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: 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.