Abstract: A distributor device including a distribution chute that extends inside the tank at an inclined angle for distributing material in the interior of the tank. A rotation frame is rotatable around a vertical central rotation axis (L) and includes a vertical inlet channel extending to the interior of the tank. A circular support frame is horizontally attached to the rotation frame, concentrically in relation to the vertical central rotation axis. A number of support rollers are connected to the tank and the axes of the support rollers are positioned radially with respect to the central rotation axis (L). At least one of the support rollers is as a support roller driving the rotation frame, which support roller the actuator is arranged to rotate. The distributor device includes a counterweight attached to the rotation frame, on the opposite side of the central rotation axis (L) in relation to the distribution chute.

Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace, in particular for a blast furnace and a cooperating distribution chute are proposed, where the distribution chute has an elongated chute body providing a sliding channel for bulk material and two chute-mounting members attached laterally to either side of the chute body for mounting the distribution chute to the charging device, the charging device including a mechanism for rotating the distribution chute, the mechanism having a rotatable support rotor with two suspension flanges cooperating with the chute-mounting members of the distribution chute for mounting the distribution chute, where each chute-mounting member of the chute includes a hook-shaped portion that forms a suspension hook for mounting the distribution chute to the suspension flanges, each suspension flange in turn has a support configured for engagement with the hook-shaped portion of the chute along a hook engagement direction, and furthermore, each chute-mounting member includes an abutment portion tha

Abstract: The present invention proposes a charge distribution apparatus for a furnace comprising a charge distribution chute and a drive mechanism (12) with a first rotary drive shaft (14) for rotating the charge distribution chute and a second rotary drive shaft (16) for changing the angle of inclination of the charge distribution chute. The first and second drive shafts (14, 16) are coupled to respective first and second motors (18, 22) via a planetary gear mechanism (20) for driving the first and second drive shafts (14, 16).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for distributing a lumpy bulk material, in particular iron ore which has been at least partially prereduced, onto an extensive surface, in particular onto a fixed bed, this surface extending within a reactor or vessel used in physical or chemical process technology, in particular in a reactor used in a metallurgical plant to produce pig iron or primary steel products, and the lumpy bulk material being charged via at least one charging apparatus, which has at least two, in particular rotationally symmetrical, chutes, which are preferably arranged at the same distance from the vertical longitudinal axis of the reactor.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: In order to configure a bell and hopper for shaft furnaces, in particular, blast furnaces, comprising a charging bin with a feed tube, a rotating chute carrier with rotary drive, a swiveling chute in the interior of the furnace with drive means arranged external to a housing, in a less failure-prone and a wear resistant way, the drive means for the swivel movement of the chute are to comprise: at least one motor (7) which drives by a respective pinion (8) a crown gear (9), wherein the crown gear (9) engages the spindle gear wheels (11) of at least two spindles (13) distributed about the periphery of the bell and hopper external to the rotating chute carrier (3) for generating a lifting and lowering movement of the spindles, as well as means (14, 15, 17, 21) for transmitting this vertical movement of the spindles onto the tilting shafts (22), which penetrate the inner wall (24) of the chute carrier (3) and from which the chute can be suspended, for generating a swivel and tilting movement of the chute.

Abstract: A feed chute apparatus for injecting fuel into a rotating cement kiln by gravity. The apparatus, which is positioned adjacent to a cement kiln and supported at an angle of inclination sufficient to allow tires or other combustible materials to be gravity fed into the cement kiln, has a feed ramp for guiding the combustible material into the kiln. A gate having a pair of opposing posts is positioned at the end of the feed ramp to control the rate of feed of the combustible material. In the rest position, the posts are extended in relation to the feed ramp to prevent the flow of combustible material. When the kiln rotates to a position where the feed opening in the wall of the kiln is aligned with the feed ramp, the gate retracts to allow the combustible material to be gravity fed into the kiln.

Abstract: A moistened towelette heating device for providing a moist hot towel for washing a user's body. The moistened towelette heating device includes a housing with a depression in the top of the housing forming a chute. The chute has an opening into a passage in the housing which, in turn, is connected to microwave oven disposed in the housing. The housing has a main opening into the microwave oven and an access door substantially closing the main opening. A plurality of canisters each with a moistened towelette disposed therein are positioned in the chute to permit passage of each canister through the passage and into the microwave oven where the canister may be heated to heat the towelette therein.

Abstract: A device for the distribution of materials in bulk comprises a chute (10) suspended from a first rotor (18) so as to be driven in rotation and to be capable of pivoting about a pivoting axis (33). A pivoting ring (38) is connected to the chute (10) so as to be capable of pivoting about an axis (36) perpendicular to the horizontal pivoting axis (33) of the chute (10). A guide means, preferably comprising a large diameter suspension bearing (52), is supported by a second rotor (40). It defines for the pivoting ring (38), in a reference frame attached to the second rotor (40), an inclined plane of rotation which makes an angle .alpha. with a horizontal reference plane. The pivoting ring (33) creates, during a relative rotation in this inclined plane of rotation, a pivoting of the chute (10) about the pivoting axis (33).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for injecting fuel in the form of pieces of various sizes into a burning zone of a kiln having an end inlet. The apparatus includes two rubber tires rotating in opposite directions, at least one motor for rotating the tires, an entrance chute, and an exit chute. The tires rotate about horizontal and parallel axes that are in an inclined plane and spaced such that the outer radial surfaces of the tires are generally adjacent. The entrance chute has a vertical inlet portion for receiving the fuel pieces and downwardly accelerating the fuel pieces by gravity and an outlet portion open adjacent the tires for feeding the fuel pieces between the tires. The tires elastically deform around the various size fuel pieces and project them as the tires rotate. The exit chute has an axis perpendicular to the inclined plane of the tire axes for directing the projected fuel pieces through the kiln end inlet.

Abstract: A system for disposing of refuse-derived fuel ("RDF") and converting the refuse-derived fuel into a fuel gas is described. The system includes a positive pressure combustion chamber and a feed system for feeding the RDF into the combustion chamber at high speed. No compaction of the low density RDF is required. The feed system includes a feed conveyor, first and second air locks with a first conduit between the feed conveyor and the first air lock, and a second conduit between the first and second air locks. Both conduits are generally vertically oriented, but sloped at an angle that prevents bridging of the RDF.

Abstract: An installation is proposed for charging a shaft furnace comprising a rotating and pivoting distribution chute. The chute is supported in a removable manner by two lateral side plates of a "U"-shaped stirrup piece. When a first ring securely fastened to a dome performs a relative movement with respect to a second ring, the dome, via an arm causes the stirrup piece to pivot about its horizontal axis which transmits this pivoting to the chute. The end of the arm pivots, to this end, in a runner block sliding in a groove of the dome.

Abstract: A hopper containing fuel pellets for a stove opens downward into a feed trough which extends generally horizontally toward the firebox of the stove. A feed plate is positioned such that pellets from the hopper are supported on the feed plate. The feed plate is reciprocated between a rearward position adjacent to the hopper and a forward position adjacent to the firebox so as to advance pellets toward the firebox. A gate member is mounted adjacent to the end of the feed trough remote from the hopper. The gate member is positioned to be engaged by the feed plate when the feed plate is in its forward position so as to close the feed trough and hopper from the firebox. The mechanism for reciprocating the feed plate normally maintains it in its forward position in which the feed trough and hopper are isolated from the firebox.

Abstract: A crystal growing apparatus includes a crucible, a feed pipe and a pulling mechanism. The crucible serves to melt a crystalline material. The feed pipe serves to cause the crystalline material to fall into the crucible to charge the crucible with the crystalline material. The pulling mechanism serves to pull a single-crystal from the molten material in the crucible. The feed pipe has a lower end positioned slightly above the surface of the molten material in the crucible and including a plurality of baffle plates mounted on an inner peripheral wall thereof in longitudinally spaced relation to one another. The baffle plates are arranged so that a pitch defined between adjacent two baffle plates decreases toward the lower end of the feed pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for charging a shaft furnace. The apparatus includes a rotary and pivoting distributor chute suspended on the head of the furnace, a device for driving this chute, which consists of a first and second running ring designed respectively for rotating the chute about the vertical axis of the furnace and for changing its inclination relative to this axis as a result of a pivoting about its horizontal suspension axis, and a device for actuating the two running rings independently of one another, a central charging lock equipped with upper and lower sealing flaps and with a metering and closing valve for adjusting the flow of material from the lock on to the distributor chute, and a device for filling the lock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handling device for a distribution chute of a shaft furnace, the said distribution chute being suspended pivotably on a rotary cage mounted by means of bearings in a housing installed in the head of the furnace and containing drive means for rotating the said cage about the vertical axis of the furnace and drive means for pivoting the chute about its horizontal suspension axis. The invention also relates to a mechanism for driving the chute which is suitable for this device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the movement of an oscillating spout is presented wherein uneven distribution of spout discharge material is eliminated or at least substantially reduced by a compensating action of varying the angular speed of rotation of the spout in accordance with the angular position of the spout. The present invention is particularly suited for use in conjunction with a charging installation of a shaft furnace, particularly those charging devices having a spout with a cardan suspension system.

Abstract: A rotary kiln is charged with pneumatic tires by a lock chamber which carries two gates adapted to be opened in alternation. To ensure a desirable charging operation, the lock chamber provides a runway downwardly inclined towards the kiln inlet and having a length which is at least twice the tire diameter. The gate at the receiving end of the lock chamber is provided with a tire holder for holding each tire in a position for rolling on the runway. The tire holder comprises a gripping device having two gripping jaws operable to move in mutually opposite directions and engageable with the side wall of a pneumatic tire. The gripping jaws are mounted to be adjustable in a direction parallel to the runway and transversely to the direction of travel of the tire on the runway.

Abstract: The movements of an oscillatory member, for example the charge distribution spout of a furnace charging system, are caused to follow the movements of a remotely located control device which may be in the form of an elongated arm. The spout and arm are rotatable about respective pairs of orthogonal axes and any angular deviations between the orientation of the control device arm and spout axis are sensed. Control signals commensurate with the angular deviations are delivered to fluidic actuators which reposition the spout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution apparatus for throat closures of shaft furnaces, in particular blast-furnace closures, with a lock chamber arranged within the furnace dome, at the entrance of which is arranged a funnel tube and underneath which, opening out above the charging surface is arranged a distribution pipe which may be swung around the pivot axis by means of a horizontal pair of swivel pins, within a frame, whereby the frame is arranged by means of a hollow shaft or a shaft pin normal to the pivot axis, also extending horizontally and penetrating the furnace dome to which it is sealed and connected to a swing drive, and the pivot drive for the distribution pipe is connected to a drive shaft penetrating the hollow shaft and connected with a pin of the swivel-pin pair.