Abstract: The plastic preheating arrangement for a plastic welding device comprises a support, at least one first preheating device and a pivoting arrangement with which the at least one first preheating device can be pivoted relative to a first surface of the support from a starting position into a preheating position. In this manner, an undercut of a first component can be circumnavigated and the first component can be heated by means of the first preheating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental furnace comprising a firing hood equipped with a heating device that is movably supported for the opening and closing of the dental furnace relative to a base intended for receiving a dental restoration part, and further comprising a heat detection device that is directed towards an area above the base, in particular towards one or more dental restoration parts, and further comprising a control or regulating device for the dental furnace that is coupled to the heat detection device, wherein the heat detection device is configured as a thermal imaging camera (30) which is directed towards the area above the base while the firing hood (12) is partially or completely opened, and which feeds an at least two-dimensional image in the form of a matrix of the one or more inserted dental restoration parts (60) to the control or regulating device and/or to a muffle (26) that is intended for the generation of the dental restoration parts (60).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method for contact-free heating a thermoformable film prior to deforming the thermoformable film. Heating is carried out by at least one heater having at least one porous surface which faces the film and through which air flows. An air film is formed between the porous surface and the thermoformable film due to the flow of air through the porous surface. The invention also relates to a heating unit for contact-free heating a thermoformable film as well as to a packaging machine that includes such a heating unit.

Abstract: Heat treatment processes for hardening a workpiece such as a turbine blade include attaching a spacer to a workpiece surface, wherein the spacer comprises an inner profile mirroring the workpiece surface and an outer profile effective to generally uniformly distribute heat to the workpiece surface, heating the spacer to uniformly heat the workpiece surface at a temperature effective to form an austenitic microstructure in the workpiece surface, cooling the workpiece surface at a rate effective to transform the austenitic microstructure to a martensitic microstructure, and removing the spacer from the workpiece prior to or subsequent to cooling.

Abstract: A fired heater tube that is resistant to corrosion and fouling is disclosed. The fired heater tube comprises an advantageous high performance coated material composition resistant to corrosion and fouling comprises: (PQR), wherein P is an oxide layer at the surface of (PQR), Q is a coating metal layer interposed between P and R, and R is a base metal layer, wherein P is substantially comprised of alumina, chromia, silica, mullite, spinels, and mixtures thereof, Q comprises Cr, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Al, Si, Mn, Fe, Co, B, C, N, P, Ga, Ge, As, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, Sc, La, Y, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Re, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au and mixtures thereof, and R is selected from the group consisting of low chromium steels, ferritic stainless steels, austenetic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, Inconel alloys, Incoloy alloys, Fe—Ni based alloys, Ni-based alloys and Co-based alloys.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting dental constructions using translucent materials that match an individual's preexisting tooth appearance uses a set of reference templates. The reference templates are constructed from layers of various translucent dental materials positioned on bases constructed from actual or simulated tooth structures. The layers of translucent materials have a thickness that varies in increments that correspond to the likely thicknesses of the materials when used in dental constructions. A reference table is created based upon color measurements of each of the reference templates. A color measurement of the individual's preexisting teeth is then compared to the reference table to determine which particular dental construction will most closely match the individuals preexisting teeth.

Abstract: A method for heat treatment of printing plates includes arranging a plurality of printing plates into a stack, interspersing a plurality of thermally conductive plates at a plurality of levels in the stack, and placing the stack of plurality of printing plates with the interspersed conductive plates in an ambient of heated medium, wherein the conductive plates are larger laterally than the printing plates such that portions of the top and bottom surfaces of the conductive plates are exposed to the ambient of heated medium and thereby collect and conduct heat into the interior regions of the stack where the conductive plates are in thermal contact with, heating the interior regions up at a higher rate than would be achieved without the conductive plates in place.

Abstract: A method for heating a zone of an elongate tubular article. A heat resistant, heat transmitting and heat dispersive shroud material is applied to the zone and a hot gas source is applied to the outside of the shroud material to cause heat to be transmitted through the shroud material to the zone.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating rigid plastic pipe for the purpose of bending and forming the pipe. The heating apparatus includes an elongate housing that has a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, a first end wall, and a second end wall to define an interior. Each of the end walls has a pipe hole for permitting a user to insert rigid plastic pipe through the interior. An elongate burner member burns combustible gas to produce heat and is mounted to the housing and is positioned in the interior proximate to the bottom wall. A valve assembly regulates a flow of the gas to the burner member. An elongate burner plate disperses the heat generated by the burner member and is positioned above the burner member. A plurality of pipe support members support the pipe above the burner plate while positioned in the interior of the housing. An elongate cover member selectively covers the opening to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes radiation reflectors on the refractory wall of a fired furnace opposite the spaces between adjacent tubes. The radiation reflectors focus the reflected radiation from the flame onto the dark side of the tubes. The invention increases the overall heat transfer of the tube by increasing the heat flux rate for the backside of the tube, and also decreases the flux and temperature differentials between the front and rear sides of the tubes.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes extended surfaces, such as studs and fins, on a low-flux surface area of radiant heat transfer tubes in a fired furnace to more uniformly distribute heat flux. The invention increases the overall heat transfer of the tube by increasing heat flux rate for the backside of the tube, for example, and thus decreases the temperature differential between the opposing tube sides.

Abstract: A method of uniformly or substantially uniformly heating at least one surface of a substrate, comprises the steps of supporting a substrate, generating a heated air flow, directing the heated air flow to heat a strip of a first surface of the substrate, and moving the flow path of the heated air in a direction transverse to the direction in which the heated air flow impinges on the substrate until the temperature of the whole or substantially the whole first surface of the substrate has been uniformly or substantially uniformly raised. Apparatus for performing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid handling device having improved properties. The valve is made of reinforced parylene. A heater heats a fluid to expand the fluid. The heater is formed on unsupported silicon nitride to reduce the power. The device can be used to form a valve or a pump. Another embodiment forms a composite silicone/parylene membrane. Another feature uses a valve seat that has concentric grooves for better sealing operation.

Abstract: A heater box to bend PVC conduit in the form of an elongated metal box, split into upper and lower portions and hinged along one side so as to be openable for insertion of a segment of a plastic conduit lengthwise through the box, the box having, at either end, cutout portions so as to allow the closure of the box around the pipe. In one embodiment, corresponding semicircles are cut from upper and lower end portions of the heating box so as to allow a pipe segment to fit when placed therein. A burner located within the lower box portion extends along the elongated box to provide uniform heating. A baffle extends over the burner along its length. The box bottom and lower sides are perforated to provide combustion air. The hot combustion gases are directed upward around the baffle and up to the conduit segment. Supports, spaced along the length of the elongated box support the heating pipe segment above the hot baffle. These supports run perpendicularly underneath the plastic pipe while heating.

Abstract: A firing apparatus for a green ceramic compact including: a furnace; and a firing tube provided in the furnace with a given space from the side wall of the furnace. The bottom end of the firing tube can be placed on a first stage loaded with a casing containing the green ceramic compact so as to substantially close the casing, the firing tube having a space for firing the green ceramic compact therein and being formed from a highly heat-conductive material.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflow furnace for an electronic assembly. The electronic assembly comprises a printed circuit board and a device on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has solder at a first area near the device and a metallic surface at second area distant from the device. The furnace comprises a frame, a support, a heater, and a shield. The support is secured to the frame and is capable of holding the printed circuit board. The heater is secured to the frame and is capable of heating the printed circuit board while being held by the support. The shield is secured to the frame and is positioned to prevent solder from migrating from the first area to the metallic surface at the second area while the printed circuit board is being heated.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating plastic pipe includes an outer housing having distal first and second open ends and a diffuser plate mounted inside of and spaced apart from the top of the outer housing. An inlet extending through the housing is positioned for directing heated air to impinge on the diffuser plate. A mount positions the diffuser plate within the housing such that when the plastic pipe is disposed in the housing through the open ends of the diffuser plate does not contact the pipe. First and second end caps are disposed at the distal first and second open ends respectively. The end caps have first and second apertures therethrough for supporting and centering the plastic pipe such that the diffuser plate does not contact the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is a pipe heater that uses a combustible gas burner to provide heat to the pipe. The gas burner permits the heater to be portable and to be used in remote locations where a source of electricity is not readily available. The heater comprises a body adapted so that a pipe can extend therethrough and a burner to bend the pipe. Positioned between the burner and the pipe within the heater is a baffle having a plurality of holes therein. The baffle redirects the heat from the burner around the pipe, thus evenly heating the pipe. The heater is also provided with a control system to regulate the flow of fuel to the burner and potentially with a battery-powered or flint starter device. Furthermore, the body of the heater has air holes positioned in its sides and openings within its bottom to provide an air supply to the burner and to allow the burner to be lit if a starter is not provided or is inoperative.

Abstract: A heating device including a first exothermic member disposed below a subject to be heated for preventing heat radiation from the subject while heating the subject from below, a second exothermic member disposed above the subject for preventing heat radiation from the subject while heating the subject from above, and a base or sandwiching and supporting body for bearing the subject sandwiched between the first exothermic member and the second exothermic member while securing a space under the first exothermic member. The heating device is convenient to carry about and capable of easily heating a food or the like without rapidly generating a great amount of heat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a baffle apparatus for insertion into a semiconductor wafer processing furnace to diffuse processing gases that are injected into the furnace by an injector nozzle. The baffle apparatus comprises:a diffuser plate assembly having an upper end and a lower end, the diffuser plate assembly having at least one diffuser plate against which injected gases are to be forced; andthe lower end of the diffuser plate assembly being sized and shaped to engage with and be supported by an elongated wafer paddle.

Abstract: A shadow mask heating apparatus for a color CRT of the flat faceplate type includes upper and lower heated platens, each provided with heating means therein. One of the platens includes a plurality of mask support elements having a predetermined height radially disposed in an equally spaced relation on the top surface. The mask support elements preferably consist of a plurality of long and short, in length, mask support element. A plurality of passages radially formed on the top surface result between the mask support element. A plurality of adjusting pins disposed on the peripheral area of the top surface thereof of the one platen keeps the two platens separated a precise distance. The arrangement of radially disposed mask support elements minimizes shadow mask deformation during manufacture.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for curing epoxy in a fiber optic connector. An oven has a receptacle for receiving the connector with an exposed length of an optical fiber projecting therefrom. A heat conductive sheath is positionable on the connector about the optical fiber for distributing heat from the oven and for protecting the fiber when the connector is inserted into the receptacle. Sensing elements are located in the path of insertion movement of the fiber optic connector and conductive sheath to be actuated thereby in response to the connector being inserted into the receptacle. A micro-controller is coupled between the sensing elements and audible/visual signals. The micro-controller includes a timer to actuate the audible/visual signals after a predetermined period of time within which the heater is energized.

Abstract: An oven for the partial heat treatment of tools, for example, twist drills, omprises a first section, which contains the heating chamber that is constantly at the desired operating temperature. A second section for the loading and unloading and the quenching is provided. Between the two sections there is arranged a transport device for the charges of tools. The oven may be in the form of a one-chamber or three-chamber vacuum oven. The oven provides a high heat transfer rate, because the heating chamber is constantly at the desired operating temperature and the heat transfer by heat radiation under vacuum is started immediately when the charge is at its final position inside the heating chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor processing furnace flow restricting apparatus for insertion into a longitudinally elongated semiconductor wafer processing furnace to create back pressure to increase residence time of processing gases within the furnace. The apparatus comprises:at least two ring-like members, one of the ring-like members being concentrically mounted inside the other, the ring-like members each having a fore longitudinal end and an aft longitudinal end, the two ring-like members each having a varying diameter which tapers inwardly from the fore longitudinal end to the aft longitudinal end; anda lower mounting assembly having a male fitting cross sectional size and shape which is complementary to an upward female size and shape of the elongated wafer paddle, the male shape of the mounting assembly being supportable within the female shape of the wafer paddle to laterally position the two rings when the paddle and apparatus are received within a semiconductor wafer processing furnace.

Abstract: A device of quartz glass for receiving or holding work pieces to be heated in a furnace, a region of the device projecting into the hot furnace zone having an arcuate part with a beginning of curvature and an end of curvature, which is enclosed by a vessel filled with an immersion liquid, heat radiation passed in the material of the device in a region located before the arcuate part due to total reflection being coupled out of the arcuate part and being coupled into the immersion liquid and a region of the device adjoining the arcuate part together with further device parts present at it being colder than the region located before the arcuate part.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly and precisely removing and replacing surface mount devices without disturbance to nearby devices on a printed circuitboard, the invention utilizes a multiple nozzle arrangement wherein nozzles arranged for reciprocating motion one each along each edge of a surface mount device direct low velocity hot gas against bond joint locations along the respective edges of the surface mount device, thereby to melt the bonding agent mounting the device to the circuitboard. The multiple nozzle arrangement of the present system thus allows removal and/or replacement of devices of widely varying dimensions without the need for changes in nozzle size such as is inherent in prior art hot gas rework stations.

Abstract: A clamp housing for cylindrically wound heaters, particularly for an injection molding nozzle heater has a slit that permits changing the effective diameter of the housing and it is actuated by an axially extending cam pin that can be easily adjusted from an exposed end of the heater. The cam pin has a central cam portion formed between two end hubs that are rotatably mounted with respect to one edge of a longitudinal slit in the clamp housing, and a central cam portion that is mounted in a loop formed from the opposite edge of the slit in the housing. As the cam pin is rotated the two edges of the slit in the housing can be forced together because of the cam action and the housing will tighten around a heater held on the interior of the clamp.

Abstract: A heating roller having a surface layer of Teflon.RTM. and a pressing roller having a surface layer of an elastomeric material are held rotatably against each other for fixing a full-color toner image to a toner carrier therebetween. The ratio (1/V) between the nip width 1 of the heating and pressing rollers and the peripheral speed V of the rollers is selected to be at least 0.06, and the pressure of contact per unit area between the heating and pressing rollers at their nip region is selected to be at least 7 kg/cm.sup.2, for increasing a temperature range corresponding to the rubber range of toners used. The toners which have a small molecular weight and a small molecular weight distribution are prevented from being offset before the toners are fixed. Teflon.RTM. with desirable features can therefore be used as the surface layer of the heating roller.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating materials in a combustor are disclosed. A pair of axially aligned slide gates extend longitudinally through the combustion chamber of the combustor. The innermost ends of the gates abut when the gates are closed, with the gates being openable by moving them axially apart to define a treatment aperture. Movement of the two gates permits the aperture to be positioned at a desired location in the combustion chamber, while movement of one gate with respect to the other adjust the width of the aperture.

Abstract: In an apparatus for mounting workpieces or substrates for transport between a receiving or issuing station and a coating station in the interior of a vacuum coating chamber and for the control of the temperature of the workpieces during cathode sputtering, the workpiece carrier is in the form of a hollow body partially filled with a heat transfer medium. On the side of the workpiece carrier facing the coating source there is provided a workpiece socket in the form of an oval channel in which workpieces such as bearing shells can be placed. Parallel to the longitudinal edges of the groove-like workpiece socket, edge strips of gripping jaws are disposed, which hold the workpieces in the workpiece socket. The workpiece carrier is furthermore provided with a heat transfer head against which cooling plates or bodies can be pressed, which are connected by flexible pressure hoses to a cooling circuit.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a heater element to an injector barrel that includes a tube disposed about the heater element having a slit extending along the entire length of the tube which forms slit edges extending between ends of the tube. Clips extend about the tube and have central clip portions slidably engaging the tube by the slit edges. The clips are joined to a pair of clip pivots which define a pivotal axis substantially normal to the slit edges and extend through the tube at a location spaced away from the slit edges. The clips pivot with respect to the tube by using adjustment screws such that the central clip portion slides along the length of the tube to compress the tube around the heater element.

Abstract: A preheater assembly for softening a selected portion of plastic stock material prior to severing and edge sealing is disclosed. The preheater assembly includes a pair of opposed preheaters, each having a heater tip connected to a source of heated air. The air flows through the tip to maintain it at a preselected temperature. The preheaters are mounted on opposite sides of the stock material for motion toward the material to engage it on opposite sides to heat and soften it, and away from the material to release it. Clamp elements engage the stock material during the heating and softening process.

Abstract: Aluminothermic heating blocks for use in heating metal objects, such as rails, and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. The blocks are made by setting a mass of particulate aluminum, iron oxide, heat absorbing material, alkali metal silicate binder and water.

Abstract: A steel strip heating furnace has a movable wall which can be positioned closer or farther away from the transverse edges of the steel in order to adjust the heat radiation applied to the opposing edges of the steel. The movable wall extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of a course along which the steel is transported through the furnace. The movable wall constitutes part of a ceiling of a furnace body and can be shifted vertically toward and away from the transverse edges of the steel so as to adjust the high-temperature heat radiation transmission area about the opposing transverse edge and thus control the heat applied to the corresponding section of the steel. Also, it is especially advantageous to provide means for cooling the movable wall so as to adjust the heat radiation therefrom. Therefore, the heating furnace can control the heat applied to the transverse edges of the steel so that the entire surface of the steel can be heated uniformly.

Abstract: For use in placing a semiconductor substrate in molecular beam epitaxy apparatus, a holder comprises a heat conductor member opposite to a substrate. The substrate is received in a space formed in a supporting member and is in engagement with a flange portion radially inwardly projected from a peripheral surface of the space. The heat conductor member is heated by a heater in the molecular beam epitaxy apparatus. This results in effective conduction of heat to the substrate. The substrate is easily put in the beam epitaxy apparatus and removed therefrom. The heat conductor member may be of pyrolytic graphite or sintered graphite.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for equalizing the temperature of conveyor rolls in a glass-tempering furnace, said furnace comprising a thermally insulated housing (1) confining a heating chamber (8), conveyor rolls (4), extending horizontally between the side walls of chamber (8) and lying one after the other in the lengthwise direction of the chamber, heating resistors (5 and 6) in the chamber above and below the array of conveyor rolls, as well as means for driving the conveyor rolls unidirectionally during a first cycle and reciprocally during a second cycle. Since the reciprocating movement means that a glass sheet remains longer in contact with the midsection rolls, these rolls cool more rapidly. In order to equalize the temperature of the rolls, the end sections of the furnace are provided with screen plates (7) mounted between heating resistors (6) below the array of conveyor rolls and the rolls (4) themselves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bucket wheel valve heated by hot gas flowing through an axial gas chamber in a rotor which is spaced axially from the side walls of a housing. The spaces between the rotor and the side walls are screened from the exterior in the radial direction by annular members forming extensions of the chamber.

Abstract: A hot-air generator to facilitate execution of work on plastic spectacle frames, having two axial, parallel and opposing hot-air outlets.

Abstract: A heating device including a flame burner (40) and a nozzle (52) into which the flame (50) from the burner (40) is directed and in which process air is mixed with products of combustion from the flame; the nozzle (52) having hot gas discharge openings (106) through which the hot gases resulting from the mixing action are projected onto articles (10) or other material to be heated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for substantially blocking the "line-of-sight" between a radiant section of a furnace and a convection section positioned above the radiant section, while at the same time permitting flue gases from the radiant section to travel substantially freely through the shield. The shield may be composed of a plurality of staggered bodies. In a preferred embodiment the bodies are staggered plates, composed of insulating material. The staggered plates are supported by hangers that are hung from convection tubes in the convection section. In another embodiment the staggered bodies are tubes or rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for applying heat to a portion of a pipeline, particularly a pipeline carrying natural gas, for the purpose of curing a heat shrinkable plastic sleeve used to repair leaks in the pipeline wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate manifold 1 for mounting on the pipeline and having an inlet 5 to receive hot gas from a forced draught gas burner 6 and an outlet 8 to discharge the hot gas along the portion of the pipeline. The apparatus also comprises a flexible blanket 2 of a heat insulated material such as illuminated glass wool and having one edge 71 for securing to the manifold 1 so that the blanket 2 can be wrapped around the portion of the pipeline to form therearound a heat shroud having openings 75 and 76 respectively to receive hot gas from the manifold outlet 8 and to discharge the gas after circulation around the wall of the pipeline 26.

Abstract: A conveyor 21 rapidly advances a series of workholders to move printed circuit board connectors 10 mounted therein along a short insulating rail section 37 and a second long cooled rail 31. Presoldered leads 13 overlaying contacts pads 14 are heated to temperatures slightly above the melting point of solder during movement along the first rail 28 and are cooled to solidify the solder during movement along the second rail. A belt 44, moving at the same speed as the conveyor, presses the boards to ensure good contact of the leads with the pads during the melting and cooling of the solder.

Abstract: A soldering device for radiator tanks comprises a large number of burner nozzles disposed along the entire width of and directed to the soldering area. Cooling pipes are provided on burner tables which can be adjusted so that the radiator can be inserted inside the gap formed therebetween. A control means shifts the times for starting and shutting off the supplying of an oxygen-containing gas from the burner ignition and fire extinction times.

Abstract: Heating apparatus is described that is particularly adapted for thawing frozen particulate material in railroad hopper cars. The apparatus is a low profile, fuel-fired heater adapted for installation between rails traversed by the hopper cars within a thawing shed. The construction employs heat-radiating metal plates forming an elongated gas-conducting chamber through which high velocity combustion gases are conducted. The arrangement of plates is such as to enhance the emission of radiant heat to the hopper car bottoms with appropriately positioned heat insulated regions to protect hopper car brake hoses, or the like, from damage caused by overheating.

Abstract: In a machine for making two-piece flat bottom paper cups, having a mandrel on which the cup is formed, the portions of the two blanks that are to form the bottom seam are heated by a device comprising a stationary air duct with which the mandrel can be coaxially aligned. Air flowing forwardly in the duct from an inlet at its rear is heated by an electric element therein. On the front of the duct a nozzle is mounted to slide between a forward operative position and a rearward inoperative one. Cooperating throttle elements on the nozzle and the duct restrict flow to radial outlets in the nozzle when it is in operative position, ensuring steady air flow through the duct. An annular heat shield around the nozzle enables it to effect combined radiant and hot air heating. All heaters are arranged for retraction if the machine stops for longer than a normal dwell period.

Abstract: A ladle preheat station includes a firing wall through which a burner fires into an open end of a ladle juxtapositioned with respect to the wall, an air curtain means positioned about the firing wall so as to direct a curtain of air toward the ladle to eliminate ambient air infiltration between the firing wall and the ladle lip. In a preferred form an insulating refractory is placed along the inner-most edge of the air curtain means to reradiate the radiated heat and minimize slot radiation heat losses.

Abstract: A device for heating an article, especially a heat recoverable article, by means of a gas heating tool comprises an element which is preferably hollow and is heated by a flame from the tool, means for positioning the article within the element and a support for retaining the element on the heating tool. In use, a flame from the tool is directed on to the element and the article is heated over a major part of its surface by radiant heat emitted by the element.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing solder bonded devices from a substrate which includes a hollow housing element having an open end with a seating portion adapted to engage the flat backside of a semiconductor device, an inlet for admitting heated gases to the interior of the housing, and an outlet for the heated gases, a baffle within the housing having an end portion recessed from the seating portion of the housing wherein the baffle directs heated gas downwardly against the backside of the device when in engagement with the seating portion of the housing, and a clamping means to secure a semiconductor device in seated relation on the seating portion.A rework method for removing a solder bonded semiconductor device from a ceramic substrate leaving only a coating of solder on the pad site sufficient to solder bond another device without the need for additional pad site preparation which includes the steps of preheating the substrate and solder bonded devices to a temperature not greater than 100.degree. C.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an insulating box (32) is applied to the depending portion (28) of the center plate (24) of a railway freight car. This box is provided with external insulation (27) and a cooling medium such as air or water is passed through a conduit (56) into the box to maintain the temperature of the hardened portion of the bowl sufficiently low that no transformation or softening takes place during stress relief. After stress relieving the box is removed and the cooling medium turned off. The hardness and strength of the center plate has not decreased sufficiently to require rehardening, and it is not necessary to rotate the car into another position to attach the center plate, or to reharden the center plate.

Abstract: Heat is used to decontaminate toxic agents from the interior contaminated rfaces of combat vehicles and like enclosures. The heat vaporizes the toxic agents, but does not cause heat damage to the interior contaminated surfaces themselves. Hoses are used to convey the heat to the toxic agent to vaporize the same, as well as to remove the vaporized toxic agent away from the interior contaminated surface for discharge outside the enclosure.