Abstract: The present arrangement includes a plurality of graphite support assemblies which serve to hold graphite heating elements of a graphite hot zone to be used with a vacuum furnace. Each of the support assemblies is designed to employ graphite bolts. Laminated graphite washers are located between the bolts and the graphite heating elements and between the graphite heating elements and the support assemblies so that the bolts do not loosen in response to cycles of hot and cold temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention employs a heating element means which is formed into an endless configuration, i.e., a closed plane, circular configuration, loop, etc. In a preferred embodiment the heating element means comprises a molybdenum strip although a plurality of molybdenum sections, which are secured to one another to make up a continuous sectionalized strip could be used. When such a strip conducts electrical current there is heat generated (I.sup.2 R) and such heated strips are the source of heat for the hot zone chamber of a vacuum furnace. There are a number of such continuous strips which make up the overall heating element means for a hot zone chamber. The continuous strips, or heating elements, each has first and second terminal means secured thereto at respectively first and second different locations, so that between said first and second terminals there exist two separated electrical current paths, or a bifurcated path.