A VALVE MECHANISM FOR ATTACHMENT TO A VESSEL WALL FOR CONTROLLING METAL FLOW FROM AN OUTLET OF THE VESSEL

摘要

Metal flow from furnace taphole to pouring trough (21) is controlled by a valve (14) interposed therebetween, the valve having a stationary orificed valve plate and a companion slide plate (16) for closing or opening the orifice to flow. An actuating beam member (20) forming part of a parallel motion linkage (28) extends upwardly and obliquely from the slide plate (16), the actuating member being thrust against the slide plate by a swinging spring strut (25) of the linkage. A ram (48) connected to the linkage via a crank (46), a shaft (35) and a pivoted lever (34) displaces the linkage (28) when extended or contracted and this moves the actuating member (20) along a predetermined path, its oblique attitude being preserved, to open or shut the valve (14).