Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a vertical vacuum furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second support modules arranged in spaced parallel alignment and first and second reversible lifting mechanisms mounted on respective ones of the first and second support modules. The apparatus also includes first and second motive means coupled to the first and second reversible lifting mechanisms for driving the reversible lifting mechanisms. First and second trolleys are operatively connected to the first and second reversible lifting mechanisms and adapted for engaging with a payload. The apparatus further includes a control system connected to the first and second motive means for controlling the operation of the first and second reversible lifting mechanisms whereby the first and second trolleys can be raised or lowered. A vertical vacuum furnace assembly including the lifting apparatus is also disclosed as well as a support module and a bottom head assembly for the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A quenching apparatus is disclosed which has a generally cylindrical base and upper housing. A removable cover is affixed to the top of the upper housing. The quenching apparatus includes means for supporting the removable cover above the upper housing such that a passageway is defined between the upper housing and the removable cover. A generally cylindrical door is dimensioned and positioned within the quenching apparatus to be coaxial within the upper housing and the base. An actuator is coupled to the cylindrical door for moving the door between an open position and a closed position. In this manner, the door is adapted for closing the opening between the base and the upper housing and thereby provides a closed quenching chamber. Redundant retractable seals are provided in the base and the upper housing to seal the door to the upper housing and the base when the door is closed.

Abstract: A heating element arrangement for a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed wherein the heating elements that make up the heating element arrays have different electrical resistances or watt densities at different locations in the heating element arrays. This arrangement allows for placement of heating elements having electrical resistance selected to provide more or less heat as needed in the furnace hot zone to provide better temperature uniformity in the workload. The electrical resistances and watt densities of the heating element arrays are varied by using a first heating element having a geometry in one segment of a heating element array and a second heating element having a different geometry from that of the first heating element in another section of the heating element array.

Abstract: A load transport mechanism for moving a heat treating load in a multi-station heat treating system is disclosed. The transport mechanism has a compact construction that allows it to fit in a centrally located stationary transport chamber. The transport chamber is adapted to provide ready access to multiple treating chambers arrayed around the chamber. The transport mechanism includes a load translation mechanism for moving the load linearly and a load rotation mechanism for rotating the load within the transport chamber. A multi-station heat treating system having a centrally located quenching chamber that includes the load transport mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heating element arrangement for a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed. The heating element arrangement includes a central heating element array as well as first and second outboard heating element arrays spaced apart from and coaxially aligned with the central heating element array. The heating element arrangement also includes first and second end heating elements disposed at respective first and second end positions relative to the central heating element array and the first and second outboard heating element arrays. Power transformers are operatively connected to the central heating element array, to the first outboard heating element array and first end heating element array, and to the second outboard heating element array and second end heating element array for providing electric current to the respective heating element arrays.

Abstract: In a device for preparing process gases (3) for heat treatments of metallic materials/workpieces, the respective process gas (3) is to be fed into at least one treatment chamber (1.1) in an industrial furnace (1) having been practically fully prepared, homogenised and heated, and the method is to be carried out both with newly built and particularly with already existing installations of industrial furnaces (1) with the aid of the device, wherein the process gas (3) is prepared with compression at temperatures uncoupled from the temperature in the treatment chamber (1.1), in a process separate from the heat treatment process in the treatment chamber (1.1), and in a temperature range up to about 1250° C., and is rendered usable for economical and low-emission heat treatment (FIG. 3).