Abstract: A retaining bar to be used in combination with a heat furnace supporting assembly for supporting at least one receptacle. The retaining bar comprises at least one single piece elongated body having a finite length and at least one receptacle receiving cavity defined therein and extending along a section of the length of the body. Each one of the at least one receptacle receiving cavity is configured to receive therein one of a bottom section and an upper section of one of the at least one receptacle. A heat furnace receptacle supporting assembly comprising such a retaining bar and a heat furnace provided with the heat furnace receptacle supporting assembly are further provided.

Abstract: Multi-lane, side-by-side, independently driven transport systems particularly useful for transfer on conveyor belts or finger/chains of thin work pieces, such as silicon wafers, through processing equipment for converting the wafers into solar cells, including UV pre-treaters, dopers, dryers, diffusion furnaces and metallization furnaces. The inventive multi-lane transport systems may employ wire mesh belts having a flying bridge wafer support system comprising longitudinally spaced carrier wire elements that support the wafers at their side edges at only point contacts, by means of opposed, inwardly inclined, downwardly slanted segments or wings. Alternately, finger drives comprising spaced-apart chains having inwardly projecting fingers may be used for transport of the wafers by side edge contact. Friction or sprocket drives having tensioner assemblies associa-ted therewith are used to move the transport belts or finger chains through the furnace zones.

Abstract: A thermoformer apparatus has sheet supporting rails which are divided into sections hinged together to facilitate widening of the spacing between the rails with adjuster drive mechanism as the sheet moves through an oven to eliminate sagging of the sheet as it becomes heated. Thermoformer chains are driven by a pair of independently operable servo motors each associated with a respective thermoformer chain.

Abstract: A baking transmission mechanism includes a dustproof assembly, which includes a box, a main transport wheel, and a drive unit. The first transportation assembly includes a first oven assembly, a first feed wheel, a first discharge wheel, a first pulley assembly, and a second pulley assembly. The first feed wheel and the first discharge wheel are located at a top of the first oven assembly, and the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are located at opposite sides of the first oven assembly. The second transportation assembly includes a second oven assembly, a second feed wheel, a second discharge wheel, and a third pulley assembly, wherein the second feed wheel and the second discharge wheel are located at a top of the second oven assembly, and the third pulley assembly is adjacent to the second pulley assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-line furnace includes a continuous conveyor configured to hold wafers at an angle relative to ground. The conveyor may have fixedly integrated wafer retainers configured to hold the wafers in slots. The conveyor may be formed by several segments that are joined together. Each of the segments may include a base and a set of wafer retainers formed thereon. The conveyor may be driven to move the wafers through a chamber of the furnace, where the wafers are thermally processed.

Abstract: Multi-lane, side-by-side, independently driven transport systems particularly useful for transfer on conveyor belts or finger/chains of thin work pieces, such as silicon wafers, through processing equipment for converting the wafers into solar cells, including UV pre-treaters, dopers, dryers, diffusion furnaces and metallization furnaces. The inventive multi-lane transport systems may employ wire mesh belts having a flying bridge wafer support system comprising longitudinally spaced carrier wire elements that support the wafers at their side edges at only point contacts, by means of opposed, inwardly inclined, downwardly slanted segments or wings. Alternately, finger drives comprising spaced-apart chains having inwardly projecting fingers may be used for transport of the wafers by side edge contact. Friction or sprocket drives having tensioner assemblies associa-ted therewith are used to move the transport belts or finger chains through the furnace zones.

Abstract: A device and method for transporting and handling catalyst for a chemical reactor.

Abstract: A heating apparatus cooling a substrate heated by a hot plate at a cooling position adjacent to the hot plate, capable of achieving a smaller height and reducing an operation time in the apparatus, in which contamination of the substrate by particles or the like is less likely, and the like, are provided. The heating apparatus includes a hot plate for heating a wafer representing a substrate from below, in a heating chamber having a wafer load/unload port. In addition, a wire for transferring the wafer between a cooling position of the substrate adjacent to the load/unload port of the heating chamber (position above a cooling plate) and a position above the hot plate is provided and extends. The wafer is mounted on a gap forming member provided on the wire, and thereafter loaded into the heating chamber.

Abstract: A substrate manufacturing system comprises a substrate processing device for conveying pallets from an inlet to an outlet; a pallet conveyor for sequentially returning the pallets for conveying the pallets from an outlet to an inlet; and a pallet controller including: a counter for counting the conveyed pallets at the inlet of the substrate processing device, a reference detector for detecting the reference pallet at the inlet of the substrate processing device, a first monitor for activating first alarm when the substrate lot is changed at the inlet of the substrate processing device and the reference detector detects absence of the reference pallet at the inlet of the substrate processing device, and a second monitor for activating second alarm when the counter counts the predetermined number of the pallets and the reference detector detects absence of the reference pallet at the inlet of the substrate processing device.

Abstract: A pusher plate for use in a pusher furnace includes a shaped guidance groove in its lower surface which preferably has a bow-tie shape with a narrower central section and wider ends proximate the leading and trailing faces of the plate. The groove receives therein a guide rail which is disposed intermediate a pair of slide rails upon which the plate slides. The shape of the groove allows the plate a small amount of lateral rotation to minimize jamming during travel. Adjacent plates pivot upon contact with each other to automatically adjust their orientation during travel through the furnace. The leading and trailing faces of the plates thus contact one another over a larger surface area to reduce damage to the plates by reducing the pressure therebetween.

Abstract: A pusher furnace includes a pusher assembly having first and second coordinated pushers for pushing load supports with loads to be heated thereon to provide continuous downstream movement of the load supports through a furnace section. A removal assembly includes a first removal mechanism which removes the load supports from the furnace section and a second removal mechanism which removes the loads from the first removal mechanism to facilitate the continuous downstream movement. The first removal mechanism preferably includes a parallelogram-type four-bar linkage for lifting the load supports and lowering them onto the second removal mechanism. Entry and exit plenums are connected to respective ends of the furnace section to provide a controlled atmosphere within the furnace section. The pusher and removal assemblies are timed with opening and closing of various gates of the plenums to maintain the controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A cooling grate for bulk material, having a carrying plate for accommodating a layer of the material for cooling, and having conveying elements by means of which the material for cooling is conveyed in a conveying direction on the resting carrying plate and which comprise pushers, which are arranged in a movable manner on that side of the carrying plate which is subjected to the action of material for cooling, and a drive, which is arranged on the other side of the carrying plate and is intended for executing a lifting movement, each pusher being assigned an opening in the carrying plate and a transmission member, which is guided thereby and connects the pusher to the drive. The carrying plate is provided, at the openings, with in each case one collar, which at least at the front and rear, as seen in the conveying direction, has a seal acting between the transmission member and collar.

Abstract: A system for the plasma treatment of parts. The system includes a chamber base sealingly engageable with a reaction chamber to form a treatment chamber and a lifting device operable to lift the reaction chamber from the chamber base. A transfer mechanism is operable to transfer parts along a guide to multiple treatment positions within the treatment chamber when the reaction chamber is disengaged from the chamber base. An electronic control system controls the transfer mechanism for transferring the plurality of parts to the treatment positions. The parts are treated with a plasma produced within the treatment chamber by a plasma-generating device.

Abstract: A batch charger has a telescopic belt conveyor with a vertical take-up system for the belt when the conveyor retracts. The conveyor may pivot and/or shift laterally besides the furnace on a track. Fixed silos are positioned to refill an on conveyor bin while it is pivoting.

Abstract: A batch charger has a telescopic belt conveyor with a vertical take-up system for the belt when the conveyor retracts. The conveyor may pivot and/or shift laterally besides the furnace on a track. Fixed silos are positioned to refill an on conveyor bin while it is pivoting.

Abstract: A sterilization tunnel for pharmaceutical containers such as vials has an inlet zone, a sterilization zone, and a cooling zone. A conveyor belt for the vials is disposed inside the sterilization tunnel. An emptying device that can be raised and lowered is disposed in the vicinity of the cooling zone. In order to empty the sterilization tunnel, the frame-shaped emptying device is lowered onto the conveyor belt and then pushes an emptying slider, which is being moved through the sterilization tunnel together with the last vials disposed on the conveyor belt, out from the sterilization tunnel. The emptying device permits a particularly simple operation of the sterilization tunnel.

Abstract: A high-temperature conveyor furnace with a low friction conveyor travel surface is provided. The furnace includes a muffle defining a heating chamber, hearth plates providing a hearth surface within the heating chamber, and a conveyor belt to convey product through the heating chamber. The conveyor belt is formed of a first material, such as a nickel-chrome alloy. A plurality of low-friction inserts are supported by the hearth plates, preferably in openings in the hearth plates, to provide a surface upraised from the hearth surface upon which the conveyor belt travels. The inserts are formed of a second material, such as an electronics grade ceramic, that is different from the first material of the conveyor, which minimizes friction between the inserts and the belt. The low-friction surface is particularly suitable for high temperature, low dewpoint furnace applications, such as stainless steel brazing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for curing coatings on ophthalmic lenses is disclosed. The apparatus includes an oven that is continuously supplied with lenses. A vertically oriented conveyor having multiple carrier bars for supporting the lenses is positioned within the oven. The conveyor moves the lenses through a series of positions within the oven where the lenses are subjected to heat. Ambient air is filtered and forced into the oven by an intake blower which keeps the air pressure within the oven above the ambient air pressure. Air is recirculated and filtered within the oven by recirculation blowers. Air is exhausted from the oven by an exhaust blower which effects air exchange with the ambient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the temperature regulation of components such as semiconductor circuits, printed circuit boards and the like. The components are conveyed on carriers through an inlet slot into a temperature regulating housing provided with temperature regulating members and are convey out through an outlet slot opposite the inlet slot. In the housing, the carriers are loaded on a magazine provided with adjacently arranged holders. After the first holder is loaded in the starting position, the magazine is displaced progressively in one direction into successive positions in which the remaining holders of the magazine are loaded one after the other. Once all the holders are loaded, the magazine is filled and in an end position. Thereupon the magazine is displaced back to its starting position in a fast reverse run in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a substrate. The system includes a substrate heating station, a processing station, a conveyor for transporting the heated substrate from the substrate heating station to the processing station and a conveyor heating station. A substrate transfer station is located between the substrate heating station, the conveyor heating station and the processing station for the transfer of the heated substrate to the conveyor in a thermally controlled environment isolated from contaminants. The substrate transfer station includes a housing having an interior chamber, first and second inlets for the separate passage of a substrate and conveyor into the interior chamber, and an outlet for the egress of the substrate and conveyor. The transfer station also includes a heater and a guide assembly for directing the conveyor between the conveyor inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A transfer system that supports circuit boards as it conveys them through a reflow oven. The system uses a sag support between edge supports. The sag support does not have to move as the circuit board is transferred along the transfer system. The height of the sag support can be easily adjusted. The sag support's mounts can maintain appropriate tension in the sag support even if the sag support expands during operation. The system may use a mechanism to prevent the friction between the boards and the sag support from interfering with the movement of boards along the transfer system.

Abstract: An article treatment apparatus including at least one treatment zone, and a conveyor for conveying articles through the treatment zone, with the conveyor having an air-permeable conveyor belt displaceable along a support provided with a plurality of vacuum openings along a longitudinal extent of the support, and formed of at least two conveyor sections abutting each other, with an operational cross-section of vacuum openings beneath a support area for a conveyed article, which is located at least partially in a joint region, defined by the two sections, being larger than an operational cross-section of vacuum openings beneath a support area for the article, which is located in a region of the conveyor section other than the joint region.

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: ROD HANDLING APPARATUS comprises a continuously operated modified walking beam conveyor apparatus activated mechanically, electrically and electronically, utilizing computer and servomechanism technology to control the movement of a series of nuclear fuel rods with provision for their varying length and diameter so that their ends may be heat treated simultaneously. Rods are loaded into a conveyor and rest on conveyor V-blocks attached to conveyor chains which are then moved forward, powered and controlled by a conveyor servomotor, to align the rods with a heat treater units. Then the conveyor stops and a separate set of lifting V-blocks controlled by an eccentric arm powered by a lift plate servomotor, raises the rods to align them with receptacles in the heat treater units. The heat treater units move transversely so that the ends of the rods are inserted a set distance into the receptacles and the heat treating cycle is started.

Abstract: A curing device, which hardens on heater blocks a paste used for die-bonding the chips to lead frames, including frame supporting wires, wire slacking preventing collars and frame conveying wires. The frame supporting wires are installed above the heater blocks and parallel to the feeding direction of the lead frames, and the wire slacking preventing collars are mounted on the frame supporting wires so that a constant space is retained between the frame supporting wires and the heater blocks. The lead frames are fed and placed on the frame supporting wires when the frame conveying wires, which are movable vertically, is moved down, so that the pastes is heated by the heater blocks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping lollipops wherein the candy portion is first placed in a pre-formed wrapper envelope and then loaded between chuck jaws translated on a conveyor. The conveyor includes a plurality of chucks, and the chuck jaws of each chuck grip the candy portion of a single lollipop and move the lollipop along a linearly extending heat sealing station wherein the chuck is rotated to cause the wrapper to twist about the stick of the lollipop The chuck then moves the lollipop to an ejection and counting station where the chuck jaws are automatically opened. After the lollipop leaves the chuck, the chuck jaws are realigned and the chuck is returned to the loading station with the chuck jaws open to receive another lollipop. Movement of the chuck jaws is controlled at each station by underlying cams. As the conveyor carries the chuck over the cams the chuck jaws are opened, closed and/or rotated.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for a braze furnace includes a plurality of first chain links pivotally interconnected to form a continuous loop chain and a plurality of second chain links pivotally interconnected to form a continuous loop chain identical to the first chain links. The first and second chain links are interconnected by rod-like cross members which also integrally form the pintles for the respective first and second chain links. First and second rollers are rollably supported from each cross member adjacent the respective first and second chain links. First and second workpart support members are pivotally connected between adjacent pairs of cross members and disposed equidistantly between the first and second rollers. The first and second workpart support members may be either cast or stamped structures having a flat upper surface for supporting workparts above the first and second chain links and above the first and second rollers.

Abstract: The storage arrangement for operation in an autoclave with horizontal cylinder (60) includes a conveyor chain (10), which is moved on both sides back and forth over guide sprocket wheels. Shelves (1) are conveyed with the conveyor chain (10). The parallel guidance of these shelves (1) is effected by means of parallel guide wheels (16), which run synchronously with the guide sprocket wheels (12). The guide sprocket wheels (12) are connected with idler gears (15), so that, as a whole, they present a rigid drive structure. With this kind of storage arrangement, a cylindrical autoclave can be densely packed, and it is easy to carry out heating by means of steam and cooling through spraying.

Abstract: A continuous furnace for the heat-treatment of workpieces comprising an endless chain-like conveyer belt (18) consisting of a ceramic material and having a plurality of links (34, 34', 34", 34'"; 36, 36',36', 36""; 38, 38', 38") which are arranged one beside the other and one behind the other and which are interconnected by rods extending transversely to the feeding direction (19). The arrangement provides that a plurality of separate rods (40, 44, 48) are provided one behind the other, viewed over the full width of the conveyor belt (18), and that gaps (42, 46, 50 to 55) remaining between the separate rods are offset laterally, viewed in the feeding direction (19).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for effecting bidirectional feeding of particulate material, such as in the bidirectional feeding of fuel to a circulating fluidized bed combustor. A feeder has a housing with at least one inlet in the upper portion of the housing and a chain and flight (drag chain) conveyor disposed within the housing. An intermediate plate is disposed between the upper and lower runs of the chain and flight conveyor and cooperates with the flights in the upper run so that the upper run conveys solid material in a first direction along the intermediate plate. A bottom plate is disposed below the lower run and cooperates with the lower run flights to convey solid material in a second direction opposite the first direction. First and second outlets are provided for the solid material, the first outlet at one end of the housing, and the second outlet at the other end of the housing.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting printed circuit boards along a path through a dryer operative for drying wet ink applied to at least one of the surfaces of each board, includes an endless conveyor for successively conveying the boards along a vertical ascent portion of the path, a horizontal portion of the path, and a vertical descent portion of the path. A plurality of supports for holding respective boards are mounted for joint movement on, and are successively arranged along, the conveyor. Each support includes a plurality of arms which only engage side edges of a respective board to prevent smearing of the ink during conveyance, and particularly between the ascent and horizontal path portions, as well as between the horizontal and descent path portions.

Abstract: An open-weave conveyor moves a printed wiring board through a region of radiant energy. The conveyor has a plurality of supporting projections extending from the major surface of the conveyor to minimize engagement between the conveyor and the board, providing at least three projections supporting each board above the open-weave conveyor to eliminate a shadow effect caused by radiation blocked by conveyor strands. Guides move the conveyor along an arcuate path away from the printed wiring board in the radiation region, assuring irradiation of the entire printed wiring board surface. This technique is advantageous for simultaneously irradiating both sides of a board during a dry film solder masking technique. The solder mask is radiated to promote cross-linking of the film polymer. To reduce thermal shock and abrupt temperature rise in the workpiece, the ultraviolet source includes a water envelope to absorb infrared radiation.

Abstract: A calorimetry system for measurement of the heating value of coal, having a combustor 24 and a mixing unit 30 wherein heat from combustion gases is transferred to air. The system has a gravimetric feeder 64 for providing coal at a measured mass feed rate; the coal including any moisture present therein. The coal is pulverized in an air-driven mill or pulverizer 14 which is fed coal from the feeder and is separated by a cyclone separator 16 into two streams; one carrying coal and air mixed together in a controlled ratio to the combustor. The air which drives the separator, together with fines of the coal and moisture is fed to an afterburner 26 of the combustor so that the thermal dynamics of the entire coal stream is involved in the heating value measurement.

Abstract: A calorimetry system for measurement of the heating value of coal having a combustor 24 and a mixing unit 30 wherein heat from combustion gases is transferred to air. The system has a gravimetric feeder 64 for providing coal at a measured mass feed rate; the coal including any moisture present therein. The coal is pulverized in an air-driven mill or pulverizer 14 which is fed coal from the feeder and is separated by a cyclone separator 16 into two streams; one carrying coal and air mixed together in a controlled ratio to the combustor. The air which drives the separator, together with fines of the coal and moisture is fed to an afterburner 26 of the combustor so that the thermal dynamics of the entire coal stream is involved in the heating value measurement. Instrumentation measures the flow rates of cooling air, primary air which carries the coal streams into the combustor and secondary combustion air as well as the mass flow rates of the coal into the combustor as measured with the gravimetric feeder.

Abstract: A conveyor with a frame and a guide rail for guiding the movable member supported on the frame with a tension imparting arrangement which applies a tensile force between the ends of the guide rail.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing can-sealed products, stored in aligned groups in a carrying basket for sterilization, uses loading and unloading conveyors for the systematic loading and unloading of alternating groups of canned products and partition panels, into and out of the basket. Pool conveyors on the entrance and exit sides of a sterilization unit for sterilizing the products, conveys and temporarily stop the basket prior to and after sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic parison feed system for tubular plastic parisons. The parisons are fed, one at a time, from a parison feed unit into a parison loading unit. The parison loading unit, which holds a parison vertically, is positioned above a shuttered aperture in the upper wall of a heating furnace. The shutter of this aperture is opened as the parison loading unit descends vertically to a predetermined position within the furnace. The parison loading unit releases its parison, which falls onto a vertical parison pin mounted on an endless parison conveyor moving within the furnace. The parison loading unit is then raised from the furnace and the shutter is closed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a boiler installation for the combustion of solid fuels, for example forest waste material in the form of e.g. bark and/or chips, peat pellets, coal etc., which installation comprises a furnace located in connection to a heat medium portion and a grate located in the furnace. The grate feeds fuel from a fuel charge opening through the furnace while the fuel is being combusted, from which furnace the flue gases flow to the heat medium portion and continue to a chimney. The installation also includes at least one intake for controlled supply of combustion air in the form of at least primary and secondary combustion air.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for insertion and feed of products on the plates in a freezer, particularly to horizontal evaporating plate freezers.

Abstract: A sliding shoe or member for a pusher or reheating furnace for the sliding transport of substantially bar-shaped heated objects has an essentially U-shaped profile or sectional shape and is provided with downwardly protruding legs for the laterally guided support of the sliding shoe on a rail. At its inner web side the sliding shoe is provided with sliding elements which consist of a material which has a coefficient of friction sufficient for an essentially wear-free feed or advance of the sliding elements and thus the shoes at the central region of the rail at a furnace temperature of about 600.degree. to 700.degree. C. These measures afford sliding characteristics which make it unnecessary to provide additional lubrication between the sliding shoes and the rail.

Abstract: A transport belt for a conveyor or bucket conveyor especially for transporting products whose temperature exceeds 200.degree. C. is provided wherein a flexible belt carries on its outer face a metal carrier means adapted to receive or pick up the hot products which are to be transported, said metal carrier means being secured to said belt and the metal carrier means being at least partially thermally insulated from the belt by one or more cushions of air formed by one or more pockets of heat insulating air space between the bottom of the metal carrier means intermediate its ends and the outer face of the belt, said pockets being defined by a shaped member which contacts said belt at one or more intervals with a line or point contact providing one or more zones of minimum contact between said metal carrier means and said belt whereby heat transfer between said metal carrier means and said belt is minimized.

Abstract: Modular, conveyor-type heat exchange apparatus is provided which is especially adapted for handling large volumes of shale rock and preheating incoming raw shale using hot, spent shale from a commercial processing operation. The apparatus includes an elongated heat exchange zone having a plurality of separate, interconnected, insulated modules; two superposed, oppositely moving sections of an endless conveyor pass through the zone and respectively support hot and raw shale material for heat exchange therebetween. The conveyor includes spaced, interconnected, shale-supporting triangular elements which facilitate gas flow between the conveyor sections in the heat exchange zone. In preferred forms, the modules present restricted inlet and outlet throats, and are provided with slow moving fans for circulation of air currents between the conveyor sections without creation of chimney-like drafts along the length of the modules.

Abstract: Unloading apparatus for vacuum electric furnaces having a hostile environment is disclosed in which a compartment is provided to which work pieces are delivered from such a vacuum electric furnace, transferred from the furnace by movable supporting and transferrng arms which are normally in the hostile environment onto an elevator platform at a central location and then elevated for transfer to other equipment, all under vacuum. The movable arms are first raised and then turned by hudraulic actuators and the elevator platform is also positioned by a hydraulic actuator. The elevator platform and its enclosure are normally screened from radiant heat by a door which is swung from a vertical position for shielding to a horizontal position to permit access of the movable arms and the work pieces thereon to the elevator platform.

Abstract: Treatment of articles in an enclosure traversed by gases, according to which the articles are advanced translationally and are simultaneously rotated, characterized by apparatus for causing the articles to travel the length of the enclosure several times and at different levels, and for causing the articles to roll on flat superimposed surfaces extending across the enclosure by bringing them in contact with driving components carried in a continuous or endless circuit so that the same components provide for successive travel of the articles first in one direction, and then in the other direction at two different levels.