Apparatus for charging a shaft-type cupola furnace

Abstract

An apparatus for charging a shaft-type cupola furnace and located between an upper stack and a lower furnace having a preselected inside diameter. An inverted conical trough is provided for receiving charge materials delivered to the furnace. The conical trough having an axis of rotation with an apex of the trough extending downwardly immediately above the furnace. The trough having an opening at its apex through which the charge materials may flow. The opening sized to have a diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of the furnace. The trough positioned above the furnace with the opening positioned adjacent to and opening into the furnace. The apparatus further including means for rotating the conical trough about its axis of rotation. A circular charge door wall is provided with a bottom edge sized to abut against the inner surface of the conical trough above the opening. A lifting means for lifting the charge door to create a separation between the charge door and the conical trough to allow charge materials in the trough to flow into the furnace.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.