High temperature conveyor furnace with low friction conveyor travel surface
US6270305A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF27D1/0006
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high-temperature conveyor furnace with a low friction conveyor travel surface is provided. The furnace includes a muffle defining a heating chamber, hearth plates providing a hearth surface within the heating chamber, and a conveyor belt to convey product through the heating chamber. The conveyor belt is formed of a first material, such as a nickel-chrome alloy. A plurality of low-friction inserts are supported by the hearth plates, preferably in openings in the hearth plates, to provide a surface upraised from the hearth surface upon which the conveyor belt travels. The inserts are formed of a second material, such as an electronics grade ceramic, that is different from the first material of the conveyor, which minimizes friction between the inserts and the belt. The low-friction surface is particularly suitable for high temperature, low dewpoint furnace applications, such as stainless steel brazing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.