Chain feed mechanism for an induction heating furnace

摘要

A feed chain mechanism for continuously feeding metal bars through an induction furnace has a pair of laterally spaced feed chains. Each feed chain includes a plurality of links with alternate links being formed from stainless steel and ceramic material, respectively. The stainless steel links are disposed in pairs and form a drive slot. The stainless steel links on one of said feed chains is laterally opposite the ceramic links on the other feed chain to prevent the creation of a continuous loop for conducting electrical current in adjacent metal bars which are laterally spanning the chains. The feed chains are driven by cogwheels which mesh with the drive slot formed between the stainless steel links.