Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sintering aluminium-based sintered parts which are, initially, guided with the aid of a transport system T through a de-binding area (3) before being guided through followed by a sintering area (2) and finally being guided through a cooling area (4). Inert gas atmosphere prevails in the sintering area (2), provided with an oxygen content, corresponding to a thawing point of, maximum, 40° C. The sintered parts (23) are heated to the required sintering temperature of 560-620° C., by means of convection, whereby the inert gas atmosphere is accordingly heated, flowing around said sintered parts in a corresponding manner.

Abstract: The invention describes a hood-type annealing furnace, especially for steel strip or wire bunches, with an annealing base (1) for receiving the material (7) to be annealed, a protective hood (8) which is placed on the furnace in a gas-tight manner, a radial blower (2) which is held in the annealing base (1) and comprises a blade wheel (3) and a guide apparatus (5) enclosing the blade wheel (3) for circulating a protective gas in the protective hood (8), a heat exchanger (11) for cooling the protective gas, which heat exchanger (11) is connected on the input side via a flow conduit (13) with the pressure side of the radial blower (2) and opens on the output side in an annular gap (12) between the guide apparatus (5) and the protective hood (8), and a deflection device which is axially displaceable into the pressure-side flow path of the radial blower (2) for the optional connection to the radial blower (2) of the flow conduit (13) which leads to the heat exchanger (11).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a microelectronic workpiece at an elevated temperature. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a workpiece support positioned to engage and support the microelectronic workpiece during operation. The apparatus can further include a heat source having a solid engaging surface positioned to engage a surface of the microelectronic workpiece with at least one of the heat source and the workpiece support being movable relative to the other between a first position with the microelectronic workpiece contacting the engaging surface of the heat source and a second position with the microelectronic workpiece spaced apart from the engaging surface. The heat source is sized to transfer heat to the microelectronic workpiece at a rate sufficient to thermally process a selected material of the microelectronic workpiece when the microelectronic workpiece is engaged with the heat source.

Abstract: In a heat treating method and furnace used in this method which can prevent disturbance of an atmosphere gas inside a heat chamber, and can prevent deterioration of the processing quality and efficiency of work, a control section 4 first operates a vacuum pump VP to reduce the inner pressure of a purge chamber 3 to a predetermined pressure level, then manipulates a large and small caliber operating valve (13a, 13b) to supply the atmosphere from the interior of the heat chamber 1 to that of the purge chamber 3, and the control section 4 actuates transporting means 5 to transport the work W between the purge chamber 3 and the heat chamber 1 in a state wherein the inner pressures of the purge chamber 3 and the heat chamber 1 have been rendered substantially equal on the basis of detected values from first and second pressure sensors PS1, PS2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for carrying out a manufacturing process in which all magnet cores to be produced are first continuously crystallized. Depending on whether the required hysteresis loops should be round, flat or rectangular, the magnet cores are either immediately finished, that is enclosed in housings, conditioned to a rectangular hysteresis loop in a direct-axis magnetic field or to a flat hysteresis loop in a magnetic cross-field and then finished.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal structure comprising the following steps: providing a metal-coated polymer substrate; heating the metal-coated polymer substrate in a hot zone, in which a temperature of at least 600° C. prevails and in which an atmosphere essentially composed of water vapor or of a mixture of water vapor and neutral gas is maintained, so as to remove the polymer substrate and form a metal structure; and cooling the metal structure in a cooling zone.

Abstract: A steel reheat furnace and method of use thereof are disclosed. The furnace includes a housing defining an interior furnace space that is substantially sealed from the environment. A carbon monoxide atmosphere is placed in the interior furnace space for enveloping the steel and protecting it from oxidation. Oxidation of the carbon monoxide generates heat that reheats the steel for later rolling into rolled steel. Flue gases are removed from the furnace by a furnace hood and flue system. The steel advances through the furnace by a roller system driven by frictional force.

Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply heat to the castings for heat treating the castings and dislodging the sand cores for removal from the castings.

Abstract: When a nitride film is formed on a substrate containing at least metallic aluminum, a fluctuation in forming a nitride film can be prevented, or the formation of the nitride film can be accelerated. A substrate containing at least metallic aluminum is subjected to a heating treatment in vacuum of 10−3 torrs or less, and subsequently it is subjected to a heating/nitriding treatment in an atmosphere (5) containing at least nitrogen. During the heating/nitriding treatment, porous bodies (3) and (4) through which nitrogen atoms-containing gases (A) and (B) can flow are contacted with the atmosphere (5).

Abstract: A cell and an equipment for thermally processing steel parts under low pressure, including heating means formed of several radiant gas tubes distributed around a useful volume of a tight chamber, and control means provided with at least one mode of pulse regulation of the heating means.

Abstract: A steel reheat furnace and method of use thereof are disclosed. The furnace includes a housing defining an interior furnace space that is substantially sealed from the environment. A carbon monoxide atmosphere is placed in the interior furnace space for enveloping the steel and protecting it from oxidation. Oxidation of the carbon monoxide generates heat that reheats the steel for later rolling into rolled steel. Flue gases are removed from the furnace by a furnace hood and flue system. The steel advances through the furnace by a roller system driven by frictional force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi cell thermal processing unit. The thermal processing unit comprises an air tight common chamber containing an atmosphere other than ambient air. A loading cell is linked to the common chamber via a gas tight door for providing to and receiving from the common chamber a workpiece. Further, a preheating cell is linked to the common chamber via a heat insulating door. The preheating cell provides a substantially fixed temperature for activating the workpiece. Thermochemical processing of the workpiece is provided by a first and a second thermochemical processing cell each linked to the common chamber via a heat insulating door. The first thermochemical processing cell provides substantially fixed first thermochemical processing conditions for nitriding the workpiece. The second thermochemical processing cell provides substantially fixed second thermochemical processing conditions for post nitriding treatment of the workpiece.

Abstract: A strip of stainless steel, which is cast and/or hot rolled and which is dark colored by oxides on the surface of the strip, remaining from the foregoing manufacture of said cast and/or hot rolled strips, is cold rolled in one or more cold rolling passes (11-13) following after each other, so that the thickness of the strip is reduced by 10-75% and so that the oxide scales crackle, i.e. so that fissures are established in the oxide layers. Thereafter, the strip is annealed in a furnace (18) having a furnace atmosphere obtainable by heating the furnace by means of burners which consume a liquid or gaseous fuel, which is combusted by means of a gas which contains at least 85 vol-% oxygen and not more than 10 vol-% nitrogen, wherein a furnace atmosphere is created, in which the strip can be annealed without oxidising the metal surfaces which are exposed through the crackling, in a way which would make the subsequent descaling and pickling difficult.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively implementing a depressurized or an atmospheric hydrogen annealing process comprises a reaction chamber, a hydrogen gas introduction line for feeding hydrogen gas into the reaction chamber and an atmospheric exhaust line and a depressurized exhaust line, which are connected to the reaction chamber. By selectively switching the atmospheric exhaust line and the depressurized exhaust line, the depressurized hydrogen annealing process and the atmospheric annealing process are selectively implemented. A device for performing deoxidization process or a device for removing impurities may be further included.

Abstract: Rotation of a plate cam arranged at almost the center position of a semi-open coil is performed by a motor, and induction heating of the periphery of the plate cam is performed by the semi-open coil during the rotation. The process results in uniform heating of the periphery of a workpiece of distorted shape. A detector of an angle of rotation to detect an angle of rotation of the plate cam and an electric power control part to control the electric power to be supplied to the semi-open coil according to the detection results of the detector of an angle of rotation, are provided so that the most outer end at the farthest position from the center of the plate cam is not excessively heated. A process is also provided.

Abstract: Vacuum carburizing of ferrous workpieces is performed at low pressure in a vacuum furnace using an unsaturated aromatic such as benzene as the carburizing medium. The unsaturated aromatic is gas phase hydrogenated into a napthenes, such as cyclohexane, which is metered into the furnace chamber proper and functions as the carburizing gas. The furnace is constructed to be generally transparent to the napthenes so that cracking tends to occur at the workpiece which functions as a catalyst to minimize carbon deposits. The unsaturated aromatic is supplied in liquid form to fuel injectors which inject the liquid aromatic as a vapor at duty cycles and firing orders to produce a uniform dispersion of the hydrocarbon gas about the work resulting in uniform carburizing of the workpieces. An in-situ methane infrared sensor controls the process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating artificial atmospheres in a furnace for the heat treating of materials. The furnace includes a substantially isolated chamber having a discharge receiving orifice for accepting a bi-phasic cryogen into a hot/work zone of the chamber. A low pressure cryogen source feeds a bi-phasic inert gas into the chamber in order to allow the volumetric expansion of the evaporating liquid constituent of the bi-phasic cryogen to purge a substantial portion of the ambient oxygen from the chamber and to allow a substantial residual concentration of the inert gas to blanket the process area without significant dissipation during the heat treating process. Oxidizable materials heat treated in artificial atmospheres generated by use of bi-phasic cryogens show no signs of scaling or staining through the process and thus do not need to undergo acid bathing prior to subsequent processing.

Abstract: In a rare earth metal-based alloy powder supplying apparatus, a rare earth metal-based alloy powder is supplied from a feeder box having an opening in its bottom surface into a cavity by moving the feeder box to above the cavity. The apparatus includes a bar-shaped member which is moved horizontally and in parallel in the bottom of the feeder box. A plurality of the bar-shaped members may be provided horizontally at distances. The apparatus further includes a powder replenishing device for sequentially replenishing the alloy powder into the feeder box in an amount corresponding to a decrement in amount resulting from the supplying of the alloy powder from the feeder box to the cavity, an inert gas supply device for filling an inert gas into said powder feeder box, and a plate member made of a fluorine-contained resin and mounted on the bottom surface of the feeder box.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally processing a microelectronic workpiece is set forth. The apparatus comprises a first assembly and a second assembly, disposed opposite one another, with an actuator disposed to provide relative movement between the first assembly and second assembly. More particularly, the actuator provides relative movement between at least a loading position in which the first assembly is in a state for loading or unloading of the microelectronic workpiece, and a thermal processing position in which the first assembly and second assembly are proximate one another and form a thermal processing chamber. A thermal transfer unit is disposed in the second assembly and has a workpiece support surface that is heated and cooled in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor manufacturing furnace having a heat blocker mounted to an elevating plate of the furnace. The heat blocker prevents the internal temperature of the furnace from decreasing radically when a wafer boat is lowered from the processing chamber of the furnace by the elevating plate. The heat blocker includes a sealed case, a plurality of horizontally extending heat-reflecting plates disposed in the case, and a plurality of support pins for supporting and fixing the reflecting plates in place. The heat-reflecting plates reflect heat back up into the processing chamber, as the elevating plate lowers the wafer boat, to keep the internal temperature of the heater stable. This not only enhances the productivity of the manufacturing process but also enhances the uniformity of the processed wafers.

Abstract: Apparatus for reclaiming sand is provided for removing impurities therefrom. The apparatus includes a vibratory conveyor in which the sand is fluidized and heated. The conveyor vibrates the sand to obtain a more uniform temperature. The apparatus may be used to clean used process sand, such as by pyrolyzing binder from foundry sand, or may be used to remove impurities from virgin sand, thereby minimizing the amount of silica which must be added to the virgin sand.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for reclaiming substantially pure sand from a heat treating furnace; wherein a casting with sand core and/or sand mold, comprising sand bound by a combustible binder, attached thereto is introduced into the heat treating furnace; or, wherein portions of sand core and/or sand mold that are not attached to a casting are introduced into the heat treating furnace. Wherein, the reclaiming within the furnace is carried out, in part, by a fluidizer that promotes binder combustion by one or more process of agitating, heating, and oxygenating. Wherein, the characteristics of the reclaimed sand are selectively controlled by controlling the dwell time of the sand within the heat treating furnace.

Abstract: A process of forming a sintered article of powder metal comprising blending graphite, Si carbide and lubricant, with pre-alloyed iron base powder; pressing said blended mixture to a shaped article; sintering said article in a reduced atmosphere; forced cooling said sintered article.

Abstract: A top hat annealing furnace with pivoting features. The annealing furnace has an annealing understructure, an annealing hood, a heating hood and a cooling hood. The annealing understructure and the annealing hood are supported so that they can be tilted between an operating position and a loading position. The heating hood and the cooling hood are provided with doors, which can be closed when the furnace is in use, and opened when it cycle is completed. When the doors of either hood are open and the hood is oriented vertically, the hood can be moved horizontally relative to the annealing hood.

Abstract: A process and arrangement for manufacturing brush-type seals having inclined bristles provides at least one ring-shaped brush-type seal having radially extending bristles of a length which, by way of the inclining of the bristles with respect to the radii of the ring-shaped brush-type seal leads at least essentially to the desired brush diameter; positions the at least one brush-type seal and at least one heatable annealing wall of an annealing device relative to one another so that the free bristle ends, while the bristles are bent, rest against the annealing wall, and simultaneously or subsequently rotating the at least one brush-type seal and at least the heatable annealing wall relative to one another until the bristles are inclined with respect to the radii of the ring-shaped brush-type seal in its ring plane by a definable angle; heats the annealing wall to a definable temperature; maintains the temperature of the heated annealing wall for a definable time period; and removes the at least one brush-type

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating artificial atmospheres in a furnace for the heat treating of materials. The furnace includes a substantially isolated chamber having a discharge receiving orifice for accepting a bi-phasic cryogen into a hot/work zone of the chamber. A low pressure cryogen source feeds a bi-phasic inert gas into the chamber in order to allow the volumetric expansion of the evaporating liquid constituent of the bi-phasic cryogen to purge a substantial portion of the ambient oxygen from the chamber and to allow a substantial residual concentration of the inert gas to blanket the process area without significant dissipation during the heat treating process. Oxidizable materials heat treated in artificial atmospheres generated by use of bi-phasic cryogens show no signs of scaling or staining through the process and thus do not need to undergo acid bathing prior to subsequent processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treatment of impact beams for use in automobiles is disclosed. This apparatus uniformly heat-treats impact beams having a non-circular cross-section, such as an elliptical cross-section. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a step feeder, a conveying unit, a guide unit, an impact beam rotating and moving unit, a heat-treating unit, a cooling unit and feed rollers. The impact beam rotating and moving unit consists of a rotary drum and a plurality of support rolls. This rotary drum cooperates with the support rolls to move the impact beams from the guide unit to a heat-treating unit. Each of the support rolls has a tapered profile. The heat-treating unit is used for heating the impact beams from the rotating and moving unit to the center of the induction coil so as to allow the impact beams to pass through the center of the induction coil.

Abstract: A process for removing sand cores from metal castings in a continuous or semi-continuous procedure utilizes a fluid bed furnace. The thermally decomposed sand cores are carried away with the fluidized solids of the furnace bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for treating particulate material within a rotating retort in which gas is injected within the retort to fluidize the particulate material within the rotating retort. An auger is mounted within an axle supporting the retort for rotation and particulate material is injected by the auger within the retort. Gas may be exhausted from the retort through an annular chamber about the auger or from a hollow shaft of the auger. Gas may also be exhausted through a permeable wall of the retort.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor manufacturing furnace having a heat blocker mounted to an elevating plate of the furnace. The heat blocker prevents the internal temperature of the furnace from decreasing radically when a wafer boat is lowered from the processing chamber of the furnace by the elevating plate. The heat blocker includes a sealed case, a plurality of horizontally extending heat-reflecting plates disposed in the case, and a plurality of support pins for supporting and fixing the reflecting plates in place. The heat-reflecting plates reflect heat back up into the processing chamber, as the elevating plate lowers the wafer boat, to keep the internal temperature of the heater stable. This not only enhances the productivity of the manufacturing process but also enhances the uniformity of the processed wafers.

Abstract: A heat treat fixture is provided for supporting thin sheet-like work pieces, such as metal gasket layers, during heat treatment to achieve uniform hardness and properties of the work piece while preventing warpage. The fixture has porous, planar support walls that engage the opposite sides of the work piece. The walls include a coarse porous exoskeleton of expanded metal and an inner liner of wire mesh panels that are considerably finer than the coarse exoskeleton. The porous walls permit liquid heating and cooling media during heat treatment to flow freely through the walls for intimate contact with the work piece to achieve rapid uniform heating and cooling. The work piece is supported by the porous walls against movement out of its plane while being permitted to expand and contract within its plane to minimize warpage.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a hollow turbomachine blade made from a type TA6V titanium alloy includes a hot forming step in which an element of the blade is isothermally shaped in a press at a temperature between 700° C. and 940° C. under the action of at least two stamps and a holding-clamp which press the blade element on a shaping die, while ensuring a controlled deformation rate so as to obtain a lengthening of the fibers, that is to say the elongation of the different fibers of the element, with a controlled distribution on both sides of the central fiber. A multiple-action furnace-press designed for carrying out the process is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus and method of carburizing ferrous metal parts. In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a radiant heater tube within which a source of hydrocarbon fuel is fully combusted, and a generator tube surrounding and forming a cavity around at least a portion of the radiant heater tube. The generator tube includes an input for air and enriching gas and an output to the process chamber of the furnace. The enriching gas is partially combusted or decomposed in the generator tube. This partially combusted gas is utilized to produce a carburizing gas for use in the process chamber of the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus that gives continuous hydrogen heat treatment to anisotropic rare earth magnet powders is invented. The apparatus a comprises shopper 12, a furnace 11 to carry out a hydrogen heat treatment, a heat compensating means 14 that is placed in the heating room of the furnace to keep the treatment temperature constant, a movable stopper 15 to support the material in the heating room of the furnace 11 and a cooling container 18. The raw magnet powder is fed into the furnace 11 and supported by the stopper 15, then hydrogen heat treatment is carried out. After the treatment the stopper opens the bottom end of the heating room and the processed magnet powder falls into the cooling room. By the operation described above, the present apparatus can carry out continuous hydrogen heat treatment without stopping the heating of the furnace batch by batch. Continuous hydrogen heat treatment greatly improves the production efficiency and quality of the processed magnet powder.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for controlling an atmosphere in a heat treatment furnace according to the present invention, a carburizing is carried out while supplying a hydrocarbon series gas and an oxidization gas into the furnace. The quantity of a residual CH.sub.4, a partial pressure of the oxidization gas and a partial pressure of CO are measured. The quantity of each gas to be supplied into the furnace is controlled according to either one of the values of the partial pressures.

Abstract: An automatic plant for thermal treatments of metal materials, in particular steel materials, is provided which comprises work stations (3, 4, 5, 6) having chambers (4a, 5a, 6a) with a well-shaped conformation, a flat bearing structure (7) in superposed relationship with the work stations, a movable assembly (8) provided with a slidable plate-like base (9) close to the bearing structure (7), at least one bell-shaped region (10) formed in the plate-like base (9) and adapted to house a charge-holding basket (18), and at least one vertical-movement device (12) adapted to move the basket (18) from an inner position to an outer position relative to the bell-shaped region itself (10).

Abstract: In a device for inductive hardening of profiled camshafts (especially those having valve cams and zero cams) during a hardening operation, the camshaft is surrounded by an inductor and is heated by means of a magnetic field emanating from the inductor. The inductor has several axial members and radial members through which the induction current flows during the hardening operation. Dynamo sheets provided on the axial branches focus the magnetic field in the radial direction. The position and the width of the dynamo sheets is adapted to the surface profile of the camshaft, so that the focusing is aimed at areas with a small diameter.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for controlling an atmosphere in a heat treatment furnace according to the present invention, a carburizing is carried out while supplying a hydrocarbon series gas and an oxidization gas into the furnace, and the supply of the hydrocarbon series gas is stopped either when the quantity of a residual CH.sub.4 in the furnace is changed to increasing from decreasing, or when a partial pressure of oxygen in the furnace reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing an oxidant mixed with a carrier gas into pre-heating zone of a continuous furnace for effectively removing lubricant from powder metal compacts prior to sintering at high temperatures. Mixing a controlled amount of a gaseous oxidizing agent such as moisture, carbon dioxide, air or mixtures thereof with a carrier gas and introducing the mixture into the preheating zone of a continuous furnace under controlled conditions accelerates removal of lubricant from powder metal compacts prior to sintering at high temperature by decomposing lubricant vapors into smaller and more volatile hydrocarbons, produces sintered components with close to soot- and residue-free surfaces and with the desired physical properties, prolongs the life of furnace components including muffles and belts, and reduces downtime, maintenance and operating costs.

Abstract: A nitriding process and nitriding furnace therefor wherein the parts to be treated are maintained at floating potentional in a vacuum furnace (9), current being provided to a metal screen (5) cathode surrounding the parts to be treated, the necessary heat being provided by radiation from screen (5) whereby nitriding gas is injected into the furnace such that it has to flow through screen (5) where the plasma necessary for the nitriding reaction is generated by glow discharge the plasma flowing around and reacting with the parts to be treated before it is evacuated at the bottom of furnace (9) through vacuum/exhaust conduit (2).

Abstract: In order to effectively remove and reclaim sand from a metal casting, an apparatus and system includes a bed having an entrance for receiving the casting and an exit for removing the casting. The bed is adapted to fluidize sand and may also be subjected to vibratory forces. The apparatus and system further includes a sand distribution conveyor for supplying sand to be fluidized to the bed at a point generally near the entrance and a sand transfer conveyor for removing sand to be recirculated from the bed at a point generally near the exit. The bed achieves a thorough mixing of the sand due to the fluidization and vibratory forces. With these features of construction, the apparatus and system also includes a sand return conveyor with all of the conveyors being vibratory and insulated to achieve energy efficient sand recirculation.

Abstract: The invention disclosed includes a heat treatment aging oven for heating metal parts having a heating chamber with an opening, a first transport mechanism disposed within the heating chamber for moving a first metal part through the heating chamber, and a second transport mechanism disposed within the heating chamber for moving a second metal part through the heating chamber, the first transport mechanism located in a spaced relationship to the second transport mechanism. A two piece door assembly for selectively opening the oven opening is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is apparatus for fabricating a coil spring including axially opposite end convolutions having respective ends respectively knotted to the associated end convolutions, which apparatus comprises a frame, a coil forming device mounted on the frame and operative to initially form a coil spring including axially opposite end convolutions having respective free ends, a tempering device mounted on the frame and operative to temper the initially formed coil spring, a knotting mechanism mounted on the frame and operative to respectively knot the free ends of the tempered coil spring to the associated end convolutions, and a transport mechanism mounted on the frame and operative to transport the initially formed coil spring to the tempering device, and to transport the tempered coil spring to the knotting mechanism.

Abstract: The present automated system for carburizing a component decreases the energy used to manufacture the component. The operations of heating the component in a first heating apparatus, forging the component in a forge and transferring the hot forged component directly to a second heating apparatus having a controlled atmosphere, increasing the temperature of the component, absorbing carbon within the component to a predetermined surface carbon content and depth and directly transferring the component to a quenching chamber and quenching the component defining a heat treated component.

Abstract: In order to effectively remove and reclaim sand from a metal casting, an apparatus and system includes a bed having an entrance for receiving the casting and an exit for removing the casting. The bed is adapted to fluidize sand and may also be subjected to vibratory forces. The apparatus and system further includes a sand distribution conveyor for supplying sand to be fluidized to the bed at a point generally near the entrance and a sand transfer conveyor for removing sand to be recirculated from the bed at a point generally near the exit. The bed achieves a thorough mixing of the sand due to the fluidization and vibratory forces. With these features of construction, the apparatus and system also includes a sand return conveyor with all of the conveyors being vibratory and insulated to achieve energy efficient sand recirculation.

Abstract: A mixture of powdered materials is subjected in an enclosure to a dispersing movement such that the components of the mixture are caused to fall freely in a dispersed form. During the fall, the dispersed components are sprayed with a binder dissolved in a solvent. On completion of the spraying, the dispersing movement is continued and a vacuum is simultaneously drawn in the vessel until the binder is in a solid state. In this way, the solvent is recovered in part. The apparatus includes a closed rotary vessel, inside of which are a suction conduit and a spray conduit, extending into the vessel in alignment with the axis thereof; the conduits are prolonged in respective vertical portions capped with a suction head and a spray head.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously annealing amorphous metal alloy cores with a closed magnetic path consists of a tunnel furnace having a bus bar connected sequentially to a DC power source. Switching is provided to simultaneously close and open electrical contacts provided on either end of the bus bar to ensure a continuous supply of power while loading or unloading jobs. The apparatus has a conveyer and loading and unloading mechanisms at the feeder end and discharge end of the furnace. The bus bar passes through the core window of the amorphous metal alloy core during the annealing process. The apparatus also consists of conventional trip mechanisms, heating and cooling mechanisms and mechanisms for gas flow through the furnace.

Abstract: In order to effectively heat treat and decore a metal casting, and thereafter fully reclaim the core sand for reuse, a two-stage system processes metal castings and core sand formed of sand and binder. The two-stage system includes a first stage for removing the core sand from the metal casting while at the same time heat treating the metal casting, and it also includes a separate, second stage for reclaiming the core sand. For this purpose, fluidized and heated sand is utilized as the castings and sand are conveyed together in the first stage and the sand alone is conveyed in the second stage for recirculation of at least a portion of the sand to the first stage.

Abstract: A constant current annealing device for annealing a wire or surgical needle is disclosed. The device includes amplitude and time setting devices, such as thumb-wheel switches. A constant current source is connected to the current setting device. The constant current source is switchable, through a switch for example, in response to a timing signal to provide a constant current for a predetermined duration. A pair of spaced apart electrodes are clamped on the needle and a switching device is connected between the constant current source and the pair of electrodes. The voltage drop across the switching device varies to compensate for load variations, thus keeping the anneal current constant in the anneal ON mode. In the anneal OFF mode, where current is not provided to the needle, the switching device shunts a residual current away from the electrodes. The time setting device include a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a solid state relay to provide an accurate timing signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for carburizing, quenching and tempering workpieces, by which the step of carburizing can be incorporated into a machining and manufacturing process to be performed by an on-line machining and manufacturing system as one stage thereof, and by which high-quality treatment or processing can be achieved without occurrences of variation in quality among heat-treated products. In this apparatus, a preheating chamber (2), six carburizing chambers (5a to 5f), a cooling chamber (6), a reheating chamber (7), a quenching chamber (8) are placed around an intermediate chamber (4) having a transport device (12). Further, a high-frequency induction heating technique is used for heating each of major ones of the treatment or processing chambers. Moreover, a plasma carburizing method is performed in the carburizing chambers.