Abstract: Methods of creating a batch of recycled glass from mixed color glass cullet. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving at a glass plant a weight and color composition percentage of a first batch of mixed color cullet. The glass plant also receives a weight and color composition percentage of a second batch of mixed color cullet. The weight and color composition percentage of the first batch and the second batch are combined to generate a combined weight and composition percentage. The combined weight and composition are percentage are used to generate, automatically at a glass plant, a formulation to produce glass of a desired color.

Abstract: Device for automatically loading and unloading a feed to be treated in a heat treatment unit (1) such as a diffusion oven, comprising at least a cantilever (2) designed to receive the whole feed and to introduce the feed in the oven. The feed can consist of silicon wafers (4) arranged in quartz boats. The device comprises a multiple-basket automatic transfer equipment receiving on a reception zone, the whole feed, and transferring, from the reception zone to the cantilever, the whole feed and optionally dummy feeds, shielding feeds and control elements and vice-versa after the heat treatment, transferring the whole treated feed to the reception zone and transferring, from the cantilever to their original locations, the shielding feeds and the control elements, the various operations being carried out according to a predetermined scenario.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting the loading of a plurality of wafer boats into a multi-level wafer boat loading system (1) includes a vertical elevator mechanism (10) attached to the wafer boat loading system (1). A vertically movable horizontal wafer boat platform (18B) is attached to a vertically movable carriage (31) included in the elevator mechanism and vertically movable along a linear track (30) therein. A control system (25) associated with the vertical elevator mechanism includes a processor for executing a stored program which stores information representing a plurality of elevation levels the plurality of cantilever paddles (5), respectively, and which responds to a selection signal corresponding to manual selection of one of the elevator levels to control a drive mechanism (22,27) which moves the wafer boat support platform (18B) from an initial position to the selected elevator level.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously loading/unloading a plurality of wafer boats (24) onto/from a cantilever paddle includes a cantilever paddle (47-1) and a carriage (42-1) supporting the cantilever paddle First and second vertical translation mechanisms (34A,B) each include a stationary part (62,63) and a vertically moveable support (61). First and second horizontal translation mechanisms (50A,B) each have a base (86) supported by one of the vertically moveable supports and a horizontally moveable arm (51) supported by the base (86). A horizontal boat support assembly (102) supports the loaded wafer boats and has an end supported by a first horizontally moveable arm (51A) and another end supported by a second horizontally moveable arm (51B).

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously loading a single long wafer boat or a plurality of wafer boats onto a cantilever paddle includes a stationary first track aligned with a first opening of a diffusion furnace and a first carriage moveable on the first track. The first carriage supports a cantilever paddle. A first vertical translation mechanism includes a first stationary part and a first vertically moveable support. A second vertical translation mechanism includes a second stationary part and a second vertically moveable support. A first horizontal translation mechanism includes a first base supported by the first vertically moveable support and a first horizontally moveable arm supported by the first base. A second horizontal translation mechanism includes a second base supported by the second vertically moveable support and a second horizontally moveable arm supported by the second base.

Abstract: A system for hydrodynamically loading objects into a manufacturing system is disclosed. The system comprises a receptacle for retaining fluid, the receptacle having an aperture for egress to a manufacturing system. At least one cassette is supported within the receptacle for retaining a plurality of objects and positioning one of the objects in a loading location in alignment with the aperture. At least one nozzle is also disposed within the receptacle for ejecting fluid and urging objects in the loading location into the aperture.

Abstract: A method of transferring conductive balls via a suction head without picking up errors and mounting errors includes moving a suction head with pores towards the conductive balls located in a case and applying a vacuum pressure to the pores to suck and pick up the conductive balls. While the suction head is moved away from the case, the suction head is vibrated by oscillators at different frequencies changed within a predetermined frequency range, thereby dropping redundant conductive balls from the suction head. Further, the suction head is moved to a position above a work piece and moved towards the work piece. The pores are communicated with atmosphere to mount the conductive balls onto the work piece. While the suction head is away from the work piece, the suction head is vibrated by oscillators at different frequencies changed within a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding solid fuels in a space limited by a plane bottom plate, side walls and a pusher device arranged adjacent the bottom surface. A drive is located outside the walls and is attached to the pusher in order to obtain a reciprocating movement of the pusher. The invention is characterized in that the pusher comprises a number of pusher rods arranged substantially parallel with each other and substantially parallel with the bottom surface.

Abstract: A transverse conveying apparatus for a continuous furnace comprises a gripper, which is arranged such that it can be displaced along a transporting rail and is mounted such that it can pivot around an axis of rotation parallel to the transporting rail, the conveying apparatus automatically receives the objects which are to be conveyed. In the closed state, i.e., with the gripper in engagement with the objects which are to be conveyed, the gripper is displaced along the transporting rail. Once the destination has been reached, the carrier is released or opened again by the gripper being rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus includes a housing into which a discharge pipe of a carbonization drum opens. A residue discharge chute which starts from the housing opens into a conveying device ending at an outlet. A filling-level meter is disposed at the residue discharge chute. The conveying device has a profiled separating shelf with an end remote from the mouth of the residue discharge chute, at which a bar screen is formed. The bar screen covers a delivery opening for fine residue and ends at the outlet for coarse residue. A vibrator is associated with the conveying device.

Abstract: A system for automatic loading of wafer boats onto a cantilever paddle for insertion of the wafer boats into a furnace tube includes an end effector carriage moving on a track and supporting an end effector having spaced, parallel pads to engage opposed outer side portions of a wafer boat. The end effector receives a wafer boat from a robotic arm of an elevator. The robotic arm moves transversely relative to the track to position the wafer boat over the track on which the paddle carriage moves. The end effector carriage moves the end effector pads under the wafer boat, lifts it from a pair of elevator tines, moves the wafer boat over a desired part of the paddle, and lowers the wafer boat onto the paddle. The end effector carriage then returns the end effector to an initial location.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the cross contamination of heating element within horizontal furnaces is disclosed. A rotating spindle may connect to either or both of the lifting arm of a triaxial loader or the transfer plate of a loading station. A pair of spindles are able to lift a single wafer boat. Each spindle includes a plurality of active positions with one active position associated with each heating element of the horizontal furnace. A control processor monitors the position of the spindle and rotates the spindle to the active position associated with a heating element when a loading or unloading process is initiated for that heating element.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for a continuous furnace comprises at least one conveying-beam pair and at least one retaining-beam pair, which are located opposite one another in each case with the conveyable object between them, and which makes it possible to choose virtually any conveying direction, in particular a vertical one. By guiding the conveying beams in opposite directions along suitable curved paths, it may be ensured that abrasive contact does not occur between the objects which are to be conveyed and the retaining beams, on the one hand, and the conveying beams, on the other hand. The avoidance of abrasive contact means that there is virtually no wear during the transportation of the objects which are to be conveyed, with the result that it is possible to maintain clean conditions, as are frequently required in the electronics and semiconductor industry.

Abstract: A system for automatic loading of wafer boats onto a cantilever paddle for insertion of the wafer boats into a furnace tube includes an end effector carriage moving on a track and supporting an end effector having spaced, parallel pads to engage opposed outer side portions of a wafer boat. The end effector receives a wafer boat from a robotic arm of an elevator. The robotic arm moves transversely relative to the track to position the wafer boat over the track on which the paddle carriage moves. The end effector carriage moves the end effector pads under the wafer boat, lifts it from a pair of elevator tines, moves the wafer boat over a desired part of the paddle, and lowers the wafer boat onto the paddle. The end effector carriage then returns the end effector to an initial location.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus having a heat treatment furnace into which a hydrocarbon gas and an oxidization gas are introduced, wherein an outlet opening of a valve through which a pusher for pushing a work to be heat treated in the heat treatment furnace is movable is hermetically connected to a pusher insertion port formed on a wall of the heat treatment furnace, and a seal box is connected hermetically to an inlet opening of the valve, the pusher being movable hermetically through the seal box. An elevator door for opening and closing the heat treatment furnace has a guide pin projected therefrom, and a jam having an upper hook surface for receiving the guide pin thereon, the jam being pivotally supported so that when the elevator door is lowered, the elevator door is moved by the jam toward a seal surface of the opening of the heat treatment furnace.

Abstract: A first printed board transferred from a prior process on an inlet conveyer is placed on a moving unit at a first switching position. The moving unit moves to a second switching position while mounting the first printed board with electronic components from a component feeding section. During this process, a second printed board stands by at the second switching position via the inlet conveyer, a transit path and an intermediate conveyer. At the second switching position, the second printed board is placed on the moving unit while shunting out the first printed board onto an outlet conveyer for transfer to a subsequent process. The moving unit moves to the first switching position while mounting the second printed board with the electronic components from the component feeding section.

Abstract: A curing device for drying bonding material used for bonding, for example, chips to a lead frame for semiconductor devices including reciprocatory motion drive pulleys provided on the drive shafts of a conveyor. A plurality of wire ropes are installed on the pulleys, and end fittings are attached to the ropes so as to be fitted to the reciprocatory motion drive pulleys. Thus, the positional relationship between the wire ropes and the reciprocatory motion drive pulleys are not changed, and the workpieces are correctly carried by the wire ropes onto heating blocks of the curing device.

Abstract: A boat, carrying wafers to be processed, is pushed into a furnace by a substantially elongated and cantilevered actuator arm having a lug that pushes by first rotating the arm, to cause the lug to traverse a vertical rod attached to against a plate affixed to the boat. The boat is later pulled out of the furnace the boat, and thereafter pulling on the arm to enable the lug to pull against the vertical rod to withdraw the boat. Reliable operation is attained regardless of sagging of the actuator arm relative to the boat.

Abstract: An adjustable vibrating plate cullet feeder for feeding recycle glass to melting furnaces. Independent control of the rate of cullet feed is obtained by adjustment of at least one of: the angle of the feeder plate, the intensity of the vibration, and the frequency of the vibration. The vibrating plate cullet feeder may be positioned to feed over a batch charger or may feed directly into the melting furnace and may be controlled by the batch charger or independently by a furnace level or composition controller.

Abstract: A circulation duct with a blow fan and a shutter is provided to form gas flows in a transfer chamber below a heat treatment furnace, and a dust removing filter unit is provided in a blowout port of the circulation gas passage. Three, for example, gas supply pipes with a number of blowout holes are provided on the front side of the filter unit at set heights, and a clean air source is connected to the proximal end of the air supply pipes through an opening/closing valve. Clean gas is fed into the transfer chamber from the clean air source from the start of an unloading of the wafers to the time of the dismounting of the wafers from a wafer boat with the circulation of gas flows in the circulation gas passage stopped. A filter material of the dust removing filter is PTFE, which can reduce the amount of impurities scattered from the dust removing filter that attach on the wafers.

Abstract: A pusher furnace for heating workpieces has an elongate and generally horizontally extending chamber housing a plurality of trays to receive workpieces thereon to be heated within the chamber. The chamber is divided into at least two generally parallel rows of a plurality of trays and pusher mechanisms are provided adjacent each end of the chamber to push the trays along the rows to circulate them within the chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber is divided into three rows of trays wherein a pusher mechanism alternately transfers work trays from one row to the other rows. Each work tray is provided with a plurality of opposed slots at the upper and lower surface thereof so that work engaging fingers can be inserted into the slots for engaging underneath the workpieces for transfer to and from the furnace.

Abstract: Furnace with refractory longitudinal members and with central charging for heating and storing hot products, whereby the central charge arrives from a continuous casting plant or from previous hot processes, the furnace (10) comprising a first furnace portion (10a) for the introduction of a cold charge (12) and for storage and also a second furnace portion (10b) for discharge of the heated charge (15), the first (10a) and second (10b) furnace portions comprising stationary longitudinal members (23) and movable longitudinal members (24), the central charging taking place between the first (10a) and second (10b) furnace portions, a central intake and guide channel (22) being defined as a furnace bed by the plurality of stationary longitudinal members (23) cooperating with the respective plurality of movable longitudinal members (24a-24b) of the first (10a) and second (10b) furnace portions, the movable longitudinal members (24a-24b) in their raised position substantially facing each other, the width of the cent

Abstract: A furnace grate for use in a combustion furnace includes rows of grate bars positioned one behind the other, moveable and stationary grate bar supports, side plates, drive shafts and fluid cylinders. The grate bars are seated on the grate bar supports within the furnace while the fluid cylinders are positioned outside the furnace wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a predetermined number of semiconductor wafers to a wafer boat charging/discharging unit or to one of an array of vertical type dispersing furnaces via the wafer boat charging/discharging unit. The apparatus is operated by actuating the wafer boat charging/discharging unit adapted to charge a wafer boat having a mass of semiconductor wafers carried thereon in a vertical state in a furnace tube of the dispersing furnace by using a vertically displaceable wafer boat stage on which the wafer boat is charged in a furnace tube in cooperation with a wafer boat handler. After completion of a dispersing operation, the wafer boat is lowered away from the furnace tube and then returned to a wafer boat transferring passage with the aid of the wafer boat handler.

Abstract: Independent installation for discharging, storing and transferring products, such as steelworks products, which comprises fixed beams on which rest the products to be handled, and moveable beams placed between the fixed beams and driven in a rectangular cycle of displacement, each moveable beam comprises, at one of its ends, a discharging arm or fingers so that when a product taken from among those stored on the fixed beams is being transferred, said product rests on the end of said fingers and can be displaced and transferred to a discharging or removal zone in a manner entirely independent of the products which remain stored on said fixed beams.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer-processing apparatus has a plurality of support members provided respectively for the processing units of a processing apparatus, and designed for supporting wafer receptacles each containing semiconductor wafers, and receptacle-inserting/extracting mechanism for inserting a wafer receptacle from the support members into the processing units, and for extracting the wafer receptacle from the processing units back to the support members. Receptacle-transporting mechanism is provided, operated independently of the receptacle inserting/extracting mechanism, for transporting the wafer receptacle between each support member and a predetermined position.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for quantitatively analyzing a gaseous mixture for its components. A predetermined volume of a gaseous mixture of combustion products component is collected in a gas mixer up to a preselected pressure. A portion of the mixture is discharged successively through the tubular column and a sample chamber for a predetermined time period with the mixture being initially at the preselected pressure in the volume means. Detection of delayed output of gas constitutents from the column provides an analysis of constituents. The apparatus further comprises a furnace, a magazine for holding the plurality of test samples, a transfer device connected to the furnace for sequentially transferring a successive sample from the magazine to the furnace, and a furnace seal integral with the transfer device for temporal sealing of the furnace from ambient atmosphere after the sample is transferred to the furnace until subsequent transferral.

Abstract: A substrate transfer device containing an arm support member for supporting plural substrate support arms at one ends thereof, said arms having substrate housing areas at the other ends thereof, a structure arranged on a base to freely move in the longitudinal direction of the substrate support arms while holding the arm support member, another arm support member for holding a substrate support arm at the other side of the first arm support member, a structure arranged on the base to freely move in the longitudinal direction of the one substrate support arm while holding the arm support member for one substrate, a structure for moving the base up and down, and a structure for moving the base in a direction perpendicular to the substrate support arms on a plane parallel to the plane in which the substrate support arms are included.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder in combination with a fuel fired furnace such as a coal fired steam generating boiler is disclosed. The vibratory feeder has a tray with a flat bottom in one embodiment and a step bottom in another and a hopper having vertical sides supported above the bottom so that the fuel in the hopper rests on the tray bottom and the vibration of the tray is transmitted into the stack of fuel thereby agitating it. The discharge end of the tray bottom directs the fuel from the feeder tray to the bladed distributor and water is directed onto the tray bottom to prevent caking of fuel on the discharge end.

Abstract: For use with a reheating furnace for reheating blooms for rolling, in which for charging the furnace with blooms a series of longitudinal moveable arms are provided, for each arm a arm supporting and lifting mechanism comprising two pair of freely rotatable hold down--counterbalancing guide rollers for engaging a tract provided on the arm, a freely rotatable support roller for supporting the arm during their movements, and a piston cylinder assembly for the arm connected to frames of the support roller for raising and lower the roller and hence the arm.

Abstract: A heat-treating apparatus includes a furnace for heat-treating wafers, installed so as to set its longitudinal direction vertically and having an opening which is formed in its lower end so as to allow a boat having semiconductor wafers mounted thereon to be loaded, a heat-insulating cylinder on which the boat is placed and which is adapted to keep the boat hot, a lifting unit for lifting and loading the boat and the heat-insulating cylinder into the furnace, and for lowering and unloading them from the furnace, a moving unit for pivoting the heat-insulating cylinder and retracting the cylinder from below the boat, and a handler unit for supporting and vertically moving the boat. After the wafers are heat-treated, the boat is moved downward by the lifting unit. The heat-insulating cylinder is retracted from below the boat by the moving unit while the boat is supported by the handler unit. Subsequently, the boat is further lowered by the handler unit so as to completely remove the boat from the furnace.

Abstract: The grate comprises, within its length, two consecutive beds (41, 42) with substantially the same general slope joined together at a point in substantial vertical alignment with the altar wall (7), each bed having its own mobile frame (45d, 46d) with its own control means (45, 46) and its own draft chamber (43, 44) with its own ventilation means. It is therefore possible to adjust the combustion conditions so as to optimize the carbonization mode combustion on the upstream bed (41) and the brasier mode combustion on the downstream bed (42).

Abstract: A walking beam type reheating furnace which is provided with a furnace housing, stationary beams fixedly mounted in the furnace housing, first movable beams arranged on the charge side in the furnace housing, second movable beams arranged separately from the first movable beams on the discharge side in the furnace housing and a steel workpiece transfer device capable of transferring a steel workpiece which is placed in a zone where the first movable beams are located to a predetermined position in the vicinity of a separating portion of the first and second movable beams by passing the steel workpiece over the stationary beams and the first movable beams, wherein the first and second movable beams can be independently driven from each other.

Abstract: A furnace grate structure for a furnace or incinerator on which solid fuel advances in an advancing direction has at least two parallel grate beams extending substantially transversely to the advancing direction, the beams being mounted on a substructure and forming upwardly facing support structures. The grate beams form grate beam sections with gaps formed between the end surfaces of adjacent grate beam sections. The gaps are covered by a covering device and a recess is provided in the end surfaces of the grate beam sections to receive the covering device.

Abstract: An apparatus for baking treatment of semiconductor wafers comprises a furnace portion and a conveyor portion. The furnace portion has a baking chamber in which is installed a turntable on which baking cassettes are supported during baking treatment and a mechanism for circulating hot air through the baking chamber. The conveyor portion has a conveyor mechanism which moves cassettes for transporting wafers along a path from an entrance to an exit of the conveyor portion, a transferring mechanism which can transfer wafers from a cassette for transporting wafers to a baking cassette and vice versa, and a cassette insertion and removal mechanism for inserting and removing a baking cassette from the baking chamber of the furnace portion and mounting it on and removing it from the turntable.

Abstract: A vibrating discharge apparatus for discharging particulate stored material from a surge or blending bin or the like, having a discharge end, a discharge apron defining an support surface near the bottom of the bin extending in a substantially horizontal plane along a conveyance path to the discharge end. The apron is directed along a downwardly curving convex apron path sloping downwardly from the horizontal plane at the discharge end and comprises a plurality of rigid elongated parallel transversely extending slat members each having a main slat body portion and a thin plate-like lip projecting therefrom to overlie the adjacent slat member.

Abstract: A walking beam type reheating furnace which is provided with a furnace housing, stationary beams fixedly mounted in the furnace housing, first movable beams arranged on the charge side in the furnace housing, second movable beams arranged separately from the first movable beams on the discharge side in the furnace housing and a steel workpiece transfer device capable of transferring a steel workpiece which is placed in a zone where the first movable beams are located to a predetermined position in the vicinity of a separating portion of the first and second movable beams by passing the steel workpiece over the stationary beams and the first movable beams, wherein the first and second movable beams can be independently driven from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a furnace with semiconductor wafers is known, which has at least two heat treatment chambers (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D), each of them having an associated stationary loading unit (8) with a receptacle movable in the direction of the furnace axis via a feed apparatus and having a loading system (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) for semiconductor wafers. In order to provide such an apparatus for automatically loading the furnace with semiconductors which facilitates loading and overcomes the disadvantages of the known apparatuses, the apparatus according to the invention has a common central loading station (9) for all the semiconductor loading systems (2), and these loading systems are removable from the loading unit (8).

Abstract: A furnace grate structure for a furnace or incinerator on which solid fuel advances in an advancing direction has at least two parallel grate beams extending substantially transversely to the advancing direction, the beams being mounted on a substructure and forming upwardly facing support surfaces. A bank of elongated grate bars which extend substantially parallel to the advancing direction are supported on the upwardly facing support surfaces, and are spaced from each other. Each of the grate beams comprises a plurality of sections arranged end to end so that the length of the grate beams can be varied simply by changing the number of sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a step type stoker with an oscillation mechanism having: a plurality of stoker frames (2 and 2') which are installed at an interval in the upstream to downstream direction, and at least one of which forms an air supply path (5); reciprocating fire grates (3) each of which is formed with a plurality of fire grate members (8) installed in a step-like manner on a groove-shaped frame (7) equipped with an air path (6) which is in communication with the aforementioned air supply path (5) at all times; and fixed fire grates (4) each of which is formed with a plurality of fire grate members 8 installed in a step-like manner on a groove-shaped frame (7) equipped with an air path (6) which is in communication with the aforementioned air supply path (5) at all times. The fixed fire grates are arranged to be adjacent to and parallel with the aforementioned movable fire grates (3), but are fixed on the aforementioned stoker frames (2 and 2').

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing silicon wafers in magazines into a process tube of a furnace or diffusion oven. At least two spaced silica tubes closed at the end next adjacent the process tube constitute supporting members for the loaded magazines and a clamping device holds and supports said members cantilever-fashion by that end thereof remote from the process tube. Motor means are associated with the clamping device for moving the supporting members with the loaded magazines thereon into and out of the process tube in a substantially horizontal direction in such a manner that the magazines and their supporting members remain entirely suspended throughout the loading, processing and unloading operations: thus no part thereof comes into contact with the interior wall of the process tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring palletized uncured concrete blocks to a curing kiln from a block making station and rapidly loading the palletized uncured blocks into the kiln. Typical kilns include a plurality of rows of tiered passageways extending from an open front end to an open rear end of the kiln. The transferring and loading apparatus includes a conveyor device for moving palletized blocks from the block making station to a location below the open front end of any selected one of the passageways a distance greater than the height of the palletized blocks, a lifting device for lifting the pallet of blocks from the conveyor device to the open front end of the selected passageway, and a palletized block moving device for moving the pallet of blocks from the lifting device into the selected passageway as another pallet of uncured blocks moves into position on the conveyor device below the selected passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to vibrating hearth burners. Three problems exist in known such burners, these being uniformity of fuel combustion; ash discharge; and over-heating of the grate. To meet the first of these, the present invention provides a burner in which the grate (30) and the vibrating mechanism (10,16) cooperate to decelerate the movement of fuel along the grate (30) as it travels towards the discharge end. This results in a build-up of ash towards the discharge end providing a substantially uniform thickness of fuel/ash on the grate (30), and a substantially uniform pressure drop across the grate (30). The provision of an ignition grate (32) is also contemplated to ensure that the fuel is ignited at the delivery end of the grate (30). To meet the second, the invention contemplates the provision of an ash return chute (54) incorporated in the vibrating grate assembly (8).

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus is disclosed, which includes a tube device having a tube axis in the horizontal direction for receiving therein an object to be treated so as to treat the same by heat, a holding member for holding thereon a plurality of objects to be treated, first and second supporting devices located at one end outside of the tube device, a first coupling member for coupling the first supporting device with the holding member, a first operating member for moving the holding member in the horizontal direction, a second coupling member attached to the second supporting device for holding a holding portion of the holding member by shaft-rotation, and a second operating member for moving the holding member in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: A process for aerobic composting or drying of organic waste materials in a composting bin and apparatus for carrying out the process. The composting bin is formed by one or more elongate composting passageway chambers which can be aerated or vented and heated. Each chamber encloses in sequence an intake zone, shaping zone, reaction zone, and discharge or transfer zone. Material is fed loosely through an opening into the intake zone in successive substantially equal portions or charges. A clearing element at the intake end of the chamber intermittently pushes each successive portion through the shaping zone, against the preceding portion, and through the reaction zone of the chamber. Residence time in the compost bin is sufficient for complete composting or other purposes before discharge or transfer. In the case of a bin with two or more chambers the chambers are arranged at different levels one below the other.

Abstract: A device is described for feeding bars and tubes into a treatment furnace. The device comprises a rotary drum positioned in front of a long horizontal opening provided in the sidewall of the furnace for receiving a bar and introducing it into the furnace through the opening. The device is characterized by a pair of arms which are articulated around an axis outside the furnace and parallel with the drum and which are designed to receive the bars supplied by the drum and to lay them gently down in the furnace, e.g. on the walking beams of a walking beam furnace.

Abstract: A conveyor system with an automatic operating capability is disclosed. The system is particularly adapted to conveying articles into a steam chamber, vessel, oven or the like and retrieving articles after treatment therein. The system includes a truck driven horizontally, preferably by a chain drive along tracks which extend from a pick-up point, into the chamber, or through the chamber, to a deposit point. The bed of the truck is elevated or depressed, preferably pneumatically, and the system further includes opposed rail members disposed parallel to the tracks, outboard of the tracks, and at an elevation slightly above that of the truck bed in its deflated or depressed condition. Articles to be conveyed are sequentially loaded on the forward end of the truck, the truck bed elevated, and the articles conveyed horizontally to a desired point. The truck bed is then deflated or depressed to deposit the articles on the opposed rails.

Abstract: A system is provided for loading concrete blocks, carried on pallets, into a kiln. The kiln includes a front end wall and a rear end wall and a plurality of guideways extending from the front end wall to the rear end wall. The guideways are arranged in a grid pattern of horizontally aligned layers and vertically aligned tiers. The pallets are inserted into a selected guideway. A laterally movable main frame carries a vertically movable subframe which includes an arcuate conveyor. An elevator delivers pallets to the subframe which inserts the pallets into the selected guideway. The main frame and subframe are indexed for exact alignment with the selected guideway.

Abstract: A grate assembly for a furnace for incinerating material comprises rows of moving grate bars which are arranged between rows of stationary grate bars and which are individually driven by drives arranged exteriorly of a combustion zone located beneath the rows of grate bars. Interposed between the grate bars and the drive are a lever system including a swivel lever fastened to a torsion shaft and a slide guide attachment for effecting approximately rectilinear movement of the moving grate bars. The torsion shaft is supported on sidewalls of the combustion zone and is rotatable and slideable by means of a bearing support which pivots about a shaft. Due to the approximately rectilinear movement and the optional, individual adjustment of the movement of adjacent moving rows of grate bars, the incineration behaviour of the material may be taken into consideration to a large extent and the drives may be easily maintained since they are readily accessible.

Abstract: A work transfer assembly including a transfer car movable along a path for transporting a workpiece carrier between separate processing stations positioned along the path. The car includes a push-pull chain made up of a plurality of links with one of the links defined by a pair of spaced support plates having upwardly extending support flanges interconnected by a shaft which rotatably supports a coupler member. The coupler member is a single unitary member having a pair of side plates interconnected by an abutment plate below which is an L-shaped plate defining a hook. The coupler member is rotatably supported for movement between a hook position with the hook in position for hooking a tray for removing the tray from a station and an abutment position with the abutment plate in position for abutting the tray for pushing the tray into the station.