Abstract: Disclosed is an automated access door for a heat treating furnace that is controlled via a foot pedal switch. The door affords the user with the ability to use both hands to access the interior compartment of the furnace in order to manipulate the objects placed therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing device useful for attachment to a process equipment such as vertical shaft kiln (VSK) for providing air-seal self-controlled discharge of product from the said equipment, which comprises a chamber (1) having at its top end an inlet (3) with flange (2) for fitting to the discharge chute of a process equipment and a discharge outlet (16) at its bottom end, the said chamber being provided with a partition wall (4) having an inlet gate (5) & a discharge gate (6) hinged to its top & bottom respectively, the free ends of the hinged gates being such as to sit on means (7) and (8) to provide air seal, means (9,10,11,12,13,14,15,17,18,19,20& SOL) being provided for simultaneous operation of the inlet & discharge gates, the said means [9(a) & (b) and SOL] being connected to a control circuit for actuating the movement of the gates, the discharge outlet being fitted onto a volumetric discharge unit (21) provided with means (22) for measuring the quantity of product discharge.

Abstract: Elastic rotation rolls can be installed easily at optimal positions, and stable sealing performance can be attained for an extended period of time. Seal discs 47 are disposed at both ends of the roll shaft 46 of each elastic rotation roll 44 in the axial direction thereof. The outer peripheral surface of the seal disc 47 is closely contacted with the arc-shaped contact surface 52 of a sealing side wall 49 to attain sealing performance at each end face of the roll. Even if the seal disc 47 is displaced with respect to the sealing side wall 49, the sealing performance can be maintained. In this way, the structure of the sealing apparatus can be simplified and the elastic rotation rolls can be installed easily.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealing apparatus hardly causing a fire and capable of ensuring a stable sealing performance over a long time is obtained. The sealing apparatus is provided at an inlet/outlet for a metal strip 22 in a bright annealing furnace 21 to shut off atmospheric gas in the furnace from the outside air. A pair of elastic rolls 30a, 30b push both sides of the metal strip 22. The boundaries between the elastic rolls 30a, 30b and pushing members 25a, 25b are hermetically sealed by rigid rolls 26a, 26b. The elastic rolls 30a, 30b and the pushing members 25a, 25b are made of an elastic material, and the rigid rolls 26a, 26b are made of a metal. Nonwoven fabrics 27a, 27b are interposed between the rigid rolls 26a, 26b and the pushing members 25a, 25b.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for offset presses, and includes an air-IR drying box, through which ready printed sheets are caused to be conveyed with the aid of a sheet gripping shaft, for the purpose of drying pigment deposited on the sheets. The box has top and bottom sections separated at each lateral side by a gap between the sections. Brushes along the gaps delimit the box laterally. The brush at each lateral side comprises brush material covering the respective gap and extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction for preventing the spread of heat radiation and hot air from the IR lamps in the box to different machine parts of the press. The gripping shaft is of a length to extend through the gaps and to deflect the brush material as the shaft passes along the gap.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus securely seals the inlet and outlet of an atmosphere heat treatment furnace. A pair of elastic rolls 26 and a pair of additional elastic rolls 26 hold a metal strip so as to seal the inlet and outlet of the atmosphere heat treatment furnace which continuously performs bright annealing of the metal strip in a combustible atmosphere gas including hydrogen gas. A pair of intermediate rolls are disposed between the elastic rolls and the additional elastic rolls. The outer peripheral surface of the elastic roll is sealed by a seal plate. By multi-stage sealing, the outside air can be shut off securely from the atmosphere of the furnace.

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

Abstract: A vacuum heat treating furnace includes a pressure vessel having a wall that defines a chamber wherein metal parts are vacuum heat treated. A fan is disposed inside the chamber for circulating a cooling gas therein. An electric motor is mounted externally to the pressure vessel for driving the fan. A drive shaft interconnects the fan and the electric motor through an opening in the wall of the pressure vessel. The vacuum furnace incorporates a dual seal for providing a vacuum-tight seal and a gas-tight seal where the drive shafts passes through the pressure vessel wall. The dual seal includes an inflatable seal surrounding the drive shaft for providing a vacuum-tight seal around said drive shaft when the furnace chamber is evacuated to a subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A seal assembly (3) located at an entrance and/or exit of a heat treatment furnace for heat treating a metallic strip (S) with no formation of oxide films on the surface thereof, using an atmospheric gas containing hydrogen gas and including an elastic rotating roll (6) being pressedly engaged with an elastic pad (5) fixed on the surface of a seal plate (4) and the metallic strip (S) to seal the inside of the furnace against the outside air, wherein elastic members (9) being provided in through-holes (2b) formed through a side plate (2a) of a furnace wall (2) at positions corresponding to both side edges of the elastic pad (5), and elastic member-moving mechanisms (10) being provided for pressedly engaging the elastic members (9) with the sides of the elastic pad (5); at least two closely-set slip disks (7) arranged in an axial direction of the side of a roll body (6c) and an elastic disk (8) being fitted over a roll shaft (6a) between the side plate (2a) of the furnace wall (2), on which the elastic rotating

Abstract: The sealing apparatus of the present invention is intended to enhance the sealing performance and to reduce the rotation loads at the end surfaces of elastic rolls. A sealing apparatus 20 is provided to hermetically seal the inlet/outlet of a bright annealing furnace 22, through which a metal strip 21 is passed. Since the metal strip 21 is held between a pair of elastic rolls 23 on both sides of the strip, the metal strip can be passed through while hermetic sealing is maintained. A covering member 34 and an end surface sealing member 39 made of elastic materials are disposed between the end surface of the elastic roll 23 and the side wall 26 of a casing 25 to attain reliable sealing. A first supporting member 35, a second supporting member 36. an outer bearing 37 and inner bearings 38 made of rigid materials are disposed between the covering member 34 and the end surface sealing member 39 to reduce the rotation loads of the rolls.

Abstract: A convection furnace is provided for brazing workpieces in a heated recirculating atmosphere, in which the workpieces are positioned within a heating chamber of the furnace and are alternately heated from different sides in a controlled manner such that a substantially uniform temperature is maintained throughout the workpieces while their temperatures are increased by the heated atmosphere, preferably an inert gas. The braze furnace is adapted to intermittently divert the heated atmosphere to one side of the heating chamber, through one or more stacked workpieces, to an opposite side of the heating chamber. As such, a pulsed multi-directional convective atmosphere flow is achieved through the workpieces that promotes a more rapid and uniform heat transfer to the workpieces. As a result, each structure as a unit reaches a suitable braze temperature more effectively and efficiently than previously possible.

Abstract: In a scrap conveyor for feeding a scrap to a processing furnace such as an arc furnace, etc, while pre-heating the scrap by an exhaust gas from the processing furnace, the periphery of the scrap conveyor is covered with a gas seal cover, a flue is disposed above the scrap conveyed, an exhaust gas passage portion is disposed below the scrap conveyor, and an exhaust gas suction duct opening to the exhaust gas passage portion through an exhaust gas suction space is disposed. In the conveyor, an exhaust gas flow passage for allowing the exhaust gas inside the flue to pass through the scrap from its surface layer to its lower layer is formed inside the layer of the scrap, so that pre-heating of the scrap can be efficiently effected throughout the whole layer of the scrap.

Abstract: A thermal treatment furnace for use with a semiconductor system is provided. The thermal treatment furnace includes a scavenger which sealingly encloses a lower end of a reaction tube so as to diminish gas leakage from the reaction tube.

Abstract: A control measuring and supply apparatus and method for receiving a substantially, continuous flow of fluent material from a source of supply; the assembly having a bottom-sealed diverter plate, optionally positionable to direct the fluent material, by gravity, to either one or the other of a pair of adjacent, parallel supply chambers, each of the supply chambers having lower, sealed valve plates which can be optionally opened or closed, a and visa versa, one of the supply chambers being filled with the fluent material while the other is simultaneously emptied, and power operated control motors for controlling the operation of the diverter and valve plates; the diverter plate and valve plates cooperating with seals disposed out of the path-of-movement of the fluent material.

Abstract: In a baking oven for baking a relatively planar work such as semiconductor substrates, LCD panels and integrated circuit boards, a laterally elongated slot is formed in a shutter door which is moveable in the vertical direction. The oven main body is internally provided with a rack having a plurality of shelves which are each associated with the slot of the shutter door in such a manner that the work supported by each of the shelves of the rack may be aligned with the slot of the shutter door by appropriately determining the vertical position of the shutter door. Thus, by minimizing the area of the access opening of the oven main body, not only the loss of energy is minimized but also undesirable fluctuations in the internal temperature of the oven main body is minimized.

Abstract: A semiconductor processor including an enclosure with an access opening. A door assembly is supported for translational movement between aligned and displaced positions relative to the access opening. The door assembly has a main part, and an extension part which telescopically moves toward and away from the access opening. A bellows is provided between the main and extension parts. The closed door is sealed by a first face seal and a second expandable seal. A liquids trap is provided to prevent outward escape of liquids from the access opening. A drain removes liquid collected in the trap.

Abstract: A reflow soldering system includes a reflow station with one or more soldering containers. Each container includes a base and a cover reciprocable to either open or close the container. When open, the container receives a printed circuit board/electrical circuit component assembly for reflow soldering, or permits the exit of such assembly after soldering. When closed, the container provides a fluid-tight seal between the chamber inside and the immediate outside environment. Container opening and closure are synchronized with an input conveyor providing assemblies to the container and an output conveyor removing the soldered assemblies, both of which are operated by a control system at a controlled rate of speed. When the container is closed, its internal environment is precisely controlled through heating elements in the container and several conduits for supplying air (heated if desired), for supplying an inert gas, and for drawing a vacuum.

Abstract: A heat treatment furnace has a reaction tube with one open end and a detachable front cap with an exhaust port provided such that it closes the opening of the reaction tube. A detachable inner tube is provided in an opening of the reaction tube wherein the inner tube has a cylindrical side whose diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the reaction tube. A disk-shaped end is located such that there is a space between the disk-shaped end and the front cap and it has a through hole(s).

Abstract: An object holder is raised, a mount portion is stopped at a middle stop position higher than a lower stop position, and an object of treatment is preheated. Thereafter, the object holder is further raised, the mount portion is stopped at an upper stop position in a processing tube higher than the middle position, and the object is heat-treated. A first temperature sensor for measuring a temperature on the obverse side of the object on the mount portion is located facing the obverse side. A second temperature sensor for measuring a temperature on the reverse side of the object on the mount portion is located facing the reverse side. The temperature of the object is detected in accordance with the respective outputs of the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: The loader device comprises a cartridge-carrying carousel provided with a set of cartridge-holders in which sealed closed cartridges are mounted in removable manner, each cartridge being designed to contain a sample for processing in a space furnace, the device further comprising a control mechanism for imparting indexed rotary drive to the cartridge-holders. The carousel is mounted to one side of the furnace in such a manner that its axis of rotation is parallel to longitudinal axis of the furnace. Each cartridge-holder of the carousel co-operates with a transfer mechanism that includes a translation arm extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the carousel to enable each cartridge to be brought successively into a working position in which the axis of the cartridge is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the furnace. The control mechanism for imparting rotary drive to the cartridge-holders and the transfer mechanism are activated alternately by a single electric motor.

Abstract: An atmospheric oven containing an atmospheric gas kept at a predetermined purity and accommodates a transporting means for transport an object to be heated along a predetermined transporting path. A includes a cylindrical portion for preventing the gas from flowing outside the oven, extends in a certain length from an entrance of the oven and an exit of the oven and has a sectional area necessary for passing the object through the portion.

Abstract: A discharge opening for a reheat furnace is shielded with a pair of metal woven wire mesh curtains each secured above the discharge opening and hanging to the bottom of the opening. Each curtain preferably is formed from multiple parallel coplanar ribbons, each extending from above the discharge opening to the bottom of the discharge opening. The mesh curtains are fabricated from a sag resistant metal alloy. Embodiments are described for accommodating slots which receive discharge lifter members for removing heated metal workpieces from the furnace. A preferred mounting apparatus employs one or more fibrous thermal insulation strips above the discharge opening. A counterweight mounting apparatus urges the fibrous thermal insulating strips against the outer wall of the furnace.

Abstract: Modifications are provided to a standard, batch type industrial heat treat furnace of a hot wall design which permit the furnace to be operated efficiently at high temperatures. The furnace is of a cylindrical design having a forward heat treat chamber and a rearward plenum chamber with a flat bulkhead plate in-between the chambers. The bulkhead has exit and inlet openings permitting wind mass to flow to the heat treat chamber and back to the plenum chamber. The bulkhead has a plurality of radially extending slits formed therein which permit the bulkhead to remain flat despite temperature and pressure gradients resulting in expansion/contraction of the bulkhead. Additionally, the furnace includes a closed end muffle within the heat treat chamber into which work to be heat treated is placed. A water cooled spring biasing support is provided for the closed end of the muffle to resist downward deformation of the muffle at high temperatures.

Abstract: A pressure relief door for an enclosed vessel such as a combustion chamber for an incinerator. The door is pivotally attached to the combustion chamber and is movable between a closed position wherein it confronts and seals a vent duct attached to the chamber and an open position wherein said vent duct is unsealed to permit excessive pressure to be relieved from the chamber. A liquid holding trough is attached around the perimeter of the duct and is adapted to retain therein a liquid at a predetermined level. A seal member is attached around the perimeter of the door and is adapted to extend into the liquid to achieve an airtight seal between the door and duct when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A double walking beam furnace for the heat treatment of individual articles which includes a transport apparatus for conveying the part to be treated through the furnace, the transport apparatus including two groups of longitudinal beams which alternately transport the parts in a stepwise manner. The longitudinal beams are alternately arranged in spaced relationship to one another, and a sub-structure is provided beneath each beam to carry the beam and move together therewith. The sub-structure effect both a perpendicular movement and a horizontal movement, in the longitudinal direction of the furnace, of the longitudinal beams. A fixed water trough is provided between each two adjacent sub-structures, which extends approximately over the entire length of the furnace or hearth and is not movable together with the sub-structures, which extends approximately over the entire length of the furnace or hearth and is not movable together with the sub-structure.

Abstract: A door assembly for an air lock of a waste processing system comprising a vertical sliding door member having a perimeter entirely supported when the sliding door member is in a closed position and is sealed by a selectively inflatable gasket assembly located along the perimeter. The sliding door member is supported by inner and outer panels separated by a rectangular spacer gasket, wherein the inner and outer panels each contain a rectangular opening having a perimeter for receiving the inflatable gasket assembly. The inflatable gasket assembly includes a retainer frame and a rectangular inflatable seal element. The door assembly is opened and closed by including a pair of vertical tracks located between the inner and outer panels for receiving vertically extending ribs from the sliding door member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an economical vacuum furnace for heat treating of heat treatable articles including heat transfer arresting means at two ends of a vacuum furnace heat treating chamber such that the construction of said chamber is simplified and said heat transfer arresting means comprise reduced area portions of sealing and exhaust means for said vacuum chamber by reason of which seals are economically protected from deterioration by the heat normally associated with vacuum furnaces, and wherein the heating of the interior of the vacuum furnace is outside the heat treating chamber.

Abstract: A convection braze furnace for brazing aluminum heat exchangers in an inert gas rich atmosphere includes entrance and exit vestibules forming atmosphere barriers of suspended stainless steel strips. The interior of the braze furnace is divided into multiple zones for progressively heating the heat exchangers to a brazing temperature and then cooling the heat exchangers in the final zone. An impeller circulates the heated inert gas atmosphere within each zone to accelerate heat transfer. A chain type conveyor supports the heat exchangers as they are moved through the braze furnace. An isolated return tube surrounds the lower return side of the conveyor chain as it passes through the braze furnace. The braze furnace housing is comprised of inner and outer shells having an inert gas pressurized cavity interstitial therebetween. The inner shell includes a plurality of expansion strips having generally ellipsoidal corner expansion joints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a means for continuous production of elongated carbon bodies having a constant or substantially constant cross-section where a casing filled with unbaked paste consisting of carbon and a carbon containing binder is continuously baked to a solid carbon body by heating by means of direct electric current. The first terminal of the direct current source is being slidably connected to the casing through a plurality of vertical ribs extending radially outwards from the casing, said ribs being made from a current conducting material, and the second terminal of the direct current source being connected to the baked part of the carbon body or to a bottom contact in a smelting furnace in which the carbon body is consumed. The casing containing the carbon containing paste is continuously or substantially continuously moved in axial direction by means of slipping- and holding means.

Abstract: An industrial electrical, vacuum furnace for ion processing of work is provided with an improved feed-through interlock and insulator arrangement. A sealed interlock chamber on the furnace door is in fluid communication with the furnace's heat treat chamber. A bellows outside of the interlock chamber is in fluid communication therewith. When a vacuum is drawn in the heat treat chamber, the bellows distends into a collapsed position to provide a firmly clamped electrical connection with the feed-through which extends through the door into the interlock chamber. The feed-through is thus pinned by the bellows at one end and a V-shaped pulley guide arrangement within the furnace controls thermal distortion of the feed-through.

Abstract: An improved debris tolerant seal for a rotary combustor is disposed on the inlet end ring header so as to extend radially inwardly therefrom and cooperates with a parallel spaced apart surface and diverging surface on an adjacent refractory ring to form a seal which will not become jammed with waste materials and allows for radial and axial thermal expansion of the rotary combustor.

Abstract: A movable axially oriented air seal for a rotary combustor for burning municipal solid waste wherein the shoe portion of the seal is movable allowing the area over which underfire and overfire air can be supplied to be varied to improve the efficiency of burning the waste irrespective of varying heat value and moisture content of the waste.

Abstract: A movable car bottom furnace in which premature failure of the metallic components of the movable car bottom are avoided by moving a hinged lower portion of the side wall into engagement with the refractory portion of the car bottom whereby only a refractory to refractory contact is made between the walls and car bottom, with all said contact occurring at a level above the uppermost level of the metallic components of the car bottom.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending row of closely spaced elongated flexible springs extend over an elongated slot of a furnace to prevent heat loss. The springs are deflected in turn as an arm moves along the length of the slot and the springs return to their original state after the arm passes by. The arm holds a glass handling device which holds a glass sheet within the furnace. The arm moves along the length of the slot so as to transport the glass sheet through the sections of the heat treating furnace.

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

Abstract: There is provided a heating furnace comprising a furnace body, a cylindrical zone heater in the furnace body, a muffle tube installed through the furnace body for thermally treating a porous preform made of high purity quartz glass by moving the preform vertically therethrough and a partition means in the portion of the muffle tube projecting above the furnace body to divide an interior space of the muffle tube into an upper space and a lower one.

Abstract: With this rotating cylinder driven on the outer periphery and running on rollers with pipes or connections that are provided in the area of the rotating cylinder heads connected to the rotating cylinder ends for product intake, product gas removal, and solid matter discharge for thermal treatment, low-temperature carbonization or pyrolysis of liquid or solid substances or mixed phases by indirect heating, to improve the sealing function and increase the service life of the sealing packings there is provided between the driven and the stationary parts of the rotating cylinder on both the intake and the discharge side a floating slide ring sealing system. A nonpositive frame structure for each makes possible a revolving joint between the rotating cylinder and the two stationary rotating cylinder heads connected with the pipes or connections.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers within a supporting vertical wafer tower are positioned within a vertical process chamber through a lower gate valve fixed to a supporting framework. The gate valve is sealed to a similar gate valve at the upper end of a movable load lock on the framework, within which the wafers are subjected to pre-treatment and post-treatment processes. Two load locks are alternately used in conjunction with the process chamber and a wafer loading station on the framework. In addition, a cleaning element is movably mounted on the framework for periodically maintaining the interior surfaces of the process tube within the process chamber.

Abstract: A furnace assembly for automatically transporting circuit board of varying sizes through a firing chamber and for maintaining heat within the firing chamber and preventing ambient air from entering into the firing chamber by having an adjustable twin-track rail assembly for housing and positioning conveyor belts which secure the circuit boards and by having baffle gate chambers in which a series of baffle gates maintain a constant atmosphere at the open ends of the firing chamber.

Abstract: A scraper for an axial seal on a rotary combustor of a municipal solid waste incinerator comprising a plurality of short scraper blades having a tapered leading cutting edge attached to alternating radially disposed seal support bars attached to combustor tubes to remove aluminum and other built up material from axial seal shoes to extend the effective life of the axial seals.

Abstract: A replaceable longitudinal seal for a rotary combustor formed from a circular array of pipes separated by perforated webs comprise a flat bar extending radially outwardly from ever other pipe with an angle bracket positioned on and welded to each flat bar so as to compensate for out of roundness of the combustor, a plurality of thin resilient strips of stainless steel removably fastened to each angle bracket and extending outwardly from said flat bar at an angle of approximately 60.degree. and a plurality of arcuate shoes disposed proximate a circle scribed by the distal margins of said thin strips to form a dependable seal which will deflect when encountering debris on the shoes and portions thereof can be easily replaced if damaged by the debris.

Abstract: A heat-treating apparatus comprises a heat-treating furnace which include a process tube arranged so as to set its longitudinal direction vertically and having inlet and exhaust ports for a reaction gas, a heater arranged around the process tube, a capping member for capping an opening for allowing an heat-treating object to be loaded therethrough, which is formed in the lower end of the process tube, a case for covering a portion between the process tube and the capping member, and an exhaust nozzle, coupled to the the exhaust port formed in the process tube, for introducing the exhaust waste gas to the outside of the heat-treating apparatus. An exhaust nozzle is arranged in the case so as to introduce the waste gas leaking from between the process tube and the capping member to the outside of the heat-treating apparatus, thereby preventing the leaked gas from being diffused around the heat-treating apparatus.

Abstract: An ingot pusher furnace includes means for reducing heat loss from the charging and discharging ends of the furnace so as to produce a more efficient and uniform heating of the ingots. The pusher furnace includes support rails which extend between a first opening in the front wall and a second opening in the rear wall and terminates inside of the charging and discharging doors. The charging and discharging doors extend below the support rails in their closed position so as to provide a positive seal. A first rail drawbridge is arranged adjacent the charging door to facilitate movement of the ingots into the furnace enclosure. The second rail drawbridge is arranged adjacent the discharging door to facilitate movement of the ingots out of the furnace enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a refrigerator box which has a door along one side and insulation in all of the surfaces of the box including the bottom. The invention specifically relates to devices for loading the box using a pallet loaded with prepackaged material such as ice. The insulation in the bottom of the box is divided into three parts; the insulation along one side, the insulation along the opposite side and then the center insulation portion.The method is accomplished by removing the center insulated portion and rolling a pallet loaded with prepackaged material into the refrigerated box using an ordinary transportation vehicle such as a lift cart. Once the vehicle has moved the pallet of prepackaged material into the refrigerated ice box or container, the transportation device is then lowered so that the pallet will settle onto the pieces of insulation on each side of the box. The transportation device is then removed and a piece of insulation is inserted under the pallet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for feeding and distributing charge material through a feeding opening onto the molten bath surface in a glass melting furnace. On a movable stand there are disposed a charge hopper, a charging device, a pusher with a pusher holder and pusher driver and a heat shield substantially covering the feed opening, in which at least one opening is disposed for the passage therethrough of the charging device and of the pusher holder. To maintain a suitable path of movement of the pusher with simultaneous improvement of the shielding action of the heat shield, the pusher holder is mounted on a horizontal linear guiding device on a horizontal platform and is displaceable with respect to the latter by a horizontal driver. The platform is mounted on the stand by means of a vertical guiding device and can be raised and lowered on the stand by a vertical driver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a melting furnace having a charging opening in its sidewall, in which a closed housing contains a vibrating pan having an intergal discharge chute adapted to extend into the charging opening in the furnace sidewall; and a truck-mounted carriage for moving the charging apparatus into the charging opening of the furnace and removing the apparatus to a position remote therefrom. A method for feeding the furnace over a predefined area, and continuously feeding the furnace during all phrases of operation, including slagging and tapping, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The furnace has a hearth which rotates inside a stationary closed chamber and is supported therein on vertical cylindrical conduit which extends through the furnace floor and is supported by a single center bearing. The charge is deposited through the furnace roof on the rim of the hearth as it rotates and is moved toward the center of the hearth by rabbles. Externally generated hot gases are introduced into the furnace chamber below the hearth and rise through perforations in the hearth and up through the charge. Exhaust gases are withdrawn through the furnace roof. Treated charge drops from a center outlet on the hearth into the vertical cylindrical conduit which extends downwardly through the furnace floor to which it is also sealed.

Abstract: A flexible screen mounted to pneumatically seal the sides of an opposing belt conveyor system in a porous pack curing oven. Fixed to the upper belt structure and drapingly sealed to the lower belt structure, the screen impedes curing gases directed through the foraminous belts and porous pack therebetween from exiting through the edges of the pack. The draping screen provides a seal over a range of belt-to-belt spacing.

Abstract: The furnace has a hearth which rotates inside a stationary closed chamber and is supported therein on circumferentially spaced rollers the shafts of which extend outside the furnace and are cantilevered in bearings. The shafts are sealed to the furnace wall by mechanical and pressurized gas sealing means. The charge is deposited through the furnace roof on the rim of the hearth as it rotates and is moved toward the center of the hearth by rabbles. Externally generated hot gases are introduced into the furnace chamber below the hearth and rise through perforations in the hearth and up through the charge. Exhaust gases are withdrawn through the furnace roof. Treated charge drops from a center outlet on the hearth into a soaking pit which extends downwardly through the furnace floor to which it is also sealed.

Abstract: A low velocity oven seal for use with an elongated oven complex of the type in which articles to be processed are moved longitudinally through the oven. The seal includes an air seal compartment adapted to be aligned with the entry end of the oven complex to form a prefix to the oven complex. In one form of the invention, a blower assembly is mounted on the roof of the air seal compartment adjacent the exit end of the comparment and functions to withdrawn air from the upper region of the air seal compartment adjacent the exit end thereof for delivery to a pair of plenum chambers disposed at either side of the air seal compartment. The air delivered to the plenum chamber is introduced into the lower region of the air seal compartment generally below the path of the articles being processed within the oven complex and this air in turn moves upwardly and toward the exit of the air seal compartment where it is received by the inlet to the blower assembly to complete the air cycle.