Abstract: In order to prevent air pollution, gases evaporated from articles preheated in a preheating chamber of a continuous furnace are automatically and compulsorily sucked into a high-temperature chamber annexed to the preheating chamber by creating a negative pressure working in the high-temperature chamber. After the gases have been completely oxidized and decomposed in the high-temperature chamber at a high temperature and under an excess of oxygen, they are exhausted outside of the furnace via an exhaust-pipe extending through the preheating chamber, so that they join to heat the preheating chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of firing a green ceramic honeycomb structural body containing an organic or carbonaceous material which is characterized by removing at least a portion of the carbonaceous material released prior to reacting within the firing atmosphere during the initial firing of the green honeycomb structural body. A tunnel kiln is also disclosed, which comprises a vestibule region, a carbonaceous material release region, having a plurality of removal zones, located downstream of the vestibule region and a sintering region located downstream of the carbonaceous material release region. The tunnel kiln further includes an exhaust removal system which operatively communicates, via offtake openings located in each removal zone, with the release region for removing released carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A tower furnace for the heat treatment of metal strips comprises a muffle (3) extending over the entire furnace height, through which muffle passes the strip (6). At the top of the muffle (3) an insulated stopper (1) with an electric heater (2) has been inserted into the muffle (3). Below this stopper (1) a gas-heated preheating space (4) is provided in the muffle (3).

Abstract: A method of winding a polymer film web around a cylindrical core, where the core is heated by blowing hot-air against the core prior to winding the polymer film web, and the polymer film web is wound around the heated core while blowing hot-air against the polymer film web. In another embodiment of the winding method, the polymer film is wound while knurled along both edge parts in the width direction of the film to form knurls so as to gradually decrease in the thickness thereof from one end of the film that contacts with the core toward the other end of the film. Furthermore, a heat treating method for annealing a film roll and a heat treating apparatus therefor are disclosed, which method comprises the steps of surrounding the film roll with heat insulating panels and blowing hot-air against the film roll in the direction along the core axis while rotating the core intermittently or continuously at a rotary speed of from 0.04 to 4 revolutions per hour.

Abstract: A thermal treating apparatus and process providing convection thermal transfer for elevated processing temperatures and chemical treatment. A recirculation plenum for passage of spent treatment fluid from and fresh treatment fluid to a treatment chamber may contain a thermal control source, a chemical control source, and a blower to provide predetermined programmable temperatures and chemical environments to articles in the treatment chamber. Decreasing cross sectional areas along the length of the treatment chamber cause introduction of fresh treatment fluid at different locations along the length of the treatment chamber to achieve desired uniform thermal and chemical treatment of articles along the length of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A device for continuous thermal treatment of multidimensional sheet structures consisting of fibers (18) made of polyacrylonitrile or substantially polyacrylonitrile comprises a furnace (23) with chamber-like sections, through which sections the sheet structure is continuously moved on a gas permeable transport track (21). In each of the chamber-like sections there is a gas stream flowing through the sheet structure perpendicular to the sheet structure. In every section, devices measure the parameters of the gas stream temperature, pressure and gas flow above and below the sheet structure to control the operation of heating elements (26), fans (27) in the approach flow region, and fans (28) in the outflow regions of every section. These parameters are adjusted to predetermined values necessary for an effective and precise thermal treatment of the sheet structures (18).

Abstract: A preheater and method of preheating a thermoplastic sheet prior to entry of the sheet into a differential pressure forming machine which forms an article in the sheet. The preheater includes mechanism for initially threading a sheet in a generally horizontal plane, mechanism for concurrently displacing upstream and downstream portions of the sheet in vertically opposite directions relative to the horizontal plane to dispose a portion of the sheet in an upstanding plane. A heater is provided for heating the upstanding portion of the sheet in the upstanding plane. After the sheet has been repositioned with a portion in the upstanding plane, the heater is laterally moved from an inoperative position to a sheet heating position receiving the portion of the sheet at the sheet heating station. Mechanism is provided for selectively moving the sheet downstream after the sheet has been vertically displaced.

Abstract: A heating system for heat treating a continuous sheet-like material includes an input end and an output end and a path defined therebetween that extends between the input and output ends for the material to be treated. At least one section of the heating system includes an upper movable heater and a lower stationary heater disposed on confrontingly opposite sides of the material path. A heater lifter is connected to the movable upper heater for operatively displacing the upper heater between a first position for imparting a curing type of heat treatment and a second position for imparting an annealing type of heat treatment to the continuous sheet material as it is advanced through the heating system.

Abstract: The process for heating a moving web, in particular a corrugated board web, in addition to a supply of heat to the one outer side of the moving web, also provides supply of heat to the other outer side of the web (5). A preheater (1) with a first heating face (3), which is associated with a movable deflection roll, is connected to a second heating face (13) connected to the deflection roll (10). With its other outer side, the web (5) is guided via this second heating face.

Abstract: A heat treatment furnace for fiber for heat-treating a fiber bundle (yarn) formed of many continuous filaments in hot gas while running the yarn. The heat treatment furnace has a plurality of heat treatment chambers provided in a furnace body. The temperature in each individual heat treatment chamber is independently adjusted to a temperature which is different from the temperatures in the other heat treatment chambers. Thereby, the heat treatment furnace can be made small and is able to heat-treat fiber efficiently.This heat treatment furnace is useful, particularly, as a heat treatment furnace (an oxidizing heat treatment furnace, or a oxidizing furnace) for producing an oxidized fiber needed to produce a carbon fiber.

Abstract: A method and tracking system for optimizing the tracking of a metal strip traveling over a plurality of crowned rolls in a continuous heating system designed to track a design strip having a design strip temperature profile. The invention attains an actual strip temperature profile in the metal strip that approximately coincides with the design strip temperature profile. This is accomplished by inputting metal strip variables and heating system variables into a control system and directing the control system to access a thermal model and a design strip temperature profile model. The control system then directs the operation of the heating system based on the metal strip variables, the heating system variables, the thermal model and the design strip temperature profile model such that the metal strip is heated to have an actual strip temperature profile that approximately coincides with the design strip temperature profile.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a surgical suture which includes a moving clamp for griping surgical suture material. The moving clamp has a gripping state and a non-gripping state. A heating station is provided for heating a length of surgical suture material. A first actuator, coupled to the moving clamp, is provided for translating the moving clamp from a position on a first side of the heating station to a position on a second side of the heating station opposite the first side when the moving clamp is in its gripping state, and for translating the moving clamp from the position on the second side of the heating station to the position on the first side of the heating station when the moving clamp is in its non-griping state. A stationary camp is provided for gripping the surgical suture material after the first actuator has translated the moving clamp from the position on the first side of the heating station to the position on the second side of the heating station.

Abstract: A hearth roll with a cermet thermal spray coating on the roll surface which is composed of a heat resistant MCrA1Y (M: Fe, Ni, Co) alloy where the amount of A1 is below 10 at. % and the combined (Al+Cr) amount is between 13-31 at. % and at least one oxide ceramic from the group consisting of MgO, MgAl.sub.2 O.sub.4, and Y.sub.2 O.sub.3.

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

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a superconductor tape during a heat treating process includes a cylindrical spool which is longitudinally split into a first half and a second half. Clamps are provided to hold the halves of the spool together in a first configuration. Additionally, shims are provided which can be positioned between the halves and which, in cooperation with the clamps, hold the halves of the spool in a second configuration. Before the heating process, the superconductor tape is wound onto the spool while it is being held by the clamps in its first configuration. The clamps are then released and the superconductor tape is subjected to the heating process. After the heating process, the shims are positioned between the halves, and the clamps are reengaged to form the spool in its second configuration. The superconductor tape can then be removed from the spool.

Abstract: One aspect of this invention comprises an improved conveyance system comprises an endless flexible belt which circulates through at least two arcs, at least one gripping member attached to the belt, the gripping member having a free end and an anchoring end, and a biasing means which biases the anchoring end of the gripping member toward the surface of the conveyor belt, wherein the gripping member is open as it traverses an arced path and is closed as it traverses a straight path. A workpiece is loaded as the gripping member traverses the first arc, and offloaded as the gripping member traverses the second arc, Preferably, the first arc has a greater radius than the second arc. The inventive also comprises a heater utilizing the conveyance system.

Abstract: This invention discloses a furnace in which hot gases are discharged from heaters to provide uniform heating to printed circuit boards commonly used in the electronic industry. Outside air is prevented from flowing into the furnace, so as to reduce and to stabilize the concentration of oxygen. The furnace 1 is designed with an air tunnel 2 to separate it into upper and lower sections which are fitted with hot air blow type heaters 5a, 5b. The hot air discharged from the heaters in the upper and lower sections flow in opposite directions to create a counter-flow of gases. Each individual heater can produce its own hot air circuit. They are designed with the blowing outlet and suction inlet in the same structure with the blowing outlet fitted with a redirectional flow plate 18 which directs the hot air to the suction inlet.

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

Abstract: Fabric-handling equipment which removes a fabric web from a stack of such webs or from a supporting surface, dries ink printed on a fabric, and removes a porous fabric held onto a surface by a vacuum. To remove a fabric web from a surface, like a stack of such webs, a device places needles partially into the web. Since the needles extend into the fabric less than about nine tenths of the fabric's thickness, they can only attach to the upper surface of a single web. The needles, after insertion into the web, separate from each other to effectuate a firm connection. When the device raises, it can only lift a single web. When a fabric web receives printing, touching it with a heated block having a Teflon surface cures the ink. This permits its subsequent printing or collecting and stacking. A fabric web may adhere to a supporting surface through suction.

Abstract: Coiler furnaces of the type used with reversing rolling mills are provided with a strip guide for guiding the leading edge of the incoming steel strip into engagement with the slot in the winding drum of the coiler furnace. According to the present invention, the strip guide is designed as a dual purpose strip guide provided with a cleaning element (e.g. a scraper blade or abrasive element) fixed to the distal end of the strip guide for contacting and cleaning the exterior cylindrical surface of the winding drum when the coiler furnace is otherwise idle.

Abstract: A steel workpiece reheating apparatus and method for raising the temperature of a thin continuously-cast hot workpiece to a required working temperature without causing harm to the workpiece. The apparatus includes a high intensity heating chamber provided at the charging end of a reheat furnace structure which briefly and intensely heats the workpiece above its melting temperature before it enters the remainder of the reheat furnace. The provision of the high intensity heat chamber at the charging end of the reheat furnace structure permits substantial reduction in the length normally required of the reheat furnace to raise the workpiece to the desired working temperature and thus reduces the time spent by the workpiece in the reheat furnace. The high intensity heating chamber uses in its combustion process combustion air preferably preheated by a heat recovery system associated with the heat derived from the combustion occurring within other portions of the reheat furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the passage of a gas such as air through an opening, particularly an opening through which solid material passes, by providing a sealing chamber in advance of the entrance to the low pressure chamber having a large plenum with a variable speed exhaust blower in its upper portion, and a grate situated in its lower portion for access of air to the plenum. The blower speed is responsive to differential pressure measurements taken in the low pressure chamber and immediately adjacent the exterior of the low pressure chamber. Upstream of the plenum are one or more mechanical seals or flexible baffles which contact the top of the solid charge material and ride over it as the solid material passes beneath the mechanical seal.

Abstract: A method is presented for uniformly heating plastically deformable material, which comprises particles of electrically conducting matter. This method comprises inducing an electric current, or causing hysteresis loss within such material, by using electromagnetic radiation with frequency between about 50 Hertz and about 10 MegaHertz, to cause heating of the material.

Abstract: A roller conveyor furnace (12) for heating flat glass sheets has top and bottom heating arrays (28,30) respectively located above and below the plane of conveyance with each heating array including a plurality of elongated heaters (32,34) extending parallel to the direction of conveyance and spaced laterally from each other with respect to the direction of conveyance. The top heating array (28) has one more heater (32) than the number of heaters (34) of the bottom heating array (30) and the bottom heaters (34) are located in a laterally staggered relationship with respect to the top heaters such that each bottom heater is located laterally between a pair of top heaters. A control (36) energizes the top and bottom heating arrays (28,30) to heat each bottom heater (34) only when the two top heaters 32 on opposite lateral sides thereof are heated to thereby prevent excessive lateral edge heating of the conveyed glass sheet.

Abstract: Improved burner constructions for gas-fired infra-red generators having ceramic fiber matrix through the thickness of which gaseous combustion mixture is passed and as it emerges it is burned to heat emerging surface to incandescence. Burner matrix can be loaded with silicon carbide particles to improve its emissivity, can be made water repellent and its uniformity can be improved. Burner body can be casting, with sheet metal addition to form a baffle and air seal and to grip matrix edges. Combustion mixture plenum can have movable partition assembly separating it from air seals, to adjust portion of matrix at which incandescence is generated. Metal screen can be stretched in front of incandescent surface to assist with low-temperature operation. Large size matrix can have central support fitted and secured to back of burner body. Air seal can be provided by narrow curtain of air extending around internal faces of burner body.

Abstract: A process for baking electrically conductive wires clad in insulating plastics resin, comprising a first, evaporation stage for evaporation of solvents and a second resin polymerization and cross-linking stage, which are performed respectively in a first and in a second region of a tunnel chamber in a continuous oven between the inlet regions and outlet regions of which the wires advance, a third stage comprising aspiration from the oven of a mixture of air and solvents formed during the first evaporation stage, and a fourth stage comprising heating this mixture to a predetermined temperature such as to cause combustion of the solvents, and including a fifth stage of introducing heat energy to these regions of the oven from at least part of the stream of air and combustion products coming from the fourth stage, through heat exchangers disposed on the outer surface of this tunnel chamber, in such a way as significantly to reduce the introduction of heat energy provided to the chamber by heating means supplied

Abstract: A material treating apparatus having a treating chamber through which material is continuously displaced over an elongated, horizontally disposed bedplate. The bedplate is formed with a large number of small apertures distributed over the plate and permitting a gaseous treating fluid to flow upwardly through the bedplate and the overlying material to effect its treatment. A distribution chamber for the gaseous fluid underlies and extends the length of the bedplate and connects at one longitudinal end with a source of the fluid. This source induces the gaseous fluid to flow into and then longitudinally through the distribution chamber ultimately exiting through the apertures of the bedplate. A flow control plate is positioned in the distribution chamber adjacent the end through which the gaseous fluid enters.

Abstract: Production apparatus for vapor-grown fine fibers, comprising a vertical furnace and a horizontal furnace intersecting each other in an L-shaped configuration. Raw material and catalyst and carrier gas are injected into the top of the vertical furnace to form fine fibers that fall freely through the vertical furnace and land and rest on a conveyor in the horizontal furnace for conveying the fibers through the second furnace while the fibers grow in size. Gas and fibers are discharged from an end of the horizontal furnace remote from the vertical furnace. The horizontal furnace has second injecting structure injecting material for fiber growth but no catalyst into said horizontal furnace.

Abstract: A compact efficient air flotation dryer with a built-in afterburner for combustion of solvent-laden air within a dryer-enclosed combustion chamber. An internal exhaust fan propels internal solvent-laden air across a burner where it combusts, causing a heat rise. Heated, combusted air is routed to a recirculating supply air fan which provides for pressurized heated air for air bars for drying a web. Heated air in excess of that required to dry the web is vented externally and helps to maintain desired solvent concentration levels Variable parameters such as fan speed, burner temperatures, air box pressures, exhaust air rate, solvent concentration, supply air flow, supply air temperature and damper vane position are monitored, and the components are actuated to effect a high level of clean up efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus treating waste comprising introducing a glass or mineral fiber substrate (7) contaminated with organic materials into a chamber (1) of a furnace by means of a conveyor belt (4), subjecting it to a gas consisting of a neutral gas and between 0 and 10% by volume of oxygen, heated to a temperature below the melting temperature of the waste substrate in order to pyrolyze the organic materials, and recovering the waste substrate. This apparatus has particular application to the recovery of the vitreous material forming the waste substrate, in order to recycle it for use in a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: The continuous furnace serves for the simultaneous two-sided sintering of sintered sheets upon substrates. It has a muffle and a conveyor belt longitudinally traversing the muffle and carrying the substrates and consisting of a pair of individual belts which are guided in parallel next to each other and synchronously. The belt surfaces are mutually inclined at a small angle to the horizontal in the muffle. The substrates which are self-supporting between two parallel lateral edges, lie with one lateral edge on the belt surface of one individual belt and with the second lateral edge on the belt surface of the other individual belt, so that the bottom side of the substrate does not touch the individual belts.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heat treatment of yarns in motion during various operations such as drawing or texturing includes an insulating enclosure which surrounds a heating block, the combination defining a lengthwise channel through which runs the yarn to be treated. Means for guiding the yarn through the channel is provided to ensure the desired positioning of the yarn inside the channel. The heating block consists of a unit comprising at least two cylindrical sections having different diameters and arranged in the extension of one another. The means for guiding the yarn is positioned along the length of the cylindrical sections so that the yarn may be kept at a constant distance from the surface of the cylinder of smaller diameter, with the result that the yarn passing above the smaller cylinder is heated by radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating waste comprising introducing a glass or mineral fiber substrate (7) contaminated with organic materials into the chamber (1) of a furnace by means of a conveyor belt (4), subjecting it to a gas consisting of a neutral gas and between 0 and 10% by volume of oxygen, heated to a temperature below the melting temperature of the waste substrate in order to pyrolyze the organic materials, and recovering the waste substrate. This method has particular application to the recovery of the vitreous material forming the waste substrate, in order to recycle it for use in a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: A method of heat fixing a toner image comprises heat fixing a toner image on a recording material with a heating member fixed and supported and a pressurizing member which is opposed to, in pressure contact with said heating member and adapted to bring said recording material into pressure contact with said heat member through a film, wherein said toner image is formed of a toner, said toner comprises a binder resin and a colorant, said binder resin has a melt viscosity of 0.1 to 10.sup.7 centipoise at 140.degree. C. and the gradient (.theta.) of the straight line represented by the following formula comprising the reciprocal number (1/T) of the absolute temperature when the toner is melted by heating with the heating member and the logarithm (log .eta.) of the melt viscosity of the binder resin at this time is 10.sup.2 to 3.times.10.sup.3 :log .eta.=.theta..multidot.

Abstract: A compact efficient air flotation dryer with a built-in afterburner for combustion of solvent-laden air within a dryer-enclosed combustion chamber. An internal exhaust fan propels internal solvent-laden air across a burner where it combusts, causing a heat rise. Heated, combusted air is routed to a recirculating supply air fan which provides for pressurized heated air for air bars for drying a web. Heated air in excess of that required to dry the web is vented externally and helps to maintain desired solvent concentration levels. Variable parameters such as fan speed, burner temperatures, air box pressures, exhaust air rate, solvent concentration, supply air flow, supply air temperature and damper vane position are monitored, and the components are actuated to effect a high level of clean up efficiency.

Abstract: A preheater (12) preheating flat glass sheets prior to further heating to a higher temperature is disclosed as including a conveyor (18) and a pair of opposed forced convection heaters (20) that each include a plurality of elongated housings (22) having a baffle (30) that extends diagonally between the housing ends (26) and is spaced from outlets (28) of the housing to provide a mixing chamber (32) that results in mixing of hot gas supplied from opposite directions to plenum of the housing. This mixing provides a uniform flow of hot gas through the outlets (28) between the housing ends and thereby provides uniform preheating of the glass sheet over its entire extent.

Abstract: A continuous drier for drying a printed web on web-fed rotary printing presses operates during ongoing printing and blanket washing processes with control of the gaseous and vaporous constituents of the ink, solvent, and burner gases. An infrared beam path is installed in the drier to measure concentrations of gas vapors in the drier by an extinction method. The continuous drier process is thus controlled according to the rate of evaporation of volatile constituents. The infrared extinction measurement yields spectral measurements of vapors released by the printing ink during the printing process, or of solvent constituents released during the blanket cleaning process, each according to their characteristic band position and intensity. During the transition from printing to blanket washing, the user obtains an instant picture, based on the band intensities, of the current vapor concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling the temperature of a joining area between two different strip materials in a continuous strip processing line. In the case where a strip material after the joining area requires a nozzle pressure greater than that of a preceding strip material, the opening of a damper is initially gradually throttled, at a timing before the joining area passes through a predetermined location in a treating furnace, by an amount required for changing the nozzle pressure so that an optimum pressure of the preceding strip material is changed so that of the following strip material. The rotational speed of a recirculation fan is then raised to keep the nozzle pressure substantially constant, and the damper is rapidly opened to the opening before the throttling at a time the joining area passes through the predetermined location.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oven comprising an elongate chamber with an inlet orifice at one end and an outlet orifice at the other end, via which a filament can pass through the chamber. Primary nozzles for use in introducing hot gas into the chamber are arranged, together with a gas outlet port, adjacent to the said one end of the chamber. Preferably the outlet port is nearer to the said one end than the primary nozzles. Secondary nozzles also for introducing hot gas into the chamber are arranged adjacent to the other end of the chamber. In use, hot gas is fed under pressure into the chamber via the primary and secondary nozzles against the direction of filament travel. Whilst the hot gas is fed under high pressure through the primary nozzles, the hot gas is fed at a relatively low pressure but high volume through the secondary nozzles. In this way the filament is heated all along its length in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process suitable for thermally processing a material containing substances that can be degraded or altered by heat and substances that are heat resistant. The process involves predrying the material in a drying zone and a preheating zone and baking the material in a baking zone. The material is predried in the preheating zone in the presence of a minimal quantity of oxygen and in the baking zone in the presence of an increased quantity of oxygen. An indirect supply of hot gas is used for the baking step. A device for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: An oven for drying and curing a film of paint, ink, or the like on a continuous strip of metal has a non-rectangular, and preferably oval, elongated oven chamber without sharp internal corners. By avoiding sharp corners in the oven, air flow is more uniform and deposits of condensed fumes are minimized. In some embodiments no internal bracing structure required. The absence of internal structure is permitted by the oven's walls, oval shaped in transverse cross section, which result a naturally self supporting structure. Cleaning nozzles may be provided for washing the inside of the oven without need for people to enter the oven.

Abstract: A method for contact-free drying of a paper or board web or of any other corresponding continuous web. During drying, both infrared radiation and drying air jets are used. The web is carried by the air jets through the dryer free of contact. The moving web is first passed into an infrared drying gap, in which a drying energy pulse of relatively short duration is directed at the web, the power of the energy pulse being substantially higher than the average drying power of the dryer per unit of area. After the infrared drying gap, the web is immediately passed into an airborne web drying gap wherein the web is supported and dried by means of air jets. Air is brought into the infrared unit, which air having been heated in the infrared unit is passed as replacement air and/or drying air for the airborne web drying unit or units placed after the infrared unit.

Abstract: A furnace for firing an enamelled wire comprising a principal chamber, an auxiliary unit for the aspiration of a first stream of air and solvent vapours from this principal chamber and combustion of the vapors themselves, and a duct assembly operable to introduce gaseous streams into the principal chamber for controlling the temperature within the principal chamber; the auxiliary unit comprises a heater constituted by a plurality of electrical resistances operable to heat this first stream at least up to a temperature sufficient to cause initiation of the combustion of the said vapors, and by a support structure for these resistances, housable in a duct of the auxiliary unit; the support structure and the walls of the duct are made in steel alloy which is highly resistant to high temperatures. (FIG. 1 and 2).

Abstract: Printed circuit boards, assemblies and the like are heated uniformly from edge to edge or to a desired lateral temperature profile while being conveyed through a heating area. The conveying systems reliably conveys circuit boards and the like through the heating area without dropping them. A rail heater is provided to heat rails supporting conveyors having pins to hold circuit boards and the like. A control for the rail heaters controls the temperature of the rails so the circuit boards are positively supported on the conveyors and have a uniform temperature profile or desired temperature profile from edge to edge.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards, assemblies and the like are heated uniformly from edge to edge or to a desired lateral temperature profile while being conveyed through a heating area. The conveying systems reliably conveys circuit boards and the like through the heating area without dropping them. A rail heater is provided to heat rails supporting conveyors having pins to hold circuit boards and the like. A control for the rail heaters controls the temperature of the rails so the circuit boards are positively supported on the conveyors and have a uniform temperature profile or desired temperature profile from edge to edge.

Abstract: In a printing sheet conveying device in which a sheet bearing a toner image is passed through a heating roll and a pressure roll, and which has means for changing the right and left contact pressures of these rolls to correct the meandering movement of the sheet when conveyance of the sheet is started; in which when conveyance of the sheet is started, the contact pressure of the rolls is made higher on one of the right and left sides than on the other side, and in a predetermined period of time the contact pressures on both sides are made equal to each other.

Abstract: A forced jet convection oven is utilized to practice a vacuum bagging process for the production of thermoplastic composite laminates containing reinforcing fiber. The oven comprises a support suitable for supporting a panel wherein said support means is positioned in the oven with the upper surface of the support means being spaced apart from the oven ceiling to define a panel-receiving chamber between the upper surface of the support means and the oven ceiling, a first manifold means having a first multiplicity of outlets directed toward the upper surface of the support means wherein said first manifold means is positioned between the upper surface of the support means and the oven ceiling; and a second manifold means having a second multiplicity of outlets directed toward the upper surface of the support means wherein said second manifold means is positioned between the upper surface of the support means and the oven floor.

Abstract: A multimode thermal treatment system includes a series of particle treatment zones. Perforate conveyer structure for supporting the particulate product to be thermally treated is disposed for movement through the series of treatment zones. Each treatment zone includes first (upper) distribution plenum structure disposed above the treatment zone and an array of nozzle tubes extending downwardly from the upper distribution plenum into the treatment zone to flow conditioned gas with substantial velocity into the treatment zone for thermal treatment of particulate material being transported by the conveyer structure through the treatment zone; and a second (lower) distribution plenum disposed below the treatment zone for pressurizing the region below the treatment zone and flowing conditioned gas upward through the conveyer structure and the particulate material on the conveyer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing and subsequently dispensing environmentally sensitive material into a manufacturing process is disclosed. The material is stored in an environmentally controlled chamber and conditioned prior to being dispensed into the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An oven (20) includes an oven enclosure (24) having a conveyor (40) mounted therein for transporting food products through the oven. A plurality of ribbon burners (100) are mounted within the oven interior (32) adjacent the path of the conveyor to heat the interior of the oven. Heated gases generated by operation of the ribbon burners are received through inlet plenums (140) under operation of a circulation fan (146) and are discharged through discharge tubes (154) extending adjacent portions of the conveyor (40) remote from the locations of the ribbon burners (100). Exhaust gases are removed from the oven interior through discharge ports (180) by exhaust blower assemblies (184) which are operated to remove exhaust gases from the oven interior at a rate proportional to the flow rate of combustion air and gaseous fuel into the ribbon burners.