Abstract: A method for rapid heat treatment, quenching and aging of an article includes placing the article in a fluidized bed and conveying the article through the bed. Heat treatment, quenching and aging of the part can be done in less than two hours using this method. The method also includes removing fluidizing media from the article as the article is removed from the fluidized bed. An elevator is used to remove the article from the fluidized bed. The elevator may include a conveyor for moving the article into another fluidized bed. The article can then be placed into the second fluidized bed and conveyed through that bed. Each fluidized bed is controlled so that a specific heat treatment can be applied to the article by the fluidized bed. The fluidized bed can be used as a portion of an automated production line. The retort of the fluidized bed includes a system for recycling the air passed through the fluidizing media in the furnace.

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 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.