Abstract: A part conveyor includes a series of slide bars of equal lengths. Each bar is movable in a pair of parallel rails and in transfer rails at the ends of the parallel rails. The slide bars have upwardly opening U-shaped members projecting from the rails. A push rod simultaneously moves the slide bars through the rails to advance the bars. A cross rod rests in an aligned member for movement of the crossbar and part with the slide bars. A transfer rail unit is provided at the ends of each run for moving of the slide bars from the rails. In an over/under line, transfer rails receive and move the slide bars. A U-shaped carriage is mounted on vertically movable tracks for movement between and end of the rail run and a load source. The parallel rails drop below the top of the carriage sides and drops the cross rod onto the carriage. The carriage moves to a load source and the tracks are lowered to unload the cross rod and receive another cross rod. The tracks are raised and returned.

Abstract: A series of rigid I-beams are secured to the underside of a driven endless looped chain and supported by a leading trolley and a trailing fixed connector. The chain is supported in a track by trolleys. End hooks on the beam support a load crossbar. A drive and brake assembly includes a reciprocating drive unit having a rail with a drive member sliding therein. The rail is mounted adjacent the chain and includes an inverted U-shaped arm pivotally mounted with the rail at one end. The slide has coupling fingers spaced in accordance with the chain links. A cylinder is coupled to the rail support and pivots the rail and slide member to selectively engage the chain link. A brake member secured to the U-shaped arm opposite side of the rail and has locking fingers spaced corresponding to the chain links. Pivoting of the rail to engage the slide member disengages the brake member to move the chain unit.

Abstract: A furnace to contain molten zinc, molten aluminum, or other molten metal has an outer vessel, an inner vessel, and particulate matter packed therebetween so as to enable the inner vessel to be lifted readily from the outer vessel. Electrical conductors are imbedded in said matter and arranged to close an electrical circuit including a signalling means if bridged by any molten metal leaking from the inner vessel. The furnace is provided with a removable bonnet, a beam mounted across the inner vessel, and a partition mounted to and beneath the beam so as to extend into the molten metal deeply. The inner and outer vessels, the removable bonnet, and the beam are insulative. The partition is a good conductor of heat.