Electroslag remelting furnace with improved power connection

A power connection for an electroslag remelting furnace,

• said electroslag remelting furnace comprising a crucible supported upon an electrically conductive base,
• a vertically adjustable electrode support means for supporting one or more electrodes within said crucible for forming an ingot therein,
• a plurality of individual rigid conductors spaced around the periphery of the crucible and base, and extending vertically from said base to said electrode support means,
• said individual conductors defining a vertical coaxial configuration for eliminating the effects of magnetic fields upon an ingot being formed within the crucible,
• and power conductors for connecting a source of electrical power to said furnace,
• said electrode support means including contact means for maintaining it in continuous electrical contact with said individual conductors regardless of its vertical position relative to the base whereby electrical power may be conducted from said individual conductors to one or more electrodes supported by said electrode support means,
• one of said power conductors being connected to said base and the other of said power conductors being connected to individual conductors at a position adjacent to said base,
• whereby an electric circuit may be defined by said power conductor connected to said individual conductors, said electrode support, the one or more electrodes supported thereon, a slag and molten metal pool contained within said crucible, any ingot formed within said crucible, said base, and the one of said power conductors which is connected to said base.