Multipurpose controlled atmosphere heat treatment system

Abstract

A multipurpose controlled atmosphere heat treatment system applicable to small-quantity production of multiple items as well as mass-production. A delivery path is provided so as to pass through a workstation and the heat treatment system and an automatic guided vehicle travels along this delivery path. The automatic guided vehicle shuts out external air, comprises a holding chamber in which an inert gas atmosphere can be created, and shifts workpieces from an elevator provided in a high-rise warehouse into treatment cells. Each treatment cell has a sealing door on the side confronting to the automatic guided vehicle and pipes and various devices on a back face, ceiling or front face thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.