The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 27, 1999
Filed:
May. 19, 1997
Craig A Moller, Roscoe, IL (US);
Ipsen International, Inc., Cherry Valley, IL (US);
Abstract
A support or hanger for an electric heating element in a heat treating furnace is disclosed. The heating element support includes a support arm having first and second end portions. First and second ceramic sleeves extend transversely through the support arm and a bracket surrounds at least three sides of the support arm. The bracket is dimensioned and positioned to engage with, and thereby support, the electric heating element. First and second pairs of ceramic spacers are disposed annularly on said first and second ceramic sleeves, respectively. The ceramic spacers are positioned between the bracket and the support arm to prevent contact between the support arm and the bracket. A pin is disposed within each of the first and second ceramic sleeves and extends through the bracket to support and retain the ceramic sleeves, the ceramic spacers, and the bracket on the support arm. In this arrangement, the heating element bears on the metallic bracket and does not cause wear or damage to the ceramic elements. The bracket also provides a shield against contamination and metallization of the ceramic components. A cap is disposed over the first end portion of the support arm and a portion of the bracket adjacent thereto and is supported and retained on the bracket by the inboard retaining pin. The cap provides a shield for the ceramic components, particularly those that are disposed along the floor or bottom of the furnace hot zone.