Dieter Hofmann

Title: Dieter Hofmann: Inventor of a Steel-Processing Furnace

Introduction

Dieter Hofmann is an inventor associated with Hilden, Germany. His patent work concerns equipment for heating and temperature equalization in steel production. The available information lists 1 patent and identifies SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft as his company.

Latest Patents

Hofmann’s listed patent is titled “Roller Hearth Furnace for Heating and/or Temperature Equalisation of Steel or Steel Alloy Continuous Cast Products and Arrangement Thereof Before a Hot Strip Final Rolling Mill.” The invention describes a roller hearth furnace with two parallel series of rollers and a buffer zone between them. Lifting elements in the buffer zone enable the perpendicular transfer of continuous-cast products. The patent also describes alternative arrangements for an additional process route.

Career Highlights

The patent reflects work on coordinating the movement and thermal treatment of continuous-cast steel products before hot-strip finishing. Its furnace and transfer arrangements are designed to support heating or temperature equalization within the production process. Hofmann is associated with SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft.

Collaborations

The provided information names Christoph Klein and Frank Benfer as Hofmann’s coworkers. Their inclusion indicates professional connections, but no specific roles or contributions to this patent are stated.

Conclusion

Dieter Hofmann’s listed invention addresses furnace design and product handling in steel processing, with a focus on preparing continuous-cast products for hot-strip rolling.