has been granted a patent for a sliding closure system for metallurgical vessels. The system features a housing, a longitudinally displaceable slider unit, and a cassette that retains a refractory closure plate, allowing for efficient fixing and releasing through an elbow lever mechanism and snap-in elements. GlobalData’s report on gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy.

Smarter leaders trust GlobalData

Data Insights

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

According to GlobalData’s company profile on , was a key innovation area identified from patents. 's grant share as of July 2024 was 60%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Sliding closure for metallurgical vessel outlet with refractory plate

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: RHI Magnesita NV

The patent US12070796B2 describes a sliding closure mechanism designed for the outlet of a metallurgical vessel. This mechanism includes a housing that can be securely attached to the vessel, a slider unit that is longitudinally movable relative to the housing, and a cassette that retains a refractory closure plate. The closure plate features an opening for medium passage, and the design incorporates a retaining element and an elbow lever mechanism that work together to facilitate the fixing and releasing of the closure plate. The connecting means are structured to allow for automatic locking and release of the closure plate, enhancing operational efficiency. The cassette can be inserted into the housing or slider unit at an angle, secured by the engagement of the elbow lever mechanism with a snap-in element.

Further details of the design include lateral centering elements within the cassette that align with corresponding guide elements in the housing, ensuring proper placement during installation. The clamping device within each cassette is engineered to securely hold the refractory closure plate, utilizing push rods, wedges, and an elbow lever linkage for actuation. The mechanism also features spring-loaded components that provide continuous torque, facilitating the release of the closure plate when necessary. The patent outlines various configurations, including the possibility of having multiple cassettes and elbow lever mechanisms, which contribute to the versatility and functionality of the sliding closure system in metallurgical applications.

To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on ,

Data Insights

From

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.

, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.