Abstract: A method for controlling temperature in thermal processing equipment having a processing chamber containing members to be processed. The method comprises the steps of heating a plurality of zones of the processing chamber by heaters provided in the zones, respectively, measuring periods of time which elapse until temperatures in the zones increase from a predetermined value to at least one reference value, obtaining time differences among the periods measured, and storing the time differences into a memory, and adjusting timings of heating the zones by the heater, thereby to reduce the time differences.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable for the continuous curing of pasted battery plates. The apparatus includes a hydroset oven having an atmospherically controlled hydroset chamber in which a continuous transport conveyor is mounted. Pasted plates are automatically loaded onto the transport conveyor and moved continuously through the hydroset chamber. Plenums are positioned in the hydroset oven chamber adjacent to the transport conveyor to direct temperature and humidity controlled air over the battery plates to affect hydrosetting. Additional hydroset ovens may be provided depending on the quantity of battery plates being processed. The apparatus also includes a drying oven containing a continuous transport conveyor. The drying oven is arranged in series with the hydroset oven to receive the hydroset battery plates and dry them in a continuous process.

Abstract: A combustion system for use in the steckel mill provides for the controlled mixing of combustible fluids to each furnace incorporated in the steckel mill while also harnessing at least a portion of the heat developed during the operation of the mill to increase the overall operation efficiency of the steckel mill. The invention also contemplates enhancing the manner in which combustion products are drawn from the furnaces which also aids in recovering heat developed during the operation of the steckel mill as well as improving the operation of the overall combustion system. These features are obtained by providing a supply system for the air or other combustible gas delivered to each of the steckel mill coil furnaces and to direct at least a portion of the flow of this combustion gas through at least one recuperator that is in-line with an exhaust duct associated with the steckel mill.

Abstract: A rotating seal device for a rotary drum kiln. A rotating seal member is welded about the drum near each of its ends, each sealing against a rotationally stationary seal member joined with the associated kiln end hood through a flexible gas tight bellows. The stationary seal rides on a pair of rollers each bearing upon a track, preventing its rotation. The bellows accommodates longitudinal expansion and contraction of the drum. Hanging weights are used with pulley wheels and flexible cables to urge the non-rotating members against the rotating members with unvarying force.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing a silicon nitride sintering body made of a furnace including a heater source. The furnace includes a furnace core chamber defined by at least one partition inside the furnace to prevent an atmosphere containing more than about 30 ppm of carbon monoxide from contacting said silicon nitride sintered body. At least an inner surface of the partition is made of a carbon-free heat-proof material which prevents formation of carbon monoxide gas in an atmosphere in contact with the silicon nitride sintered body during sintering. The furnace also includes a gas supply pipe for supplying an N.sub.2 gas or an inactive gas including an N.sub.2 gas into the furnace core. Also provided is a sintering case made of a vessel defining a sintering atmosphere. The vessel has an opening for loading an object to be sintered into the vessel.

Abstract: A kiln method and apparatus wherein a kiln chamber is formed of appropriate material, preferably having an oval cross-section with grooves in the narrower sides of the oval and oval shaped shelves which can be inserted into the oval chamber and turned so as to be supported within said grooves, and heat producing apparatus exterior of said chamber surrounded in turn by appropriate insulating material, resulting in a kiln having the mechanical structure of an endo skeleton supporting heating elements, shelves, lid, insulation, temperature control apparatus, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting impurities from the interior of a kiln, when in operation, and for creating a uniformly heated atmosphere within the kiln, which involves the introduction of air through an air passage opening through the top of the kiln and affiliated openings in other portions of the kiln through which small amounts of air are drawn and exhausted by means of a blower located within the control panel of the kiln and wherein a kiln setter is maintained free of impurities by drawing air containing impurities past it and away from it by means of said blower.

Abstract: The gas is preheated by means of at least one screen disposed transversely relative to the flow of gas penetrating into the enclosure. The screen is provided with passages for the flow of gas and is fixed inside a peripheral wall to define a channel to enable the gas to flow through the preheating apparatus, it is also provided with fins which project from its surface, the screen and the fins being made of a refractory sheet material, in particular a sheet of laminated graphite.

Abstract: A dental furnace for heat treatment of dental materials and dental components, particularly for firing these at temperatures over 100.degree. C. comprises an insulated furnace space which can be closed off by a door. The furnace space has a housing which is suspended in an inner housing of metal; the inner housing is supported by a multi-part outer housing, and the door is pivotably fastened on the inner housing. In order to satisfy the requirements of firing at up to 400.degree. C., and to achieve a simple, cost-effective, and light construction, the furnance of the invention has a plastic outer housing, connected by securing elements to the inner housing; the plastic elements have a shell-shaped configuration, so that they define a hollow space surrounding the inner housing, at least adjacent the sidewalls of the outer housing. The hollow space serves as an insulator, minimizing the need for other insulating materials.

Abstract: A conical rapid thermal processing system includes a conical thermal radiation reflector and a plurality of elongated radiant heating sources within the conical thermal radiation reflector. The elongated radiant heating sources pass through an imaginary conical surface within the conical thermal radiation reflector. A wafer holder within the imaginary conical surface holds the wafer face transverse to the common axis of the conical reflector and the conically arranged radiant heating lamps. The conical thermal radiation reflector and conically arranged lamps provide uniform radiant heating across the face of a wafer without significantly degrading coupling efficiency.

Abstract: A unit for heating initially solid asphaltic material to provide asphaltic concrete in a condition suitable for application, including an inner enclosure defining a volume for containing the material to be heated, an outer enclosure surrounding and spaced from the inner enclosure to define a space beneath the inner enclosure and passages for heated air flow around the walls of the inner enclosure, a screw disposed in an open-top channel at the floor of the inner enclosure to move heated material, an opening in the inner enclosure floor in communication with a passage in the outer enclosure floor for delivery of heated asphaltic material moved by the screw to the unit exterior, heating chambers projecting upwardly from the floor of the inner enclosure above the heating sources to provide regions through which hot air rises from the sources, and flues extending transversely from the upper portions of the heating chamber to the end walls of the inner enclosure for conducting the heated air from the heating chamb

Abstract: A system for annealing a vessel (14) in situ by heating the vessel (14) to a defined temperature, composed of: an electrically operated heater assembly (10) insertable into the vessel (14) for heating the vessel (14) to the defined temperature; temperature monitoring components positioned relative to the heater assembly (10) for monitoring the temperature of the vessel (14); a controllable electric power supply unit (32-60) for supplying electric power required by the heater assembly (10); a control unit (80-86) for controlling the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60); a first vehicle (2) containing the power supply unit (32-60); a second vehicle (4) containing the control unit (80-86); power conductors (18,22) connectable between the power supply unit (32-60) and the heater unit (10) for delivering the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60) to the heater assembly (10); signal conductors (20,24) connectable between the temperature monitoring components and the control unit (80-86) for deli

Abstract: An electrically heated kiln having a ventilation system in accordance with the present invention includes a hinged upper wall, a lower wall, and side walls forming a firing chamber. The kiln further includes an upper ventilation aperture formed in the upper wall and a lower ventilation aperture formed in the lower wall. A duct connects the lower aperture with the outside environment. An exhaust fan, coupled to the duct, draws incoming air into the kiln through the upper aperture, downwardly through the kiln, and outwardly through the lower aperture into the duct to be expelled outside. The downward movement of the air and kiln gases causes turbulence near the upper portion of the kiln to create a more uniform temperature within the kiln. The apertures are sized and the draw rate is selected so as to provide proper ventilation of the kiln. The draw rate is preferably between 8% and 45% of the kiln volume per minute when measured at room temperature through the lower aperture.

Abstract: A contaminant elimination system is disclosed which eliminates (or dramatically reduces) the contaminating components in, for example, exhaust gas from a kiln by enclosing the kiln gas venting channel and processing the exhaust gas by the contaminant eliminator system. This system includes a heating element which is disposed adjacent to the gas venting channel. The heating element is controlled to heat the kiln exhaust gas to a temperature (e.g., 1800.degree.) at which many of the contaminating gases change to a less harmful state. The heated exhaust gas is directed along a winding cooling path where metallic particles in contaminated exhaust gas compounds are plated on relatively cold condensing plates. The cooled exhaust gas is then filtered to trap substantially all remaining airborne metallic or other contaminating particles.

Abstract: A miniaturized forge consisting of a metal body with slots and openings to admit the metal to be heated, along with a bracket for holding a separate fuel tank containing a torch which extends vertically downward through a hole in the metal body. The torch within the forge is able to selectively heat areas of metal objects to a temperature high enough to allow them to be bent into a desired shape.

Abstract: To make hot rolled steel strap from strap like cast starting material cast pieces can be first cut from the solidfying casting after the casting process is completed. Then these cast pieces are guided to and stored in an oven where they are brought to and maintained at the rolling temperature. The cast pieces are fed in succession into the rolling mill. Then the cast pieces are stored there at the rolling temperature until the rolling process begins. A number of cast pieces are produced as raw products in our invention and stored until the rolling of these individual cast pieces starts. the casting is continuous and occurs also during the rolling operation. Because of the intermediate storage provided by the oven significant differences can exist between the casting time and the rolling time. Assembly and maintenance of the rolling mill, e.g. roll changing, can be performed in a pause of the roll cycle which includes the rolling time.

Abstract: A solar powered kiln is provided, that is of relatively simple design and which efficiently uses solar energy. The kiln or solids reactor includes a stationary chamber with a rearward end which receives solid material to be reacted and a forward end through which reacted material is disposed of, and a screw conveyor extending along the bottom of the chamber for slowly advancing the material between the chamber ends. Concentrated solar energy is directed to an aperture at the forward end of the chamber to heat the solid material moving along the bottom of the chamber. The solar energy can be reflected from a mirror facing at an upward incline, through the aperture and against a heat-absorbing material near the top of the chamber, which moves towards the rear of the chamber to distribute heat throughout the chamber.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the heating of pasty materials with surface and infusion type heating, wherein the two heating systems are combined in such a manner that first the pasty material is preheated by surface heating, then it is heated to the required final temperature by infusion heating due to the arrangement that the two heating systems are placed above each other. Also the preheated material is admitted into the infusion space lying below with a vertical velocity component and where it is elutriated in a field of gravity and drop formation takes place simultaneously with the preheating.

Abstract: A domestic electric kiln which also can be used as an ordinary electric radiator, comprised of: a heat resistant frame body with electric coils equipped around in its inner wall; a cover with an opening in its center; a safety lock on the other side of the cover; a water pipe for generating steam; a supporting plate which also facilitates the spreading of the steam throughout the inner chamber; a shell with double walls which serves an an air-cooling mechanism and a temperature regulator. The device is characterized by continuous flow of both steam and hot air in the kiln chamber, thus, enabling one to make high quality products of chinaware or pottery by oneself at home.

Abstract: A closable drum having a heating coil therein safely stores a steam hose or unused lengths of the steam hose in an internal chamber thereof. A steam supply control valve connects a fixed steam outlet to the interior the chamber for connection to one end of the steam hose, allowing the other end of the hose to extend from the chamber. A heating coil control valve, also connected to the fixed steam outlet, controls the steam supplied to the heating coil. A perforated wall supported above the heating coil spaces the steam hose from the heating coil and allows heated air to rise into the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an invention that belongs to the technical field of equipment destined to hobby use and, in particular, relates to a portable kiln and heat source integrated unit. The invention envisages there being a combination of: a portable kiln with a firemouth positioned at the bottom of the said kiln; a support structure able to set the kiln in a removable fit-lock way on a burner facing the said firemouth; and heat insulating means of protection designed to safeguard at least the elements placed adjacent to the said firemouth.

Abstract: A first thermally conductive plate holds an article and heats the article with heating elements in the plate. Parallel rails support the first plate above a base. Cooling passageways for coolant flow are in a second thermally conductive plate. The second plate is supported spaced from the base by a shaft in a chamber of the second plate and a spring. During the heating phase, the second plate is spaced apart from the first plate. During the cooling phase, the second plate is urged by the spring into contact with the first plate, so that the second plate acts as a heat sink for the first plate. Vacuum suction and an annular elastomer seal around the top rim of the second plate clamp the first and second plates together in thermal communication. Vacuum suction in the chamber retracts the second plate from the first plate.

Abstract: A portable gas forge. The forge is comprised of a housing having an insulated interior and an opening for insertion of the article to be heated such as a horseshoe or the like. The forge is resistant to blow-out by wind when used in the field and has a specially designed burner connected to the top of the housing. The burner is connected to a source of gas such as an LP gas cylinder. A gas orifice is connected to an enlarged burner pipe having a bell-shaped primary air inlet adjacent the gas orifice. A source of secondary air is located at the exterior pipe connection to the housing to provide an annular air passage through the housing to the burner outlet to obtain maximum flame concentration in the housing and inhibit burn back or back flaming. An internal restrictor adjacent the burner pipe outlet is employed to increase the burner gas velocity and aid in secondary air aspiration and combustion efficiency.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are disclosed for heating objects, such as electronic chips being bonded to substrates, in which a copper heat exchanger element (12) comprises a circuitous interior passage (26) through which gases pass from a source (30) to be heated by a heater (74) to a desired temperature and to be cleansed of unwanted oxygen by catalytic reaction, prior to entering a furnace chamber (22) heated from below by the heat exchanger element (12) and from above by a further heater (72) and copper plate (60), whereby essentially uniform gas temperature, acceptably low oxygen concentration and fast cycling times are provided in the furnace chamber (22). See FIG. 1.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heat treatment of a product includes a metallic heat transfer assembly for transmitting heat either directly to the product or to a mould containing the product. The heat transfer assembly comprises a plurality of separate parts which are joined together either permanently or in an operationally separable manner. Each part includes a gas distribution passageway, the passageways together defining a closed loop path for receiving and circulating around the heat transfer assembly hot permanent gas from a hot gas source. One or more heat transfer passageways formed in the heat transfer assembly itself, or between the heat transfer assembly and the mould, communicate with the closed loop path in the heat transfer assembly so as to receive hot gas therefrom and lead this gas to an exhaust outlet to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A gas fired kiln wherein symmetrically disposed and vertically oriented high velocity natural draft burners burn fuel within and immediately adjacent the side walls of the kiln's chamber, the flames extending vertically adjacent the side walls and the hot gases produced thereby traveling up along the walls to an arched crown chamber ceiling, the hot gases then traveling generally downwardly under the influence of a partial vacuum created by hot gases escaping the chamber through a flue opening centered at the base of the kiln's rear wall, the flue opening communicating with a vertical flue extending only to approximately exterior height of the arched crown of the kiln.

Abstract: A transverse-burner recuperative furnace for glass making, which comprises burner blocks of which the inner aperture, of generally elongate rectangular shape, exhibits a first portion of constant cross-section extending from the rear face of the burner block, and a second portion progressively flaring upwards and downwards to the front face of the burner block, such second portion exhibiting an angle of flare .alpha. of not more than 15.degree., and the cumulated total length of these apertures representing at least 0.65 times the distance between the extreme burner blocks.

Abstract: A paint bake oven (10) including an outer insulated housing (12), the outer insulated housing having an inner wall surface (14). An inner housing (16) is disposed within the outer housing (12) and has an outer wall surface (18) spaced from the inner wall surface (14) to define a gas flow channel (20) therebetween. The inner housing (16) has an inner product passageway (22). A gas supply plenum (46) is disposed above the inner housings for supplying a gas flow to the gas flow channel (20). A gas exhaust passageway (38) exhausts gas from the product passageway (22). The oven (10) is characterized by including a manifold wall (28) for directing the gas flow along a flow path from the gas supply plenum (46) downwardly along the inner wall surface (20) of the outer housing (12) and then upwardly over the outer surface (18) of the inner housing (16) to uniformly distribute the gas flow over the inner housing (16).

Abstract: Pollution control apparatus and method are disclosed in which hot exhaust gas containing pollutants including solid particles and hydrocarbon vapors is treated by transmitting such exhaust gas through a container containing wood members, such as wood chips, which serve as a filter media for filtering out such pollutants by causing such solids to deposit and such hydrocarbon vapors to condense upon the surface of the wood members. The contaminated wood chips are discharged from the filter and further processed into chip board or other commercial wood products thereby disposing of the pollutants. Lumber may be used as the wood members of the filter in a lumber kiln by deposition of solid particles on the rough surface of such lumber. The contaminated surfaces of the lumber are removed by a planer which produces smooth finished lumber and contaminated wood chips that may be processed into chip board or other commercial wood products.

Abstract: A burner for soaking pit furnaces produces essentially complete combustion of gas and air mixed in the burner. The burner includes a generally ring-shaped outer housing and a tubular inner ring spaced inside the outer housing to form a hollow annular interior chamber between the inner ring and the outer housing. The outer housing and the inner ring extend above the floor of the furnace. A narrow annular burner opening at the top of the burner is spaced above the floor of the soaking pit furnace. A gas supply pipe in the chamber directs the flow of gaseous fuel under low pressure toward the burner opening.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a forge for heating horseshoes or the like to enable a blacksmith to shape and form metal objects. The forge or oven includes a gas burner which is positioned to maximize the heating capabilities of the oven while utilizing a minimum of gas fuel.

Abstract: A burner for soaking pit furnaces produces essentially complete combustion of the gas and air mixed in the burner. The burner includes a tubular inner wall structure and an outer housing spaced from the inner wall to form a hollow interior between the inner wall and the housing. The inner wall terminates adjacent a surrounding portion of the housing to form a narrow opening from the hollow interior which extends around the periphery of the inner wall structure. A gas supply pipe located in the hollow interior surrounds the inner wall structure and directs the flow of gas under pressure toward the narrow peripheral opening. In one embodiment, the inner wall forms an air supply pipe and air is forced under pressure through the air supply pipe and past the narrow opening. Gas flowing through the narrow opening surrounds and is drawn into air flowing past the opening to form a combustible gas/air mixture.

Abstract: This relates to a heating system and process for reheating preforms prior to delivering the preforms to a blow molder. The heating system utilizes different types of heating units, one of which will heat the preform wall more highly at the interior surface and the other of which will heat the preform wall at the exterior surface. By effectively controlling the heat input to a preform from each heating unit and by controlling the outputs of the different heating units in combination, the desired temperature profile through the preform wall may be obtained substantially without any time in the oven being provided for heat equilibration and at the same time a maximum heating effort may be effected to produce the necessary heating of a preform within a minimal time and more uniformly than heretofore possible.

Abstract: A burner for a bottom fired, ingot heating furnace producing faster and more even heating with lower fuel consumption is disclosed. The burner includes a plurality, preferably three, upstanding nozzles having nozzle ports directed at essentially a right angle to a radial line extending from the burner center. This orientation imparts a circular swirling action of the combustion gases which produces faster and more even heating of ingots contained within the furnace. The nozzle is arranged with a nozzle cap which shields the entire nozzle top from debris falling from the furnace roof resulting in a greatly extended service life.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating aggregate in a system which includes a unit for mixing a stream of fuel and a stream of forced air to form a gaseous combustible fuel mixture, and a blower coupled to the unit for supplying it with forced air. The apparatus includes a water-spray device for injecting a fine-particle spray, at an adjustable water-volume rate, into the air-intake opening of the blower. In the method of the invention, the temperature of the heated aggregate is monitored under conditions where the fuel mixture is characterized by a substantially constant fuel-flow rate. The water-volume rate of atomized water spray introduced into the blower is adjusted until a maximum monitored aggregate temperature is observed. The amount of fuel in the moisture-containing fuel mixture is then adjusted to effect heating of the aggregate to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A warming device is constructed to enclose barrels filled with lubricating oil for the purpose of maintaining the oil at operating viscosities even when ambient temperature conditions are severely cold. The barrel warming device includes a housing for supporting a plurality of barrels, a heating device placed on the housing for providing heat to the housing and the barrels, a movable hoist able to place or remove the barrels into or from the housing, and a skid which supports the housing and enables the easy transportation of the barrels. The barrel warming device has particular utility for storing various weights of lubricating oil needed by oil drilling rigs which are operated in cold climates.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a tire retreading machine which includes a chamber adapted to receive therein a plurality of stacked tires adapted to be retreaded therein, the chamber having an inner surface, and inwardly therefrom there being a radiant heater, a porous or perforated shield, and an imperforate or nonporous shield with the latter being axially shorter than the former and both shields being spaced from a bottom surface of the chamber such that upon heat being generated by the radiant heater, hot air convection currents are set up within the chamber flowing generally upwardly adjacent the chamber inner surface and flowing generally downwardly between the imperforate shield and tires within the chamber to create substantially uniform curing or retreading temperature throughout the chamber, lessening temperature gradients or hot spots, and also allowing radiant heat to pass through a lower portion of the porous shield adjacent the bottom surface of the chamber to augment temperature uniformity thro

Abstract: The yield of good-quality bodies consisting of vitreous carbon is increased to substantially 100% when the pyrolysis is performed in a reaction vessel in which a collecting container or a collecting disc for the condensable volatile decomposition products which is open at its upper side is arranged above the polymeric substances to be pyrolized. The collecting disc divides the interior of the reaction vessel into two parts, a passage for gases remaining between the upper part and the lower part. During the pyrolysis, a spatial temperature distribution is adjusted in the reaction vessel which results in a pulsating evaporation and condensation of the decomposition products, so that the decomposition products are completely removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing temperature gradient zone melting simultaneously on a plurality of semiconductor bodies comprises a closable work chamber for receiving the bodies for processing; a heat source disposed in the work chamber and comprising a first closure member thereof; a heat sink disposed in the work chamber and comprising a second closure member thereof and means for transferring one or more bodies of semiconductor material to the work chamber for processing and from the work chamber subsequent to processing. The transferring means comprises manipulative means for selectively engaging the semiconductor bodies and supporting the bodies in transit and drive means for moving the manipulative means toward and away from the work chamber and orienting the manipulative means with respect to the semiconductor bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus for practising temperature gradient zone melting simultaneously on a plurality of semiconductor bodies comprises a closable work chamber for receiving the bodies for processing; a heat source disposed in the work chamber and comprising a first closure member thereof; a heat sink disposed in the work chamber and comprising a second closure member thereof and means for transferring one or more bodies of semiconductor material to the work chamber for processing and from the work chamber subsequent to processing. The transferring means comprises manipulative means for selectively engaging the semiconductor bodies and supporting the bodies in transit and drive means for moving the manipulative means toward and away from the work chamber and orienting the manipulative means with respect to the semiconductor bodies.

Abstract: An aluminum baking form is provided with internal and external coatings of aluminum oxide which are of black coloration and which contain metals other than aluminum and serve as infrared transmitters or collectors. The metal incorporated in the aluminum oxide layer is preferably tin or silver or both.

Abstract: A furnace for practising temperature gradient zone melting on one or more semiconductor bodies comprises a closable work chamber for receiving semiconductor bodies for processing, a radiant heat source which forms a first closure member and a heat sink which forms a second closure member, the closure members defining the work chamber and being mutually separable by, for example, a hydraulic actuator to allow access to the interior of the work chamber. A reflector is disposed between the heat source and heat sink in surrounding relationship to the semiconductor bodies being processed to ensure the maintenance of a uniform temperature gradient within the work chamber. The reflector and the heat sink are liquid cooled for the effective removal of heat therefrom. The heat sink is further provided with a plurality of radiation attenuating cavities to enhance the performance of the heat sink.

Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer having a gas heater assembly for heating the air includes a gas control valve and a gas nozzle in gas flow communication with the valve. The gas nozzle has an exit orifice having spaced therefrom a plate member such that gas will impinge the plate member. A combustion chamber having a truncated cone shaped upper portion and with an opening at the top and bottom thereof surrounds and is spaced outwardly of both the plate member and the nozzle. The bottom opening of the combustion chamber is arranged to allow air into the combustion chamber for mixing with the gas exiting the nozzle orifice. A hood member is spaced outwardly and below the opening at the top of the combustion chamber to allow ambient air into the hood member for mixing with the heated air. There is also provided an igniter for igniting the gas and air mixture.

Abstract: A golf ball warmer adapted to warm and store at the desired temperature the golf balls and a heat retaining carrying case for the warmed balls.