Patent ID: 6210156
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: F27B,F27D

Abstract:
A material handling unit for sequentially processing a plurality of parts individually through a heat treatment process at a predetermined rate, whereby each part is heat treated for a predetermined time so that all parts are heat treated equally, comprisinga plurality of stacks mounted for movement within said chamber,a vertical guide for holding a plurality of parts in each vertical stack,a parts transfer station in said chamber for transferring parts into and out of said chamber,means for sequentially moving each stack to the transfer station, andtransfer means for sequentially removing and inserting parts at both ends of stack, when the stack is at the transfer station, so that each part progresses from one end of the stack to the other as the stacks move sequentially through the chamber, said transfer means includingmeans for lifting the stack to facilitate removing and inserting parts,means for removing a part from one of the top or bottom end of the stack, and means for inserting a part into the other of the top or bottom of the stack.