Abstract: A resistance heating element support for vacuum electric furnaces is described for use with such furnaces having a gas plenum chamber and for other vacuum electric furnaces having the support in spaced relation to the outer wall of the furnace, the support being removably carried in a tube extending across the plenum chamber or in an interior reflective shield carried on a supporting ring, the support being normally in locked position but being turnable through an angle for release and removal.

Abstract: A flexible mounting for thermocouples for vacuum electric furnaces is described, which is particularly suitable for furnaces for nitrided or carburized case formation to avoid line of sight metallic deposition on the mounting from sputtering in the furnace and which could result in shorting, spaced shields being provided on the thermocouple mounting for this purpose.

Abstract: Unloading apparatus for vacuum electric furnaces having a hostile environment is disclosed in which a compartment is provided to which work pieces are delivered from such a vacuum electric furnace, transferred from the furnace by movable supporting and transferrng arms which are normally in the hostile environment onto an elevator platform at a central location and then elevated for transfer to other equipment, all under vacuum. The movable arms are first raised and then turned by hudraulic actuators and the elevator platform is also positioned by a hydraulic actuator. The elevator platform and its enclosure are normally screened from radiant heat by a door which is swung from a vertical position for shielding to a horizontal position to permit access of the movable arms and the work pieces thereon to the elevator platform.

Abstract: A work support for vacuum electric furnaces is provided for furnaces in which work pieces to be processed are placed inside a vacuum electric furnace chamber which is evacuated with a mechanical pump and then backfilled with a partial pressure of gas containing nitrogen, such as nitrogen or ammonia, or a hydrocarbon such as methane, or mixtures thereof. The work pieces to be processed are electrically connected to the negative (cathode) terminal of a D.C. power supply, and insulated from the chamber wall which is connected to positive terminal of the D.C. power supply and to ground for safety. The power supply is energized and a portion of the gas is ionized. The work pieces are heated to temperatures of approximately 650.degree. to 1100.degree. F. for ion-nitriding or to temperatures of approximately 1650.degree. to 1900.degree. F. for ion carburizing. The heating is effected at least in part by the ion activity but auxiliary heating elements may be used if desired.

Abstract: A power feed through for vacuum electric furnaces is provided for furnaces in which work pieces to be processed are placed inside a vacuum electric furnace chamber which is evacuated with a mechanical pump and then backfilled with a partial pressure of gas containing nitrogen, such as nitrogen or ammonia, or a hydrocarbon such as methane, or mixtures thereof. The work pieces to be processed are electrically connected to the negative (cathode) terminal of a D.C. power supply, the positive terminal being connected to the chamber wall and to ground. The power supply is energized and a portion of the gas is ionized. The work pieces are heated to temperatures of approximately 650.degree. to 1100.degree. F. for ion nitriding or to temperatures of approximately 1650.degree. to 1900.degree. F. for ion carburizing. The heating is effected at least in part by the ion activity but auxiliary heating elements may be used if desired.

Abstract: A fixedly mounted thermocouple for vacuum electric furnaces is described, which is particularly suitable for furnaces for nitrided or carburized case formation and which is particularly suited to avoid line of sight metallic deposition on the mounting from sputtering in the furnace and which could result in shorting, spaced shields being provided on the thermocouple mounting for this purpose.

Abstract: A vacuum electric furnace is disclosed for operation with a hostile environment therein which may be above the melting temperature of most metals, other than refractory metals, with apparatus in the furnace for advancing the work, the advancing apparatus being a walking beam with provisions for protecting the exposed portions of the walking beam by the use of graphite and with work supporting buttons of molybdenum to prevent the work from reacting with the graphite at high temperatures, and with separation and shielding of portions of the walking beam from the hot zone and with liquid cooling of the shielded portions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for case hardening of ferrous metal work pieces is described in which the work pieces to be processed are placed inside a metal vacuum chamber which is evacuated with a mechanical pump and then backfilled with a partial pressure of a gas containing nitrogen, such as nitrogen or ammonia, or a hydrocarbon such as methane, or mixtures thereof. The work pieces to be processed are electrically connected to the negative (cathode) terminal of a D.C. power supply, the positive terminal being connected to the chamber wall and to ground. The power supply is energized and some of the gas is converted to ions. The work pieces are heated to temperatures of approximately 650.degree. to 1100.degree. F for ionitriding or to temperatures of approximately 1650.degree. to 1900.degree. for ion carburizing. The heating is effected at least in part by the ion activity.

Abstract: A work support for vacuum electric furnaces is disclosed which supports a work piece in flat condition within close tolerances and which includes a plurality of spaced vertical pins with a heat sink through which the pins extend, the support being removable and remachinable to retain the desired flatness.