Including Serially Arranged Closures Patents (Class 414/200)
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Patent number: 11939745Abstract: An electrically driven construction machine is provided in which, in a case where a plurality of electrically driven construction machines operate simultaneously, it is possible to avoid exceeding the allowable electric power that can be output by the electric power receiving facility of a commercial electric power supply. A controller computes an own demanded power Pd1 for driving the plurality of hydraulic actuators, on the basis of operation signals of the operation devices, computes an allowable power as a power limit value usable by the electric motor on the basis of the own demanded power, the demanded powers of the other electrically driven construction machines received through the communication device, and an allowable electric power of the electric power receiving facility of the commercial electric power supply, and controls the electric motor such that a power consumption of the electric motor does not exceed the allowable power.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Ishii, Kiwamu Takahashi, Taihei Maehara, Tatsuo Takishita
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Patent number: 11913193Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body; an upper turning body pivotably attached to the lower traveling body; an attachment attached to the upper turning body; and a processor that stores in a memory, or transmits to an external device, log information including information on the shovel and information on a peripheral environment of the shovel upon detecting that a degree of stability on a motion of the shovel becomes less than a predetermined reference level, or upon detecting an indication that the degree of stability on the motion of the shovel becomes lower than the predetermined reference level.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Tetsuji Ono
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Patent number: 11905145Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control terminal which achieves both easy visibility and easy control by indicating the movement direction and the movement speed of a work device as a directed segment according to the operation direction and the operation amount of an operation tool. The present invention provides a remote control terminal which remotely controls a crane device of a crane, the remote control terminal being provided with: a terminal-side communication unit; a suspended load movement operation tool; a terminal-side display device; and a terminal-side control device. The terminal-side control device calculates a vector which represents the movement direction and the movement speed of the crane device according to the operation direction and the operation amount of the suspended load movement operation tool, and the terminal-side control device displays an image in which the directed segment representing the vector is superimposed on the image captured by the camera.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: TADANO LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hayashi, Shinsuke Kanda
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Patent number: 11674289Abstract: The present invention includes: a base carrier; a revolving superstructure provided above the base carrier in a manner capable of revolving; a boom bracket supported by the revolving superstructure in a horizontally rotatable manner; a work machine supported by the boom bracket in a vertically rotatable manner; a first position detecting device that detects a horizontal position of the boom bracket with respect to the revolving superstructure; a second position detecting device that detects a vertical position of the work machine with respect to the revolving superstructure; and an arithmetic unit that calculates a position of a working end of the work machine based on the results of detection by those position detecting devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kohei Okazaki
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Patent number: 11643789Abstract: A work vehicle includes a work implement. A control system for the work vehicle includes an operating device and a controller. The operating device outputs an operation signal indicative of an operation by an operator. The controller communicates with the operating device and controls the work implement. The controller determines a first target design topography. The controller generates a command signal to operate a work implement in accordance with the first target design topography. The controller obtains a displacement amount of the work implement with respect to the first target design topography upon receiving the operation signal indicative of the operation of the work implement during work in accordance with the first target design topography. The controller determines a second target design topography based on the displacement amount. The controller generates a command signal to operate the work implement in accordance with the second target design topography.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Junji Harada, Eiji Ishibashi
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Patent number: 11427988Abstract: A captured image acquisition unit acquires an image captured by an imaging device provided at a place of a work machine where a bucket is included in an imaging range. A posture acquisition unit acquires posture information of the bucket. A topography acquisition unit acquires topographical information indicating a three-dimensional shape of a construction target of the work machine. A projected image generation unit generates, based on the posture information of the bucket and the topographical information, a projected image obtained by projecting teeth of the bucket on the construction target. A display control unit outputs a display signal for displaying by superimposing the projected image on a place where at least the bucket appears, in the captured image.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhisa Takahama, Yukinori Matsumura
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Patent number: 11139189Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a processing block in which a substrate is sequentially transferred and processed; a carry-in/out transfer mechanism that carrys-in/out the substrate with respect to modules; a carry-out module configured to place the substrate therein after the substrate is processed; a multi-module configured by a plurality of modules having a same order in which the substrate is transferred in the processing block; a main transfer mechanism that moves around in a transfer path provided in the processing block to deliver the substrate among the modules; and a controller that sets a first transfer schedule including determination of a number of modules to become transfer destinations of the substrate in the multi-module, and determination of a number of stay cycles which is a number of times that the main transfer mechanism moves around after the substrate is carried into the multi-module until the substrate is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventor: Kenichirou Matsuyama
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Patent number: 9495615Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically recognizing and setting an attachment for a construction machine are disclosed. The method for automatically recognizing and setting an attachment includes detecting a kind and a type of the attachment from an attachment image, determining whether the attachment is a registered attachment, and automatically setting inherent functional values that match the attachment if the attachment is a registered attachment as the result of determination and automatically setting a user input attachment ID and functional values if the attachment is not a registered attachment. By automatically recognizing and setting the attachment that is attached to (or changed on) a construction machine (for example, excavator) using image processing, equipment setting can be optimized and easily adopted.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ABInventor: Ho-Jin Kang
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Patent number: 8777539Abstract: A lower sealing valve unit for a charging system of a shaft furnace includes a housing having a pair of inlets and at least one outlet; a valve seat associated with each inlet; and a flap associated with each valve seat and adapted for, in a closed position, engaging the valve seat to sealingly close the inlet, each flap being supported by a pivotable shaft allowing displacement between the closed position and an open position off the associated valve seat, where a common structure, mounted to one side of the housing, includes a pair of drive mechanisms, each connected to one of the pivotable shafts for independent actuation thereof, the shafts passing coaxially though the housing side and being supported by the common structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.Inventors: Ettore Rizzuti, Jeannot Loutsch
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Patent number: 8343300Abstract: An improved apparatus for debonding temporary bonded wafers includes a debonder, a cleaning module and a taping module. A vacuum chuck is used in the debonder for holding the debonded thinned wafer and remains with the thinned debonded wafer during the follow up processes steps of cleaning and mounting onto a dicing tape. In one embodiment the debonded thinned wafer remains onto the vacuum chuck and is moved with the vacuum chuck into the cleaning module and then the taping module. In another embodiment the debonded thinned wafer remains onto the vacuum chuck and first the cleaning module moves over the thinned wafer to clean the wafer and then the taping module moves over the thinned wafer to mount a dicing tape onto the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Suss Microtec Lithography, GmbHInventor: James Hermanowski
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Publication number: 20110064544Abstract: The invention relates to devices for loading installations for treating raw materials containing carbon, such as gas generators and ovens, inter alia, and for using in installations for processing household and industrial waste. The device consists of a loading chamber and two downwardly expanding sealable chambers arranged in a row beneath each other, and separated from each other and from the chamber of the installation by closing elements. The central chamber of the device comprises the inlet and outlet cross-sections of the gas flue with forced gas circulation, in the circuit of which flaps and the gas cooler are installed. As a technical result, the operating reliability of the device is increased by preventing the adhesion of thermoplastic raw materials to the working bodies by maintaining the temperature in the central chamber below the melting point of the raw material constituents.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: DiNano Ecotechnology LLCInventor: Valerii Dintov
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Patent number: 6678583Abstract: A storage/buffering system for the stocking and/or buffering of substrate and/or substrate carriers in a process environment includes a 6-axis robot. An end-effector is connected with the robot providing an additional one degree of freedom and a mechanism for grabbing and moving of substrate and/or substrate carriers. The robot is mounted in an inverted orientation to a removable service cart for easy removal of the robot to a service area in the event of breakdown. The robot receives commands from a programmable controller connected to control the robot and configured to direct the arm of the robot through a set of movements. Product is loaded in and out of the system through I/O load ports. Product is stored inside the storage/buffering system on a plurality of storage locations, each with product presence/absence detect sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: SemiNet, Inc.Inventors: Amro Nasr, Samer Kabbani
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Publication number: 20030152444Abstract: Disclosed is a device for intermittently conveying packages which are conveyed in a first moving direction in package carriers (2) in a first processing plane in positions underneath various treatment stations and are conveyed back in a second return motion plane in a second moving direction that is parallel in relation to the first moving direction, whereby a conveying cycle is formed. The aim of the invention is to enable such a device to be efficient, compact and be operated using simple devices. According to the invention, the respectively superimposed ends of the essentially horizontal first conveyor (19) in the first processing plane and of the essentially horizontal third conveyor (12) in the second return motion plane are connected to one another for forming the conveying cycle by means of vertically acting second and fourth lifting conveyors (9, 15). Each conveyor (9, 19, 12, 15) has a separate drive (22-24).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Werner Ludwig, Josef Stannek
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Publication number: 20030147727Abstract: A hydraulic excavator 1 has an area limiting excavation control function for controlling operation of a front working device so as to form a target work plane. A remote control terminal 102 for wirelessly maneuvering the hydraulic excavator 1 is provided in a management office so that entry of setting information of a target excavation plane and remote maneuvering can be performed from the side of the remote control terminal 102. A display unit 71b for displaying a positional relationship between the hydraulic excavator 1 and the target excavation plane is further provided in the remote control terminal. An operator can remotely set the target excavation plane while looking at a screen of the display unit 71b, and also form the target excavation plane by remotely maneuvering the front working device 7 using a joystick 72 with the aid of a control function of an area limiting excavation controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Kazuo Fujishima, Tooru Kurenuma, Hiroshi Ogura, Hideto Ishibashi
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Publication number: 20030057130Abstract: The invention relates to a wafer transfer system that achieves high efficiency, as measured by throughput rate. This is accomplished in one instance by the combination of reliable transfer of single wafers between ports while being simultaneously rotated to accomplish notch alignment. Another instance allows for simultaneous tilting of a multitude of wafers, such as changing the entire load of a transfer cassette between horizontal and vertical orientations, rather than operating on individual wafers serially. Furthermore, the design of this system renders it usable in both left-handed and right-handed workflow arrangements, not requiring construction of mirror-image systems and thereby achieving an economy of scale in production and inventory of the wafer transfer system itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Edward R. Fix, William W. Becia, Douglas R. Farnlund, Sven Evers
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Publication number: 20020192055Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate transfer controlling apparatus which can easily maximize the throughput of a substrate processing apparatus such as a semiconductor fabrication apparatus, and can satisfy a demand for immediacy of actions of a transfer device. The substrate transfer controlling apparatus comprises an input device (12) for inputting times required for actions of transfer devices (1a through 1c) and times required to process substrates in processing devices (3a through 9d), and a schedule calculator (21) for calculating execution times of actions of the transfer devices (1a through 1c) for allowing the time when a final one of the substrates to be processed is fully processed and returned from the substrate processing apparatus to be earliest, based on a predetermined conditional formula including, as parameters, the inputted times.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Yoichi Kobayachi, Yasumasa Hiroo, Tsuyoshi Ohashi
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Patent number: 6382112Abstract: The chute is provided with a cutting apparatus which has a mating holder, a clamping slide and a cutting slide. To close the chute, the mating holder is moved inward approximately into the center of the chute and is locked. Then, the clamping slide is moved toward the mating holder, until ultimately they come into contact with one another and the chute is closed. If there is refuse between the mating holder and the clamping slide, and consequently the latter cannot reach its closed position, the cutting slide is activated, which cuts through the refuse clamped between the mating holder and clamping slide and bridges the gap between the mating holder and the clamping slide so as to form a seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Von Roll Umwelttechnik AGInventors: Stefan Forsberg, Jörg Meier
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Publication number: 20010031191Abstract: Disclosed is a supporting system having a carrying member for carrying a workpiece thereon and a supporting mechanism for supporting the carrying member from a workpiece transfer position to a workpiece processing position, wherein, adjacent the transfer position, the weight of the carrying member and a force to be applied to the carrying member are substantially balanced, and wherein, adjacent the workpiece processing position, the weight of the carrying mieror and a force to be applied to the carrying member are substantially balanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventor: Nobushige Korenaga
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Publication number: 20010026747Abstract: To provide a substrate transfer apparatus capable of forming a hermetically-closed space integrated between a normal substrate processing apparatus which is not integrated with a substrate transfer unit and a substrate transfer container, the substrate transfer apparatus includes a main body in a box-like shape containing a substrate W, an upper opening (first opening) provided at the main body and connected to a bottom opening (substrate transfer port) of a container while maintaining an air tight state against outside air, a side wall opening (second opening) provided at the main body and connected to a substrate transfer port of the transfer processing apparatus while maintaining the air tight state against outside air, an exhaust pipe connected to the main body, an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing a bottom lid relative to the bottom opening in a state in which the upper opening and the bottom opening of the container are connected and transfer mechanisms installed in the main body for traType: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventor: Koichiro Saga
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Patent number: 6291802Abstract: A sample introduction system includes a drop chamber which can be sealed and outgassed and which includes a movable jaw selectively holding the sample in position above a conduit communicating with an open crucible for receiving a sample once the jaw has been moved to an open position releasing the sample. The jaw is actuated by a magnetic field which moves the jaw in an entirely enclosed system, thereby preventing the introduction of atmospheric contaminants during the operation of the sample dropping jaw from a closed, sample holding position to an open sample releasing position. By providing a magnetic actuator, such as a solenoid, for operation of the jaw, the sample chamber remains sealed during the sample dropping operation preventing contaminants from interfering with the analytical results.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Leco CorporationInventor: Gordon C. Ford
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Patent number: 5507846Abstract: A gasifier for producing methane-rich fuel gas from a biomass material feed includes at least one cylindrical vessel, and an axially extending rotor mounted within the vessel. A feeding system is mounted to the vessel at the input end for introducing feed to the vessel. The feeding system includes two independently operated pistons, slidable in an inclined cylinder, and two slide valves, disposed in a vertical pipe above the inclined cylinder. The slide valves serve to apportion the amount of feed delivered to the gasifier, while the pistons selectively seal the pressurized interior of the kiln from the feed hopper. A discharge system for removing residue from the kiln also includes two pistons which selectively seal kiln from the environment. The gasifier of the present invention may also include double-plate intake and exhaust manifolds, and a box beam rotor, optionally including zinc oxide disposed in the hollow, central rotor shaft defined by the vanes of the box beam rotor.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Wright Malta CorporationInventor: John A. Coffman
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Patent number: 5017131Abstract: An atmosphere furnace including a plurality of divided furnace units, work transfer devices connecting the adjacent divided furnace units and those for the divided furnace units at both ends of the furnace. Each transfer device includes a tubular connecting frame and a work transfer member housed therein and the work transfer member has a work housing space in it. The work transfer member is rotatable, receives at a first position the work from outside or from an adjacent divided furnace unit into its work housing space, and send it out of the furnace or pass it to the adjacent divided furnace unit at a second position. When the work transfer member is at a middle position between the first and the second positions, the work housing space thereof faces an inner surface of the connecting frame so as to be sealed against the both end openings of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1990Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Syoji Sato, Yutaka Makino, Kazumi Ishimoto, Yasuo Izumi
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Patent number: 4949940Abstract: A charging arrangement for shaft furnaces, in particular blast furnaces, comprising a container which is arranged above the shaft furnace and which is subdivided by a separating wall into a lower distributor chamber and an upper lock chamber to which the charging material can be fed from above through a filling hopper. Outside its middle and distributed around its periphery the separating wall includes at least two individually closable bottom openings through which the charging material can be passed from the lock chamber into the distributor chamber. The charging material is fed to the shaft furnace through distributor pipes which connect the distributor chamber to the shaft furnace.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1989Date of Patent: August 21, 1990Assignee: Kortec AGInventor: Ralph Weber
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Patent number: 4904143Abstract: In an apparatus for the continuous feeding of material to a melting crucible in the pulling of monocrystals in a vacuum tank, a first container (3) is provided which is provided with an internal lining (4) adapted to the container shape and having a funnel-shaped section (4') and a cylindrical outlet (4"') adjoining the latter, the outlet (4"') being displaceable through a lock valve (10) into the connecting pipe (11) of a second container (12) which in turn, through an outlet tube (18) with elbow (19) brought through the wall of the vacuum tank, leads into the area above the melting crucible. The two containers (3, 12) are for that purpose coupled with the hydraulic cylinder (28) of a linear actuator by which the distance between the two containers (3, 12) can be varied.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1988Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignee: Leybold AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dieter Drechsel, Karl Jericho
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Patent number: 4859131Abstract: The loading installation comprises a device for introducing and distributing charge material into a shaft furnace, this device being surmounted in ascending order, and in alignment with the central axis of the furnace, by a compensator, a valve housing, a lock chamber having a weighing system and a stand-by hopper. The lock chamber and the valve housing are suspended by means of several balances on a circular or polygonal horizontal supporting beam with the stand-by hopper resting on this beam. In turn, the supporting beam is carried by several vertical pillars with the pillars being carried by the head of the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1988Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.Inventors: Emile Lonardi, Pierre Mailliet
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Patent number: 4820105Abstract: The apparatus comprises a distribution spout and a hopper which has two containers mounted thereabove provided with sealing valves and a metering member. In order to simplify the weighing system, the hopper is independent of the mouth of the furnace and is located inside a sealed chamber. The hopper is suspended by a device which enables it to be coupled to the container which is being emptied and to be uncoupled from the container which is being filled.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1987Date of Patent: April 11, 1989Assignee: Paul Wurth, S.A.Inventors: Edouard Legille, Emile Lonardi, Germain Schilz
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Patent number: 4755095Abstract: This invention relates to a device comprising a sealing valve carried by a control arm inside a vessel and cooperating with a seat around an opening. The mechanism for operating the valve comprises a hollow rotary support housed about its axis of rotation X in a leaktight bearing on the wall of the vessel and connected to the other end of the control arm by means of a device permitting axial displacement of the valve in relation to its seat. In order to reduce the space required for the movements of the valve, the support of the valve operating mechanism is mounted in such a manner that its axis of rotation X forms an acute angle with the vertical axis of the opening of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1987Date of Patent: July 5, 1988Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.Inventors: Pierre Mailliet, Germain Schilz
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Patent number: 4728240Abstract: An apparatus for distributing charge material to a shaft furnace is presented which effectively reduces the segregation of the particles in a storage housing positioned above the shaft furnace. In the present invention, the storage hopper and the distribution device are movable about the vertical axis of the shaft furnace and are mounted inside a sealed chamber. Above the chamber are arranged at least two locks which are each provided with upper and lower sealing flaps. Preferably, the storage hopper and the bottom of each of the locks are in the configuration of tapered funnels, the conical wall of which forms an angle of less than or equal to about 30.degree. with respect to the vertical axis of the furnace. The storage hopper is preferably supported by support and guide rollers which move on a circular rail integral with the wall of the sealed chamber and is subjected to the action of a drive mechanism for rotation about the vertical axis of the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1986Date of Patent: March 1, 1988Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.Inventors: Rene Mahr, Emile Lonardi, Gilbert Bernard, Marc Solvi, Pierre Mailliet
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Patent number: 4514129Abstract: The delivery of charge material to the hearth of a pressurized blast furnace under the influence of gravity is accomplished without the necessity of changing the direction of material flow at a point exterior of the furnace. The rate of flow of the charge material, which moves in a vertical stream, is controlled by a metering device including a pair of overlapping register elements which define a variable size aperture which remains generally symmetrical with respect to the stream axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1982Date of Patent: April 30, 1985Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.Inventors: Edouard Legille, Pierre Mailliet, Emile Lonardi
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Patent number: 4439276Abstract: An arrangement for filling at least one coke oven chamber has a transport device arranged to transport coal, a chute member located under the transport device to guide coal to a filling opening of the coke oven chamber, at least one closing member arranged between the chute member and the filling opening of the coke oven chamber, and a sliding plate moveable in a housing above the chute member between open and closed positions, wherein the sliding plate and the housing in its region in which the sliding plate is in its open position are inclined toward a horizontal.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1982Date of Patent: March 27, 1984Assignees: Bergwerksverband GmbH, Didier Engineering GmbHInventor: Manfred Galow
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Patent number: 4395179Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for charging particulate material of varying sizes into a shaft furnace, such as an oil shale retort or blast furnace, in which a highly uniform distribution of particle sizes of charge material and a desired height and level of stockline are obtained. The apparatus comprises a non-rotatable distribution hopper having a dividing means beneath choked feed means to substantially equally divide the material into a plurality of port means. The apparatus also includes partially movable distributor means and spreader means having surfaces of different inclinations to thoroughly mix the variously sized particles. Also disclosed is apparatus for providing gas lock means to prevent loss of gas pressure from the furnace, sensing the stockline level in the furnace, weighing the material in a hopper, temporarily storing certain amounts of charge material, and controlling the operation of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1981Date of Patent: July 26, 1983Assignee: Davy Inc.Inventor: Andrejs Berzins
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Patent number: 4379023Abstract: A lock is disclosed for charging holes of horizontal coke ovens and for permitting the charging of moist or preheated coal through charging devices, such as longitudinal conveyors fixedly mounted on the battery, or traveling charging cars, while preventing emission. The lock is designed as a spectacle gate accommodated in a casing which is firmly connected to the frame of the charging hole and forms a gastight seal against the connections of the charging devices even during the actuation of the spectacle gate, and with the spectacle gate being actuated through a linkage from outside the casing.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1982Date of Patent: April 5, 1983Assignee: Firma Carl Still GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Josef Stratmann, Willi Brinkmann
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Patent number: 4234283Abstract: A scrap metal feed system is described employing an endless conveyor having a surface for supporting materials thereon. The conveyor is equipped with lifters extending outwardly from the surface at periodic intervals. A first hopper feeds this conveyor and a second hopper at the inlet end of a rotary kiln receives the scrap from the conveyor. The conveyor extends horizontally beneath the bottom of the first hopper and then upwardly at an angle to the horizon less than eighty degrees and greater than fifty degrees and then terminates over the top of the second hopper. The conveyor is exposed to the interior of the first hopper as it extends upwardly at an angle to the horizontal so that material can move back along the conveyor to the first hopper as the conveyor is operated; as the material moves back to the first hopper a shearing action results which tends to break up large pieces of material and/or separate pieces of material which are adhering to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1978Date of Patent: November 18, 1980Assignee: Automated Production Systems CorporationInventors: Noel H. Twyman, Robert F. Jenkins