US3022551A

US3022551A - Apparatus for handling sectional hot tops

Info

Publication number: US3022551A
Application number: US12221A
Authority: US
Inventors: Marburg Edgar
Original assignee: United States Steel Corp
Current assignee: United States Steel Corp
Priority date: 1960-03-01
Filing date: 1960-03-01
Publication date: 1962-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 1979-02-27

Description

Feb. 27, 1962 Filed March 1, 1960 E. MARBURG 3,022,551

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SECTIONAL HOT TOPS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR AIlorn ey EDGAR MARBURG Feb. 27, 1962 E. MARBURG 3,022,551

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SECTIONAL HOT TOPS Filed March 1, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 l N VE N TOR EDGAR MARBURG Feb. 27, 1962 E. MARBURG APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SECTIONAL HOT TOPS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 1, 1960 FIE- 12 IA! VE/V 70/? 506.4 I? MARBURG Attorney United States Patent 3,022,551 APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SECTIUNAL HOT TOPS Edgar Marburg, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignor to United States Steei Corporation, a corporation of New Jersey Filed Mar. 1, 196i), Ser. No. 12,22

13 Claims. (CI. 22-31) This invention relates to an apparatus for handling sectional hot tops and more particularly for setting in ingot molds sectional hot tops as shown in my co-pending applications Serial No. 847,599, filed October 20, 1959, and Serial No. 849,337, filed October 28, 1959. Sectional hot tops are difficult to insert in ingot molds since the slabs making up the hot tops are heavy and difficult to handle. Normally a crew of three or more men is necessary to manually set the hot top into the ingot mold. The crew must work on top of the ingot mold where they are exposed. to very hazardous conditions. To minimize the hazards, expensiv safety devices such as platforms, ladders or hanging steps are used. Thus a great deal of labor and time is required to set the hot top.

It is therefore an object of my invention to provide apparatus for mechanically inserting a sectional hot top into a mold.

Another object is to provide such apparatus which enables a hot top to be set in place or removed quickly and safely with little danger of breakage.

These and other objects will be more apparent after referring to the following specification and attached drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevation showing the apparatus of my invention installing a sectional hot top within a mold;

FIGURE 2 is a view taken on the line II-II of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a view, similar to FIGURE 2, but showing the hot top supports in retracted position;

FIGURE 4 is a view taken on the line IVIV of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a view taken on the line VV of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a view taken on the line VT-VI of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is an elevation of the top part of the apparatus taken at right angles to FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a detail;

FIGURE 9 is a view, similar to FIGURE 1, showing a second embodiment of my invention;

FIGURE 10 is a view taken on the line X--X of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a view, similar to FIGURE 10, but showing the hot top supports in retracted position;

FIGURE 12 is a view taken on the line XII-XII of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 13 is a view taken on the line XIII-XIII of FIGUREv 10;

FIGURE 14 is a view taken on the line )GVXIV of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 15 is an enlarged sectional view of a detail;

FIGURE 16 is an enlarged sectional view of another detail;

FIGURE 17 is an enlarged view taken on the line XVlI-JCVII of FIGURE 14; and r FIGURE 18 is a fragmentary plan view of the top of the apparatus.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES 1 to 8 of the drawings, the reference numeral 2 indicates a tube having a second tube 4 mounted therein for axial movement. A plate 6 is welded to the bottom of tube 4 and extends outwardly beyond the tube 2. Diametrically "ice ,7

opposed vertically slotted openings 8 are provided in the tube 2 adjacent the lower end thereof. Similarly positioned vertically slotted openings 1% of less length than openings 8 are provided in the tube 4. Diametrically opposed vertically slotted openings 12, similar to openings 8, are provided in tube 2 above the openings 8 and are spaced from openings 3. Vertically slotted openings 14, similar to openings 10, are provided in tube a above openings 10 but at 90 therefrom. Hot top supports 3.6 are associated with each of the lower sets of openings and hot top supports 18 are associated with each of the upper sets of openings. Since all of t e hot top supports are constructed in the same manner, only one will be described in detail. Each of the supports includes a bracket 20 welded to the outer tube 2 and which is preferably made of two plates, one on each side of the associated

openings

8 or 12. A two-armed member 22 is pivotally mounted on the bracket 2 3 by means of a pin 24. One arm 26 extends inwardly through the associated openings 8 and lit or 12 and 14, and has a beveled edge 28 for a purpose which will appear later. The other arm 36 extends outwardly from tube 2 and has a stop 32 welded to its upper surface. A rubber pad 34 is attached to the upper surface of arm 39 and extends outwardly from the stop 32. An abutment 36 is welded to the inside of tube 4 just above each slot 10. A similar abutment 38 is welded to the inside of tube 4 just above each slot 14. A pair of opposed holders 4% are mounted on the tube 2 above the supports 18 in the same vertical plane as supports 16. Each of the holders 4% consists of an inverted U-shaped member 42 welded to a bar 44 having a washer 46 welded to its inner end. The lower end of the outer leg of the U-shaped member 42 is flared outward for a purpose to be described later. The bars 44 and washers 46 are mounted in a tube 48 extending diametrically of tube 2. A spring 50 surrounds the rod 4 with one end bearing against washer 46 and the other end bearing against a slidable washer 52. The holders 441 are assembled and the assembly secured to the tube 2 in diametrically opposed vertical slots 54 extending from the top of tube 2 down to the location of the holders 46. A second pair of holders 56 are mounted in the tube 2 at a higher elevation than holders 4% and directly above the supports 18. Each of the holders 56 includes a bar 58 bent downwardly at its outer end and a bar 6% extending downwardly from and welded thereto inwardly of the end thereof so as to form an inverted U-shaped member.

Spaced washers

62 and 63 are welded to each of the bars 65 within a tube 54 located in the tube 2. Diametrically opposed vertically slotted openings 65 are provided inthe tube 2 for receiving the bars 58. A cover plate 68 is secured to the top of tube 2, preferably by means of hexheaded bolts or machine screws, not shown. A bail '79 extends downwardly through a slot 71 provided in plate 68 and is welded to the top of inner tube 4. A plate 72 is bolted to the top of plate 68 over the slot 71 so as to provide openings for receiving the bail 79. A bail 73 is bolted to the top of tube 2 for pivotal movement. A stud 74 attached to and extending through bail 73 limits the pivotal movement thereof.

In assembling a hot top of the type disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 847,599, the installing device or mast is placed on the ground resting on base platen as shown in FIGURE 2. In this position the outer tube 2 moves downwardly until its lower end rests on plate 6. This causes the supports It; and to move to their outward or expanded position where they are ready to receive the slabs of the hot top. The bevel 28 of each arm 26 abuts the associated abutments .25 and 38 to hold its outer arm 30 horizontal. The side slabs S are first placed on the upper supports 13 with their tops being restrained from falling outwardly or inwardly by the holders 56. The end slabs E are then placed on the lower supports 16 with the ends of the side pieces fitted into grooves on the face of the end piece. The vertical portion of the outer leg of the inverted U-shaped member 42 is inside the plane of the outer face of the side piece, but the lower end of the flared portion is outside it. The inverted U-shaped member is pressed downwardly outwardly with the spring 50 being compressed and the inverted U fitting over the top of the end slab. The end slabs E and side slabs S rest on the rubber pads 34 and bear against the respective side stops 32. 'With the side slabs S 6 inches higher than the end slabs E, the overall length is reduced by about inch and the side slabs are inside the sides of the end slabs so as to permit insertion of the hot top into mold M. The mast is then lifted by means of a crane hook placed under bail 73 and is carried to the mold and the assembly is lowered into the mold as shown in FIGURE 1. As the assembly is lowered the end slabs E will be supported by the mold top, but the mast continue its-downward between the corresponding

plates

96 and 6 and the studs movement until the weight of the mast is supported by the holders 56 resting on the side slabs S. The weight of the mast then forces the side slabs downwardly into 'wedging engagement with the end slabs E'so that the lower portions of the hot top pieces are forced outward into close contact with the walls of the mold. The inner to rotate about their pivot withthe rubber-mat 34 conta'cting the wall of the tube 2 as'shownin FIGURE 3. The mast can then be removed upwardly-from the mold and hot top. In some instances the hot top is not used after it has been placed on the mold, and in that case it can be removed by the same mast. This is done by lowering the mast into the hot top by means of bail 73 which is then rotated until it is stopped by stud 74, and transferring the crane hook to the bail 78. When the mast is lifted by bail 78, the supports16 and 18 are rotated to their outer position so that they are under the end and side pieces. The U-shaped member 42 and the holder 56 are then placed over the tops of the pieces and the hot 'top is removed by raising the assembly upwardly. V

In the embodlmentof'my invention shown in PEG- URES 9 to 18 reference numeral 80 indicates a tube having a second tube 82 mounted therein for axial movement. Plate 84 having an outside diameter approximately the'same as the outside diameter of tubersil'is secured to the bottom of tube 82 by means of machine screws (not shown). A pair of diametrically opposed vertical slots 86 extend downwardly from the top oftube 82. Two diametrically opposed studs 88 are attached to the tube 80 intermediate its ends and extend inwardly so as to be received in the slots 86 to prevent relative rotation between the

tubes

80 and 82 and to limit the upward movement of tube 82 in tube 80 when'plate 84 is removed. Two parallel vertical plates 90 extend ceiverthe bar 98 and the lower ends of plates 96. A

pair of.slots 102 are provided in the plates 99 and extend downwardly and outwardly to diametrically opposed I- slot s 104 in the tube 82. Similar pairs of slots 106 (FIGURE '13) are provided in the plates 96 and extend downwardly and outwardly to diametrically opposed I- slots 188 in the tube 82. The tube 80has diametrically opposed

horizontal slots

110 and 112 therein which are in alignment with the slots 184 and 108, respectively.

Supports

114 and 116 are received

in'tlie slots

110 and 126 are received in the corresponding slots 182 and 166. The total height of

parts

118 and 128 is slightly less than the height of slots 11% or 112 and the outer periphery thereof is arcuate and has a radius the same as that of the tube 80. The thickness of

parts

118 and 120 is about the same as the combined thickness of the walls of

tubes

80 and 82. A round bar 127 having a length slightly less than the inside diameter of tube 80 is provided in the openings 124 to provide lateral support. The tube 88 has diametrically "opposed vertical slots 128 therein directly above slots 118. Holders 138 are received in the slots 128. The holders 138 consist of a pair of tubular members 132 welded to a central U-shaped plate 134, round bars 136 having their inner ends secured to sleeves 138'and their 'outer ends bent at right angles at 140. A spring 142 surrounds the bar 136 between sleeve 138 and a movable washer 144. To keep the Ushaped plate -134vertical, the outer lower edges of'tubes 132 extend into slots 128; so that the tubes cannot rotate. Vertical slots 146 are provided in the top of tube 841 directly above openings 112. Holders 148 are provided in the slots 146. As best shown in FIGURE 16 the holder assembly 148 includes a tube 158, two round holder bars 152 having 'a' Washer 154 secured to the inner end thereof within the tube and a spring 156 surrounding the bar 152 between the washer 154 and a movable washer 157. The outer end 158 of bar 152 is bent at right angles. A pin 160 is preferably provided through the center of tube 159 toprevent inward overtravel'of the bars 152. A plate 162 is attached tothe top of tubeiltl by means of bolts passing through lugs 164 welded to the inside of the tube. A slot 166 is providedin the plate 162 and a plate 168 is bolted to the top ofplate 162 over the top of slot 166. Openings 17llinto the tube 80 are provided at each end of the plate 168 and a ball 172 passes downwardly therethrough'and is welded to the top of tube 82. A second bail 174 in generally the same vertical plane as bail 172 is bolted to the outside of tube 80 and 'oneof the arms thereof is provided with a stop 176 to limit its rotational'movement. Short bars or lugs 178 are welded to the underside ofthe plate 162 at opposite edges, the bars fitting into slots 128, for a purpose to be described later. g V v To assemble the mast the outer'tube 80 is placed over the inner tube 82 with the studs '88 aligned with the slots 86. The inner tube is then lifted by bail172 until the ends of the slots reach the studs 88. With the tube so held the open ends of the

diagonal slots

102 and 106 are in alignment with the

slots

110 and 112 in the tube 88. The

supports

114 and 116 are then inserted throughtheir associated slots with ,a bar 127 in the axial opening 124 of one of the tubes 122. The bar 127 is guided into the tube or arm of'the opposite holder and both are pushed inwardly until the studs 126 enter the corresponding, diagonal slots 1'82 and 106. The tube 82 is then lowered until its base is level wlththe bottom of tube 80. The mast is then lifted by the bail 174 which causes the tube 82 to drop downwardly and the support'lugs to be retracted until they are flush with the tube 80.- The base plate 84 is then attached to 'the'tube 82.

In assembling a hot top of the type disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 849,337, the installing de 136. The end pieces E are then placed on the upper holders 116 with their tops held by the bentends of holders 148. The pre-assembled hot top is M; inches narrower than the mold opening in the long direction, and the distance between the outside faces of the side pieces is less than the width of the end pieces, so that there is ample clearance for insertion into the mold. The mast is lowered until the end pieces E drop into a wedging fit. Further lowering wedges the side pieces S between the end pieces. Finally the weight of the mast is allowed to rest on the side pieces. The lugs 178 bearing on bars 152 insure that the weight of the mast bears entirely on the side pieces to force them downward to a tight fit. Relieved withdrawn through the hot top. Since the weight of the pieces of the hot top may not be sufficient to keep the lugs from retracting when the mast is lifted the crane hook is attached to the bail 172 in lifting the assembled hot top for installation so that the support treads will be automatically held extended. After installation of the hot top the crane hook is removed from the bail 172 (which bail is rotated back until stopped by stop 176) and placed under bail 174 to withdraw the mast. When it is necessary to remove an installed hot top from the mold the reverse practice is followed. The mast is picked up by the bail 174, lowered into the hot top and the

holders

130 and 148 are placed over the hot top pieces, the crane hook is transferred to the bail 172 so that the

supports

114 and 116 will be extended outward under the hot top pieces when the mast is raised. The end pieces will be first lifted 6 inches to loosen the fit after which the side pieces will be picked up and the hot top withdrawn from the mold.

In practice, two masts are preferably used so that one hot top may be assembled on one mast while another hot top is being installed by the other.

While two embodiments of my invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent that other adaptations and modifications may be made Without departing from the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A device for inserting 4-piece hot tops on a mold comprising a first tube, a second tube mounted for axial movement within the lower end of said first tube, a first pair of hot top supports arranged adjacent the bottom of said device on opposite sides thereof and supported by one of said tubes, a second pair of hot top supports arranged in a plane above the first pair of supports in a vertical plane between the first pair of supports and supported by one of said tubes, means operable by relative movement between the first and second tubes to move both of said pairs of supports between retracted and extended positions, a first pair of hot top holders arranged aeove the first pair of supports in a plane above the second pair of supports and supported by said first tube, and a second pair of hot top holders arranged above the second pair of supports in a plane above the first pair of holders and supported by said first tube.

2. A device for inserting 4-piece hot tops on a mold comprising a first tube, a second tube mounted for axial movement within the lower end of said first tube, means on said second tube limiting downward movement of said first tube with respect thereto, a first pair of hot top supports arranged adjacent the bottom of said device on opposite sides thereof and supported by one of said tubes, a second pair of hot top supports arranged in a plane above the first pair of supports in a vertical plane between the first pair of supports and supported by one of said tubes, each of said supports including a seat portion on which a hot top piece rests, means operable by relative movement between the first and second tubes to move both of said pairs of supports between retracted and extended positions, a first pair of hot top holders arranged above the first pair of supports in a plane above the second pair of supports and supported by said first tube, and a second pair of hot top holders arranged above the second pair of supports in a plane above the first pair of holders and supported by said first tube, each of said holders including a downwardly extending portion adapted to bear against the outer side of a hot top piece.

3. A device according to claim 2 including a bail attached to said first tube, and a bail attached to said second tube.

4. A device for inserting 4-piece hot tops on a mold comprising a first tube, a second tube mounted for axial movement in the lower end of said first tube, a first pair of hot top supports pivotally mounted on said first tube adjacent the bottom thereof on opposite sides thereof, a second pair of hot top supports pivotally mounted on said first tube above the first pair of supports in a vertical plane between the first pair of supports, said second tube having slots therein adjacent each of said supports, each of said supports including a seat portion of an arm extending through said slot into said second tube, an abutment on said second tube above each of said slots for engaging said arm to move the associated support from its extended position to its retracted positionupon movement of said first tube downwardly with respect to said second tube and to limit downward movement of said seat portion, a first pair of hot top holders arranged above the first pair of supports in a plane above the second pair of supports and supported by said first tube, and a second pair of hot top holders arranged above the second pair of supports in a plane above the first pair of holders and supported by said first tube.

5. A device according to claim 4 including a bail attached to said first tube, and a bail attached to said second tube.

6. A device for inserting 4-piece hot tops on a mold comprising a first tube, a second tube mounted for. axial movement in the lower end of said first tube, means on said second tube limiting downward movement ofsaid first tube with respect thereto, a first pair of hot top supports pivotally mounted on said first tube adjacent the bottom thereof on opposite sides thereof, a second pair of hot top supports pivotally mounted on said first tube above the first pair of supports in a vertical plane between the first pair of supports, said second tube having slots therein adjacent each of said supports, each of said supports including a seat portion and an arm extending through said slot into said second tube, an abutment on said second tube above each of said slots for engaging said arm to move the associated support from its ex tended position to its retracted position upon movement of said first tube downwardly with respect to said second tube and to limit downward movement of said seat portion, a first pair of hot top holders arranged above the first pair of supports in a plane above the second pair of supports and supported by said first tube, each of said last named holders having an inverted U-shaped member at its outer end for engaging a piece of said hot top, and a second pair of hot top holders arranged above the second pair of supports in a plane above the first pair of holders and supported by said first tube, each of said last named holders having a downwardly extending member at its outer end.

7. A device according to claim 6 including a bail attached to said first tube, and a bail attached to said second tube.

8. A device for inserting 4-piece hot tops on a mold comprising a first tube, a second tube mounted for axial movement in the lower end of said first tube, a first pair of hot top supports arranged adjacent the bottom of said device on opposite sides thereof and supported by one of said tubes, a second pair of hot top supports arranged in a plane above the first pair of supports in a vertical plane between the first pair of supports and supported by one of said tubes, each of said supports including a seat and a radial arm extending inwardly therefrom said first tube having a slot therein for receiving s'aid s'eatfsaid second tube having a'slot therein for 'receivings'aid'afm,

means operable by' relative movement between Ttheffi'rst second tube. a

10. A device for inserting 4-piece hot tops on arnold comprising a first tube, a second tube'm'ounted for axial movement in the lower end of said first tube, a first pair of hot top supports arranged adjacent the bottom of said device on opposite sides thereofi a second pair of not top supports arranged in a plane above the'first pair of supports in a vertical plane between the first pair of supports, each of said supports'including a seat and a radial arm extending inwardly therefrom, said first tubejhaving a slot therein for receiving said seat, said'secondjtube' shaving a slot therein for receiving said arm, 'a 'p'airof parallel spacedvertical members'suppo'rte'd by said set:-

nd tube adjacent each of said supportsysaid, vertical members having aligned slots therein extending "down wardly and outwardly to the correspondingslot'insaid second tube, means on each arm extending into the aligned slots in the corresponding vertical member's, said'sec'fofnd tube having opposed vertical slots in the top thereof, means on said first tube extending into saidopposed vertical slots, said supports moving from an xteh ded'position to a retracted position when said second tubemoves downwardly with respect to said first' tube, afir'stl pair of hot top holders arranged above the first pair of supports in a plane above the second pair of supports and supported by said'fi'rst tube, and a second pair of hot top holders arranged above the second 'pair of supports in a'plan'e above the first pair of holders and supported by said first tube.

11. A device according to claim including'a bail attached to said first tube, and a bail attached to said second tube. r

12, A device for inserting 4:pi'ece hot tops 'on a mold comprising a first tube, a second tube mounted'for axial movement in the lower end of said first tube, means'o'n said seco nd tube limiting downward movement of said first tube with 're'spect' the ret o, alfir st pair'of hot top supports arranged adjacentfthe bottom of said device on opposite sides thereon a second pair or hot top supports arranged in a plane above the first pair of supports in a vertical plane between 'the first pair of stipports, each of said supports including a seat anda' radial arm extending inwardly it-he'refrom, "said first'tube having a are:

therein for receiving said seat, said second tube having a slot therein for receiving said arm, a pair of parallel spaced vertical members supported by said second tube adjacent each or said supports, said vertical members having aligned slots therein: extending downwardly and outwardly to the cor'responding -slot in 'said'second tube, means on each arm extendinglinto the aligned slots in the corresponding'ver'tical members, said second tube having opposed vertical slots in the top thereof, means on said first tube extending into said opposed vertical slots, said supports moving from an extended position to. a retracted position when'said second tube moves downwardly with respect "to said first tube, a first'pai'r of hot top holder-s afranged abovethe firsfpair of supports 'in'a' plane above thesecond pair of supports and supported by said first tribe, anda second pair 'of liot'to'p holders arrangedabove the secondpair of suppo'r'tsin a plane above the first pair of holders and supported by said first tube, each of said holders including a downwardly extending portion adapted to bear against the outer 'side of a hot toppiece.

13. A device according to claim 12 including a bail attached to said first tube, and a bail attached to' said second tube.

References Cited in the fileJof this patent FOREIGN PATENTS V V ,7

Canada 'Aug. 26, 1958 OTHER REFERENCES 7 The Iron Age, publication, September 12, 1957, page 123 reliedupon.