Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for heating powder material charges to high temperatures at a fast rate, and for moving the charges through process operations, and for maintaining the temperatures of preheated charges and protecting the charges against contamination as they are moved through process operations. Such apparatus includes: a charge enclosing heated enclosure body having two or more separate sections; an internal wall in the enclosure body sections that has an internal cavity having a configuration shaped to hold a desired charge configuration; heating means for the internal cavity wall to heat it to desired temperature; the body being openable to receive a charge or allow transfer to a next step; the body being closable to enclose the charge; the body sections being movable horizontally and vertically as required to move the charge and carry out process operations; an internal protective atmosphere around the charge; the body having associated interior insulation to reduce heat loss to the outside surfaces and allow close temperature control; and mechanisms to open and close and move the heated body sections to allow receiving, holding and transferring of the charge.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim