Step elevator for transporting workpieces in a vertical direction within an oven or furnace

摘要

An elevator assembly comprising: at least two rest members (4) vertically disposed on each side of a workpiece (6), the rest members (4) being capable of moving in the horizontal direction only; at least two lift members (3) vertically disposed on each side of a workpiece (6), the lift members being capable of moving in both the horizontal and vertical direction; a plurality of support means (5) disposed about each respective rest and lift member such that the workpiece is supported by the support means; a first actuator means (1,18) capable of moving all the rest and lift members (6,4) in a horizontal direction with regard to the workpiece; and a second actuator means (7,12) capable of moving all the lift members (31) in a vertical direction with regard to the workpiece. <IMAGE>