Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes a plurality of lamp assemblies. Each of the assemblies has an infrared lamp disposed within a quartz conduit. The quartz conduit is formed of material which is generally transparent to infrared radiation. A cooling quartz is admitted into the lamp conduit. A frame is provided defining the heat treatment. The frame supports the lamp assemblies with the assemblies opposing the heat treatment area. Reflective refractory materials surrounds the lamps and the heat treatment area.

Abstract: An apparatus for metallurgically heat treating a plurality of discrete individually movable aluminum alloy parts includes a plurality of successive stations for heat treating the parts. The plurality of stations are arranged in a line of travel. Infrared radiation lamps are provided at each station. A conveyor mechanism places and holds a part in a station for heat treatment. The conveyor moves the part to a subsequent station for further heat treatment. The conveyor mechanism holds the part stationary relative to the line of travel while the part is in a station being heat treated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes an infrared lamp assembly having an infrared lamp disposed within the interior of a quartz conduit. Air is admitted to the interior of the conduit at a controlled rate to cool the conduit while minimizing adverse impact on the efficiency of the infrared lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating the surface of a body includes an infrared heat source carried on a stand. A circuit controls the energization of the lamp. The circuit includes a heat detector for detecting a targeted area temperature. The apparatus includes a sighting mechanism to permit an operator to accurately sight the heat detector against the surface to be heat treated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes a retort having a volume sized to receive a bed of fluidized particles having a predetermined elevation within the volume and a plurality of electrically powered infrared radiation sources. The sources are submerged within the bed of fluidized particles. Use of the apparatus to reclaim foundry sand is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retort for a fluidized bed is disclosed having a retort wall including an outer wall segment and an inner wall segment. The inner wall segment includes a plurality of plate segments. A support mechanism is provided for securing the plurality of plate segments to an inner side of the outer wall. The plate segments are disposed spaced from the outer wall. The plate segments are further disposed in sliding overlapping relation to permit independent thermal expansion and contraction of the plate segments.

Abstract: A method for heat treating an aluminum part is provided. The method includes heat treating the aluminum alloy part with direct radiation from a source of infrared energy until the part attains a desired state of heat treatment. The method and apparatus further include monitoring of the part and controlling the intensity of the radiation source through proportional control in response to the measured temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes a retort having a predetermined volume for receiving a bed of fluidizing particles at having a predetermined elevation within the volume and a plurality of electrically powered infrared radiation lamps. The lamps are submerged within the bed of fluidizing particles.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a granular material. The apparatus includes a retort having a volume sized to receive a bed of fluidizing particles at a predetermined elevation within the volume and a plurality of electrically powered infrared radiation sources. The sources are submerged within the bed. The apparatus includes a deflector plate for deflecting granular material from an upper elevation of said bed to close proximity to said radiation sources.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating the surface of a body includes at least one infrared lamp carried on a stand. A circuit is provided for controlling the energization of the lamp. The circuit includes a parameter input mechanism for permitting an operator to input at least one operating parameter to the circuit. The circuit also includes a proportional control software responsive to a temperature of the body being heat treated and responsive to a parameter inputted by the input mechanism.

Abstract: A process for heat treating a coating applied to an automobile body is disclosed. The process is carried out with apparatus which includes radiant heating elements for generating radiant heat in a predetermined path and convection heating elements for generating the flow of heated air. The method comprises the steps of positioning a freshly coated automobile body within the apparatus and heating the body with the radiant heat for a time sufficient to set the coating on Class A surfaces of the body. After the Class A surfaces are set, heated air is flowed around the body to heat the body and cure the coating on the Class A surfaces and the non-Class A surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating a coating applied to an automobile body is disclosed. The apparatus includes radiant heating elements for generating radiant heat. Controls separately control zones of the elements in response to characteristics of the body to uniformly heat treat the body.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for heat treating a coating applied to an automobile body. The process includes the steps of radiant heating of a coating prior to convection heating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating a coating applied to an automobile body is disclosed. The apparatus includes radiant heating elements for generating radiant heat in a predetermined path and convection heating elements for generating the flow of heated air. The method comprises the stips of positioning a freshly coated automobile body within the apparatus and heating the body with the radiant heat for a time sufficient to set the coating on Class A surfaces of the body. After the Class A surfaces are set, heated air is flowed around the body to heat the body and cure the coating on the Class A surfaces and the non-Class A surfaces.