of an electric arc furnace, includes screwing to the electrode column, a new electrode and a nipple with a longitudinal hole and a metal rod therein. The rod melts at working temperatures of the furnace and fills cavities in the joint between the electrodes and nipple, as well as partially filling an additional cavity in the body of the electrode. A gas mixture from the additional cavity is free of liquid metal being drawn to the working area of the furnace through the holes in the body of the electrode. The electrode is made with additional cavities, placed along the central axis in the bottom of the threaded sockets, the cavities having different diameters and depths and one of them being connected to the external surface of the electrode by holes.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Techom Import-Export GmbHInventors: Viktor Nikolaevich Khloponin, Ewald Schumacher
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Patent number: 6804582Abstract: A system is provided for recording information relating to the condition of electrodes in an electric arc furnace. An imaging apparatus is provided in a consistent position relative to an imaging station. Periodically, the electrode columns are removed from the furnace and moved to a position such that the electrode column is placed at the imaging station. Then an image of the electrode column is created with the imaging apparatus, and the images are stored in a memory of a computer for subsequent analysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: UCAR Carbon Company Inc.Inventor: Ronald Eric Gerhan
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Publication number: 20030210731Abstract: [Object]: The present invention provides a process and a device for producing a quartz glass crucible, which generates a stable ring-like arc and is suitable for the production of an excellent crucible having the large open diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: JAPAN SUPER QUARTZInventors: Masanori Fukui, Masaru Satoh
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Publication number: 20020141476Abstract: A carbon or graphite electrode comprising a first end having a planar surface and a second end having a second planar surface. The first planar surface has a male dovetailed tenon projecting therefrom. The second planar surface has a female dovetailed groove dimensioned for snugly receiving and engaging the male dovetail tenon. The male dovetail tenon has the same shape and dimension of the female dovetail groove so that the two, when joined, form a snug dovetail joint. Also disclosed is a joint for a carbon or graphite electrode in an electrode column.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: William Varela
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Patent number: 6385230Abstract: A homogeneous electrode of reactive metal alloy comprises an ingot with an axially disposed core made from one induction melted heat of the reactive metal alloy and having a diameter “d” and a length “L” and a body having an outer diameter at least 2 times “d” and a length “L”. The ingot body is disposed about the core, and comprises a plurality of induction melted heats of the reactive metal alloy to provide an electrode of the required size. The electrode also includes features for receiving electrical current for arc remelting of the reactive metal alloy to produce a large homogeneous ingot. Remelting may be conducted under vacuum or controlled atmosphere conditions, as required.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Floswerve Manage CompanyInventor: D. Scott Reed
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Patent number: 6363098Abstract: The invention is to offer such a carbon electrode of less consumption and a long useful life and a method of fabricating the same which prevents particles from falling from carbon electrodes into a melting quartz glass, checks occurrence of bubbles in the quartz glass, and avoids lowering of single crystallizing yield by bubbles existing in a transparent layer formed in the vicinity of an inside surface of a quartz glass crucible when lifting silicon single crystal by using the quartz glass crucible made by using the carbon electrodes. The carbon electrode to be used for melting quartz glass by an arc discharge, is characterized in that an electrode material is composed of carbon of bulk density being 1.80 g/cm3 or higher and a three-point bending strength being 35 MPa or higher.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Toshiba Ceramics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirotaka Hagihara, Takakazu Mori, Atsuro Miyao, Kiyoaki Misu, Shinya Wagatsuma, Shunichi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6137822Abstract: A direct current electric arc furnace for melting or heating raw material or molten material includes a refractory lined vessel for holding raw or molten material in its interior. The furnace includes at least a first top electrode. The first top electrode enters the vessel interior above the raw or molten material. The furnace includes at least a first bottom electrode mounted in the bottom of the vessel and in electrical contact with the raw or molten material in the vessel. The furnace includes an electrical power supply mechanism which electrically connects to the top electrode and the bottom electrode in order to input electrical energy into the material through the top and bottom electrodes in the form of an arc. The bottom electrode has opposite electrical polarity to the electrical polarity of the top electrode. The furnace also includes a mechanism for cooling the first bottom electrode with a spray of water and air that contacts the first bottom electrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: NKK Steel Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Hake, Richard L. Cook
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Patent number: 6113666Abstract: A method of magnetically-controllable, electroslag melting of titanium and titanium-based alloys is provided that includes the effect of an external radial magnetic field on the metallurgical melt. The field forms at least two adjoining melting layers which are rotated horizontally in opposite directions, and causes intralayer and meridional toroidal rotation of the melt. The uniform hydrodynamic structure of the melt over the total length of the ingot is stabilized by changing the melting voltage. The external radial magnetic field and the use of a fluoride-chloride flux improves the refinement of metal (by reducing harmful inclusions), condenses the metal structure, and provides high chemical and physical homogeneity of the metal ingot.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Jaroslav Yurievich KompanInventors: Jaroslav Yurievich Kompan, Danylo Andreevich Dudko, Victor Ivanovich Trefilov, Ivan Jaroslavovich Kompan
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Patent number: 6058133Abstract: A cylindrical graphite electrode with a consumable end includes one or more slots comprising a discontinuous portion of the carbon which extend along the length of the carbon body through at least a portion of the cross-section substantially to the consumable end. The slot may extend from the surface into the body or the slot may extend within the body below the surface. The slot may be filled with a carbonaceous material different from the carbon of the body. The slot may extend helically along the length and around a portion of the periphery of the body. The slots may be formed prior to or after heat treating of the electrode. As the electrode is exposed to a thermal shock, a crack is initiated in and propagates along the electrode and intersects with the slot, wherein substantial further growth of the crack is arrested at the slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: UCAR Carbon Company Inc.Inventors: Brian Bowman, Ronald Raymond Welch
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Patent number: 5749932Abstract: A certain group of electrically conductive refractory materials presently known for use in high temperature applications as throat constructions, melter sidewalls, forehearth, stacks, port sills, hot face lining for slagging coal gasifiers, slag runners, and linings for nuclear waste encapsulation furnaces may be used as electrodes permitting joule heating at temperatures in excess of 1200 C. in excess of about 4400 hours even in the presence of transition group element(s). More specifically, the invention is an electrode for melting earthen materials, wherein the electrode is made from an electrically conductive refractory material, specifically at least one metal oxide wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of chrome, ruthenium, rhodium, tin and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: David A. Lamar, Chris C. Chapman, Michael L. Elliott
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Patent number: 5535236Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically operated preheater for dry material for the manufacture of green carbon-containing masses. The invention includes a preheater having a silo housing, a core, a top and a bottom electrode, a concentric feed pipe, an eccentric feed pipe, and a rotating feeding tool. The silo housing has a core located substantially within the silo housing extending substantially along its longitudinal axis. The top electrode is provided between the wall of the silo housing and the core, located proximate the top end of the silo housing, and the bottom electrode is provided between the wall of the silo housing and the core, located proximate the bottom end of the silo housing. The electrodes are connected to a power source. The rotating removal tool is located in the core proximate the eccentric feed pipe. The rotating feeding tool conveys the material for manufacture from the core into the eccentric feed pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1994Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Gustav EirichInventor: Werner Fischer