Abstract: A joint between an end of a ceramic roll and a metal ferrule compensates for the differences in the thermal expansion properties of the joined materials. A plurality of thermodeformable bimetal elements are positioned in the space between the roll end and the ferrule to expand when the temperature increases to accommodate the greater thermal expansion of the ferrule relative to the roll and to provide a selected coupling strength in the joint at a given operating temperature. The roll is preferably made from a vitreous, fused silica material and is suitable for supporting glass and metal in sheet, strip or plate form at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Roll designs for roller hearth furnaces operating at temperatures ranging from under 1200.degree. C. to substantially higher are disclosed. A rotary mounted main roll body may be provided with a plurality of spaced tires for contacting and transporting a charge carried by the roll. An internal coolant circulation system is provided within the main roll body. Insulation may be provided around the main roll body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hardening furnace, in particular for sheets of glass (2) and the like. In the furnace, the glass sheets (2) are sustained and transported by a conveyor plane (1) of the roller type above and beneath which plane an upper radiating surface (3) and a lower radiating surface (4) are arranged. The upper radiating surface (3) is composed of a plurality of longitudinal strips (31) arranged side-by-side and parallel to the movement direction of the plane (1), while the lower radiating surface (4) is constituted by a plurality of transversal strips (41) arranged transversally to the said movement direction. Each of the strips (31 and 41) is separated from the contiguous strips and represents the lower and upper walls of chambers (32 and 42) separated one from the other. In each said chamber (32 and 42) there is a device which confers regulatable thermal energy, for example, a radiating tube (15).

Abstract: The method involves passing the ceramics through water, by means of immersion and/or in jets, and/or sprayed, and/or nebulized, and/or in the form of steam. The plant includes a cooling booth (CR) which may be divided into one or more stations: with spray nozzles (2), with packs of revolving disks (5), with immersion (B) and with steam injectors (4). Cooling may take place in a closed cycle.

Abstract: The roller-hearth continuous furnace of the present invention comprises a tunnel-shaped furnace housing provided with a larger number of rollers shielded from outside, the inside of the furnace being divided into a heating section, a soaking section and a cooling section in this order with the heating section located close to the inlet of the furnace housing. The cooling section has a means for feeding of atmosphere-controlling gas and a means for detection of furnace inside pressure. The heating section has a means for forced gas exhaustion, capable of sucking a furnace inside gas correspondingly to the furnace inside pressure detected by said means for detection of the pressure. The present roller-hearth continuous furnace having the above constitution ensures cooling in a stable atmosphere and can provide household or industrial ceramic wares of stable quality.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an insulated furnace roller and a method of manufacture thereof, in which the roller is provided with an insulating refractory castable between the spaced apart tires of the roller and between the outermost tires and the furnace walls, the castable being secured to an arbor of the roller by metal anchors having outer ends that terminate inwardly of the outer surface of the castable, and wherein between the tires and the castable spacer discs are provided and between openings formed by the discs and tires insulation is inserted, the arbor being also wrapped with insulation before the castable is formed on the arbor.

Abstract: A roller hearth furnace (1) is subdivided into detachably assembled sections (2). In order to clean the rollers, one of the sections (2) of the assembly is removed and replaced by a replacement section (7) previously heated to the furnace operating temperature. The section (2) removed can therefore cool before being cleaned. The sections (2, 7) are transported along a stretch of rails (3) parallel to the roller hearth furnace (1).

Abstract: A composite table roll for use in roll tables in metal rolling mills, particularly for handling hot metal workpieces, having a sleeve portion which is tightly secured to an underlying arbor only at the axial mid-portion so that the end-portions of the sleeve are not in contact with the arbor sufficient to cause any significant heat conductivity thereacross and the end-portions are free to thermally expand with reference to the arbor to thereby greatly minimize any thermal distortion of the arbor in the event a hot metal workpiece becomes stalled on the roll table.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (32) for a roller conveyor (28) of a furnace (12) for heating flat glass sheets includes a primary drive loop (34) received by primary drive wheels (36) and also includes a plurality of secondary drive loops (50) each of which is associated with a pair of conveyor rolls (30). Internal teeth (42) of the primary drive loop (34) and external teeth (52) of the secondary drive loops (50) are engaged to provide a driving relationship therebetween, while internal teeth (54) of the secondary drive loops (50) drive gears (56) secured to the conveyor rolls (30). A plurality of idler gears (64) mesh with the external teeth (54) of the secondary drive loops (50) to maintain tensioning that prevents backlash and provides uniform reversal of all conveyor rolls as the driving changes from one direction to the other as well as allowing the conveyor rolls to be positioned with their high sides aligned so as to maintain planarity during the conveyance.

Abstract: A furnace grate roller, mainly for incinerating refuse, with a tubular casing formed by rings of bars separated by blow gaps of set width, is of conventional structure, comprising a cylindrical cage framework with T-shape cross-section longitudinal members disposed along its generatrices and a casing formed of groups of rings separated by gaps for blowing combustion-supporting air. The rings are segmented into arcuate bars which extend between the longitudinal members. To limit relative movement of the bars while allowing them some play the bars are attached at one end by a notch to the flange of a longitudinal member and are secured in place by bosses on an intermediate member bolted longitudinally to the longitudinal member. The bars have recesses at their end contiguous with the intermediate member into which the bosses are inserted. In this way the bars are attached with limited capacity for movement relative to the roller in the axial, radial and peripheral directions.

Abstract: A roller hearth furnace comprises a thermally insulated housing forming a heating space therein and a plurality of roller modules removably mounted in the housing for transporting parts longitudinally through the heating space. The modules are successively arranged along the direction of transport of the parts. Each module includes a pair of transversely spaced bearing beams removably supported in recesses of the housing, and a plurality of rotatably driven rollers having their ends supported in the bearing beams.

Abstract: In order to avoid deformation of a transport roller due to temperature differences in glass cooling passages, the cylindrical or tubular center part of the roller, arranged between two trunnions, is axially displaceable relative to the trunnions.

Abstract: An improved layout of the hearth rolls in an annealing furnace comprises a plurality of ceramic coated rolls and a plated rolls. The ceramic coated rolls are arranged in a region in the annealing furnace, where the temperature is higher than 450.degree. C. On the other hand, the plated rolls are arranged in a region where the temperature is lower than or equal to 450.degree. C. The hearth roll is provided a wear resistant coating of chrome plate or sprayed on ceramic of a thickness greater than or equal to 1 .mu.m and less than or equal to 100 .mu.m. In addition, according to the invention, the hearth roll is provided a surface roughness Ra in the range of 4.5 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m.

Abstract: A method for heating stock comprises feeding stock 9 to be heated into a heating chamber 1, causing heating gas to enter the heating chamber 1 to heat the stock 9 and leave the heating chamber 1 after heating the stock 9 and then removing the stock 9 from the heating chamber 1 on completion of heating, the heating gas being allowed to enter the heating chamber 1 by way of a plenum chamber 2,3 which communicates with the heating chamber 1. The heating gas may be supplied by a regenerative burner 4,5 as fuel combustion products. Where there are two such burners 4,5 one may be firing while the other is flueing.

Abstract: The rollers of a roller hearth kiln are coupled to corresponding driving shafts respectively, and each of the driving shafts has one thereof horizontally extended away from the kiln. A case which is disposed along the kiln houses the extended ends of the driving shaft, and vertical sprocket wheels are mounted on the extended ends of the driving shafts in the above case respectively. A rail is secured to the bottom of the case so as to extend below the sprocket wheels, and a driving chain moves on the rail while engaging the sprocket wheels from below.

Abstract: A retractable, roller hearth for use in an industrial heat treat furnace is disclosed whereby the alloy rollers are retracted from their load bearing position when the furnace heat treat processes are underway thus maintaining the rated load capacity of the furnace. A plurality of guided rail support posts and guided, sealed lift posts accurately assure straight line vertical motion of the refractory base enabling contact between fibrous rope seals to seal the hearth from the cooler, lower portions of the furnace when the hearth is in a raised position.

Abstract: In the modular kiln, which is designed for the firing of ceramic tiles etc., one has a series of single treatment zones (16) arranged in a continuous succession and interconnected by a conveyor (6); heat exchange is brought about by radiation between special surfaces built into the various zones of the kiln, and the material being fired.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end cap for a ceramic spool as well as to a method of and device for mounting it on the end of such a spool. The quill portion (5) of an end cap is divided by means of slits (9) into strips (10), the first ends of which are rigidly connected to a ring (12) formed by the open quill end and the other ends are rigidly connected to a flange (13) closing the other quill end, with a stub axle (6) projecting from said flange. Provided in the middle of strips (10) are threaded holes (11). The annular jacket (7) of said auxiliary device (3) can be fitted around said end cap quill (5) with a small annular clearance remaining therebetween. The annular jacket (7) is circumferentially provided with holes (17) with screws (18) extending therethrough and engageable in threaded holes (11). By turning screws (18), said strips (10) can be bent outwards so as to fit the spool end (4) inside quill (5).

Abstract: A transport unit for elongated hot metallic stock, includes a roll or roller having a cooling duct system near its periphery and radially oriented feed and discharge ducts for coolant; a journal pin extends from the roll or roller to one axial end thereof and carrying a gear, the journal pin is traversed by a bore extending into the interior of the roll or roller and is fluid conductively communicating with the coolant discharge duct; a gear transmission including a casing is provided and the journal pin is mounted for rotation by means of roller bearings in the casing, the transmission gear includes the gear on the journal pin so that the journal pin constitutes the output shaft of the transmission gear: a motor is secured to the casing and has its output shaft drivingly connected to the input shaft of the transmission gear; a feed tube for coolant extends through the bore and into the roller for fluid conductive connection with the radial feed duct and being connected to a coolant feed supply; additional co

Abstract: A roller tunnel kiln includes a lower kiln body half composed integrally of a kiln bottom and a pair of transversely spaced lower kiln side wall halves which are made of refractory brick, a pair of endless chains disposed respectively on transversely opposite sides of the lower kiln body half outside thereof, the endless chains being movable forward along the lower kiln side wall halves at a height substantially equal to upper ends of the lower kiln side wall halves and movable backward along the lower kiln side wall halves at a height lower than the kiln bottom, a drive device for driving the endless chains in synchronism with each other, couplings mounted at regular intervals on link plates or link pins of each of the endless chains, feed members having opposite ends gripped by respective couplings and movable in a longitudinal direction of the lower kiln body half directly thereabove in response to the endless chains being synchronously driven, the feed members being made of a heat-resistant material and h

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotating pyrolysis drum for the thermal treatment of waste materials, such as domestic or industrial garbage or the like, with respectively one heated gas collecting chamber for addition and one heated gas collecting chamber for withdrawal, being provided at pertaining end faces of the drum, which chambers are connected to one another via bores in the end faces and by tubes extending through the interior of the drum. At least one seal assembly is arranged between the stationary heated gas collecting chambers and the drum. A seal disc is provided on the circumferential wall of a hollow connection member at the end face of the drum at the inlet side and, respectively, at the outlet side for pyrolysis residues and/or another rotating part of the drum. At the two end faces of the seal disc are arranged contact rings which are slid with play over the connection member and/or the other rotating part and these sealingly contact such end faces.

Abstract: A heat-resisting furnace roll which comprises a support roll and a ceramic sleeve fitted over said support roll is disclosed. The ceramic sleeve fits loosely over the support roll even when said support roll exhibits maximum expansion in both its radial and longitudinal directions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a means for supporting the material being treated in continuous-action heat treatment furnaces. The support means consists of a cooled roller (5), on the periphery of which at least two cooled rollers (7) with substantially smaller diameter have been placed. The roller (5) is placed outside the furnaces (13, 16) and/or between two consecutive furnaces. Supporting of the material (18) is carried out by the aid of one roller (7) at a time, the roller (7) rotating at the speed of moving of the material. By the aid of the drive (3) provided for the roller (5), the mutual positioning of the rollers (7) can be changed.

Abstract: An installation is disclosed for processing a wet slurry of raw materials for cement manufacture having from 28% to 45% of water, the installation comprising a horizontal centrifugal separator connected to an extruder which produces slugs of partially dewatered material which is then pelletized and fed to a rotary Portland cement kiln. The extruded slugs can be admixed with dry powdery material to prevent their sticking together and to introduce powdery dry material in the kiln.

Abstract: A device for supporting flat ceramic objects, particularly glazed floor or wall tiles, to be fired in a continuous heating furnace where the objects can be moved on rollers which are in the form of tubes. These tubes are equipped with raised and indented portions with the objects to be fired only being supported by the raised portions during transport through the furnace.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for heat treatment of material in pieces at high temperature, especially for firing ceramic material. In this apparatus supports in the form of elongated support elements are provided on carrier elements rotatable about fixed axes, the supports are guided in the transport direction and are spaced a clear distance from one another at right angles to the transport direction. This results in even heat treatment of the material, a reduction in the energy consumption, shortening of the transit time, and a significant reduction in the construction and running costs.

Abstract: A roller table comprising a plurality of equidistant hollow metal or ceramic rollers, at the drive end of each one there being provided a friction clutch device, from the driven element of which there branch means for rotating the roller, together with retention means for this latter which are arranged to prevent its withdrawal from the respective firing tunnel.

Abstract: In a continuous annealing furnace, a steel strip is conveyed by conventional hearth rolls made of heat-resistant cast steel, such as HK 40. However, since the formation of buildup is frequent, conventional hearth rolls are inappropriate for long-term operation of a continuous annealing furnace. In the hearth roll of the present invention, which consists of a solid or hollow roll body and a surface layer, the surface layer containing more than 15% by weight of Nb and the balance being inorganic material, the formation of buildup is not frequest, thereby making long-term operation of a continuous annealing furnace possible.

Abstract: A conveyor roll (20,21,20') for conveying heated glass sheets on a horizontal roller conveyor of a glass sheet processing system is disclosed as including a shaft (42,70,42) having a support (44,72,80) of aromatic polyamide fibers for engaging the conveyed glass sheets. Kevlar fibers are preferably utilized for the support (44,72,80) so as to have the requisite thermal stability and resistance to cutting by broken glass. One embodiment of the roll (20) has a helically wrapped support (44) comprising braided Kevlar rope or an outer Kevlar sleeve (64) and a central core (62) which may be longitudinally extending metallic or glass fiber strands (66) or a helical spring (68). Another embodiment of the conveyor roll (21) includes a ceramic roll shaft (70) of fused silica extending through an outer sleeve (72) of Kevlar fibers. A further embodiment of the conveyor roll (20') includes a support (80) having annular conveying discs (82) made of Kevlar fibers and spaced along the length of the shaft (42).

Abstract: In a boat with wheels for carrying semiconductor substrates, the friction surfaces of the wheel systems are coated with a silicon nitride film to prevent seizure from occurring during a diffusion, oxidation or annealing process for semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A high temperature furnace chamber includes a roller hearth for supporting and transporting workpieces to be heated. The rollers are supported at each end by a rotary sleeve having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the rollers. Rotary movement of the sleeves transmits rotational forces to the rollers. Clearance provided between the rollers and the sleeves allows for roller dimensional variation during various furnace operating conditions.

Abstract: A firing kiln, especially a tunnel kiln, in which ceramic components, especially tiles, are fired, with a roller conveyor with a large number of fixed but rotating rollers with a small diameter and at short intervals, for moving tiles into the kiln and out of it, and particularly through the firing zone of the kiln, wherein each of the rollers is constructed from a ceramic section with a metal cover, and each of the rollers is driven separately.

Abstract: A system for conveying ceramic workpieces through a roller hearth furnace, composed of: a plurality of conveying rollers rotatably mounted one behind the other in the workpiece conveying direction with their axes of rotation parallel to one another and perpendicular to the conveying direction, and defining a common support plane for the workpieces; a plurality of drive gears each associated, and mounted coaxially, with a respective roller and provided with an axial bore having a diameter larger than that of its respective roller, with one axial end of each roller extending into the bore of its associated drive gear and being disconnectably but securely connected to its associated drive gear; and a plurality of transmission gears each mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers and each engaging an associated pair of adjacent drive gears to form a gear train in which the drive gears alternate with the transmission gears and the application of power to the gear train cause

Abstract: A transport device in a preheating furnace for treating metallic material like bars, billets, blooms and the like of light metal, such as aluminum and its alloys, comprises a slide-in unit adapted to be pushed into and pulled out of the furnace chamber. The slide-in unit supports furnace rollers or slides for the material to be preheated. The slide-unit itself is displaceable preferably by sliding or rolling on rails. With the transport device the thermal efficiency is improved, as after charging the furnace all parts of the transport device are contained in the furnace chamber which may be in this manner completely sealed for the heat treatment of the material. Moreover, assembly and disassembly of the furnace rollers or slides is easy.

Abstract: A process for the ignition of sinter mixtures containing solid fuels and apparatus for carrying out this process. The ignition is effected by means of hot combustion gases which are produced, under certain specified conditions, by the combustion of gaseous or liquid fuel initially in a swirl combustion chamber and then under a hood from where they are suctioned through the sinter mix.

Abstract: A composite metal end cap for use with a ceramic roll in a ceramic roll conveyor for conveying glass sheets for thermal treatment comprising a flexible metal inner end cap member adapted for mounting in direct contact over an end of the ceramic roll and a rigid metal outer end cap member adapted for mounting over the inner end cap member, and means for moving said outer end cap member axially relative to said inner end cap member so as to increase radial clamping of said flexible metal inner end cap member against said ceramic roll on axially inward motion of said rigid, outer end cap member relative thereto in a controlled manner and to permit release of said flexible radial clamping between said flexible, metal, inner end cap member and said ceramic roll in response to an opposite direction of axial movement of said rigid, metal, outer end cap member.

Abstract: Process and device for ensuring the displacement, in a tunnel kiln in particular for high-temperature firing of ceramic products, of firing plates traversing the kiln of the type wherein the whole row of plates are pushed at one end of the kiln and roll on balls supported in rolling paths. Parallel grooves are formed on the lower face of the plates to receive the balls and more hollow portions and more protruded portions are provided on the lower face of the places in the said grooves so that when a ball passes under a said protrusion it locally supports a plate and simultaneously relieves of the load the balls of the same rolling path in proximity to the said protrusion what gives a better rolling of the plates and reduces the flow of the balls through the kiln.

Abstract: A ceramic roll for transporting glass sheets for thermal treatment is drivingly connected to a drive shaft through a metal end cap circumferentially grooved to receive a hard rubber O-ring that provides frictional engagement between the metal end cap and an end of the ceramic roll. The metal end cap is constructed and arranged to facilitate its mounting on and removal from the end of the ceramic roll.

Abstract: An insulation structure includes a hollow housing having first and second side walls spaced from each other, defining therebetween the interior of the housing. The walls are provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes. A plurality of rotatable rollers is provided in the housing extending from the first to the second walls. Each of the rollers has a portion which is narrower than that of the respective hole and which extends therethrough to the exterior of the housing. The structure is further provided with insulation to prevent heat leakage from the interior of the housing through the circumferential passage defined between the outer surface of each roller and the inner surface of the respective hole.

Abstract: A heated soaking furnace, a chamber for preheating cold steel pieces in communication with said soaking furnace, means for transferring a portion of the heat from the furnace to the chamber, means for moving the steel pieces through the chamber to preheat the steel pieces and means for conveying the steel pieces from the outlet of the chamber to the inlet of the furnace.

Abstract: Devices for lifting and lowering the driven ends of large, heavy rotating conveyor rolls and having a rigid member provided with portions engaging bearing housings journalling the driven ends of the rolls. Rotatable members, operatively connected to the rigid member, lift and lower the engaging portions in a vertical path relative to a stationary surface mounting the bearing housings so that shims supporting the conveyor rolls in a common planar position may be removed or placed therebeneath, whereby conveyor rolls in the conveying system can be removed and installed.

Abstract: An oven for firing ceramic materials which is provided with a firing chamber and with a plurality of rotatable transverse rollers for advancing the material to be fired along the chamber. The oven is provided with a horizontal auxiliary surface disposed in the lower part of the chamber, spaced from the material being fired, and with means for displacing the auxiliary surface longitudinally along the chamber in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the material being fired. The vertical distance from the auxiliary surface to the roller axes is preferably not less than twice the axis-to-axis spacing between the rollers and not more than twice such roller spacing plus the diameter of the rollers. The speed of travel of the auxiliary surface is a submultiple of the speed of travel of the material being fired. The auxiliary surface is preferably constituted by a plurality of plates bearing on the oven floor and actuated for displacement in a preferably intermittent manner by thruster devices.

Abstract: A roller, particularly for a roller hearth furnace for heating materials to high temperatures, has a supporting body defining a roller axis and having a curved center line and a cross-section substantially normal to said center line. The supporting body includes a plurality of portions which are connected with one another and radially surround the roller axis in spaced relationship therewith. The portions extend in a circumferential direction and are positioned at axially spaced locations relative to one another so that a periphery of the roller is materially formed only at locations corresponding to the axially spaced locations of the portions and the roller has a plurality of empty regions between these locations.

Abstract: The roller track for moving large pipes through a tempering furnace includes two pairs of relatively closely spaced, resiliently mounted rollers disposed in the end zone of the furnace, where any portion of the pipe passing through is hot and has minimum strength on account of the heating.

Abstract: A roller-hearth furnace has workpiece-supporting rollers which are thermally shielded at the sides and from below. Intermediate the rollers the workpieces are exposed to heat action from below.

Abstract: The oven according to the invention comprises a plurality of heated superimposed channels and a plurality of rollers for supporting and advancing the ceramic materials, generally tiles, arranged transversely in each channel and closer to the ceiling than to the floor of the channel. Preferably the distance of the roller axes from the channel floor is not less than twice the pitch of the rollers and their distance from the channel ceiling is not more than such pitch. Preferably the channels are each constituted by a plurality of laterally juxtaposed chambers separated by partitions, the rollers extending through the channels without engaging the partitions. The superimposed adjacent channels are preferably separated by hollow slabs and slabs are located above the highest and below the lowest channels, hot gases being introduced into the cavities within the slabs and flowing out through apertures in the slabs to heat the tiles, or electrical resistances are provided in the slabs.

Abstract: Conveying rollers for roller-hearth furnaces and the shafts upon which the rollers are mounted are made of molybdenum. The rollers can be either cylindrical or of the disc type. Molybdenum conveying rollers and shafts can be used at temperatures above 1200.degree. C. in reducing atmospheres without distorting or cracking.

Abstract: A spring end cap for use in rotatably driving a glass conveyor roll of ceramic is disclosed as incorporating helical spring coils that clamp onto an end of the roll. Each spring coil has a diameter in an undeflected condition slightly less than the diameter of the roll end so that coil deflection increasing the coil diameter allows the coils to receive the roll end prior to being released in order to clamp over a round outer surface of the end. Different embodiments of the end cap are utilized with frictionally driven rolls as well as with toothed sprocket or gear driven rolls. Ease of installation is achieved when the spring coils are all part of a single helical spring. The end cap can also be utilized to repair a broken roll end and then must include at least three helical springs whose coils are axially threaded so as to provide circumferentially spaced clamping that secures the broken roll end to the rest of the roll at the fracture.

Abstract: A two-piece quick connect-disconnect coupling connecting a conveyor roll to a drive train. The coupling comprises a first section rigidly secured to the conveyor roll and a second section operatively connected to the drive train and a retaining screw detachably connecting the second coupling section to the roll and locking the gears of the first and second coupling sections together in an engaged, intermeshing relation.

Abstract: To permit random loading of workpieces for passage through a furnace, and removal of the workpieces for subsequent handling by presses and the like, the furnace is constructed as a roller hearth furnace in which the width of the roller hearth is a multiple of the diameter of the ring-shaped workpieces, and adjacent the outlet an aligning means is provided in the form of a funnel of which one side wall is movable, for example by longitudinal or transverse reciprocation to align the randomly positioned workpieces in single file. A roller conveyor, with progressively increasing conveyor speed, is located beneath the aligning funnel to remove the aligned workpieces in single file for subsequent handling and treatment.