The invention relates to an electric arc furnace and a method for operating same. The electric arc furnace comprises a lower vessel and a lid 120 placed on said lower vessel. The lower vessel has a tapping device for tapping molten metal. At least one electrode protrudes through the lid into the interior of the electric arc furnace, said electrode being held by an electrode holding device. A supply voltage device 150 is provided for supplying an electric direct current or alternating current to the electrode 130. The aim of the invention is to allow a continuous operation of the electric arc furnace. This is achieved in that the electrode holding device has an electrode adjusting device for adjusting the electrode dependent on the wear of the electrode and an electrode nippling device for nippling the electrode during the operation of the electric arc furnace. According to the invention, both the electrode adjusting device as well s the electrode nippling device 144 operate when the supply voltage of the electrode is switched on.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a first electrode and a second electrode includes an electrode holder configured to receive the first electrode and a torque device positioned above the electrode holder. The torque device is configured to engage and rotate the second electrode relative to the first electrode. A lift is disposed on the apparatus to move the torque device relative to the electrode holder. In some embodiments, the lift includes a mechanism such as a powered actuator operable to raise the torque device above the electrode holder. In additional embodiments, the lift includes a carriage that is vertically moveable relative to the electrode holder, and the torque device is attached to the carriage.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a first electrode and a second electrode includes an electrode holder configured to receive the first electrode and a torque device positioned above the electrode holder. The torque device is configured to engage and rotate the second electrode relative to the first electrode. A lift is disposed on the apparatus to move the torque device relative to the electrode holder. In some embodiments, the lift includes a mechanism such as a powered actuator operable to raise the torque device above the electrode holder. In additional embodiments, the lift includes a carriage that is vertically moveable relative to the electrode holder, and the torque device is attached to the carriage.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode. The electrode joining apparatus includes an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode and a torque device positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the electrodes. The electrode joining apparatus can include an axial passage defined through the electrode holder and the torque device. A retractable spacer can be movably connected to the electrode joining apparatus, the retractable spacer configured to selectively move into the axial passage. The retractable spacer can be used to form a gap between the free electrode and the fixed electrode before the joining process is initiated. Electrode joining apparatus can also include a spacer drive mechanism coupled to the retractable spacer, the spacer drive mechanism configured to selectively move the retractable spacer into the axial passage.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode. The electrode joining apparatus includes an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode and a torque device positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the electrodes. The electrode joining apparatus can include an axial passage defined through the electrode holder and the torque device. A retractable spacer can be movably connected to the electrode joining apparatus, the retractable spacer configured to selectively move into the axial passage. The retractable spacer can be used to form a gap between the free electrode and the fixed electrode before the joining process is initiated. Electrode joining apparatus can also include a spacer drive mechanism coupled to the retractable spacer, the spacer drive mechanism configured to selectively move the retractable spacer into the axial passage.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a fixed electrode and a free electrode including an electrode holder configured to receive the fixed electrode and a torque device positioned above the electrode holder. The torque device is configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode. A force sensor is coupled to the torque device. The torque device is configured to apply a force on the force sensor when the torque device engages the free electrode. The force sensor can detect a feedback force signal representative of the force applied by the torque device on the free electrode. The feedback force signal can be used to determine the torque applied to the free electrode by the torque device to help ensure that a proper joint is formed between the free electrode and the fixed electrode.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a fixed electrode and a free electrode including an electrode holder configured to receive the fixed electrode and a torque device positioned above the electrode holder. The torque device is configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode. A force sensor is coupled to the torque device. The torque device is configured to apply a force on the force sensor when the torque device engages the free electrode. The force sensor can detect a feedback force signal representative of the force applied by the torque device on the free electrode. The feedback force signal can be used to determine the torque applied to the free electrode by the torque device to help ensure that a proper joint is formed between the free electrode and the fixed electrode.

A rack mounting kit is configured to allow mounting of a telecommunications equipment chassis into a rack by a single person. The rack mounting kit includes two complimentary brackets that form a shelf-like feature. The complimentary brackets also include a mating latch for interfacing with a chassis to secure the chassis in place. Additionally, a cross brace is provided that is removably installed onto the two complimentary brackets to provide additionally rigidity to a rack while a chassis is being installed. The cross brace can be removed once installation of the chassis is complete.

Various embodiments of electronic communication systems and methods in which an infrastructure in-motion adapts from a first set of communication parameters to a second set of communication parameters while moving from one geographical region to a second geographical region, and associated transmission pattern of the infrastructure in-motion may be modified to either avoid a problem of multiple-region-coverage or to resolve such a problem once it has arisen. The infrastructure in-motion may be a base station or other infrastructure, and any or all of multiple techniques such as beam switching, beam selection, phased array, and null-steering, may be used to modify a transmission pattern. In various alternative embodiments, infrastructure in-motion in one geographical region establishes a first backhaul link with a first core network, moves to a second geographical region, and then establishes a second backhaul ink with a second core network.

A power supply system for an electric arc furnace includes an AC input connectable to an electrical grid and an AC output for supplying at least one power electrode of the arc furnace. The power supply system further includes a converter circuit interconnected between the AC input and the AC output. The converter circuit includes at least one converter cell with a capacitor and semiconductor switches for series connecting the capacitor between a circuit input and a circuit output of the converter circuit.