Electrode Robot For Adding Electrodes Having Threaded Connectors of Various Thread Pitches
A device for adding graphite electrodes onto an electrode column is provided. This device, also known as an electrode robot, includes an engagement mechanism capable of being easily adapted to a plurality of thread pitches so that the device can add different electrodes having threaded connectors of different thread pitches.
1 . A device for adding a graphite electrode having threaded connectors for connecting the electrode to complimentary threaded connectors on an electrode column comprising an adaptable engagement mechanism for adding different electrodes having threaded connectors of different thread pitches.
2 . The device defined in claim 1 wherein the device is an electrode robot.
3 . The device defined in claim 1 wherein one of the different thread pitches includes a thread pitch of 4 threads per inch.
4 . The device defined in claim 1 wherein one of the different thread pitches includes a thread pitch of 2 threads per inch.
5 . The device defined in claim 1 wherein the different thread pitches includes thread pitches of 2 threads per inch and 4 threads per inch.
6 . The device defined in claim 1 wherein one of the different thread pitches includes a thread pitch of 3 threads per inch.
7 . The device defined in claim 1 wherein one of the different thread pitches includes a thread pitch of at least one of 5 threads per inch, 6 threads per inch, 7 threads per inch, 8 threads per inch, and combinations thereof.
8 . The device defined in claim 1 wherein the electrodes have lengths between 2000 mm and 4000 mm.
9 . The device defined in claim 8 wherein the electrodes have lengths between 2900 mm and 3700 mm.
10 . The device defined in claim 9 wherein the electrodes have lengths between 2900 mm and 3400 mm.
11 - 16 . (canceled)
17 . The device defined in claim 1 further comprising a rotating mechanism for rotating the new electrode relative to the electrode column during addition of the new electrode to the electrode column.
18 . The device defined in claim 17 wherein the engagement mechanism includes the rotating mechanism.
19 . The device defined in claim 1 further comprising a gripping mechanism for gripping the electrode during adaptation of the electrode to the electrode column.
20 . The device defined in claim 19 wherein the engagement mechanism includes the gripping mechanism.
21 . The device defined in claim 1 capable to add both a pinless electrode and a pin electrode.
22 . The device defined in claim 1 capable to accommodate electrodes of more than one diameter.
23 . The device defined in claim 1 wherein the electrode has a nominal length of more than 2700 mm.