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

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging liquid-covered, sedimented particles from a reaction chamber and subsequent drying of said particles, preferably metal particles which are produced in the upper portion of a reaction chamber partially filled with a liquid medium, by means of liquid-atomization or gas atomization of a stream of molten metal, whereby produced metal particles are collected at the bottom of the lower portion of said reaction chamber comprisinga discharge means arranged at the bottom of said reaction chamber, said discharge means being arranged for an automatic operation and being connected to a sensing member at the bottom of said reaction chamber to sense the absence or presence of sedimented particles in said bottom in such a way that the discharging operation is automatically discontinued at a predetermined minimum quantity of collected particles andan outlet means connected to said discharge means, said outlet means being provided with a heating means and a movable motor-driven means arranged to tran

Abstract: A rotary cylinder calcining system for treating tacky materials with a propensity to adhere to the surfaces of handling apparatus. The system comprises a reciprocating means for freeing the cylinder calciner outlet from any blockages caused by adhering material.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor wafer handling system completely eliminates the need for boats, sleds, paddles, wheeled carriers, etc., customarily employed in transporting wafers during heat processing through the use of a plurality of rigid, polished cantilevered rods having a multiplicity of spaced slots for cooperatively holding wafers in an upright position. The system provides a means for achieving higher production yields of such semiconductor elements by generating fewer contaminating particles and through less exposure to ambient environment.

Abstract: A cantilever wafer paddle system for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices so the system having two support members positioned above and attached to a suspension member such that the suspension member is capable of supporting and suspending a series of wafer boats within a diffusion tube without allowing any portion of the paddle, boats or wafers contained within the boats to contact the internal walls of the diffusion tube.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for moving and thermally conditioning generally cylindrical containers in which the structure provides for movement of the containers about their axes and provides for a predetermined heat flow relative to the containers to change the temperature of the containers by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A sagger furnace especially adapted for the dental ceramic field. The furnace has a sagger platform and a top part that closes with the sagger platform to form a closed firing chamber. The upper part is powered by a positive drive but connected to the powering means by gravity force which allows the manual opening of the furnace at any time. Also provided is a method of firing dental ceramics.

Abstract: An elevating jig, particularly suitable for elevating selected semi-conductor wafers in boat or holding member, has a base and a plurality of removable lift members which fit in apertures in the base. A locating member is provided at one end of the base for positioning a holding member on the base and the apertures in the base are at predetermined positions from the locating member. Lift members can be positioned as desired and when a holding member is placed on the jig certain wafers are lifted up, enabling easy withdrawal.

Abstract: The semiconductor device manufacturing process for producing semiconductors (transistor, IC, LSI or the like) needs a large number of thermal treatments for semiconductor wafers, such as thermal oxidation, diffusion, CVD, annealing or the like. The above-mentioned various thermal treatments are conducted by employing thermal treatment apparatus. The thermal treatment apparatus according to the present invention performs thermal treatments for semiconductor wafers, such as thermal oxidation, diffusion, CVD, annealing or the like, and has a soft landing loader capable of loading and unloading a wafer jig housing therein a plurality of semiconductor wafers into and from a process tube of the thermal treatment apparatus with high reliability and a high thermal efficiency as well as capable of automatic control of the movement of the semiconductor wafers in accordance with thermal treatment conditions.

Abstract: A cantilever diffusion tube apparatus includes a quartz cantilever tube having a support end clamped to a laterally movable carriage mechanism and an outer end portion containing a plurality of spaced semiconductor wafers. The cantilever tube is coaxially aligned with a diffusion tube of a diffusion furnace. The support end of the cantilever tube is sealed by a door plate through which a gas tube extends. The wafers are loaded into the cantilever tube through a window opening. The carriage then moves the cantilever tube and wafers therein into the diffusion tube. Reactant gases are caused to flow into the cantilever tube, between the heated wafers therein, and out of the cantilever tube. Then purging gas is caused to flow through the cantilever tube and wafers therein.

Abstract: An automatic pig-charging apparatus for hot-chamber pressure-diecasting machines is described, which enable small parts to be manufactured e.g., a Zamak alloy especially under mass production conditions. Excessive fluctuations of the level of the liquid metal melt have prove to have disadvantageous effects on the quality of small parts, and on the service lives of the pressure-diecasting machines and dies. The aim must accordingly be to minimize the fluctuations. The present invention provides a control system, which keeps the liquid metal level within narrow limits. A float switch automatically triggers a charging operation whenever the lower liquid metal level is reached. This operation involves the automatic replenishment of the liquid metal melt by addition of pigs supplied from a replenishing station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the continuous firing of green ceramic articles, such as capacitors. In accordance with the invention a mixture of articles to be fired and heat resistant particulate matter in selected proportions is caused to descend a heated tube defining a furnace. Articles and particulate material such as sand are continuously introduced at the upper end of the furnace and removed at the lower end, after a predetermined dwell time within the furnace to effect firing. Removal is effected by progressively advancing a conveyor which is in partial blocking condition of the lower end of the furnace across the lower end of said furnace whereby the mixture of sand and fired ceramic articles is removed at a selected rate which is a function of the speed of the conveyor, whereby the dwell time in the furnace is closely controlled.

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

Abstract: A movable control or reception chamber is provided at the loading-unloading chamber of a diffusion furnace to control the environment around the wafers both before and after the wafers are removed from processing in the furnace tube. The reception chamber is capable of controlling the heat-up temperature prior to insertion of the wafers into the furnace while during the cool-down phase the heat given off is both controlled and prevented from being dissipated into the room.

Abstract: A method of treating, in a vertical grate furnace, raw materials in an iron reduction process is disclosed. The raw materials are fed onto a grate-containing section which is separated from at least one other section of the grate furnace. Subsequently, the grate-containing section is attached to the other section or sections by moving the other section or sections upwardly or downwardly so as to achieve and maintain gastight conditions between the grate-containing section and the other section(s). The raw materials then undergo preliminary heat treatment in the grate furnace. Finally, the grate is tilted to discharge the treated materials from the grate furnace through an outlet provided on the side wall of the furnace.

Abstract: A furnace for heating all sides of products such as metal slabs, billets, rough castings and the like includes a furnace chamber having a charging end and a discharging end. A plurality of carriages are positioned throughout the length of the furnace chamber to support products to be heated and are sequentially movable through the chamber from the charging end thereof to the discharging end thereof. Each carriage includes a support bench having extending upwardly therefrom support members to directly contact and support the products to be heated. A charging station is located adjacent the charging end of the furnace chamber for loading a product to be heated onto the carriage and introducing the thus loaded carriage into the furnace chamber, thereby displacing loaded carriages within the furnace chamber toward the discharging end and discharging a downstream-most loaded carriage from the discharging end of the furnace chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum furnace for heat treatment comprises a heating furnace proper, pre-exhaust chambers, one adapted to feed a workpiece into the furnace proper therefrom and the other adapted to discharge the workpiece out of the oven proper thereinto, vacuum valves for partitioning between the oven proper and the respective pre-exhaust chambers, and a line assembly for deliver of the workpiece from the feed chamber into the discharge chamber through the furnace proper. A heating chamber forming part of the furnace proper is positioned on the upper part above the deliver line assembly, and an externally operable elevating means is disposed in the furnace proper. The work pieces carried by the delivery line assembly, and lifted to the heating chamber where it is heated.

Abstract: The hearth of the furnace is indexed in such a manner that successive workpieces in a loading position are loaded in non-adjacent stations of the hearth during one revolution and are loaded in intervening stations during one or more subsequent revolutions. The method of loading and indexing the hearth enables a uniform temperature distribution to be more easily maintained in the furnace and provides flexibility in locating an unloading position relative to the loading position.

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 transfer apparatus of vessels in a tunnel furnace with a built-in heating apparatus is disclosed, comprising a horizontally reciprocative apparatus for carrier apparatus and vertically reciprocative apparatus for vessels. The vessels forward one stroke together with the carrier apparatus when the carrier apparatus forwards, and the vessels are lifted up during returning the carrier apparatus to the former portion, then the vessels are felled on the returned carrier apparatus. The vessels forward one stroke at every one reciprocation movement of the carrier apparatus during backing or heating treatment of material contained in the vessels in the furnace.

Abstract: In a pass-through sintering furnace for sintering a succession of ceramic tubes fed lengthwise through the furnace and rotated as they pass through the furnace, the tubes, when heated in the furnace, are kept apart by pushing each tube into the furnace at one end and pulling it out from the other end. The pulling speed is less than the pushing speed to ensure uniform firing throughout the length of the tube, allowing for shrinkage as the tube is fired, but is sufficient to hold the pulled tube clear of the next following tube so as to obviate any pushing against the end of a hot tube.

Abstract: In a semiconductor wafer processing apparatus, the support rails carrying the boats holding wafers are at least partially supported during insertion into and withdrawal from the furnace by one or more tiltable support brackets. Each bracket has two spaced pillars connected at their bases by a first member which is hingedly connected to a second member attached to a base surface of the furnace apparatus. A rotatable shaft extends between the top ends of the pillars. A projection extends from the first member. In use, as the furnace end plate is moved toward the furnace tube, pushing in the rails, the end plate folds down the, or each bracket as it contacts it. The projection passes up behind the end plate on folding down of a bracket. On reverse movement of the end plate, away from the furnace tube, the end plate contacts a projection and tilts up the related bracket. If a plurality of brackets are provided they are successively tilted up, back to a support position.

Abstract: A conveyorized, electrically heated oven provides controlled top and bottom heating for pizza or other food products. Cooking is accomplished in two ways. The top of the food is cooked with heated air circulated within the oven, while the bottom of the food is heated by electric heating elements located between live conveyor rolls. Heated air within the oven is recirculated. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, two parallel conveyor lines are provided, with controls to permit use of one or both lines. Because of the heat recirculation system, the oven does not require a heat vent and energy consumption is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for transporting/rotating the pot of a smelting furnace. The invention is particularly adapted to furnaces having rotating furnace pots and in particular to furnaces with a split furnace body. The pot is locked from rotation simply by letting the furnace pot rest on its foundation during intervals in which the pot is supposed to be at rest. The pot is rotatably arranged with respect to the furnace foundation and the rotation is produced by means of a plurality of transport means. The transport means are preferably evenly arranged around the circumference of the pot. The transport means comprises lifting means which periodically lift the pot partly or completely off its foundation. The lifting means are preferably of a type which provide a lifting force in vertical direction, either by means of a hydraulic medium or compressed air. The lifting means may for example be formed by one or more flexible hoses which communicates with a pressure producing source.

Abstract: A bakery oven for food preparation and an oven cart which can be placed therein comprising a goods stand (1) a wheel provided cart underframe (2), an oven chamber (5) in which the goods stand (1) is intended to be received, and a second chamber (15) arranged under the floor (14) of the oven chamber, the cart undersection (2) being pushed into said second chamber when the oven cart is rolled into the oven. The goods stand is rotatable relative to the cart underframe and the oven cart is provided with a coupling member (7), which cooperates with a rotatable driving device (8) in the oven. The goods stand is supported on the cart underframe by a vertical axle (13) rotatably mounted therein and an attachment (12) arranged at the end of the axle. A slot (16) which is open towards the oven door is arranged in the floor (14) of the oven chamber for receiving the axle (13).

Abstract: A plurality of rotatable containers has perforations for draining treated and untreated liquids while retaining nut product initially received therein either in a liquid slurry or dry. A closed, controllable oven environment, encloses said containers and has means for alternately evacuating liquids and nut products gravitationally from the containers to different locations, respectively to roast, dry, cool and dehydrate the nut product. Environmental temperature control for not only the oven but also cooling bins, controls heating and cooling to within certain ranges, and includes air percolation through drained and collected nut product. A process for preparing nut, bean and seed-like products is described for roasting, drying, dehydrating and cooling the products. The process includes a soaking of the product in a liquid solution at selected temperatures, agitation of the solution, draining of the liquids and maintenance of predetermined temperature in a closed environment.

Abstract: Appropriately spaced aligning pins are engaged with respectively corresponding portions of each of plural saggers disposed on a pallet. The pallet and aligning pins are then moved relative to one another so as to accurately and substantially simultaneously space apart the plural saggers on the pallet prior to firing.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement incorporated in a continuous oven comprises a plurality of support rails, one mounted in each oven chamber, and load-carrying frames suspended from the rails and arranged to move through the chambers. Each chamber has at least one drive pinion assembly comprising two pinions drivingly coupled by a chain drive, and each pinion can mesh with a rack to advance the load-carrying frames through the oven chamber. Each rack is secured to a respective load-carrying frame.

Abstract: Skids used to support a workpiece in a reheat furnace are adjustably positioned and anchored to resist longitudinal movement of the skids while workpieces are moved therealong. The anchor apparatus includes a rectangular housing, one end of which is attached by an anchor rod to a foundation while the other end has an aperture to pass an anchor rod into the space between the side walls of the housing. An internal bearing wall subdivides the space in the housing into two cavities. A bearing plate on the movable anchor rod in one cavity is forced by a piston and cylinder assembly to move the rod into the housing to thereby adjust the position of a skid to which it is attached. Shim plates are placed in the second cavity within the housing between an internal wall and a bearing flange attached to the movable anchor rod. Other shim plates are inserted between the end wall of the housing and the actuator to maintain an effective range of adjustment by the actuator.

Abstract: A heat-treating apparatus for practicing a method in which when red-hot iron pipes produced by a centrifugal casting machine are cooled, the pipes are slowly cooled over the temperature range of 800.degree. to 700.degree. C. to ferritize the pipes without separately annealing the pipes. A heat-treating furnace disposed close to one end of the rotary mold of the casting machine has furnace chambers each provided with pairs of rotatable rollers for supporting the pipe in rotation to prevent the deformation of the pipe. Each of the chambers has heating burners or a cooling heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature and cooling speed of the pipe placed in the chamber. According to a preferred embodiment, the furnace chambers are separated by openable partition members of circular-arc section, and each of the chambers has turnable levers for transferring the pipe to another chamber adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A sintered .beta.-alumina cylindrical tube of uniform shape is produced by placing the unsintered tube within a sagger, passing the sagger on friction-reducing balls through a horizontal firing tube and rotating the tube-containing sagger through the firing tube.

Abstract: A sintered .beta.-alumina cylindrical tube of uniform shape is produced by placing the unsintered tube within a sagger, passing the sagger on friction-reducing balls through a horizontal firing tube and continuously alternately rotating the tube-containing sagger through the firing tube so that all portions of the tube therewithin experience on the average the same gravitational effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reheating, storing and conveying metal bars or rounds cast by continuous casting processes whereby uniform bar temperature is achieved, lengthwise and cross sectionally, prior to rolling, cutting and other secondary operations, and discloses apparatus for practicing the novel process concepts. Cast metal bars having varying heat content throughout their length and cross section have their local heat content restored by heaters at a variable rate proportional to the energy required to produce a substantially uniform temperature throughout the bar length end cross section. The reheated bars are stored in a inventory control and soaking furnace for a duration at least sufficient to permit the energy absorbed by the bars during reheating to uniformly dissipate throughout the bars, and and bars of uniform temperature are released from the furnace at a controlled rate for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A calciner includes a rotatable cylindrical retort which is indirectly heated and has material receiving and material discharging ends. A reverse pitch tapered spiral is affixed internal of the material discharging end with the spiral tapering toward the material discharging end whereby uniformity of material discharge over 300 degrees of rotation is achieved and whereby uniformity of agitation and increased residence time are achieved.

Abstract: In a calciner having a rotatable cylindrical retort, an improved material feed spiral has a final turn and a 3/4 turn ending immediately adjacent the retort and a next to final turn connected to the final turn and extending outwardly therefrom away from the cylindrical retort. The final turn and 3/4 turn are of a height substantially equal to a given percentage of the inner diameter of the retort and the next to final turn tapers from a height substantially equal to the given height of the final turn to a height less than the given height.

Abstract: A calciner has a rotatable indirectly-heated cylindrical retort with a material receiving end and a material discharge end and a reverse pitch spiral is affixed internal of the cylindrical retort at the material discharge end.

Abstract: A drier, especially for viscous materials, comprises a double-wall cylindrical vessel which is heated and to which the material to be dried is fed at one end with the dried material being removed at the opposite end. A drying gas inlet is connected to the drying chamber to pass the drying gas in counterflow or uniflow with the material and a shaft is rotatable along the axis of the chamber and carries adjustable disks with alternately inner and outer openings so that the material path through the vessel is deflected toward and away from the axis as the material passes successively through adjustable-length cells between these disks. All of the disks carry blades which scrape the material from the heated wall from the vessel and at least some of the disks carry rollers of predetermined spacing from this wall to adjust the particle size of the dried product.

Abstract: An electric oven for the continuous baking of pizzas has a baking chamber with a single front opening through which pizzas positioned in baking tins are loaded and from which baked pizzas are unloaded, the pizzas in their baking tins being conveyed through the baking chamber by a horizontal conveyor extending longitudinally in the baking chamber and passing through two contiguous regions in which the baking tins are conveyed respectively away from and towards the front opening by pallet members attached to the conveyor which engage the individual baking tins and push them along a horizontal support track in the baking chamber, the support track having two end portions for loading and unloading, respectively, the end portions project through the front opening of the baking chamber.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a treatment compartment having a heat radiation source and a conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism comprises a load-bearing belt conveyor having a belt supporting products, and two pairs--upper and lower--of chain conveyors extending along the borders of the belt of the load-bearing conveyor and said chain conveyors being located within the treatment compartment. Each conveyor carries discs arranged to engage the borders of the belt on either side thereof, with the discs being displaced relative to one another.The apparatus is preferably used for a treatment of food products, especially sausage products to impart better taste qualities to the product and to improve the external appearance.

Abstract: In a calciner of the type having a screw conveyor for advancing material to and through a calcining reaction zone, and wherein the screw conveyor comprises an internally cooled support shaft which is provided within an outer screw flight shaft, an improvement comprising means for controlling the bending stress between the inner and outer shafts is provided. Further, means are also provided for allowing axial movement of one of the shafts relative to the other. The bending stress ranges between the inner and outer shafts are controlled by means of a plurality of bearing members which extend in a generally radial direction with respect to the shafts and which extend between the shafts. The bending stress range is also controlled by the axial position of the bearing members along the shafts. Axial movement of one shaft relative to the other is permitted by the provision of bearing cages around the inner shaft with axial slots formed in the cage.

Abstract: A furnace having a flue through which plates bearing products to be fired are advanced. A plurality of rams are mounted below the plates for lifting the plates off of supports in the flue. A mechanism is also provided to move the rams parallel to the direction of advance. To advance the products along the flue, the rams lift the plates. The rams are then advanced in a forward direction, after which the plates are lowered onto a flue supports. The rams are then returned to their original position and the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: A fluidized bed vessel tramp removal and bed recirculation system comprising a novel dual cone apparatus at the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: Process and device for ensuring the displacement, in a tunnel kiln in particular for high-temperature firing of ceramic products, of firing plates traversing the kiln of the type wherein the whole row of plates are pushed at one end of the kiln and roll on balls supported in rolling paths. Parallel grooves are formed on the lower face of the plates to receive the balls and more hollow portions and more protruded portions are provided on the lower face of the places in the said grooves so that when a ball passes under a said protrusion it locally supports a plate and simultaneously relieves of the load the balls of the same rolling path in proximity to the said protrusion what gives a better rolling of the plates and reduces the flow of the balls through the kiln.

Abstract: A conveyor system of the type which may be utilized with an apparatus comprising a plurality of treatment areas such as an oven system containing a proofer for conditioning dough and a baking oven downstream of the proofer for baking the conditioned dough. A plurality of carrying pans are attached to a conveyor that is continuously directed through the proofer and baking oven in a serpentine path. The residence time for a pan within either the proofer or the baking oven can be varied by a conveyor length adjustment system that functions to provide changes in length of the conveyor in the proofer and in the baking oven. The conveyor system comprises movable sprocket assemblies positioned within the proofer and within the oven. The sprocket assemblies are movable in equal and opposite directions for respective length adjustment of the conveyor within the proofer and the oven.

Abstract: A heating method of operating a furnace in a hot rolling line and a heating furnace therefor in which the reheating furnace is positioned between a continuous casting apparatus and a rolling apparatus rolling workpieces at a higher speed than they are cast by the casting process, the furnace serving as a heating and buffer zone. The reheating furnace includes at least three moving beams each having an independent driving mechanism, and coupling mechanisms which couple the neighboring moving beams for independent or synchronous movement, while the moving beams are so arranged that, by operating the driving mechanism, they are altered in their speeds to the discharging speed of the workpieces from the continuous casting process, or one or two of the moving beams are brought into idling state or driven at the rolling speed.

Abstract: A rotary hearth for a kiln assembly in which the refractory material-bearing portion of the hearth is supported by a metal frame from below and is contained peripherally by a refractory buttress secured to the frame. In the preferred form of the invention, the refractory buttress comprises a lower layer of slightly circumferentially spaced buttress block and an upper layer of refractory rim tiles interlocking with the buttress blocks. The hearth is free of metal structural components in regions of high heat and thus free from the problems of cracking and jamming associated with assemblies of the prior art.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plurality of extruders which feed parallel streams or ribbons of raw material or charge along rollers through successive chambers in a kiln and through an annealing lehr to zones where the material is cut. The surfaces of the raw material are coated on three sides with a parting or releasing agent and, on the side to be exposed, with a glaze or engobe, or left uncoated.The firing chamber of the kiln has opposed rows of fuel burners on the sides directed toward ports on the other side and refractory rollers which protrude through the side walls and are supported on circumferentially spaced wheels. Wheels between adjacent ends synchronize rotation of the rollers. Manifolds feed the stack gases from the firing chamber into the preheating chamber.The process includes using charges which are either a mixture of a small amount of soluble carbonaceous material and water to adjust the carbon and moisture content of the clay or silica with carbonaceous material and water.

Abstract: Grate for cooling or combustion heating of granular materials, fixed or longitudinally reciprocable, comprising a one-piece frame-like base plate and rod-like wear elements individually detachably secured to and over the forward area of the plate to define a material support surface. Attachment of the elements is by means of interengaging, transversely extending, longitudinally spaced guide means integral with the plate and elements. A central recess in the plate enables insertion one by one from above or from below, of the elements, whereupon each may be translated laterally along the guide means into emplaced position leaving only a central space filled by an element distinguished by a rearwardly projecting finger. Means are provided to engage the finger to releasably hold the central wear element in emplaced position. The wear elements conjointly form apertures which, together with those in the plate, enable passage of air through the grate.

Abstract: A walking beam shrink tunnel apparatus for sealing plastic film wrapped on an article, as the article is transported through a heat tunnel surrounding a portion of a walking beam type conveyor, a pair of heating elements located upwardly of the heat tunnel, and being adjustably set through temperature control means for regulating the radiant heat emanating from the elements, heat seals the film wrapped article; the walking beam type conveyor comprising alternately arranged stationary and walking beams, the latter being movably supported upon a base that operates to shift the walking beams in a substantially elliptical pattern for affecting movement of the film wrapped articles along the conveyor and through the arranged heat tunnel.

Abstract: A gas collection apparatus for use in open electrical smelting furnaces is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an annular body about the outer circumference of the furnace and sealed to the top edge of the furnace on one side thereof with a sloped wall extending into the furnace on the other side to a depth below the normal height of the charge in the furnace.