Patent ID: 6153146
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: C21B

Abstract:
A transfer and automatic release apparatus for carrying a slag control body and subsequently releasing the slag control body into a molten metal receptacle having an opening sized to permit insertion therethrough of said slag control body, the release apparatus comprising:a) a hook apparatus including:i) connecting means for connecting the hook apparatus to a mechanism for positioning said hook apparatus in proximity to said opening of said molten metal receptacle;ii) first and second suspending hooks suspended from and connected to said connecting means, each said suspending hook having a shank portion and a tip portion, the shank portions of said first and second hooks being suspended from and connected to said connecting means; said first and second suspending hooks being connected so that said tip portions of said respective suspending hooks are urged together when said suspending hooks are suspended by said connecting means; said suspending hooks being operative, when urged together, to releasably suspend said slag control body;iii) an outwardly extending member connected to at least one of said first and second suspending hooks; andb) a contact member spaced apart from a top portion of said molten metal receptacle; said extending member being operative as the slag control body is lowered towards said contact member by said hook apparatus to engage said contact member, the engagement of said contact member causing said respective suspending hooks to urge apart and thereby release said suspended slag control body into said opening of said molten metal receptacle.