Important Notice Regarding Auto-Cone Kiln Shut-Off Switches and Tube Assemblies Manufactured by the Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation
Westerville, Ohio - October 16, 2008: If you purchased a new Auto-Cone kiln shut-off switch complete with tube assembly or a replacement tube assembly manufactured by Orton for a Dawson Kiln Sitter before October 16, 2009 you should return the tube assembly to the vendor where you acquired the product or contact Orton directly to arrange for a free replacement of the tube assembly.
Orton has become aware that some of the tube assemblies manufactured before October 16, 2009 have the potential to develop corrosion between the retaining washer and the body of the swivel causing the sensing rod to become fixed and not react to the deformation of the cone or bar during firing of your kiln, thus creating the potential of an over-fire condition in your kiln. Orton recommends not firing your kiln until the tube assembly has been replaced with a new tube assembly furnished to you at no cost by Orton. It is not necessary to replace the complete Auto-Cone unit, only the tube assembly. New tube assemblies are currently being shipped to purchasers of record known to Orton, so if you purchased your Auto-Cone or tube assembly from your local or national distributor they will have replacement tube assemblies available for replacement within two weeks. All tube assemblies and Auto-Cone shut-off switches manufactured after October 16, 2009 have been modified to eliminate the potential of corrosion in the swivel of the tube assembly and should provide you with many years of service life.
Orton apologizes for this inconvenience and even though the replacement of all tube assemblies manufactured before October 16, 2009 may be overly cautious, Orton would rather err on the side of safety.
About The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation:
The Standard Pyrometric Cone Company was established in 1896 by Dr. Edward Orton Jr., the first Chairman of the Ceramic Engineering Department at The Ohio State University. With creation of the Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation after his death in 1932, the primary focus became providing products to assist and enhance high temperature processing of ceramics and other materials. Today Orton provides Pyrometric Devices, Thermoanalytical Instruments, and Material Testing to more than 70 countries worldwide.
Contact:
(614) 818-1338
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