Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed for use in a furnace which utilizes a thin, cylindrical imperforate shell member which is heated from an external source to heat work placed within the shell. An insulated arrangement within and outside of the shell extends a spaced distance from the shell's opening to sandwich the shell's wall therebetween. The arrangement prevents heat flux by radiation and convection from heating the sandwiched wall thus permitting graded cooling of the sandwiched shell wall by conduction to a temperature whereat a conventional elastomer seal can be employed to seal the shell member.

Abstract: Cermic materials (i.e. architectural face-bricks) are fired in a tunnel kiln of the type having a firing zone and a downstream cooling zone. The cooling zone is segregated into indirect and direct cooling zones via a sealed gate structure therebetween. The heated gases in the indirect cooling zone are thus preliminarily cooled by suitable means (for example, a heat exchanger) and the cooled gases are returned via a closed-loop path to the indirect cooling zone. The fired ceramic materials in the direct cooling zone are finally cooled by the direct introduction of an oxygen-rich gas (i.e. ambient air). In such a manner, a reducing atmosphere may be maintained in the firing zone and in the indirect cooling zone while final cooling of the bricks occurs in the direct cooling zone. Thus, the oxygen-rich atmosphere of the direct cooling zone is prevented from entering the indirect cooling zone via the sealed gate structure thereby permitting frost-resistant bricks to be fired and cooled on a continual basis.

Abstract: A rotary combustor includes a rotatable cylindrical drum having axial seals extending from the outer periphery of the drum, and sealing structures for forming passages for providing combustion fluids along portions of the rotatable cylindrical drum. Each sealing structure includes a movable shoe positioned along the periphery of a portion of the rotatable cylindrical drum, a support positioned at a predetermined distance from the axial seals along a portion of the periphery of the rotatable cylindrical drum, and first and second spring units coupled between the support and the movable shoe. The spring units urge the movable shoe into contact with at least one of the axial seals. As a result, an air seal is continuously provided between the axial seal and the movable shoe even though the rotary combustor expands and contracts with temperature.

Abstract: A soft landing cantilever boat loader for loading semiconductor wafer carrying boats into a furnace process tube includes a loading station having one or more loading assemblies, an automatically controlled door associated with each loading assembly for selectively closing an end of the process tube and a microcomputer based control system for controlling and coordinating process operations. The loading assemblies are of a low profile configuration and each include a boat supporting, cantilevered paddle that is mounted by a quick release mechanism on a carriage which is driven along ways by a motor. A motor speed control circuit provides closed loop motor speed using a pulse width modulated motor drive. A door operating mechanism provides movement of the door along two transverse axes to assure tight sealing of the door against the tube.

Abstract: A kiln system for heat treating ceramic and metallic material. The system comprises an insulated housing having an open-ended through passageway, a plurality of kiln cars adapted to be received in and pass through the passageway, a plurality of spaced seals coupled to the housing and engageable with leading and trailing walls on each kiln car, and heating and cooling sources. The leading and trailing walls of each kiln car together with the spaced seals subdivide the passageway into zones of differing temperatures. By use of seals located at the ends of the passageway, outer doors for the passageway are unnecessary. By forming the zones of differing temperatures by use of the plurality of spaced seals, a plurality of kiln cars can be moved through the passageway in series one after the other and be subject to pre-heating, heating and cooling temperatures typically used in heat treating without the need of inner doors or a long housing.

Abstract: A controlled environment capsule for fluxless brazing comprising an open-bottom box, an end-plate and a foil gasket sealing means. Diffusion plates are disposed within the interior of the box and connected to an external source of inert gas. The inert gas is uniformly distributed over the work piece, excluding air from the capsule and the work piece by being maintained at a positive pressure relative to the external environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously heating an elongated textile article comprises a box mounted within a heating chamber at its inlet and/or outlet so as to cover the same, and a pipe connected at one end to the box and leading to a point upstream of a heat source of a heated-air circulating system. The pipe draws the outside air entering into the box also the heated air leaking out of the heating chamber, and then discharges or releases the mixture upstream of the heat source. The thus discharged mixture of the outside air and the heated air is additionally heated as a recirculating heated air.

Abstract: A soft landing cantilever boat loader for loading semiconductor wafer carrying boats into a furnace process tube includes a loading station having one or more loading assemblies, an automatically controlled door associated with each loading assembly for selectively closing an end of the process tube and a microcomputer based control system for controlling and coordinating process operations. The loading assemblies are of a low profile configuration and each include a boat supporting, cantilevered paddle that is mounted by a quick release mechanism on a carriage which is driven along ways by a motor. A motor speed control circuit provides closed loop motor speed using a pulse width modulated motor drive. A door operating mechanism provides movement of the door along two transverse axes to assure tight sealing of the door against the tube.

Abstract: A sluice for feeding a continually transported material to be annealed into an annealing oven includes two opposing sealing hollow plates spaced from each other to permit the material to pass therebetween and each provided with a coating of ceramic felt. A conduit for feeding buffer gas into the space between two opposing plates opens into that space to fill that space with buffer gas and to prevent oxygen from entering the oven.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a melting furnace having a charging opening in its sidewall, in which a closed housing contains a pivotally mounted receiving pan having a discharge chute on one side thereof, the discharge chute adapted to extend into the charging opening in the furnace sidewall; and means for moving the charging apparatus into the charging opening of the furnace and removing the apparatus to a position remote therefrom. A method for feeding the furnace over a predefined area, and continuously feeding the furnace during all phases of operation, including slagging and tapping, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a baking furnace for continuous production of elongated carbon bodies having uniform cross section, the baking furnace being intended to be moved continuously or substantially continuously in relation to a casing containing unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste with a speed which corresponds to a preset baking speed for the carbon body. The baking furnace comprises an outer steel shell (5) and a refractory lining (6) arranged on the inside of the shell (5), said refractory lining (6) defining a combustion chamber (7). A cooling chamber (16) is arranged between the upper part (15) of the refractory lining (6) and the casing (3). Above the cooling chamber (16) there is provided gas sealing means (23). An off-gas channel (11) is arranged below the refractory lining (16).

Abstract: A seal for use in clothes dryers and the like having a carrier web and a fibrous sealing web, wherein the fibrous sealing web has opposite edges thereof folded upon itself and stitched to form first and second loops and a first one of the loops has captured therein an edge of the carrier web. The carrier web is secured to a rotating drum of a clothes dryer and the first and second loops of the fibrous sealing web provide first and second seals at respective planar and cylindrical portions of a stationary bulkhead of the dryer.

Abstract: A method and a device for scrap preheating by means of hot steel furnace exhaust gases. A scrap bucket permits passage of gaseous medium therethrough and is closed by a cover with an exterior waterseal by providing an intermediate annular space having a controlled inlet for a purging medium which is connected to a pressure sensing means in the intermediate space. Purging medium is supplied to the intermediate space at a pressure not substantially less than the pressure in the inlet space in the bucket, so that all leakage is primarily the purging medium which flows outwardly to an outlet space. In a preferred embodiment the purging medium is recycled from the outlet space.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus for bonding a plurality of substrates to form a unitary laminated product such as a printed circuit board. The machine includes a frame defined by a pair of parallel, spaced vertical side plates and upper and lower load bearing cross beams extending between said side plates. The frame defines a processing chamber including front and rear openings by which access to the chamber is provided. A plurality of platen assemblies are positioned within the chamber and front and rear doors are sealingly engageable with the frame to seal the chamber from atmosphere. One door is hingedly connected to the frame whereas the other door forms part of a door assembly that includes a trackway pivotally mounted to the processing unit for movement between adjacent and spaced positions. The other door is slidable along the trackway and is driven by a fluid pressure operated actuator.

Abstract: A process in which material (20) is passed effectively continuously through a gaseous treatment chamber (10) by way of at least one open port (12) is improved by applying gas curtains across the material path to form externally adjacent the port a buffer zone (50) between the chamber interior and the surrounding atmosphere, which zone acts generally to balance the gaseous outflow otherwise occurring through the port. The buffer zone is preferably formed by and between two curtains serially spaced nearer to and further from the port, the curtains being respectively formed with gas drawn from without and within the zone. The zone is suitably sustained in varying conditions by control of curtain flow rate in response to a zone parameter such as temperature.

Abstract: A baking oven has a baking chamber in which plate members carrying the baking good are stepwisely conveyed along an endless path. The baking chamber has a charging and discharging opening through which a branch of this endless path is fed to a charging and discharging station located outside of the baking chamber. Hot air is blown into the baking chamber by means of a blower. In order to prevent that the hot atmosphere within the baking chamber escapes through the charging opening, this opening can be closed by a closure means actuated in synchronism with the steps of movement of the plate members. Further in synchronism with this actuation, a change-over means is actuated which guides the hot air either into the baking chamber or into a by-pass-channel leading back to the blower.

Abstract: A modular hot air dryer includes air jet support for a continuously moving, freshly printed flexible paper web. Air curtains are provided at the dryer entrance and exists to prevent excess fresh air penetration into the dryer. Air which is intentionally introduced is preheated before being introduced through the air curtains to help avoid tar build-up. Automatic control is provided of the exhaust flow rate to maintain constant vapor concentration. Each zone of the dryer is separately temperature-controlled.

Abstract: In a rinser/dryer for carriers of semiconductor wafers, a rotatable frame containing the carrier is directly mounted to, and cantilevered from the drive motor. A container encloses the rotatable frame and carrier. A gas pressurized labyrinth seal separates the inside of the container from the drive motor to prevent contamination. A raised portion in the labyrinth seal, with gas inlets on each side of the raised portion, forms a pressure barrier inhibiting the passage of moisture and contaminates across the barrier.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which is adapted for thermally processing an advancing yarn. The chamber comprises first and second members each having a discontinuity in the form of a groove, shoulder or the like in the surface thereof, and the members are movably mounted with respect to each other between an operative position wherein the discontinuities are positioned relative to each other to define a relatively narrow yarn passage, and a threading position defining an enlarged opening to facilitate threading. Also, heating means is provided for introducing saturated water vapor into the yarn passage in the operative position.

Abstract: A valve for isolating the interior of a glow discharge chamber from the atmosphere and other reactants. The valve includes a body mounted in an aperture of the chamber. A slit-like opening is provided therein to allow the interior of the chamber to communicate with interrelated elements of a deposition system. A source is provided for introducing inert gas into the opening under pressure somewhat greater than that of reaction gases and plasma within the chamber to create an effective, non-reactive gas curtain.

Abstract: A rotary kiln assembly comprising an inlet arrangement, a rotary kiln and an outlet arrangement. A seal arrangement is provided between the inlet arrangement and the rotary kiln and a seal arrangement is provided between the rotary kiln and the outlet arrangement. It is a problem with rotary kiln assemblies to remove the seals without relative movement of the rotary kiln or the inlet or outlet arrangements. At least one of the seal arrangements is made retractable in telescopic manner and the kiln assembly includes detachable spacing means such that the retractable seal arrangement can be removed from the kiln assembly as a unit without fouling or movement of the kiln or the inlet or outlet arrangements and hence without disturbing their alignment. The spacer means may be detachable only after retraction of the sealing arrangement and may be integral with a part of the sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A cantilever wafer paddle system for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices so the system having two support members positioned above and attached to a suspension member such that the suspension member is capable of supporting and suspending a series of wafer boats within a diffusion tube without allowing any portion of the paddle, boats or wafers contained within the boats to contact the internal walls of the diffusion tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing the escape of volatile treating agents into ambient air from a rotary treating drum used in treatment of particulate solids such as tobacco is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flange on each end of the drum against which a washer is urged while a gas, such as air, is introduced between each flange and its associated washer ring.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging solids from a shaft furnace comprises a lock chamber structure, the interior of which is connected to the shaft furnace by a conveyor duct, and a rotor, which is rotatably mounted in the interior of the lock chamber structure and adapted to be driven and arranged to receive solids from the furnace and seals the inlet of the lock chamber from the outlet of the lock chamber. To permit a continuous discharge of solids from the furnace without an escape of gas from the furnace, the rotor consists of a cellular wheel, which has cell-defining walls in a star-shaped configuration. The conveyor duct is connected to a source of a compressed blocking gas. An exhaust gas duct communicates with the interior of the lock chamber structure adjacent to the conveying portion of the cellular wheel between the inlet and the outlet of the cellular wheel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tunnel oven which comprises a base, a guide provided on the base to guide the movement through the oven of wagons bearing product to be treated in the oven, side walls connected to the base and a roof connected to the upper ends of the side walls in order to define a treatment chamber. Each wagon comprises a base for supporting product to be treated, and wheels supporting the wagon base and engageable with the guide. The base of the oven includes a trough containing a liquid, and each wagon has a skirt depending from the wagon base which defines an under chamber below the wagon base and which has its lower edge continuously immersed in the liquid as the wagon moves through the treatment chamber. A train of wagons can thus pass through the oven, with the under chamber of each wagon sealed-off from the oven treatment chamber, whereby the wagon bases, or product carried thereby, effectively form a lower face of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A shrink tunnel, a gate for opening and closing the egress opening of the shrink tunnel, prime mover means for moving the gate, and sensing means operatively connected to the prime mover means to open the gate just prior to exit of an article from the shrink tunnel and to close the gate after the product has exited therefrom.

Abstract: A gas flows through a pipe employed for intensive heat and material transfer, wherein the pipe has a length equal to 0.5 to 100 meters. The pipe features a gas inlet and two gas outlets. A solid body charge interacting with the gas flow enters at an inlet position in the pipe, passes a plurality of baffles which reduce the cross section in the pipe, and emerges from the pipe at the end position. Together with the surface of the solid body charge, the baffles form gaps of 3-50 mm which reduce the boundary layer of gas on the charge limiting the heat or material transfer. Between each pair of neighboring baffles are chambers in which the gas rotates and thus strikes the charge repeatedly. As a result the efficiency of material and heat transfer is further improved. With this countercurrent system the solid body can take up and release heat during its passage through the pipe and can take up or release material according to the character of the gas flowing in the inlet.

Abstract: A device for sealing the gap between the inlet end of a rotary kiln and a stationary inlet housing. In this device a ring which is capable of sliding in the axial direction is supported on a stationary ring by at least one first annular sealing element, and the sliding ring has on its end facing the rotary kiln a first wearing surface which co-operates with a second wearing surface on a rotating ring fixed on the inlet end of the rotary kiln. Cylinders operated by a pressure medium urge the sliding ring in a direction towards the inlet end of the rotary kiln and hold the two wearing surfaces in close sealing contact with one another. To ensure that the sealing contact of the wearing surfaces can be maintained even with relatively long rotary kilns in all states (cold and hot), the sliding ring includes a plurality of ring elements which are concentric and telescopic.

Abstract: To effectively seal the atmosphere within a chamber against ambient atmosphere, particularly for drying or curing of printing ink by UV radiation, vacuum drying, or the like, a pair of plates (12, 13; 33, 34) are positioned contiguous with a pass-through slit formed in a side wall (6) of the chamber, the plates being formed with recesses, grooves or depressions (7-11; 29) extending transversely to movement of the paper web. Ambient air is conducted at the lateral sides to the recesses or grooves which, preferably, in cross section are circular and formed as semicircular grooves in the respective plates, and suction is applied essentially centrally, with respect to the width of the web (2, 40) by suction pumps (19, 23) which may apply an increading degree of vacuum to the recesses as the wall (6) of the chamber is approached.

Abstract: A solvent vapor toner image fixing device for use with electrostatic printing or copying devices having a well-shaped container through which a paper web is guided in a loop shaped manner is provided with improved apparatus for sealing the operational opening of the container against the emergence of solvent vapor. The sealing means comprises a wedge-shaped sealing strip disposed beneath the upper reversing drum which conducts the paper web out of the container. The sealing strip defines an air flow gap with the drum which permits an introduction of air flow into the upper end of the container from which it exits through a narrow gap formed between an upper edge container wall and the upper surface of the paper guide member, thus forming a pressure zone at the upper end of the container which resists passage of solvent vapor out of the container. The assembly further includes a discharge housing through which the paper web immediately passes upon leaving the container.

Abstract: A pressure actuated sealing system for a travelling grate comprising at least one horizontally elongated rigid seal plate pivotally mounted below said travelling grate in sealing relationship with said travelling grate and with windbox means mounted below said travelling grate, said travelling grate including a plurality of pallets each with seal plate engaging means and cavity means provided on the underside thereof, said seal plate being pivotable in the direction of movement of said travelling grate by engagement with said seal plate engaging means, said seal plate being pivotable in the direction opposite the direction of movement of said travelling grate by the pressure differential across said seal plate formed by the pressure of the gases within said wind box means on one side of said seal plate and the ambient pressure on the other side of said seal plate, said cavity means being adapted for permitting unobstructed pivotal movement of said seal plate in said opposite direction.

Abstract: A closure and seal construction for a high-pressure oxidation furnace and the like having a quartz chamber and an integral quartz wall formed with an opening for receiving into the chamber material to be processed, the wall providing an annular surface surrounding the opening and being formed with an annular recess in the surface surrounding the opening; a combined cooling and sealing tube mounted in the recess and protruding slightly therefrom; a closure mounted for engagement with the tube and wall surface; and the tube having an elasticity responsive to a closing pressure to resiliently retract and provide simultaneous sealing engagement of the closure with the wall surface and tube.

Abstract: A furnace system adapted to perform various manufacturing phases in the production of gas-filled discharge tubes designed as transient protectors includes at least two vertically spaced treatment tube sections separated from each other by a sealing tube. Treatment trays pass through the sealing tube in a vertical direction; the inside of the sealing tube and the outside of the treatment trays are adjusted to each other in terms of dimensions and materials so that there is obtained adequate sealing between the treatment sections while maintaining a sufficiently low coefficient of friction to permit the treatment trays to readily pass therethrough.

Abstract: A wafer baking oven has a set of baking tongs which move through the oven to effect baking of the wafers. The oven is particularly for wafer products such as flat wafers, low hollow wafers, sugar cones, wafer cups and wafer figures. There is a baking chamber through which the baking tongs move and a front end at which baked wafers are discharged from the baking tongs and fresh batter is poured into the tongs for baking. The region in which this takes place is referred to as a front port. The front port includes a batter pouring station and a discharge station with a chute and at least one discharge spider. To reduce loss of heat and to reduce the noise level of the wafer oven, the front port is surrounded by a housing which comprises, at least in part, an enclosure attached to a frame. The housing has two passage openings at the side which face the baking chamber, and the baking tongs pass through these passage openings as they move in a circuit between the baking oven and the front port.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking a material to be treated into and out of a treating high pressure tank such as a heating sterilization tank comprises a conveyor passage interconnecting the high pressure tank and a water tank and constituted by two or more partially cylindrical casings connected in a side-by-side relation and each rotatably accomodating a rotary closure member having 2 to 6 blades adapted to make a sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the casing. Due to a specific phase difference between the blades of adjacent rotary closure members, the conveyor passage is always closed by some of the blades. A pair of endless conveyor chains, carrying a plurality of treating vessels accomodating the material, are adapted to run along both side surfaces of the conveyor passage through the high pressure tank and the water tank in a timed relation to the rotation of the rotary closure members. Means are provided for returning the leaked liquid back to the high pressure tank from the water tank.

Abstract: A process for drying solvent containing material is disclosed. The solvent containing material is passed through a drying chamber containing an inert gas. Inert gas is introduced into at least one lock chamber preceding and/or following the drying chamber. An annular flow of inert gas is produced in the lock chamber. A minor amount of the inert gas required for drying the material is jetted into the lock chamber proximate to the inlet and/or outlet opening of the drying chamber and a mixture of inert gas and sucked-in external air being discharged from the lock chamber in the peripheral region of the annular flow. The major portion of the inert gas is introduced directly into the drying chamber. An apparatus for practicing the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A traveling grate consisting of individual pallets each supported on four wheels and independently connected to continuous side walls so that the pallets can pivot down away from and back toward the continuous sidewalls as the rear wheels follow a depressed portion of the trackway in the discharging zone of a retort. The wheels travel in a tunnel which is isolated from the processing zone of the grate retort but is in fluid communication with the charging and discharging zones. The processing zones are also separated from the remainder of the retort by transverse seals formed by false windboxes. Gas leakage from the processing zone is minimized by the tunnel-encapsulation of the retort's processing zone.

Abstract: An adjustable seal (20) for an access opening (58) of a furnace (12) including a horizontal conveyor (30) for conveying glass sheets within the furnace heating chamber. The adjustable seal (20) includes an elongated ceramic seal member (60) of fused silica having a rotational axis about which a support (62) rotatably mounts the seal member above the access opening (58) of the furnace. An elongated sealing portion (64) of the seal member (60) moves toward and away from the plane of conveyance upon rotation of the seal member to thereby control the size of the opening. The ceramic seal member (60) preferably includes a pair of round ends (66) having associated end caps (80) and a pair of bearings (68) for mounting the end caps. An intermediate section (70) between the round ends has an outer surface including a partially circular surface (72) and a flat surface (74) which have a junction defining the sealing portion (64).

Abstract: A method and a device, FIG. 1, for sealing an opening (15, 8, 10) between two zones in a fluidized bed and/or between the bed and its surrounding (22). In the bed particles (2) are intended to be maintained suspended by means of a carrier gas, which is introduced in the bottom (3) of the bed below the level of aid opening (15, 8, 10). Through said opening (15, 8, 10) primarily workpieces (66) intended to be treated in the bed are intended to pass, which opening (15, 8, 10) is, for example, a horizontal gap in a vertical partition wall (11, 9) between the zones (12, 13, 14) or between the bed and its surrounding (22). The method according to the invention is characterized in that a heap (19, 27) or several heaps (19, 27) of particles (2), by utilizing the movements of the particles (2) and carrier gas in the bed, are caused to be built up at said opening (15, 8, 10) to such a height that the opening (15, 8, 10) is covered or substantially covered by the heap/heaps (19, 27) of particles (2).

Abstract: A process is provided for burning refuse containing polyvinyl chloride without the consequent production of phosgene. The refuse is carbonized in a rotary furnace at temperatures below 1200 degrees F., especially 700 degrees F., in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. A burnable gas containing the carbonized refuse is drawn from the furnace by an air jet wherein same is mixed with oxygen and selectively combusted. Uncarbonized refuse is collected and withdrawn after exiting the furnace. An apparatus is provided for combustion of the refuse in the nonphosgene generating process and includes the rotary furnace. Special seals are provided for the furnace to prevent excess oxygen from entering thereinto. In particular, the seals are utilized between the rotary ends of the furnace and stationary head associated with each end respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling ash and slag produced in the combustion of coal or other ash-bearing fuel in a top-supported furnace (10) of a steam generator, including a submerged scraper conveyor unit (14) beneath the furnace (10), and a water seal (24, 26) including a bottom-supported trough (26) positioned beneath the furnace (10), and plates (24) secured to the furnace bottom extending down into the trough (26). The submerged scraper conveyor unit (14) is bottom-supported independently of the trough (26), and there is an adjustable (34) seal member (29) between the two to prevent gas leakage therebetween.

Abstract: A seal for the ends of a rotary kiln or similar rotary device having a plurality of graphite blocks adapted to conform to the circular periphery of the kiln exterior. The graphite blocks are pressed gently against the shell by seal adjusting segments radially biased toward the center of rotation of the kiln. The seal adjusting segments are adjustably supported in a holder with a counterweighted rope circumscribing the seal adjusting segments to provide the biasing pressure and thereby hold the graphite blocks in sealing engagement with the kiln.

Abstract: A process is provided for burning refuse containing polyvinyl chloride without the consequent production of phosgene. The refuse is carbonized in a rotary furnace at temperatures below 1200.degree. F., especially 700.degree. F., in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. A burnable gas containing the carbonized refuse is drawn from the furnace by an air jet wherein same is mixed with oxygen and selectively combusted. Uncarbonized refuse is collected and withdrawn after exiting the furnace. An apparatus is provided for combustion of the refuse in the nonphosgene generating process and includes the rotary furnace. Special seals are provided for the furnace to prevent excess oxygen from entering thereinto. In particular, the seals are utilized between the rotary ends of the furnace and stationary head associated with each end respectively.

Abstract: A seal assembly is disclosed for a rotary kiln such as those used in cement manufacture. The seal assembly is interposed between a first part rotating with the rotating cylinder of the kiln and a second, stationary part having a cylindrical surface coaxial with the rotating cylinder. The seal assembly comprises an annular array of graphite elements in rubbing contact with the cylindrical surface and generally radial sides having overlapping rabbets restricting flow of gas between adjacent elements, and a flexible clamping cable or the like bearing against the outer surfaces of the graphite elements for clamping them against the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: For heating synthetic yarns and fibers an elongated vessel filled with saturated steam is provided through which the yarn is continuously drawn. The steam condensates on the yarn and transfers its condensation heat to the yarn. For sealing the vessel (3) at the inlet (2) and the outlet (4), several apertures (6-9, 13-16) are provided in a pair of tubes (5,12) surrounding the traveling path of the yarn (1). The space between the first aperture and the opening adjacent the steam vessel (3) is connected to a blocking liquid supply pipe (30) and the space between the last aperture (9,16) and the inlet hole (10) and the outlet hole (17), respectively, for the yarn is connected to a blocking liquid return pipe (31). The blocking liquid supply pipe is kept under a pressure which is somewhat higher than the pressure within the steam vessel (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the periphery of an opening such, for example, as an opening through which bulk material is fed into a bin, a shaft opening through which hot bulk material is cooled, or an opening in a blast furnace shaft, of the type wherein a channel extends around the periphery of the opening into which a dividing wall extends whose lower end is spaced from the channel bottom so as to define a pair of adjacent channel portions which intercommunicate through the space between the lower end of the dividing wall and the channel bottom so that liquid provided in the channel at least fills the communicating space. According to the invention, a pair of external channels are provided, each of which is adjacent to and extends around one of the inner and outer sides of the peripherally extending channel, respectively, so that the latter comprises an inner channel.

Abstract: A furnace (10) has a preheater zone (12) into which exhaust gases of a combustion chamber (14) are recycled for preheating of articles passing through the furnace. The exhaust gases are supplied to the preheater zone (12) through jet pipes (18) which create a turbulent flow about the articles in the furnace (10). The exhaust gases are withdrawn by a fan (30) which is disposed in a duct (34) adjacent to the furnace entrance (13). To prevent the introduction of ambient air into the furnace (10), a pressure chamber (56), which is maintained at an elevated pressure relative to the ambient air, is provided within the preheater zone (12), with the chamber (56) pressurized by gases supplied by the jet pipes (18). A sealing arrangement defined by the pressure chamber (56) and the articles passing through the furnace prevents the introduction of cool air through the preheater zone (12).

Abstract: The cable is introduced into a sealing tube containing elastic sealing elements before entering the vulcanization chamber which is separated from the extruder. The elements have closed chambers which can be individually pressurized by, in each case, one line, while pressure regulation takes place by means of pressure reducing valves. Gaps can be provided between the individual chambers and they are filled by the heat transfer medium which brings about the crosslinking of the layer extruded onto cable and which passes out of the intake opening of vulcanization chamber. A leakage flow forms along the entire sealing tube and this passes through the openings of sealing elements and completely fills the annular clearance between the boundary of the opening and the cable, so that any contact between the cable and the sealing elements is at least substantially prevented. The gaps can be filled with a sealing liquid, which then forms the leakage flow instead of or together with the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a rotary kiln or furnace is achieved with a pair of outer sealing rings urged into a pressured sealing engagement by a barrier gas provided at a predetermined pressure from a burette. An internal intermediate ring, preferably formed of a graphite fiber material serves as an inner seal against the direct transfer of internal gases and heat to the outer sealing rings which provide the final sealing against gas escaping during rotation of the inner work support means relative to the outer stationary supporting means. The intermediate ring also acts as a bearing and as a spacer and absorbs compression forces between the turning inner chamber, or grate, and the outer stationary supporting means.

Abstract: The opposite ends of a conveyor tunnel furnace are free of physical seals and instead each end is provided with a gas seal tunnel. Each gas seal tunnel is formed by at least two spaced apart, transversely extending fluid flow restriction members defining at least one gas seal chamber therebetween. Gas is supplied in a fixed volumetric flow to each gas seal chamber and maintained at a pressure greater than that of the furnace or of the ambient atmosphere. The flow restriction members are adjustable to cause accelerated gas flow therethrough, or therearound, to prevent mixing or diffusion of gases.