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 cooking device having a housing which can be closed by a door, a hinge support in the form of a slide or carriage is guided at one side wall so as to be displaceable at guide rails which are arranged horizontally at the side wall. One part of a hinge arrangement is fastened at the hinge support and the other part of the hinge arrangement is fastened to the door. The hinge support is guided at the guide rail by guide rollers which contact the guide rails in a positive engagement without play. In this way it is possible when opening the door to displace the same into a parallel position alongside the side wall.

Abstract: A curtain apparatus having a hood with a top plate in which one or more slots and/or openings are positioned, such as approximately parallel to each other. A fixed woven mesh metal curtain is mounted within one slot or opening so that the fixed woven mesh metal curtain remains in a fixed position with respect to the top plate, during operation of a descaler. A moveable woven mesh metal curtain can be mounted within the same or another slot or opening so that during operation of the descaler, the moveable woven mesh metal curtain translates along a longitudinal axis of the slot or the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering the hopper of a material melting and dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover lid engageable with a cover base. A hinge arrangement allows pivoting between the cover lid and cover base, and also allows for non-destructive removal of the cover lid from the cover base upon over-extension of the cover lid in the open direction.

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 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: A toy oven has a heating compartment accessible through an aperture in a front wall of a housing of the oven. A door is provided which is manually movable to close off the aperture. IN one embodiment, the door is slidably mounted and in another embodiment it is pivotally mounted. A mechanical interlock engages the door to prevent it from opening if the electrical power switch is on. Another mechanical interlock prevents the door from opening when the heating compartment is at a high temperature. The oven is thus safe to use by children in normal play. A fan may be provided to cool the heating compartment when the power switch is turned off and is thereafter automatically turned off after a predetermined time or when the temperature in the heating compartment falls to a safe level. A timer may also be provided to automatically switch power off after a predetermined time of inactivity.

Abstract: A kiln assembly is disclosed, including a heated kiln with an attached control box containing controls connected to the kiln heater. The control box is mounted on the kiln by a hinge, and can be secured with a closure device. A thermally insulated baffle is disposed within the control box and is spaced rearwardly from the front of the control box, and is essentially coextensive with the length and width of the control box to form a chimney. Louvers are provided to allow the flow of air through the chimney. A bank of plugs and sockets is exposed on the baffle, and interconnects the controls with the heater.

Abstract: A curtain apparatus having a hood with a top plate in which a plurality of slots are positioned approximately parallel to each other. A fixed woven mesh metal curtain is mounted within one slot so that the fixed woven mesh metal curtain remains in a fixed position with respect to the top plate, during operation of a descaler. A moveable woven mesh metal curtain is mounted within another slot so that during operation of the descaler, the moveable woven mesh metal curtain can translate along a longitudinal axis of the slot. The moveable woven mesh metal curtain is detachably engaged with a curtain bracket that is secured to a moveable guide arm.

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: An apparatus for transferring a loading car to a sterilizer chamber having a frame defining an opening, the apparatus comprises a chamber track adapted for supporting the loading car and wherein the chamber track is positioned within the chamber; a carriage track adapted for supporting the loading car and wherein the carriage track is configured to extend parallel to and in axial alignment with the chamber track; connecting devices mounted on an end of the carriage track; and a bridge having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bridge pivotally mounted adjacent the opening of the chamber wherein the bridge may pivot between an open and a closed position, the top surface adapted for supporting the loading car, and the bridge having receiving devices adapted for receiving the connecting devices when the bridge is in the open position.

Abstract: An insulated door or wall panel assembly utilizes a compressively sandwiched array of bodies of insulation that extend side-by-side to define a substantially contiguous interior surface that can withstand direct exposure to high heat energy, for example by being positioned to extend about peripheral portions of a treatment chamber of a high temperature furnace to cooperate with adjacent furnace structure to minimize loss of heat energy from the treatment chamber. A rigid frame, typically formed from steel, overlies exterior portions of the sandwiched bodies of insulation and is securely connected thereto for positioning and supporting the array, whereby a rugged panel assembly is provided that is well suited for use as a closure to selectively permit access through a furnace wall opening to the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A heat-treating apparatus comprises a heat-treating portion which performs a required heat treating to a plural number of objects to be treated mounted on a heat-treating boat, a vacuum exhaust system which creates a vacuum inside the heat-treating portion, a load lock chamber which is connected so as to be freely openable and closable with respect to the heat-treating portion, which is filled therein with an inert gas and which is for transporting an object to be treated into and out of the heat-treating portion, and a residual treating gas exhaust system which is connected to the load lock chamber.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus includes a conveyor adapted to carry assembled circuit boards through a soldering chamber. A wave of solder is created in the chamber. The chamber has a curtain at its entrance and a curtain at its exit. Gas distributors are located within the chamber and are able to introduce nitrogen into the chamber in order to create a non-oxidizing atmosphere in the vicinity of the wave. In operation, the wave of solder wets connecting points between the components and the board to form permanent joints on solidification of the solder. The bottom edge of the curtain is of a shape complementary to the front elevation of the assembled circuit boards to be soldered and is arranged such that the circuit boards just pass thereunder without making contact with it.

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: An energy efficient closure system is provided for minimizing heat loss through an elongate, horizontally extending furnace opening that is utilized to admit elongate charges of material, to the interior of a furnace. The system utilizes a plurality of depending, individually mounted, independently pivoted, inwardly curved, insulated door components that are arranged in a side-by-side array and that are biased by gravity so as to normally close the furnace opening. In preferred practice, the system also utilizes a curtain of insulation that depends from a water-cooled support pipe that extends horizontally through the upper part of the door opening, with the curtain being formed by a plurality of depending bats of insulation arranged in a substantially contiguous, side-by-side array.

Abstract: A door assembly for semiconductor processing equipment used to treat semiconductor substrates, wafers, photomasks, data disks, and other units. The door assembly is mounted to the front wall of a semiconductor processor enclosure having an access opening by means of a pair of guide rods and corresponding sliding bushings connected to the door which encircle the rods to allow movement of the door along the guide rods. A magnetic rodless piston mounted in an actuator bushing block which is magnetically coupled to an actuator bushing block moves the door assembly along the guide rods. The door assembly telescopically moves toward and away from the access opening to allow units to be installed into and removed from the enclosure, and to close the access opening. A window including an expandable seal is secured to an extension piece of the telescoping door assembly to seal between the door assembly and the access opening.

Abstract: A roof structure for an electric arc smelting furnace includes a spider frame for supporting a plurality of independent removable coolant coil sections. An inner coil section is generally annular in shape and includes a coolant pipe which spirals completely around a central opening in the roof structure. An intermediate coil section is also generally annular in shape, but includes a coolant pipe which extends around the circumference of the inner section, reverses itself around the circumference of the first pipe of the intermediate section, and then reverses itself once again around the circumference of the second coolant pipe of the intermediate section, to form a generally serpentine pattern. A plurality of semi-annular outer coil sections are supported radially outwardly from the intermediate coil section. Each outer section includes a first pipe located generally centrally within the semi-annular section and extending from end to end.

Abstract: A high temperature vacuum furnace has a circulating path external to the heating chamber for facilitating inert gas circulation during initial convection heating of a high temperature vacuum furnace. The heating chamber of the furnace and a surrounding cooling gas introduction chamber are within a metallic convection shroud in such a way that the space in between defines a heating gas circulation chamber for circulating heated inert gas during low temperature heating for accelerating the heating-up of the hot zone to its normal operating temperatures. Once the hot zone has reached a selected temperature, the inert gas is pumped out and the furnace then operates in a vacuum. Quenching is achieved by introducing cooling gas into the heating chamber via nozzles through the heating chamber walls.

Abstract: An induction crucible furnace with a tiltable furnace body includes a crucible that is usually covered by an accessible furnace platform. The furnace platform is sonically uncoupled from the furnace body in an untilted normal position, in order to reduce sound intensity radiated by the furnace platform. Coupling elements, which effect a change of state between a very loose coupling or a complete uncoupling in the normal position and a close or rigid coupling in a tilted position of the furnace body, are provided between the furnace body and the furnace platform. The coupling elements can be spring elements, lug and bolt connections, lug and bolt and lug connections or lug and locking bolt connections.

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: An improved apparatus is described for the closure of the open end of a conventional tube furnace used in the treatment of semiconductor devices manufactured in the integrated circuit industry. The apparatus consists primarily of an adjustable fixed weight on one end of a lever arm and a roller bearing means on the other end, said lever arm being supported by a fulcrum structure which is adjustably attached to the movable track which transports the semiconductor devices into and out of the furnace. The roller bearing end of the lever arm rests with constant pressure against the rear face of the furnace door when the door is closed and held against the opening in the tube furnace. The design eliminates the need for springs and is insensitive to the environment.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus for vacuum and high pressure operation includes a container within a vessel separated by thermal insulation. The vessel has a door for access to the container. Both the container and thermal insulation have separate doors mounted on a common frame pivotally mounted inwardly of the vessel door. The container door can be opened and closed from otuside the vessel when the thermal insulation and vessel doors are closed. Normally the container door is kept open in case of failure of the closing mechanism or in the event of a power failure.

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 industrial furnace employing a new and unique heat transfer arrangement is disclosed. The furnace is a closed end cylindrical chamber with a circular, concentrically positioned plate dividing one side of the furnace into a fan chamber containing a fan and the other side of the furnace into a heat treat chamber containing the work. The plate has a central under-pressure opening and its outer circular edge is spaced from the cylindrical wall to define an annular space which is non-orificing. Fan rotation in the fan chamber produces an annulus of wind mass swirling at high circumferential speed which axially travels through the non-orificing space towards the closed end of the heat treat chamber at slow speed. Heating elements extend through the non-orificing space into the heat transfer chamber and are constantly impinged by the swirling annulus wind mass to effect good heat transfer therewith.

Abstract: An internal heat exchange tube for cooling work within an industrial furnace is positioned to extend within the furnace and is closed at its axial end which is inside the furnace. Within the tube is an open ended, thin wall inner tube formed in the shape of a helical coil. Water introduced into the inner tube distributes thermally induced, circumferential stress gradients about both tubes to prevent tube bending while achieving fast cooling of the outer tube.

Abstract: Atmospheric door closure for sealing of the orifice of a process tube. A quartz end plate positions at the end of a plurality of spring loaded quartz rods to seal against the orifice of the process tube. The quartz rods slide against spring pressure behind Teflon sleeves contained in horizontal tubes. Springs in the horizontal tubes provide pressure against the quartz end plate when the quartz plate engages a process tube. A clamp and adjusting assembly secures to the paddle support shaft, and provides for alignment of the quartz rods and plate with respect to the paddle support shaft and the orifice of the process tube.

Abstract: A workpiece heating and feeding device having a lid which is installed above a heating block which heats the workpieces, the lid having an opening formed in the central portion thereof wherein a transparent heat-resistant plate covers the opening in the lid. The lid may alternately be entirely made of a heat-resistant material. Since the heating block is covered, no dirt or dust can enter the interior of the device. In addition, since the lid has either a transparent plate or is itself made of a transparent heat-resistant material, working conditions can easily be monitored and adjustments to the feeding of the workpiece facilitated.

Abstract: A free hanging reheat furnace door has a main door section with modular refractory units secured to a frame in lateral rows and a detachable bottom door section formed from channels and struts which is also covered by modular refractory units. The door sections are detachably secured together with modular refractory units of each section mating together, and preferably a refractory shoe is provided that fits a recess in the lower modular units and encloses the lower channel of the bottom door section. Pairs of doors may be hung side-by-side with L-shaped refractory members secured to confronting sides of the doors to seal the gap between adjacent spaced doors.

Abstract: A lining element for heat treatment furnaces comprises lining material consisting of insulating material, an elongate supporting element for transversely piercing the lining material, and elongate fastening members for attachment of the element to the interior furnace wall provided at both ends of the supporting element. The free ends of the fastening members are provided with projections extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the fastening members at the height of a planar interior surface of the element, which surface will be closest to the interior furnace wall.

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 roof structure has a plurality of layers of heat resistant material, at least a first of the layers including a first brick layer, at least a second of the layers above the first of the layers including a heat resistant compound, and the heat resistant compound being unshaped when initially installed above the first of the layers. A method of forming a roof structure in an opening between side walls of a chamber includes the steps of installing at least one layer of bricks in the opening directly above the chamber, applying at least one layer of a first concrete in an unshaped form in the opening over the at least one layer of the bricks, tamping the at least one layer of the first concrete at at least a first predetermined temperature, and allowing the at least one layer of the first concrete to harden.

Abstract: A heat treatment furnace for treating metal workpieces has a substantially cylindrical housing. The housing surounds a heating chamber having cooling gas inlets and outlets connected to a cooling gas circulation system for circulating the gas. A plurality of nozzles forming the gas inlets are mounted on the housing on two diametrically opposite sides thereof. The two sets of nozzles simultaneously direct cooling gases towards an impact zone within the heating chamber such that cooling gases meet in the impact zone. The workpieces are also supported in the impact zone of the heating chamber. A plurality of vents forming the gas outlets are placed around the periphery of the impact zone and conduct the cooling gas out of the heating chamber and into a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and means of heat insulating the opening in a heat chamber, e.g., a soaking pit, comprises applying a cover including an inside lining of ceramic fibres, under a load which is selected so that the fibres contact a peripheral wall of the opening under a pressure which is sufficient to form a seal with the wall but insufficient to cause the fibres to be crushed.

Abstract: A door assembly for a high temperature oven is disclosed, including a door frame having a cavity which is at least in part wedge-shaped and having apertures through the frame with a resilient seal surrounding the aperture. A door is located within the cavity, and moves in a generally vertical direction from an open position wherein the door is out of contact with the resilient seal and is displaced from the area between the apertures to provide unimpeded passage therethrough, to a closed position wherein the wedge shape causes the door to firmly seal against the resilient seal so that the substantial escape of gases through the closed door does not occur.

Abstract: A furnace closing mechanism for industrial furnaces is composed of a furnace door that can be latched to the furnace shell and a heat-insulating door fastened to the furnace door. This heat-insulating door renders the thermal insulation of the furnace interior gastight. Loss of material caused by friction is prevented by bayonet joints. The heat-insulating door provided by leaf springs and a threaded hub is screwed onto a threaded spindle, which is mounted on the furnace door and can be operated from the outside.

Abstract: Oven for charring plant matter, downdraft intermittent operation type, without external energy source. The invention relates essentially to the arrangement of the hearth located at the bottom of the oven, which provides the mechanical stability of the whole, the distribution of fresh air by means of a device permitting the circulation of air on the inside, as well as the precise control of its admission and airtight sealing at the end of the cycle; the collection of gases and pyroligneous liquors by means of an annular collector terminating in a single flue. The pyroligneous liquors are collected at the bottom of the flue. A condenser maybe installed to recover tars or to provide complete processing of the gases. Removal of the charcoal by gravity through a central opening, the cover of which contains the closable lighting aperture.

Abstract: A curtain door for use at the charge or discharge openings of a metal reheating furnace the curtain door comprising a horizontal support bar extending across the furnace opening, a horizontal curtain hanger member removably attached to the horizontal support bar and supporting at least two spaced apart metal mesh curtains of unequal length, an insulation means depending from the horizontal support bar adjacent the furnace side of the metal mesh curtain nearest the furnace opening and means to vertically raise or lower the horizontal support bar.

Abstract: An enclosure or housing for a furnace structure or the like such as for a reheat furnace of the type used in steel rolling operations, the furnace enclosure being comprised of a self-supporting arch structure preferably of sheet material such as steel and having thermal insulation extending continuously over the inner or concave expanse thereof, the arch structure forming an elongated, arched furnace enclosure which provides improved thermal energy distribution, simplified design, and enhanced overall economy.

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.

Abstract: Roof of a working tank or of a glass melting furnace having a basin containing molten glass and covered by the radiation roof of highly refractory firebrick material, in which the roof is constructed with horizontal supporting elements in the form of straight arches (3) bearing the load of the roof (1) and spanning the tank at intervals, and with horizontal slabs (4) covering the open intervals between the supporting elements (3) and laid crosswise between the supporting elements (3).

Abstract: A light-weight ladle lid cooperates with a lifting assembly positioned to remove the ladle lid as the ladle moves toward a filling location, and to allow the lid to be drawn back down onto the ladle when the latter retraces its path. The assembly has ramp-like fingers which engage horizontal pins supported from the lid. The lid is hinged to the ladle by pins received in but disengageable from slots.

Abstract: High temperature furnaces are described containing a movable viewing window that is heated so that the work charge can be scanned along the length of the furnace without creating a thermal disturbance. A system is also disclosed for controlling the operation of the furnace based on comparison of viewed images with stored sample images.

Abstract: An oven system for the continuous firing of bindered ceramic materials includes a conveyer, a burnout section, and an oven section. The burnout section burns binder out of the ceramic materials without substantial firing of the ceramic materials. The oven section fires the ceramic materials at a temperature of 800.degree. C. to 1600.degree. C. in an oxygen atmosphere. The oxygen in the oven is at a pressure of at least one-half atmosphere, so that the ceramic products are at least substantially in the oxide form and have a density of at least 98% of the theoretical density. The oven has a wedge shaped door which interacts with a wedge shaped cavity to seal the door.

Abstract: An improved slot forge type furnace, including a front or workstation wall constituted of vacuum formed modules of fibrous insulating material; the wall in the form of an arch, is assembled of a number of elongated modules, sometimes referred to as logs, which are adhered together and compressively positioned abutting the interior side thermal lining and arched top of the furnace. As wear develops in the bottom edge of the front arch wall, which edge defines the top of the slot, the wall is removed, its bottom edge is cut back, and the wall is repositioned.

Abstract: A multilayered, cooled metal lid for a heating vessel has a main support plate fabricated from low carbon steel and a chromium steel overlay that is exposed to the hot interior portions of the vessel. The chromium steel overlay has a chromium content by weight of approximately 10 to 25 percent.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a furnace wall in which a plug member is secured to a door shell which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to the furnace wall. A plurality of anchor members are secured to the shell and extend through openings in and are secured relative to the plug member.

Abstract: A thermostatic oven having an oven body with a front opening having a door which comprises windable sheets which cover the front opening with a space therebetween to close the same and which are wound up when the front opening is to be opened.

Abstract: An improved heat transfer arrangement for use in a unique multi-function, industrial heat treat furnace which employs a sealed, closed end, heat exchanger shell member containing the work. The heat transfer arrangement includes a totally contained, internal recirculation system which develops an especially configured annular jet stream that produces highly efficient, convective heat transfer with the shell member. After heat transfer between the entrained gases in the jet stream with the shell member has occurred, the jet flow is reversed at one end of the shell and impinged against the workpiece, the spent stream being reformed into the annular jet at the opposite end of the shell member.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed for use in a furnace which utilizes a thin, cylindrical imperforate shell member which is heated from an external source to heat work placed within the shell. An insulated arrangement within and outside of the shell extends a spaced distance from the shell's opening to sandwich the shell's wall therebetween. The arrangement prevents heat flux by radiation and convection from heating the sandwiched wall thus permitting graded cooling of the sandwiched shell wall by conduction to a temperature whereat a conventional elastomer seal can be employed to seal the shell member.