Abstract: A control scheme for a furnace can use real-time and historical data to model performance and determine relationships between different data and performance parameters for use in correcting suboptimal performance of the furnace in real-time. Operational parameters can be logged throughout the cycle for all cycles for a period of time in order to establish a baseline. This data can then be used to calculate the performance of the process. A regression analysis can be carried out in order to determine which parameters affect different aspects of performance. These relationships can then be used to predict performance during a single cycle in real-time and provide closed or open loop feedback to control furnace operation to result in enhanced performance.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus configured to process a substrate includes a substrate receptacle placing unit configured to place thereon a substrate receptacle accommodating therein the substrate to be processed; and a storage zone provided adjacent to the substrate receptacle placing unit to store therein the substrate receptacle. The storage zone includes multiple storages which are vertically arranged in multiple levels and configured to place and store thereon the multiple substrate receptacles horizontally. The substrate receptacle is transferred between a first storage of the multiple storages at an uppermost position and a ceiling travelling vehicle configured to be moved above the substrate processing apparatus. A second storage of the multiple storages under the first storage is configured to place and store the substrate receptacle thereon such that a direction of the substrate receptacle on the second storage is different from a direction of the substrate receptacle on the first storage.

Abstract: A steel according to an aspect of the present invention has a chemical composition within a predetermined range, in which a hardenability index Ceq ranges from greater than 7.5 to smaller than 44.0, a metallographic structure includes ferrite ranging from 85 to 100 area %, an average distance between sulfides, which are observed in a cross section parallel to a rolling direction of the steel and have an equivalent circle diameter ranging from 1 ?m or greater to smaller than 2 ?m, is shorter than 30.0 ?m, and a presence density of the sulfides, which are observed in the cross section parallel to the rolling direction of the steel and have an equivalent circle diameter ranging from 1 ?m or greater to smaller than 2 ?m, is 300 pieces/mm2 or more.

Abstract: A drying module for a relative pressure measuring transducer, which has in the interior of a housing of the measuring transducer a reference pressure supply leading from a relative pressure sensor to an opening in a housing wall of the housing, and which has a connection element, whose inner space is connected via the opening with the reference pressure supply extending in the measuring transducer. The drying module comprises a module housing, which has an inner space, in which a drying means is located, and, extending through the module housing (23), a reference pressure supply, whose first end is contactable with the reference pressure via an opening of the module housing, whose second end is connectable to the reference pressure supply of the measuring transducer via a connection element of the drying module connectable with the connection element of the measuring transducer, and whose inner space in the module housing is in humidity permeable connection with the inner space containing the drying means.

Abstract: After determining the precipitated oxygen concentration and the residual oxygen concentration in a silicon wafer after heat treatment performed in a device fabrication process; the critical shear stress ?cri at which slip dislocations are formed in the silicon wafer in the device fabrication process is determined based on the obtained precipitated oxygen concentration and residual oxygen concentration; and the obtained critical shear stress ?cri and the thermal stress ? applied to the silicon wafer in the heat treatment of the device fabrication process are compared, thereby determining that slip dislocations are formed in the silicon wafer in the device fabrication process when the thermal stress ? is equal to or more than the critical shear stress ?cri, or determining that slip dislocations are not formed in the silicon wafer in the device fabrication process when the thermal stress ? is less than the critical shear stress ?cri.

Abstract: An integrated demand control method for air conditioners disposed in areas includes receiving temperature of each of the areas, receiving control cancellation signal of each of the areas, storing, as cancellation temperature, the received temperature of each of the areas each time when the demand control cancellation signal is received, determining reference cancellation temperature of each of the areas according to distribution of the stored cancellation temperatures of each of the areas, setting higher demand control priority to each of the areas having smaller demand control allowable index, the demand control allowable index being difference between the temperature of each of the areas at a predetermined time point and the reference cancellation temperature of each of the areas.

Abstract: To provide a solid fuel which uses waste wood, used paper, a binder, a form retaining agent and a caloric augmentation agent in a balanced manner, has a stable calorific value, and suppresses the production of carbon dioxide. A solid fuel which is formed from a mixture of wood pieces having a size of 1 to 50 mm, paper pieces having a size of 1 to 50 mm, a binder, a form retaining agent and a caloric augmentation agent, wherein the mixture contains the wood pieces and the paper/natural fiber pieces in a total amount of 15 to 45 parts by weight and the binder, the form retaining agent and the caloric augmentation agent in a total amount of 55 to 85 parts by weight, has a weight ratio of the wood pieces to the paper pieces of 20:80 to 80:20, and is molded.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a helix coil incorporated into a stainless steel elongated variable diameter cylindrical housing and a radial direct-firing burner and a blower-driven hot flue gas to heat water. A buffer tank is incorporated within the lumen of the helix coil. At least one rope seal is disposed between adjacent coil loops of a portion of the helix coil for enhancing heat transfer to the helix coil. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger further comprises a Stirling engine comprised of a free piston having hot and cold ends that is disposed within the cavity taken up the buffer tank, wherein the hot end receives heat from the burner and the cold end is cooled by the incoming cold water line to form an electric power generator.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a helix coil incorporated into a stainless steel elongated variable diameter cylindrical housing and a radial direct-firing burner and a blower-driven hot flue gas to heat water. A buffer tank is incorporated within the lumen of the helix coil. At least one rope seal is disposed between adjacent coil loops of a portion of the helix coil for enhancing heat transfer to the helix coil. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger further comprises a Stirling engine comprised of a free piston having hot and cold ends that is disposed within the cavity taken up the buffer tank, wherein the hot end receives heat from the burner and the cold end is cooled by the incoming cold water line to form an electric power generator.

Abstract: To provide a dialysate extraction apparatus which can automate disinfecting work for a collection port or a sealing device of an opening/closing device and can reliably and easily clean the collection port or the sealing device of the opening/closing device. A dialysate extraction apparatus includes a dialysate extraction device that has an introduction port and a discharge port which are connected to a flow route of a liquid and can circulate the liquid and that has a collection port which can collect the circulated liquid; a cap that is attachable to and detachable from the collection port of the dialysate extraction device and can open and close the collection port; a sealing device that is attached to the cap and seals the collection port in a state where the cap is attached to the collection port of the dialysate extraction device; and a heating device that can heat the sealing device of the cap.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to separate CO2 gas generated in a cement-manufacturing facility in a high concentration and recover the CO2 gas. The present invention includes: feeding a cement material before calcination and a heat medium which has a particle diameter larger than that of the cement material and has been heated to the calcination temperature or higher in a medium-heating furnace (14), to a mixing calciner (12); and recovering the CO2 gas generated by the calcination of the cement material. The heat medium circulates between the medium-heating furnace and the mixing calciner. Another aspect of the present invention includes: feeding a cement material before calcination to a regenerative calciner (112) which has been heated to the calcination temperature or higher and has stored heat therein; and recovering the CO2 gas generated by the calcination of the cement material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a heating apparatus that includes a motion detector configured to determine whether a person is proximate the heating apparatus. The motion detector is default deactivated. Further disclosed is a heat sensor configured to determine whether the heating apparatus has a temperature that is above a threshold. The heat sensor is default deactivated. A processor is in operable communication with each of the motion detector and the heat sensor configured to cyclically repeat a first countdown. The heat sensor is temporarily activated once during each of the repeated first countdowns. The processor is configured to perform a second countdown when the activated heat sensor determines that the heating apparatus has the temperature that is above the threshold. The second countdown is reset each time the motion detector determines that a person is proximate the heating apparatus.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings, an apparatus for conducting hot work is described and shown with an enclosure; a hot work apparatus operable within the enclosure; and a detector located exterior of the enclosure, the detector being in detecting communication with the interior of the enclosure, such that the detector detects the presence of a condition within the enclosure. A method of conducting hot work is also described and shown.

Abstract: There are provided a method for heat treatment, a heat treatment apparatus, and a heat treatment system capable of efficiently controlling heat treatment such as a bright treatment with high precision and without causing oxidation and decarbonization. Computation of ?G0 (standard formation Gibbs energy) is performed by referring to sensor information from respective sensors, and an Ellingham diagram, a control range, and a status of the heat treatment furnace in operation expressed with ?G0 are displayed on a display device 531, while a flow rate of hydrocarbon gas is controlled by a control unit 534 so that ?G0 is within the control range.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a system and method of controlling the internal environment of an enclosure is provided. The system and method includes either increasing or decreasing the temperature of the enclosure to a predetermined target under normal operating conditions. The system and method further includes selectively engaging a trip condition in response to an overheat limit temperature. During the trip condition, the power relays for the fixture will be opened until the enclosure internal temperature has dropped. The system and method uses various sensors to control environmental conditions and may be controlled remotely.

Abstract: An erasing apparatus includes a path configured to carry a sheet, and an erasing unit arranged on the path and configured to erase an image on the sheet by heating the sheet. The erasing apparatus further includes a fan configured to blow air downstream from the erasing unit in a sheet carrying direction, and a shutter disposed between the fan and the erasing unit and movable to control the amount of air blown by the fan from reaching the erasing unit.

Abstract: A calculation unit of a hydraulic shovel display system sets a predetermined display range displayed as a guidance picture for land shape data. The guidance picture shows a cross section of a target surface included in a display range as seen from a side of a main vehicle body, and a current position of the hydraulic shovel. The calculation unit calculates a position of a start point nearest the main vehicle body and a position of an end point set apart from the start point by a maximum reach length of the work machine in the cross section of the target surface as seen from the side based on land shape data, work machine data and a current position of the main vehicle body. The calculation unit calculates a predetermined reference point of the display range based on the positions of the start point and the end point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for heating an end section of a plastic pipe (1) to prepare for the formation of a sleeve on the plastic pipe, such that the end section can be heated to the deformation temperature of the plastic pipe or even higher by heating on the exterior by means of external heating jaws (2, 3) and on the interior by means of a heating mandrel (4) that can be inserted from the end into the plastic pipe (1).

Abstract: A domestic appliance includes a first display area for displaying first operation settings of the domestic appliance, a first control element for selecting one of the first operation settings, a second display area for displaying second operation settings of the domestic appliance, a second control element for selecting one of the second operation settings. A control facility is provided to allocate a first two-dimensional extent to the first display region and a second two-dimensional extent to the second display region when a user actuates the first operating element and to allocate a third two-dimensional extent to the first display region and a fourth two-dimensional extent to the second display region when the user actuates the second operating element. The third two-dimensional extent is smaller than the first two-dimensional extent and the fourth two-dimensional extent is larger than the second two-dimensional extent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a cure of a curable material. A cure of a curable material is initiated by using cure parameters. The cure parameters are based on material data related to curing the curable material. Temperature values are obtained based on temperatures measured periodically during the cure by a plurality of sensors. A cure setting is adjusted during the cure based on at least one cure parameter of the cure parameters and at least one temperature value of the temperature values to substantially maintain a desired effect. The cure parameters comprise a hot threshold, a cold threshold, a hot alarm, and cold alarm.

Abstract: A device for generating a second temperature variation ?T2 from a first use temperature variation ?T1, includes an elastocaloric material layer, having an internal temperature which is able to vary by ?T2 in response to a given mechanical stress variation ?? applied to the elastocaloric material layer. The variation ?? being induced by the first use temperature variation ?T1 There is a suspended element in mechanical contact with the elastocaloric material layer so as to apply to this layer a mechanical stress that varies in response to the use temperature variation ?T1. The suspended element is arranged so as to make the mechanical stress applied to the elastocaloric material layer vary by ?? in response to the temperature variation ?T1 to generate the second temperature variation ?T2.

Abstract: An energy consumption controller may be communicatively coupled with a plurality of alternative energy sources and an engine. The controller may be configured to manage energy consumption from the alternative energy sources interconnected with the engine and to keep the engine within a desired temperature range. Within the desired temperature range, the engine will start and run at a full load more rapidly than if the engine cooled excessively. The controller may change the selected energy source as required, based on factors such as cost, engine maintenance and testing and/or imminent need of the engine.

Abstract: An oven for cooking foods includes a housing having a fire chamber and a cooking chamber disposed generally above the fire chamber. A vessel is receivable in the fire chamber and is adapted to hold combustible material therein to generate heat and smoke for cooking food in the cooking chamber. A blower is mounted on the housing. The blower is selectively operable to move air. A tube is attached to an outlet of the blower and extends into the fire chamber such that when the vessel is received in the fire chamber the tube extends to a position adjacent the vessel so that air from the blower is blown directly into the vessel without first passing a heating element. The oven does not require supplemental heat from a burner or similar heating element.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising up to about 30% by weight carbon dioxide (R-744), from about 30% to about 80% by weight difluoromethane (R-32), and 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze).

Abstract: A system and method for operating a steam system, such as a district heating system is provided with provisions for predicting potential water hammer conditions. The system measures steam parameters as inputs into a steam system engine. The steam system engine uses physics models and empirical steam flow behavior models to determine a condensate parameter such as rate of condensate generation and condensate levels within the system. When the condensate parameter exceeds a threshold, a signal is transmitted to the system operator so that actions may be taken to alleviate or prevent undesired conditions.

Abstract: A heating system includes an air motor with an exhaust; a pump for a hot melt dispensing system and driven by the air motor; and a shroud enclosing at least a portion of the air motor and the pump to direct heat from the pump to the exhaust of the air motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a disk drive during manufacture of the disk drive has a cell having a mounting arrangement to which a disk drive can be mounted and having walls defining a volume in which the disk drive is received when mounted to the mounting arrangement during manufacture of the disk drive. At least one wall of the cell adjacent said volume is heat conductive and is arranged such that a disk drive when received in the volume does not touch said at least one wall. An air-agitating device agitates air between the at least one wall and a disk drive when received in the volume to encourage heat transfer between said at least one wall and a disk drive when inserted into the volume. The air-agitating device is mounted so as to be vibrationally isolated from a said disk drive when mounted in the cell.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method for automatic calibration of dental furnaces, there is made available a dental furnace comprising a control unit adapted to control the dental furnace for performing a firing process defined by firing process parameters such as e.g. the temperature and/or a temporal temperature curve and/or a temperature gradient and/or a vacuum in a firing chamber of the dental furnace. There is provided at least one calibration firing-object sample made of a dental material, where said dental material, after said calibration firing-object sample has been subjected to a calibration firing-object process with predetermined firing process parameters, has a defined desired color stored e.g. in the control unit. Further, a color measuring device is used which, for transmission of measurement signals and/or measurement results, is operatively connected to the control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (100) for the heat treatment of substrates and to a method for recording measurement data in said device, where said device (100) comprises at least one heatable chamber (102), a carrier system (108), a sensor assembly (112), and an actuator (111) that is independent of the carrier system (108). The carrier system (108) is designed to carry substrates, whereas the sensor assembly (112) is further configured for coupling to a data recording and/or data storage device (130). The actuator (111) is coupled to the sensor assembly (112) and is configured to position the sensor assembly (112) within the heatable chamber (102).

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for efficient heating during production of corundum. One embodiment takes the form of a system for processing corundum including a first furnace and a second furnace. The first and second furnaces are sequentially arranged and heat from the first furnace is subsequently used to heat the second furnace.

Abstract: An electronic communication unit such as a mobile phone comprises a processor for operating said unit; and an ambient air quality monitoring sensor; characterized in that said processor is configured to operate said unit in a first mode of operation during which a) monitoring of said air quality occurs and a level of air quality is assessed against pre-determined levels; and b) ordinary communication routines are activated provided an acceptable category of pre-determined levels is identified; and in a second mode of operation during which a) monitoring of said air quality occurs and a level of air quality is assessed against pre-determined levels; and b) an alarm routine is launched interrupting the ordinary communication routines once a level of ambient air quality is assessed to warrant the user's attention.

Abstract: A single burner snow melter is capable of a snow start. The burner assembly has a fuel burner having adjustable combustion output and a nozzle through which products of combustion emerge, and a combustion chamber which has a first portion in substantially air-tight communication with the fuel burner and which encloses the nozzle. A second portion of the combustion chamber is shaped and dimensioned such that the second portion is placed into a snow melting receptacle or pit. The combustion chamber has a plurality of directional discharge means formed at least on its second portion through which products of combustion from the fuel burner emerge, and thus agitate, and melt snow loaded into a tank or pit. The burner assembly also includes an air cooling assembly for supplying air to cool at least the first portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar has a controlled heating on its threaded end (or other engagement portion for engaging a coupler), which extends beyond the threads, and provides improved mechanical properties at the end. The heating may be a controlled heating that case hardens the threaded end, including heating of an unthreaded portion beyond the threaded portion. The heating may be done in multiple steps, for example with a heating/hardening, follow by cooling, a reheating for tempering, and a recooling. The bar end may be threaded into a coupler or splice, with the heated end extending axially beyond (outside of) the coupler. Regions of the reinforcing bar beyond the heated end may be untreated, and therefore weaker than the thermally-treated bar end. The resulting coupling or splice may therefore be able to achieve bar break (failure at a location in the bulk of the bar, away from the coupler).

Abstract: A method for making a cordierite filter article, including: firing an extruded green body batch composition according to: a first temperature ramping from ambient temperature up to a first soaking temperature; a first soaking at a temperature of at least 1255° C. for at least 2 hours; a second temperature ramping from the first soak temperature down to a second soak temperature; and a second soaking at a temperature of at least 1250° C. and at least 5° C. below the first soaking temperature, as defined herein.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the warpage of a wafer, includes providing a wafer having a center portion and edge portions and providing a holding table having a holding area thereon for holding the wafer. The wafer is placed onto the holding table with the center portion higher than the edge portions and thereafter pressed onto the holding area such that the wafer is attracted to and held onto the holding table by self-suction force. The wafer is heated at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time in accordance with an amount of warpage of the wafer in order to achieve a substantially flat wafer or a predetermined wafer level.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving hot material at temperatures on this order of 1000° F. or higher along a conveyor trough receiving the material has one or more coolant liquid flow vessels extending over but spaced from the outer surface of a trough inner wall to indirectly cause cooling of the inner wall. A heat transfer path is established between a separate coolant flow vessel and the hot trough defined by a packed together mass of heat conductive beads interposed to controllably transfer heat into the coolant liquid flowing through the flow vessel to prevent boiling of the coolant while allowing heat to be transferred from the through into the coolant in the separate flow vessel. The arrangement of a mass of heat conductive beads is also used to provide a non rigid mechanical support of fluid carrying tubing, the support having a predetermined thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A silicon wafer preferable to a semiconductor device is produced by determining a heat treatment condition hardly causing slip dislocations and heat-treating the silicon wafer under the condition. The resistance is calculated by using a calculation formula used for predicting the slip resistance of the wafer from the density, size, and residual solid-solution oxygen concentration of the oxygen precipitation in the silicon wafer, the state of oxygen precipitation such that heat treatment not causing any slip dislocation can be carried out is designed, and thus a silicon wafer heat treatment method under the heat treatment condition not causing any slip dislocation is determined. A silicon wafer heat-treated under such a condition can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work apparatus for setting fastening elements in a substrate, with a fuel container and with a dosing device, through which the fuel is fed from the fuel container into a combustion chamber in which a flammable mixture is ignited, for setting a fastening element, and with a temperature sensor. In order to prevent undesired malfunctioning in the operation of the work apparatus or to reduce the incidence of such malfunctioning, the work apparatus comprises a container temperature sensor and a dosing temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system and method of restoring material properties is disclosed. A subject material may have one or more of its material properties restored by contacting a packed bed of a reactive material contained within a container with the subject material in which material properties are desired to be restored. The packed bed and the subject material may be heated to restore the material properties. The packed bed may be formed from boron, silicon or other appropriate materials. An inert atmosphere system may have an argon injection system or a helium injection system in communication with the container. A deoxidizing system may be in communication with the container for creating a vacuum within the container or injecting hydrogen into the container.

Abstract: A method for heating a metal slab being transported in a longitudinal direction (L) and having a cross-direction (T) through an industrial furnace in which the metal slab is heated and transported on a rail device from the industrial furnace for subsequent processing, includes impinging a flame from at least one direct flame impingement (DFI) burner to contact a first portion of a first surface of the metal slab in at least one location corresponding to a second position on an under side surface of the metal slab which during transporting of the metal slab through the industrial furnace constitutes a contact point between the under side surface of the metal slab and the rail device, and counteracting a temperature gradient in the metal slab arising from local cooling of the metal slab upon contact with the rail device by heating the first portion with the DFI burner.

Abstract: A label manufacturing apparatus includes a thermal head and a device for transporting a heat sensitive adhesive sheet. The control device operates the head in synchronization with timing of transporting of the sheet to activate the adhesive, determines if heating based on a last row of a heating pattern is completed before a trailing end of the sheet reaches a set position contacting the head, controls driving of the transporting device so that when it is determined that the heating based on the heating pattern last row is completed, the sheet is transported until the trailing end passes through the set position, and controls driving of the head so that when it is determined that the heating based on the last row of the heating pattern is completed, the heating based on the last row of the heating pattern is repeated until the trailing end passes through the set position.

Abstract: A label manufacturing apparatus has a thermal head with heating elements for heating at least a part of a heat sensitive adhesive sheet to place it into an adhesive state when the heat sensitive sheet is transported through a preselected position of the label manufacturing apparatus in which the heat sensitive sheet contacts the heating elements of the thermal head. A control device selectively operates the heating elements of the thermal head in synchronization with timing of transporting of the heat sensitive adhesive sheet through the preselected position to thereby heat the part of the heat sensitive adhesive sheet and place into the adhesive state, and stops operation of the heating elements so that a trailing end portion of the heat sensitive sheet is not heated and is not placed into an adhesive state when the trailing end portion reaches the preselected position.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a first portion configured to hold an overlying wafer. The first portion includes a central region and an edge region circumscribing the central region. The first portion further including an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus further includes a second portion extending beyond an outer radius of the wafer. The second portion including an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface of the first portion in the central region has a first reflective characteristic. The lower surface of the first portion in the edge region and the second portion have a second reflective characteristic.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a film forming apparatus, which can selectively perform a boron-containing nitride film forming process or a non-boron-containing nitride film forming process on at least one target object to be processed in a vacuum-evacuable processing chamber, the method includes performing a heat stabilization process to heat the interior of the processing chamber under an oxygen-containing gas atmosphere, between the boron-containing nitride film forming process and the non-boron-containing nitride film forming process when the non-boron-containing nitride film forming process is performed after the boron-containing nitride film forming process.

Abstract: A substrate carrier is used for carrying a plurality of back electrode substrates into a furnace. Each back electrode substrate has a precursor layer formed thereon. The furnace is used for providing a process gas to react with the precursor layer, so as to form a photoelectric transducing layer on each back electrode substrate. The substrate carrier includes a heat-resistant metal frame and a first protective layer. The heat-resistant metal frame has a plurality of slots for supporting the plurality of back electrode substrates. The first protective layer is formed on the heat-resistant metal frame for preventing a chemical reaction of the heat-resistant metal frame with the process gas.

Abstract: A system and method for warming and drying a pressure sensor and sense line transmitting pressure gas from a source of pressure gas to a sensor. A first tube is connected to the source and to the sensor to permit pressure measurement. A second tube is concentrically outside the first tube and connected to the same source for providing heat from the pressure gas to the first tube and sensor. The second tube may have a temperature sensing device for determining when the temperature of the first tube and sensor reach a predetermined minimum temperature.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck device includes a surface to support a substrate, an electrode to generate electrostatic force for the substrate, and a plurality of heaters to heat different regions of the surface. The plurality of heaters include a first heater to heat a first region to a first temperature, a second heater to heat a second region to a second temperature, and a third heater to heat a third region to a third temperature between the first and second temperatures. The second region is closer to a peripheral area of the surface than the first region, and the third region between the first and second regions.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a vertical vacuum furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second support modules arranged in spaced parallel alignment and first and second reversible lifting mechanisms mounted on respective ones of the first and second support modules. The apparatus also includes first and second motive means coupled to the first and second reversible lifting mechanisms for driving the reversible lifting mechanisms. First and second trolleys are operatively connected to the first and second reversible lifting mechanisms and adapted for engaging with a payload. The apparatus further includes a control system connected to the first and second motive means for controlling the operation of the first and second reversible lifting mechanisms whereby the first and second trolleys can be raised or lowered. A vertical vacuum furnace assembly including the lifting apparatus is also disclosed as well as a support module and a bottom head assembly for the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: The subject innovation relates to a furnace and a method for treatment of at least one workpiece in the furnace, wherein the workpiece is heated up in a chamber of the furnace by at least two heating units which are each associated with a workpiece having a first side and a second side, and whereby a first heating unit heats up the first side of the workpiece and a second heating unit heats up the second side of the workpiece. Further, each heating unit comprises at least two pressure pistons with heatable contact surfaces that are arranged next to each other and with the same orientation. Contact is made between the first side of the workpiece and the contact surfaces of the first heating unit, and in that contact is likewise made between the second side of the workpiece and the contact surfaces of the second heating unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing heating in a high temperature heat pump. The method comprises condensing a vapor working fluid comprising E-HFO-1438mzz and optionally HFC-245eb, in a condenser, thereby producing a liquid working fluid. This invention also relates to a method of raising the maximum feasible condenser operating temperature in a high temperature heat pump apparatus. This method comprises charging the high temperature heat pump with a working fluid comprising E-HFO-1438mzz and optionally HFC-245eb. This invention also relates to a high temperature heat pump apparatus containing a working fluid comprising E-HFO-1438mzz and optionally HFC-245eb. This invention also relates to a composition comprising: (i) E-HFO-1438mzz and HFC-245eb; and (ii) a stabilizer to prevent degradation at temperatures of 55° C. or above, (iii) a lubricant suitable for use at 55° C. or above, or both (ii) and (iii).