Thomas W Swift

US Patent:

6440355, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Sep 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/656317

Inventors:

Thomas P. Swift - Baltimore MD

Assignee:

Bethlehem Steel Corporation

International Classification:

C21B 724

US Classification:

266 92, 266100

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to an oxygen lance crane assembly that includes a measuring device positioned to take measurements to a target area within a BOF vessel. The measuring device includes an optical head for receiving and directing an energy beam to the target area within an associated metallurgical vessel, and for receiving and directing a reflected energy beam to a processor that converts the reflected energy beam into a distance measurement. A drive means, provided within a housing fastened to the lance crane assembly, is attached to the optical head so that when the drive means is operated the optical head is either extended through an opening in the housing to a remote measuring position at a line of sight to the target area within the metallurgical vessel, or retracted back through the opening to a stored position within the housing. The drive is also attached to a cover that is removed from the opening when the optical head is extended and placed over the opening when the optical head is retracted. An air purge is injected into the interior of the housing to cool the housing space and maintain a positive pressure within the housing.

US Patent:

6797032, Sep 28, 2004

Filed:

Aug 14, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/218741

Inventors:

Thomas P. Swift - Baltimore MD

Assignee:

ISG Technologies Inc.

International Classification:

C21C 104

US Classification:

75375, 266 44, 266 92, 266 99

Abstract:

The present invention is directed a method for adjusting the height of a lance with respect to a bath surface of any selected heat manufactured in a metallurgical vessel during a continuing series of heats.