Abstract: A workpiece, such as the body of a vehicle is advanced in suspended condition in one of two transversely spaced paths until it is opposite a treating station which is located between and spaced from both of the paths. There are several such treating stations provided, spaced along the paths, and they are each capable of affording a different treating action. The workpiece is placed opposite the desired work treating station and is then shifted transversely of the paths to the treating station where it undergoes treatment, to be subsequently shifted to the other of the paths and along the same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to the treating of workpieces, and more particularly to a method of and an apparatus for treating of workpieces. Still more particularly, the invention relates to a method of treating a vehicle body or the like by providing it with a surface coating, and to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for heating circulating air, particularly circulating air in drying equipment, a portion of the circulating air is exhausted from the drying equipment and conveyed to a combustion chamber for the thermal incineration therein. Prior to entry into the combustion chamber, the exhaust portion of the circulating air is preheated by a transfer of heat with oxidyzed gases produced in the combustion chamber. Thereupon, an outlet channel conveys all or part of still-heated incinerated gases either directly to the remainder of the circulating air in the drying chamber, or indirectly to an air-lock, or alternatively to a heat exchanger to heat the remaining circulating air in the drying chamber.