US1583604A

US1583604A - Cover-operating mechanism

Info

Publication number: US1583604A
Application number: US743574A
Authority: US
Inventors: William S Orr
Original assignee: CENTRAL STEEL Co
Current assignee: CENTRAL STEEL Co
Priority date: 1924-10-14
Filing date: 1924-10-14
Publication date: 1926-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 1943-05-04

Description

W. S. ORR

COVER OPERATING MECHANISM Filed 0(3(n 14) 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet l IN VEN TOR.

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May 4 1926. v 1,583,604

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COVERv OPERATING MECHANISM Filed OGC` 14 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVLNTOR.

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COVER OPERATING MEGHANISM Filed oct. '14, 1924.

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- tion is to provide means whereby a cover of.

Patented Mayr 4, 1926.

UNITED s'rpxrrzs imgTi-:NT oFFicB.

'WILLIAM S. OBR, OF MASSILLON, OHIO, ASSIG-NOR TO THE CENTRAL STEEL COM- PANY, OF MASSILLON, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

COVER-OPERATING MECHANISM.

Application led October 14, 1924." Serial No. 743,574.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM S. ORR, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Massillon, county of Stark, and State of Ohio, have invented a new and usefullmprovement in Cover-Operating Mechanlsms, of which the following is a specification, the principle of the invention being herein explained and the best mode in which I have contemplated applying that principle, so as to distinguish `it from other inventions.

The present improvements, relating, as indicated, to cover operating mechanism, have more particular regard to the provision of improved means for removing and replacing, as desired, the covers on soaking pits and like furnaces'in which an opening 1s provided in the top for the purpose of securing access to the furnace interior, whether this be to introduce and remove ingots, as in the case of a soakin pit, orfuel, in the case of furnaces of different type. Such covers ordinarily are quite heavy, consistlng in the case of soaking pits of a steel casting with fire-brick lining inset.

One principal object of the present inventhis type may be more. readily manipulated and without unnecessary jar or shock, particularly when the cover is being replaced inasmuch as this is liable to damage the edge Aof the furnace opening. It will be understood that any cracks left aboutsuch opening will allow the escape of iiame and to furnace and door. it isnecessary that the door always have a tight fit so as to securely close the opening.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawings and the following descriptiony setting forth in detail certain mechanismembodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be'used.

In said annexed drawings Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the general arrangementof a pit furnace equipped with my improved cover operating mechanism certain portions of the upper carrying frame being broken away; Fig. 2 is a longltudinal section'of the same, taken on the vertical longitudinally disposed cradle 6.

plane indicated by the line 22, Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a vertical section of a detail taken on the plane indicated by the line 3-3, Fig. 1; and Fig.' 4 is a transverse section of another detail taken on the plane indicated by the line 4 4, Fig. 1.

The pit furnace 1, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, is of the usual design, as is also in the main the cover 2 that is provided to seal the openin 3 vof said furnace. The latter, in other wor s, consists of a rectangular casting, the under side of which is hollow and faced with fire-brick 4 over the area corresponding with the opening 3 when the cover is in place.

On each side the casting that thus coni stitutes the cover is formed with a laterally projecting web 5 to which is attached a Such cradle is thus attached to web 5 through the medium of two bolts 7 that pass vertically through suitably spaced apertures in such web and registering apertures in the respective lends of the cradle. As shown in the detail View of Fig. 3, such aperture in the case of the web is surrounded by an upstanding boss 8 that enters a downwardly directed socket 9 in the end of the cradle so as to hold the parts in proper alignment. The bolt is allowed a certain amount of play in the apertures in the web and cradle ends, its

lower end being held in place by means of a key 10, whlle acompression spring 11 is -interposed between the corresponding end of highly heated gases with consequent damage- For the same reason' they cradle and a cup-shaped washer 12' adjustably securedin place on the upper projecting end of the bolt by means of a nut 13.

Movably mounted, as will be presently described, so as to normally project over the furnace opening 3, as shown in Fig." 2, are twohorizontally extending supporting arms lthat are connected togethe'rby transverse andl diagonal braces 16 sc ajstoconstitutea rigid frame structure. The outer ends of these arms are respectively connected with the corresponding cradles' by means of links 17 and-18 suchy last ynrientio'ned link including 'an inte Valupstandingarm 19 so as to constitute 1n Aeffect` thereof a double arm lever that is fulcrurned on the` support- -ing arm latits'point of` pivotal attachment thereto..- A third link'20 is pivotally attached to'one vof the arms 15 and the inner end ofthe correspondingcradle, such link being substantially equal `in length to the adjacent link 18 and parallel therewith so that although the cover may be oscillated about the forward ends of said arm, it will nevertheless be maintained at all times with its under side in a substantially horizontal plane.

The supporting frame structure for the door, which 'the arms 15 with the braces 16 are thus seen to constitute, is oscillatorily mounted on a transverse shaft 21, the respec' tive ends of which are journaled in wheeled carriages or trolleys`22. The latter are arranged to run on parallel rails 23 that present a horizontal contact surface except at their ends adjacent the furnace opening 3 where they slope downwardly at an angle of approximately 45 de ees towards such opening. Because of ie wear that will Abe imposed in use on such downwardly inclined ends, a block 24 of specially hardened steel is inset at this point in each rail (see Fig. 2). The rear ends of the respective arms 15 are provided with rollers 25 that, as best shown in Fig. 4, are guided on the under side of the samefrails 23 on which the trolleys 22 run. The frame of the trolley .22 ythat is located on the same side, i. e., in alignment with the upstanding arm 19 of link 18, isprovided likewise with an upstanding arm 26 and this is connected by means of a link 27 with said arm 19.

The rails 23, it will be observed, are spaced suiciently far apart to afford ample clearance therebetween for passage of the cover 2 as 'the arms 15 are moved from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2 to the position shown in dotted outline and as will be noticed, the inclined portion of the rail provides a cam action to raise or lower the frame and cover. The first effect of such movement, due to the connection afforded by link 27 between arm 19 of link 18 and arm 26 on -carriage or trolley 22, will be to lift the cover as a result ofthe oscillation about shaft 21 of this and the companion trolley as they move oii' the inclined portions 24 of 'the rails 23 onto the horizontal portions of such rails. Once the cover is thus lifted, it will be carried at a uniform height as the trolleys are retracted along the rails by continued movement of arms 15. The successive positions occupied by the link connection just referred to in thus initially lifting the cover are likewise shown in dotted outline on Fig. 2 and, as thereby made clear, the retraction of the forward ends of arms 15 is compensated for by the outward swinging movement imparted to link 18, Ithe combined result being that the cover is lifted in a substantially vertical direction, being prevented from tilting about the lower ends of links 17 and 18 b means of link 20, as hereinbefore describe Upon reverse movement of the parts, the cover will of course be lowered instead of raised, buti such lowering movement will likewise be in a substantially vertical direction after the cover has been brought into position over the opening 3. When it is finally brought into contact with the surround- For the `purpose of moving trolleys 22,'

and thus the arms 15, back and forth in the fashion just described, any suitable operating means may be employed. In the drawings, however, I show a crank drive which permits of positive limitation of the lowering movement of the cover and thus prevents any danger of slamming onto the furnace wall surrounding opening 3. This drive comprises a motor driven shaft 30, suitably mounted in a. supporting framework, to one side of the furnace,l or, in other words, at the outer ends of rails 23. The electric motor 31 and interposed reduction gearing 32 will be of standard construction. The respective ends of crank shaft 30 carry parallel cra-nk arms 33, the outer ends of which are pivotally connected by means of link 34 with shaft 21, on which arms 15 are mounted. It will accordingly be seen that oscillation of shaft 30 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, will draw the trolleys 22 and thus the arms 15 to the right, while oscillation` of the shaft 30 in the opposite direction will produce a reverse movement of 'the parts in question. It will be noted that when shaft 30 has been thus oscillated in a counter-clock- Wise direction to bring the cover to its closing position, the cranks 33 and links 34 are los fully extended so that no further movement in this direction can by any possibility be imparted to the trolleys 22. Furthermore, the later stage of such movement is relatively\slow due to the change in the angular position of the cranks an as a result s lamming of the cover is substantially entirely avoided. Instead, it will be lowered gently and in such manner as to avoid damage to .the wall of the furnace surrounding opening 3.

The total angle of oscillation of the cranks 33 will be slightly less than 180 degrees, as

ing claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed. Y

I therefore particularly point out and distinctl claim as my inventionz- 1. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a horizontally disposed cover; of a horizontally movable frame extending over and suitably attached' to said cover; means for carrying said frame horizontally, and inset cam-actv'ing means in the lpath of said means for raising or lowering the frame.

2. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a horizontally disposed cover; of a horizontally movable frame extending over and suitably attached to said'cover; means for carrying said frame horizontall a track for supporting said means, `an Wear-resistant inset cam portions along said track for raising or lowering the frame. ,y

3. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a horizontally disposed cover; of a horizontally movable frame extending over to said cover; means for carrying said frame horizontally, a track for supporting said means, and sloping-wear-resistant inset portions at the end of the track adjacent the furnace for raisingv or lowering the said frame.

4. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a horizontally disposed cover; of a track extending horizontally from the normal closed position of said cover, the end of the track adjacent such normal closed position of the cover incliniiig downwardly; supporting means movable along said track; a frame foscillatorily supported by said means; means connecting the inner end of said frame with said cover; and means between said cover and said supporting means for maintaining the cover horizontal upon movement of said supporting means.

5. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a horizontally disposed cover; of a track extending horizontally from the normalclosed sition of said cover, the end of the trac adjacent such normal closed position` of the cover inclining downwardly; supporting means movable -along said track; a frame oscillatorily supported bv said means; link means connecting the inneriend of said frame with said cover; and equalizing connections between said supporting means and link means whereby the cover is maintained horizontal upon movement of the supporting means.

6. In mechanism of the character described, tlie combination with a horizontally disposed cover; of parallel rails extending horizontally from the normal closed position of said cover, the inner ends of said rails incliniiig downwardly; trolleys movable along said rails respectively a transverse shaft connecting said trolleys; a frame oscillatoriand suitablyattached `arm on the correspon ing trolley; and another link connecting said two arms.

7. In mechanism of the character de-4 scribed, the combination with a horizontally disposed cover, of parallel rails extending horizontally from the normal closed position of said cover, the inner ends of said rails inclining downwardly; trolleys movable along said rails, res ectively; atransverse shaft connecting sai trolleys; a frame oscillatorily mounted on said shaft and comprising longitudinally' extending arms, lthe outer ends of said arms being guided for movement parallel with said rails; two cradles resiliently attached to said cover adjacent the uided for movevrespective sides thereof; links connecting the inner ends of said armswith said cradles, respectively, one of said links being provided with an upwardly extending arm; an. upstanding arm on the corresponding trolley; and another'link connecting said two arms. l

8. In mechanism of the lcharacter described, the combination with ahorizontally disposed cover, of parallel rails extending horizontally from the normal closed posi-y tion of said cover,`the inner ends of said rails inclinin downwardly; trolleys movable alon said rails, respectively; a transverse sha t connecting said trolleys; a frame voscillatorily mounted on said shaft and comprising longitudinally extending arms, the outer ends of said arms being guided for movement parallel with said rails; two cradles resiliently attached to said coverI adjacent the respective sides thereof; links connectin the inner ends ofsaid arms with said c rad es, respectively, one of said links bein provided with an upstanding arm; anot er link parallel with one of the aforesaid links additionally connecting the'corresponding arm and cradle; an upstandingv arm on the trolley corresponding to the link with upwardly extending arm; and another link connecting said two arms.

9. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a horizontally disposed cover; of arallel rails extending horizontally from 't e normal closed position of said cover, the inner ends ofl said rails inclinin downwardly; trolleys movable alon said rails respectively; a transverse sha t connecting saiddtrolle'ys; a frame oscillatorily mounted on said shaft and comprising longitudinally extending arms, the outer ends of said arms being guidedfor movement parallel with said rails; links connecting the inner ends of said arms with disposed cover; of parallel rails extending horizontally from the `normal closed position of said cover, the inner ends of said rails inclinin downwardly; trolleys movable along said rails respectively; a transverse shaft connecting said trolleys; a frame oscillatorily mounted on said shaft and comprising longitudinally extending arms, the outer ends of said arms being guided for `movement parallel with Vsaid rails; links connecting the inner ends of said arms with said cover, one of said links being provided with an upwardly extending arm; an upstanding armon the corresponding trolley; another link connecting said two arms; ,an oscillatory shaft mounted transversely of said rails adjacent their outer ends; a crank on said shaft; and a link connecting said crank with the shaft connecting said trolleys.

11. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a horizontally movable cover; a supporting frame for said cover recip-rocable towards and from the.

normal closed 'posi-tion of the latter; means adapted to osclllate said frame to raise and lower said cover incidentally to reciprocation of said frame; an oscillatory shaft v mounted transversely of the direction of movement of said frame; and connections between said shaft and frame adapted to reciprocate the latter upon oscillation of said sha-ft. j

' 12. In mechanism ofl the character de- `wards and from the normal closed movable cover; a supporting'frame for said cove` reciprocable towards and from. the

scribed, the combination ci a horizontally normal closed position of the latter; means w `-with said frame.

13. In mechanism of the character de scribed, the combination yof a horizontallyl movable cover; a frame reciprocable towards and from the normal closed position of said cover; cradle means resiliently suspending said cover from said frame; and equalizing links between said frame and said crad'e means for maintaining the cover horizontal during movement.

14e. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a horizontally movable cover; a frame reciprocable towards and from the normal' closed position of' said cover; two cradles resiliently attached to said cover adjacent the respective sides thereof; and links connecting said frame withsaid cradles. 15. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of' a horilaontally movable cover; a frame reciprocable toe osition of said cover, said frame comprism two horizontally extending arms; two crad es resiliently attached to said cover adjacent the respective sides thereof; links connecting the inner ends of said frame arms with said cradles, respectively; and another link parallel with one of the aforesaid links additionally connectin one of said arms and the corresponding cra le.

' WLLLIAM s. oRR.

Signed by me, this 29th day of September,