Temperature distribution regulating sample holder-adapter for forming conditions for gradient heat treatment in heat treatment ovens or furnaces

Claim 1

Apparatus for forming the temperature gradient in environment of a workpiece arranged in a space of regulated temperature, comprising a. a furnace with housing having an input opening at one side, b. a heating element of regulatable power defining an inner zone of maximal temperature in the inner space of said furnace, c. an inner temperature sensing unit coupled with said inner zone for generating a signal corresponding to the temperature of said inner zone, d. a first regulating unit for adjusting power of said heating element according to said signals of said inner temperature sensing unit, e. an adaptor closing the inner space of said furnace by close connection with said input opening, said adaptor being pushable into said inner space through said input opening, having an outer zone of minimal temperature and including a housing made of material of high thermal conductivity surrounding the workpiece between said outer and inner zones, f. means for displacing said adaptor, g. an outer temperature sensing unit coupled with said outer zone, moving together with said adaptor for generating a signal corresponding to the temperature of said outer zone, h. a second regulating unit for adjusting displacement of said adaptor via said displacing means according to said signals of said outer temperature sensing unit and i. a steady cooling system for cooling said adaptor from the side of said outer zone by a cooling substance circulated, wherein said first regulating unit controls the temperature of said inner zone of said furnace by adjusting power of said heating element and said second regulating unit controls the temperature of said outer zone by adjusting displacement of said adaptor, for forming the temperature gradient.