Abstract: A device is provided with a measurement window, which is provided in a heat treat furnace and which permits direct visual observation of a surface to be measured of a heat-treated workpiece, and a temperature sensor, which is provided outside the measurement window and which is capable of carrying out noncontact measurement of the surface temperature of the surface to be measured through the measurement window. The temperature sensor has a measurement wavelength range in which the absorptivity by water is low (e.g., 1.95 ?m to 2.5 ?m). Further, the measurement window is composed of a window material having a high transmittance in the measurement wavelength range (e.g., germanium).

Abstract: A burner has a body portion and a main outlet. Fuel and primary oxidant outlets are arranged upstream of the main outlet and are disposed substantially concentrically about the axis of the burner. A chamber inside the body portion provides a place for the mixing of the fuel and oxidant. A laval nozzle provides acceleration of the mixed fuel and oxidant. Particulate matter are injected into a secondary oxidant flow immediately adjacent and downstream of the accelerating nozzle. The burner can be used in an electric arc furnace for decarburization of metals as well as post combustion. The burner can be mounted in a water-cooled box and can be fitted with an oxygen port for extra oxygen for post combustion while the burner injects hot oxygen and carbon for slag forming.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which is adapted to consolidate and melt reactive metallic materials, and to produce a "first ingot" which is suitable for subsequent evaluation and qualification under existing specifications for such materials in the aerospace industry. The apparatus comprises an enclosed heating chamber adapted to be substantially evacuated of air, and a hearth is positioned within the chamber for supporting the metallic material to be melted. Also, a plasma arc torch is mounted to the heating chamber, which is operable in the transfer arc mode wherein an arc extends from the rear electrode of the torch to the hearth. The rear electrode of the torch is of elongate tubular configuration, which permits a major portion of the length of the arc to be located within the torch itself, which permits the torch to deliver a high level of power in the vacuum environment within the heating chamber.