Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a guiding system (100) and method for guiding a ladle car (1) to align under a blast furnace. The system includes transmission units (2) associated with a ladle carried by the ladle car. A receiver unit (3) is configured to generate a signal corresponding to a feedback signal received from the transmission units. Further, a control unit (CU) is communicatively coupled to the receiver unit and configured to receive signal from a receiver unit upon arrival of the ladle car in a defined space (7) proximal to the blast furnace. The control unit determines dimensions of the ladle based on the signal received from the receiver unit. The control unit guides the ladle car to reach a predefined portion (8) under the blast furnace, based on the determined dimension of the ladle, to align the ladle under the blast furnace for tapping the molten metal. Fig. 1 is the representative figure.
Claims:We Claim:
1. A method for guiding a ladle car (1) to align under a blast furnace to tap a molten metal, the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (CU) of a guiding system (100), a signal from at least one receiver unit (3) associated with the control unit (CU), upon arrival of the ladle car (1) in a defined space (7) proximal to the blast furnace, wherein the at least one receiver unit (3) is configured to generate the signal corresponding to a feedback signal received from one or more transmission units (2) associated with a ladle carried by the ladle car (1);
determining, by the control unit (CU), dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1), based on the signal received from the at least one receiver unit (3);
guiding, by the control unit (CU), the ladle car (1) to reach a predefined portion (8) under the blast furnace, based on the determined dimension of the ladle, to align the ladle under the blast furnace for tapping the molten metal.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more transmission units (2) is configured to selectively transmit the feedback signal based on dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1).
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (CU) is configured to guide the ladle car (1) to reach the predefined portion (8) under the blast furnace by selectively activating at least one of a plurality of laser light sources (4) positioned at predefined locations in the defined space (7).
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the control unit (CU) is configured, to activate one of the plurality of laser light sources (4), based on dimension of the ladle, determined by the control unit (CU).
5. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein, each of the plurality of laser light sources (4) corresponds to dimension of at least one ladle carried by the ladle car (1).
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein laser emitted by each of the plurality of laser light sources (4) is reflected by an indication unit (5) associated with the ladle car (1) to indicate the predefined portion (8).
7. A guiding system (100) for guiding a ladle car (1) to align under a blast furnace to tap a molten metal, the guiding system (100) comprising:
one or more transmission units (2) associated with a ladle carried by the ladle car (1);
at least one receiver unit (3), wherein the at least one receiver unit (3) is configured to generate a signal corresponding to a feedback signal received from the one or more transmission units (2); and
a control unit (CU) communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver unit, the control unit is configured to:
receive, a signal from at least one receiver unit (3) upon arrival of the ladle car (1) in a defined space (7) proximal to the blast furnace;
determine, dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1), based on the signal received from the at least one receiver unit (3);
guide, the ladle car (1) to reach a predefined portion (8) under the blast furnace, based on the determined dimension of the ladle, to align the ladle under the blast furnace for tapping the molten metal.
8. The guiding system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the dimension of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1) is determined by the control unit (CU) based on feedback signal received from one or more transmission units (2) associated with the ladle car (1).
9. The guiding system (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprises a plurality of laser light sources (4) positioned at predefined locations in the defined space (7).
10. The guiding system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of laser light sources (4) are operated by the control unit (CU) based on signals received from the at least one receiver unit (3).
11. The guiding system (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprises an indication unit (5), associated with the ladle car (1), adapted to reflect light emitted by the plurality of laser light sources (4) to align the ladle under the blast furnace for tapping the molten metal.
12. The guiding system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the operational signals from control unit (CU) is transmitted to the at least one light source (4) of the plurality of laser light sources (4), based on the dimension of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1) determined by the control unit (CU).
13. The guiding system (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprises of an indicator (6) associated with the control unit (CU), the indicator (6) is configured to indicate the dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1) based on signals from the at least one receiver unit (3).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of manufacturing. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to material handling and transportation machines. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and a method for guiding a ladle car to align relative to a blast furnace for tapping the molten metal.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, in manufacturing plants, raw materials including, but not limited to, iron ore, coke and other fluxes are melted in a blast furnace to produce molten metal, which is then transported in adequate form for further processing. The molten metal is generally tapped and carried for further processing, and remaining material in the blast furnace that may be either surplus for transportation or having poor chemical or physical properties may be sent to recycling pits by means of transportation such as, ladles. Generally, ladles having different shape, size, payload capacity and/or color are employed for transporting such materials from the blast furnace to desired location, via ladle cars on which such ladles are mounted. The ladle cars may be transported by means of a locomotive, for selectively collecting the material from the blast furnace.
Typically, the ladle cars are dimensioned with a body larger than the locomotive, due to which an operator may be hindered from vision for maneuvering the ladle car. Conventionally, as visibility of the operator is hindered, assistance from ground crew or flagmen by means of hand signals and flags may be required for guiding and maneuvering the ladle car to align with an opening in the blast furnace to receive at least one of molten metal or remaining material in the furnace. Such laborious process may increase probable misalignment of the ladle car, which may be prone to hazardous accidents.
With advent of technology, the ladle cars are adapted to be operated remotely by electronic systems, where the locomotive of the ladle cars is controlled by a hand-held remote-control device. The operator may be positioned at location which provide a clear field of view of the tracks and the surroundings of the locomotive. However, when the ladle car is aligned underneath dispensing ports of the blast furnace, requirement of the ground crew still exists in order to signal to the operator regarding alignment of the dispensing ports of the blast furnace with an opening of the ladle car. Here, precision in alignment may be required, as the dispensing ports of the blast furnace and the ladle opening may be defined with marginal tolerance about such perimeters to receive hot material from the blast furnace. Misalignment of the ladle car may cause the hot material to hit the body of the ladle and cause damage and destruction to people and property. Further, the hot material solidifies on the rails and renders the trough of the blast furnace inoperable which affects productivity.
Further, the area surrounding the blast furnace is dark and due to the connectivity/proximity to the blast furnace outlets. Gases like CO and BF that are highly toxic are present proximal to the blast furnace outlets. These gasses are highly poisonous and are fatal if inhaled by the ground crew and the operator working in the area surrounding the blast furnace.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method and a system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the method and the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a method for guiding a ladle car to align under a blast furnace to tap a molten metal is disclosed. The method consists a step of receiving a signal by a control unit of a guiding system. The signal is received from at least one receiver unit associated with the control unit, upon arrival of the ladle car in a defined space proximal to the blast furnace. The at least one receiver unit is configured to generate the signal corresponding to a feedback signal received from one or more transmission units that are associated with a ladle carried by the ladle car. Further, the control unit is configured to determine the dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car, based on the signal received from the at least one receiver unit. The control unit, then guides the ladle car to reach a predefined portion under the blast furnace, based on the determined dimension of the ladle, to align the ladle under the blast furnace for tapping the molten metal.
In an embodiment, the one or more transmission units is configured to selectively transmit the feedback signal based on dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car.
In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to guide the ladle car to reach the predefined portion under the blast furnace by selectively activating at least one of a plurality of laser light sources positioned at predefined locations in the defined space.
In an embodiment, the control unit is configured, to activate one of the plurality of laser light sources, based on dimension of the ladle, determined by the control unit.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of laser light sources correspond to dimension of at least one ladle carried by the ladle car.
In an embodiment, a laser emitted by each of the plurality of laser light sources is reflected by an indication unit associated with the ladle car to indicate the predefined portion.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a guiding system for guiding a ladle car to align under a blast furnace to tap a molten metal is disclosed. The guiding system includes one or more transmission units which are associated with a ladle carried by the ladle car. At least one receiver unit is configured to generate a signal corresponding to a feedback signal received from the one or more transmission units. Further, a control unit is communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver unit. The control unit is configured to receive a signal from at least one receiver unit upon arrival of the ladle car in a defined space proximal to the blast furnace. The control unit is also configured to determine dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car, based on the signal received from the at least one receiver unit. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to guide, the ladle car to reach a predefined portion under the blast furnace, based on the determined dimension of the ladle, to align the ladle under the blast furnace for tapping the molten metal.
In an embodiment, the dimensions of the ladle determined by the control unit may be including but not limited to length, width, height and any other dimensions necessary during alignment of the ladle.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for guiding a ladle car to align under a blast furnace, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method for guiding the ladle car to align under the blast furnace, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other methods, processes, systems, mechanisms, devices, and assemblies for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, an assembly, or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a guiding system for guiding a ladle car to align under a blast furnace to tap a molten metal is disclosed. The guiding system includes one or more transmission units which are associated with a ladle carried by the ladle car. At least one receiver unit is configured to generate a signal corresponding to a feedback signal received from the one or more transmission units. Further, a control unit is communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver unit. The control unit is configured to receive a signal from at least one receiver unit upon arrival of the ladle car in a defined space proximal to the blast furnace. The control unit is also configured to determine dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car, based on the signal received from the at least one receiver unit. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to guide, the ladle car to reach a predefined portion under the blast furnace, based on the determined dimension of the ladle, to align the ladle under the blast furnace for tapping the molten metal. The system enables safe ladle positioning with automatic ladle size detection, that allows the operator to position the ladle under the trough of the blast furnace opening without requiring assistance of the ground crew.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.
A manufacturing plant utilizes raw materials such as, but not limited to, ore, binders, additives, and other fluxes, which are melted in a blast furnace to produce a molten metal and a defined quantity of slag. The molten metal from the blast furnace is transported to other sections of the manufacturing plant via ladles [hereafter referred to as ladle], where such molten metal may be subjected to processing for extracting required metal or alloy. Further, different ladles having different sizes are employed in the manufacturing plant based on payload capacity. The ladles manufactured with different dimensions are disposed on cars or carts or trolleys [hereafter referred to as ladle car (1)], which travel on closed rail tracks within the premises of the plant. The ladle car (1) is connected to a locomotive that maneuvers the ladle. Further, the ladle is defined with an opening in the top portion to receive molten metal from a trough of the blast furnace. During discharge of the molten metal into the ladle, the ladle car (1) is positioned such that the opening of the ladle is aligned with the trough of the blast furnace.
Further, the ladle car (1) is powered by a locomotive connected about at least one of a front portion of the ladle car (1) or at a rear portion of the ladle car (1), to selectively displace [that is, push or pull] the ladle car (1) relative to the blast furnace. The locomotive may also be configured to power more than one of such ladle car (1). In an embodiment, the locomotive may be at least one of a diesel-powered locomotive, a biofuel powered engine, a solar powered locomotive, an electric locomotive, and any other possible locomotive. The locomotive is controlled and operated by an operator either remotely by employing a remote controller or by steering means provisioned in the locomotive.
Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a guiding system (100) for guiding a ladle car (1) to align under a blast furnace. The system is located in a defined space (7) of a manufacturing plant, which may be proximal to the blast furnace. The defined space (7) may be a dedicated shop floor in which the blast furnace is housed or may be one of a hall, a room, a warehouse, and any void chamber having a predefined portion (8) where the ladle car (1) may be suitably accommodated and positioned to align opening of the ladle under the trough of the blast furnace. The predefined portion (8) may be based on dimension of the ladle and dimensions of the ladle car (1). In an embodiment, the ladle car (1) in the predefined portion (8) may be aligned with a dispenser to receive at least one of but not limited to raw materials, processed materials, fluids, and packages.
The guiding system (100) includes one or more transmission units (2), which may be an electronic transmission unit associated with the ladle carried by the ladle car (1). The one or more transmission units (2) may be affixed on the outer surface of the ladle. The one or more transmission units (2) may be customized specific to the ladle car, based on factors including, but not limited to, payload capacity, position of opening in ladle, dimension of the ladle, and the like and may be utilized to identify the ladle. The one or more transmission unit (2) is configured to selectively transmit a feedback signal based on the dimensions and position of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1). The guiding system (100) further includes at least one receiver unit (3). The at least one receiver unit (3) is configured to receive the feedback signal from the one or more transmission units (2) as the ladle car (1) enters the defined space (7), where the feedback signal from the one or more transmission unit (2) is configured to be received by means such as wireless or wired means. Furthermore, the at least one receiver unit (3) is communicatively coupled to a control unit (CU). The at least one receiver unit (3) upon receiving the feedback signal from the one or more transmission units (2), is configured to generate a signal to the control unit (CU). The control unit (CU) upon receiving the signal from the at least one receiver unit (3) is configured to determine dimension of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1). The control unit (CU) is configured to determine dimension of the ladle by comparing the signal received from the at least one receiver unit (3) with preset values stored in a memory device associated with the control unit (CU). In an embodiment, the memory device associated with the control unit (CU) consists of information or data with respect to each of the ladle available in the manufacturing plant. The information may include the dimensions of the ladle, the payload capacity of the ladle, the materials that may be stored in the ladle, velocity at which the ladle car is to be traversed, position of the opening in the ladle to be aligned relative to blast furnace, and the like.
In an embodiment, the one or more transmission units (2) may be wireless transmitters which may be one of but not limited to a RFID tag, NFC transmitters, ultrasound signal generator, a laser emitter, and any other source capable of generating an electronic, electrical, magnetic, or optical signal that may be capable of indicating position of the ladle car, and in-turn that of the ladle.
Further, the guiding system (100) includes a plurality of laser light sources (4) that are positioned at predefined locations in the defined space (7). The plurality of laser light sources (4) are operated by the control unit (CU) based on the dimension of the ladle that is determined by comparing the signals received from the at least one receiver unit (3) with the information stored in the memory device. Furthermore, the guiding system (100) includes an indication unit (5) affixed to the ladle car (1). The indication unit (5) associated with the ladle car (1) is adapted to reflect the laser emitted by the plurality of laser light sources (4). The reflection of the laser by the indication unit (5) signifies the positioning of the ladle car (1) within the predefined portion (8) and the alignment of the ladle under the blast furnace to the operator such that the opening of the ladle is exactly below the trough of the blast furnace. In an embodiment, the indication unit (5) may be affixed on the locomotive and reflects the laser upon alignment of the ladle car (1) under the blast furnace.
The predefined locations for positioning the plurality of laser light sources (4) are determined based on dimension of the ladles. Each of the ladle having different dimensions is associated with one laser light source (4) of the plurality of laser light sources (4). Each of the plurality of laser light sources (4) are located at different locations based on the dimension of the associated ladle car (1). The predefined location is chosen such that, upon emitting a laser from the selected laser light source (4), the indication unit (5) of the corresponding ladle reflects the laser when the ladle reaches the predefined portion (8). The control unit (CU) upon determining the dimension of the ladle operates the laser light source (4) associated with the detected ladle.
In an embodiment, the guiding system (100) includes an indicator (6) which is associated with the control unit (CU). The indicator (6) may be a plurality of light source, for example, a colored bulb, lamps or LED, where each color is associated with the different dimensions of the ladles. The indicator (6) is configured to indicate dimension of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1) entering the defined space (7) based on signals from the at least one receiver unit (3). A blast furnace operator may decode or understand the colored light associated with the specific ladle having the predetermined dimensions to discharge corresponding amount of molten metal into the ladle. In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) may be configured operate the trough of the blast furnace to discharge of the corresponding amount of molten metal based on the determined dimension of the ladle.
In an embodiment, the ladles employed may be of different dimensions, for example, three ladles may be in the manufacturing plant, where the three ladles may be of 21 meters, 22 meters and 23 meters in corresponding lengths. The ladles are carried by a ladle car (1) and moved by the locomotive. Each of the ladles having different lengths may be affixed with the one or more transmission units (2) such that the feedback signals transmitted by the one or more transmission units (2) denote the length of the associated ladle. In an embodiment, the feedback signals may be an identification code associated with the ladle and this identification code. The control unit (CU) identifies the identification code and compares with the data stored in the memory device to determine the dimension of the ladle.
In an embodiment, the predefined location for positioning the plurality of laser light source (4) is determined by, for example, the total length of the locomotive is determined [13 meters] and the total length of the ladle car (1) is determined [21 meters]. A midpoint of the ladle car (1) is determined [11.5 meters] as the opening of the ladle is at the midpoint of the ladle. Further, the opening of the ladle from the tip of the locomotive is determined [13+11.5=24.5 meters]. Furthermore, the indication unit (5) is affixed [2 meters] away from the tip of the locomotive. The plurality of laser light sources (4) in order to exactly align the opening of the ladle under the trough of the blast furnace has to be located at a predefined distance [24.5-2=22.5 meters] away from the trough of the blast furnace.
In an embodiment, the indication unit (5) may be at least 4 inches wide and may be affixed at any point on the locomotive and the ladle car (1).
In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron, or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.
The control unit (CU) may be an electronic control unit, disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to the memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.
In an embodiment, the control unit (CU), the at least one receiver unit (3) and the plurality of laser light sources (4) may be powered by a power source [not shown in figures]. The power source may be including but not limited to, a battery or any other source of electric power supplied externally to the guiding system (100).
In an embodiment, the one or more transmission units (2) may be one but not limited to of RFID tag, NFC, other wire or wireless communication devices and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the at least one receiver unit (3) may be a wireless receiver which may be one of but not limited to RFID readers, proximity sensors, magnetic sensors, other receiver capable of receiving signals and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the plurality of laser light sources (4) may one of but not limited to a solid-state laser device, gas laser device, liquid laser device, a semiconductor laser device, and combinations thereof. Further, the plurality of laser light sources may (4) emit a visible spectrum laser beam.
Referring now to Figure 2 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of a method for guiding the ladle car (1) to align under the blast furnace to tap the molten metal.
The method may describe in the general context of processor executable instructions in the control unit (CU). Generally, the executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
At block 201, the at least one receiver unit (3) which is communicatively coupled to the control unit (CU) is configured to receive the feedback signals based on dimensions of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1) from the one or more transmission units (2) associated with the ladle. The feedback signals are generated upon arrival of the ladle car (1) in the defined space (7) proximal to the blast furnace.
At block 202, the control unit (CU) that is communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver unit (3) is configured to receive a signal from the at least one receiver unit (3), corresponding to the feedback signal received from the one or more transmission units (2).
At block 203, the control unit (CU) may be configured to determine the dimension of the ladle carried by the ladle car (1) based on the signal received from the at least one receiver unit (3). The control unit (CU) may be configured to compare the signals received from the at least one receiver unit (3) with the predefined values stored in the memory device and configured to determine the dimensions of the ladle.
At block 204, the control unit (CU), based on based on the determined dimension of the ladle, is configured to operate one of the plurality of laser light sources (4) associated with the determined ladle. The laser emitted from the plurality of laser light sources (4) is reflected by the indication unit (5) and signifies that the ladle car (1) is at the predefined portion (8) to guide the operator and align the ladle under the blast furnace for tapping the molten metal.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of laser light sources (4) corresponds to dimension of at least one ladle carried by the ladle car (1).
In an embodiment, the system provides a safe ladle positioning system with automatic ladle size detection, that enables the operator to position the ladle under the trough of the blast furnace opening without requiring assistance of the ground crew.
In an embodiment, the one or more transmission unit (2) based inputs to the control unit (CU) enables better buffer management, provides visibility of real time hot metal in transit, availability of empty and full or partially filled ladles to the logistics team.
In an embodiment, the system enables the operator, operating the locomotive using a remote controller to position the ladle car (1) efficiently under the trough by following the laser indication, without requiring ground crew assistance.
In an embodiment, miscommunication between ground crew and the operator is prevented. Further, the safety of the ground crew is also improved as there are no operations proximal to the blast furnace.
Equivalents:
Embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
Referral Numerals:
Reference Number Description
100 Guiding System
CU Control unit
1 Ladle car
2 Transmission unit
3 Receiver unit
4 Laser light source
5 Indication unit
6 Indicator
7 Defined space
8 Predefined portion
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202131006709-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [17-02-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-02-17 |
| 2 | 202131006709-FORM 1 [17-02-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-02-17 |
| 3 | 202131006709-DRAWINGS [17-02-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-02-17 |
| 4 | 202131006709-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [17-02-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-02-17 |
| 5 | 202131006709-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [17-02-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-02-17 |
| 6 | 202131006709-FORM-8 [22-02-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-02-22 |
| 7 | 202131006709-FORM 18 [22-02-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-02-22 |
| 8 | 202131006709-FORM-26 [29-07-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-07-29 |
| 9 | 202131006709-Proof of Right [04-08-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-08-04 |
| 10 | 202131006709-FER.pdf | 2022-11-15 |
| 11 | 202131006709-PETITION UNDER RULE 137 [08-05-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-05-08 |
| 12 | 202131006709-OTHERS [08-05-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-05-08 |
| 13 | 202131006709-FER_SER_REPLY [08-05-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-05-08 |
| 14 | 202131006709-DRAWING [08-05-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-05-08 |
| 15 | 202131006709-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [08-05-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-05-08 |
| 16 | 202131006709-CLAIMS [08-05-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-05-08 |
| 17 | 202131006709-PatentCertificate08-03-2024.pdf | 2024-03-08 |
| 18 | 202131006709-IntimationOfGrant08-03-2024.pdf | 2024-03-08 |
| 19 | 202131006709-FORM 4 [12-08-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-08-12 |
| 1 | Searchstrategy202131006709E_15-11-2022.pdf |